755 research outputs found
Moosavi, Sayed Jalal, 2023, "Taxus baccata_13 EST-SSRs_399Ind_Bavarian Forest National Park, Germany"
No full textThe data set includes the genotypes of 13 EST-SSR loci for 399 samples of Taxus baccata individuals from Bavarian Forest National Park, Germany
Pinus gerardiana_6 cpSSRs_199Ind
No full textWe developed six novel cpSSR markers based on the Chilgoza pine’s chloroplast genome to assess genetic diversity, population structure, and pollen dispersal in a population from Gardiz, Afghanistan
P.gerardiana_8EST-SSRs_191Ind
No full textThe data set includes the genotypes of eight EST-SSR loci for 191 samples of Pinus gerardiana individuals from Gardiz, Afghanistan
The revised Afghanistan criminal code: an end for Bacha Bazi?
No full textThe war in Afghanistan has led to a resurgence in the practice of bacha bazi, or 'boy play' in Afghanistan. Sayed Jalal Shajjan discusses the inefficacy of allied and local forces in stamping out this abusive practice, as well as their complicity in its existence today
Development of New Chloroplast Microsatellites for Pinus gerardiana and their Application in Genetic Diversity Analyses
No full textChloroplast DNA (cpDNA) is a valuable tool for studying plant population genetics and gene flow by pollen in conifers due to their paternal inheritance, particularly through the application of chloroplast DNA microsatellite markers (cpSSRs). This study focuses on Chilgoza pine (Pinus gerardiana L.), an economically and ecologically significant tree species in Afghanistan. Despite its importance, comprehensive genetic research on Chilgoza pine has been limited. To address this gap, we developed novel cpSSR markers based on the Chilgoza pine's chloroplast genome to assess genetic diversity, population structure, and pollen dispersal in a population from Gardiz, Afghanistan. Needle samples from 199 trees across four subpopulations and two age cohorts (young and old) were collected and analyzed. Our findings revealed 27 chloroplast microsatellite markers, of which six exhibited polymorphism. Haplotype analysis identified 32 unique haplotypes, with one most prevalent haplotype. Genetic diversity analysis showed comparatively high levels of diversity, with no genetic differentiation between young and old tree cohorts. Fine-scale spatial genetic structure (FSGS) analysis revealed significant but weak family structure and relatedness in young cohorts, suggesting distance-dependent gene flow by pollen. Additionally, in silico BLAST analysis demonstrated strong sequence conservation across related Pinus species, indicating high potential for cross-species amplification of the developed markers. Our study underscores the utility of cpSSRs in characterizing genetic diversity and structure, which is crucial for the conservation and sustainable management of Chilgoza pine forests. These findings provide insights for developing conservation strategies and highlight the importance of genetic marker studies to aid the preservation of biodiversity that supports local livelihoods.Open-Access-Publikationsfonds 202
Genetic diversity and fine-scale spatial genetic structure of the near-threatened Pinus gerardiana in Gardiz, Afghanistan
No full textBackground and aims – Chilgoza pine (Pinus gerardiana) is a near-threatened tree species from the north-western Himalayas. This species is the economically most important pine in Afghanistan because of its edible nuts; however, its distribution range is disjunct and restricted to a few isolated regions. The IUCN lists Chilgoza as a near threatened species because of overexploitation of its nuts and a declining population trend. This research is the first in-depth analysis of the genetic variability and structure of Chilgoza in Afghanistan using microsatellite markers. Material and methods –We tested cross-amplification of 44 SSR markers developed for pine species. Eight polymorphic EST-SSRs were genotyped in a natural Chilgoza population in Gardiz, Afghanistan. To evaluate the genetic diversity, fine-scale spatial genetic structure (SGS), signatures of bottleneck events, and the effective population size, 191 trees were sampled and genotyped. Based on the diameter at breast height, individuals were classified as young or old trees. Key results – Genetic variation in the whole population was moderate. For individual markers, He ranged from 0.130 to 0.515 (mean = 0.338) and Ho from 0.118 to 0.542 (mean = 0.328). The expected heterozygosity in young trees was slightly lower than in old trees. The SGS was stronger for young trees (Sp = 0.0100) than for old trees (Sp = 0.0029). Heterozygosity excess analysis detected no recent population size reduction, but the M ratio revealed an ancient and prolonged bottleneck in the Chilgoza population. Conclusion – Identification of suitable EST-SSRs for future studies of natural Chilgoza populations provides important tools for the conservation of the species. Despite the moderate genetic variation in Gardiz, scarcity of natural regeneration is likely to reduce the genetic variation and adaptability in future generations. Our results indicated a slight decrease in genetic diversity and stronger SGS in young trees calling for conservation measures fostering natural regeneration
Genetic variation of English yew (Taxus baccata L.) in the Bavarian Forest National Park, Germany
