Search Results (63)

Buried in 1858, Cornelis Kok II’s grave lay undisturbed in Campbell, Northern Cape, until 1961 when a multiracial coalition, driven by their own sets of interests, unearthed the Griqua leader’s remains. The bones again took centre stage with the collapse of apartheid when different groups called for their return and reburial, with an assertion, variously, of ascendant Griqua, indigenous, Khoisan, and Khoikhoi identities. The 2007 reinterment again courted controversy and protest, while the contemporary neglect of the new gravesite symbolizes feelings of exclusion and marginalization among some Campbell Griqua today. By tracing the life history of Kok II’s remains, well past his natural life, we demonstrate how they serve as a flashpoint mobilized by actors with different aims and objectives at different moments. These motivations range from scientistic confirmation of genealogy and identity under apartheid rule, to post-apartheid calls for repatriation anchored to a global indigenous rights framework, to factional contestations over ownership. Marshalled towards different political projects, for all these actors, the bones nonetheless serve as a resource and link to a 19th century frontier past. Full article

This study systematically investigated the genetic characteristics and germplasm conservation strategies of Xinjiang Thompson Seedless grapes (Vitis vinifera Thompson Seedless) and Munake grapes (Vitis vinifera L. cv. Munake) using SSR molecular markers and whole-genome resequencing technology. A genetic diversity analysis of 165 Thompson Seedless accessions with 16 SSR markers identified 442 alleles (27.63 alleles per locus on average), with the expected heterozygosity (He = 0.76) and observed heterozygosity (Ho = 0.83) indicating moderate-to-low genetic diversity. A molecular variance analysis (AMOVA) further revealed that 96% of the genetic variation originated within populations, with minimal inter-population differentiation (Fst = 0.04). Phylogenetic reconstruction using SSR markers demonstrated significant genealogical associations between the two cultivars, supporting the hypothesis that Thompson Seedless may have originated from a domesticated lineage of Munake. The selected SSR markers exhibited high discriminatory power (PIC = 0.92), enabling the precise differentiation of accessions with closely related genetic backgrounds. Whole-genome resequencing identified 20,074,046 and 69,214,080 high-quality SNPs in 100 Thompson Seedless and 141 Munake accessions, respectively. Core germplasm banks were subsequently established: the Thompson Seedless core collection (25 accessions) captured 94% of genetic variation, reflecting genetic homogenization driven by intensive clonal cultivation, while the Munake core collection (42 accessions) retained 95% of allelic diversity and resolved regional synonym issues through highly polymorphic SNP markers. A comparative analysis revealed that Munake maintains higher genetic diversity due to natural gene flow, whereas Thompson Seedless faces heightened risks of genetic erosion from prolonged asexual propagation. These findings provide a theoretical foundation and technical framework for precise conservation, varietal improvement, and sustainable utilization of grape germplasm resources in Xinjiang. Full article

Recent discussions between evolutionary and theological anthropology have intensified, particularly through the work of Michael Tomasello. As a key figure in evolutionary anthropology, Tomasello synthesizes extensive empirical research into an accessible ‘natural history’ of core human abilities. He posits that a unique human trait distinguishing us from our closest relatives is the capacity for “collective intentionality”, a concept he adapts from the philosophy of action. In this article, I show that Tomasello’s insights carry significant implications for philosophical and theological debates. Philosophically, his evolutionary framework invites a new understanding of the mind–brain problem, promoting a non-reductive view of human consciousness which questions the basic metaphysical assumptions of the debate by taking a genealogical perspective. Theologically, his work supports a “practical metaphysics”, suggesting that although morality is autonomous, it can lead to theistic interpretations of human existence. This supports the Kantian idea that religion does not precede morality but that religious views of the world are interpretations of human moral life. At the same time, religion is not just an add-on to morality but an interpretation of a human form of life as such. Both discourses exemplify the importance of a genealogical perspective in philosophy and theology, especially reinforcing the necessity of considering the ‘natural history’ of consciousness, free will or religiosity in anthropology. Full article

In a modern world dominated by individualism, reproduction has become a difficult choice for individuals. The traditional reasons for reproduction have lost their appeal. For individuals, the meaning of reproduction has become a question. Confucian understandings of the universe and the individual provide insight to address the challenge. Dong Zhongshu’s theory of “humans are born of tian” and the concept of deriving benevolence from Heaven deeply appreciate the cosmic virtue of natural generation, establishing a meaningful connection between Heaven and humanity, and offering a cosmic perspective to understand the meaning of human life beyond blood relations. Mencius’s theory of human nature opens up multiple possibilities for the establishment of individual subjectivity, alleviating the potential tension in parent–child relationships from an individualistic perspective. Confucian rituals, through traceable bloodline genealogies, imbue individual life with meaning, and within this context, reproduction is given significance. Full article

