Poder sobre as periferias : A Casa de Bragança e o governo das terras no Alentejo (1640-1668)

Esta dissertação estuda as relações políticas entre a casa de Bragança e os poderes locais nos concelhos de Vila Viçosa, Arraiolos e Monsaraz, entre 1640 e 1668, a partir da prerrogativa jurisdicional de confirmar as vereações. A reconstituição dos autos eleitorais permitiu comparar o procedimento eleitoral que era seguido nas terras da casa de Bragança com o que era seguido na maioria dos concelhos do reino e avaliar comparativamente o peso da autoridade da casa de Bragança, do rei e de outros donatários sobre as terras. De seguida, a identificação dos diversos intervenientes no processo eleitoral permitiu caracterizar socialmente as elites locais e avaliar os níveis de coincidência das escolhas para os senados camarários entre as comunidades (periferias) e a Junta da Casa de Bragança (centro). Conclui-se que esta casa senhorial detinha privilégios que lhe reforçavam significativamente a capacidade de dominação sobre as suas áreas jurisdicionais. Summary; This dissertation studies the political relations between the House of Bragança and the local authorities in Vila Viçosa, Arraiolos and Monsaraz, between 1640 and 1668, considering the legal privilege of confirming councilors and other members of town halls senates. The recovery of different electoral documents led to the comparison of electoral procedures in lands ruled by the House of Bragança and those followed in most of the kingdom, and allowed a comparative study of the authority of the House of Bragança, the king and other landlords over its properties. Then, by identifying the different participants of the electoral process, we made a social characterization of local elites and analyzed the similarities of nominations to local town halls senates made by the different communities (peripheral) and by the House of Bragança's administrative council (central power). We concluded that this House detained certain privileges, which reinforced the dominance over the lands within its judicial authority.

12 Notices du Doupeng xianhua 豆棚閒話 (ca. 1668, par Aina jushi 艾衲居士) (12 chapitres, complet)

International audience

Indias urbanas en Buenos Aires (1744-1820). Condiciones específicas, formas de sujeción y estrategias posibles

El trabajo de investigación que aquí se presenta toma a las indias de Buenos Aires, desde mediados del siglo XVIII hasta comienzos del XIX, como protagonistas. Si bien fueron un grupo minoritario en la ciudad, su presencia tuvo características que se ponen de relieve a partir de la definición de las condiciones específicas de las indias. Su definición involucra las variables de género, etnia y clase, entre otros. Se considera que estas actúan conjuntamente definiendo posiciones relativas en la sociedad. De esta manera, la construcción de alteridades en Buenos Aires virreinal constituye un marco general de la investigación. Se utilizan fuentes demográficas para analizar la particularidad de su presencia en la ciudad. Luego, tomando una escala de análisis reducida, se analizan los grupos domésticos de los que las indias formaron parte. En este contexto se busca analizar, a partir de la incorporación de otras fuentes, formas de sujeción que mantuvieron a las indias, aún siendo libres, bajo la autoridad de un amo o ama. Se incorpora una mirada sobre las estrategias que pusieron en práctica en diferentes situaciones y que pudieron, eventualmente, ampliar sus márgenes de acción. El estudio de la Casa de Recogidas ocupa un lugar central en esta investigación por la importancia que tuvieron las indias en esta institución. Fue el ámbito en que se implementaron las formas más explícitas de control, no sólo para las indias, funcionando también como prisión para mujeres. Sin embargo, la importante presencia indígena hizo del lugar un "centro" en el ámbito de la ciudad. Esto conduce a indagar acerca de las posibilidades de apropiación del espacio y la elección de la permanencia en el lugar. La última parte del trabajo aborda la transición del siglo XVIII al XIX, llegando hasta 1820, periodo en que se observa una disminución de las indias en las fuentes documentales. Aquí se retoma el análisis de las categorías, en un contexto complejo de reconfiguración de identidades

Indias urbanas en Buenos Aires (1744-1820). Condiciones específicas, formas de sujeción y estrategias posibles

