SGN Database: From QTLs to Genomes

Quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis is used to dissect the genetic basis underlying polygenic traits. Several public databases have been storing and making QTL data available to research communities. To our knowledge, current QTL databases rely on manual curation where curators read literature and extract relevant QTL information to store in databases. Evidently, this approach is expensive in terms of expert manpower and time use and limits the type of data that can be curated. At the Solanaceae Genomics Network (SGN) ("http://sgn.cornell.edu":http://sgn.cornell.edu), we have developed a database to store raw phenotype and genotype data from QTL studies, perform, on the fly, QTL analysis using R/QTL statistical software ("http://www.rqtl.org":http://www.rqtl.org) and visualize QTLs on a genetic map. Users can identify peak, and flanking markers for QTLs of traits of interest. The QTL database is integrated with other SGN databases (eg. Marker, BACs, and Unigenes), and analysis tools such as the Comparative Map Viewer. Using the comparative map viewer, users can compare chromosome with QTL regions to genetic maps of interest from the same or different Solanaceae species. As the tomato genome sequencing advances, users can also identify corresponding BAC sequences or locations on the tomato physical map, which can be suggestive of candidate genes for a trait of interest.

Furthermore at SGN, images, quantitative phenotype and genotype data, publications, genetic maps generated by QTL studies are displayed and available for download. Currently, data from three F2 and two backcross population QTL studies on fruit morphology traits (18 – 46 traits per population) is available at the SGN website for viewing at population, accession, and trait levels. Traits are described using ontology terms. Phenotype data is presented in tabular and graphical formats such as frequency distributions with basic descriptive statistics. Mapping data showing location of parental alleles on individual accession genetic maps is also available.

SGN is a public database hosted at Boyce Thomson Institute, Cornell University, and funded by USDA CSREES and NSF

The effect of cryptocurrencies on the German payment ecosystem: a critical analysis of its future disruption potential

Purpose and Methodology We examine the disruption potential of crypto currencies on Germany’s payments ecosystem. A literature review is performed to characterize the novel technology as well as the German payments ecosystem. A consumer survey and expert interviews are also performed in order to gauge the views of potential users as well as those of the industry. Findings Cryptocurrencies are showed not to be a passing phenomenon in Germany. Rather, they will eventually disrupt the payments ecosystem. However, cryptocurrencies are not yet at a stage that would allow them to become a widely used payment means. The hindering issues underlying this conclusion are pinpointed

Recognition and enforcement of foreign arbitral awards in civil and commercial matters in Ethiopia

Ethiopia is not yet party to the New York Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards. It can also be said that Ethiopian arbitration laws fail to cope with the emerging modern laws and practices in international commercial arbitration. However, as of 1965, with the introduction of the Civil Procedure Code (CPC), rules on the recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments and arbitral awards are set out whose interpretation, unfortunately, have remained thus far inconsistent. Thus, the criteria must be clearly interpreted and applied so that the rules can be conducive to the steadily increasing practice of modern arbitration. This article attempts to shed some light on these conditions

Amicable Dispute Resolution in Civil and Commercial Matters in Ethiopia: Negotiation, Conciliation and Compromise

Amicable dispute settlement methods play a major role in the resolution of civil and commercial disputes. These mechanisms present advantages to the parties as compared to arbitration and litigation.  The Civil Code of 1960 contains provisions on Conciliation and Compromise, which set out the minimum legal framework for practical use by disputing parties in civil and commercial matters. Conciliation and compromise are in the main regulated under Arts. 3318-3324 and 3307-3317 respectively. The Civil Procedure Code of 1965 also consists of several provisions on compromise (Arts. 274-277). Generally, disputes are legally and conveniently amenable and better resolved through these amicable dispute settlement methods. However, whether they are put in use entirely depends on the free will of the disputing parties’. They can only be resorted to whenever the disputing parties commit themselves to use them in their contractual agreements. For certain other disputes, these amicable dispute settlement mechanisms are compulsory; in such cases, policy rationale dictates that disputes of such nature should be swiftly resolved through amicable dispute settlement methods. Some other disputes are, however, vested exclusively in the courts. This article distinguishes arbitration from conciliation. It is discussed whether conciliation differs from mediation. Attempt has also been made to shed light on the nature and application of concilio-arbitration in Ethiopia. The legal framework underpinning negotiation, conciliation, and compromise is expounded. Furthermore, the legal lacunae in relation to conciliation is addressed.Key termsMediation · Conciliation · Compromise · Concilio-arbitratio

