Border Area Research Articles

Innovation in border regions: from inequality to equity! Starting with acknowledgment in policy

Abstract Living in a border area can create health inequalities due to limited access to healthcare compared to people in central regions. In centrally located areas, citizens can choose healthcare providers 360 degrees around them, benefiting from full prevention and health promotion coverage. In contrast, border residents have only 180 degrees of access, leading to partial inclusion in health services. National systems typically prioritize health equality but not necessarily equity, especially for those living in border regions. To address this gap, innovative policies that account for cross-border interactions are needed, benefiting over 35% of the EU population living in border areas. A key question is how to ensure health equity in border regions. To explore this, cross-border case studies, like air pollution, food purchases, antibiotic availability and q fever were looked at to identify the situation, the public health challenges it entails and existing solutions. The Essential Public Health Functions (EPHF) framework, developed by the World Health Organization and the International Association of National Public Health Institutes, was used to evaluate public health functions with a focus on achieving greater equity and inclusiveness. Currently in cross-border health key EPHF functions such as health promotion and disease prevention are emphasized, while others like public health governance and community participation need improvement. To better implement health equity in border regions, for use of the EPHF framework an additional and short guideline was developed on how border regions should be considered in national, regional, and local public health policies. This approach offers a pathway to addressing health inequalities in these unique environments: a crucial step towards creating health equity. Key messages • The EPHF framework as an innovative tool to strengthen public health in border regions. • Take the geographical living space of citizens in a border region into account to achieve health equity.

Adapting the Place Standard Tool for Border Regions: The Euregional Approach

Abstract The Place Standard Tool (PST) is a well-established tool that helps policymakers and communities discuss which aspects of a place - like buildings and transportation or the the way people are involved in decision making concerning their surroundings - need attention in order to improve public health. Even though the PST is widely used in many countries, it primarily focuses on a national level, overlooking the fact that 35% of EU citizens live in border regions. Many people living in these areas cross national borders for work, school, or social activities, so their everyday lives span more than one country. Using this tool to develop policies may ignore the real needs of border residents or even exclude their views, which can have a significant impact on their lives. To address this, the euPrevent Active Citizenship Participation (ACP) project adjusted the tool for a cross-border setting in the Euregio Meuse-Rhine (EMR). In this project, the German version of the StadtRaumMonitor, which is based on the PST, was modified to include questions that reach beyond national borders. This adaptation encourages people to respond to questions not just from a national perspective, but also to reflect on their experiences in neighboring countries. It was further translated into the four languages: French, German, Dutch and English, and made available online across the entire border region, which is home to nearly 4 million people. Moreover, the Euregional PST was effectively tested with local and cross-border citizen panels, and it’s set to become a key element in creating a sustainable framework for citizen participation within the EMR. And although this Euregional PST was initially developed for the border regions of the EMR, the modifications are such that the tool can be applied in no matter which European border region. Thereby, the Euregional PST offers a way to create policies that truly reflect the diverse needs and realities of border citizens, all over Europe. Key messages • The Cross-border Place Standard Tool EMR is easy to apply for a broad spectrum of stakeholders in border regions and applicable to all border regions in Europe. • The tool helps preventing policy issues by considering the entire context of people living in border areas.

Complement factor D deficiency ameliorates adverse cardiac remodelling by inhibiting C5a-C5aR mediated ISGs+ neutrophil activation post myocardial infarction

