Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Phylogenetic relationships of Atocion and Viscaria (Sileneae, Caryophyllaceae) inferred from chloroplast, nuclear ribosomal, and low-copy gene DNA sequences

Heliosperma (nom. cons prop.) comprises 15—20 taxa, most of them endemic to the Balkan Peninsula. DNA sequences from the chloroplast (rps16 intron, psbE-petG spacer) and the nuclear genome (ITS and four putatively unlinked RNA polymerase genes) are used to elucidate phylogenetic relationships within Heliosperma, and its position within Sileneae. Three main lineages are found within Heliosperma: Heliosperma alpestre, H. macranthum and the H. pusillum-clade. The relationships among the lineages differ between the plastid and the nuclear trees. Relative dates are used to discriminate among inter- and intralineage processes causing such incongruences, and ancient homoploid hybridisation is the most likely explanation. The chloroplast data strongly support two, geographically correlated clades in the H. pusillum-group, whereas the relationships appear poorly resolved by the ITS data, when analysed under a phylogenetic tree model. However, a network analysis finds a geographic structuring similar to that in the chloroplast data. Ancient vicariant divergence followed by hybridisation events best explains the observed pattern. The morphological and taxonomical diversity in the H. pusillum-group is possibly ecology-induced, and is not correlated with the molecular data. Phylogenetic patterns regarding the origin of Heliosperma are complicated, probably influenced by reticulate and sorting events. At least two ancient lineages have been involved in its evolution, one most closely related to Viscaria/Atocion and the other to Eudianthe/Petrocoptis. Atocion and Viscaria are sister genera, most species-rich on the Balkans, and including six/three species. Phylogenies do not support their traditional classification, and provide a framework for a taxonomic revision. Atocion compactum is found in three different positions in the chloroplast tree, and in a single clade in the nuclear gene trees. Using relative dates we demonstrate that hybridisation with subsequent chloroplast capture is a feasible explanation for the pattern observed. This, and other observed reticulate patterns, highlights the importance of hybridisation in plant evolution.
Production and Purification of Highly Replication Defective HSV-1 Based Gene Therapy Vectors

Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1) represents an attractive vehicle for a variety of gene therapy applications. To render this virus safe for clinical use, its cytotoxic genes must be removed without losing its ability to express transgenes efficiently. Therefore, complementing cell lines that can provide high titer virus are essential for clinical application. Manufacturing methods that can purify these vectors of host cell DNA and protein are also necessary for translation of this gene therapy strategy into clinic. In this thesis, I have developed complementing cell lines that allow propagation to up to 1E6 PFU/ml routinely for triple as well as quadruple deleted vectors which are among the most difficult to culture to high titer. Replacement of the ICP4 promoter with the VP16 enhancer element enriched ICP0 IE gene promoter resulted in higher induction levels and faster kinetics of ICP4 expression and a 10 fold increase in vector yield.Along these lines, I investigated the repressive nature of Vero cells to a quadruple IE mutant. A high throughput cell based chemical screen revealed a metal chelator, 1 10 phenanthroline, that was able to derepress EGFP expression not only from the quadruple backbone but of other ICP0 mutant viruses suggesting a unique cell state that was permissive for HSV-1 transgene expression. Interestingly, proteosome inhibition studies reveal that this pathway is essential for this effect not only in Vero cells but also normally permissive U2OS cells. Finally, a systematic study into ion exchange chromatography for purification of these vectors reveals dramatic differences in infectious yield depending on the matrix chosen. Anion exchange resins bound the virus with high affinity and require high salt concentrations to recover adequate titers. Cation exchange chromatography was able to purify HSV-1 to moderate titers while removing a majority of the host contaminating DNA and protein in accordance with FDA standards for clinical grade viral based vaccines.
Studies of Portuguese and British primary pupils learning science through simple activities in the home

