A high-resolution molecular tool for tracking and differentiating closely-related Plasmodium vivax populations is critically needed. This study aimed to develop and validate a novel single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) barcode to monitor the progress of malaria elimination in the Great Mekong Subregion (GMS). A total of 210 P. vivax clinical samples were collected across four time points in three international border areas: China-Myanmar border, Thailand-Myanmar border, and Bangladesh-Myanmar border. Parasites were genotyped at 36 SNPs using MassARRAY technology (Sequenom), with Sanger sequencing validation for low-efficiency loci. The complexity of infection (COI) was estimated via a maximum likelihood approach implemented in COIL, while genetic diversity metrics were computed in GenAIEx version 6.5. Population differentiation was assessed through molecular variance analysis, Mantel rank test, and pairwise FST estimation. Genetic structure was resolved using principal component analysis, phylogenetic analysis, and ADMIXTURE. 198 samples were successfully genotyped at 22 validated SNPs, revealing 37.9% polyclonal infections. The proportion of polyclonal infections differed significantly among the five P. vivax populations (P = 0.0001, Pearson Chi-square test, χ2 = 23.15), with 2020 CMB samples having the highest proportion (56.1%). The average COI was highest in BMB parasites (1.109 ± 0.007). The TMB 2018 samples exhibited the maximal nucleotide diversity (π = 0.342 ± 0.033) and expected heterozygosity (He = 0.325 ± 0.04). The P. vivax populations from the western GMS showed significantly reduced genetic diversity in recent years compared to earlier timepoints (0.372 ± 0.009 vs. 0.426 ± 0.009; P < 0.0001, Student's t-test). Pairwise FST values indicated moderate to high genetic differentiation (0.165 - 0.417) across nine population pairs, except for the temporally proximal CMB populations, which showed low differentiation. Structure analysis consistently resolved three discrete genetic clusters corresponding to CMB, TMB, and BMB parasite populations. This 22-SNP barcode provides a high-resolution genotyping tool capable of differentiating P. vivax parasite infections from the western GMS. Our data demonstrate that sustained malaria control interventions drive the fragmentation of P. vivax populations into genetically distinct transmission foci, creating opportunities for elimination strategies in border hotspots.

This article analyzes the current situation, characteristics, and emerging issues of religious life in Vietnam’s land border areas. The analysis is based on statistical data and field surveys conducted in several border provinces, with representative case studies from Điện Biên, Gia Lai, and An Giang. The findings indicate that religious life in these regions has undergone notable transformations in the context of economic reforms, international integration, and the increasing expansion of inter- and trans-border relations. Major religions such as Buddhism, Catholicism, Protestantism, Hòa Hảo Buddhism, and Caodaism, together with several religions associated with ethnic minority communities \- such as Khmer Theravada Buddhism and Islam \- form a diverse yet unevenly distributed religious landscape across different regions. The article also devotes significant attention to identifying emerging challenges and pressing issues in contemporary religious life, particularly those related to religious security, the exploitation of religion for political purposes, and certain limitations in the implementation of religious policies and laws. On this basis, the author proposes several policy recommendations to strengthen capacity to ensure religious security and to reinforce political and security stability in border areas, thereby contributing to social stability and the sustainable development of Vietnam’s border regions

BackgroundMarburg virus disease (MVD) is a rare but highly lethal viral hemorrhagic fever (VHF) caused by Marburg virus (MARV) and Ravn virus (RAVV). While MVD has historically been limited to specific areas of sub-Saharan Africa, recent outbreaks in previously unaffected countries indicate an expanding ecological and epidemiological risk. In November 2025, Ethiopia confirmed its first-ever MVD outbreak, constituting a significant national and regional public health emergency.MethodsThis narrative review synthesizes publicly available epidemiological data, government situation reports, and official communications from the Ethiopian Ministry of Health (MoH), Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI), Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), and the World Health Organization (WHO).ResultsThe outbreak was initially detected in Jinka town, South Ethiopia Region, an area bordering Kenya and South Sudan. As of 25 January 2026, more than 3,800 diagnostic tests were conducted, leading to a total of 19 cases comprising 14 confirmed (including nine deaths) and five probable (all deaths) and five recoveries from MVD in the country’s South Ethiopia and Sidama regions, which were reported. A total of 857 contacts listed for monitoring all had completed their 21-day follow-up as of 25 January 2026. Ethiopia’s response included rapid notification, laboratory confirmation, activation of incident management systems, deployment of mobile high-biosafety laboratories, establishment of isolation and treatment centers, and issuance of national clinical management guidelines. International partners provided technical, financial, and logistical support. However, the outbreak exposed ongoing challenges, including health system fragility, workforce shortages, misinformation, funding limitations, and heightened cross-border transmission risk.ConclusionThe emergence of MVD in Ethiopia represents a pivotal moment for national and regional health security. Sustained containment will require strengthened surveillance, community engagement, cross-border collaboration, and integrated One Health approaches. Long-term investment in resilient health systems and coordinated regional preparedness is essential to prevent future spillover events and protect vulnerable populations.

