Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ethnic diversity at work : About interpersonal relations, well-being and performance in ethnically diverse organizations

The main purpose of this thesis is to better understand the mixed findings about consequences of ethnic diversity in organizations on various work-outcomes. This thesis starts with an overview of theory and research on ethnic diversity in the workplace in Chapter 2. Thereafter, ethnic diversity is empirically studied from three different perspectives. From an acculturation perspective, findings in Chapter 3 indicate that non-western immigrant workers are most healthy at work when they are able to combine adaptation towards the Dutch culture with maintaining their own ethnic culture (integration orientation). Conversely, Dutch majority workers generally expect non-western immigrant workers to fully adapt to the Dutch culture, without maintaining aspects of their ethnic culture (assimilation orientation). Chapter 4 shows that differences in such acculturation orientations between the two groups relates to problematic interethnic relations in multicultural workplaces. Furthermore, from a social psychological perspective, results in Chapter 5 and Chapter 6 show that ethnic diversity in teams relates somewhat negatively to various interpersonal relations. A partial explanation for this is that team members identify less with teams that are ethnically more diverse. Vice versa, team members experience better interpersonal relations when they are able to combine their ethnic identity with their team identity (upholding a called dual identity). Finally, from a contextual perspective, results in Chapter 5 and Chapter 6 show that team members experience a better quality of intergroup relations in their team when there is a favorable intercultural climate. A partial explanation for this is that it creates an atmosphere where team members are able to uphold a dual identity. Chapter 7 examines various diversity beliefs in ethnically diverse teams. Here, findings demonstrate that ethnic diversity in teams leads to the most benefits in terms of creativity and performance when employee believe in the value of ethnic diversity, and use cultural differences in their team for cross-cultural learning (integration and learning perspective). Finally, theoretical implications and suggestions for future research, as well as practical implications of the findings are discussed in Chapter 8.
SOUTHERN PINE BEETLE-INDUCED MORTALITY OF PINES WITH NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL RED-COCKADED WOODPECKER CAVITIES IN TEXAS

Southern pine beetle (Dendroctonus frontalis) infestation is the major cause of mortality for Red-cockaded Woodpecker (Picoides borealis) cavity trees in loblolly (Pinus taeda) and shortleaf (P. echinata) pines. Recent intensive management for Red-cockaded Woodpeckers includes the use of artificial cavity inserts. Between 1991 and 1996 we examined southern pine beetle infestation rates of pines with natural vs artificial cavities in loblolly and shortleaf pine habitat on the northern portion of the Angelina National Forest. No significant difference existed in the rate at which southern pine beetles infested and killed pines with natural cavities vs those with artificial cavity inserts (XI = 0.84, P > 0.05). Southern pine beetles infested and killed 20 natural cavity trees (25.6%) during the 5-year study (78 cavity-tree years) and 19 artificial cavity trees ( 18.8%; 101 cavity-tree years). Data for the entire Angelina National Forest indicate that 40% (25 of 62) of the cavity trees killed by southern pine beetles between 1984 and 1996 had been the nest tree during the preceding breeding season. The annual infestation rate of cavity trees appears to be related to southern pine beetle population levels of the surrounding forest. Use of artificial cavities is essential to maintain sufficient numbers of usable cavities for Red-cockaded Woodpeckers in Texas. Why southern pine beetles appear to preferentially infest active Red- cockaded Woodpecker cavity trees is still unknown, but may be related to southern pine beetle attraction to resin volatiles produced when woodpeckers excavate resin wells and/or changes in the levels of infestation- inhibiting tree volatiles as a result of cavity and resin well excavation. Received 8 April 1997, accepted 23 Sept. 1997.
Linkage disequilibrium between a melanin-based colour polymorphism and tail length in the barn owl