Scomber japonicus, commonly known as chub mackerel, is a fish species of economic significance in Korea, China, and Japan, whose natural abundance has reduced dramatically due to overfishing and environmental changes. To investigate the genetic differentiation and population structure of S. japonicus, a 359 base pair segment of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region sequence was analyzed in 96 individuals sampled from three locations in Korean waters. Sixty-six haplotypes were recognized, of which 61 (92.42%) were population specific, whereas only five haplotypes were shared by multiple populations (8%). Two clades were revealed with low support values, and no specific genealogical branches were recognized according to geographical locations. Significant genetic differentiations, however, were detected among the three populations, with F_ST values (p < 0.05). These results indicate that populations of S. japonicus in Korean waters are genetically subdivided. Migration patterns, spawning site fidelity, and current temperature could be the possible causes of this subdivision. Consequently, it is thought that each of the genetically unique S. japonicus stocks found in Korean waters requires a different approach to management. Full article

The story of the rise of “energy” usually centers on the Industrial Revolution and the coal-powered steam engine in nineteenth-century Western Europe. Although it often escapes notice, the Caribbean was actually the site of the first known use of a steam engine to power industrial manufacturing (on a sugar plantation) and the world’s first oil well (drilled by a US company in southern Trinidad). These “firsts” point toward energy’s roots in colonial and imperial projects of extraction in the Caribbean, revealing the centrality of race and the plantation in understanding energy capitalism and the current climate crisis. This article traces a Caribbean-attuned genealogy of “energy”. Today, energy is taken for granted as an abstract universal, but the concept was bound to specific forms of racial governance during the transition from sugar to fossil fuels as apex capitalist commodities. In tracing this genealogy, I rewrite the first two “laws of energy” as ethico-political statements on racial governance rather than descriptions of a pre-existing natural order. Adding to scholarship that has laid bare the relationship between biological sciences and race, I argue that energy sciences have also been central to sustaining (while occluding) racialized hierarchy. I then look at conceptions of energy in perhaps the world’s oldest petro-state (Trinidad, with brief comparisons to neighboring Venezuela) to elaborate Caribbean-attuned, speculative alternatives to the “laws of energy”. Full article

Backround: The Hucul horse breed formed in the region of the Eastern Carpathians, likely through the natural crossbreeding of oriental horses. After World War II, their population significantly decreased, leading to the breeding being based on only 14 female lines, whose founders often had unknown origins. To preserve the breed’s unique characteristics, it is now part of a Genetic Resources Conservation Program, which prioritizes the maintenance of genetic diversity. This study aims to clarify the maternal relatedness of founder mares and assess genetic diversity using mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Methods: The hyper-variable region of the mitochondrial genome was analyzed in 57 horses. Pedigree records were used to trace genealogical lines, and molecular analysis focused on identifying maternal relationships between founder mares. Results: The analysis revealed close maternal kinships between the lines of Jagoda and Bajkałka, as well as Sekunda and Sroczka. In the Hucul population, seventeen mitochondrial haplotypes were identified, with three that did not match any established lines. The findings reveal discrepancies between pedigree records and mitochondrial DNA data, suggesting potential inaccuracies in the Hucul horse studbook. Conclusions: The findings highlight the importance of combining pedigree and molecular data to refine strategies to preserving genetic diversity, minimizing inbreeding, and improving the management the Genetic Resources Conservation Program. Full article

Exploring the gene flow and its causes in complex habitats of forest trees is valuable for understanding species’ adaptive evolution. Pinus yunnanensis var. tenuifolia (PYT) is mainly distributed in the dry–hot valleys along the Nanpan-Hongshui rivers in southwest China, an ecologically fragile area. In this study, we analyzed 1056 seeds from eleven natural populations of PYT across its range using twelve cpSSR markers to explore haplotype polymorphisms and correlations with environmental factors. The results revealed a high genetic diversity (H_E = 0.83), with the private haplotypes significantly exceeding the shared haplotypes. A genealogical structure was observed among the populations, with a moderate differentiation (F_ST = 0.162). The population clustering and haplotype network demonstrated localized areas of pollen exchange, especially in the middle and lower reaches of the river. Redundancy analysis showed that, as the populations were closer to the river, genetic diversity tended to decrease significantly, implying that the pollen dispersal is restricted by the foehn effect in the valley. Variability in genetic differentiation among the offspring populations was primarily influenced by geographic factors, such as mountains and rivers, which, along with local environmental adaptations, shaped the pollen distribution pattern. These findings may facilitate the sustainable management and conservation of PYT and other species under similar habitats. Full article

