Sample Procurement Plan Agriculture and Land Growth Management Project (P151469)
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Sample Procurement Plan Agriculture and Land Growth Management Project (P151469) Public Disclosure Authorized I. General 2. Bank’s approval Date of the procurement Plan: Original: January 2016 – Revision PP: December 2016 – February 2017 3. Date of General Procurement Notice: - 4. Period covered by this procurement plan: July 2016 to December 2017 II. Goods and Works and non-consulting services. 1. Prior Review Threshold: Procurement Decisions subject to Prior Review by the Bank as stated in Appendix 1 to the Guidelines for Procurement: [Thresholds for applicable Public Disclosure Authorized procurement methods (not limited to the list below) will be determined by the Procurement Specialist /Procurement Accredited Staff based on the assessment of the implementing agency’s capacity.] Type de contrats Montant contrat Méthode de passation de Contrat soumis à revue a en US$ (seuil) marchés priori de la banque 1. Travaux ≥ 5.000.000 AOI Tous les contrats < 5.000.000 AON Selon PPM < 500.000 Consultation des Selon PPM fournisseurs Public Disclosure Authorized Tout montant Entente directe Tous les contrats 2. Fournitures ≥ 500.000 AOI Tous les contrats < 500.000 AON Selon PPM < 200.000 Consultation des Selon PPM fournisseurs Tout montant Entente directe Tous les contrats Tout montant Marchés passes auprès Tous les contrats d’institutions de l’organisation des Nations Unies Public Disclosure Authorized 2. Prequalification. Bidders for _Not applicable_ shall be prequalified in accordance with the provisions of paragraphs 2.9 and 2.10 of the Guidelines. July 9, 2010 3. Proposed Procedures for CDD Components (as per paragraph. 3.17 of the Guidelines: - 4. Reference to (if any) Project Operational/Procurement Manual: Manuel de procedures (execution – procedures administratives et financières – procedures de passation de marches): décembre 2016 – émis par l’Unite de Gestion du projet Casef (Croissance Agricole et Sécurisation Foncière) 5. -
Care Sheet for the Panther Chameleon Furcifer Pardalis By
Care Sheet for the Panther Chameleon Furcifer pardalis By Petr Necas & Bill Strand Legend Sub-legend Description Taxon Furcifer pardalis Panther Chameleon (English) Common Names Sakorikita (Malagassy) Original name Chamaeleo pardalis Author Cuvier, 1829 Original description Règne, animal, 2nd ed., 2: 60 Type locality Ile de France (= Mauritius, erroneous), restricted to Madagascar Typus HNP 6520 A formally monotypic species with no recognized subspecies, however recent studies reveal many (4 big, up to 11) entities within this species, defined geographically, that show different level of relativeness, some so distant from each other to be possibly con- sidered a separate species and/or subspecies. Taxonomy Historically, many synonyms were introduced, such as Chamaeleo ater, niger, guen- theri, longicauda, axillaris, krempfi. The term “locale” is used in captive management only; it has no taxonomic relevance and refers to the distinct subpopulations named usually after a village within its (often not isolated and well defined) range, differing from each other through unique color- Taxonomy ation and patterns, mainly males. The distinguished “locales” are as follows: Ambanja, Ambilobe, Ampitabe, Androngombe, Ankaramy, Ankarana (E and W), Andapa, Anki- fy, Antalaha, Antsiranana (Diego Suarez), Beramanja, Cap Est, Djangoa, Fenoarivo, Mahavelona, Mangaoka, Manambato, Mananara, Maroantsetra, Marojejy, Nosy Be, Nosy Boraha, Nosy Faly, Nosy Mangabe, Nosy Mitsio, Sambava, Sambirano, Soanier- ana Ivongo, Toamasina (Tamatave), Vohimana. Captive projects include often delib- erate crossbreeding of “locales” that lead to genetically unidentifiable animals and should be omitted. Member of the genus Furcifer. 