Abstract Background Exaggerated inflammatory response after myocardial infarction (MI) exacerbates myocardial injury and adverse cardiac remodeling, leading to heart failure. Current management of MI involves myocardial protection and antifibrotic therapy but do not target the inflammatory response per se. Complement factor D (CFD) is an upstream rate-limiting enzyme of complement system activation, which is the early event of inflammatory response post MI. We hypothesize that CFD can be an important modulator of the inflammation-remodeling cascade post MI, but the specific mechanism remains elusive. Purpose To investigate the role and mechanism of CFD in regulating inflammatory expansion and adverse remodeling post MI. Methods We generated Cfd-AKO (Cfdfl/fl Adipoq-cre) mice using the Cre-LoxP recombination system, as CFD is mainly secreted by adipocytes. Immune status and cardiac remodeling progress were assessed by cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR), histology, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and ELISA. Single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analyzed non­cardiomyocytes isolated from Cfd-AKO and WT mice post MI or sham operation. Genetic ablation and co-culture experiments dissected the functional molecular properties and intercellular communication. An CFD inhibitor ACH-4471 was used to explore the role of CFD in ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury. Results The survival of Cfd-AKO mice was strongly improved, while ventricular arrhythmia induction rates and number of episodes were significantly reduced compared with those of WT mice. CMR imaging showed that Cfd-AKO mice had higher ejection fraction and reduced left ventricular dilation than WTs. Masson trichrome and picrosirius red staining revealed that besides smaller infarct size, the extent of fibrosis in the border and distal remote area decreased in Cfd-AKO mice. Cfd loss reduced myocardial injury, inhibited the release of inflammatory factors, and limits the amplification of complement components C3a and C5a post MI. ScRNA-seq revealed that CFD modulated neutrophil chemotactic ability and pro-inflammatory function by inducing interferon-stimulated genes expressing (ISG+) neutrophil CXCL10 expression. Mechanistically, CFD activates the ISG transcriptional profile via the C5a/C5aR dependent STAT1/2-IRF9 pathway. Activated neutrophils promote myofibroblast transformation through IL1β/IL1R dependent intercellular communication, thus facilitating pathological fibrosis. Early pharmacological blocking of CFD in mice IR injury models inhibited inflammation, reduced infarct size and ameliorated cardiac dysfunction. Conclusions We demonstrate the crucial role of CFD in cardiac remodeling post MI. This process is critically regulated by C5a-C5aR, an important component of complement-inflammation cascade. This CFD-C5a mediated neutrophil pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic dual activity represents a novel pathway and an attractive therapeutic window for heart failure post MI.CFD in cardiac remodelling post MI

Early CSWT relieves myocardial fibrosis by inhibiting TGF-Smad2/3-MMP-9

Abstract Objective To investigate the correlation between the improvement of cardiac function and myocardial fibrosis and the TGF-β1-Smad2/3-MMP-9 signaling pathway in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) rats after early treatment with extracorporeal cardiac shock wave therapy (CSWT). Methods Thirty SD rats were randomly divided into five groups: sham group (6 rats), AMI group (6 rats), AMI+CSWT group (6 rats), AMI+SB431542 group (6 rats), and AMI+SB431542+CSWT group (6 rats). AMI was induced in all groups except the sham group. The AMI+CSWT group and AMI+SB431542+CSWT group received CSWT treatment. Echocardiography was performed at 4 days and 62 days postoperatively to assess left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in all groups. Additionally, cardiac tissues were sampled and evaluated for pathological changes and degree of fibrosis by HE staining and Masson staining. The TGF-β1-Smad2/3-MMP-9 signaling pathway and protein expression of COL-I and COL-III were detected in the infarcted border area. Results (1) At 4 days postoperatively, EF and FS were significantly lower, and LVESV was enlarged in the AMI group, AMI+CSWT group, AMI+SB431542+CSWT group, and AMI+SB431542 group compared to the sham group (p < 0.05). (2) At 62 days postoperatively, EF and FS were significantly lower, and LVEDV and LVESV were significantly higher in the AMI group compared to the sham group (p < 0.05). EF and FS were significantly higher, and LVEDV and LVESV were significantly lower in the AMI+CSWT group compared to the AMI group (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in EF, FS, LVEDV, and LVESV between the AMI+CSWT group and the AMI+SB431542+CSWT group (p > 0.05). (3) Histological analysis showed that the AMI group had more blue-stained areas compared to the sham group, while the AMI+CSWT group had fewer blue-stained areas and more neatly arranged red areas compared to the AMI group (p < 0.05). (4) Collagen volume fraction (CVF) was significantly higher in the AMI group compared to the sham group (p < 0.05). CVF was significantly lower in the AMI+CSWT group compared to the AMI group (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in CVF between the AMI+CSWT group and the AMI+SB431542+CSWT group (p > 0.05). (5) The expression levels of TGF-β1, Smad3, MMP-9, COL-I, and COL-III were significantly higher in the AMI group compared to the sham group (p < 0.05). The expression levels of these proteins were significantly reduced in the AMI+CSWT group compared to the AMI group (p < 0.05). Conclusions Early CSWT improves cardiac function and inhibits myocardial fibrosis associated with the TGF-β1-Smad2/3-MMP-9 signaling pathway.pathological changesdegree of fibrosis

