The whitefly Bemisia tabaci species complex has been well documented as one of the most economically important emergent plant virus vectors, through serious feeding damage to its broad range of plant hosts and transmission of plant viruses to important agricultural crops. It has been shown to have associations with endosymbionts which have significant effects on the insect fitness. The purpose of this study was to provide information for the biotype and secondary endosymbiont distribution for B. tabaci populations in the relatively unstudied Arabian peninsula. The geographical localization and variation in endosymbiont populations across the region were identified using a sequence-driven analysis of the population genetics of the secondary endosymbiont. Live field specimens were collected from 22 different locations in the region and preserved in 70% ethanol for genetic studies. Previously established procedures were used to extract and purify total insect DNA from 24-30 individual whiteflies for each location (Frohlich et al., 1999; Chiel et al., 2007). Specimens were subjected to PCR amplification using the respective 16S rDNAprimers for the Rickettsia, Hamiltonella, and Wolbachia to amplify endosymbiont DNA. PCR was run with primers for the highly conserved whitefly mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene for biotyping. Samples were sequenced using the Sanger method and the data analyzed to correlate the presence, prevalence and geographical distribution of endosymbionts in B. tabaci. Phylogenies 5 were constructed to track evolutionary differences amongst the endosymbionts and insects and how they have influenced the evolution of the regional populations. Samples were characterized by differences in the genomes and endosymbionts of common whitefly ‘biotypes’ that have different host plant preferences, vector capacities and insecticide resistance characteristics. It was found that the B biotype is the predominant haplotype, with no evidence of the Q biotype. All endosymbionts were detected, with Hamiltonella as the most predominant. Several instances of co-infection by two or more endosymbionts were observed. Samples from the geographically isolated and mountainous region of Fayfa demonstrated higher genetic variability compared to the other locations, leading to the possible identification of a new haplotype, as well as the first time identification of the A biotype in the region.

No description available.

Estimation of reservoir fracture parameters, fracture orientation and density, from seismic data is often difficult because of one important question: Is observed anisotropy caused by the reservoir interval or by the effect of the lithologic unit or multiple units above the reservoir? Often hydrocarbon reservoirs represent a small portion of the seismic section, and reservoir anisotropic parameter inversion can be easily obscured by the presence of an anisotropic overburden. In this study, I show examples where we can clearly observe imprints of overburden anisotropic layers on the seismic response of the target zone. Then I present a simple method to remove the effect of anisotropic overburden to recover reservoir fracture parameters. It involves analyzing amplitude variation with offset and azimuth (AVOA) for the top of reservoir reflector and for a reflector below the reservoir. Seismic CMP gathers are transformed to delay-time vs. slowness (tau-p) domain. We then calculate the ratio of the amplitudes of reflections at the reservoir top and from the reflector beneath the reservoir. The ratios of these amplitudes are then used to isolate the effect of the reservoir interval and remove the transmission effect of the overburden. The methodology is tested on two sets of models - one containing a fractured reservoir with isotropic overburden and the other containing a fractured reservoir with anisotropic overburden. Conventional analysis in the x-t domain indicates that the anisotropic overburden has completely obscured the anisotropic signature of the reservoir zone. When the new methodology is applied, the overburden effect is significantly reduced. The methodology is also applied to an actual PP surface reflection (Rpp) 3D dataset over a reservoir in the Arabian Peninsula. Ellipse-fitting technique was applied to invert for two Fracture parameters: (1) Fracture density and (2) fracture direction. Fracture density inversion results indicate increased fracturing in the anticline structure hinge zone. Fracture orientation inversion results agree with Formation MicroImaging (FMI) borehole logs showing a WNW-ESE trend. This newly developed amplitude ratio method is suitable for quantitative estimation of fracture parameters including normal and tangential “weaknesses” (ΔN and ΔT respectively). Initially, inversion of conventional AVOA for ΔN and ΔT parameters indicates that the ΔN parameter is reliably estimated given an accurate background isotropic parameter estimation derived from borehole logging data. While ΔN parameter inversion is successful, inversion for ΔT parameter from Rpp information is not, presumably due to the dependence of ΔT estimation on many medium parameters for accurate prediction. The ΔN parameter is then successfully recovered when applied to the amplitude ratio values derived from synthetic data. It is important to recognize that ΔN parameter is directly proportional to fracture density and high ΔN values can be attributed to high crack density values. The ΔN parameter inversion is also applied to the amplitude ratios derived from real seismic data. This inversion requires fracture azimuth data input that is obtained from the fracture direction inversion using ellipse-fitting technique. The background Vp/Vs ratio. / text