2 Legend Sub-legend Description Distributed along NE, N, NW and E coast of Madagascar, south reaching the vicinity of Tamatave, including many offshore islands (e.g. -
Rano HP Et Ranon'ala
EVALUATION OF THE USAID/MADAGASCAR WATER SUPPLY, SANITATION AND HYGIENE BILATERAL PROJECTS: RANO HP ET RANON’ALA September 2014 This publication was produced at the request of the United States Agency for International Development. It was prepared independently by CAETIC Développement ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The authors would like to acknowledge Jean-Claude RANDRIANARISOA, COR, for his constant guidance during this whole assignment. Discussions and exchanges we had with him were always fruitful and encouraging and of a high technical level. This document could not have reached this level of quality without the invaluable inputs from Jacky Ralaiarivony and from USAID Madagascar Program Office staff, namely Vololontsoa Raharimalala. The authors: Balsama ANDRIANTSEHENO Jean Marie RAKOTOVAO Ramy RAZAFINDRALAMBO Jean Herivelo RAKOTONDRAINIBE FINAL EVALUATION OF USAID/MADAGASCAR WSSH PROJECTS: EVALUATION OF THE USAID/MADAGASCAR WATER SUPPLY, SANITATION AND HYGIENE BILATERAL PROJECTS: RANO HP ET RANON’ALA SEPTEMBER 9, 2014 CONTRACT N° AID-687-C-13-00004 DISCLAIMER The author’s views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Agency for International Development or the United States Government. CONTENTS ...................................................................................................................................................................... 1 LIST OF ACRONYMS ................................................................................................................................... -
Taboo Adherence and Presence of Perrier's Sifaka (Propithecus Perrieri)
MADAGASCAR CONSERVATION & DEVELOPMENT VOLUME 1 3 | ISSUE 01 — DECEMBER 201 8 PAGE 6 ARTICLE http://dx.doi.org/1 0.431 4/mcd.v1 3i1 .1 Taboo adherence and presence of Perrier’s sifaka (Propithecus perrieri) in Andrafiamena forest Alessio AnaniaI, Jordi SalmonaII, III, Emmanuel Correspondence: RasolondraibeIV, Fabien JanII, Lounès ChikhiII, III, Claudia Alessio Anania Fichtel I, Peter M. KappelerI and Rodin RasoloarisonI Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology Unit German Primate Center, Kellnerweg 4 37077 Göttingen, Germany Email: [email protected] ABSTRACT jour l'un des principaux refuges pour cette espèce mais la popula- Habitat loss and poaching are among the most serious threats to tion de ce propithèque n'y a pas été évaluée régulièrement the fragile and unique biodiversity of Madagascar. In the past, tra- depuis 201 3. Cette étude apporte une mise à jour de la présence ditional taboos (fady), commonly associated with folk stories, have de P. perrieri dans la forêt d’Andrafiamena et évalue l’importance had a buffering effect on several lemur species. Here, we examine des tabous pour la conservation de cette espèce, sous la forme the status of hunting taboos with reference to the conservation of de résultats émanants d'une brève étude sur le terrain menée à the critically endangered Perrier's sifaka (Propithecus perrieri). We Andrafiamena en 201 6. Les données d’entretiens succincts sur also provide an update on P. perrieri’s presence in the protected l'adhésion aux tabous liés à la chasse de P. perrieri menés en area of Andrafiamena in the face of ongoing habitat fragmentation 201 2 sur l’aire de distribution de l'espèce incluant l’aire protégée and poaching. -