Characteristics of Wild Boar-Damaged Farmland and Assessment of Effectiveness of Prevention Measures in Northeast China

Although wild boar invasion is a common human–wildlife conflict worldwide, it is difficult to solve. Understanding the characteristics of wild boar invasion into farmland, accurately predicting the areas where wild boar invasions will occur, and implementing effective prevention and control measures are key to effectively alleviating conflicts between humans and wild boars. From 2021 to 2023, we conducted field surveys and experimentally determined the effectiveness of prevention and control measures in the Huanan and Tonghe Counties in order to explore the landscape and farmland factors affecting wild boar invasion, as well as to evaluate the effectiveness of different combinations of prevention and control measures. The results indicate that the mean patch area, patch area coefficient of variation, and forest type edge density show positive linear correlations with the invaded area, which is positively associated with the presence of ditches and negatively correlated with the existence of electronic fences. Meanwhile, there are non-linear relationships between invasion and the edge density of farmland type, the proportion of forests, the Shannon uniformity index, the proportion of residential areas, the distance from the village, the distance from the forest, and the population density. In particular, the risk of wild boar invasion is higher in the border area between forest and farmland. The loss rate of farmland under the different control measures (compound) was significantly lower than that in the electronic fence group (single) (p < 0.05). Based on these findings, we put forward the following suggestions for the prevention and control of wild boar: (1) widen and deepen the narrow landscape elements around farmland; (2) focus on the border area between forest and farmland; and (3) use compound prevention and control measures. This study provides a comprehensive foundation for future wild boar prevention and control research, and it contributes to the formulation of effective wild boar prevention and control policies worldwide.

Determination of proinflammatory cytokine levels to assess the reparative potential of tissues in ischemic damage and local correction with hyaluronic acid

The hypothesis of the study was the assumption that local correction of secondary alteration stops excessive inflammation activity and promotes early activation of reparative processes. Objective: in an animal experiment, to evaluate the dynamics in blood plasma of the concentration of circulating inflammatory cytokines in acute ischemic damage to soft tissues and after local action of a hyaluronic acid-based drug. In anesthetized Wistar rats, acute ischemic damage to the soft tissues of the thigh was simulated by mechanical compression with a vise for 7 hours. After removing the vise, the rats were divided into 2 groups of 32 individuals: control (without treatment) and experimental (3 hours after removing the vise, the drug was injected into the area bordering the compression zone with a sterile syringe based on hyaluronic acid “Hyalift-3.5”, diluted with 0.9% solution to the final concentration of the drug – 1.75%). The concentration of cytokines in blood plasma was determined, histological sections of soft tissues in the compression area were examined. An increase in the plasma concentration of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNFα, IL-6) was revealed during the entire follow-up period (21 days), especially 7 days after the injury. To the greatest extent, these changes were observed in animals in the control group, which was manifested by a statistically significant increase in the concentration of IL-1β, TNFα and IL-6, relative to the values in intact rats: on average by 7.2; 3.7 and 5.3 times, respectively. In rats in the experimental group, local administration of a hyaluronic acid-based drug already in the early period after injury limited the severity of inflammation (an increased concentration of IL-10 was recorded in blood plasma). The sanogenetic role of local administration of hyaluronic acid in the wound process is mediated by the relief of inflammation in the early period of damage and is realized in increasing the reparative potential of tissues according to the variant of earlier and significant formation of musculoskeletal tissue regenerates.

Assessing the role of non-state actors in health service delivery and health system resilience in Myanmar

