Domestic Influences Research Articles

“Diminishing returns” in the scaling of leaf area vs. dry mass across 94 teas in China

ABSTRACT The scaling relationship between leaf area and dry mass is commonly employed to balance leaf acquisition and investment strategies. However, the understanding of the scaling of the leaf area and the dry mass in artificially domesticated species is limited, especially in tea. We analyzed the relationships between leaf area and dry mass in 94 tea cultivars across China. Then, we compared the scaling exponent with bamboo (50 species) and trees (252 species) growing under natural conditions. Our results revealed that the leaf area of tea scaled approximately as the 0.76-power with leaf dry mass, which is significantly lower than bamboo (0.86) and trees (1.03). Consequently, it was posited that the growth of the tea leaves may prefer to get more leaf dry mass rather than the expansion of the leaf area due to the long-term influence of artificial domestication.

Sexual behaviour of Anastrepha obliqua (Macquart) (Diptera: Tephritidae): Do laboratory domestication conditions influence male courtship behaviour?

AbstractWe analysed the influence of laboratory domestication, under relaxed conditions, on the courtship behaviour of the fruit fly species Anastrepha obliqua, an important agricultural pest. We compared the temporal patterns of pheromone emission (Calling behaviour) and the frequencies and sequences of the courtship behavioural units of males of a laboratory lineage and a wild lineage. Our results indicated similarities in the temporal behavioural patterns of calling, the durations of their behavioural sequences, the final sequences of courtships resulting in copulation, of wild and laboratory males. Differences, however, were observed between the two populations in terms of the frequencies of the behavioural units executed and the initial sequence of courtship. Differences were noted in the presence or absence of some behavioural units within the courtship behavioural repertoires of the laboratory‐reared and wild. The wild males did not show units such as Alignment, Contact, Fighting and Marking Leaf that were observed in the laboratory males' courtship behaviour under laboratory conditions; on the other hand, laboratory males did not show the Abdominal movements and Oscillation observed in the courtship behaviour of wild males. The rearing of A. obliqua males under relaxed conditions in the laboratory provides an environment adequate for the preservation of behavioural characteristics relevant to the successful mating, such as Movement, Arrowhead 1, and Attempt, and in temporal patterns of pheromone emission.

Candidate genes for domestication and resistance to cold climate according to whole genome sequencing data of Russian cattle and sheep breeds.

It is known that different species of animals, when living in the same environmental conditions, can form similar phenotypes. The study of the convergent evolution of several species under the influence of the same environmental factor makes it possible to identify common mechanisms of genetic adaptation. Local cattle and sheep breeds have been formed over thousands of years under the influence of domestication, as well as selection aimed at adaptation to the local environment and meeting human needs. Previously, we identified a number of candidate genes in genome regions potentially selected during domestication and adaptation to the climatic conditions of Russia, in local breeds of cattle and sheep using whole genome genotyping data. However, these data are of low resolution and do not reveal most nucleotide substitutions. The aim of the work was to create, using the whole genome sequencing data, a list of genes associated with domestication, selection and adaptation in Russian cattle and sheep breeds, as well as to identify candidate genes and metabolic pathways for selection for cold adaptation. We used our original data on the search for signatures of selection in the genomes of Russian cattle (Yakut, Kholmogory, Buryat, Wagyu) and sheep (Baikal, Tuva) breeds. We used the HapFLK, DCMS, FST and PBS methods to identify DNA regions with signatures of selection. The number of candidate genes in potentially selective regions was 946 in cattle and 151 in sheep. We showed that the studied Russian cattle and sheep breeds have at least 10 genes in common, apparently involved in the processes of adaptation/selection, including adaptation to a cold climate, including the ASTN2, PM20D1, TMEM176A, and GLIS1 genes. Based on the intersection with the list of selected genes in at least two Arctic/Antarctic mammal species, 20 and 8 genes, have been identified in cattle and sheep, respectively, that are potentially involved in cold adaptation. Among them, the most promising for further research are the ASPH, NCKAP5L, SERPINF1, and SND1 genes. Gene ontology analysis indicated the existence of possible common biochemical pathways for adaptation to cold in domestic and wild mammals associated with cytoskeleton disassembly and apoptosis.