MAHAJANGA BV Reçus: 246 Sur 246
RESULTATS SENATORIALES DU 29/12/2015 FARITANY: 4 MAHAJANGA BV reçus: 246 sur 246 INDEPE TIM MANAR AREMA MAPAR HVM NDANT ANARA : FANILO N°BV Emplacement AP AT Inscrits Votants B N S E ASSOCI REGION 41 BETSIBOKA BV reçus 39 sur 39 DISTRICT: 4101 KANDREHO BV reçus7 sur 7 01 AMBALIHA 0 0 6 6 0 6 0 0 0 1 0 5 02 ANDASIBE 0 0 6 6 0 6 0 2 0 0 0 4 03 ANTANIMBARIBE 0 0 6 6 0 6 0 2 0 0 1 3 04 BEHAZOMATY 0 0 6 6 0 6 0 3 0 0 0 3 05 BETAIMBOAY 0 0 6 5 0 5 0 1 0 0 0 4 06 KANDREHO 0 0 6 6 0 6 0 3 0 0 0 3 07 MAHATSINJO SUD 0 0 6 5 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 5 TOTAL DISTRICT 0 0 42 40 0 40 0 11 0 1 1 27 DISTRICT: 4102 MAEVATANANA BV reçus19 sur 19 01 AMBALAJIA 0 0 6 5 0 5 0 2 0 0 2 1 02 AMBALANJANAKOMBY 0 0 6 6 0 6 0 2 0 0 1 3 03 ANDRIBA 0 0 8 8 0 8 0 2 0 0 2 4 04 ANTANIMBARY 0 0 8 8 0 8 0 1 0 0 0 7 05 ANTSIAFABOSITRA 0 0 8 8 0 8 0 3 0 0 0 5 06 BEANANA 0 0 6 5 0 5 0 1 0 0 0 4 07 BEMOKOTRA 0 0 6 6 0 6 0 3 0 0 1 2 08 BERATSIMANINA 0 0 6 6 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 6 09 BERIVOTRA 5/5 0 0 6 5 0 5 0 1 0 0 0 4 10 MADIROMIRAFY 0 0 6 6 0 6 0 1 0 0 1 4 11 MAEVATANANA I 0 0 10 9 0 9 0 3 0 0 2 4 12 MAEVATANANA II 0 0 8 8 0 8 0 2 0 0 0 6 13 MAHATSINJO 0 0 8 8 0 8 0 0 0 0 0 8 14 MAHAZOMA 0 0 8 8 0 8 0 2 0 0 2 4 15 MANGABE 0 0 8 7 0 7 0 1 0 0 1 5 16 MARIA 0 0 6 5 0 5 0 1 0 0 1 3 17 MAROKORO 0 0 6 6 0 6 0 2 0 0 0 4 18 MORAFENO 0 0 6 3 0 3 0 3 0 0 0 0 19 TSARARANO 0 0 8 8 0 8 0 3 0 0 2 3 TOTAL DISTRICT 0 0 134 125 0 125 0 33 0 0 15 77 DISTRICT: 4103 TSARATANANA BV reçus13 sur 13 01 AMBAKIRENY 0 0 8 8 0 8 0 4 0 0 0 4 02 AMPANDRANA 0 0 6 6 0 6 0 3 0 0 0 3 03 ANDRIAMENA 0 0 8 7 0 7 0 4 0 0 0 3 04 -
(Malagasy Tia Tanindrazana) GAST
NOMBRE DISTRICT COMMUNE ENTITE NOM ET PRENOM(S) CANDIDATS CANDIDATS ANALALAVA AMBALIHA 1 MATITA (Malagasy Tia Tanindrazana) GASTON RAZAFINARIVO MICHEL (Indépendant Razafinarivo ANALALAVA AMBALIHA 1 RASANDILINE Feline Michel) ANALALAVA AMBARIJEBY SUD 1 MATITA (Malagasy Tia Tanindrazana) FERDINAND GROUPEMENT DE P.P IRD (Isika Rehetra Miaraka @ ANALALAVA AMBARIJEBY SUD 1 ANDRIAMAHERY Housnah Bechara Ayate Andry Rajoelina) ANALALAVA AMBARIJEBY SUD 1 VINCENT (Inedependant Vincent) VINCENT ANALALAVA AMBOLOBOZO 1 MATITA (Malagasy Tia Tanindrazana) ANICET ANALALAVA AMBOLOBOZO 1 IRD (Isika Rehetra Miaraka @ Andry Rajoelina) TOMBOMISY Jean Rasidy ANALALAVA ANALALAVA 1 MATITA (Malagasy Tia Tanindrazana) AMADA GROUPEMENT DE P.P IRD (Isika Rehetra Miaraka @ ANALALAVA ANALALAVA 1 JEAN Baptiste Andry Rajoelina) FANJAVA VELOGNO (Independant Fanjava ANALALAVA ANALALAVA 1 VELOMANANA Firmin Velogno) ANALALAVA ANDRIBAVONTSINA 1 IRD (Isika Rehetra Miaraka @ Andry Rajoelina) JAOHEVITRY Richard ANALALAVA ANDRIBAVONTSINA 1 MATITA (Malagasy Tia Tanindrazana) TAVANDRAINA Parfait ANALALAVA ANDRIBAVONTSINA 1 ROZELA (Indépendant Rozela) ROZELA ANALALAVA ANGOAKA SUD 1 IRD (Isika Rehetra Miaraka @ Andry Rajoelina) TSARAFARA Jean Denis ANALALAVA ANGOAKA SUD 1 MATITA (Malagasy Tia Tanindrazana) SERGE Rochin RANDRIANJAFIMANANA GHISLAIN (Independant ANALALAVA ANKARAMY 1 RASENDRAHASINA Jeannot Randrianjafimanana Ghislain) VONINOSY SUZANE (Independant Voninosy ANALALAVA ANKARAMY 1 MISIZARA Béatrice Suzanne) ANALALAVA ANKARAMY 1 IRD (Isika Rehetra Miaraka @ Andry Rajoelina) -