BackgroundDue to the weaknesses of the public health system and its low reach, especially in border areas, provision of health services by non-state actors (NSAs) has historically played an important role in Myanmar. NSAs include local and international NGOs and civil society organisations (CSOs), but also Ethnic Health Organisations (EHOs) in the border areas, as well as the private (for profit) sector. This study aims to understand the changing role of NSAs in the shifting political environment of Myanmar between 2010 and 2022, and to explore their contribution to health system resilience.MethodsOur study includes three main components: a documentary review (n = 22), key informant interviews (KIIs) at central level (n = 14) and two township-level case studies (13 KIIs, 4 FGDs). Mostly qualitative data were collected in 2022 and synthesized, using a health system resilience framework to structure the analysis.ResultsDuring the transition period (2010–2014) and the new political era (2015–2020), while the country gradually transitioned to a democratic system, the government increasingly recognized NSAs. Initially, engagement with NSAs remained focused on disease-specific activities and government oversight was limited, but later it expanded to health system strengthening, including the start of a “convergence” with ethnic health systems. Progress was relatively slow, but defined by a clear vision and plans. The military coup of February 2021 brought a halt to this progress. Collaboration between government and NSAs was interrupted, and NSAs restored previous practices and parallel systems. Initially, most health service provision stopped, but with time coping strategies emerged, which showed the capacity of NSAs to absorb the shocks (focusing on basic services; using informal communication channels; maintaining buffer stocks of supplies) and adapt (changing modes of delivery and supply chains, and adjusting HRH training).ConclusionsThe study highlights the role of NSAs during crises, and provides insights on how the resilience capacities built over time by NSAs to provide services in adverse circumstances have informed the response to the latest crisis. While strategies of absorption and adaptation are noted in the study, we did not identify any transformation strategy – which might indicate the difficulty of NSAs to introduce radical changes when subjected to multiple shocks and a hostile political environment.

Seasonal Variations of PM2.5 Pollution in the Chengdu–Chongqing Urban Agglomeration, China

During the development of the Chengdu–Chongqing Urban Agglomeration (CCUA) in China, PM2.5 pollution severely threatened public health, presenting a significant environmental challenge. This study employs a novel spatial interpolation method known as High Accuracy Surface Modeling (HASM), along with the geographical detector method, local and regional contributions calculation model, and the Hybrid Single–Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory model to analyze the seasonal spatial distribution of PM2.5 concentrations and their anthropogenic driving factors from 2014 to 2023. The transport pathway and potential sources of seasonal PM2.5 concentrations were also examined. The results showed the following: (1) HASM was identified as the most suitable interpolation method for monitoring PM2.5 concentrations in the CCUA; (2) The PM2.5 concentrations exhibited a decreasing trend across all seasons, with the highest values in winter and the lowest in summer. Spatially, the concentrations showed a pattern of being higher in the southwest and lower in the southeast; (3) Industrial soot (dust) emissions (ISEs) and industry structure (IS) were the most important anthropogenic driving factors influencing PM2.5 pollution; (4) The border area between the eastern part of the Tibet Autonomous Region and western Sichuan province in China significantly contribute to PM2.5 pollution in the CCUA, especially during winter.

Problems of Good Governance in Managing Indonesia’s Borderland: The Case of Entikong Subdistrict

The present study explores the good governance processes of border management in Entikong Subdistrict. The Entikong Subdistrict in West Kalimantan is a priority district that receives special attention from Indonesian central and local governments. The Entikong border post started operating in 1989, making it the first land border in Indonesia. Nevertheless, despite its aged history and many development efforts within the area, the economic growth and welfare of the border community remained stagnant. The data for this article were collected through a field work in Entikong for four months in 2022 in which we conducted observation, interviews, and focus group discussion with local residents and government officers. This study reveals that good governance became the focal issue explaining Entikong’s lack of development by providing two problems in the border development at Entikong: 1) the government’s inconsistency on the road widening project and 2) the complexity of governance and bureaucracy. This paper further elaborates on the essence of locality in good governance practices while simultaneously addressing the authority division problems and communication towards the demands of the local community. This study argues that better public communication patterns should be implemented to avoid misunderstandings within the community and increase the participation of local citizens, government, and civil society in the development process of the border area.

Effectiveness of Fulfilling the Basic Needs of Communities in the Border Area in Nunukan District, North Kalimantan Province