Still Lost in Space? Understanding China and India’s Anti-Satellite Tests through an Eclectic Approach

ABSTRACT One of the most notable aspects of contemporary security policy has been the growing interest in counterspace capabilities, including the testing of destructive anti-satellite (ASAT) weapons, by major space powers at a time when space is becoming an increasingly complex strategic domain. In this reconfigured context, the rise of China and India as space powers has a significant impact on overall space security activities and policies. As a result, China and India have assumed crucial importance in debates about space security and military uses of space. This article examines the ASAT tests of China and India that were carried out in 2007 and 2019, respectively, by offering a synthetic analysis that combines structural imperatives, domestic influences, and national identity. It argues that such an eclectic approach provides a more comprehensive understanding of the drivers behind the development and testing of their ASATs.

The (non) Europeanization of Latvia’s Far Right

Abstract Latvia’s far right has had a great deal of political influence since the late 1980s, when nativist movements played a key role in mobilizing political opposition to Soviet power. Far-right parties have been in 16 of the 22 government coalitions in Latvia between 1993 and 2023. Since 2010, the National Alliance (NA), a merger between an established far-right party and a more youthful political party, has come to dominate Latvia’s far right and has been a part of every government coalition from 2011-2023. This article begins with a discussion of Europeanization, the Europeanization of political parties, and the qualitative methodology used in the article to examine the impact of Latvia’s membership in the European Union on NA’s international links and program. The article then outlines the development and influence of Latvia’s far-right. The following sections examine links between Latvia’s far right and Europe’s far right and the impact of Europe on NA’s ideology and program. It finds little evidence of Europeanization of Latvia’s far right. Latvia’s far right is more hawkish toward Russia than the West European right and also enjoys greater domestic influence and respectability. “New nativist” anti-immigration and cultural Marxism themes have lower salience in Latvia where Russian-speakers are perceived as a bigger and more immediate threat than Muslims or “Woke” activists.

Global Patterns of Antioxidant-Rich Food Crops Based on Geographical Origins

We mapped antioxidant values of 118 common food crops at a global scale based on geographical origins using median oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and total phenolics (TP) for twenty-three regions to evaluate broad-scale patterns. Using the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Composition Database we used k-means clustering to differentiate regions based on ORAC and TP values. Latitude is positively associated with ORAC (r s = 0.51, p < 0.02) and TP (r s = 0.48, p < 0.02) with the highest values found in northeastern Europe, North America, and temperate South America. The lowest ORAC values are associated with equatorial and subtropical regions. Latitudinal differences in antioxidant properties of crops are positively associated with cold stress in the promotion of higher ORAC and TP values in colder regions. Latitudinal pattern exceptions occur in southwestern Europe where maritime conditions moderate cold stress and in the Andes where high-elevation conditions promote cold stress. Global evaluation of crop antioxidants reveals distinct geographical patterns that incorporate the long- and short-term effects of anthropogenic activity. Our findings suggest that results from smaller scale studies are operative at broader (regional-level) scales despite the influence of crop domestication and dispersal of crops across floristic boundaries.

Influence of plant domestication on plant-pollinator interactions: floral attributes and floral visitor communities in wild and cultivated squash plants.

Domestication of plant species results in phenotypic modifications and changes in biotic interactions. Most studies have compared antagonistic plant-herbivore interactions of domesticated plants and their wild relatives, but little attention has been given to how domestication influences plant-pollinator interactions. Floral attributes and interactions of floral visitors were compared between sister taxa of the genus Cucurbita (Cucurbitaceae), the domesticated C. moschata, C. argyrosperma ssp. argyrosperma and its wild progenitor C. argyrosperma ssp. sororia in the place of origin. We conducted univariate and multivariate analyses to compare floral morphological traits and analyzed floral reward (nectar and pollen) quantity and quality between flowers of wild and domesticated cucurbits. Staminate and pistillate flowers of all three taxa were video recorded, and visitation and behavior of floral visitors were registered and analyzed. Most floral morphological characteristics of flowers of domesticated taxa were larger in both staminate and pistillate flowers. Staminate and pistillate flowers presented distinct correlations between floral traits and integration indices between domesticated and wild cucurbits. Additionally, pollen quantity and protein to lipid ratio were greater in domesticated cucurbits. Cucurbit pollen specialists, Eucera sp., had the highest probability of visit for all cucurbit taxa. We provide evidence that floral traits of domesticated and wild cucurbit plants experienced different selection pressures. Domesticated cucurbit plants may have more resources invested towards floral traits, thereby increasing attractiveness to pollinators and potentially plant reproductive success. Wild ancestor plant populations should be conserved in their center of origin to preserve plant-pollinator interactions. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Persuasion Not Propaganda: Overcoming Controversies of Domestic Influence in NATO Military Strategic Communications

There are significant differences of opinion between the thirty member nations of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) as to the appropriate place of influence within military strategic communications. This paper finds that the sensitivities of some nations regarding influence stem from concerns of being accused of propaganda. While definitions of propaganda are diverse and complex, NATO’s particular definition is unhelpful in distinguishing between propaganda and the legitimate rhetorical influence activities of NATO and its nations. Therefore this paper proposes a new definition of propaganda for NATO, incorporating academic arguments of propaganda as a co-produced strategic process of deception. By creating distance from NATO’s communications activities, this new definition is intended to guide NATO nations beyond the sensitivities and towards a common approach to communications influence operations.