RANDRIAMAMPIANINA Andy GEO N°17
UNIVERSITE D’ANTANANARIVO FACULTE DES LETTRES ET SCIENCES HUMAINES DEPARTEMENT DE GEOGRAPHIE FILIERE FORMATION GENERALE DYNAMIQUE ET ECHELLEECHELLESSSS D’INTERVENTION DES TRANSPORTEURS D’AMBATOLAMPY MEMOIRE DE MAITRISE Présenté par RANDRIAMAMPIANINA Andy Sous la Direction de Monsieur James RAVALISON Maître de conférences UNIVERSITE D’ANTANANARIVO FACULTE DES LETTRES ET SCIENCES HUMAINES DEPARTEMENT DE GEOGRAPHIE FILIERE FORMATION GENERALE DYNAMIQUE ET ECHELLEECHELLESSSS D’INTERVENTION DES TRANSPORTEURS D’AMBATOLAMPY MEMOIRE DE MAITRISE Présenté par RANDRIAMAMPIANINA Andy Promotion FANEVA Sous la Direction de Monsieur James RAVALISON Maître de conférences Président : Mme RAMAMONJISOA Jocelyne, Professeur Titulaire Rapporteur : M James RAVALISON, Maître de Conférences Juge : Mme RATOVOSON Céline, Maître de Conférences 14 Décembre 2006 Tables des matières ..................................................................... page Remerciements ................................................................................................... I Résumé ............................................................................................................... II Listes des tableaux ............................................................................................. III Liste des croquis ................................................................................................. IV Liste des photos .................................................................................................. IV Liste des figures ................................................................................................. -
Candidats Fenerive Est Ambatoharanana 1
NOMBRE DISTRICT COMMUNE ENTITE NOM ET PRENOM(S) CANDIDATS CANDIDATS GROUPEMENT DE P.P MMM (Malagasy Miara FENERIVE EST AMBATOHARANANA 1 KOMPA Justin Miainga) GROUPEMENT DE P.P IRMAR (Isika Rehetra Miarka FENERIVE EST AMBATOHARANANA 1 RAVELOSAONA Rasolo Amin'ny Andry Rajoelina) GROUPEMENT DE P.P MMM (Malagasy Miara FENERIVE EST AMBODIMANGA II 1 SABOTSY Patrice Miainga) GROUPEMENT DE P.P IRMAR (Isika Rehetra Miarka FENERIVE EST AMBODIMANGA II 1 RAZAFINDRAFARA Elyse Emmanuel Amin'ny Andry Rajoelina) FENERIVE EST AMBODIMANGA II 1 INDEPENDANT TELO ADRIEN (Telo Adrien) TELO Adrien AMPASIMBE INDEPENDANT BOTOFASINA ANDRE (Botofasina FENERIVE EST 1 BOTOFASINA Andre MANANTSANTRANA Andre) AMPASIMBE GROUPEMENT DE P.P IRMAR (Isika Rehetra Miarka FENERIVE EST 1 VELONORO Gilbert MANANTSANTRANA Amin'ny Andry Rajoelina) AMPASIMBE FENERIVE EST 1 GROUPEMENT DE P.P MTS (Malagasy Tonga Saina) ROBIA Maurille MANANTSANTRANA AMPASIMBE INDEPENDANT KOESAKA ROMAIN (Koesaka FENERIVE EST 1 KOESAKA Romain MANANTSANTRANA Romain) AMPASIMBE INDEPENDANT TALEVANA LAURENT GERVAIS FENERIVE EST 1 TALEVANA Laurent Gervais MANANTSANTRANA (Talevana Laurent Gervais) GROUPEMENT DE P.P MMM (Malagasy Miara FENERIVE EST AMPASINA MANINGORY 1 RABEFIARIVO Sabotsy Miainga) GROUPEMENT DE P.P IRMAR (Isika Rehetra Miarka FENERIVE EST AMPASINA MANINGORY 1 CLOTAIRE Amin'ny Andry Rajoelina) INDEPENDANT ROBERT MARCELIN (Robert FENERIVE EST ANTSIATSIAKA 1 ROBERT Marcelin Marcelin) GROUPEMENT DE P.P IRMAR (Isika Rehetra Miarka FENERIVE EST ANTSIATSIAKA 1 KOANY Arthur Amin'ny Andry Rajoelina) -