In a recent study, I demonstrated that large numbers of L2 (second language) speakers do not appear to influence the morphological or information-theoretic complexity of natural languages. This paper has three primary aims: First, I address recent criticisms of my analyses, showing that the points raised by my critics were already explicitly considered and analysed in my original work. Furthermore, I show that the proposed alternative analyses fail to withstand detailed examination. Second, I introduce new data on the information-theoretic complexity of natural languages, with the estimates derived from various language models—ranging from simple statistical models to advanced neural networks—based on a database of 40 multilingual text collections that represent a wide range of text types. Third, I re-analyse the information-theoretic and morphological complexity data using novel methods that better account for model uncertainty in parameter estimation, as well as the genealogical relatedness and geographic proximity of languages. In line with my earlier findings, the results show no evidence that large numbers of L2 speakers have an effect on natural language complexity. Full article

The objective was to evaluate the evolution of the population structure, reproductive performance, inbreeding, and genetic diversity in Charolais cattle. Official genealogical information from the Ecuadorian Charolais Association was divided into five populations: (a) historical (total), (b) 2008–2012 (natural mating period), (c) 2013–2017 (natural mating + artificial insemination period), (d) 2018–2022 (artificial insemination + embryo transfer period), and (e) the reference (known sires and dams) from which the population structure was evaluated using pedigree completeness and the generation interval (GI). Meanwhile, for genetic diversity (GD), inbreeding (F), average relatedness (AR), and the effective population size (Ne) were estimated. The gene origin probability (number of founders, effective number of founders/ancestors, and number of founder genomes) explaining genetic variability, reproductive efficiency, the number of offspring per sire and dam, and the average ages of parents at the birth of their offspring were determined. The database was analyzed using the ENDOG, POPREP, and CFC software programs. The results indicate that pedigree completeness and the GI decreased over time among populations, although the first generation showed higher values. The sire gametic pathway was greater in all populations. F increased over time, although not markedly. Although Ne variations were observed, the levels remained above the recommended limit value. The GD loss increased progressively over time although the most recent population was not significantly affected. Finally, the female reproductive efficiency increased over time as well. In conclusion, the Charolais cattle GI should be reduced. After 2012, the use of Assisted Reproductive Technologies and breeding schemes raised the GD loss. Finally, the F increased over time although it could be reduced using foreign genetic resources in the current Ecuadorian Charolais population. Full article

Achieving significant breakthroughs in both the fundamental theories and technological applications of artificial intelligence is essential for fostering its long-term development. Under the guidance of Professor Qian Xuesen’s theory of technological science, exploring the internal mechanisms of knowledge evolution in artificial intelligence holds profound theoretical and practical significance for promoting sustainable technological advancement. This study draws on literature from the Web of Science (WOS) database and employs methods such as knowledge mapping, natural language processing, clustering analysis, and citation analysis to outline the knowledge structure of the field, clarify the trajectory of sustainable development, and trace the technological genealogy of VR/AR technologies.This study divides the knowledge structure within the field of technological science into “basic theoretical knowledge—applied basic knowledge—applied knowledge”, enriching Qian’s theory of technological science from within and providing strong intellectual support and technological pathways for sustainable technological development in practice. Artificial intelligence encompasses 10 distinct knowledge domains, among which machine learning and deep learning constitute the basic theoretical knowledge, data intelligence, computer vision, and swarm intelligence are the applied basic knowledge, and image processing and human-computer intelligence are the applied knowledge. The development of VR/AR technology has formed two main sustainable development paths: “machine learning—data intelligence—intelligent systems—human computer intelligence”, and “deep learning—computer vision—image processing”. Full article