Asking parents to help their children by taking part in home science activities is a comparatively new development. We consider how Portuguese and British parents of primary pupils rose to the challenge, taking into account the recent histories of science education in the two countries. The pre-course responses of the parents and teachers are analysed, and how the parents interacted with their children is reported. The learning atmosphere is shown to be very different from that of school, being more conducive to relaxed and effective talk. It is also shown that the families highlighted different aspects of science in accordance with their culture, and also that their children resented any break in the normal family roles.
The Monetary Policies of the European Central Bank and the Euro's (Mal-)Performance: A stability-oriented assessment

The stability-oriented macroeconomic framework established in the Treaties on European Union, especially the unparalleled status of independence and peculiar mandate of the European Central Bank (ECB), were promised virtually to guarantee price stability and a strong euro. Shattering these hopes and promises in a rather drastic way, the euro's external value has declined markedly while consumer price inflation has quadrupled since the new currency's inception. This paper assesses the ECB's role in relation to the euro's (mal-)performance. It challenges the truly odd conventional wisdom that, despite these dismal monetary developments, neither the Maastricht regime nor the ECB might possibly be at fault. Reviewing the ECB's interest rate policies and scrutinising its rationale, a conspicuous anti-growth bias is diagnosed that has produced rather perverse consequences.This stability-oriented assessment concludes that the ECB has been key to the 'euro puzzle', propagating euro weakness and pushing up inflation. Euroland's democratically elected representatives are therefore urged to reform Europe's key structural problem, namely, the ECB, an independent monetary policymaker whose unbounded discretion allows it to pursue ill-guided and thoroughly idiosyncratic policies without being held to account for the consequences.
Evaluation of a Mental Toughness Training Program for Youth-Aged Australian Footballers: II. A Qualitative Analysis

The general purpose of this study was to follow-up on quantitative data regarding the effectiveness of two different types of multimodal programs in enhancing mental toughness among youth-aged Australian footballers (Gucciardi, Gordon, & Dimmock, 2009a). Specifically, we aimed to enhance the interpretability and meaningfulness of the quantitative data by eliciting key stakeholders’ (athletes’, parents’, and coaches’) perspectives on the goals, procedures, and results of the mental toughness training intervention through one-on-one interviews. Ten players, one of their parents (5 fathers and 5 mothers), and 3 coaches were interviewed. A thematic content analysis using the constant comparison method was performed on the transcribed verbatim data. Participants described several benefits of the program: valuing the importance of quality preparation, being more receptive to criticism, team cohesion, an increased work ethic, tougher attitudes, and the development and identification of transferable skills. Four processes including enhanced self-awareness, techniques for self-monitoring, techniques for self-regulation, and multiple-perspective discussions were identified by participants as ways that the program contributed to enhanced mental toughness. Finally, increased parent involvement, parent and coach education programs, and multi-source assessments and feedback were highlighted by participants as avenues for improving future developmental programs.
Environmentally oriented innovative strategies and firm performance in services. Micro‐evidence from Italy

This paper aims at analysing the impact of environmentally oriented innovative strategies on firms’ economic performance in terms of employment, turnover and labour productivity growth. We exploit a unique dataset of 773 Italian service firms with 20 or more employees, based on 1993–1995 Community Innovation Survey (CIS) II data on innovation strategies and 1995–1998 System of the Enterprise Account (SEA). Using a Gibrat‐like empirical model, our findings show a negative link between environmental motivations and growth in employment and turnover in the short term, which then associates to a not significant or even negative effect on labour productivity growth, a result which is explainable by various factors: non‐mature markets; early movers that need more time to grasp the benefits of innovative actions; weaknesses of some service branches. The effect on employment is in part compatible with the existing evidence and may be based on efficiency improvements (dematerialisation processes), which also impact on efficiency by reducing workforce numbers. The effect on turnover of environmental innovation strategy is negative, implying either a short‐medium effect, possibly balanced in the long run by net benefits in terms of higher added value, or a real negative impact, which may be contingent on the period of observation, when environmental strategies where not at the heart of strategic management policies. Neither Porter‐like effects nor virtuous circles among environmentally strategies and performance seem to be present, at least in the short run and for services firms, calling for the necessity of further analyses on medium‐ long‐term effects and performances of specific service branches. Though effects on performances could turn out positive in the long run when mature green markets and investments provide their benefits, our evidence highlights that services could still find hard times in tackling the well‐known low productivity ‘disease’ even in the environmental realm.
The Impact of Political Factors on Local Government Decentralisation