Repoblikan'ny Madagasikara
IOTC-2018-WPDCS14-13 REPOBLIKAN’NY MADAGASIKARA FITIAVANA-TANINDRAZANA-FANDROSOANA ____________________________ MINISTERE DES RESSOURCES HALIEUTIQUES ET DE LA PECHE UNITE STATISTIQUE THONIERE D’ANTSIRANANA (USTA) 14TH WORKING PARTY ON DATA COLLECTION AND STATISTICS Victoria-Seychelles, 29th November to 1st December 2018 Gaillord JAONA Yacinthe RAZAFIMANDIMBY ABSTRACT In the framework to improve the fishery statistics in Madagascar, the Ministry of Fisheries, through the Unité Statistique Thonière d’Antsiranana, initiated in 2015 a monitoring system for small-scale and artisanal fisheries of pelagic fish in northern Madagascar with two pilot villages. Since 2016, Monitoring has been expanded in other villages where network of investigators have been established in the various potential fishing areas. At each catch landings, an investigator collects tuna catch data and other catches, and also performs sampling. The date of landing, the time at sea, fishing zone, the weight and total number of individuals landed are recorded; and measurements of tuna and tuna like species are conducted. According to the catch monitoring since the pilot phase in 2015, it can be seen that the tuna season in the northern waters of Madagascar is from June to October. In 2016, catches from small-scale fisheries in these two pilot villages reached 102 tons, including 59 tons of tuna and 43 tons of other catches. The tuna average catch is estimated at 5.3 tons per month. In 2017, total catches in the North of Madagascar reached 3 704 tons including 80 tons of tuna and 4 tons of swordfish from 192 692 landings. Indeed, tuna represents only 2% of total catch for these villages because small-scale and artisanal fishermen still face a challenge, which is the lack of appropriate equipment for catching tuna and tuna like species. -
Rep 2 out Public 2010 S Tlet Sur of Ma Urvey Rvey Adagas Repor Scar Rt
Evidence for Malaria Medicines Policy Outlet Survey Republic of Madagascar 2010 Survey Report MINSTERE DE LA SANTE PUBLIQUE www. ACTwatch.info Copyright © 2010 Population Services International (PSI). All rights reserved. Acknowledgements ACTwatch is funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. This study was implemented by Population Services International (PSI). ACTwatch’s Advisory Committee: Mr. Suprotik Basu Advisor to the UN Secretary General's Special Envoy for Malaria Mr. Rik Bosman Supply Chain Expert, Former Senior Vice President, Unilever Ms. Renia Coghlan Global Access Associate Director, Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) Dr. Thom Eisele Assistant Professor, Tulane University Mr. Louis Da Gama Malaria Advocacy & Communications Director, Global Health Advocates Dr. Paul Lavani Executive Director, RaPID Pharmacovigilance Program Dr. Ramanan Senior Fellow, Resources for the Future Dr. Matthew Lynch Project Director, VOICES, Johns Hopkins University Centre for Dr. Bernard Nahlen Deputy Coordinator, President's Malaria Initiative (PMI) Dr. Jayesh M. Pandit Head, Pharmacovigilance Department, Pharmacy and Poisons Board‐Kenya Dr. Melanie Renshaw Advisor to the UN Secretary General's Special Envoy for Malaria Mr. Oliver Sabot Vice‐President, Vaccines Clinton Foundation Ms. Rima Shretta Senior Program Associate, Strengthening Pharmaceutical Systems Dr. Rick Steketee Science Director, Malaria Control and Evaluation Partnership in Africa Dr. Warren Stevens Health Economist Dr. Gladys Tetteh CDC Resident Advisor, President’s Malaria -
