Abstract Background The inference of population structure in domestication studies is prone to biases whenever sampling is unbalanced and effective population sizes (N e) differ across populations. Such biases can lead to the misclassification of large ancestral populations as admixed, particularly under single-origin domestication scenarios. Results We propose a novel parameterization strategy for the STRUCTURE software, combining the F model and alternative ancestry prior (along with a smaller initial ALPHA value), and simulations demonstrate that the strategy mitigates unbalanced sampling and unequal population size biases. We apply our strategy to the domestication history of the common walnut (Juglans regia), using whole-genome resequencing data from 298 individuals from across its range. The results support an origin of J. regia in South Asia, where walnut populations are characterized by high genetic diversity, extensive private allele content, low mutation load, and demographic stability. Building on this demographic framework, we further identify genomic regions under recent positive selection and candidate domestication genes involved in shell structure, pollen development, and lipid transport. Conclusions Our results clarify the long-standing debate on the geographic origin of walnut domestication and demonstrate that an optimized, model-aware use of STRUCTURE can substantially improve population-genetic inference in domestication studies and other systems characterized by complex demography.
The domestication and development of cattle has considerably impacted human societies, but the histories of cattle breeds and populations have been poorly understood especially for African, Asian, and American breeds. Using genotypes from 43,043 autosomal single nucleotide polymorphism markers scored in 1,543 animals, we evaluate the population structure of 134 domesticated bovid breeds. Regardless of the analytical method or sample subset, the three major groups of Asian indicine, Eurasian taurine, and African taurine were consistently observed. Patterns of geographic dispersal resulting from co-migration with humans and exportation are recognizable in phylogenetic networks. All analytical methods reveal patterns of hybridization which occurred after divergence. Using 19 breeds, we map the cline of indicine introgression into Africa. We infer that African taurine possess a large portion of wild African auroch ancestry, causing their divergence from Eurasian taurine. We detect exportation patterns in Asia and identify a cline of Eurasian taurine/indicine hybridization in Asia. We also identify the influence of species other than Bos taurus taurus and B. t. indicus in the formation of Asian breeds. We detect the pronounced influence of Shorthorn cattle in the formation of European breeds. Iberian and Italian cattle possess introgression from African taurine. American Criollo cattle originate from Iberia, and not directly from Africa with African ancestry inherited via Iberian ancestors. Indicine introgression into American cattle occurred in the Americas, and not Europe. We argue that cattle migration, movement and trading followed by admixture have been important forces in shaping modern bovine genomic variation.
This paper investigates the role of foreign direct investment (FDI) in fostering economic growth within the ASEAN region, which is a dynamic area known for its fast-paced economic development in recent decades. The study's objective is to analyze the FDI situation in ASEAN and how it is distributed among key sectors such as manufacturing, finance, and trade, as well as to assess the challenges and opportunities that the region faces in attracting foreign capital. The study explores how ASEAN's policies, such as trade liberalization, agreements, the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), and other initiatives, have successfully positioned the region as a prime destination for FDI. The findings indicate that FDI has significantly contributed to economic growth, job creation, and technological advancement, though benefits remain unevenly distributed among the member states. The paper also highlights the growing importance of sustainable and high-tech investments, emphasizing that future economic progress will require addressing infrastructure gaps, enhancing human capital, and strengthening regulatory frameworks. The findings suggest that, while FDI remains a crucial driver of growth, ASEAN must focus on promoting inclusivity and sustainability in its investment strategies to maintain its competitive edge in the global market.
South Asia. Southeast Asia. East Asia, Bibliography. Library science. Information resources
Contestations related to hierarchy among the Balinese have long been discussed. In present-day Bali, one of the most spectacular cases of hierarchical conflict was the conflict surrounding the prohibition of a high priest from Wangsa Pasek (Pasek Maxima Clan) from officiating rituals in Pura Dasar Bhuana in Gelgel, Klungkung. This conflict triggered the construction of a new temple, called Pura Catur Parhyangan Ratu Pasek Linggih Ida Bethara Mpu Ghana located in Pundukdawa village, also in Klungkung district. This research aimed to analyse in depth the motivation of the temple construction and its ramifications, employing a qualitative research approach. It concluded that the development of the new temple is a movement to search and strengthen identity (wangsa identity, identitas ke-wangsa-an), and to increase the maxima clan’s standing. The findings of this research suggest that in analysing the current hierarchy and dominance in Balinese society, it can no longer employ analytical theories based on static hierarchy.
