This paper investigates the effect of the introduction of an irrigation technique on the technical efficiency of olive production in a sample of olive-growing farms in Tunisia, estimating the Cobb-Douglas form of stoc...This paper investigates the effect of the introduction of an irrigation technique on the technical efficiency of olive production in a sample of olive-growing farms in Tunisia, estimating the Cobb-Douglas form of stochastic frontier production function. Results indicate that estimated technical efficiency scores vary, ranging from a minimum of 3.0% to a maximum of 91.2% with a mean value of 61.2%. This suggests that olive-growing farms in Tunisia can increase their production on average by 38.8% through more efficient use of technology and inputs. The introduction of irrigation increased productivity, however, the estimated technical efficiency of irrigated olive farms varies across farms and they are less efficient than non-irrigated farms. This finding suggests that the introduction of irrigation to non-irrigated farms has the potential to increase production levels, however, the current production of the irrigated farms is far from the ＂best practice frontier＂ that realizes maximum possible output. Accumulation of experience and knowledge by farm owners and selection of olive cultivar significantly contribute to improving technical efficiency.展开更多
A developmentally retarded mutant (drm1) was identified from ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS)-mutagenized M2 seedsin Columbia (Col-0) genetic background. The drm1 flowers 109 d after sowing, with a whole life cycle of abo...A developmentally retarded mutant (drm1) was identified from ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS)-mutagenized M2 seedsin Columbia (Col-0) genetic background. The drm1 flowers 109 d after sowing, with a whole life cycle of about 160 d.It also shows a pleiotropic phenotype, e.g., slow germination and lower germination rate, lower growth rate, curlingleaves and abnormal floral organs. The drm1 mutation was a single recessive nuclear mutation, which was mapped tothe bottom of chromosome 5 and located within a region of 20-30 kb around MXK3.1. There have been no mutantswith similar phenotypes reported in the literature, suggesting that DRM1 is a novel flowering promoting locus. Thefindings that the drm1 flowered lately under all photoperiod conditions and its late flowering phenotype was significantlyrestored by vernalization treatment suggest that the drm1 is a typical late flowering mutant and most likely associatedwith the autonomous flowering pathway. The conclusion was further confirmed by the revelation that the transcriptlevel of FLC was constantly upregulated in the drm1 at all the developmental phases examined, except for a very earlystage. Moreover, the transcript levels of two other important repressors, EMF and TFL1, were also upregulated in thedrm1, implying that the two repressors, along with FLC, seems to act in parallel pathways in the drm1 to regulateflowering as well as other aspects of floral development in a negatively additive way. This helps to explain why the drm1exhibits a much more severe late-flowering phenotype than most late-flowering mutants reported. It also implies that theDRM1 might act upstream of these repressors.展开更多
This study deals with two novels of Eduar AI-Kharrat： Rama wal-Tinnin （Rama and the Dragon, 1979） and al-Zaman al-Akhar （The Other Time, 1985）. The text in both novels is of the pluralist, polyphonic and modernis...This study deals with two novels of Eduar AI-Kharrat： Rama wal-Tinnin （Rama and the Dragon, 1979） and al-Zaman al-Akhar （The Other Time, 1985）. The text in both novels is of the pluralist, polyphonic and modernistic type and the real and the imaginary are juxtaposed. The narrative imitates at its diverse levels the internal conflict, argument, and uncertainty of the protagonist Michael, who finally finds his self-realization in an imaginary time, ＂the other time＂, which is also the title of one of the novels. The present study focuses on the transformation and alternation of the perspectives and the narrative vision through the destruction of the narrator＇s identity and the text itself, the analysis of the narrative shift between the first and third person, the fragmentation of the self, the ambiguity of the signs, the severity of the crisis, and the psychological conflict at its diverse levels and multiplicities. Toward this plurality and shift, it is necessary to systematically depend upon what the theories of Bakhtin and Genette have to offer in order to cover the narrative levels and multiple voices prevailing in the texts.展开更多