The development of object play in wolf puppies (Canis lupus)

ABSTRACT Studies exploring the development of object play of wolf pups are lacking. Comparisons of wolves vs. dogs can aid in teasing out the influences of domestication on any differences uncovered between wolves and various dog breeds. We investigated the development of object play from 2 to 9 weeks of age (14–63 days) in 2 litters of hand-reared wolf pups (Canis lupus). Both litters of pups were video-recorded in their home enclosures at week and mid-week timepoints. Each litter was given a separate set of the same five commercial dog (Canis lupus familiaris) toys with differing sensory and functional qualities. The first 10 min of activity from each session were analyzed using the Noldus Observer XT program and a previously developed ethogram of object related behaviors. The results were analyzed using repeated measures LMMs. Percent of time spent playing with toys, behavioral counts and behavioral diversity all increased significantly with age for wolf pups, and they were generally developmentally ahead of dog puppies. Wolves, like dogs, had preferences for some toys. These findings expand our grasp of infant wolf behavior, the comparative development of object play in canines, and provide a model for the study of domestication on play behavior.

Pleiotropy Structures Plant Height and Seed Weight Scaling in Barley despite Long History of Domestication and Breeding Selection.

Size scaling describes the relative growth rates of different body parts of an organism following a positive correlation. Domestication and crop breeding often target the scaling traits in the opposite directions. The genetic mechanism of the size scaling influencing the pattern of size scaling remains unexplored. Here, we revisited a diverse barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) panel with genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) profile and the measurement of their plant height and seed weight to explore the possible genetic mechanisms that may lead to a correlation of the two traits and the influence of domestication and breeding selection on the size scaling. Plant height and seed weight are heritable and remain positively correlated in domesticated barley regardless of growth type and habit. Genomic structural equation modeling systematically evaluated the pleiotropic effect of individual SNP on the plant height and seed weight within a trait correlation network. We discovered seventeen novel SNPs (quantitative trait locus) conferring pleiotropic effect on plant height and seed weight, involving genes with function in diverse traits related to plant growth and development. Linkage disequilibrium decay analysis revealed that a considerable proportion of genetic markers associated with either plant height or seed weight are closely linked in the chromosome. We conclude that pleiotropy and genetic linkage likely form the genetic bases of plant height and seed weight scaling in barley. Our findings contribute to understanding the heritability and genetic basis of size scaling and open a new venue for seeking the underlying mechanism of allometric scaling in plants.

Introducing the Online Political Influence Efforts dataset

This article introduces a dataset on the covert use of social media to influence politics by promoting propaganda, advocating controversial viewpoints, and spreading disinformation. Influence efforts (IEs) are defined as: (i) coordinated campaigns by a state, or the ruling party in an autocracy, to impact one or more specific aspects of politics at home or in another state, (ii) through media channels, including social media, by (iii) producing content designed to appear indigenous to the target state. Our data draw on more than 1,000 media reports and 500 research articles/reports to identify IEs, track their progress, and classify their features. The data cover 78 foreign influence efforts (FIEs) and 25 domestic influence efforts (DIEs) – in which governments targeted their own citizens – against 51 different countries from 2011 through early 2021. The Influence Effort dataset measures covert information campaigns by state actors, facilitating research on contemporary statecraft.

Mosques of Ottoman Period in Bosnia and Herzegovina: A Typological Classification of Historical Forms

At the beginning of the 20th century, more than a thousand mosques originating from the Ottoman period (1463-1878) were recorded in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Some estimates point that the number currently is much smaller. The goal of this study is to establish a typological classification of historical forms that were developed in more than four centuries. The diversity of patterns comes from the mixed influences ranging from the developed Ottoman style to the local material conditions and regional building traditions. This study used a qualitative evaluation of many characteristic examples to identify prevalent features that point to different types and subtypes of mosques. The evaluation of various examples used both firsthand observation and the written sources that are readily available. Thirty-six historical domed mosques were founded in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and their architecture is essentially a reflection of the architectural pattern predominantly from the 16th-century classical repertoire. However, a significantly higher proportion of mosques have sloping roofs where they strongly suggest domestic influences. The paper defines distinctive roofed mosque types where common characteristics predominate. Certain variations from the standard show a clear need for flexibility, adaptability, or improvisation. The study shows that the fundamental concept of the Turkish single-unit mosque, which was developed in Anatolia beginning in the 12th century, underwent a broad interpretation in Bosnia and Herzegovina throughout the Ottoman period, as evidenced by a variety of distinct types of roofed mosques.