A linkage disequilibrium between sexually selected and life history traits can be explained by three mutually non-exclusive mechanisms. Genes coding for two traits may be located close on the same chromosome, genes responsible for variation in one of the trait may pleiotropically alter the other, and non-random pairing with respect to two traits may generate a non-physical linkage disequilibrium between their genes. Knowledge of which of these three mechanisms is responsible for a covariation between two traits is of interest to understand why differently ornamented individuals differ in several phenotypic aspects. In Switzerland, barn owls Tyto alba mate randomly with respect to a colour polymorphism generating a large range of variants between reddish-brown and white, males being lighter coloured than females. Several studies have shown that plumage coloration is not neutral with respect to some life history components. To test whether coloration is genetically associated with body size, partial cross-fostering experiments were performed by exchanging some hatchlings between nests. These experiments showed that darker biological fathers produce longer-tailed offspring. This sex-specific pattern is consistent with the hypothesis of non-physical linkage disequilibrium. In line with this hypothesis, darker coloured males were mated with longer-tailed females, whereas female coloration was not associated with tail length of their mate. The finding that dark nestlings had a longer tail than their pale siblings also supports the physical linkage and pleiotropy hypotheses. Therefore, non-random pairing can generate or strengthen a genetic covariation between a secondary sexual character and a morphological trait. © 2006 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2006, 88, 475–488.
Fragrance of the rice grain achieved via artificial microRNA‐induced down‐regulation of OsBADH2

With 6 figures and 1 table Abstract 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (2AP) is the principal compound responsible for grain fragrance in rice. In fragrant rice cultivars, BADH2 (betaine-aldehyde dehydrogenase 2) is inactivated. Here, we describe the effect of amiRNA (artificial microRNA) transgenesis targeted at BADH2 in rice. BADH2 (but not BADH1) expression was down-regulated in transgenic lines where the amiRNA was driven by the maize ubiquitin promoter, and in these lines, grain 2AP content was also significantly elevated; meanwhile, 2AP could not be detected in the grain of wild-type lines. The leaf proline content in the transgenics was increased through the simultaneous down-regulation of PRODH and up-regulation of P5CS. In transgenic lines where the same amiRNA was driven by the endosperm-specific promoter GluC, no effect on BADH2 expression was detectable, and the content of grain 2AP did not differ from that present in wild-type grains.
Inhibition of inflammation and carcinogenesis in the lung and colon by tocopherols

Tocopherols, which exist in α, β, γ, and δ forms, are antioxidative nutrients also known as vitamin E. Although α‐tocopherol (α‐T) is the major form of vitamin E found in the blood and tissues, γ‐ and δ‐T have been suggested to have stronger anti‐inflammatory activities. In the present study, using a tocopherol mixture that is rich in γ‐T (γ‐TmT, which contains 57%γ‐T), we demonstrated the inhibition of inflammation as well as of cancer formation and growth in the lung and colon in animal models. When given in the diet at 0.3%, γ‐TmT inhibited chemically induced lung tumorigenesis in the A/J mice as well as the growth of human lung cancer cell H1299 xenograft tumors. γ‐TmT also decreased the levels of 8‐hydroxydeoxyguanosine, γ‐H2AX, and nitrotyrosine in tumors. More evident anti‐inflammatory and cancer preventive activities of dietary γ‐TmT were demonstrated in mice treated with azoxymethane and dextran sulfate sodium. These results demonstrate the antioxidative, anti‐inflammatory, and anticarcinogenic activities of tocopherols.
New Hybrid Bioactive Composites for Bone Substitution

Recently, intensive efforts have been undertaken to find new, superior biomaterial solutions in the field of hybrid inorganic–organic materials. In our studies, biomicroconcretes containing hydroxyapatite (HAp)–chitosan (CTS) granules dispersed in an α tricalcium phospahate (αTCP) matrix were investigated. The influence of CTS content and the size of granules on the physicochemical properties of final bone implant materials (setting time, porosity, mechanical strength, and phase composition) were evaluated. The obtained materials were found to be promising bone substitutes for use in non-load bearing applications.
Biotechnology, Crop R&D and Public Policy: The Case of Canola

The importance of IPRs (Intellectual Property Rights) in enhancing investment in research related to crop biotechnology is explored through an updated review of the evidence related to canola in Canada. Relevant past work on the rise of private investment in canola is examined and recent updates are presented. The case for continued public investment in crop research even for a crop with significant IPR protection is discussed theoretically and recent and past evidence related to this theory is explored. The benefit of the biotechnology applied to canola to farmers, to plant breeders, to the health of Canadians and to the environment are examined and confirmed. (JEL H00, L00, Q00, Q16, Q18)
Electrophoretic Deposition and Characteristics of Chitosan–Nanosilver Composite Coatings on a Nanotubular TiO2 Layer