Nazimur Rahman Talukdar, Firoz Ahmad, Laxmi Goparaju
et al.
Understanding the spatiotemporal distribution of forest fires and future predictions is very important for management strategies. To identify the present status of forest fires in the Kingdom of Thailand and their risk in the future, ten-year forest fire data were used, and a forest fire hotspot was prepared. A geospatial technique was used in the study to characterize the parameters of forest fires in the country and identify future forest fire risk areas. Most of the forest fires in the country were found to be seasonal. Deciduous forests in higher elevations and on moderate slopes were most vulnerable to forest fire. The level of aridity, soil moisture, temperature, precipitation, vegetation status, and topography influenced the spatiotemporal distribution of forest fires in the country. Greater than 50% of fire risks were observed in 22 administrative divisions, and 17 of the 209 protected areas are also in the high-risk category. The final forest fire hotspot map can be used in policy development and successful management strategies. A better monitoring strategy should be used in the fire hotspot areas as a precautionary measure to minimize the anthropogenic causes of forest fires.
In 1992, the United States government expanded a 1978 decision to observe Asian Pacific American Heritage Week to a month-long recognition of the contributions of Asian Americans to the country's history and ongoing cultural milieu. Since 2000, the Asian population in the United States has grown by 72%-the fastest rate of any racial/ethnic group in the country. Today, the Census reports that Asians comprise 22 million United States residents. Despite this unprecedented growth, Asian Americans remain largely invisible in the national dialogue and in scientific research. This special issue features theoretical, empirical, and policy articles that highlight Asian Americans in psychology. Asian Americans remain marginalized and invisible in scientific endeavors for several reasons. For example, consolidating many ethnic groups under an "Asian American" pan-ethnic umbrella masks meaningful cultural, linguistic, ethnic, migration, gender, sexual/gender identity/expression, and socioeconomic differences. These intersectional identities result in experiences that are multiply marginalized, contributing to invisibility. The model minority stereotype highlights high-achieving and successful individuals, rendering the segment of the Asian American population that is struggling irrelevant and unworthy of attention. This special issue directly interrogates sources of invisibility to synthesize theory, research, and policy focused on Asian Americans. The articles in this special issue focus on the intersectional spaces that Asian Americans occupy, unpacking the diversity behind the "Asian American" pan-ethnic label, experiences of identity and discrimination across a range of Asian American groups, and areas of theory/research/policy where Asian American experiences have been overlooked. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
In the second half of the 19th century, East Turkistan (Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region) was a place where many religions and cultures coexisted and attracted the interest of travelers from all around the world. These travelers were motivated by the desire to delve into the unexplored language and culture of the Silk Road. One classic example of the efforts of Eastern scholars involved the four German (Prussian) Turfan expeditions known from 1902-1914. The primary goal of these expeditions was to obtain Buddhist artifacts as well as other cultural relics and written records from pre-Islamic Central Asia. Albert von Le Coq (1860-1930) led the second and fourth expeditions and acquired many friends in the region. Among the notable figures in the local aristocracy was Emin Khwāja Wang (1885-1933) from Lukchun, Turfan. The manuscript this article evaluates delves into the genealogy of the Wang family in Turfan, spanning from Feridun Wang to Emin Wang. This manuscript, referred to as Manuscript Arab 4, is currently housed in the Turfan Room of the Oriental Department at the Berlin State Library (Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin). It had likely been brought to Berlin during the German Turfan expeditions. This study provides an introduction tothe Wang family in Turfan and presents additional sources related to their history, a copy of the manuscript, and insights into its linguistic characteristics. It also includes a transcription of the text into Turkish and an index/glossary of select words. This primary source document from the period allows valuable information to be gained about Wang’s empire in Turfan.