Thesis advisor: Cherie McGill / We often hear about the value of a diverse society, workplace, classrooms, and so on, but what exactly do diversity and inclusion involve, and why do we value them? In this thesis, I will explore philosophical concepts of diversity as it relates to race and gender in the workplace. First, what, exactly, do these terms mean? What is the difference between ‘diversity’ and ‘inclusion’, and how are we to understand these concepts as they apply to institutions like the workplace? Secondly, why should we want diverse or inclusive institutions? Mission statements, for most organizations indicate a commitment to diversity. But, what’s valuable about diversity? Put differently, what is problematic about a lack of diversity in our institutions? / Thesis (BA) — Boston College, 2018. / Submitted to: Boston College. College of Arts and Sciences. / Discipline: Departmental Honors. / Discipline: Philosophy.

Species interactions are recognised as an important evolutionary process, with foundation species in particular being of exceptional importance. Foundation species are those species exhibiting dynamic physical traits, under strong genetic control, that shape the natural processes of habitats and ecosystems. These traits lead to extended consequences for the associated organisms in their community. Therefore, intra-specific variation of a foundation species can have important evolutionary consequences for habitats, communities and entire ecosystems. One such foundation species is aspen (Populus tremula L.), which has important conservation value, particularly for the high diversity of associated species. In Scotland aspen exists in fragmented clonal patches, but has been found to contain a high diversity of associated organisms some of which have a UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP). One such group of organisms of high diversity and conservation value in Scotland are the epiphytic cryptogams (i.e. mosses, liverworts, lichens). To date more than 300 species have been recorded on aspen in Scotland, comprising approximately 40% of the epiphyte flora of Europe. The research presented here uses a combination of natural aspen system and two aspen common gardens to test the effects of aspen genetic diversity on physical traits potentially important for epiphyte diversity. The traits investigated were bark texture and bark phenolic chemistry. Bark texture in the wild clones was found vary significantly between clones and under strong genetic control (up to 40%). Bark phenolic chemistry also showed significant genotypic variation, but could not be correlated with patterns of epiphyte species richness and diversity. Nevertheless, epiphytes showed significant patterns related to aspen genotype, particularly along a gradient of bark texture. The results indicate that epiphyte communities are part of the ‘extended phenotype’ of native aspen populations in Scotland are very important for maintaining current levels of epiphyte diversity. A greater diversity and abundance of aspen genotypes in the landscape are essential for increasing epiphyte species richness and diversity, and for ecosystem health as a whole.