No full textTaxus baccata L. is a highly valuable species with wide distribution but scattered and locally rare occurrence. Human intervention, including forest management practices and fragmentation, can significantly impact the species’ genetic diversity, structure, and dynamics. In this study, we investigated these factors within T. baccata populations in the Bavarian Forest National Park (NP) in Germany and their implications for conservation. We used 13 EST-SSRs to assess the genetic diversity and structure of the population. Our analysis revealed a scarcity of small-diameter trees, indicating limited natural regeneration over time. However, conservation efforts, like selectively removing competitor species and using protective fencing, have improved growth conditions and promoted seedling emergence. The NP’s natural zone has no active management, which is confined to the development and management zones. Genetic diversity assessments revealed high genetic diversity (He: 0.612 and 0.614 for seedlings and adults, respectively) compared to other studies in Taxus baccata, dispelling concerns of significant inbreeding and showcasing a stable genetic structure. However, significant spatial clustering of related individuals (family structures) in both cohorts and low effective population size in the progeny hints at restricted gene flow, necessitating conservation efforts prioritizing safeguarding and promoting natural regeneration in development and management zones. Limited natural regeneration and the recent decrease in effective population size in the NP populations indicate habitat fragmentation and human interventions. Effective population size estimates emphasize the need for diverse conservation strategies. Conservation efforts should prioritize protecting natural regeneration and enhancing gene flow by actively promoting European yew, e.g., by shelterwood cutting, to ensure the long-term viability of T. baccata in the region outside the NP
DENATURALIZING CULTURE: SAYED KASHUA'S NEWSPAPER COLUMNS ON THE TOPIC OF PREJUDICE
No full textAbstract Discrimination is a recurrent topic in the work of the Israeli-Arab writer Sayed Kashua. In the last couple of years, Sayed Kashua has moved away from writing about the prejudice expressed by his own Israeli Muslim community towards the Israeli Jewish population to focus his attention instead on the prejudice shown by Jews against Arabs in Israel. Self-criticism has always been a hallmark of Sayed Kashua's work so this shift indicates a significant change in the columnist's perception of his own society. Based on a survey of various issues relating to Israeli society, such as the law, the educational system and language, as well as a theoretical review of authors who observe a mutual alienation of Arabs and Jews in Israel, this article analyses several of Sayed Kashua's recent columns in the Israeli newspaper Haaretz. It also investigates how the author understands prejudice and, in a singular and surprising way, expresses his concerns and solutions to this problem
Intrathecal Drug Delivery Systems Survey: Trends in Utilization in Pain Practice [Corrigendum]
No full textAbd-Sayed A, Fiala K, Weisbein J, et al. J Pain Res. 2022;15:1305–1314.
The authors have advised there is an error in the author list on page 1305. The author name “Alaa Abd-Sayed” should read “Alaa Abd-Elsayed”.
The authors apologize for this error
Experiencing the armed struggle : the Soweto generation and after
No full textIncludes bibliographical references (p. 354-369).This study explores the experiences of the rank-and-file soldiers of Umkhonto we Sizwe and the Azanian People's Liberation Anny. Extensive interviews by the author and other researchers reveal the voices of the soldiers themselves. The African National Congress and Pan African Congress archives at the University of the Western Cape and the University of Fort Hare supplement and verify these oral testimonies, as do some published sources. Most previously published materials about the armed struggle against apartheid have already focused on diplomacy, strategy and tactics, operations, leadership, and human rights abuses to the neglect of the soldiers' actual experiences. This study complements these with significant new oral history materials from the Soweto generation of soldiers and their successors. When dealing with MK, many authors have documented issues of the camp structure in Angola, and operations inside South Africa, so much of this detail is only addressed briefly, leaving space to explore the soldiers' experiences. In the case of APLA, very little has been written on its history, and more detail is provided on these subjects. This study therefore deals with the soldiers' politicisation and motivation for joining the armed struggle, their experiences in leaving South Africa and training in exile, the crises in exile which limited their effectiveness for a time, their return to fight in South Africa, and their difficulties in the "new" South Africa. These materials reveal that vast problems remain facing these veterans of the struggle against apartheid, and that they have the potential, if properly supported and employed, to contribute substantially to the development of present day South Africa. Conversely, if their neglect continues, they also have the potential to bring vast harm to the country. Further use of the investigative tools of oral history, especially if extended to the former soldiers' vernacular languages, is necessary to augment the history of South Africa, and these soldiers' contributions
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