In indigenous and contemporary societies, different elements of social and political institutions have come up with various inner mechanisms that are unique to their societies that can adjudicate in conflict situation...In indigenous and contemporary societies, different elements of social and political institutions have come up with various inner mechanisms that are unique to their societies that can adjudicate in conflict situations. In traditional, indigenous Yoruba societies, agba （elders） were usually relied upon as agents and institutions of conflict resolution in view of certain qualities possessed by this category of people. This paper focuses attention on the role of agba （elders） in conflict resolution at various levels of Yoruba life. We acknowledge that agba （elders） have performed these roles in traditional, indigenous Yoruba societies. The opinion expressed in this paper is that agba, as theoretical and practical conflict resolution mechanism, can be philosophically developed and used as an alternative model to the current means of resolving conflicts through wars and terrorism and other forms of violence by aggrieved individuals and groups in national and international arenas.展开更多
This article inquires into how the maintenance of the residual practice of inspired preaching broadcast over the radio by Southern Appalachian Pentecostals, offers an accepted means by which women gain the power to ar...This article inquires into how the maintenance of the residual practice of inspired preaching broadcast over the radio by Southern Appalachian Pentecostals, offers an accepted means by which women gain the power to articulate the conflicts, desires and contradictions of their culture. The democratic ethos of Pentecostalism declares that all people who feel the call to preach must be given that opportunity which opens a space of women＇s voices within the traditionally male ＂preacher culture.＂ Because radio lacks the visual component, and inspired preaching is deemed valid by its effect of the body, women may preach over the radio without the potential for sexual display that could arouse men visually. By examining the content and delivery of women＇s sermons using studies in melodrama, the article explores the nature and articulation of dramatic conflicts, points of difference, and especially issues of the body as lived by the women of southern Appalachia. Thereby, the article locates sites of resistance and conflicts with power both within and without the region. Using Gramcian notions of hegemony, negotiation and consent, it explores how a particular culture successfully elaborates itself through language and how Appalachian women critique their culture without risk of dramatic change.展开更多
With the social media networks development quickly, the followers of the social media network＇ s behaviors have taken a lot of damagers and threats to national security, and made the nation into unstable situations, ...With the social media networks development quickly, the followers of the social media network＇ s behaviors have taken a lot of damagers and threats to national security, and made the nation into unstable situations, even subverted the national sovereignty .This paper analyzes the characters of the followers of the social media in the Ira, Tunisia, Egypt and Libya＇s turmoil, concludes constructive suggestions how to ensure national stability and harmonious development, has some positive effect to our national security.展开更多
In international relations theory （maybe more than in any other discipline of social sciences）, the paradigmatic construction of Thomas Kuhn and his model of incommensurability might be applied to the theoretical in...In international relations theory （maybe more than in any other discipline of social sciences）, the paradigmatic construction of Thomas Kuhn and his model of incommensurability might be applied to the theoretical interpretation of phenomena; and it is one of the cornerstones of the methodological toolkit for the interpretation in this field. The paper explores the reason why Kuhn＇s understanding of incommensurability seems to be necessary for the conception of knowledge in international relations： the concept of incommensurability can be considered typical as it is meant to indicate a conflict, of one form or another, between theories. And the discipline of international relations is more than a perfect ground for considering this concept when one is having in mind the high degree of polarized debate among rivalry theoretical schools （for interpreting and describing the identical phenomena） that is present from the very beginning of the discipline. Recalling the Kuhnian conception of science in paradigmatic view with an aim for understanding--international relations theory, the paper analyzes furthermore his rejection of the traditional dichotomy between “objectivisn”and ＂subjectivism.＂展开更多
The pandemic of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)has caused a high number of deaths in the world.To combat it,it is necessary to develop a better understanding of how the virus infects ho...The pandemic of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)has caused a high number of deaths in the world.To combat it,it is necessary to develop a better understanding of how the virus infects host cells.Infection normally starts with the attachment of the virus to cell-surface glycans like heparan sulfate(HS)and sialic acid-containing glycolipids/glycoproteins.In this study,we examined and compared the binding of the subunits and spike(S)proteins of SARS-CoV-2,SARS-Co V,and Middle East respiratory disease(MERS)-Co V to these glycans.Our results revealed that the S proteins and subunits can bind to HS in a sulfation-dependent manner and no binding with sialic acid residues was detected.Overall,this work suggests that HS binding may be a general mechanism for the attachment of these coronaviruses to host cells,and supports the potential importance of HS in infection and in the development of antiviral agents against these viruses.展开更多