Mimosa, um dos maiores gêneros de Leguminosae, apresenta uma complexa classificação infraespecífica estruturada em seções incluindo series. Das últimas, M. ser. Pachycarpae, e M. ser. Setosae são endêmicas e diversas no Domínio do Cerrado. Ambas apresentam uma complexa classificação infraespecífica que reflete em parte sua ampla diversidade morfológica. Embora a morfologia dos frutos tenha sido utilizada para diferenciá-las, análises filogenéticas indicam que elas devem ser fundidas. A fim de verificar essas afirmações, realizamos uma análise filogenética incluindo uma vasta amostragem de táxons e baseada em caracteres moleculares e morfológicos. Concluímos que M. ser. Pachycarpae M. ser. Setosae devem, de fato, ser fundidas e que parte das espécies da última é, na verdade, mais relacionada a outra série do gênero. Além disso, evidenciamos que a classificação infraespecífica aplicada às series não é refletida na topologia obtida e, portanto, deve ser aprimorada tanto quanto possível. A diversificação do grupo aparentemente está ligada à aquisição de uma inovação-chave e a processos de recombinação fenotípica. Portanto, a circunscrição de M. ser. Pachycarpae é aqui reorganizada para incluir parte das espécies de M. ser. Setosae, bem como sua classificação infraespecífica. M. ser. Pachycarpae apresenta 72 espécies e seis táxons infraespecíficos, todos, exceto um (M. paludosa), endêmicos ao Domínio do Cerrado, onde ocorrem preferencialmente em áreas montanhosas. Uma circunscrição abrangente de M. ser. Pachycarpae não permite delimitação baseada em um ou poucos caracteres, dada a ampla variação morfológica dos táxons. Entretanto, o fruto do tipo craspédio não-articulado ocorre na maioria das espécies. Atualizações taxonômicas no grupo incluem caracterização diagnóstica, notas morfológicas e taxonômicas, informação sobre distribuição e habitat, bem como uma lista de espécimes selecionados de cada táxon, juntamente com algumas fotos ilustrativas . Um tratamento taxonômico completo do complexo M. setosa é apresentado. Além disso, duas novas espécies são descritas, problemas com tipificação, corrigidos e o reconhecimento problemático de duas espécies, resolvido. Reconhecimento distinto de hierarquia taxonômica em Mimosa pode estar relacionado com a preferência por conceitos de espécie diferentes. É necessário promover o estudo de espécies baseado em conceitos explícitos a fim de produzir circunscrições testáveis, e também sistemas de classificação robustos, informativos e preditivos / Mimosa, one of the largest genera in Leguminosae, has an infrageneric classification arranged in sections with subtended series. Two of the latter, M. ser. Pachycarpae and M. ser. Setosae, are endemic to the Brazilian Cerrado Domain. The current infraspecific classification of both series id complex and reflect in part their large morphological diversity. Although fruit morphology has been used to segregate these two series, previous phylogenetic analyses indicate that they should be merged. Aiming to contribute to a better understanding of that problem, we performed a phylogenetic analysis based on molecular and morphological data of a wide taxa samplig. Our results show that M. ser. Pachycarpae and M. ser. Setosae must be merged and that part of the species belonging to the latter is actually more related to another series. Also, the current infraspecific classification is not corroborated by our tree topology. Diversification of the group may be related to a key innovation and to phenotypic recombination. Hence, M. ser. Pachycarpae> is reorganized to accommodate part of M. ser. Setosae. The infraspecific classification of the series is also updated and replaced as much as possible. M. ser. Pachycarpae presents 72 species and six infraspecific taxa, all but one (M. paludosa) endemic to the Brazilian Cerrado Domain, where they occur chiefly in altitudinal areas. The comprehensive circumscription of M. ser. Pachycarpae avoids delimitation based on a single or few characters, due to its wide morphological diversity, but an unjointed craspedium occurs in most species. Taxonomic updates include diagnostic characterization, notes on morphology and taxonomy, information on distribution and habitats, as well as a list of selected specimens from each taxon, and some illustrative photographs. For the M. setosa complex, a full taxonomic treatment is provided. Also, two new species are described, typification problems are solved and the recognition of two problematic taxa is resolved. Different approaches to rank choice in Mimosa may be related to usage of different species concepts. Efforts are needed to promote species studies based on explicit concepts in order to achieve not only testable species circumscriptions, but also robust, informative and predictive classification systems

America is a nation of immigrants, yet immigration continues to be a troubling issue for the nation as immigrants face a variety of challenges to settling into life in the United States of America. In facing these challenges, immigrants look to the church as they have traditionally done, for relief and support. This study gathers and reflects on the experiences of a group of Ghanaian immigrants and their host congregations to compare their experiences of the church. In particular, it focuses on the experience of Ghanaian immigrants in United Methodist congregations in the Northeast, asking how immigrants experience congregational practices in comparison with the experience of long time members of the same congregations and what ecclesiologies are enacted or embedded within those expectations and practices. The study also asks how these ecclesiologies support or thwart Wesleyan convictions on hospitality and inclusion and how congregational practices can be transformed to become more Wesleyan and more liberative. The study proposes new and expanded ministry practices that position the church to respond to and learn from immigrants first within the church itself, and then within the wider society. While the study focuses on Ghanaian immigrants in particular, it points to implications for the welcome and reception of African immigrants more broadly into communities of faith in America. The results of this study of Ghanaian- influenced congregations may also have implications for the treatment of newer immigrants from across the globe. The question of the treatment of immigrants by the church is approached through a methodology that combines elements from Juan Luis Segundo's "hermeneutic circle" and Don Browning's strategic practical theology, and it utilizes the ethical methodology of Gustavo Gutiérrez, which parallels the reflexive movement of Browning's practical theological method. It describes the crisis that exists in three congregations with large numbers of Ghanaian immigrants, reviews current hospitality, worship and ministry practices, and sources of faith to reveal newer more appropriate practices that address the crisis, resolve the tensions that exist, and point to new ways of living in community.