Research note: This salesperson does not exist: How tactics from political influence operations on social media are deployed for commercial lead generation

Researchers of foreign and domestic influence operations document tactics that frequently recur in covert propaganda campaigns on social media, including backstopping fake personas with plausible biographies or histories, using GAN-generated images as profile photos, and outsourcing account management to paid organizations. These tactics, however, can be applied outside of the political realm. In this paper, we describe how these three tactics are leveraged to serve a commercial purpose: lead generation for sales. We conducted the first study of fake accounts with GAN-generated images on LinkedIn that engage in lead generation (n = 1,003) and offer recommendations for grappling with fake persona creation, generally, GAN-generated imagery, specifically, and outsourcing.

Foreign Military Intervention and Cabinet Government Stability

Cabinet governments are the most prevalent form of democratic rule and studies of cabinet government duration are common. These studies tend to focus on the domestic influences associated with cabinet longevity, not the impact that foreign policy decisions may have. We begin to address this gap in the literature by analyzing the effect that one particularly visible foreign policy decision, the initiation of a foreign military intervention, has on cabinet duration. We argue that the consequential decision to send troops abroad and possibly into harm’s way holds the potential to reset a country’s policy agenda. Such a reset can, in turn, prove beneficial for cabinet longevity. In Cox proportional survival analyses of 563 cabinets from 26 European countries between 1946 and 2008, we find that foreign military intervention does have a significant impact on government duration. Governments that dispatched soldiers overseas on supportive or neutral missions lasted significantly longer than those that did not, even after controlling for numerous alternative explanations of cabinet duration. Research on cabinet stability would thus benefit from looking beyond the domestic conditions commonly associated with longevity. The impact of foreign policy decisions should be considered as well.

International comparisons, domestic influences and where to next? The case of Irish meat consumption

Meat consumption internationally is driven by many common factors. While this broadly results in similar temporal trends, diversity in how these factors play out locally is evident. Drawing on secondary data sources, this paper illustrates this by comparing Irish meat consumption with other geographies. It illuminates the differential impact of significant shocks, e.g. the BSE crises, and socio-cultural factors on consumption. With increased attention on sustainability, how motivations relating to health, the environment and animal welfare will influence consumption is likely to vary across countries. Questions arise as to how strategies such as “less but better” will evolve, with available options including changing production parameters, producing meat-blended products, premiumisation and meat reduction. Given that the demand for meat stems as much from its traditional role in cultural practices as it does from satisfying individual needs, the extent to which consumer needs are being met by current offerings will change as the position held by meat in society changes.

Kerjasama Otoritas Jasa Keuangan (OJK) Dengan Monetary Authority Of Singapore (MAS) Dalam Bidang Teknologi Finansial

This research discusses globalization and the technological revolution, which is increasingly developing technology and information. The mobilization of the world community is also growing and more complex. This is what triggers globalization to occur because trade and financial movements can become easier to do. The author wants to describe the objectives and reasons for the Financial Services Authority in collaboration with the Monethary Authority of Singapore in the field of financial technology. By using the theory of National Interest, which is defined as the ability of a country to protect its physical identity, political identity and cultural identity. National interest is both a tool and a goal to be used as a medium to achieve the national goals of a country. The level of analysis used is the domestic influence because it is related to activities that occur at the country level. The type of research in this paper is qualitative analytic with secondary data. The author also describes the background for the formation of cooperation, the dynamics in the continuity of cooperation and the condition of financial technology in Indonesia. At the end of the research, the reasons for the cooperation between OJK and MAS are explained, namely technological developments, strengthening economic foundations and information exchange.

Diversity of the BoLA-DRB3 gene in cattle breeds from tropical and subtropical regions of Argentina.

