Die Fähigkeit Nukleinsäuren in lebenden Organismen nachzuweisen und zu visualisieren, ist entscheidend für das Verständnis zellulärer Prozesse. Die Forschungsgruppe von Prof. Dr. Oliver Seitz hat zu diesem Zweck fluorogene FIT-Hybridisierungssonden entwickelt, die die besondere Eigenschaft der Cyaninfarbstoffe Thiazolorange und Chinolinblau nutzen, stärker zu fluoreszieren, wenn sie in die beengte Umgebung eines Nukleinsäureduplex aus Sonde und spezifischer Zielsequenz eingebracht werden. Obwohl FIT-Sonden eine gute Fluoreszenzverstärkung und Spezifität aufweisen, wäre eine weitere Verbesserung ihrer Helligkeit und des Signal-Hintergrund-Verhältnisses wünschenswert. Um dies zu erreichen, wurde in dieser Arbeit ein Ansatz untersucht, bei dem FIT-Sonden mit zwei Fluorophoren desselben Typs ausgestattet werden (FIT2-Strategie). Dies sollte sowohl die Helligkeit der Sonde erhöhen, als auch die Fluoreszenz im Einzelstrang und bei Hybridisierung mit fehlgepaarter RNA durch eine Mischung aus kontaktvermittelter Fluo-reszenzlöschung und strahlungsfreiem Energietransfer verringern. Verschiedene Sonden-längen, Farbstoffabstände und -positionen wurden untersucht und es konnte bestätigt werden, dass FIT2-Sonden eine höhere Extinktionskoeffizienten, größere Fluoreszenzver-stärkung und eine bessere Selektivität aufweisen als einfach markierte Sonden. Außerdem behalten sie ihre Fähigkeit zur Unterscheidung von Match- und Mismatch-Zielen in visko-sem Zelllysat besser bei. Zudem konnte gezeigt werden, dass das FIT2-Konzept durch Hinzufügen eines hybridisie-rungsunempfindlichen Cyanin 7 Farbstoffs zu den Sonden dahingehend erweitert werden kann, dass eine ratiometrische Detektion der hybridisierten Sonde möglich ist und Hellig-keitsunterschiede aufgrund von lokalen Schwankungen der Sondenkonzentration bei der Bildgebung lebender Zellen korrigiert werden können. Mit diesen qFIT2-Sonden konnten Jurkat und CCRF-CEM T-Zellen in einem Mikroskopie-basierten Experiment unterschieden werden. / The ability to detect and visualize nucleic acids in living organisms is crucial for under-standing cellular processes. For this purpose, the research group of Prof. Dr. Oliver Seitz has introduced fluorogenic forced intercalation (FIT) hybridization probes, which exploit the unique property of the cyanine dyes thiazole orange and quinoline blue to exhibit increased fluorescence when placed in the constrained environment of a nucleic acid du-plex formed between probe and specific target sequence. Although FIT probes demon-strate solid fluorescence enhancement and specificity, further improvement of their abso-lute brightness and signal-to-background ratio would be desirable. To achieve this, the present thesis investigated an approach that equips FIT probes with two identical fluorophores (FIT2 strategy). This should on the one hand increase probe brightness, while simultaneously reducing fluorescence in the single strand and when hy-bridized to mismatched RNA, through a combination of contact-mediated quenching and non-radiant energy transfer. Various probe lengths, dye-dye distances and positions were screened, and it could be confirmed that FIT2 probes have higher extinction coefficients, greater fluorescence enhancement and better selectivity than their mono-dye counter-parts. Moreover, they better retain their ability to discriminate match and mismatch tar-gets in viscous cell lysate. Finally, it was demonstrated that the FIT2 concept can be extended by adding a hybridiza-tion-insensitive Cyanine 7 dye to the probes, allowing ratiometric detection of hybridized probe and correction of brightness differences due to local fluctuations in probe concen-tration during live-cell imaging. Using these qFIT2 probes, Jurkat and CCRF-CEM T-cells could be distinguished in a microscopy-based experiment.