ABSTRACT The process of local decentralisation of public services delivery has attracted research attention because of the wide range of factors that induce governments to make this decision. Nonetheless, most such studies have focused on economic and financial aspects, ignoring the impact of political factors. The scarce previous research about political factors is the motivation for this study. We used panel data models based on 153 Spanish municipalities with populations over 50,000 for the period 1999–2007. The process of decentralisation is disaggregated according to the legal form of the entities: corporations and foundations. Our results show that more corporatisation processes are carried out in environments where political competition is lower and the party in power enjoyed greater support in the last elections. Additionally, decentralisation processes usually take place in the years immediately following elections, especially through foundations. Furthermore, both forms of decentralisation are more likely to be initiated by right-wing politicians.
How Important is Histology in Treatment Selection for Non Small Cell Lung Cancer patients

Summary Therapy for all non-small cell lung cancers has been non-selective for many decades. This was a “blind” process due to lack of solid scientific data in terms of tumor biology and molecular medicine focused in this disease. In the last decade, the study of lung cancer genome, molecular analysis, proteomics, and many others have resulted in an avalanche of knowledge which has allowed us to tailor specific treatments based on patients’ tumor fingerprints (“phenotype”) at the molecular level. Efforts are being conducted to see which available treatments may induce major responses that may translate into survival advantage. As an example, several predictive biomarkers in nonsmall cell lung cancer have been recently elucidated such as DNA repair genes (e.g., ERCC1, RRM1), gene expression profiling, certain gene mutations (e.g. EGFR, K-ras), and others. Recently, the histology of the lung tumors has become a clinical feature driving therapeutic decision. Nowadays, we consider that histology in lung cancer matters and we must secure enough tumor tissue, which can yield not only an accurate pathologic diagnosis but also for further biomarker tests. More research is needed in this arena to define the best treatment selection and therapeutic algorithm for our patients. Many variables besides patient-related factors play a crucial role in the therapeutic decision-making.
Political Control of Arm’s-Length Agencies: One Standard Does Not Fit All

ABSTRACT The increased use of semi-autonomous agencies for the delivery of government services has often been criticized for leading to a loss of political control. In the Netherlands, the debate is most strong regarding the so-called ZBOs, which are agencies that produce unilaterally binding legal decisions. Based on data from secondary sources and interviews, an assessment was made of the level and type of controls of 11 ZBOs. Results show that political controls are stronger than expected, negatively affecting ZBOs’ autonomy. Also, there is large variety in the application of uniform guidelines. We introduce a citizen demand perspective of services as a new tool for the explanation of variety in control. This tool, together with political saliency and the legal status of ZBOs, has an impact on the actual levels of control.
GENDER ISSUES IN TEACHER DEVELOPMENT: CAREER CHOICE AND COMMITMENT IN OMAN