Bovine leukocyte antigens (BoLA) have been widely studied because of their primary function in the recognition of pathogens by the immune system. To date, however, the characterization of the BoLA-DRB3 gene in Latin American Zebu and mixed zebuine breeds is scarce. By a sequence-based typing method, here we sequenced exon 2 of BoLA class II DRB3 gene in 264 animals from the five most commonly used breeds in northern Argentina (Creole, Brahman, Braford, Brangus, and Nellore).The Bos taurus, Bos indicus, and mixed breeds analyzed here contained 61 previously reported alleles. Genetic diversity was high at both allelic and nucleotide sequence levels, particularly in the mixed breeds Braford and Brangus. In contrast to previous reports on DRB3 diversity, no evidence of balancing selection was found in our data. Differentiation among breeds was highly significant, as shown by FST (FST = 0.052, P < 0.001) and cluster analyses. In accordance with historical origin of the breeds, UPGMA trees and metric multidimensional scaling (MDS) analyses showed that Creole is distantly related to the other zebuine breeds. Among them, Brahman, Braford, and Brangus exhibited the closest affiliations. Despite the overall differentiation of the breeds, analysis of the peptide binding regions at the aminoacid level revealed that the key aminoacids involved in peptide recognition are greatly conserved suggesting little influence of domestication and breeding in functional MHC variability. In sum, this is the first report of BoLA-DRB3 diversity in pure and mixed Bos indicus cattle breeds from Argentina. Knowledge of BoLA-DRB3 variability in breeds adapted to tropical and subtropical environments contributes not only to the characterization of MHC diversity but also to the design of peptide-based vaccines.

Counter memorials and counter monuments in Australia’s commemorative landscape: A systematic literature review

Over the course of the last four decades there has been a growing interest in the development and impact of counter memorials and counter monuments. While counter memorial and monument practices have been explored in Europe and the United States, relatively little research has been conducted in the Australian context. This systematic literature review examines the current state of scholarship by exploring what form counter monuments and memorials have taken and what events they have focussed on. A total of 134 studies met the selection criteria and were included in the final review. The major factors identified that have impacted on the development of the counter memorial and monument genre in Australia are international and domestic influences, historical, political and social-cultural events in Australia, the socio-political agenda of various individuals or organisations, and the aesthetics of the counter memorials and monuments themselves. The review found that Australia has a diverse and active counter memorial and monument genre, with commemorative practices honouring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, women, victims of human made and natural disasters, the experiences of asylum seekers, and the histories and experiences of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer communities.

Suspensory ligament or interosseous muscle? Histology of the interosseous muscle of South American Camelids.

The interosseous muscles (IOM) have evolved to largely collagenized structures in many large grazers, including South American Camelids (SACs). SACs include lama (Lama glama), alpaca (Vicugna pacos), guanaco (Lama guanicoe) and vicuna (Vicugna vicugna). This study reports on a comparative histomorphological evaluation of the IOM in these four species. First, a descriptive qualitative analysis of the tissue composition within the physiological IOM clearly demonstrates that the IOM of all SAC species is predominantly tendinous. However, we can always find a small amount of striated muscle fibres supporting the claim that the term "interosseous muscle" should be preferred over the denomination "suspensory ligament". Second, we quantify the ratio of muscle tissue (MTr) occupying the cross-sectional area (CSA) of 80 limbs at three levels and examine it in relation to limb, sample localization and species. Values for MTr are highest at the middle level, ranging from 0.4% to 15.2% with a mean of 3.4%±3.2%. We also detect notable amounts of muscle tissue at the distal sample level in the area of the branches of the IOM. Of all SACs, alpacas present the highest MTr. Lamas have a significantly larger MTr than guanacos. These results suggest the influence of domestication and/or physical activity on the muscle tissue content of the IOM of SACs. Amounts and distribution of muscle, adipose and lose connective tissue vary greatly for each sample localization and within individuals of one species. This may complicate the interpretation of MRI images of SACs' IOM for diagnostic purposes.

Sociocultural and domestic influences to online learning in developing countries

This paper aims to discuss to what extent social, parental and family aspects affect the performance of university students in the Southern Africa Region. Principles of online teaching and learning and the qualitative and quantitative methodologies inform this research. Data comprises information and ideas of students and their parents or guardians, collected through a survey on online teaching and learning processes in the region. Data analyses indicate that over 77% of learners were not satisfied/successful with online learning. Financial challenges, however, are not the main reason of frustration. Only 39% of students report difficulties related to finances. A large number of respondents indicates issues related to negative parental and family involvement, such as lack of parental guidance and encouragement in favour of online learning and denial of this modality of education, as the major problems behind students’ frustration, dissatisfaction and failure. It is highlighted, therefore, that positive parental involvement is a key for students’ success, especially in the online learning process.