Ehrenamt im Sport

Die Europäische Kommission erklärte das Jahr 2011 zum „Europäischen Jahr der Freiwilligentätigkeiten“, um für den nötigen Dank und Anerkennung sowie zur Unterstützung der Freiwilligentätigkeit als Beitrag zum wirtschaftlichen und sozialen Zusammenhalt beizutragen. Die Kampagne veranlasste zu der Fragestellung, welche Rolle das Ehrenamt in Sportvereinen in Österreich spielt und welche Strukturen und Perspektiven vorliegen. Fast die Hälfte (43,8%) der österreichischen Bevölkerung ab 15 Jahren ist in hohem Maß ehrenamtlich tätig. Der Bereich Bewegung und Sport stellt mit insgesamt 474.400 Freiwilligen den zweitgrößten Bereich der formellen Freiwilligenarbeit in Österreich dar (Statistik Austria, 2008). Sportvereine genießen in Österreich ein recht gutes Image. Sie haben neben der wirtschaftlichen Funktion auch einen gesellschaftlichen Nutzen. Ohne Ehrenamt ist Sportorganisation nicht möglich. Ehrenamt ist nicht bezahlbar. Es ist die tragende Säule des Sports in Österreich. Qualitative Interviews mit Führungskräften aus Sportvereinen- und verbänden in Österreich, liefern Daten zu den Fragestellungen: Besonderheiten in der Arbeit ehrenamtlicher Führungskräfte, Selbstbild und Ehrenamtsverständnis und zu Problemfeldern und Potentialen in ihrer Arbeit. Ehrenamtliche Führungskräfte haben mit dem Image der „Vereinsmeier“ zu leben. Ihnen wird oftmals mangelnde Professionalität vorgeworfen. Die Individualisierung der Gesellschaft und die steigende berufliche Belastung begünstigen Ehrenamt nicht. Zudem ist die rechtliche und finanzielle Verantwortung für VereinsfunktionärInnen größer und die öffentliche Unterstützung weniger geworden. Trotz alledem steckt das Ehrenamt in keiner Krise, obwohl der Nachwuchs teilweise ausbleibt. Personalwirtschaft im Ehrenamt kann nicht mit der von Forprofit Organisationen gleichgesetzt werden. Bei der Besetzung von Führungspositionen ist der Qualitätsanspruch nur in begrenztem Ausmaß Kriterium. Vielmehr spielen die Vereinsvergangenheit und die im Beruf erworbenen Führungs- und Organisationsfähigkeiten eine wesentliche Rolle. Es gibt Strukturschwächen im Ehrenamt, vor allem in der Zusammenarbeit ehrenamtlicher und hauptamtlicher MitarbeiterInnen. Sport ist ein Mikrokosmus der Gesellschaft. Die klassische Rollenverteilung kommt auch hier zum Tragen und sorgt für eine Unterrepräsentanz von Frauen in leitenden Funktionen. Der Ruf nach Professionalisierung, Qualitätssicherung, Gleichberechtigung und Nachwuchs im Ehrenamt, sowie nach Anerkennung in der Gesellschaft, bleibt auch nach dem EU Jahr der Freiwilligentätigkeiten bestehen.The European Commission declared the year 2011 as the „European Year of Volunteering“ to express gratitude and show appreciation as well as support for volunteer work as an important contribution for economic and social solidarity. The campaign led to the question which role volunteer work plays in sports clubs and associations in Austria, and which structures, developments and perspectives prevail. Almost half (43.8%) of the Austrian population above the age of 15 is highly engaged in volunteer work. 474,400 people are active in the sports sector, accounting to the second largest division in formal volunteer work (Statistik Austria, 2008). Sports Associations can revel in their positive image in Austria, due to the fact that they yield both an economic and a social function. Without volunteer workers this system would not be fundable. Qualitative interviews with management executives in Austrian sports associations provide in-depth information for the posed questions: particular characteristics in the work of volunteer managers, their self-perception, their understanding of volunteer work and problems and potentials concerning their work. Officials in associations still have to fight against their negative image of “clubbiness” and their lacking professionalism. Despite such factors as the increasing individualization of societies, the growing strain at work and the financial as well as legal responsibility of volunteer work, people can still be motivated as volunteers. Human resource management in volunteer organizations cannot be compared with that of profit-oriented organizations. The prevailing conditions increasingly require soft skills and an adapted style of leadership. Qualifications are usually obtained through history with the club or association, or through professional leadership and organizational skills. Employing both payed and volunteer workers often causes structural weaknesses within associations. Sports are a micro cosmos of societies. The traditional male-female role allocation can be observed similarly; only a very small number of women occupy leadership positions within volunteer organizations. The call for more professionalism, quality management, gender equality, and talented juniors as well as appreciation for the work of volunteers continues even after the 2011 EU year of volunteering.