The relation between the United States and the Democratic People＇s Republic of Korea （DPRK） is of substantial strategic prominence in the security landscape of Northeast Asia. The longstanding incompatibility betwe...The relation between the United States and the Democratic People＇s Republic of Korea （DPRK） is of substantial strategic prominence in the security landscape of Northeast Asia. The longstanding incompatibility between the two countries can be illuminated by drawing on three factors： the conflict of interest in the DPRK-ROK unification; the strategic interests of the nuclearization and the denuclearization-normalization dilemma; the Sino-U.S. dual power structure in Northeast Asia. In addressing these issues, this paper discusses the possibility of achieving diplomatic normalization between the U.S. and DPRK by examining in a comparative framework the feasibility of existing mechanisms. The paper concludes that unconventional mechanism is required to establish the initial momentum for a necessary political breakthrough, especially in light of the Trump phenomenon. Specifically, the author proposes a stepwise model to assist the diplomatic reconciliation and to further promote the restoration of peace, security and stability in Northeast Asia.展开更多
Marx and Engels foresaw the approach of globalization and world history, and addressed the issue of cultural conflicts in a globalized era quite a long time ago. From the perspective of Marxist philosophy of culture, ...Marx and Engels foresaw the approach of globalization and world history, and addressed the issue of cultural conflicts in a globalized era quite a long time ago. From the perspective of Marxist philosophy of culture, globalization, as the integration, interconnection and interdependence of human societies, will exert a twofold impact on culture. Contradictions between globalism and nationalism, idealism and utilitarianism, elitism and populism lie at the heart of the conflict between globalization and localization. It is the right strategy and stance in a globalized era to give full consideration to the role of cultural communication and understanding.展开更多
Since some years, the strategy of a Green Economy as a current form of ecological modernization was proposed. The paper highlights the core issues of the concept and its structural constraints. Several constraints of ...Since some years, the strategy of a Green Economy as a current form of ecological modernization was proposed. The paper highlights the core issues of the concept and its structural constraints. Several constraints of a far-reaching realization of a Green Economy are presented, and one constraint is highlighted, i.e., the imperial mode of （production and） living. The latter gives emphasis to the continuous and largely unquestioned access to products produced by cheap labor and under environmentally problematic conditions. This mode of living, the paper argues, is also attractive among the upper and middle classed in countries with emerging economies like China. Moreover, it compares it with the concept of sustainable development which emerged some 15 years ago. Like sustainable development, proposals for a Green Economy might become ＂a tranquilizing dis- positive＂ in order to silence doubt and criticisms. However, it is argued that, despite the improbability of realizing the ambitious objectives, the Green Economy strategy might contribute to further capitalist development. Environmental issues might be integrated into the mode of production and living. However, given capitalist and imperial structures and dynamics, this will occur in highly selective and partial ways. The author calls this emerging constellation and possible new mode of development in some countries or regions of the world Green Capitalism.展开更多
文摘This paper investigates the effect of the introduction of an irrigation technique on the technical efficiency of olive production in a sample of olive-growing farms in Tunisia, estimating the Cobb-Douglas form of stochastic frontier production function. Results indicate that estimated technical efficiency scores vary, ranging from a minimum of 3.0% to a maximum of 91.2% with a mean value of 61.2%. This suggests that olive-growing farms in Tunisia can increase their production on average by 38.8% through more efficient use of technology and inputs. The introduction of irrigation increased productivity, however, the estimated technical efficiency of irrigated olive farms varies across farms and they are less efficient than non-irrigated farms. This finding suggests that the introduction of irrigation to non-irrigated farms has the potential to increase production levels, however, the current production of the irrigated farms is far from the ＂best practice frontier＂ that realizes maximum possible output. Accumulation of experience and knowledge by farm owners and selection of olive cultivar significantly contribute to improving technical efficiency.