The surface treatment of titanium implants has been applied mainly to increase surface bioactivity and, more recently, to introduce antibacterial properties. To this end, composite coatings have been investigated, particularly those based on hydroxyapatite. The present research was aimed at the development of another coating type, chitosan–nanosilver, deposited on a Ti13Zr13Nb alloy. The research comprised characterization of the coating’s microstructure and morphology, time-dependent nanosilver dissolution in simulated body fluid, and investigation of the nanomechanical properties of surface coatings composed of chitosan and nanosilver, with or without a surface-active substance, deposited at different voltages for 1 min on a nanotubular TiO2 layer. The microstructure, morphology, topography, and phase composition were examined, and the silver dissolution rate in simulated body fluid, nanoscale mechanical properties, and water contact angle were measured. The voltage value significantly influenced surface roughness. All specimens possessed high biocompatibility. The highest and best adhesion of the coatings was observed in the absence of a surface-active substance. Silver dissolution caused the appearance of silver ions in solution at levels effective against bacteria and below the upper safe limit value.
53Mn and 60Fe in iron meteorites—New data, model calculations

We measured specific activities of the long‐lived cosmogenic radionuclides 60Fe in 28 iron meteorites and 53Mn in 41 iron meteorites. Accelerator mass spectrometry was applied at the 14 MV Heavy Ion Accelerator Facility at ANU Canberra for all samples except for two which were measured at the Maier‐Leibnitz Laboratory, Munich. For the large iron meteorite Twannberg (IIG), we measured six samples for 53Mn. This work doubles the number of existing individual 60Fe data and quadruples the number of iron meteorites studied for 60Fe. We also significantly extended the entire 53Mn database for iron meteorites. The 53Mn data for the iron meteorite Twannberg vary by more than a factor of 30, indicating a significant shielding dependency. In addition, we performed new model calculations for the production of 60Fe and 53Mn in iron meteorites. While the new model is based on the same particle spectra as the earlier model, we no longer use experimental cross sections but instead use cross sections that were calculated using the latest version of the nuclear model code INCL. The new model predictions differ substantially from results obtained with the previous model. Predictions for the 60Fe activity concentrations are about a factor of 2 higher, for 53Mn, they are ~30% lower, compared to the earlier model, which gives now a better agreement with the experimental data.
The Economics of Tobacco Regulation: A Comprehensive Review

Tobacco regulation has been a major component of health policy in the developed world since the UK Royal College of Physicians' and the US Surgeon General's reports in the 1960s. Such regulation, which has intensified in the past two decades, includes cigarette taxation, place-based smoking bans in areas ranging from bars and restaurants to workplaces, and regulations designed to make tobacco products less desirable. More recently, the availability of alternative products, most notably e-cigarettes, has increased dramatically, and these products are just starting to be regulated. Despite an extensive body of research on tobacco regulations, there remains substantial debate regarding their effectiveness, and ultimately, their impact on economic welfare. We provide the first comprehensive review of the state of research in the economics of tobacco regulation in two decades.
Effect of straw returning on soil organic carbon in rice–wheat rotation system: A review

Rice and wheat are both important food crops globally, and rice–wheat rotation is an important planting pattern that is mainly used in east and southeast Asia; approximately 26 million ha are planted this way (Timsina & Connor, 2001), providing a stable source of food for more than 20% of the world's population (Kumari et al., 2011), which is of great significance in ensuring regional and even global food security. Received: 19 December 2019 | Revised: 9 January 2020 | Accepted: 19 January 2020 DOI: 10.1002/fes3.200
Optimization of the autoclave preparation process for improving resistant starch content in rice grains