Plankton play a key role in regulating nutrient and carbon cycles in freshwater ecosystems. The uptake and processing of nutrients in planktonic biomass are highly sensitive to changes in the environment, such as alterations in the availability of limiting nutrients, increasing temperature due to climate change, and changes to the composition of interacting species. The focus of this thesis is to use a variety of experimental and theoretical methods to assess and predict the impact of multiple perturbations on community structure, dynamics and ecosystem function, with a particular focus on interactions between phytoplankton and their consumers (zooplankton). Increases in both temperature and phytoplankton species diversity independently decreased CO2 concentrations when the number of non-resource species (those inedible to the zooplankton) were high. Using structural equation modeling I show that the effect is indirect, resulting largely from the positive impacts on total biomass of phytoplankton. Phytoplankton are limited by a range of resources, and differences in the functional traits used to utilize light and nutrients can explain the distributions of species under different temperature regimes. I found that under light and nitrogen limitation, resource requirements are generally lowest at intermediate temperatures, and that changes in temperature may therefore alter the competitive hierarchy amongst species. Using the model freshwater phytoplankton Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, I also find that previous selection environments govern future competitive abilities in phytoplankton. Adaptation to a high salt and low nutrient stress increases competitive ability under light limited conditions, indicating a strong dependency of selection environment for overall competitiveness. This thesis provides a mechanistic insight into the role of diverse plankton communities for community dynamics and ecosystem functioning.

Immunoglobulin (Ig) gene diversification plays an essential role in adaptive immunity. Faced with a continuous yet varied stream of self, non-self, and possibly harmful molecules, many organisms have mechanisms in their arsenal that have evolved to match the diversity of the antigens they encounter. In humans and mice, developing B and T lymphocytes go through a first round of genomic alteration — V(D)J recombination — in the bone marrow and the thymus, respectively. B cells can subsequently undergo two additional Ig gene diversification processes in secondary lymphoid tissues. Through somatic hypermutation (SHM), Ig variable regions of stimulated germinal center (GC)-forming B cells are mutated and further diversified, enabling affinity maturation. During class-switch recombination (CSR), on the other hand, B cells in the GC or prior to entering the GC recombine Ig constant regions, swapping the IgM-encoding locus for another isotype constant regions gene (e.g., IgG1, IgG3, IgE, IgA) to allow for different effector functions. Both B cell-specific genomic alterations are initiated when the single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) mutator enzyme activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) catalyzes the removal of the amino group off deoxycytidine residues, resulting in deoxyuridines and dU:dG mismatches. Low-fidelity cellular responses to the presence of dU, including the mismatch repair (MMR) and the base-excision repair (BER) pathways, are then thought to introduce mutations in SHM and CSR, as well as cause double-strand breaks (DSBs) repaired through canonical and alternative non-homologous end-joining in CSR. Though necessary for proper physiological function, these lymphocyte genome diversification processes are rife with danger for B cells and there is strong selective pressure to carefully orchestrate and target them so as not to threaten the genomic integrity of the cells through breaks or other mutations at non-Ig loci. Yet, these events can still occur, as demonstrated by the implication of AID with translocations found in some cancers (e.g., c- MYC:IGH in Burkitt’s lymphoma). Therefore, the mechanisms underlying AID mutagenic activity targeting to physiological deamination substrates have been the focus of several studies. Protein kinase A (PKA)-dependent phosphorylation of AID at its serine 38 residue has been shown to enable its interaction with replication protein A (RPA) before binding to ssDNA. Others have reported that SPT5 helps target AID to sites of RNA polymerase II (Pol II) stalling, such as the Ig switch sequences. Another cofactor, the RNA exosome complex, helps target the ssDNA mutator AID to both strands of DNA in vivo. The RNA exosome had hitherto been described in the context of RNA processing and degradation as 3’ → 5’ exoribonuclease. Sterile transcript-generating transcription at Ig loci was known to be required for proper AID catalytic activity; the newly described link between the RNA exosome and AID activity raised the prospect that RNA processing, and not mere transcription, might be playing a role in shaping the diversification of the immune repertoire in B lymphocytes. During CSR, transient three-strand structures called R loops are generated. R loops are formed as the nascent transcript invades the DNA duplex, hybridizing to the template strand, and displacing the non-template one. The G-rich nature of the non-template strand is posited to help stabilize the R loop, which allows the ssDNA mutator AID to use the exposed, non-template strand as a substrate. AID must then access the template strand. Here, we investigate the role that the RNA exosome and a potential cofactor, the putative RNA/DNA helicase senataxin (SETX), play in the sequence of biological events that result in CSR while protecting the cell from R-loop accumulation-associated genomic instability.