Investigation of Imperata sp. as a Primary Feedstock for Compost Production in Ucayali region, Peru

Five compost piles with different initial C : N ratios have been investigated in this study. As a primary feedstock Imperata sp. was used. The primary feedstock was mixed with poultry litter and vegetable refuse in order to obtain different C : N ratio. The results show that during 64 days of well managed composting under tropical conditions the initial C : N ratio between 30:1 and 50:1 decreased to ratio 11:1 to 15:1, respectively. Results of bioassay tests expressed as the germination index (GI) indicate particular compost phytotoxicity. The value of GI was 51.4%, 48.6%, 47.8%, 46.7% and 40.0% for samples from the compost with initial C : N ratios of 30:1, 37:1, 40:1, 44:1 and 50:1, respectively

Potential Major Improvement in Superconductors for High-Field Magnets

Fusion reactors are limited by the magnetic field available to confine their plasma. The commercial fusion industry uses the larger magnetic field and higher operating temperature of the cuprate superconductor $\mathbf{YBa_{2}Cu_{3}O_{7-\delta}}$ (YBCO) in order to confine their plasma into a dense volume. A superconductor is a macroscopic quantum state that is protected from the metallic (resistive) state by an energy gap. Unfortunately, YBCO has an anisotropic gap, known as D-wave because it has the shape of a $\mathbf{d_{x^2-y^2}}$ chemical orbital. This D-wave gap means that poly-crystalline wire cannot be made because a few degree misalignment between grains in the wire leads to a drastic loss in its supercurrent carrying ability, and thereby its magnetic field limit. The superconductor industry has responded by growing nearly-single-crystal superconducting YBCO films on carefully prepared substrate tapes kilometers in length. Heroic development programs have made such tapes commercially available, but they are very expensive and delicate. MRI magnet superconductors, such as $\mathbf{NbTi}$ and $\mathbf{Nb_{3}Sn}$, are formed into poly-crystalline wires because they have an isotropic gap in the shape of an s chemical orbital (called S-wave) that makes them insensitive to grain misalignment. However, these materials are limited to lower magnetic fields and liquid-He temperatures. Here, we modified YBCO by doping the Y site with Ca and Ce atoms to form $\mathbf{(Y_{1-x-y}Ca_{x}Ce_{y})Ba_{2}Cu_{3}O_{7-\delta}}$, and show evidence that it changes to an S-wave gap. Its superconducting transition temperature, $\mathbf{T_c}$, of $\mathbf{\sim 70K}$, while lower than that of D-wave YBCO at $\mathbf{\sim 90K}$, is easily maintained using common, economic cryogenic equipment.Comment: 28 pages, 23 figure

Medicinal potential, utilization and domestication status of bitter kola (Garcinia kola Heckel) in West and Central Africa