Trailing edge tree populations, located at the warm or dry margins of species' ranges, often harbor unique genetic adaptations to marginal environments. These populations face heightened risks from climate change, potentially threatening the persistence of valuable adaptive traits. Here we identify trailing-edge populations for the 100 most common North American tree species using spatially explicit climate and forest inventory data, and prioritize conservation actions based on projected forest cover loss, climate velocity, and species richness. Assisted migration initiatives for these populations could safeguard the long-term persistence of their adaptive traits, ensuring that valuable genotypes are maintained within future forest ecosystems. Trailing-edge populations were geographically concentrated in the Appalachian region, the Midwest, and southern boreal forests. Areas bordering the central plains faced the highest projected forest cover loss and climate velocity, while the Great Lakes basin and eastern Canada emerged as promising recipient regions. Our findings support targeted conservation and assisted migration strategies to maintain genetic diversity and enhance forest resilience under future climates, facilitated by an online tool for climate-informed seed collection and planning (https://tinyurl.com/past-nam).

This study analyzes the contribution of community-based Islamic philanthropy to strengthening the resilience of Muslim muallaf families in the Belu border area, NTT. Muallaf families in this region face multiple challenges, including economic hardship, adaptation to a new religious identity, and social vulnerability as a minority group. In this context, recitation communities play an important role in implementing Islamic philanthropic practices based on socio-religious solidarity to support the sustainability of Muslim family life. This study employs a qualitative field study with a sociological approach. Data were collected through interviews, observations, and documentation involving muallaf families, religious leaders, and Muslim worshippers in Belu, NTT. The data were analyzed descriptively and analytically to identify forms of Islamic philanthropic practices and their contribution to family resilience. The findings reveal that Islamic philanthropy is distributed in both material and non-material forms through consumptive-traditional and consumptive-creative patterns. Based on Froma Walsh’s framework of family resilience, philanthropy contributes positively to the belief-system dimension by fostering acceptance and optimism among muallaf families as they cope with social and economic pressures. However, in the family organization dimension, philanthropic assistance has not fully fostered flexibility or long-term improvement in family resilience, as most practices remain charitable and short-term rather than empowerment-oriented. In the aspect of social support and communication, regular religious mentoring has strengthened family resilience. The study highlights the need to transform Islamic philanthropy from consumptive charity into sustainable, productive empowerment for muallaf families in border areas.

ABSTRACT The study discusses limited access to services in a cross-border context from the perspective of spatial justice. In line with recent studies of the topic, the authors consider the legal mismatches between the EU Member States as factors generating spatial inequalities. To compensate for these inequalities, the European Union has introduced redistributive (Interreg from 1989) and procedural (European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation from 2006) measures. However, these interventions cannot eliminate legal obstacles hampering the cross-border movement of ambulance cars, access to education, social services, quality public transport, etc., in border areas. From 2017, the European Union developed the three most recent instruments to target cross-border legal and administrative obstacles, namely the b-solutions initiative, the ISO1 Interreg specific objective and the Cross-Border Coordination Point enacted by the BRIDGEforEU Regulation. The authors introduce the concept of corrective justice and apply the approach for the evaluation of these three instruments. The study reflects the values and shortcomings of the instruments and includes a list of recommendations to compensate for these shortcomings.