Black health disparities are a salient public health issue with blacks in every socioeconomic level at a greater health disadvantage than their white counterparts. In particular, disparity in infant mortality rates between blacks and whites have widened in recent decades to differentials never before experienced in the United States. Social ecologists investigating the myriad of individual and environmental risk factors have failed to fully account for the persistent differential. This study examines the relationships between individual and environmental influences on the health risk experienced by blacks, whites, as well as the differential between the two populations. This multi-level analysis was conducted using five-year aggregate data centering on the 2000 decennial census (1998 - 2002) as the most recent census data available. During the study period, the 193 census tracts in Orange County, Florida, experienced 504 infant deaths which included 242 black and 241 white infant deaths. Using the infant mortality target rate developed for Healthy People 2000 as the ―normal‖ infant mortality rate, risk was calculated as the percentage of deviation from the ―normal‖. A rate was also calculated to demonstrate the difference between black and white percent deviations from the ―normal‖. Structural equation modeling was used to examine the relationship between socioeconomic influences (Socioeconomic Disadvantage), social risk factors (Social Disorganization), and behavioral risk factors (Poor Behavioral Choices) using a latent variable approach based on a conceptual model which integrated the social determinants of health framework and conflict theory. iv In this study, an inverse association was found between socioeconomic disadvantage and infant mortality risk for black infants. This finding is contradictory to the expected finding and may have been due to multicollinearity or the operationalization of the endogenous study variable for black infant mortality risk. Thus, this study highlights the complexity of unraveling the interrelationship between social and economic risk factors. The results of this study demonstrate the importance of the latent variable approach in public health research as well as the need to broaden the approach to selecting indicators. This study concludes with specific policy recommendations aimed at improving the health outcomes of vulnerable populations using the social determinants of health framework.

During the US – Vietnam War (1961 – 1972), Vietnam was subjected to widespread spraying of the chemical herbicide that is also called Agent Orange containing the most toxic dioxin congener, of 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo(p)dioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD). A Luoi district belongs to Thua Thien- Hue province, located in the western part of the North Central coast region of Vietnam. During the Ranch Hand campaign (1965 -1970), A Luoi was heavily sprayed with this herbicide. In order to assess potential human health risks for people due to 2,3,7,8-TCDD exposure from contaminated soil, more than 50 soil samples were collected in A Luoi district area in 2013 and 2014 to determine dioxin concentrations by HRGC/HRMS. Human health risk assessment was applied using internationally recognized approaches. Hazard Quotient (HQ) values, assuming 2,3,7,8-TCDD to be a threshold contaminant, were calculated to be 13.2 and 6.1; and Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (ILCTR) values, assuming 2,3,7,8-TCDD to be carcinogenic non threshold, were 0.00314 and 0.00627 for adults and children, respectively. These results from exposures in A Luoi show risk values, which are several hundred times higher than acceptable TRVs. The results of this study indicate that, although the war ended nearly 50 years ago, communities living in A Luoi are still at risk of residual dioxin exposure from soils contaminated. Therefore, risk management and mitigation measures are needed, including targeted soil remediation and provision of improved medical and health systems. To our knowledge, this is the first human health risk assessment (HRRA) study in areas sprayed by herbicides during the war in Vietnam. / Trong thời kỳ chiến tranh giữa Mỹ và Việt Nam (1961 - 1972), Việt Nam phải hứng chịu một lượng lớn chất diệt cỏ còn gọi là chất Da cam, trong đó chứa chất hóa học siêu độc 2,3,7,8- Tetrachlorodibenzo (p) dioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD). Huyện A Lưới thuộc tỉnh Thừa Thiên-Huế, nằm ở phía tây của vùng duyên hải Bắc Trung Bộ Việt Nam. Trong chiến dịch Ranch Hand (1965-1970), huyện A Lưới đã nhiều lần bị phun rải chất diệt cỏ này. Trong 2 năm 2013 và 2014, hơn 50 mẫu đất và thực phẩm đã được thu thập ở khu vực huyện A Lưới và phân tích xác định nồng độ dioxin nhằm đánh giá rủi ro về sức khỏe đối với người dân sống trong vùng bị phun rải chất diệt cỏ trong chiến tranh. Nếu giả định chất 2,3,7,8-TCDD là chất độc có ngưỡng, giá trị HQ (hệ số rủi ro) tính được là 13,2 và 6,1; và nếu giả định 2,3,7,8-TCDD là chất độc gây ung thư không ngưỡng, các giá trị ILCR (nguy cơ ung thư tăng dần suốt đời) tìm được là 0,00314 và 0,00627, tương ứng đối với người lớn và trẻ em sống ở A Lưới. Khi so sánh với các giá trị TRVs (rủi ro chấp nhận được) cho thấy các giá trị rủi ro ở A Lưới cao hơn vài trăm lần. Từ kết quả này chỉ ra mặc dù chiến tranh đã kết thúc gần 50 năm trước, cộng đồng ở A Lưới vẫn có nguy cơ phơi nhiễm dioxin. Cần thiết phải sớm có các biện pháp quản lý rủi ro và giảm thiểu phơi nhiễm dioxin cho người dân, bao gồm việc xử lý đất và cung cấp các hệ thống bảo vệ môi trường, y tế và cải thiện sức khỏe. Đây là bài báo đầu tiên về đánh giá rủi ro sức khỏe cộng đồng dân cư do phơi nhiễm dioxin ở những vùng bị phun rải chất diệt cỏ trong chiến tranh.