Traditional villages along the Jinzhong section of the Wanli Tea Road possess unique geographical locations and cultural heritage, showcasing a rich variety of cultural landscapes. Among these, village temple buildings play a crucial role as the core of spiritual and belief life in traditional villages. In the context of rapid urbanization and modernization, a new perspective is needed to thoroughly explore the deeper connotations of cultural landscape characteristics in traditional villages along the Wanli Tea Road, particularly by examining the composition and inherent features of their landscape genes. This study employs landscape gene theory, using the village temple system as a lens to identify and analyze the landscape genes of traditional villages along the Jinzhong section of the Wanli Tea Road. Based on the results, a genealogy and a map of landscape genes are constructed to clearly and effectively present the typical characteristics and expressions of these genes in a logical and visual manner. The findings indicate the following: (1) The village temple system in traditional villages along the Jinzhong section of the Wanli Tea Road is closely related to the formation and expression of their landscape genes and can play a critical role in the protection and transmission of cultural landscapes. (2) As important nodes along the historical trade route, the landscape gene characteristics of these villages reflect their unique natural environments and historical development trajectories, illustrating the deep intertwining of commercial activities and local cultural landscapes. (3) This study establishes a replicable research framework that is not only applicable to local studies but also provides valuable references for broader cultural landscape research. Full article

This article explores the relationship between genealogy and the environment as a pathway towards decolonising indigenous minds. In Māori worldviews, everything is categorised, organised, and understood through whakapapa, or genealogy. Whakapapa resides within the land and water, safeguarding ancestral stories as they weave through time, space, and place. The environment serves as a powerful tool for maintaining, reclaiming, and reinforcing indigeneity. Strengthening the connections between whakapapa and the environment offers significant avenues for decolonising Indigenous minds, by recalibrating and releasing colonised ways of being to embody mauritau (mindfulness) through whenua kura (placefulness). Unlike Cartesian dualism, which separates the body and mind, the Māori conception of the mind is multifaceted and embodied. The mind is thought to be situated in the solar plexus, emotions in the gut, and connection to spirit in the head, all of which are deeply rooted in whakapapa and the enduring ties to ancestors and place. Whakapapa’s connections to the land, water, animals, and spiritual entities are imbued with narratives that aid in recollection and provide profound cultural context to place. These narratives offer pathways for communion with the land and water, enabling sensitivity to environmental cues, such as changing seasons, solstices, moon phases, star cycles, and natural rhythms within our inner landscapes of body, heart, and mind, fostering a sense of placefulness. Full article

Contemporary French philosopher Michel Serres has out-of-the-rut thoughts about many things, including media. This article focuses on his understanding of the genealogy of media, the notion of exo-Darwinism, and his forward-looking attitude toward new technologies. An alternative, counterintuitive take on human nature is revealed as the discussion proceeds. This article also touches upon what is irreplaceable about humans in an age when artificial intelligence is rapidly evolving. Full article

The Retinta breed, an autochthonous type of Spanish beef cattle, is highly adapted to breeding in its natural environment, which is characterized by a Mediterranean climate. The origins of this breed can be traced to two ancestral bovine stocks, which gave rise to distinct morphotypes differentiated primarily by coat color, alongside other significant traits such as growth, morphological conformation and temperament. Specifically, one morphotype comprises blond animals (Rubia Andaluza), genetically resembling the ancestral Bos taurus Aquitanicus, while the other encompasses brown- and red-colored animals (Retinta Extremeña) originating from Bos taurus Turdenatus stock. Over decades, these populations have undergone hybridization, leading to a unified population, albeit with the original subpopulations largely maintaining their genetic integrity. The objective of this study was to undertake genealogical and genomic characterization of these genetic lines, including a particular subpopulation within the blond animals (Tamarona cow). To achieve this, the genealogical records of 22,004 active animals were analyzed, and over 63,000 SNPs from a total of 1030 animals were examined for genomic characterization. Genealogical analysis revealed pedigree completeness and a high level of effective population size (Ne) across the entire population, yet relatively low Ne values within each pure line (ranging from 28.38 to 34.47). These findings underscore the ongoing efforts of the National Association of Retinta Breeders (ACRE) over the past decades to mitigate the loss of variability in this breed. The genomic characterization highlights the persistent differences within the original population and the predominant influence of the Retinto line within the current breed, as evidenced by principal component analysis (PCA) and admixture analysis. Furthermore, the identification of the Tamarona subpopulation within the blond lineage underlines its unique genetic composition, warranting its recognition as an official genetic line within the current Retinta breed. Given the small population size of these lines, particularly the Tamarona subpopulation, protective measures are imperative to preserve this distinct gene pool. Such measures would enhance the genetic diversity of the Retinta breed, which is essential for sustainable breeding practices in its natural habitats. Full article