Autochthonous Communities Research Articles

Waste Combustion Releases Anthropogenic Nanomaterials in Indigenous Arctic Communities.

Arctic autochthonous communities and the environment face unprecedented challenges due to climate change and anthropogenic activities. One less-explored aspect of these challenges is the release and distribution of anthropogenic nanomaterials in autochthonous communities. This study pioneers a comprehensive investigation into the nature and dispersion of anthropogenic nanomaterials within Arctic Autochthonous communities, originating from their traditional waste-burning practices. Employing advanced nanoanalytical tools, we unraveled the nature and prevalence of nanomaterials, including metal oxides (TiO2, PbO), alloys (SnPb, SbPb, SnAg, SnCu, SnZn), chromated copper arsenate-related nanomaterials (CuCrO2, CuCr2O4), and nanoplastics (polystyrene and polypropylene) in snow and sediment near waste burning sites. This groundbreaking study illuminates the unintended consequences of waste burning in remote Arctic areas, stressing the urgent need for interdisciplinary research, community engagement, and sustainable waste management. These measures are crucial to safeguard the fragile Arctic ecosystem and the health of autochthonous communities.

Ecology and Phenology of the Subtidal Brown Alga Sargassum furcatum (Ochrophyta, Fucales), a Likely Non-Indigenous Species from the Mediterranean Sea

This study provides new insights regarding the ecology and phenology of the likely non-indigenous canopy-forming species Sargassum furcatum on the central-eastern coast of Sicily (Italy, Central Mediterranean). This species was described for St. Thomas (Virgin Islands), and it was reported for the first time in the Mediterranean in 1995 in the Chafarinas islands (Spain, western Mediterranean). After the first report, this species was found in 2021 in several sites located along the eastern coast of Sicily (Italy), along the French Mediterranean coastline, in Corsica, and recently also in the Aeolian Islands (Italy). No phenological studies on this species have been ever carried out in the Mediterranean Sea. To conduct this study, a visual census activity was performed in three sites along the Ionian coast of Sicily throughout 2023, during which the length of the main axis of S. furcatum specimens was measured and the frequency of findings of the species during the year was noted. In this study, it was observed that S. furcatum shows a wide adaptability in terms of range of depth, temperature, light exposure, and type of substrate. Since the distribution of this species is mostly centralized in the western Atlantic Ocean, it is likely that S. furcatum entered the Mediterranean through the Gibraltar Strait. Consequently, the entrance of this species in this Basin could be further proof of the ongoing seawater warming and tropicalization of Mediterranean waters. From this point of view, it is important to keep monitoring the dynamics of S. furcatum in the Mediterranean Sea in order to understand its putative impacts on autochthonous communities.

PRINCIPLES OF ETHNO-FEDERALISM AND RELATIONS OF AUTOCHTHONOUS PEOPLES WITH RESOURCE-EXTRACTING COMPANIES IN RUSSIA AND CANADA

The issues of the study of ethnic federations are largely connected with the discussion of the question on integrative mechanisms and stability of this kind of federalism. The presented publication looks at the problem from the other side. The issue of interrelation of the rights of the indigenous population and mining companies in the context of ethical federalism in Russia and Canada is taken as a basis. For this purpose, the regulatory framework, institutional mechanisms and the practice of resolving relevant local conflicts are being considered. The assessment of the paradigm of corporate social responsibility "social license to operate" is given also in this context. As a result, the conclusion is made about the peculiarities of the influence of ethnic federalism on the relations of indigenous population with mining companies; separate factors influencing this are identified. At the same time, in Russia and Canada, the rights of autochthonous groups in their territories are still in the process of institutionalization, both due to the very slow recognition of legal rights over the land use in the case of autochthonous communities in Canada, and due to continuing restrictions by federal authorities or legislation.