Bangladesh has an intermediate endemicity of hepatitis B virus (HBV), with prevalence exceeding the global average. In border areas like Teknaf, where more than a million Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals (FDMNs), as well as the Local Community Bangladeshi Nationals (host community), may be at increased risk of HBV and hepatitis C virus (HCV). We aimed to explore the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding HBV and HCV in these populations. This was a cross-sectional study among adults who reported to the Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) Hospital in Teknaf, Cox's Bazar, between April 2021 and March 2022. A structured questionnaire was developed to assess the participants' knowledge, attitudes, and practices on HBV or HCV. Simultaneously, blood specimens from the participants were analysed to explore their infection status. KAP scores were calculated by assigning one point for each correct response, and participants were classified as satisfactory or unsatisfactory based on a midpoint cut-off of the total possible score. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered significant. A total of 654 participants were enrolled; 58 (8.86%) were FDMNs and 596 (91.14%) were host community. Overall, 23 (3.52%) tested positive for either HBV or HCV, including 11 (18.97%) FDMNs and 12 (2.01%) host community (p < 0.001). HBV positivity was comparable between FDMNs and host community (1.72% vs. 1.01%; p = 0.480). HCV positivity was higher among FDMNs than host community (17.24% vs. 1.01%; p < 0.001). Satisfactory knowledge was observed in 5.17% of FDMNs and 12.25% of host community; satisfactory attitude in 71.70% and 81.12%, respectively; and satisfactory practice in 37.93% and 50.00%. FDMNs had poorer awareness of HBV vaccination (0.00% vs. 9.73%) and vertical transmission (6.90% vs. 19.33%). KAP regarding HBV and HCV was low in both populations, particularly among FDMNs, who also had a substantially higher infection burden. Targeted health education, culturally appropriate awareness programmes, and improved access to screening and care may help reduce future viral hepatitis transmission in both communities.

<bold></bold> Dengue virus serotype 4 (DENV-4) has rarely been reported in the China–Myanmar–Laos (CML) border region since 2013, where serotypes 1, 2, and 3 have predominated. In 2024, after a nine-year absence of DENV-4 in this region, 17 DENV-4 cases were identified from 2,417 dengue patients through the surveillance network in Jinghong City, China. Over half of the patients presented with dengue fever with warning signs, accompanied by hepatic dysfunction and coagulopathy. Nine complete envelope gene sequences were obtained, and phylogenetic analysis classified the strains into DENV-4 genotype I lineages I_A.3 and I_A.3.2. Integration of epidemiological and phylogenetic data demonstrated that importation of I_A.3.2 from Myanmar initiated limited local transmission in China, whereas I_A.3 importation occurred later and was not associated with local spread. The 2024 I_A.3.2 strains formed a distinct subcluster characterized by the I351 V substitution in envelope protein domain III. Multiple nonsynonymous mutations were identified across the envelope protein, several of which differed from current tetravalent vaccine reference strains, highlighting potential implications for vaccine efficacy. This study documents the importation-initiated limited local transmission of DENV-4 genotype I in the CML border region in 2024 and reveals the accumulation of critical envelope protein mutations. The findings fill important gaps in understanding DENV-4 evolution in this region and underscore the urgency of sustained genomic surveillance in high-risk border areas to inform regional dengue prevention and control strategies.

The Medan–Deli Serdang border area plays a strategic role as a mobility corridor and a regional movement node that supports social and economic activities. The high intensity of movement and the complexity of activities in this area require adequate infrastructure and accessible public services to meet users’ needs. This study aims to examine the interrelationship between infrastructure capacity, service accessibility, and user satisfaction in the Medan–Deli Serdang border area. A descriptive research approach was employed by collecting primary data through questionnaires, field observations, and documentation, complemented by secondary data from official statistical publications and government reports. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were integrated to provide a comprehensive overview of existing conditions. The results indicate that both infrastructure capacity and service accessibility are generally perceived at a moderate level, while user satisfaction also tends to fall within the same category. A stronger interrelationship is observed between service accessibility and user satisfaction compared to the physical capacity of infrastructure. These findings suggest that ease of access, travel efficiency, and the quality of supporting services play a crucial role in shaping user experiences in border areas. The study is expected to contribute to more responsive planning and management of infrastructure and public services based on users’ perspectives