This dissertation provides an examination of the recent phenomenon of entrepreneurship and innovation promotion in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Through the use of the structured, focused comparison method, this research examines two cases, Oman and Qatar, to provide a deep analysis of the policy and practice of entrepreneurship promotion in the region. Despite a claim of responding to regional challenges of economic diversification and the weak participation of nationals in the private sector, entrepreneurship as a key component of each country???s quest for a knowledge economy seems paradoxical in its ostensible inconsistency with the Gulf rentier state status quo. Path dependencies from oil-led development and the concomitant labour market bifurcation have perpetuated incentive structures which obstruct innovation and entrepreneurialism. Responding to this puzzle, this research answers two questions. The first is concerned with the character and motivation of these strategies in the Gulf, and what that reveals about the evolution of policy making practices. The second assesses the role of the millennial generation and regional transformation. Through interrogating the entrepreneurship policy experience in the case studies, this research extends beyond the often perfunctory assumptions of rentier state literature to investigate the unfolding of development policies in the current milieu. This research finds that entrepreneurship promotion risks only becoming a new way of recasting rentier tools: rentierism 2.0. The study argues that governance in the Gulf is best understood as a contestation between reforms and rentier patterns. Being cognizant of this tension provides a venue for understanding how some policies contravene classic rentier expectations while others appear hypocritical as the implementation of policy announcements become obstructed by structural contradictions. This dissertation makes an empirical contribution on a prominent policy shift in the Gulf that has been largely ignored in social sciences. As well, it provides a theoretical contribution by integrating literature on development and innovation which is generally disconnected from scholarly work on Gulf political economy to deepen understandings of development and transition in the region. Overall, this project provides a window into transition and transformation, demonstrating the way rentier patterns and a combination of novel pressures interact and affect the practices of development policy making and the Gulf ruling bargain.

Thesis (M.A. in Security Studies (Middle East, South Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa))--Naval Postgraduate School, June 2010. / Thesis Advisor(s): Hafez, Mohammed M. ; Second Reader: Springborg, Robert. "June 2010." Description based on title screen as viewed on July 14, 2010. Author(s) subject terms: Yemen, al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, Terrorism, Weak States. Includes bibliographical references (p. 89-95). Also available in print.

Purpose – This paper aims to shed some light on E-business practices in the Arab culture. Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative approach based on observations. Findings – Identified several culturally-based factors which impair E-business practices in the Arab culture. Practical implications – Provides practical implications to Arab public and private sector leaders for enhancing E-business practices. Originality/value – Provides initial insight into the nature of E-business practices and their implications in the Arab culture.

This work is aimed at investigating diurnal cycle variability of the planetary boundary layer characteristics over the Arabian Peninsula and the Red Sea region. To fulfill this goal the downscaling simulations are performed using Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model. We analyze planetary boundary layer height, latent and sensible heat fluxes, and surface air temperature. The model results are compared with observations in different areas, for different seasons, and for different model resolutions. The model results are analyzed in order to better quantify the diurnal cycle variability over the Arabian Peninsula and the Red Sea. The specific features of this region are investigated and discussed.

The United States needs a long-term counterterrorism strategy in Yemen. Nearly three years in, the faltering Yemeni transition threatens to fall apart in the face of an economic crisis, ongoing internal conflict, and al Qaeda attacks. Unchecked, a failed Yemeni state will provide al Qaeda with a larger recruiting base and an expanded area for operations. To prevent this nightmare scenario, the United States should integrate military restructuring, political reform, and economic development policies into its greater strategy to counter al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP). This report describes the dynamics of the 2011 Yemeni uprising, the subsequent political transition, and the simultaneous evolution of AQAP. The report then analyzes these phenomena in the context of U.S. national security policy to determine a long-term counterterrorism strategy in Yemen. To succeed in defeating AQAP and stabilizing Yemen, the U.S. government must engage with its Yemeni partners and regional actors; invest in Yemen's military restructuring, political transition, and economic reforms; and continue to attack AQAP through direct action operations and in tandem with Yemeni armed forces. / text

The thesis introduces the problems facing Arab novels written by women from the Arabian Peninsula, taking into account the socio-cultural aspects of the region. The thesis closely reads and analyzes selected novels by writers from Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Oman, in order to find common perspectives among authors on key issues affecting the status of women in society. By using the themes and characters as source for analysis, the thesis tries to answer the question about whether the female Arab writers tend to confirm the patriarchal order, or on the contrary they reject it. At the same time, the thesis analyzes the attitudes of women novelists towards the traditional values of their own society, in contrast with modern values. The thesis takes into account the major social, cultural and economic changes rapidly transforming this region in a very short period of time. These transformations have inevitably brought about substantial intergenerational conflicts within traditional families.

This thesis explores the ‘credibility' of news in Saudi Arabia, comparing online media with official newspapers. The latter are heavily regulated offering limited viewpoints. But the Saudi government has been less able to regulate online. Against a historical background of news development in Saudi Arabia, the thesis explores the rise of online from discussion forums established in the 1990s to online newspapers and social media. Largely qualitative methods (interviews, focus groups) plus a quantitative survey, were adopted to collect two sets of data: from educated readers, and from journalists working for online publications. Additionally, material from two news case studies was gathered. Questions concerned: how online news was evaluated by users compared to more traditional reporting; how producers perceived the distinctiveness of online titles and the issues they faced. The data from the case studies – an ‘internal' news story, Corona virus and an ‘external' event, Egyptian elections – was subjected to ‘frame' analysis, addressing the different news coverage of official print titles, online news and independent Twitter accounts. Focus was on whether online reporting offered more varied viewpoints and greater reader participation, and whether there was evidence for more management of news by the Saudi authorities in relation to the internal as compared to the external news event. The thesis argues that compared to official newspapers, online titles have largely gained greater credibility amongst educated Saudi users. They are regarded as offering different views, more ‘objective' reporting and actively encourage reader comment. Findings indicate that online is less censored than official newspapers, but editors/journalists have learnt the skills of self-censorship to avoid blocking. Exchange of views on Twitter also demonstrate the possibility of distinctive voices and viewpoints being aired and argued over. In these ways, the relation between online news and readers/users begins to enable the formation of independent ‘public opinion'.