An Inclusive Expression Of Genius Loci: A Case Study Of The Urban Evolution Of Asmara, Eritrea

Although Asmara developed during the era of modernist urban planning and Italian colonial influence, its genius loci is firmly rooted in place and time. This paper aims to explain the history, impact of administration, planning, and the dynamic synergies between tangible and intangible attributes of place, that led to Asmara being listed as a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site. This qualitative study analyses the layered expression of genius loci through a timeline mapping the development of Asmara. The methods include map analysis, drawings, and photographs, based on the author’s research of the city since 2005. A decolonial conceptual framework underpinned the study. The author’s lived experience, having grown up in Asmara, provides a deeper layer of autoethnographic understanding of the city, including the cultural-spatial characteristics that safeguard its genius loci. The article concludes with findings and a proposition for an inclusive transformation of postcolonial cities

Nitrate Accumulation in a Sorghum-Sudangrass Hybrid as Influenced by Nitrogen Fertilization

The effect of nitrogen (N) fertilization and plant stage on nitrate accumulation was studied in a sorghum-Sudan grass hybrid. Grass cv. Dynagrazer was sown at the experimental site of Texas A & M University. Six N levels were applied (0, 112 … 672 Kg. N ha-1). Nitrate concentrations were determined in three harvests, 5– 7 weeks after planting. Maximum levels were 2.1, 3.5 and 4.6 g nitrate-N kg-1 DM, respectively, which is beyond the safe limits for animal consumption. The plots were cut at heading. Regrowth took place on residual N. Nitrate-N accumulation was lowest in the leaves and increased from the top to the bottom of the stem. In forage regrown from plots initially fertilized with 336 kg N ha-1 or more, the nitrate levels in the bottom and central part of the stem exceeded the safety limit for feeding

What Is Really New in the “New” Urban Environment?

Established in 2009, The Jean Augustine Chair in Education in the New Urban Environment presented the learning community opportunity to define new urbanism through debates, conversations and other learning encounters. As the inaugural chair, Dlamini began conversations with faculty, students and community in order to unpack the meaning of the new urban environment and its associated characteristics and encounters. This article follows ongoing conversations between, Dlamini and three graduate students from her urban education class, which tackled these and many other questions throughout the course. Following the seminar, we find ourselves continually questioning what is meant by new and if this term is only foregrounded by the understanding of what is old? This article takes these questions of newness to Education. Throughout the paper, we consider the new ways of understanding pedagogy in urban environments; meanings found in geographical spaces; the understanding of Shakespeare coupled with the newness of Hip Hop; and finally, questions of local and community based pedagogy. Fondé en 2009, la Jean Augustine Chaire d’Éducation dans le nouvel environnement urbain a présenté à la communauté éducative, l’opportunité de définir le nouvel urbanisme, à travers des débats, des conversations et d’autres formes de rencontres éducatives. En tant que première présidente, Dlamini a entamé des discussions avec des professeurs, des étudiants et la communauté afin d’étendre la signification de ce nouvel environnement urbain, des caractéristiques et rencontres qui y sont associés. Cet article suit les récentes conversations entre Dlamini et trois étudiants diplômés de sa classe d’éducation en urbanisme, qui a abordé ces questions et bien d’autres encore tout au long du cours. Suite au séminaire, nous nous interrogeons continuellement sur ce qu’on entend par nouveau et si ce terme est seulement placé au premier plan par notre compréhension de ce qui est ancien? Cet article s’attaque donc à ces questions de nouveauté en Éducation. À travers ce document, nous considérons les nouvelles manières de appréhender la pédagogie en milieux urbains; les significations trouvées dans les espaces géographiques; le sens de Shakespeare lié à la nouveauté du Hip Hop; et finalement, les questions de pédagogie basée sur la localité et la communauté