文摘A developmentally retarded mutant (drm1) was identified from ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS)-mutagenized M2 seedsin Columbia (Col-0) genetic background. The drm1 flowers 109 d after sowing, with a whole life cycle of about 160 d.It also shows a pleiotropic phenotype, e.g., slow germination and lower germination rate, lower growth rate, curlingleaves and abnormal floral organs. The drm1 mutation was a single recessive nuclear mutation, which was mapped tothe bottom of chromosome 5 and located within a region of 20-30 kb around MXK3.1. There have been no mutantswith similar phenotypes reported in the literature, suggesting that DRM1 is a novel flowering promoting locus. Thefindings that the drm1 flowered lately under all photoperiod conditions and its late flowering phenotype was significantlyrestored by vernalization treatment suggest that the drm1 is a typical late flowering mutant and most likely associatedwith the autonomous flowering pathway. The conclusion was further confirmed by the revelation that the transcriptlevel of FLC was constantly upregulated in the drm1 at all the developmental phases examined, except for a very earlystage. Moreover, the transcript levels of two other important repressors, EMF and TFL1, were also upregulated in thedrm1, implying that the two repressors, along with FLC, seems to act in parallel pathways in the drm1 to regulateflowering as well as other aspects of floral development in a negatively additive way. This helps to explain why the drm1exhibits a much more severe late-flowering phenotype than most late-flowering mutants reported. It also implies that theDRM1 might act upstream of these repressors.
文摘This study deals with two novels of Eduar AI-Kharrat： Rama wal-Tinnin （Rama and the Dragon, 1979） and al-Zaman al-Akhar （The Other Time, 1985）. The text in both novels is of the pluralist, polyphonic and modernistic type and the real and the imaginary are juxtaposed. The narrative imitates at its diverse levels the internal conflict, argument, and uncertainty of the protagonist Michael, who finally finds his self-realization in an imaginary time, ＂the other time＂, which is also the title of one of the novels. The present study focuses on the transformation and alternation of the perspectives and the narrative vision through the destruction of the narrator＇s identity and the text itself, the analysis of the narrative shift between the first and third person, the fragmentation of the self, the ambiguity of the signs, the severity of the crisis, and the psychological conflict at its diverse levels and multiplicities. Toward this plurality and shift, it is necessary to systematically depend upon what the theories of Bakhtin and Genette have to offer in order to cover the narrative levels and multiple voices prevailing in the texts.
文摘In indigenous and contemporary societies, different elements of social and political institutions have come up with various inner mechanisms that are unique to their societies that can adjudicate in conflict situations. In traditional, indigenous Yoruba societies, agba （elders） were usually relied upon as agents and institutions of conflict resolution in view of certain qualities possessed by this category of people. This paper focuses attention on the role of agba （elders） in conflict resolution at various levels of Yoruba life. We acknowledge that agba （elders） have performed these roles in traditional, indigenous Yoruba societies. The opinion expressed in this paper is that agba, as theoretical and practical conflict resolution mechanism, can be philosophically developed and used as an alternative model to the current means of resolving conflicts through wars and terrorism and other forms of violence by aggrieved individuals and groups in national and international arenas.
文摘This article inquires into how the maintenance of the residual practice of inspired preaching broadcast over the radio by Southern Appalachian Pentecostals, offers an accepted means by which women gain the power to articulate the conflicts, desires and contradictions of their culture. The democratic ethos of Pentecostalism declares that all people who feel the call to preach must be given that opportunity which opens a space of women＇s voices within the traditionally male ＂preacher culture.＂ Because radio lacks the visual component, and inspired preaching is deemed valid by its effect of the body, women may preach over the radio without the potential for sexual display that could arouse men visually. By examining the content and delivery of women＇s sermons using studies in melodrama, the article explores the nature and articulation of dramatic conflicts, points of difference, and especially issues of the body as lived by the women of southern Appalachia. Thereby, the article locates sites of resistance and conflicts with power both within and without the region. Using Gramcian notions of hegemony, negotiation and consent, it explores how a particular culture successfully elaborates itself through language and how Appalachian women critique their culture without risk of dramatic change.
基金This paper is supported by the National Social Science Foundation Project--Research on Network Association and the Stability and Development of Ethnic Minority Area in China＇s Borderland--Take Yunnan Area as an example （No. 09CZZ011 ）, and the Key Project of Educational Department of Yunnan Province--Research on the policemen working mode guided by intelligence （No. 2010Z089）.
文摘With the social media networks development quickly, the followers of the social media network＇ s behaviors have taken a lot of damagers and threats to national security, and made the nation into unstable situations, even subverted the national sovereignty .This paper analyzes the characters of the followers of the social media in the Ira, Tunisia, Egypt and Libya＇s turmoil, concludes constructive suggestions how to ensure national stability and harmonious development, has some positive effect to our national security.