The management of genomic diversity is important within breeding programs and is primarily achieved through controlling the rate of inbreeding. A failure to adequately manage the rate of inbreeding will result in an increased risk of the expression of lethal recessive mutations, inbreeding depression and losses in genetic variance, thereby restricting long-term genetic progress. Each research chapter within this thesis used real data collected from a commercial pig breeding operation to examine a key area of research regarding the management of genomic diversity. The first research chapter examined the selection outcomes from the practical application of Optimal Contributions (OC). These outcomes were examined to determine their alignment with the current theories regarding selection, particularly as to the extent by which selection decisions were influenced by estimated Mendelian sampling terms. This assessment was conducted for the initial selection of individuals as parents, which parents went on to provide a long-term contribution and the magnitude of these contributions. OC was shown to have shifted breeding decisions more closely in alignment with the estimated Mendelian sampling terms. The second research chapter used genomic data to assess the adequacy of the pedigree-based approach for managing diversity during selection. This approach assumes the infinitesimal model with all loci neutral and no impact from selection per se on heterozygosity. Using genomic information, the observed loss of heterozygosity at each marker was compared to the loss of heterozygosity expected from the pedigree-based relationships. Regional disparities between the observed and expected losses in heterozygosity were detected, which were potentially attributable to selection. Runs of homozygosity and the pairwise linkage disequilibrium between markers were also examined within these regions. Regions showing disparity were found to contain well validated quantitative trait loci for important traits. The third research chapter sought to provide a genomic solution to the shortcomings of the pedigree-based approach for quantifying relatedness, identified above. A methodology was devised for tracing identity by descent (IBD) at each allelic position over five ancestral generations, following phasing and imputation of the genomic data. A comparison was made between the inbreeding expected from the pedigree relationships and that observed from the identity by descent of genomic information. In the population studied it was not currently feasible to derive a relationship matrix based exclusively on observed IBD. The fourth research chapter used imputed genomic information to identify haplotypes which had a putative lethal recessive effect. Haplotypes which were never observed in the homozygous form, either in the population or in the offspring produced between carriers, were classified as candidate haplotypes. The top candidates on each chromosome were then examined for a reduction in the total number born when two carriers were mated together. A total of six putative lethal recessive haplotypes were detected relating to at least four putative lethal recessive mutations, where one homozygote was absent and the size of the reduction in litter size matched that expected for a lethal recessive effect. The research chapters contained within this thesis demonstrate the important role that genomics can have in managing inbreeding in addition to generating genetic gain. Genomics is able to provide a more accurate prediction of the Mendelian sampling term, better quantify the relatedness between individuals and detect lethal recessive effects.