El trabajo de investigación que aquí se presenta toma a las indias de Buenos Aires, desde mediados del siglo XVIII hasta comienzos del XIX, como protagonistas. Si bien fueron un grupo minoritario en la ciudad, su presencia tuvo características que se ponen de relieve a partir de la definición de las condiciones específicas de las indias. Su definición involucra las variables de género, etnia y clase, entre otros. Se considera que estas actúan conjuntamente definiendo posiciones relativas en la sociedad. De esta manera, la construcción de alteridades en Buenos Aires virreinal constituye un marco general de la investigación. Se utilizan fuentes demográficas para analizar la particularidad de su presencia en la ciudad. Luego, tomando una escala de análisis reducida, se analizan los grupos domésticos de los que las indias formaron parte. En este contexto se busca analizar, a partir de la incorporación de otras fuentes, formas de sujeción que mantuvieron a las indias, aún siendo libres, bajo la autoridad de un amo o ama. Se incorpora una mirada sobre las estrategias que pusieron en práctica en diferentes situaciones y que pudieron, eventualmente, ampliar sus márgenes de acción. El estudio de la Casa de Recogidas ocupa un lugar central en esta investigación por la importancia que tuvieron las indias en esta institución. Fue el ámbito en que se implementaron las formas más explícitas de control, no sólo para las indias, funcionando también como prisión para mujeres. Sin embargo, la importante presencia indígena hizo del lugar un "centro" en el ámbito de la ciudad. Esto conduce a indagar acerca de las posibilidades de apropiación del espacio y la elección de la permanencia en el lugar. La última parte del trabajo aborda la transición del siglo XVIII al XIX, llegando hasta 1820, periodo en que se observa una disminución de las indias en las fuentes documentales. Aquí se retoma el análisis de las categorías, en un contexto complejo de reconfiguración de identidades

Indias urbanas en Buenos Aires (1744-1820). Condiciones específicas, formas de sujeción y estrategias posibles

El trabajo de investigación que aquí se presenta toma a las indias de Buenos Aires, desde mediados del siglo XVIII hasta comienzos del XIX, como protagonistas. Si bien fueron un grupo minoritario en la ciudad, su presencia tuvo características que se ponen de relieve a partir de la definición de las condiciones específicas de las indias. Su definición involucra las variables de género, etnia y clase, entre otros. Se considera que estas actúan conjuntamente definiendo posiciones relativas en la sociedad. De esta manera, la construcción de alteridades en Buenos Aires virreinal constituye un marco general de la investigación. Se utilizan fuentes demográficas para analizar la particularidad de su presencia en la ciudad. Luego, tomando una escala de análisis reducida, se analizan los grupos domésticos de los que las indias formaron parte. En este contexto se busca analizar, a partir de la incorporación de otras fuentes, formas de sujeción que mantuvieron a las indias, aún siendo libres, bajo la autoridad de un amo o ama. Se incorpora una mirada sobre las estrategias que pusieron en práctica en diferentes situaciones y que pudieron, eventualmente, ampliar sus márgenes de acción. El estudio de la Casa de Recogidas ocupa un lugar central en esta investigación por la importancia que tuvieron las indias en esta institución. Fue el ámbito en que se implementaron las formas más explícitas de control, no sólo para las indias, funcionando también como prisión para mujeres. Sin embargo, la importante presencia indígena hizo del lugar un "centro" en el ámbito de la ciudad. Esto conduce a indagar acerca de las posibilidades de apropiación del espacio y la elección de la permanencia en el lugar. La última parte del trabajo aborda la transición del siglo XVIII al XIX, llegando hasta 1820, periodo en que se observa una disminución de las indias en las fuentes documentales. Aquí se retoma el análisis de las categorías, en un contexto complejo de reconfiguración de identidades

The case for quantum key distribution

Quantum key distribution (QKD) promises secure key agreement by using quantum mechanical systems. We argue that QKD will be an important part of future cryptographic infrastructures. It can provide long-term confidentiality for encrypted information without reliance on computational assumptions. Although QKD still requires authentication to prevent man-in-the-middle attacks, it can make use of either information-theoretically secure symmetric key authentication or computationally secure public key authentication: even when using public key authentication, we argue that QKD still offers stronger security than classical key agreement.