Garcinia kola Heckel (Clusiaceae), known as bitter kola, is a multipurpose tree indigenous to West and Central Africa. This highly preferred species is called wonder plant because all of its parts can be used as medicine. Its seeds, the most valued product of the tree, are commonly eaten to prevent/cure gastric disorders and for their typical astringent taste. There is a vast evidence that bioactive components of the seeds can serve as alternative medicine to treat/prevent severe illnesses such as malaria, hepatitis and immune-destructive diseases. Despite the species' pharmaceutical potential and its high preference by West and Central African communities, G. kola is still at the beginning of its domestication process. Even though, there are numerous scientific articles published on species biological activities, it is a difficult task to find basic information on its diversity, distribution, genetics, silvicultural management or botany. Therefore, in this very first review published on G. kola, we summarize all relevant information known about the species, target some of the challenges connected with its cultivation and propose a leading direction for future research and domestication process

Genetic variability in wild and domestic populations of Inga edulis Mart. (Fabaceae) in Peruvian Amazon

Human activity in the Peruvian Amazon causes native vegetation fragmentation into smaller units resulting on the increase of agricultural systems. Understanding the level, the structure and the origin of morphologic within and among populations variation is essential for planning better management strategies aimed at sustainable use and conservation of Inga edulis Mart. species. We evaluated the genetic variability in wild and domestic population to unfold cultivation changes over the species genetic resources. We have studied 400 adult trees: 200 cultivated on arable land and 200 wild growing in untouched lowland rain forest. The individuals were randomly selected. Sampling sites were selected and defined on the basis of the geographical coordinates: longitude, latitude and altitude. Phenotypic variation was monitored using the proposed descriptor of qualitative and quantitative features (e.g., weight of hundred seeds). For each individual a voucher specimen was kept. The total genomic DNA was extracted from young leaves, conserved in silica gel, with INVITEK, Invisorb ®Spin Plant Mini Kit. Samples were then genotyped with five microsatellite (SSR) loci. One locus (Pel5) was cross-transferred, developed previously for Pithecellobium elegans. The remaining four loci (Inga03, 05, 08, 33) were previously developed for the species. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was made using a Biometra® T1 Thermocycler using the following profile: 95 °C for 2 min; 95°C for 15 s, 55/59 °C for 30 s, 72 °C for 30 s, 30 cycles; 72 °C for 15 min. The PCR products were fluorescently labelled. The visualization of fragments was carried out according to standard protocols on genetic analyser, ABI PRISM® 310 (Applied Biosystems), using ABI GENESCAN and GENOTYPER software. The phenotypic and genotypic results of wild versus domestic populations are under evaluation to verify if cultivation is altering the allelic variation considering that morphology is considerably changed.Czech Development Cooperation Project entitled “Sustainable use of natural resources in Peruvian Amazon” Project No. 23/MZe/B/07-10; The Academy of Science of The Czech Republic and the National Council for Science, Technology and Technological Innovation, Peru, binational project entitled “Morphological and genetic diversity of indigenous tropical trees in the Amazon – model study of Inga edulis Mart. in Peruvian Amazon”; Foundation “Nadace Nadání Josefa, Marie a Zdeňky Hlávkových”, Czech Republi

Genetic diversity and structure of baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) in southeastern Kenya

Baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) is an iconic tree of African savannahs. Its multipurpose character and nutritional composition of fruits and leaves offer high economic and social potential for local communities. There is an urgent need to characterize the genetic diversity of the Kenyan baobab populations in order to facilitate further conservation and domestication programmes. This study aims at documenting the genetic diversity and structure of baobab populations in southeastern Kenya. Leaf or bark samples were collected from 189 baobab trees in seven populations distributed in two geographical groups, i.e. four inland and three coastal populations. Nine microsatellite loci were used to assess genetic diversity. Overall, genetic diversity of the species was high and similarly distributed over the populations. Bayesian clustering and principal coordinate analysis congruently divided the populations into two distinct clusters, suggesting significant differences between inland and coastal populations. The genetic differentiation between coastal and inland populations suggests a limited possibility of gene flow between these populations. Further conservation and domestications studies should take into consideration thegeographical origin of trees and more attention should be paid to morphological characterization of fruits and leaves of the coastal and inland populations to understand the causes and the impact of the differentiation

