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The aim of this paper is to enhance understanding of how the resilience of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) systems to hazards can be improved. In turn, this aims to inform different strategies for public and private partnerships (PPPs). In a new approach, to acknowledge the multi levelled nature of resilience; risk at the relevant levels are taken into account, (regional/river basin, urban ar

Cyclic AMP potentiates glucose-stimulated insulin release and mediates the stimulatory effects of hormones such as glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) on pancreatic b-cells. By inhibition of cAMP-degrading phosphodiesterase (PDE) and, in particular, selective inhibition of PDE3 activity, stimulatory effects on insulin secretion have been observed. Molecular and functional information on b-cell PDE3 is

Uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) is a protein, located in the inner mitochondrial membrane, which dissipates the proton gradient of this membrane and uncouples respiration from oxidative phosphorylation. We found, by in situ hybridisation, UCP2 mRNA to be located in the proliferating zone of the mucous neck cells in the fundus part of the rat stomach. We also found that UCP2 expression in fundus was si

Polymer density functional theory is used to test the accuracy of the Derjaguin approximation in describing the interaction between two spherical colloidal particles immersed in a polymer solution. The density functional equations are solved numerically in a cylindrical geometry and thus a rigorous comparison is afforded, within the density functional framework. The density functional theory provi

The use of beam data for open photon fields when calculating absorbed dose distributions for beams with wedge filters has been studied. The depth doses for beams with wedge filters are changed through beam hardening and the dose maximum can be shifted; both these changes result in errors in the final dose calculations of several per cent if open beam data are used. The errors are larger for 6 MV t

Many intimate associations between different species of ectomycorrhizal fungi are inferred on the basis of the consistent cooccurrence of their fruit bodies. Suillus bovinus and Gomphidius roseus, where the latter never occurs without the former, is one example. This association was examined with PCR identification and light microscopy. S. bovinus and G. roseus were unambiguously separated on the

Research focus in environmental pollution has recently been extended from more classical environmental pollutants such as PCBs or pesticides to pharmaceuticals and steroid hormones, which are designed to be biologically active and enter the environment primarily through regular domestic use. Consequently, it is important to monitor these substances concentrations in the effluents of sewage treatme

This paper analyses a recognition of prior learning (RPL) placement process where health care assistants' prior learning is recognised through dialogue with and observation by tutors. This process is part of a procedure that uses RPL for accreditation through the administration of an in-service training program in the health care sector. The aim of the reconstructive analysis in this paper is to e

AIMS: Hemiarthroplasty of the hip is usually carried out through either a direct lateral or posterior approach. The aim of this prospective observational study was to determine any differences in patient-reported outcomes between the two surgical approaches.PATIENTS AND METHODS: From the Swedish Hip Arthroplasty Register we identified patients of 70 years and above who were recorded as having had

This research shows the impact of credit rating change (thereafter CRC) announcements on the combined entities following mergers and acquisitions. In looking at the effect of CRC announcements on share prices, we measure the level of influence that a credit upgrade or downgrade has on the equity value of firms. Existing literature disputes the applicability of share price as a measure of value cre

Nowadays, innovation and technological development are considered as crucial for the development and economic growth of regions and nations. Knowledge interactions hold a central position in the innovation process. In line with this, researchers as well as politicians emphasize that knowledge interactions need to be facilitated. This approach has been adapted to the cross-border regional context a

Climate change places pressure on rural land in terms of carbon sequestration, biomass for substitution and adaptation of crops. Land use can both positively and negatively influence the runoff regime, therefor a catchment perspective is important when developing climate strategies. This is also important with respect to flood-risk that will increase with climate change. Here I investigate if ther

Background: Globalization has contributed to that most companies today are competing on an international market, which has increased the emphasis on international human resource management. Due to the shortage of empirical studies on international human resource management practices the multinational "Best International Human Resource Management Practices Project" was conducted and parti

This master thesis presents a framework, aimed at assessing fire risk in large automated warehouses. The International Electrotechnical Commission’s (IEC) framework, Risk analysis of technological systems, provides the base, as to the functions of a risk analysis framework and this is subsequently adopted and expanded to better suit the fire risk analysis in high-bay warehouses. The framework pres

This thesis discusses ethical consumption with a focus on individual’s identity, the notion of reflexivity and the importance of information in being an ethical consumer in a globalized world. The concepts of reflexivity, habitus, self- and social identities are reviewed. Using hermeneutic approach to analysis of in-depth semi-structured interviews of individuals who identify themselves as ethical

This thesis is about the legal protection of the Intellectual Property (IP) of the design of the graphical user interface (GUI) for computer programs aka software. The research into this matter of law was done by finding out and analysing how this protection is provided through international treaties, statutory law and case law. It concludes that there is a certain amount of legal uncertainty with

The purpose of the thesis is to investigate how information systems are utilised for capital investment appraisals in organisations in the private and public sector as regards to employees and controllers who are involved in the production of investment appraisals. The conslusion reached is that usage of information systems for capital investment appraisals is affected by individuals’ characterist