Introduction Located in the south-east of the Arabian Peninsula, the Sultanate of Oman is a country of few roads outside of the capital and major towns, and with much difficult terrain. This geography provides the defining economic fact of Oman: oil and natural gas. Fossil resources act as powerful economic and social motors, transporting and transforming societies – though, it should be noted, not always in a simplistic exponential development. Modern Oman was born in 1970, when the present head of state took power. Before this, Oman had been through different phases of independence and power to decline, isolation, semi-colonialism and internal political conflicts that had many negative impacts on all aspects of life. One of the new Sultan’s first reforms was to set in motion the foundation of modern government structures. He launched major development programmes to upgrade educational and health facilities in a country plagued with illness, illiteracy and poverty. Omani society is deeply conservative. The effect of Islam, the religion of the majority, is evident in many everyday details, and works as a cohesive and constructive force. Omani society is patriarchal, with men making most of the decisions dominating political, economic, social and family life (UNICEF and MOD 1995). Although there is a growing involvement of women in political and economic activities and the workforce in general, the overall socio-political complexion remains male-dominated. It should be noted, however, that women are far from powerless, even in such a context; not only have they entered many and varied professions (apart from teaching and service industries) but their domestic position should not be considered universally passive. The advent of universal education has been the key factor underlying the change in women’s status and roles in Omani society, although a woman’s main role is still generally viewed as domestic (Al-Ghafri 1996). Those changes in perception that have evolved have been steered partly by the government’s vision of the roles Omani women should play socially. Women in Oman were among the first in the region to win the rights of candidacy and vote; the first woman minister in the region was appointed in Oman. These measures reflect both the growing
Natural variation and heritability in triploid Aspen

Investigations into the usiefulness of triploid aspen2) in tree improvement work began with the Swedish discovery of a clone of large European aspen (Populus tremula L.) by NILSSON-EHLE (1936) and the determination by M~NTZING (1936) that these trees possessed three sets of chromosomes. Subsequent intensive searching by JOHNSSON (1940, 1955) resulted in the location of a number of additional triploid individuals in Sweden. Since these earliest discoveries, studies involving triploid aspen have been reported by a number of researchers including SARVAS (1958) in Finland, SEKAWIN (1951) reviewing work underway in Russia, and VAN BUIJTENEN, et al. (1957, 1958) in the United States. The triploid quaking asperi (P. tremuloides MICHX.) clones reported by VAN BUIJTENEN, et al. (1957, 1958), like the European triploid aspen, have been of considerable interest to the pulp and paper industry. This interest stems primarily frcm the growth rate advantage usually observed for the triploid trees. Wood quality and pulping studies have also demonstrated that triploids from the Lake Stiates have slightly higher specific gravity, similar levels of cellulose and lignin, aad fibers 26% longer and 10% wider than neighboring diploid trees. Since these earlier described Lake States discoveries, additional triploid clones have heen located in Upper Michigan, oll Barrie Island3) in Lake Huron, in central Wisconsin, and in the Riding Mountain National Park4) west of Winnepeg, Manitoba. The most recent triploid discovery shcwn in Figure 1 is located in west central Wisconsin and was brought to the autihor's attention by Forester RICHARD D. LINDBERG of the Wisconsin Conservation Department. This tree is of particular interest as it is the largest quaking aspen on record in the state of Wisconsin. When measlured in 1961 the tree was 96 feet tall, ihad a d. b. h. of 26.4 inches, and was 68 years old. The natural variation encountered in wood, pulp, and morphological characteristics results from the combined influence of genetic and environmental factors. Knowledge of the relative influence of these factors is of basic importance. The experimental approach used to study natural variation and to separate the genetic and environmental influences hinges on the use of the variation within the clones as an estimate of environmental influence. Most aspen stands presently under management are of sprout origin. Trees arising as sprouts from the roots of a single tree are identical in genetic make-up and are
Effect of salicylic acid on antioxidant enzyms of accelerated aging seeds of milk thistle (Silybum marianum)

Effects of accelerated aging and seed priming treatments were studied on milk thistle seeds during germination process. An experiment was performed in a factorial based on Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Treatments were Salicylic acid concentrations (0, 500, 1000, 1500 and 2000 mg. L) and accelerated aging for (0, 48, 96 and 144 hours under 45 °C and 95% humidity) with three replications. Our results showed that salicylic acid dramatically enhanced seed germination, seedling vigor and primary seedling growth. Catalase, polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase activity were increased by seed priming. Reduction in germination parameters were observed by increase in accelerated aging durations. The highest antioxidant activity, germination percentage and daily germination rate and seed vigour were observed at primed seeds with 1000 mg. L -1 Salycilic acid on non-aged seeds. Salicylic acid treatment with a concentration of 1000 mg. Lhad the greatest impact on healing harmful effects aging.
BAB I

