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This study utilized a systematic review methodology to explore best practices in improving reading fluency. The literature was searched to determine how the current curricular trends of technology, phonemic awareness and phonics, independent reading, and complex text and vocabulary can improve reading fluency in K-12 students. Potential studies were screened and the PRISMA statement was used as a guide for determining eligibility for review. Eligible studies were discussed and a framework for improving fluency was presented. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]

Phytophthora ramorum is the cause of Sudden Oak Death in the USA and also infects many ornamental shrub species in both North America and Europe. In addition, it is now causing widespread disease in UK commercial larch plantations. The epidemiology of P. ramorum including sporulation potential, pathogenicity, ability to persist and the changing threat posed by the recently discovered EU2 lineage of the pathogen were investigated. Results indicated that all three species of commercially grown larch in the UK are not only able to support prolific sporulation of P. ramorum (approximately 960 sporangia per cm2) but are similarly vulnerable to bark colonisation, resulting in extensive dieback and mortality. Sporulation of P. ramorum on larch foliage exceeded that of all known sporulating hosts, including Californian bay laurel (approximately 77 sporangia per cm2), which drives epidemics in North America. Sporulation potential on foliage and larch bark susceptibility varied significantly over the growing season and with genotype. Sporulation on larch foliage was highest in summer but lower in spring and autumn. In contrast, susceptibility of larch bark was highest in spring and decreased in late summer. Asymptomatic infection of foliage occurred early in the year with symptom development mainly seen on old foliage and late in the year. Phytophthora ramorum also persisted in the litter layer but not the soil for up to two years after removal of infected Japanese larch in south-east England. In comparison with the widespread EU1 lineage, the EU2 had a faster grow rate over 2.5-29°C and was significantly more pathogenic to Japanese larch, European larch and English oak bark. However, isolates of the EU2 lineage produced significantly lower inoculum loads than the EU1 suggesting a trade-off between pathogenicity and sporulation. The implications of the aggressive nature of P. ramorum infection on commercially grown larch, its persistence on infested sites and the new established adaptively different EU2 lineage are discussed in relation to the future of disease management in the UK.

This study investigated young people's experiences of offending and its contexts through the accounts of young people who have offended. The study questioned what young people say about their experiences of offending, and also how they say this. Seven males between the ages of 18 -25 years who had a history of offending behaviour were interviewed. The interviews were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) and Foucauldian Discourse Analysis (PDA) to attend to both parts of the research aim. The IPA analysis resulted in five themes being generated by the researcher. These included the experience of offending as a childish game for parental attention, and also as a business enterprise. The experiences of anger, fear and strength to survive in a hostile and competitive environment were also generated from the accounts. Experiences of exclusion and feeling unloved were also conceptualised as an overriding theme throughout the accounts. Lastly, a cyclical experience of being 'stuck' in the offending position was presented through the experiences of guilt and compliance, the need for resources and a habitual propensity to anger. PDA was then used to consider the 'stuck' theme through a wider contextual analysis. The discourses of 'guilt', 'class' and 'dangerousness' as utilised within the young offenders accounts were considered to construct and contribute towards their experiences of the 'stuck' position.