Metabolic syndrome and serum carotenoids : findings of a cross-sectional study in Queensland, Australia

Several components of the metabolic syndrome, particularly diabetes and cardiovascular disease, are known to be oxidative stress-related conditions and there is research to suggest that antioxidant nutrients may play a protective role in these conditions. Carotenoids are compounds derived primarily from plants and several have been shown to be potent antioxidant nutrients. The aim of this study was to examine the associations between metabolic syndrome status and major serum carotenoids in adult Australians. Data on the presence of the metabolic syndrome, based on International Diabetes Federation 2005 criteria, were collected from 1523 adults aged 25 years and over in six randomly selected urban centers in Queensland, Australia, using a cross-sectional study design. Weight, height, BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure, fasting and 2-hour blood glucose and lipids were determined, as well as five serum carotenoids. Mean serum alpha-carotene, beta-carotene and the sum of the five carotenoid concentrations were significantly lower (p<0.05) in persons with the metabolic syndrome (after adjusting for age, sex, education, BMI status, alcohol intake, smoking, physical activity status and vitamin/mineral use) than persons without the syndrome. Alpha, beta and total carotenoids also decreased significantly (p<0.05) with increased number of components of the metabolic syndrome, after adjusting for these confounders. These differences were significant among former smokers and non-smokers, but not in current smokers. Low concentrations of serum alpha-carotene, beta-carotene and the sum of five carotenoids appear to be associated with metabolic syndrome status. Additional research, particularly longitudinal studies, may help to determine if these associations are causally related to the metabolic syndrome, or are a result of the pathologies of the syndrome.

Vectors and alternative hosts of tobacco yellow dwarf virus in southeastern Australia

Factors that determine the epidemiology of Tobacco yellow dwarf virus (TbYDV), including alternative host plants and insect vector(s), were assessed over three consecutive growing seasons at four field sites in Northeastern Victoria in commercial tobacco growing properties. In addition, these factors were assessed for one growing season at three bean growing properties. Overall, 23 leafhopper species were identified at the 7 sites, with Orosius orientalis as the predominant leafhopper. Of the leafhoppers collected, only O. orientalis and Anzygina zealandica tested positive for TbYDV by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The population dynamics of O. orientalis was assessed using sweep net sampling over three growing seasons and a trimodal distribution was observed. Despite large numbers of O. orientalis occurring early in the growing season (September–October), TbYDV was only detected in these leafhoppers between late November and end of January. The peaks in the detection of TbYDV in O. orientalis correlated with the observation of disease symptoms in tobacco and bean and were associated with warmer temperatures and lower rainfall. Spatial and temporal distribution of vegetation at selected sites was determined using quadrat sampling. Of the 40 plant species identified, TbYDV was detected only in four dicotyledonous species, Amaranthus retroflexus, Phaseolus vulgaris, Nicotiana tabacum and Raphanus raphanistrum. The proportion of host and non-host availability for leafhoppers was associated with climatic conditions.

Molecular characterisation of six badnavirus species associated with leaf streak disease of banana in East Africa

Banana leaf streak disease, caused by several species of Banana streak virus (BSV), is widespread in East Africa. We surveyed for this disease in Uganda and Kenya, and used rolling-circle amplification (RCA) to detect the presence of BSV in banana. Six distinct badnavirus sequences, three from Uganda and three from Kenya, were amplified for which only partial sequences were previously available. The complete genomes were sequenced and characterised. The size and organisation of all six sequences was characteristic of other badnaviruses, including conserved functional domains present in the putative polyprotein encoded by open reading frame (ORF) 3. Based on nucleotide sequence analysis within the reverse transcriptase/ribonuclease H-coding region of open reading frame 3, we propose that these sequences be recognised as six new species and be designated as Banana streak UA virus, Banana streak UI virus, Banana streak UL virus, Banana streak UM virus, Banana streak CA virus and Banana streak IM virus. Using PCR and species-specific primers to test for the presence of integrated sequences, we demonstrated that sequences with high similarity to BSIMV only were present in several banana cultivars which had tested negative for episomal BSV sequences.

