Evolutionary dynamics of Pinus taeda L. in the Late Quaternary: An interdisciplinary approach

Pinus taeda L. dynamics, migration patterns and genetic structure were investigated over geological time scale (the past 21,000 years), historical time scale (the past 500 years) and recent time scale (the past 50 years ago) using multi-source data and an interdisciplinary approach. Population genetics, microsatellite markers, DNA fingerprinting, fossil records, geological history, historical records, aerial photographs, soil maps, weather data, remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS) were used to assess the dynamics of P. taeda populations especially for the Lost Pines (LP), a disjunct population at the westernmost edge of the species range. Pinus taeda populations east and west of the Mississippi River Valley are genetically differentiated. Eastern populations had higher allelic diversity and diagnostic alleles than western populations. Gene flow estimates are high. Allelic diversity and diagnostic alleles patterns are attributed to the prevailing wind direction. Differentiation east and west of the MRV was attributed to separation to two refugia during the Pleistocene. The Lost Pines population is believed to have undergone one or more bottleneck events with loss of rare alleles. Despite the bottleneck, allelic richness was similar for the LP and the control population from the Western Gulf (WG) population. Population size contraction of the LP was attributed to climate change in central Texas over geological time scale. The natural origin of the Lost Pines was investigated. Multivariate and clustering techniques and assignment and exclusion methods using DNA markers show that the LP population shared ancestry with the WG populations with no evidence for admixture from other sources. Historical records parallel this conclusion. With the absence of logging within Bastrop and Buescher State Parks, P. taeda area and patch size increased from 1949 to 1995. Thirty six percent of the pine patches observed in 1949 had disappeared by 1995 by merging. Landscape pattern analysis shows significant dynamics. The distribution of P. taeda in Bastrop County was associated with sandy light topsoils, clayey heavy sub-soils and high permeable soils. Pinus taeda grow on various soil types as well. Growing on these soils under current climatic conditions may compensate for the precipitation regime in this area

Islamic Banks Financing for Solar Projects in Jordan Reality and Ways of Activation

This study aimed at discussing the Barriers of Islamic banks financing for solar energy projects in Jordan, and to indicate the appropriate ways to activate the financing of Islamic banks for solar energy projects and proposing suitable financing methods by Islamic banks for solar energy projects. To achieve the objectives of the study, the descriptive approach and the analytical method were used. The study was divided into four main sections: solar energy and the requirements of investment in it, Islamic banks and the investment in solar energy in Jordan, financing of solar projects in Jordan and activating the role of Islamic banks in financing solar energy projects in Jordan.The study founded that the sources of funding were limited to external grants, government funding and funding from private external sources. It founded that there were challenges to financing these projects, such as the high risk of these projects, and the lack of real encouragement for investment by energy sector actors. In order to activate the role of Islamic banks, it was necessary to emphasize the role of Islamic banks in financing development, in addition to enhancing the expected returns from solar energy, not to mention activating the role of the government in providing the appropriate investment, projects' environment. The study suggested a range of financing methods suitable for the solar sector, such as Murabaha, Musharaka, Mudaraba, Leasing, Istisna'a, repurchase agreements, asset backed securities and the establishment of investment funds to finance solar projects.</jats:p

Arabic audiovisual translation of taboo words in American hip hop movies

AbstractThis study aims to investigate and identify the connotative equivalence of taboo words in American hip hop/musical movies and their Arabic correspondence in the subtitle/Audiovisual Translation (AVT). The sample of this study consists of English subtitles and their Arabic fansubs of three of the most profane American hip hop movies:8 Mile, Straight Outta Compton, andAll Eyez on Me. The study analyzed the data qualitatively and quantitatively. The researchers adoptedLjung’s (2011)typology of swearing to identify the connotative functions of the English taboo words and examine how the corresponding Arabic translation conforms to them. The findings revealed that the Arab fan subtitler managed to translate these tabooed terms in Arabic using certain translation techniques, viz. euphemisms and omission. These are both mainly used for the same reason, i.e. cultural constraints. The subtitler used the ‘euphemistic swearing’ technique where the word remains a swear-word but the degree of offense and insult is milder and toned down (Montagu 1967). The Arabic subtitles in the selected sample correspond to the connotative functions of English taboo words to a significant extent only when the translator used the euphemism technique. But the connotative functions misfired when the translator resorted to omission. Finally, the research provides some implications for translators when facing such hurdles in translation.</jats:p

Field Monitoring of Moisture Variations under Flexible Pavement

A research program was conducted to study the behavior of different drainable base and subbase materials used by the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT). Two construction sites were chosen from this program to be built with different base course materials. Site I (ATB-90–19.56) consisted of ODOT 306 cement-treated, ODOT 308 asphalt-treated, and ODOT 304 sections. Site II (ATB-90-0.00) consisted of 307-NJ, 307-IA, 307-CE, ODOT 306 cement-treated, ODOT 304, and ODOT 308 asphalt-treated sections. Time domain reflectometry (TDR) probes were installed in subgrade and unbound subbase layers to provide continuous monitoring of the moisture variation in the pavement system. The laboratory calibration for TDR probes resulted in the development of suitable calibration coefficients for the studied materials and more accurate conversion of TDR field measurements to the in situ water content. The monitored moisture content variation was used to determine the drainage efficiency of different drainable base materials used by ODOT. The treated base materials (cement and asphalt) exhibited better drainage performance than did the other unbound materials. </jats:p