Abstract The autoclave preparation process to increase the content of resistant starch (RS) in rice grains was optimized, and the results showed that the optimal preparation process was obtained with a water content of 41.63%, a pH of 5.95, an autoclave time of 60.96 min, and a refrigeration time of 17.11 hr. Under these conditions, the theoretical value of RS content in rice grains reached 17.57%. After autoclaving, the estimated glycemic index (EGI) in rice grains was reduced from 78.35 to 66.08 measured after cooking, suggesting that autoclaving was capable of increasing the RS content in rice grains and reducing its EGI value. These results may help spark new concepts and methods for the development of specialized foods for specific populations, such as people with diabetes.
Molekulargenetische Untersuchung der Kardiomyopathie "Linksventrikuläre Noncompaction"

Left ventricular noncompaction of the myocardium (LVNC) constitutes a rare primary cardiomyopathy. The mechanistic basis is assumed to be an arrest in embryonic cardiac development. Mutations in the X-linked TAZ gene are responsible for cases of infantile LVNC whereas the genetic base of late-onset LVNC in most patients is still unresolved. The objectives of this dissertation were to investigate the genetic defect in family LVNC-105 with autosomal dominant inherited LVNC and to screen a large cohort of patients with isolated LVNC for mutations in candidate genes. In kindred LVNC105 genome wide linkage analysis revealed significant two-point LOD scores only at chromosome 11p15. A peak 2-point LOD score of 5.06 was obtained with marker D11S902 and a critical interval of 3.2 Mb (4.9 cM) was determined. Among the 40 genes within the disease region one candidate gene was CSRP3, a disease gene for hypertrophic (HCM) and dilated (DCM) cardiomyopathy. Sequence analysis of the genomic CSRP3 region did not reveal mutations in affected family members. Also, analysis of the coding region of further candidate genes contained within the disease locus did not show mutations. Investigations of the genes on transcript level did not detect alterations. Candidate gene analysis of LDB3, LMNA, Nkx2.5 and BMP10 in 63 index patients with isolated LVNC only one mutation was detected in LDB3. For the first time 7 genes encoding sarcomere proteins, known as disease genes for HCM and DCM, were screened for mutations by DHPLC in LVNC patients. Mutations were found in a significant proportion of the cohort of LVNC index patients (19 %) in MYH7, ACTC, TPM1 and TNNT2. Clinical evaluations demonstrated familial disease in 7 of 12 probands with sarcomere gene mutations. MYH7 mutations segregated with the disease in 4 autosomal dominant LVNC kindreds. MYH7 was identified as the most prevalent LVNC disease gene (13 %) in this cohort. Modified residues in MYH7 were mainly located within the ATP binding site. In conclusion, LVNC belongs to the spectrum of cardiomyopathies originating in molecular defects of the sarcomere.
INFLUÊNCIA DE BACILLUS SUBTILIS NA ECLOSÃO, ORIENTAÇÃO E INFECÇÃO DE HETERODERA GLYCINES EM SOJA INFLUENCE OF BACILLUS SUBTILIS ON THE HETERODERA GLYCINES ECLOSION, ORIENTATION AND INFECTION IN SOYBEAN

The utilization of microorganisms for biological control of plant diseases has been studied in the world. In soybean cyst nematode (Heterodera glycines), an important diseases in soybeans, biological control strategies are important tools mostly because the lack of an efficient chemical control. The effect of Bacillus subtilis on H. glycines was studied on greenhouse and laboratory experiments. The presence of B. subtilis reduced the number of appeared H. glycines eggs when under stimulus of soybean exudes. Also, treatment of soybean roots with B. subtilis inhibited the juvenile larvae of H. glycines migration towards the soybean roots. In greenhouse experiments using soil infested with eggs of H. glycines, a reduction in the number of females was observed in the soybean root when both soil and seeds were previously treated with either wettable powder or solution containing B. subtilis. Considering the results of this research, and that H. glycines depends on plant exude for show up and orientation of larvae, it can be assumed that B. subtilis might interfere in the nematode life cicle.
Non-Contact Driver Respiration Rate Detection Technology Based on Suppression of Multipath Interference with Directional Antenna