Development in the trade sector is an effort or strategic step in development in the border area, one of which is fulfilling the basic needs of the border community in Nunukan Regency, North Kalimantan Province. This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of fulfilling the basic needs of the border community in Nunukan Regency, North Kalimantan Province. This study uses a qualitative approach with data collection methods, namely observation, interviews, and documentation. Data sources consist of primary and secondary data. The data analysis technique used is an interactive analysis model. The informants in this study are parties who are authorized and directly involved in meeting the basic needs of the border area in Nunukan Regency, North Kalimantan Province. The results of the study indicate that the effectiveness in fulfilling the basic needs of border communities in Nunukan Regency, North Kalimantan Province is not yet effective enough. This is because in fulfilling basic needs in the border area, there is no set target. There are no regulations in this case, regional regulations and their derivatives that regulate the fulfillment of basic needs, especially the Transportation Cost Subsidy (SOA). The basis of the Transportation Cost Subsidy (SOA) policy has not been stated in regional regulations and has not been stated in the Governor's regulation. With the limited resources owned by the local government, it cannot accommodate all border area routes in Nunukan Regency, North Kalimantan Province, so the local government chooses and prioritizes the route or route of the Goods Subsidy Program (SOA) in sub-districts that have more demand and needs and are most in need.

Fostering Tourism Through Regional Culture in the Russian–Chinese Borderland: A Case Study of Zabaykalsky Krai and Northeast China

The article focuses on the cultural and civilisational potential of Russian eastern borders and China border regions. The issues raised in this article seem to be topical in the context of two circumstances: first, tourist contacts have undergone significant transformations in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, and second, the aggravating situation with the emergence of barriers to entry into the European tourism space makes China one of the most attractive regions for tourism development. The concept of ‘border’ appears as a unique sociocultural space where regional culture functioning is mediated by the influence of three cultural dimensions (national, local and foreign). In the era of digitalisation, online platforms act as a modern space for the concentration and accumulation of tourist content. Updating the work on online platforms can become one of the ways of solving the identified problems in the border tourism sector. The article gives a possible solution to the above issues based on the original model of ‘regional cultures dialogueness in the borderland’, its integration into the concept of tourism development in the border areas. The authors suggest recommendations on the vector of modern state policy regarding the development of tourism initiatives in the Russian–Chinese border area.

Revitalisation Design of North Coastal Border in Lemahwungkuk Sub-District with Urban Design Element Analysis

Cirebon is one of the cities in West Java province. The city is located in the lowlands on the north coast of Java. The low topography factor is closely related to urban problems, such as slums in the Lemahwungkuk sub-district of Cirebon City. This research aims to solve urban problems because, according to the Mayor's Regulation No. 663/Kep.421-DPRKP/2021, Lemahwungkuk sub-district includes Cangkol coastal and Kesunean coastal areas among the eleven slum locations in Cirebon city. In addition, there is a plan to revitalize the coastal border area. The method used in this research is qualitative, using urban design analysis and site analysis. The data sources were obtained through interviews with 20 informants and mapping using ArcGIS 10.8 software. The concept of an environmental approach with an orientation towards the community in the design of the revitalization of the north coast area in Lemahwungkuk District emphasizes the physical environment, infrastructure, economy, socio-culture, disaster, and collaboration between the government and the community. The results of this revitalization design can also be a recommendation for development in Cirebon, West Java. In addition, it recommends conservation and tourism activities on the north coast of Cirebon, West Java. Efforts to overcome the phenomenon of urban sprawl at the research site by changing the pattern of settlements and building layout to improve the quality of the community environment and increase public space and green open space for conservation, tourism, and aesthetic functions of the region.

The Morlachs of Dalmatia: A Glimpse on Damages Caused by Morlach Shepherds in Rural Dalmatia during the 15th and 16th Centuries

The Morlachs of Dalmatia, as referred to in Venetian documents from the 15th-century onwards, were a heterogeneous and extremely mobile population of Vlach origin. Even if they were to be found also as merchants, soldiers, thieves, criminals, immigrants, etc., the principal occupation of the late medieval Dalmatian Morlachs remained the traditional sheep breeding. When analysing this latter aspect of Morlach life, we have to keep in mind that the lifestyle of the Morlach shepherds from Dalmatia was strongly connected with that of other Vlachs communities from the Balkans. Together with this, the Morlachs` commercial practices and the ubiquitous presence of Morlach sheep flocks in the agricultural space of the Dalmatian hinterlands in the 15th and 16th-century, contributes equally to the larger topic of the life in border areas. Against this background, this paper exams the crop damages caused by the Morlach shepherds in Dalmatia`s fields and vineyards. These damages reveal information about the legal status of Morlach shepherds in Dalmatian communes, about privileges, concessions, agreements, rental contracts, and also about diplomatic negotiations. Moreover, representative examples of crop damages will be used to study the relation and (partially) cross-cultural interaction of Morlachs shepherds with the great regional powers, particularly Venice’s reaction to the disruptive Morlachs and its consequences at the diplomatic level with the authorities of the Ottoman Empire.