ABSTRACT This study evaluates the integration and effectiveness of peace-building education in eight primary schools across Tigray’s bordering woredas – adjacent to Afar and Amhara regions in Ethiopia, following the 2020–2022 Tigray War. Using a constructivist qualitative approach, data were gathered through semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and observations involving 109 participants, including students, teachers, principals, parents, elders, and education experts. Guided by the 4Rs framework – redistribution, recognition, representation, and reconciliation – the research examines education’s role in promoting peaceful coexistence, social justice, and conflict resolution in post-conflict border communities. Findings indicate limited efforts to embed peace building into curricula and school regulations. While communities bordering Afar utilize traditional mechanisms like ‘Abo-Gereb’ for conflict resolution, their incorporation into formal education is minimal. Redistribution reveals resource shortages worsening inequalities, though cross-border student enrollment fosters trust. Recognition highlights cultural diversity through forums but identifies deficiencies in teacher training and inclusive materials. Representation stresses community involvement in governance, yet gender and disability exclusions persist. Reconciliation positions schools as mediation centers, but war-related animosities and curriculum gaps impede trauma healing. It concludes that transformative education demands stronger stakeholder collaboration to mitigate disparities. Recommendations include curriculum reforms integrating indigenous practices, enhanced teacher training, inclusive policies, and community partnerships.

BackgroundFollowing Nepal’s transition to a federal governance system under the 2015 Constitution and the COVID-19 pandemic, the Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM) led a participatory process to identify national priorities for HIV, Tuberculosis (TB), and Malaria programs. The primary objective of this study was to analyze, in collaboration with community partners, the community and stakeholder engagement processes involved in priority setting.MethodsBetween January and June 2020, a qualitative study was conducted, including a series of community group discussions across all seven provinces and 72 municipalities. This qualitative documentation process involved over 2,000 participants across 700 sessions across all three tiers of governance. These sessions included key and vulnerable people affected by TB and HIV, as well as at-risk populations for malaria. In addition, 100 key informant interviews were held with government officials, technical experts, and civil society leaders. The analysis used both deductive and inductive methods, with involvement and input from the community stakeholders.ResultsThe engagement process offered a space for broad and inclusive participation, with most stakeholders involved in priority setting representing key or vulnerable populations. Participants reported that recommendations, such as establishing HIV testing points for migrants at border areas, were later included in national strategic documents. Many of the system gaps identified during multi-stakeholder discussions, including drug stock outs, stigma in care, and human rights and gender related barriers were reflected in national planning processes, indicating perceived influence of the engagement process. Participants also described practical recommendations, including integration of multi-disease diagnostic initiatives (for Tuberculosis and HIV for instance, using single platforms such as GeneXpert) and strengthening community-level surveillance systems, which were considered during strategic discussions. These priorities were reflected in strategic plans and referenced by the partners (e.g. Global Fund, USAID/PEPFAR). The government further pledged 20% domestic co-financing for the programs, contributing to a sense of ownership within Nepal’s federal system. Participants further reported that the process supported transparency, trust and a sense of ownership.ConclusionsCSE helped ensure that national health priorities were grounded in community realities, broadly inclusive and strategically aligned with institutional frameworks. Engaging community members as active partners in data collection, interpretation, and validation reflected the participatory nature of the entire research process. This approach may offer insights for other low- and middle-income countries.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40900-026-00907-3.

Uganda has been endemic for cholera since 1971. To reduce the threat of cholera, Uganda reviewed its approach to cholera, emphasizing surveillance, continued using single dose doxycycline for cholera patients and their households, and conducted 16 oral cholera vaccine campaigns in high-risk districts between 2018 and 2021.To understand recent changes in cholera patternsand the impact of the OCV campaigns, we classified districts as endemic, eliminated, or relapsed using the method as defined by the “cholera elimination scorecard” for the years 2018–2024 using cholera surveillance data from the Ministry of Health. We also reviewed Uganda’s policy regarding cholera surveillance and antibiotic use for cholera patients and their immediate households. To understand risks from cross-border cholera transmission, we reviewed cholera reports from the other countries in the East African Community. During the 16 campaigns with OCV (each campaign with two rounds), 2,263,790 people living in high risk subcounties of the hotspot districts were targeted for vaccination. Overall administrative vaccine coverage was 94% for the first round and 84% for the second round. Based on national surveillance data, the number of endemic districts fell from 36 prior to the campaigns to six after the campaigns. To identify new outbreaks and reduce the threat from cholera, Uganda implemented enhanced cholera surveillance, especially in the border areas, and administered single dose doxycycline to all cholera patients and their households with the intention to treat them and prevent spread of the outbreak. Since 2021, all cholera outbreaks in Uganda have been epidemiologically linked with cross-border spread from neighboring countries.Uganda has eliminated endogenous cholera (that is, cholera originating from within the country), but it remains vulnerable to cholera from neighboring countries in the region. Uganda’s experience to control cholera may be useful for other countries in Africa which are attempting to eliminate this disease.