Non-contact driver respiration rate detection is a challenging problem in the Internet of Vehicles, because the automobile environment is much narrower, and thus the multipath effect is greater. To overcome these challenges, a 2.4 GHz continuous wave forward-scattering radar respiratory detection system is proposed based on the theory that the radar cross-section (RCS) of the human body changes with human breathing. We also analyze the impact of the multipath effect in the vehicle on the received radar signal and compare the output signal captured by a directional antenna with that captured by an omnidirectional antenna in the proposed system. In addition, the mean value of the received signal’s envelope is used to judge whether the driver’s posture is reasonable. Finally, compared with the existing contact respiratory detection system, the actual test results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed FSR system, and the driver respiration rates obtained by the proposed system are consistent with those obtained by the contact respiratory detection system.
Resilience in the Face of Victimization: A Bourdieusian Analysis of Dealing With Harms and Hurts Among Street-Involved Individuals Who Smoke Crack Cocaine

Victimization is a significant issue for street-involved individuals who smoke crack cocaine. Presently, there is a shortage of resilience research exploring practices that may insulate crack-smoking individuals from victimization or mitigate the effects of such experiences. Through a Bourdieusian lens, this qualitative study examines responses to victimization and the types of coping strategies utilized among (n = 30) street-involved individuals who regularly smoke crack in Southern Ontario, Canada. A resilience framework is used for analysis—a novel approach in addictions research, since drug-using individuals are generally left out of this realm of investigation. Findings show that participants mobilize their resources and capacities to “rebound” from victimization in the “street field” (Shammas & Sandberg, 2016), through various practices. These individuals rely on their own embodied competencies as well as the “street social capital” (Ilan, 2013) available to them through their networks, in order to deal with victimization. Resilience is a complex process that needs to be continually (re)constituted for participants, owing to their lack of capital and the structural limitations of the street field. In conclusion, participants display resilience through their sense of determination and ongoing agency in navigating constraints and seizing opportunities to avoid, manage, and confront chronic victimization in the street field.
An improved model‐based analogue forecasting for the prediction of the tropical Indo‐Pacific Sea surface temperature in a coupled climate model

Analogue forecasting is a method with a long history in weather and climate prediction. Recently, model‐based analogue forecasting (MAF) was developed and applied in Indo‐Pacific sea surface temperature (SST) with the long‐term (>1,000 years) run of the coupled general circulation model as the prediction library dataset. Here, we use the MAF method for Indo‐Pacific SST prediction with a 1,600‐year uninitialized control run of ICMv2 as the library datasets to select the analogues. In the improved analogue strategy, subsurface thermal conditions are valid predictors besides the surface conditions. The anomaly of SST, subsurface temperature at 5‐ and 105‐m depth as the best‐performing predictors can better simulate the overall thermal conditions of the ocean. In addition, by increasing the length of the model library dataset, the number of selected analogue cases for the ensemble, using root‐mean‐square and pattern correlation combined analogue metric and subtracting the long‐term trend, the improved MAF can produce a skillful SST prediction in the tropical Indian Ocean, southwest and northwest Pacific Ocean across 1‐ to 9‐month lead times. The ACC of the improved MAF prediction in these regions significantly increases by more than 0.18 relatively to the SST‐initialized hindcast of ICMv2 with considerable savings in terms of computational resource.
Streptococcus pyogenes M1T1 variants induce an inflammatory phenotype in neutrophils

Invasive infections due to Group A Streptococcus (GAS) advance rapidly causing tissue degradation and unregulated inflammation. Neutrophils are the primary immune cells that respond to GAS. M1T1 GAS isolate 5448 and animal passaged variant 5448AP, containing a covS mutation, were assessed for their influence on neutrophils. 5448AP proliferated during neutrophil co-incubation and induced lower neutrophil reactive oxygen species production when compared with 5448. Infection with both strains invoked neutrophil death, however apoptosis was reduced in response to 5448AP. Both strains induced neutrophil caspase-1 activation in vitro, and elicited IL-1β and TNF-α release from neutrophils. GAS infection altered the cell-surface expression of CD16 and CD31 on neutrophils. In vivo mouse studies confirmed activation of caspase-1 in neutrophils, while 5448AP infection increased circulating IL-1β. GAS infections that promote an inflammatory neutrophil phenotype may contribute to increased inflammation yet ineffective bacterial eradication, contributing to the severity of invasive GAS infections.