<p>The purpose of the essay is to investigate whether the principles formulated by Peter Ackerman and Christopher Kruegler, concerning strategic non-violent conflicts, can serve a purpose when analyzing improvised non-violent conflicts. The principles are derived from factors that have been prominent in earlier successful improvised non-violent conflicts.</p><p>The essay is based on two research questions; if the factors included in the principles formulated by Ackerman and Kruegler, exist in the two cases that this study investigates, and if those principles offer a satisfactory explanation for the outcome of an improvised non-violent conflict.</p><p>To answer the questions the study uses a comparative method, where the improvised non-violent conflict of 2004 in Ukraine is compared to the improvised non-violent conflict of 1988 in Burma.</p><p>The answer to the first question shows that the factors contained in the principles previously mentioned, exists in both cases. The answer to the second question is more uncertain, as there seems to be doubts on whether the case of Ukraine really was completely improvised. Another reason for caution is that the factors contained in the principles, only consider actions made by non-violent actors, and not by opponents or third parties. Thus the risks of missing vital explanatory factors are substantial.</p>

Genetic resistance to the orange wheat blossom midge (Sitodiplosis mosellana; OWBM) is an important breeding target to prevent yield and quality losses of durum wheat produced in western Canada. To date, only a single characterized midge resistance gene, Sm1, has been identified. Sm1 confers antibiosis resistance to the OWBM. It has been genetically localized to chromosome 2BS of hexaploid wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Sm1 has been introgressed into locally adapted germplasm. Currently, no Sm1 carrying durum wheat lines are available for commercial production, and no studies have characterized the influence of Sm1 on yield and end-use quality of durum wheat. The main objectives of this study were: 1) To determine the effect of Sm1 on grain yield and end-use quality. 2) To genetically map the Sm1 introgression. For this work, 122 F5:9 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from a cross between the midge susceptible durum wheat cultivar CDC Verona (Sm1 “-”) and resistant experimental line DT780 (Sm1 “+”). Agronomic and end-use quality traits of the mapping population were analyzed. The results from each environment were used for quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis at Kernen (SK) in 2009 and 2010, and at Indian Head (SK) in 2009. On average, the presence of Sm1 was associated with higher grain yield and yellow pigment content, but lower kernel weight, reduced grain protein content, and weaker gluten properties. However, it was possible to identify RIL lines carrying Sm1 that expressed higher kernel weight, grain protein content, and stronger gluten. A genetic linkage map spanning 58 cM on chromosome 2B near Sm1 was constructed. QTL mapping suggested that the total length of the Sm1 introgression into durum wheat was approximately 11cM. Nearly all traits measured showed QTLs associated with Sm1. For grain protein content, a QTL proximal to Sm1 was identified, suggesting that Sm1 per se may not be contributing to the reduced grain protein observed in the Sm1 carriers of the RIL mapping population. The results presented here suggest that on average, Sm1 is associated with higher grain yield and some reduced end-use quality factors, but that it may be possible to combine Sm1 with high grain yield and end-use quality equivalent to current check cultivars.

