The long-held desire - to link structure directly to function and to explain molecular mechanisms based on basic chemical or physical principles - is finally coming closer, satisfying not only our... Show moreThe long-held desire - to link structure directly to function and to explain molecular mechanisms based on basic chemical or physical principles - is finally coming closer, satisfying not only our scientific curiosity but also offering new solutions to the many challenges in the field of health, energy and sustainability. This thesis aims to understand the mechanisms of the largest and most efficient antenna complex in photosynthetic bacteria, the chlorosome, at the molecular level. By linking classical methods for the description of molecular motions to quantum models for electronic movements, and comparison with experimental data, I was able to unambiguously determine the molecular structure of chlorosomes. Moreover, this hybrid approach provided new and unique insight into how these antennae encode robust and efficient functions in structure and structural dynamics. This elucidates the origin of their photosynthetic efficiency, which can be useful for the design of new generations of solar cells. Furthermore, we gain unique insight into the versatile ways in which nature encodes its functions: not only in DNA, but also in the way molecules arrange themselves in a larger aggregate, and the dynamics that results from it. Show less
In meta-analysis, heterogeneity often exists between studies. In such cases, it is essential to investigate the sources of heterogeneity and understand the relationship between effect size and... Show moreIn meta-analysis, heterogeneity often exists between studies. In such cases, it is essential to investigate the sources of heterogeneity and understand the relationship between effect size and study characteristics (i.e., moderators). Applying tree-based methods in meta-analysis is a promising alternative for conventional meta-regression, since trees excel at modeling interactions and non-linear relationships and provide easily interpretable results. In this thesis, we propose a method called meta-CART, which integratesclassification and regression trees (CART) into the framework of meta-analysis. This method identifies subgroups of homogeneous studies by searching influential moderators that can explain the heterogeneity, and performs subgroup analysis to test the significance of the identified moderators and estimate the subgroup effect sizes. Show less
The Chinese economy has undergone large-scale changes since the implementation of the“reform and opening to the outside world” (gaige kaifang) policy in 1978. Thistransformation is reflected in... Show moreThe Chinese economy has undergone large-scale changes since the implementation of the“reform and opening to the outside world” (gaige kaifang) policy in 1978. Thistransformation is reflected in collective labour relations, which have evolved from anenvironment of harmony between labour and employer during the command economy toconflict between these forces in the present socialist market economy. This situation hasarisen as a result of the diversification of employer ownership in the course of theeconomic reforms. Marxist-Leninist arguments are no longer convincing for workers,especially those in the non-state economy who face particularly harsh workingconditions. Following the wave of strikes in the summer of 2010, labour relations inChina began to take on a more collective character. The increasing number of collectiveactions by workers is in tension with the labour law system, which was designed mainlyto protect and to resolve labour issues involving individuals Show less
This thesis explores the chemistry of interstellar and circumstellar molecules during star formation and death. From the perspective of chemical physics, the most important outcome of this thesis... Show moreThis thesis explores the chemistry of interstellar and circumstellar molecules during star formation and death. From the perspective of chemical physics, the most important outcome of this thesis lies in that the rates for two important reactions are determined accurately for the first time: N2 photodissociation and reaction rates (both state-to-state and thermal) of OH with H. In particular, accurate N2 photodissociation rate and shielding functions were calculated. The results are very useful in many astrophysical fields. In addition, a new method for accurately calculating molecular shielding functions in full 3D radiation field was proposed, and was employed to give new predictions for molecule distributions in a C-rich AGB star, IRC +10216, and an O-rich AGB star, IK Tau, based on the latest progress from both observations and simulations. By far, these results are the most accurate ones, and can be directly compared to the future observations. Show less