BackgroundLeprosy remains a neglected tropical disease and major global public health challenge, particularly in developing countries with severe healthcare workforce shortages hindering control. The southwestern border, represented by Yunnan Province, is a core endemic area. A comprehensive assessment of its leprosy workforce is critical for achieving elimination.Methods/ResultsIn October 2024, a cross-sectional census survey evaluated 423 Leprosy prevention and control personnel across all 129 counties in Yunnan Province, China. These counties were categorized into high (I), moderate (II), and low (III) endemicity areas based on their leprosy burden. Distinct workforce patterns emerged among 423 personnel, Category I areas exhibited the highest proportion of personnel aged 30–39 years (37.5%), along with the continuing education participation (78.5%), the highest full-time employment rate (52.5%), and strongest prescription protocol awareness (72.5%). Category II areas featured the oldest personnel profile (35.0% aged ≥50 years),with a moderate positive correlation between age and years of service (r = 0.58), highest continuing education participation (78.8%). In contrast, Category III areas had the highest proportion under 30 years (20.5%), and highest proportion of personnel with Bachelor’s degrees or higher (69.9%) lowest full-time employment rate (38.4%), highest compensation dissatisfaction (38.4% “below average”), and lowest intention to leave (8.2%). Pervasive workforce aging existed (at least 30% of personnel ≥50 years in Category II and III) and widespread technical gaps (>75% Category III areas lacked essential lab skills). Part-time staffing was common (47.5%-61.6% across categories). Despite over >90% of personnel in these three categories rated their compensation as “average or below”, compensation and career challenges were most acute in Categories I and II.ConclusionsThe Yunnan leprosy workforce shows strengths, notably high continuing education participation (78.5%) and balanced clinical/preventive staffing. However, it faces significant challenges, workforce aging, shortage of highly qualified personnel, and limited lab capacity. Urgent intervention measures are needed to revitalize the workforce, enhance training, and strategically allocate resources to expedite the achievement of leprosy elimination.

Canine distemper virus (CDV) is a highly contagious, multi-host pathogen that spreads readily among susceptible animals and often causes mass mortality. Yanbian Prefecture, located at the border area of China, Russia, and North Korea, represents a critical region for pathogen surveillance due to its unique geographical characteristics and animal trade activities; however, little is known about the prevalent CDV strains in this area or their pathogenic mechanisms. In this study, a CDV strain, designated CDV-Yanbian (CDV-YB), was successfully isolated from an anal swab sample collected from a suspected infected dog in Yanbian Prefecture and identified as the Asia-1 genotype through genetic analysis. To further elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying CDV-host interactions, we examined the expression changes of inflammation-related signaling pathway genes and the occurrence of pyroptosis in canine adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) following CDV infection using RT-qPCR and Western blot. Our results revealed that CDV infection activated the Janus kinase 2 - Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK2-STAT3), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-Akt (PI3K-Akt) pathways and upregulated NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation. Furthermore, inhibition of the JAK2-STAT3 pathway using AG490 reduced NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that CDV activates multiple inflammatory signaling pathways and, via the JAK2-STAT3 pathway, upregulates NLRP3 inflammasome activation in host cells, and pyroptosis was also observed. These findings provide a foundation for understanding CDV pathogenesis and informing future research on this important virus.