Globalisation has always been researchers' main concern and interest over a long period of the time. One effect of globalisation is that the composition of project teams had become increasingly diverse. The differing national cultural backgrounds of members increases the complexity of team composition, which regulates the success of the project performance. Research has shown that diverse teams outperform homogenous ones. Other studies have investigated the impact of national culture on projects. But our knowledge of how effectively companies can manage a complex, multicultural team project is inadequate and limited. Furthermore, theoretical and empirical studies concerning how the national cultural diversity of teams can impact project performance are limited. Most of the studies are qualitative, either focusing on one country or discussing one aspect of culture, and mainly considering team performance. To fill this gap, this study investigates the national cultural factors that influence multicultural project teams and determine the cultural dimensions that impact on project performance. In particular, it examines the influence of five national culture dimensions developed by Hofstede on multicultural team complexity variables including integration, communication, trust and knowledge-sharing, and to recognise how these factors are related to project performance. The territory chosen for this study was the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, as all of these nations rely intensely upon an expat workforce because of the lack of both skilled and unskilled manpower in the local market. A survey instrument was extracted and developed from previously validated questionnaire scales. Pilot testing was conducted to ensure the scales, format and contents of the survey instrument were appropriate. A range of project team members were targeted, and 329 valid questionnaires were returned. The data obtained was analysed by using two widely used statistical software tools, SPSS and AMOS. The data analysis steps included reliability (Cronbach's alpha) and validity (Confirmatory Factor) analysis. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was used to test the entire model. By using SEM, it was possible to test the parsimonious nature of the model, identify the model, determine whether it makes theoretical sense, and examine its fit to the data. The relationship between national culture, team performance and project performance was analysed using path analysis as part of the SEM. The research outcome showed that national culture has a significant impact on the team performance, especially on integration, communication, trust and knowledge sharing, which will also moderate the relationship between national culture and project performance. The finding of this research study confirmed that there is a relationship between national cultural differences and project success. Understanding the cultural differences among team members, who are from different national cultural backgrounds, is an essential aspect of managing projects successfully. Moreover, mismanaging or ignoring cultural differences of the team members may lead to project failures. Furthermore, the outcomes have obviously shown that the optimal project performance is accomplished when the entire project team is thoroughly integrated and incorporated with the project purpose. This study contributes to the literature by delivering a deeper understanding of the cultural issues that influence the performance of multicultural project teams in GCC countries. In addition, it provides greater insight into national culture within projects context, in particular providing empirical evidence that different nationalities have different cultural orientations and that these different cultural orientations are associated with different levels of performance. In practice, the findings will assist project directors and managers in similar countries to further recognise the role of national culture in the context of enhancing project performance. In particular, project directors and managers can undertake an assessment of their teams' national cultural background and based on that, forecast the probable team and project performance. Where necessary, action can be taken to manage or even change the cultural orientation in terms of the attitudes and behaviours of project teams. This research expressed the views of professionals who work in a multicultural environment on the extent to which national cultural dimensions may affect the outcome of a project.

This thesis includes a theoretical background of the historical and biological nature to the Diversity management in organizations due to gender, as well as the controversy with the well-established bases of diversity management and equal opportunities. Thesis also contains a questionnaire survey on this topic conducted among respondents within the three selected organizations operating in the Czech republic.

Begonia is one of the ten largest plant genera and is found throughout the tropics. I have used Begonia section Gireoudia to study the genetics underlying vegetative diversity in tropical herbaceous plants. Section Gireoudia is a large Central American group. The section is remarkably diverse in morphology and habitat preference. It ranges from wet rainforests to seasonally dry forests. I have investigated variation in morphological, anatomical and ecophysiological differences for 21 species in Begonia section Gireoudia. Based on the observed variation, species in Begonia section Gireoudia form a complex and unique group that stands out from currently analysed taxa in the global scale of variation on the basis of leaf function and resource use strategy traits as well as their peculiar leaf anatomy. Traits directly related to leaf function such as photosynthesis and stomatal conductance has very low values which overlap with those of CAM and aquatic plants. Values for traits indicative of resource use such as leaf mass area (LMA) and leaf dry matter content (LDMC) are also very low in Begonia when compared with the values observed globally. The trait- trait correlations across the species in section Gireoudia were also investigated and revealed patterns in micromorphology and ecophysiology. Some of the traits measured are correlated with each other in apparently straightforward, well charaterised biological relationships e.g., the variation among Begonia species in stomatal conductance and net assimilation rate are positively correlated. On the other hand, the linkage of high Amass with high Nmass which is in large part the result of a direct causal relationship, has been observed at the global scale but this relationship is not significant in Begonia section Gireoudia. I examined B. plebeja and B. conchifolia, two very closely related though ecologically divergent species from Meso-America, in more detail. I detected significant differences between the species for a number of phenotypic variables which may be related to their habitat preferences. This suggested that environmental conditions have driven divergent evolution of phenotypic traits for these two species. Using a mapping population generated from hybrids between these two species I was able to examine the genetic basis of these differences. This revealed that although some traits (such as anthocyanin accumulation) appear to be under simple genetic control, most of the variation between species has complex genetic inheritance patterns. I used QTL analysis to identify significant QTLs for 20 physiological, anatomical and morphological traits which varied between these two species. Leaf shape traits appear to be largely influenced by a few loci of large effect, making these good potential targets for further analysis. The study also identified clusters of coincident QTLs for different correlated traits identifying pleiotropic genes or suites of linked loci.