Megalithic tradition associated with agricultural ritual

The Tiwa community is one of the autochthonous communities of Northeast India. An important aspect of Tiwa culture is the erection of stone monuments during the celebration of Chongkhong Phuja. This ceremony is performed before the commencement of their yearly agricultural cycle which falls in late April and continues to early May. On this occasion, a menhir and table stone are erected by the head priest of the Tiwa village, who then invokes their village guardian deity to call for a better harvest as well as for the wellbeing of the villagers. This elaborate ceremony marks the beginning of the agricultural season for the year, following which the villagers commence their agricultural activities. This paper deals with the performance of Chongkhong Phuja and the associated living megalithic tradition among the Hill Tiwas residing in the Umswai Valley. It also documents the oral traditions associated with the origin of the megalithic tradition in the community. As most of the living megalithic traditions among the ethnic communities of Northeast India are either related to burial practices or commemorating the death of a person or an event, this Chongkhong Phuja represents a unique example of a megalithic tradition related to agricultural practice. Indirect evidence suggests the megalithic structures present at the ceremonial place of the Chongkhong Phuja in the Amsai village of the Umswai Valley have been continuously erected for the last thousand years. The paper also hypothesizes the shifting cultivation in the area to be as old as the practice of the megalithic tradition.

Current Insights into Growing Microalgae for Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Biomass Generation

Municipal wastewater (MWW) provides a promising platform for microalgae cultivation due to its rich content of essential nutrients. Recent research has showcased the multifaceted benefits of microalgae-based wastewater treatment, from the potent depollution capabilities of these organisms to their biomass potential for ecofriendly applications. A significant advantage lies in the ability of these systems to promote environmental sustainability without producing secondary pollutants, aligning with the circular economy model. This approach encompasses various stages, from cultivating microalgae to biomass separation and subsequent valorization. However, challenges arise when scaling these systems to industrial levels. A predominant barrier is the difficulty in maintaining consistent control over all the factors influencing wastewater phytoremediation. This can compromise both biomass survival and the efficiency of pollution removal and valorization. Notably, using native microalgal consortiums from the effluent appears to be a promising strategy. These autochthonous communities often demonstrate superior adaptability and treatment capacity, emphasizing the importance of further exploring their potential to provide effective and economically viable solutions for wastewater treatment.

Enhancing the Strength of Mine Residue Soil by Bioremediation Combined with Biopolymers

Traditional soil stabilization methods are usually associated with high energy consumption, carbon emissions, and long-term environmental impact. Recent developments have shown the potential use of bio-based techniques as eco-friendly alternatives for soil stabilization. The present work studies the effects of the addition of the biopolymers xanthan gum (XG) or carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) to a mine residue soil, combined or not with biostimulation and bioaugmentation techniques, in terms of compressive stress–strain behavior. Unconfined compressive strength (UCS) tests were performed on previously disturbed samples (two cycles of percolation, extraction and homogenization) to evaluate if the biostimulation and bioremediation remain active in a real adverse scenario. The results allowed for us to conclude that both biopolymers, when applied individually (with a content of 1%), are effective stabilizers (CMC allows for unconfined compressive strength increases of up to 109%), showing better results for CMC than Portland cement. The biostimulation of the autochthonous community of the mine residue soil was revealed to be a non-effective technique, even when combined with the biopolymers. However, good results were observed when the bioaugmentation was combined with xanthan gum, with unconfined compressive strength improvements of up to 27%. The study revealed that these bio-based techniques are promising soil engineering techniques, offering environmentally friendly alternatives for sustainable soil stabilization and contributing to a greener and more sustainable future.

Global Health Perspectives on Race in Research: Neocolonial Extraction and Local Marginalization.

Best practices in global health training prioritize leadership and engagement from investigators from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), along with conscientious community consultation and research that benefits local participants and autochthonous communities. However, well into the 20th century, international research and clinical care remain rife with paternalism, extractive practices, and racist ideation, with race presumed to explain vulnerability or protection from various diseases, despite scientific evidence for far more precise mechanisms for infectious disease. We highlight experiences in global research on health and illness among indigenous populations in LMICs, seeking to clarify what is both scientifically essential and ethically desirable in research with human subjects; we apply a critical view towards race and racism as historically distorting elements that must be acknowledged and overcome.