Unstable oil markets with rising environmental concerns have revived widespread interest in production of fuel ethanol from renewable materials. Cellulosic materials are abundant and prominent feedstocks for cheap ethanol production. However, due to recalcitrant structure of these materials, pretreatment is a prerequisite. Depending on the biomass, pretreatment and hydrolysis conditions, a number of degradation products and/or toxic components may be released that show strong inhibitory effects on the fermenting microorganisms. This thesis deals with application of encapsulation technology to ferment the highly toxic hydrolyzates without further pretreatment. Free cells could not tolerate presence of 5 g/l furfural in defined medium, and inhibitors in wood and peel hydrolyzates in batch mode of operation and fermentation failed. Continuous cultivation of wood hydrolyzate was only successful at 0.1 h−1 and the majority of cells lost their viability after 5 retention times. Encapsulated cell system could successfully ferment the synthetic medium containing 5 g/l furfural during sequential batch cultivations with ethanol yield of 0.41-0.42 g/g. Cultivation of undetoxified hydrolyzates was also carried out, where glucose and mannose were converted within 10 h without significant lag phase. However, a gradual decrease in cell activity was observed in sequential batches. Continuous cultivation was more successful, and wood hydrolyzate was fermented to ethanol by encapsulated S. cerevisiae at dilution rates up to 0.5 h−1. More than 75% of the encapsulated cells were viable in the worst conditions. Ethanol was produced with yield 0.44 g/g and specific productivity 0.14–0.17 g/g•h at all dilution rates. Contrary to wood hydrolyzate, where there is no preference for permeation of sugars or inhibitors through the capsules’ membrane, encapsulation technology was applied to eliminate inhibition of limonene in fermentation of orange wastes to ethanol. The capsules’ membrane, of hydrophilic nature, is practically impermeable to hydrophobic compounds such as limonene while allowing penetration of nutrients and products. While presence of 0.1% v/v limonene in the medium results in strong inhibition or even failure of cultivation with free cells, using this technique allowed fermentation of a medium containing 1.5% v/v limonene. The impact of encapsulation on the anaerobic growth pattern, morphological and physiological changes of S. cerevisiae over long-term application was investigated. The growth rate, total RNA and protein content of the encapsulated cells decreased gradually over repeated batch cultivations, while stored carbohydrates content increased. Within 20 batch cultivations, total RNA and protein content of encapsulated cells decreased by 39% and 24%, whereas glycogen and trehalose content increased by factors of 4.5 and 4, respectively. / <p>Akademisk avhandling som för avläggande av teknologie doktorsexamen vid Chalmers tekniska högskola försvaras vid offentlig disputation den 18 april 2008.</p>

M.Ed. (Curriculum Studies) / Various observations by the researcher aroused an interest to investigate the position of Religious Education on Black Senior Secondary level. This study may in part be seen as a model as to why this subject has been introduced in Black Secondary schools. This study is also designed to enquire as to why the subject is taken as an examination subject in some schools and not in others.

M. Tech. Business Administration / The objective of this study is to identify the intrinsic and extrinsic factors that cause turnover intention. Finally the relationship will be tested between job satisfaction and turnover intention. A four section questionnaire will be used to identify the intrinsic and extrinsic factors that have an influence on job satisfaction. The questionnaire will also test the employees intent to leave the organization. Random selected employees from all levels in the organization participated in this study. In this study gender, marital status and employment duration had a significant impact on job satisfaction.