Zoonotic infection in daily life activities leads to severe health consequences, especially for individuals who live in agricultural sectors and have poor educational attainment. The hill tribe and stateless people living in the border area in northern Thailand are vulnerable to zoonotic diseases through daily behaviors. The aim of this study was to understand the behaviors and determine the factors associated with poor knowledge and attitudes toward zoonotic infection among hill tribe people in northern Thailand. A cross-sectional study was conducted to collect data from participants aged 18 years and over living in hill tribe and stateless villages located in border areas of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos. A structural questionnaire was used to collect general characteristics and risk behaviors related to and knowledge and attitudes toward zoonotic infection. Stepwise logistic regression was used to detect associations at a significance level of α = 0.05. A total of 600 people were included in the analysis: 71.9% were aged 36-65 years, 57.3% were females, 73.2% were Buddhists, 49.0% had never attended school, 64.5% were farmers, and 44.8% had an annual income under 30,000 baht ($860). More than one-third (38.7%) of the participants used alcohol, 21.2% smoked, 30.5% ate uncooked chicken meat, 48.8% ate local raw meat salad, 35.5% ate fermented fish, and 55.0% ate wild animal meat. More than half (64.8%) of the participants had poor knowledge, and 33.0% had poor attitudes toward zoonotic disease prevention and control. Different tribes had different risk behaviors related to zoonotic infection, and a large proportion of Hmong people ate raw chicken meat. Five variables were found to be associated with poor knowledge of zoonosis prevention and control: being Buddhist (OAR = 1.68; 95% CI = 1.31-2.50), never attending school (AOR = 1.80; 95% CI = 1.18-2.73), being unemployed (AOR = 3.49; 95% CI = 1.66-6.16), using alcohol (AOR = 2.11; 95% CI = 1.44-3.09), and eating raw pork (AOR = 2.08; 95% CI = 1.41-3.06). Two variables were found to be associated with poor attitudes toward zoonosis prevention and control: having an annual family income of 30,000-50,000 baht and over 50,000 baht (AOR = 1.65, 95% CI = 1.09-2.50; and AOR = 2.28, 95% CI = 1.42-3.67, respectively) and using alcohol (AOR = 1.92, 95% CI = 1.32-2.78). The hill tribe and stateless people living in the border areas of northern Thailand have several risk behaviors for zoonotic infection, with different risks in different tribes. Implementing health education to improve the knowledge and attitudes of these people toward zoonosis prevention and control by focusing on educational attainment, alcohol use, employment, and Buddhist practices, is necessary.

Demencia y enfermedad de Parkinson en la poblaci\xf3n rural del oeste de Salamanca: estudio transversal de prevalencia y necesidades de apoyo familiar

Paralipsa gularis (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) is a storage pest native to Southeast Asia that has since spread to Northern Europe, North America, and other parts of Asia. In recent years, it has become an increasingly destructive pest in maize agroecosystems along the China-Southeast Asia border region, causing severe damage. Temperature is a key environmental factor influencing insect development, fecundity, and distribution, yet its effects on P. gularis remain unclear. In this study, we used an age-stage two-sex life table to evaluate the effects of temperature on the development duration, survival, and fecundity of P. gularis. We also determined the developmental threshold temperatures and effective accumulated temperatures for each life stage and developed a predictive model of developmental duration. Our results showed that temperature significantly affected the development duration across all stages, as well as larval and pupal survival rates and adult fecundity. Temperatures of 15-20 °C and 33-35 °C were unsuitable for population development, whereas 23-30 °C was optimal. At 15 and 35 °C, P. gularis failed to reach the pupal stage; at 33 °C, only a very few individuals reached adulthood. Between 18 and 30 °C, the development duration of each stage decreased with increasing temperature, with larval development ranging from 69.81 to 14.92 days. The optimal temperature was 28 °C, at which the insects exhibited high body weight, survival rate, intrinsic rate of natural increase (r), finite rate of increase (λ), and net reproduction rate (R0). The developmental threshold temperatures for eggs, larvae, pupae, and the overall generation were 17.33, 14.03, 11.72, and 13.11 °C, respectively, and the effective accumulated temperatures were 33.49, 242.51, 116.26, and 524.93 degree-days, respectively. This study provides a scientific basis and technical support for predicting population dynamics under varying climatic conditions and for developing effective control strategies for P. gularis.