First record of an autochthonous community of fluviatile freshwater molluscs from the Middle/Late Miocene Upper Freshwater Molasse (southern Germany)

First record of an autochthonous community of fluviatile freshwater molluscs from the Middle/Late Miocene Upper Freshwater Molasse (southern Germany)

Halophilic Bacteria as a Promising Basis of Biopreparations for Improving the Growth of Autochthonous Strains-Destructors in Salinization Conditions

In some cases, pollution of ecosystems with persistent toxic organic compounds, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), is accompanied by salinization, which significantly inhibits the degradation of these compounds by autochthonous communities of microorganisms. Therefore, new methods of reclamation of such polluted territories are being sought and developed. One of the approaches can be the introduction of bacteria that stimulate the physiological activity of autochthonous destructors. In the course of the conducted study, the moderately halophilic strain Halomonas sp. SMB31 was identified as the most competitive for the intermediates of the destruction of naphthalene (model compound PAH), and its effect on the growth of the halotolerant destructor strain Rhodococcus sp. SMB38 has been evaluated during the degradation of naphthalene under conditions of high salinity (7% NaCl). It is shown that the joint cultivation of Rhodococcus sp. SMB38 and Halomonas sp. SMB31 led to a significant reduction in the duration of the period of adaptation to environmental conditions and an increase in the specific growth rate of the destructor strain. Thus, the obtained results showed the prospects of the studied moderately halophilic strain Halomonas sp. SMB31 for use as a biological preparation for the purpose of activating the physiological processes of autochthonous microorganisms-destructors under conditions of salinization of the environment.

Long-term phytoplankton dynamics in the Zeeschelde estuary (Belgium) are driven by the interactive effects of de-eutrophication, altered hydrodynamics and extreme weather events

We studied how changing human impacts affected phytoplankton dynamics in the freshwater and brackish tidal reaches of the Zeeschelde estuary (Belgium) between 2002 and 2018. Until the early 2000s, the Zeeschelde was heavily polluted due to high wastewater discharges. By 2008, water quality had improved, resulting in lower nutrient concentrations and higher oxygen levels. Since 2009, however, increased dredging activities resulted in altered hydrodynamics and increased suspended sediment concentration. The combined effects of these environmental changes were reflected in three marked transitions in phytoplankton community composition. Assemblages were dominated by Thalassiosirales and green algae (especially Scenedesmaceae) until 2003. The period 2003–2011 was characterized by the wax and wane of the centric diatoms Actinocyclus and Aulacoseira, while in the period 2012–2018 Thalassiosirales and Cyanobacteria became dominant, the latter mainly imported from the tributaries. Phytoplankton biomass increased sharply in 2003, after which there was a gradual decline until 2018. By 2018, the timing of the growing season had advanced with about one month compared to the start of the study, probably as a consequence of climate warming and intensified zooplankton grazing pressure. Our study shows that de-eutrophication (during the 2000s) and morphological interventions in the estuary (in the 2010s) were dominant drivers of phytoplankton dynamics but that the main shifts in community composition were triggered by extreme weather events, suggesting significant resistance of autochthonous communities to gradual changes in the environment.

Toponymic politics and the role of heritagisation in multiethnic cities in Romania

ABSTRACT Although scholars have made considerable progress in understanding the dynamics of heritagisation and toponymic politics, research is yet to explore how these may interact with each other. Drawing on a mixed-methods comparative qualitative study, this paper explores the politics of place naming and multilingualism in the context of heritagisation in three multiethnic cities in Romania: Târgu Mureş, Oradea and Baia Mare. We argue that the recent trends of heritagisation introduce a new element in the politics of place naming in ethnically diverse cities. Heritage becomes inclusive when it loses its importance in the power struggle between minority and majority political representatives. Once the demographic weight of the minority decreases and the appearance of minority language in public space does not anymore pose a threat to the hegemony of the majority, heritagisation initiatives – including the display of multilingual signs – may develop. In cities where ethnic proportions remain balanced, however, ethnic rivalry continues to prevail as the dominant element of toponymic politics. Nonetheless, while the simultaneous heritagisation and political commodification of historical toponyms offers better visibility for autochthonous minority communities, they equally risk eroding minority language rights under an ambiguous regime of political and economic calculation.