Orientador: Thais Borges Cesar / Banca: Paula Garcia Chiarello / Banca: Renata Maria Galvão de Campos Cintra / Banca: Anderson Marliere Navarro / Banca: Katia Sivieri / Resumo: Introdução: Aos compostos do suco de laranja 100% puro (SL) são atribuídos várias propriedades biológicas, como atividade antioxidante, anti-hipertensiva, redutora do colesterol e glicemia sanguíneos, e atualmente estudos in vitro têm mostrado que o suco de laranja pode ter ação seletiva sob a microbiota intestinal. Objetivo: Investigar o impacto do consumo diário de suco de laranja sobre a microbiota intestinal e no perfil glicídico e lipídico em mulheres. Métodos: Foram avaliadas 10 mulheres por período de 120 dias, distribuídos em três etapas: (1ª): dieta livre de citrus 30º dia (30 dias); (2ª) ingestão de 300 mL/dia de SL 90º dia (60 dias); (3ª) dieta livre de citrus 120º dia (30 dias). Avaliação dietética e antropometria foram realizadas quinzenalmente durante o período experimental. Foram colhidas amostras de sangue, urina e fezes, no início do estudo e a cada 30 dias, até o final do experimento. Foi realizado: analise dos parâmetros bioquímicos; identificação dos metabólitos urinários por UHPLC-UV-VIS; e análise da composição da microbiota por sequenciamento de gene RNAr 16S. Resultados: A avaliação da composição corporal e a excreção urinária não mostraram alterações durante as etapas experimentais. Os parâmetros bioquímicos mostraram diminuição da glicose (-6,25%), da insulina (-32,7%) e da resistência à insulina (-43,8%), além do colesterol total (-13,9%), LDL (-16%) e triglicerídeos (-30%) com a ingestão de SL (90º dia). Após a parada do consumo de SL (120º dia), o... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Introduction: 100% pure orange juice (OJ) compounds are assigned to various biological properties, such as antioxidant, antihypertensive, blood cholesterol lowering and glycemia activity. Currently, in vitro studies have shown that orange juice can present selective action of intestinal microbiota. Objective: To investigate the impact of daily consumption of orange juice on the intestinal microbiota and on the lipid and glucose profile in women. Methods: Ten women were evaluated for 120 days at three differen stages: (1st) citrus-free diet 30th day (30 days); (2nd) intake of 300 mL / day SL 90th day (60 days); (3rd) citrus-free diet 120th day (30 days). Dietary assessment and anthropometry were performed biweekly during the experimental stages. Samples of blood, urine and feces were taken at the beginning of the study, and every 30 days until the end of the experiment. It was carried out: analysis of the biochemical parameters; identification of urinary metabolites by UHPLC-UV-VIS; and analysis of the composition of the microbiota by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Results: Changes during the experimental stages were not found in evaluation of body composition and urinary excretion. Biochemical parameters showed a decrease in glucose (-6.25%), insulin (-32.7%) and insulin resistance (-43.8%), total cholesterol (-13.9%), LDL (-16%) and triglycerides (-30%) with ingestion of OJ (90th day). After stopping OJ intake (120th day), the biochemical parameters returned to the initial values... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Doutor

Extensive quantities of apple pomace are generated annually but disposal of this waste is still much disputed. In EU alone, 500 000 tons are produced every year. Without further treatment, the acidic character of apples with their high sugar and low protein content makes the pomace unsuitable for landfilling and animal feedstock. However, further treatment is usually not economically feasible. This study addresses this issue by introducing a new approach for the apple pomace to produce sustainable materials.  The high content of sugars in apple pomace which can be reshaped and reformed at higher temperatures makes the waste material suitable for plastic production. Other components found in apple pomace are 5 % proteins and 1.5 % fats. Fibers are abundant, dietary fibers amounts for more than half (55 %) the original apple pomace weight. Phenols, sorbitol and acids can be found in minor mount, 2 % or less. The apple pomace itself is a mixture of mostly pulp and peel which corresponds to 9/10 of the total mass. Whereas seeds, seed core and stalk are the remaining 1/10. The possibilities of utilizing apple pomace to produce biofilms and 3D shapes have been investigated. The effects of introducing orange pomace, another waste material produced in extensive quantities, to apple pomace samples has also been studied.  Two methods were used to produce bioplastic materials; solution casting and compression molding. Glycerol was used as a plasticizer. Apple pomace, either washed or not washed, was oven-dried and milled into a fine powder. Using compression molding, plates or cups of the two powders with different amounts of glycerol were prepared. Mixtures of apple pomace and orange pomace, with or without glycerol, were prepared in the same way. The apple pomace was also used in a film casting method to produce plastic films. Applying laser cutting to the plates and plastic films, dog-bone specimens were created whose mechanical properties were analysed using a universal testing machine.  Highest values in terms of tensile strength and elongation at max was reached with bioplastics produced from solution casting where the values varied in the range 3.3 – 16 MPa and 11 – 55 % respectively. The compression molding approach resulted in tensile strength values in the range 0.94 – 5.9 MPa whereas the elongation at max was in the range 0.30 – 1.9 %. A possible application for this material could be disposable tableware which does not require high mechanical strength.  It was shown that it is possible to produce 3D structures and plastic films from apple pomace. Washed apple pomace with glycerol has similar properties as not washed apple pomace without the plasticizer. Adding orange pomace to apple pomace samples increases the tensile strength at the expense of the elongation at max. The pressing conditions and powder size greatly effects the mechanical properties, where a larger powder size lower the values for the mechanical properties. This new approach paves the way for a new utilization of apple pomace to replace some petroleum-based materials and at the same time solve the disposal problem of apple pomace.