The ecology of Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt) (Diptera: Tephritdae) : what do we know to assist pest management?

The distribution, systematics and ecology of Bactrocera tryoni, the Queensland fruit fly are reviewed. Bactrocera tryoni is a member of the B. tryoni complex of species, which currently includes four named species, viz. B. tryoni s.s., B. neohumeralis, B. melas and B. aquilonis. The species status of B. melas and B. aquilonis are unclear (they may be junior synonyms of B. tryoni) and their validity, or otherwise, needs to be confirmed as a matter of urgency. While Queensland fruit fly is regarded as a tropical species, it cannot be assumed that its distribution will spread further south under climate change scenarios. Increasing aridity and hot dry summers, as well as more complex, indirect interactions resulting from elevated CO2, make predicting the future distribution and abundance of B. tryoni difficult. The ecology of B. tryoni is reviewed with respect to current control approaches (with the exception of Sterile Insect Technique which is covered in a companion paper). We conclude that there are major gaps in the knowledge required to implement most non-insecticide based management approaches. Priority areas for future research include host plant interactions, protein and cue-lure foraging and use, spatial dynamics, development of new monitoring tools, investigating the use of natural enemies and better integration of fruit flies into general horticultural IPM systems.

Cultivar-specific effects of pathogen testing on storage root yield of sweet potato, Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.

The accumulation and perpetuation of viral pathogens over generations of clonal propagation in crop species such as sweet potato, Ipomoea batatas,inevitably result in a reduction in crop yield and quality. This study was conducted at Bundaberg, Australia to compare the productivity of field-derived and pathogen-tested (PT)clones of 14 sweet potato cultivars and the yield benefits of using healthy planting materials. The field-derived clonal materials were exposed to the endemic viruses, while the PT clones were subjected to thermotherapy and meristem-tip culture to eliminate viral pathogens. The plants were indexed for viruses using nitrocellulose membrane-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and graft-inoculations onto Ipomoea setosa. A net benefit of 38% in storage root yield was realised from using PT materials in this study.Conversely, in a similar study previously conducted at Kerevat, Papua New Guinea (PNG), a net deficit of 36% was realised. This reinforced our finding that the response to pathogen testing was cultivar dependent and that the PNG cultivars in these studies generally exhibited increased tolerance to the endemic viruses present at the respective trial sites as manifested in their lack of response from the use of PT clones. They may be useful sources for future resistance breeding efforts. Nonetheless, the potential economic gain from using PT stocks necessitates the use of pathogen testing on virus-susceptible commercial cultivars.

A polymorphism in the dysbindin gene (DTNBP1) associated with multiple psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia

Background A number of studies have found associations between dysbindin (DTNBP1) polymorphisms and schizophrenia. Recently we identified a DTNBP1 SNP (rs9370822) that is strongly associated with schizophrenia. Individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia were nearly three times as likely to carry the CC genotype compared to the AA genotype. Methods To investigate the importance of this SNP in the function of DTNBP1, a number of psychiatric conditions including addictive behaviours and anxiety disorders were analysed for association with rs9370822. Results The DTNBP1 polymorphism was significantly associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as well as nicotine and opiate dependence but not alcohol dependence. Individuals suffering PTSD were more than three times as likely to carry the CC genotype compared to the AA genotype. Individuals with nicotine or opiate dependence were more than twice as likely to carry the CC genotype compared to the AA genotype. Conclusions This study provides further support for the importance of DTNBP1 in psychiatric conditions and suggests that there is a common underlying molecular defect involving DTNBP1 that contributes to the development of several anxiety and addictive disorders that are generally recognised as separate clinical conditions. These disorders may actually be different expressions of a single metabolic pathway perturbation. As our participant numbers are limited our observations should be viewed with caution until they are independently replicated.