Black soldier fly meal effects on meagre health condition: gut morphology, gut microbiota and humoral immune response

The effects of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) meal (HM) on gut morphology, gut microbial community, and humoral immune response was evaluated in meagre (Argyrosomus regius) juveniles. For that purpose, fish with 18.0±0.02 g were fed a control diet (CTR) without HM, and 3 other diets including 10, 20 and 30% HM (diets HM10, HM20 and HM30, respectively), replacing 17, 35 and 52% of fish meal (FM), for 9 weeks. The meagre distal intestine (DI) showed no significant histomorphologic alterations in fold height, lamina propria, submucosa width and cellularity, and enterocytes shape, between dietary treatments. Increasing numbers of eosinophilic granulocytes and intraepithelial leukocytes were observed in fish fed the HM30 diet compared to the CTR and HM10 diets. The mean DI score was higher in meagre fed the HM30 diet, denoting increased overall histomorphological alterations in that group compared to fish fed the CTR diet. No differences in gut bacterial profiles (number of operational taxonomic units, microbiota richness, diversity, and similarity indices) were observed between dietary treatments, either in allochthonous (digesta) and autochthonous (mucosa) communities. Plasma anti-protease activity increased with increasing dietary HM level, while no significant differences were observed in the plasmatic protease, peroxidase, lysozyme and bactericidal activities, nitric oxide production and total immunoglobulins. Overall, and in order to avoid gut histomorphological alterations, an inclusion level up to 10% of HM, corresponding to 17% of FM replacement, is recommended for meagre juveniles.

States and Refugee Integration: a Comparative Analysis of France, Germany, and Switzerland

The Syrian civil war led to mass migration and Europe becoming a potential site of refuge. How have Syrians experienced refuge in Europe? Drawing on 58 interviews with Syrian refugees in Germany, France, and Switzerland, we find that refugees continue to experience exclusion in all integration domains including those found as markers and means, social connections, facilitators, and foundations of integration . While our cases demonstrate that Syrian refugees in Europe experience discrimination across all domains, not all conditions are equal. Using narrative analysis, differences were observed within three integration domains. Accessing language programs was more challenging in France, finding housing was more challenging in Germany, and F type residence permits limited refugees’ rights in Switzerland more than in other countries. Discrimination across domains is deepening the socio-cultural-economic divide between autochthonous communities and Syrian refugees, but not all domains are equally divisive across countries. The findings outline that where these states outsourced refugee services, refugees experienced increased barriers to integration.

Evaluating the aerobic xylene-degrading potential of the intrinsic microbial community of a legacy BTEX-contaminated aquifer by enrichment culturing coupled with multi-omics analysis: uncovering the role of Hydrogenophaga strains in xylene degradation

To develop effective bioremediation strategies, it is always important to explore autochthonous microbial community diversity using substrate-specific enrichment. The primary objective of this present study was to reveal the diversity of aerobic xylene-degrading bacteria at a legacy BTEX-contaminated site where xylene is the predominant contaminant, as well as to identify potential indigenous strains that could effectively degrade xylenes, in order to better understand the underlying facts about xylene degradation using a multi-omics approach. Henceforward, parallel aerobic microcosms were set up using different xylene isomers as the sole carbon source to investigate evolved bacterial communities using both culture-dependent and independent methods. Research outcome showed that the autochthonous community of this legacy BTEX-contaminated site has the capability to remove all of the xylene isomers from the environment aerobically employing different bacterial groups for different xylene isomers. Interestingly, polyphasic analysis of the enrichments disclose that the community composition of the o-xylene-degrading enrichment community was utterly distinct from that of the m- and p-xylene-degrading enrichments. Although in each of the enrichments Pseudomonas and Acidovorax were the dominant genera, in the case of o-xylene-degrading enrichment Rhodococcus was the main player. Among the isolates, two Hydogenophaga strains, belonging to the same genomic species, were obtained from p-xylene-degrading enrichment, substantially able to degrade aromatic hydrocarbons including xylene isomers aerobically. Comparative whole-genome analysis of the strains revealed different genomic adaptations to aromatic hydrocarbon degradation, providing an explanation on their different xylene isomer-degrading abilities.