1.1. Latar Belakang Masalah Pegawai Negeri Sipil sebagai sumber daya merupakan asset yang sangat penting bagi setiap organisasi, karena peranannya sangat menentukan berhasil tidaknya organisasi dalam mencapai tujuanya. Selain itu keberhasilan suatu organisasi juga dapat dilihat dari kinerja sumber daya manusia, sehingga kualitas harus dibina terus menerus. Pengembangan sumber daya manusia dimaksudkan untuk meningkatkan skill dalam melakukan berbagai kegiatan dalam masyarakat dimana pembinaan sumber daya manusia terkait erat dengan usaha peningkatan taraf hidup. Untuk mendapatkan pegawai sesuai dengan perilaku organisasi perlu memberikan nilai tambah, pembinaan dan memotivasi pegawai karena didalamnya tecakup perubahan dan perombakan sikap, mental pegawai yang sudah ada dan membudaya sejak kecil. Oleh karena itu pemberian nilai tambah harus dilakukan secara terus menerus sehingga menjadi suatu dorongan dalam melaksanakan tugas-tugas sesuai dengan tuntutan organisasi. Keberhasilan suatu organisasi dalam pelaksanaan tugas dan fungsinya dapat dilihat dari kualitas kinerja organisasi tersebut. Kinerja organisasi tersebut ditentukan beberapa faktor antara lain kinerja (Performance) dari pegawainya. Kinerja pegawai dipengaruhi oleh banyak faktor diantaranya kerjasama tim, kemampuan kerja, kepuasan kerja, tingkat disiplin pegawai, pola pembinaan karir, diklat, budaya organisasi dan lain-lain. Menurunnya kinerja pegawai pada akhirnya akan menghambat tercapai peningkatan kinerja organisasi dalam upaya mewujudkan tujuan dan sasaran organisasi. Dengan demikian kinerja (performance) merupakan faktor kunci bagi setiap individu dan organisasi dalam pencapaian produktifitasnya. Kinerja adalah suatu hasil dimana orang, sumber-sumber yang ada di lingkungan kerja tertentu secara bersamaan membawa hasil akhir yang didasarkan tingkat mutu dan standar yang telah ditetapkan. Kinerja pegawai tidak terlepas dari rangsangan maupun dorongan dari diri pegawai itu sendiri maupun dari pihak eksternal, untuk dapat
Evaluation of the Quality of Community-based Integrated Management of Childhood Illness and Reproductive Health Programs in Madagascar

Methods: A cross‐sectional observational evaluation was conducted using a systematic sample of 149 CHVs trained in c‐IMCI and 100 CHVs trained in RH/FP services. CHVs were interviewed on demographics, recruitment, training, supervision, commodity supply, and other measures of program functionality. CHVs were tested on knowledge of the case management guidelines or reproductive health and injectable contraception, respectively. Trained experts observed the performance of c‐IMCI‐trained CHVs as they each evaluated five ill children under 5 years old and RH/FP‐trained CHVs as they completed five simulated female client encounters with uninstructed volunteers at a health facility. Each ill child was clinically re‐assessed by a trained gold standard evaluator and results were compared to determine if c‐IMCI CHVs correctly performed essential assessment, classification, and treatment tasks. A c‐IMCI CHV performance score (on a scale of zero to 100) was calculated based on the mean percentage of tasks performed correctly for each ill child. A key outcome, the proportion of recommended treatments that were prescribed correctly by c‐IMCI CHVs compared to the gold standard, was determined. RH/FP CHVs were observed by trained experts as they discussed and counseled female clients in family planning options. A RH/FP CHV performance score (zero to 100) was developed scoring the CHVs’ ability to obtain basic information about a clients’ contraception needs, determine eligibility for the selected family planning method in which clients showed an interest, and the quality of counseling provided for the chosen method. Multivariable linear regression models were used to identify factors associated with CHV performance.