Madagascar Cyclone Enawo
Antalaha ! ! MA002_10 ! ! Mandritsara Tsaratanana Mahanoro ! Andilambe ! Manambolosy Vanono ! Sahavia ! Behota Vanono Vanono Antsirabe Fanorah!ana Centre Manambolosy Ambalaben'Ifasina ! Ampanafanana Ambinaniboka ! Antsirabato ! Mahalina ! ! ! Ambodisatrana I Andasibe I Ambodiampana Fahambahy Antsiatsiaka ! ! Antsirat!enina Tsaratanana! Lampibe Andapanampambo ! Ambodimanga Ankoetrika ! ! Ambodiampana ! ! Aniribe Ankoba Bealampona ! ! Fitana Mananara !Marotandrano ! ! Fitana Marovato Ambodimadiro ! Riamena Avaratra Soavinarivo ! MANANARA Saromaona ! ! ! ! Analalava ! Marotandr!ano Mahatsinjo Sahazono ! ! Ambodivoanio Ambohim!ahavelona Befoza Ambodisatrana ! Andilamboahangy Antsirakivolo Ambodifano ! ! ! ! ! Ambodirotra ! ! Ambohipierenana Amboditangena ! Ambohimahavelona Ambodivoanio ! Mahafinaritra Tsarahasina Imorona Ambodisatrana ! ! Ambodivoangibe Vodivohitra Ambatofitarafana Antsiraka ! ! ! Ambatambaky ! Antanetilava ! Antsirabe Ambalavary Mananara-Avaratra ! Seranambe ! ! ! Makadabo Ambohimena ! Vohibe Antanambe ! Antanambao!be ! ! Antenina Andaparatibe ! Antsiraka Ambodisatrana Antanananivo ! ! Imorona Antsiatsiaka ! Antanambaon'amberina Antanananivo Sandrakatsy ! Fasina ! Sandrakatsy Sahasoa ! Antambontsona ! Ambodivato Ambodimanga ! Tanibe ! Fahatrosy ! Ambodimangatelo ! Sahakondro ! ANTANAMBAON'AMBERINA Antevialabe Belalona ! ! ! Ambatoharanana ! Antanambe Antsahamaloto ! Ambodimapay ! ! Ampasina ! Sahavoay Andranombazaha ! ! Analambola Antanambe ! ! Ambatoharanana Sahasoa Antevialabe ! ! Antenina Ampatakamaroreny Antenina Antanetilava -
Cryptic Diversification of Two Widespread Species in Madagascar
Loyola University Chicago Loyola eCommons Master's Theses Theses and Dissertations 2018 Cryptic Diversification of woT Widespread Species in Madagascar Lynika Sharlice Strozier Loyola University Chicago Follow this and additional works at: https://ecommons.luc.edu/luc_theses Part of the Biology Commons Recommended Citation Strozier, Lynika Sharlice, "Cryptic Diversification of woT Widespread Species in Madagascar" (2018). Master's Theses. 3708. https://ecommons.luc.edu/luc_theses/3708 This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by the Theses and Dissertations at Loyola eCommons. It has been accepted for inclusion in Master's Theses by an authorized administrator of Loyola eCommons. For more information, please contact [email protected]. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 License. Copyright © 2017 Lynika Sharlice Strozier LOYOLA UNIVERSITY CHICAGO CRYPTC DIVERSIFICATION OF TWO WIDESPREAD SPECIES IN MADAGASCAR A DISSERTATION SUBMITTTED TO THE FACULTY OF THE GRADUATE SCHOOL IN CANDIDACY FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF SCIENCE PROGRAM IN BIOLOGY BY LYNIKA S. STROZIER CHICAGO, IL MAY 2018 Copyright by Lynika Strozier, 2018 All rights reserved. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I would like to thank all those who made this thesis possible. First, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my advisor Dr. Reddy for her continued support throughout my studies. Without her support throughout this process I do not believe I would have made it this far and this defense would not have been possible. A very special thanks to Sarah Kurtis who assisted with the laboratory experiments and thesis edits. She was very supportive and encouraging throughout my studies.