EL MODELO DE BIENES DE PRESTIGIO APLICADO AL SURESTE IBÉRICO DURANTE EL HIERRO ANTIGUO: EL ESCARABEO FENICIO DEL CASTELLAR DE LIBRILLA

The establishment of Phoenician colonies in the Iberian Southeast from the 8th century BC led to a significant increase in productive and commercial activities with the autochthonous communities. However, prestige goods of high value destined for reduced consumption groups also circulated within these networks. The presence of a scarab found during an archaeological survey in the settlement of Castellar de Librilla (Librilla, Región de Murcia) reveals the inclusion of certain autochthonous elites in these circuits. This paper discusses the context, typological classification and comparative analysis of the scarab to better determine its origin and chronological framework. The incorporation of new archaeometric data through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), focused on the gold bezel setting in which the scarab is set, has been essential to improving our understanding of this piece of personal adornment. The results of the iconographic and microanalytic study point to the exceptional value of this artefact, which make it possible to recognise the participation and agency of the autochthonous elites of Castellar de Librilla in the commercial systems of Mediterranean prestige goods.

СТАН СУЧАСНОГО ПЕРЕКЛАДОЗНАВСТВА У СЛОВАЧЧИНІ

The article reveals the main achievements of the modern Slovak school of translation studies in the fi elds of theory, history, criticism and didactics of translation. In today’s Slovakia translation research is concentrated in four academic centres: the Slovak Academy of Arts and Sciences in Bratislava as well as the Universities of Banska Bystrica, Nitra and Presov. Slovak researchers are developing a number of partial theories of translation, including the theory of audiovisual translation and the theory of translation competencies. Interestingly, machine translation is also well-studied, although the topic might be neglected as the number of Slovak speakers is not so numerous. Researchers are very active in studying the history of translation, especially in the fi eld of biography studies. History studies apply the methodology of sociological research which help to evaluate the reception of foreign literatures in various perspectives. On the basis of judging books in translation, translation criticism does not seem to be very popular as a research topic, although the publication of the specialized journal “Kritika prekladu” will defi nitely stimulate this domain. Ukrainian studies in Slovakia – including the domain of translation studies – also have a strong position due to the scholars of Prešov University. This can be explained by long and fruitful academic traditions of the Ukrainian autochthonous community. Within the last decade, the researchers of Ukrainian background also contributed to translation studies in the areas of the cultural theory of translation and court interpreting and translation. Although there are a number of books in translation, publishing eff orts have some problems as well, i. e. the small volume of monographic editions, which sometimes resemble a lengthy article rather than a book. The books are published not only in print, but also in electronic format and online which will facilitate the availability of these publications to much wider readership. Key words: Slovakia, translation theory, translation history, audiovisual translation, Ukrainian studies.

Characterization of External Mucosal Microbiomes of Nile Tilapia and Grey Mullet Co-cultured in Semi-Intensive Pond Systems.

The external mucosal surfaces of the fish harbor complex microbial communities, which may play pivotal roles in the physiological, metabolic, and immunological status of the host. Currently, little is known about the composition and role of these communities, whether they are species and/or tissue specific and whether they reflect their surrounding environment. Co-culture of fish, a common practice in semi-intensive aquaculture, where different fish species cohabit in the same contained environment, is an easily accessible and informative model toward understanding such interactions. This study provides the first in-depth characterization of gill and skin microbiomes in co-cultured Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and grey mullet (Mugil capito) in semi-intensive pond systems in Egypt using 16S rRNA gene-based amplicon sequencing. Results showed that the microbiome composition of the external surfaces of both species and pond water was dominated by the following bacterial phyla: Proteobacteria, Fusobacteriota, Firmicutes, Planctomycetota, Verrucomicrobiota, Bacteroidota, and Actinobacteriota. However, water microbial communities had the highest abundance and richness and significantly diverged from the external microbiome of both species; thus, the external autochthonous communities are not a passive reflection of their allochthonous communities. The autochthonous bacterial communities of the skin were distinct from those of the gill in both species, indicating that the external microbiome is likely organ specific. However, gill autochthonous communities were clearly species specific, whereas skin communities showed higher commonalities between both species. Core microbiome analysis identified the presence of shared core taxa between both species and pond water in addition to organ-specific taxa within and between the core community of each species. These core taxa included possibly beneficial genera such as Uncultured Pirellulaceae, Exiguobacterium, and Cetobacterium and opportunistic potential pathogens such as Aeromonas, Plesiomonas, and Vibrio. This study provides the first in-depth mapping of bacterial communities in this semi-intensive system that in turn provides a foundation for further studies toward enhancing the health and welfare of these cultured fish and ensuring sustainability.