文摘In international relations theory （maybe more than in any other discipline of social sciences）, the paradigmatic construction of Thomas Kuhn and his model of incommensurability might be applied to the theoretical interpretation of phenomena; and it is one of the cornerstones of the methodological toolkit for the interpretation in this field. The paper explores the reason why Kuhn＇s understanding of incommensurability seems to be necessary for the conception of knowledge in international relations： the concept of incommensurability can be considered typical as it is meant to indicate a conflict, of one form or another, between theories. And the discipline of international relations is more than a perfect ground for considering this concept when one is having in mind the high degree of polarized debate among rivalry theoretical schools （for interpreting and describing the identical phenomena） that is present from the very beginning of the discipline. Recalling the Kuhnian conception of science in paradigmatic view with an aim for understanding--international relations theory, the paper analyzes furthermore his rejection of the traditional dichotomy between “objectivisn”and ＂subjectivism.＂
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(91853120)the National Major Scientific and Technological Special Project of China(2018ZX09711001-013 and 2018ZX09711001-005)+2 种基金the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2018YFE0111400 and 2016YFD0500300)the State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines,Institute of Materia Medica,the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College,the NIH Research Project Grant Program(R01 EB025892)the CRP-ICGEB Research Grant 2019(CRP/CHN19-02)。
文摘The pandemic of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)has caused a high number of deaths in the world.To combat it,it is necessary to develop a better understanding of how the virus infects host cells.Infection normally starts with the attachment of the virus to cell-surface glycans like heparan sulfate(HS)and sialic acid-containing glycolipids/glycoproteins.In this study,we examined and compared the binding of the subunits and spike(S)proteins of SARS-CoV-2,SARS-Co V,and Middle East respiratory disease(MERS)-Co V to these glycans.Our results revealed that the S proteins and subunits can bind to HS in a sulfation-dependent manner and no binding with sialic acid residues was detected.Overall,this work suggests that HS binding may be a general mechanism for the attachment of these coronaviruses to host cells,and supports the potential importance of HS in infection and in the development of antiviral agents against these viruses.
文摘The relation between the United States and the Democratic People＇s Republic of Korea （DPRK） is of substantial strategic prominence in the security landscape of Northeast Asia. The longstanding incompatibility between the two countries can be illuminated by drawing on three factors： the conflict of interest in the DPRK-ROK unification; the strategic interests of the nuclearization and the denuclearization-normalization dilemma; the Sino-U.S. dual power structure in Northeast Asia. In addressing these issues, this paper discusses the possibility of achieving diplomatic normalization between the U.S. and DPRK by examining in a comparative framework the feasibility of existing mechanisms. The paper concludes that unconventional mechanism is required to establish the initial momentum for a necessary political breakthrough, especially in light of the Trump phenomenon. Specifically, the author proposes a stepwise model to assist the diplomatic reconciliation and to further promote the restoration of peace, security and stability in Northeast Asia.
文摘Marx and Engels foresaw the approach of globalization and world history, and addressed the issue of cultural conflicts in a globalized era quite a long time ago. From the perspective of Marxist philosophy of culture, globalization, as the integration, interconnection and interdependence of human societies, will exert a twofold impact on culture. Contradictions between globalism and nationalism, idealism and utilitarianism, elitism and populism lie at the heart of the conflict between globalization and localization. It is the right strategy and stance in a globalized era to give full consideration to the role of cultural communication and understanding.
文摘Since some years, the strategy of a Green Economy as a current form of ecological modernization was proposed. The paper highlights the core issues of the concept and its structural constraints. Several constraints of a far-reaching realization of a Green Economy are presented, and one constraint is highlighted, i.e., the imperial mode of （production and） living. The latter gives emphasis to the continuous and largely unquestioned access to products produced by cheap labor and under environmentally problematic conditions. This mode of living, the paper argues, is also attractive among the upper and middle classed in countries with emerging economies like China. Moreover, it compares it with the concept of sustainable development which emerged some 15 years ago. Like sustainable development, proposals for a Green Economy might become ＂a tranquilizing dis- positive＂ in order to silence doubt and criticisms. However, it is argued that, despite the improbability of realizing the ambitious objectives, the Green Economy strategy might contribute to further capitalist development. Environmental issues might be integrated into the mode of production and living. However, given capitalist and imperial structures and dynamics, this will occur in highly selective and partial ways. The author calls this emerging constellation and possible new mode of development in some countries or regions of the world Green Capitalism.