STRAIN SELECTION AND CULTIVATION OF FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE VIRUSES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A TRIVALENT INACTIVATED VACCINE

Foot-and-mouth disease is a well-known transboundary animal disease and has been recognised as a priority disease by the Steering Committee of the Global Framework for the Progressive Control of Transboundary Animal Diseases in Europe. The territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan is generally free of foot-and-mouth disease, however, sporadic cases of foot-and-mouth disease occur in various regions of the country as a result of importation from unfavorable countries. Epizootic safety in the Republic of Kazakhstan is maintained by vaccinating animals in the border areas of the southern and eastern regions. Inactivated vaccines against serotypes A, O, Asia produced by the All-Russian Research Institute of Animal Health (Russia) are used for vaccination. Continuous seromonitoring is carried out to maintain the level of post-vaccination antibodies at a high level, ensuring the immunity of animals to foot-and-mouth disease. However, despite all the measures taken, sporadic outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease cause damage to livestock farming in the Republic of Kazakhstan. The effectiveness of preventive measures using vaccination depends on the strain used in the vaccine. The closer the strain used in the vaccine is genetically to the viruses circulating in that area, the more effective the preventive measures will be and the research conducted to create the most immunogenic domestic anti-foot-and-mouth disease vaccines have scientific and practical significance. This article presents the results of the selection of foot-and-mouth disease virus strains previously circulating in the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan and studies their cultural and biological properties. Studies of the above-mentioned strains on adaptation to a transplantable cell culture line were conducted, the stability of cultural properties was studied over 10 generations and the stability was confirmed by the PCR method. Also, based on the studies, it was found that the maximum accumulation of the virus in cell culture occurs at a multiplicity of infection of 0.01-0.1 TCID50/cell. The reproductive activity of the studied isolates was within 6.5-7.25 lg TCID50/cm3 when cultivated for 16 hours.

Has Environmental Regulation Promoted the Spatial Agglomeration of Hog Production in Administrative Border Regions? Evidence from the Yangtze River Basin in China

This study finds that the livestock environmental regulation (LER) imposed by China has promoted the spatial agglomeration of hog production in the administrative border areas, thereby posing a threat to ecological sustainability. We apply the difference-in-differences-in-differences (DDD) method to a unique dataset in counties along the main stem and 38 important tributaries of the Yangtze River basin in China from 2008 to 2019. Specifically, the slaughter volume and density of hogs in the most downstream border counties of a city are 7.87% and 9.56% higher, respectively, than those of otherwise identical counties within the same municipal jurisdiction. Conversely, in the most upstream border counties, these figures decreased by 12.02% and 15.35%, respectively. Moreover, we find that the fixed capital investment in the most downstream border counties is 22.54% less than that in otherwise identical counties. These findings imply that LER has driven the agglomeration of hog production in downstream administrative border areas, inadvertently shifting the pollution burden to these regions and posing potential challenges to the effectiveness of environmental policies.

Enhanced Energy efficient routing protocol for OnDemand distance vector routing to improve communication in border area Military communication

Enhanced Energy efficient routing protocol for OnDemand distance vector routing to improve communication in border area Military communication

Economic Security in Border Areas: The Fulfillment of Community Welfare

Border area management entails navigating geographical complexity and socio-cultural diversity, necessitating a comprehensive approach that integrates security and welfare. This article highlights a paradigm shift from traditional to economic security, recognizing economic dependence as a potential national vulnerability. Despite challenges like geographic remoteness and economic inequality, border regions are vital for economic growth. Using a conceptual approach, the article emphasizes the need to balance security and welfare through cross-border trade development and community empowerment. While Law Number 43 of 2008 aims to manage borders, unclear authority and regulatory overlap hinder effectiveness, compounded by military-focused defense strategies, limited budgets, and inadequate infrastructure. To address these issues, enhancing international cooperation, clarifying authority, and empowering communities through local wisdom are essential. Such empowerment is expected to bolster self-esteem, reduce economic dependency, and strengthen economic security, emphasizing the importance of balancing protection with economic development. Strategies like expanding trade zones and enhancing social capital, alongside infrastructure development and improved social services, are crucial for ensuring access and fostering the welfare of border communities.