Technological change and cultural resistance among southeast Iberian potters: analytical characterisation of Early Iron Age pottery from Castellar de Librilla

The beginning of relationships between autochthonous communities and Phoenicians from the earliest contacts in the eighth century BC made possible the exchange of ideas, technologies and people. This work analyses the development of the Early Iron Age potteries of the Iberian Southeast, the impact of the Phoenician presence and the agency that these local groups exercised on their ceramic assemblages until the fifth century BC. The incorporation of new archaeometric data from Castellar de Librilla, one of the region’s main autochthonous settlements, has been essential to improve our approach to these cultural encounters. A total of 63 representative individuals have been analysed through X‐ray fluorescence (XRF), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), thin-section petrography and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results point to the local production of ceramics previously considered as Western Phoenician pottery, and to the degree of specialisation of the potters established in the autochthonous settlements, combining traditional and new techniques from early in the period of contact.

Retrospective study on the incidence of pseudoexfoliatio lentis and related complications in a cohort of patients from the Island of Ischia: medico-legal and ergophthalmology considerations.

The population of the island has lived for centuries almost isolated from the rest of the continental population. In the seventh century BC, it was the first Greek colony in the southern Italy and was colonized by the Eubei, then it was the turn of the Roman rule. In the Middle Ages, the island was the victim of many raids of the Barbary pirates. Only in the last decades of the 800, did the island begin to open to tourism. However, it had a strong setback with the terrible earthquake of Casamicciola, in 1883. Tourism had gradually resumed in the second post-war period. These episodes have contributed to bringing people extraneous to the autochthonous community to the island. As in most of the coastal populations of the Mediterranean basin, there is a very high incidence of pseudoexfoliation lentis in the population of Ischia, which is a syndrome that often complicates in a challenging way the surgical intervention for the removal of cataracts.

Protist communities along freshwater–marine transition zones in Hudson Bay (Canada)

One of the most striking ecological divides on Earth is between marine and nearby freshwater environments, as relatively few taxa can move between the two. Microbial eukaryotes contribute to biogeochemical and energy cycling in both fresh and marine waters, with little species overlap between the two ecosystems. Arctic and sub-Arctic marine systems are relatively fresh compared to tropical and temperate systems, but details of microbial eukaryote communities along river-to-sea transitions are poorly known. To bridge this knowledge gap, we investigated three river-to-sea transitions (Nelson, Churchill, and Great Whale Rivers) in sub-Arctic Hudson Bay through 18S rRNA amplicon sequencing to identify microbial eukaryotes along the salinity and biogeochemical gradients. Salinity acted as the principal dispersal barrier preventing freshwater microorganisms from colonizing marine coastal waters, with microbial eukaryote communities of the three rivers clustering together. Just offshore, communities clustered by coastal regions associated with nutrient concentrations. Analysis of indicator species revealed that communities in the nitrate-depleted coastal water off the Churchill and Great Whale Rivers were dominated by heterotrophic taxa and small photosynthetic protists. In contrast, the Nelson offshore community was characterized by a high proportion of the diatom Rhizosolenia. A distinct community of heterotrophic protists was identified in the three estuarine transition zones, suggesting specialized estuarine communities. Such specialization was most marked in the Nelson River system that was sampled more intensely and showed estuarine circulation. The autochthonous community was composed of the bacterial grazers Katablepharis, Mataza, and Cryothecomonas, as well as brackish species of the diatoms Skeletonema and Thalassiosira. These findings suggest that flow regulation on the Nelson River that modifies estuarine circulation would affect estuarine community composition and distribution in the transition zone.