Genetic diversity and hybridization in the two species Inga ingoides and Inga edulis: potential applications for agroforestry in the Peruvian Amazon

Key message: Slash and burn practices affect tropical forests. Our results showed strong introgression between Inga ingoides and Inga edulis in the species contact area Interspecific hybridization could be sought to improve yield or tolerance to flooding and further increase the economic potential of the poorly drained Amazonian soils and minimize deforestation. Context: Inga species are important components of tropical American forests, as well as a local food source. Little is known about the genetic structure of these species; in particular the amount of introgression among species remains unknown. Aims: We assessed the degree of genetic divergence and introgression among populations of I. ingoides (Rich.) Willd. and I. edulis Mart. (Fabaceae) from three Peruvian Amazon tributary rivers. Methods: Using microsatellite markers we determined the genetic structure of populations using an analysis ofmolecular variance and a Bayesian analysis of population structure in areas affected by seasonal river fluctuations and in ‘terra firme’ forests. Results: Overall genetic differentiation was weak. The degree of genetic variation was similar in the two species. A putatively strong introgression was detected between the two species and an intense gene flow was identified among populations. This indicates that an intense gene flow had happened in the past, leading also to a small differentiation among populations within species. Conclusion: Selection of natural hybrids or artificial hybridization between I. edulis and I. ingoides could be applied to improve legume size and yield in the later species, while maintaining tolerance to flooding. Improved I. ingoides could be used in multipurpose agroforestry on open areas along the rivers, instead of using the usual slash and burn practice to create inland open areas

Core Collection Formation in Guatemalan Wild Avocado Germplasm with Phenotypic and SSR Data

Guatemala's wild avocado germplasm holds vital genetic value, but lacking conservation strategies imperils it. Studying its diversity is pivotal for conservation and breeding. The study aimed to comprehensively assess the wild avocado germplasm in Guatemala by combining phenotypic and genotypic data and to create a core collection for conservation and future breeding programs. A total of 189 mature avocado trees were sampled across Guatemala's northern, southern, and western regions. Morphological characteristics were documented, and genetic diversity was assessed using 12 SSR loci. The investigated germplasm revealed three distinct genetic clusters, exhibiting an average gene diversity of 0.796 and a 7.74% molecular variation among them. The samples showed various morphological characteristics that indicate the presence of three avocado races in Guatemala. The weak correlation between phenotypic and genotypic distances highlighted their independence and complementary nature. The joint matrix effectively integrated and captured genotypic and phenotypic data for comprehensive genetic diversity analysis. A core collection comprising 20% of total accessions that captured maximum genetic diversity was formed. This study exposed wild Guatemalan avocados' genetic diversity, morphological traits, and conservation significance. Integrated data capture via clustering validates holistic genetic insight for conservation and breeding strategies

Domestication Potential of Garcinia kola Heckel (Clusiaceae): Searching for Diversity in South Cameroon

Seeds and bark of Garcinia kola Heckel (Clusiaceae) are popular products in West and Central Africa. Despite the tree's economic and cultural importance, little is known about its phenotypic and genotypic variation. This study characterised the morphological and genetic diversity of G. kola in South Cameroon, searching for traits and populations that might be used for domestication. Morphological assessment and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers were applied to characterise diversity among geographic populations from Central and South regions, and between managed and wild trees. AFLP-SURV and analysis of molecular variance results indicated that a major part of genetic diversity is harboured within populations rather than between them. Bayesian analysis, principal component analysis and t-SNE identified three clusters where Ebolowa emerged as the transition population combining features from both regions. Trees from the South demonstrated a higher incidence of domestication-related traits, showing higher genetic diversity compared to the Central region. This suggests that individuals from the South might be more suitable for selection as "elite trees" in future breeding strategies for the species. No significant differences in phenotype and genotype were revealed between wild and managed populations, suggesting G. kola is still in the early stages of its domestication process