PELATIHAN PERANCANGAN MODUL AJAR PROJECT BASED LEARNING BERLATAR BUDAYA CULTURALLY RESPONSIVE TEACHING (CRT) BAGI GURU - GURU SMPN 8 BANJAR

The formation of students' character and self-confidence based on noble cultural values ​​can be formed from the education and culture around students. Culturally responsive teaching makes people aware of respecting and recognizing the reality of different tribes, religions, languages ​​and ethnicities, and exploring the special aspects or uniqueness of students' culture and using them in planning and implementing learning. Development efforts are still very necessary, because: 1) Education is not enough to develop teacher professionalism. Many teachers take distance education/study outside the city. 2) Community Service Activities as an effort to organize education. 3) Cultural fusion as a border area. 4) Learning with a cultural background so that it can be introduced in learning. The solutions to partner problems that are addressed are: 1) The mixing of Javanese and Sundanese cultures as areas on the border is no longer considered a problem with the existence of acculturation (mixing of cultures) through the marriage process which has been carried out for a long time and produces Javanese and Sundanese descendants 2) Cultural conflict is not an obstacle because cultural acculturation has occurred in various activity sectors including religious and school activities using the language of instruction in both regions, so that it can be accepted by both parties in its delivery. 3) Community Service Activities are expected to be an implementation that can minimize inequality in technological progress and cultural inequality. 4) Culturally Responsive Teaching in daily learning is introduced by teachers through the Project Based Learning teaching module.

Wild pigs influence tropical forest soil microbial communities in a forest-agriculture mosaic landscape

Edge effects, the altered abiotic and biotic conditions on the borders of natural areas, have rarely been linked to altered soil biota, which shape ecosystem processes including carbon storage, biogeochemical cycling, and plant performance. Here, we investigated if increased wildlife populations (their increase mediated by foraging in nearby oil palm plantations) affect soil biota when they move between plantations and natural habitats. We used a 22-year fenced exclusion experiment in a primary rain forest in Peninsular Malaysia. We found that the presence of wildlife (mainly native pigs; Sus scrofa) was associated with greater bacterial diversity, an altered bacterial community composition, and indications of a reduced abundance of symbiotic ectomycorrhizal fungi. There were only minor effects of pigs on soil chemistry or microclimate, so we suggest that changes in soil communities are driven by pigs’ leaf litter removal and alterations to plant composition. Our study highlights that indirect effects from agriculture can be induced by wildlife more than1 km into protected areas and this could have important repercussions for ecosystem processes and plant-soil feedbacks.

Reciprocal regulation between rural settlement expansion and human-elephant conflict in China's wild elephant range

Human-wildlife conflict (HWC) and its socioeconomic impacts are a pressing global issue. Accurately quantifying HWCs and their interaction with residential development is crucial for rural revitalization and biodiversity conservation efforts. This study investigates the interplay between rural residential expansion (RRE) with human-elephant conflict (HEC) in southern Yunnan Province using high-accuracy yearly land use/land cover data and Asian elephant accident data. A piecewise regression along with several metrics, including expansion intensity and rate of rural residential land, and residential density, were employed to analyze the spatial-temporal change characteristics of RRE. Then, a geographical detector and a bivariate spatial autocorrelation model were used to reveal the driving mechanisms of RRE, with particular emphasis on the spatial relations between RRE and HECs. The results indicate that HECs had a significant negative impact on RRE, exhibiting higher expansion intensity and rate of rural residential land in non-HEC areas than in HEC areas. High spatiotemporal consistency between accelerated RRE and intensified HECs occurred from 2010 onwards, which aligns with the year when the trend of settlement area expansion changed. RRE activities and ensuing land use conversions led to increased occurrences of HECs, which negatively affected the RRE. Compared to HECs, topography and locational factors exhibited a secondary effect on RRE activities. The findings underscore reciprocal feedback mechanisms between RRE and HECs and the elevated risk of adverse interactions between humans and elephants within the range of China's wild elephants, providing theoretical support for coordinating conservation initiatives for Asian elephants with rural revitalization in the border areas of Southwest China.