To investigate rational strategies for the spatial optimization of land use, thereby facilitating the transition of regional land utilization toward a low-carbon emission and enhanced carbon sequestration paradigm, this study takes Anhui Province as an example. Land use change characteristics were analyzed based on land use data from 1980 to 2020 using land use dynamic degree and transfer matrix methods. By coupling the gray multi-objective programming model (GMOP) and the patch-generating land use simulation model (PLUS), five scenarios were constructed-natural development (ND), economic development (ED), ecological protection (EP), high carbon storage development (HCD), and sustainable development (SD)-to predict the land use patterns in 2030. The results showed that: ① From 1980 to 2020, the areas of paddy fields, drylands, and forestland in Anhui Province decreased by 3 012.15 km2, 1 674.4 km2, and 362.92 km2, respectively, while construction land increased by 4 543.94 km2. The most drastic changes occurred from 2010 to 2020, with a comprehensive dynamic degree of 11.11%. The primary transition feature was the conversion of paddy fields and drylands into construction land. ② Under the ED scenario, construction land expanded to 17 952.99 km2 (an increase of 2.14% in proportion), accounting for 89.85% of the total economic benefits. Under the EP scenario, forestland area increased by 2.29%, yielding the highest ecological benefits (357.272 billion yuan). Under the HCD scenario, the proportions of paddy fields and forestland increased by 2.34% and 2.29%, respectively, and land use achieved the highest carbon storage benefits (34.975 billion yuan). The SD scenario achieved synergistic optimization of economic (8 524.062 billion yuan), ecological (345.338 billion yuan), and carbon storage benefits (34.025 billion yuan), balancing land use development across all categories. ③ Spatially, under the ND and ED scenarios, construction land expansion was concentrated in the Hefei-Lu'an border area, primarily through conversions of paddy fields and drylands. Under the EP, HCD, and SD scenarios, forestland increased significantly in the southern Anhui mountainous areas and the Dabie Mountains Region, mainly converted from paddy fields and drylands. Dryland-to-paddy field transitions were predominantly distributed along the Huaihe River and Yangtze River. These findings provide a scientific basis for optimizing territorial space and achieving the "Dual Carbon Goals" in Anhui Province.

As a vital hub for energy and industry in China, the Yellow River Basin plays a crucial role in advancing the national "dual carbon" strategy. Based on industrial carbon emissions data from 957 counties across nine provinces in the Yellow River Basin from 2003 to 2022, this study employs the Mann-Kendall trend test, Theil-Sen slope estimation, Moran's I index, and the gravity center migration model to analyze the spatiotemporal patterns and evolution of carbon emissions at the county level. Furthermore, a Geographically and Temporally Weighted Regression (GTWR) model is constructed to identify the key influencing factors and their spatiotemporal heterogeneity. The results reveal that: ① Industrial carbon emissions in the basin continuously increased over the study period. Counties in the lower reaches exhibited a significantly faster growth rate. While parts of the middle reaches maintained a relatively low emission profile, resource-intensive industrial counties such as Shenmu showed persistently high emissions. The upper reaches remained low-emission regions, resulting in a spatial structure characterized by "high in the east, low in the west" and dispersed high-emission values. ② The global Moran's I indices were all positive and statistically significant at the 99% confidence level, indicating strong spatial autocorrelation. High-high clusters remained stable in the border areas of Shaanxi, Shanxi, and Ningxia, while low-low clusters were concentrated in upstream regions with weaker industrial bases. ③ The carbon emission centroid remained largely within Shanxi Province, with limited migration paths. The standard deviation ellipse stretched along the southwest-northeast axis, showing consistent spatial orientation. ④ The GTWR model achieved an R2 of 0.873, outperforming the OLS, TWR, and GWR models. Regression results indicated that industrial added value, urbanization rate, and industrial enterprise assets exerted significant positive effects in most regions, while investments in industrial pollution control and per capita disposable income had a suppressive effect in certain counties, exhibiting clear spatial heterogeneity. These findings provide a scientific basis for differentiated spatial governance of industrial carbon reduction in the Yellow River Basin.

The establishment of national territorial boundaries is a strategic priority to safeguard sovereignty, maintain security stability, and strengthen bilateral relations between Indonesia and Malaysia as well as Timor-Leste. As of 2024, there remain nine Outstanding Boundary Problems (OBP) with Malaysia and two unresolved segments with Timor-Leste. These issues stem from the continued relevance of outdated colonial agreements, limited diplomatic capacity, weak inter-agency coordination, and minimal support from modern surveying technology. Based on an analysis of four policy alternatives using the criteria of effectiveness, efficiency, and long-term impact, the Strengthening of Intensive Bilateral Diplomacy has been identified as the priority policy. Implementation is directed to the Badan Nasional Pengelola Perbatasan (BNPP) as the main coordinator, supported by regulatory frameworks, diplomatic resources, and cross-ministerial/institutional coordination. Through this strategy, the resolution of pending boundary segments can be accelerated, legal certainty over national territory can be strengthened, security stability in border areas can be improved, and bilateral relations can become closer. Furthermore, Indonesia needs to strengthen diplomatic strategies, leverage technology, and enhance inter-agency coordination to accelerate the resolution of national border disputes. This policy directly contributes to achieving territorial sovereignty and sustainable development toward Indonesia Vision 2045.