Diverse Regions Research Articles

Identification of the immune repertoire of γδ T-cell receptors in psoriasis.

The γδ Tcells are a subpopulation of Tcells that are abundantly found in the skin and mucous membranes. Their reactivity to self-antigens and ability to secrete various cytokines make them a key component in psoriasis development. Although the correlation between the immune repertoire (IR) of γδ T-cell receptors and the occurrence and severity of psoriasis remains incompletely explored, high-throughput sequencing of γδ Tcells has led to a deeper understanding of IR in psoriasis. This study investigated the differences between γδ Tcells in patients with psoriasis and healthy controls. The γδ Tcells were identified via immunofluorescence staining and a correlation analysis was performed according to the psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) scores. The IR sequencing method was used to detect IR in the γδ T-cell receptors. The findings demonstrated more skin γδ Tcells in patients with psoriasis, which were positively correlated with the PASI score. There were subtle differences in most variable (V), diversity (D) and joining (J) gene segments and VJ/VDJ combination segments between patients with psoriasis and healthy controls. However, a higher diversity of complementarity-determining region 3 (CDR3) was observed in patients with psoriasis. In summary, the IR of skin γδ Tcells was significantly altered in patients with psoriasis, and the diversity in the cell's CDR3 population is a promising biomarker for assessment of psoriasis severity.

Impact of Portfolio Performance on International Portfolio Diversification

Investment opportunity is what we all are looking for every now and then, avenues that can generate maximum return with minimum of risk.  International Portfolio diversification may not fulfill aspiration of investors with globalization spreading its wings in each sphere of economic activity. The study has been conducted from the perspective of Indian Investor taking into account 22 foreign markets (11 emerging and 11 developed). The countries have been selected from two points of view; firstly on the basis of market capitalization and secondly on the basis of availability of data. Emerging markets chosen for the study contribute more than 80% in Emerging market Index which is sufficient to generalize the results to the whole. Geographical regions have also been taken into consideration in order to benefit from regional diversification; these are Asia-pacific with 13 markets, 8 markets from Europe, 3 from Latin America and USA.  Firstly, portfolios with different investment objective would be chosen on the basis of sampled countries. Then testing co-integration study would help in elimination of those countries generating co-integrating vector. Hence, Indian investor would be benefited by the study to find out whether globally diversified portfolio is better or not as compared to domestic portfolio. International portfolio diversification can be suggested for Indian investor in the wake of its performance during structural breaks. 

Building typology classification using convolutional neural networks utilizing multiple ground-level image process for city-scale rapid seismic vulnerability assessment

Several studies have focused on generating seismic vulnerability maps for earthquake-prone areas, particularly in Indonesia. Building typologies are a key factor in determining vulnerability to earthquakes. However, conducting large-scale field surveys to determine the spatial distribution of building typologies in a city is uneconomical. This paper explores the use of a convolutional neural network (CNN) to automatically detect building typologies from diverse regions in Indonesia, utilizing both conventional and automated building image acquisition processes. In this study, datasets from three distinct image acquisition methods are trained with four unique CNN architectures to identify the best-performing model to classify building typologies. The sample size effect on CNN performance is also investigated. The results showed that randomly sampled Google Street View (GSV) images are the most effective dataset for the CNN model, achieving an f1-score of 84.33%. Among the network architectures tested, MobileNet demonstrated superior performance on the majority of evaluated datasets. As the sample size increases by about 350% in the dataset, there is a positive correlation with up to 2.3% f1-score improvement. Using the best-performing CNN model, two building vulnerability models were employed to assess the spatial distribution of building damage in the urban area of Bandung, considering a hypothetical scenario of an M7 earthquake. Incorporating local construction data, one of the generated maps estimated that approximately 55% of buildings in Bandung would experience moderate to severe structural damage. This study showcases the potential of CNN models in automating regional seismic assessments and providing valuable insights for comprehensive seismic mitigation strategies.

Analysis of the effect of landscape component classification on landscape diversity index

The landscape diversity index (LDI) is an important level in biodiversity conservation, and its scale dependence has an important role in regional landscape planning and biological conservation. The aim of this study is to analyze in depth the effects of spatial scale changes in the classification of different landscape components on LDI and to explore the thresholds of LDI. The classification of landscape components was accomplished in the ArcMap environment using fusion and merging tools, and the LDI thresholds and scale changes were quantitatively assessed by LDI values. The results show that there are differences in LDI values for different classifications, and the threshold for LDI without considering scale changes can be interpreted as: 0.4215 ≤ LDI ≤ 1.9754. The grain sizes suitable for landscape diversity analysis are 160m and 1280 m, and the effective amplitude range of the I, II and III land type is 9~31 km, while the effective amplitude of three land use types is 20∼31 km, relatively lagging behind. However, when considering amplitude changes, the LDI threshold can be interpreted as 0.3027 ≤ LDI ≤ 2.0947, which is suitable for large-scale regional landscape diversity studies when the grain size is large. In conclusion, the essence of landscape diversity change with scale is caused by changes in the number and area of landscape components, and the threshold analysis should not only take into account the grain size and amplitude, but also consider the landscape background of the study area.

The convergence of policy, commerce, and identity in the linguistic landscape of an Indian city

ABSTRACT This study investigates the complex interplay between language policy and linguistic landscape (LL) in the city of Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India. It highlights how local governmental policy advocating for Tamil prominence in public signage interfaces with the sociolinguistic realities of the city. Despite the policy directives emphasising Tamil, English retains a dominant role, suggesting an ongoing negotiation between language policy and practical language needs, particularly in the commercial sphere. This scenario suggests the city's response to global realities while preserving regional linguistic diversity. The presence of regional languages such as Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Bengali, and Hindi in Vellore's LL also reflects the city's multicultural character. The incorporation of these languages not only points to an inclusive language policy accommodating diverse communities but also contributes to the city's multicultural identity. The differential language use in top-down government-sponsored signs and bottom-up community-driven signs reveals the complexities associated with policy formulation and implementation in multilingual, multiethnic contexts. In conclusion, the study underscores the value of LL analysis as an effective tool for assessing the ground-level impact of language policy, illuminating the power relations among languages, the status of various ethnolinguistic groups, and the effect of commercialisation on language use.

Malaysian Chinese folk beliefs on Facebook based on LDA topic modelling

In the digital age, as social media evolves into a new and significant centre for the dissemination of Chinese folk beliefs, the Malaysian Chinese have actively shared information about these folk beliefs on their social media platforms. The dissemination has transcended regional barriers, encouraging more Malaysian Chinese across various states to actively participate in public discussions on this topic. This study delves into Malaysian Chinese folk beliefs by analysing data from Facebook. A comprehensive examination of 4012 text posts was conducted using the latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) model for topic modelling. The analysis identified four main themes on social media: ‘Practitioners Worship’, ‘Temple Activities’, ‘Deity Legends’, and ‘Merchandise about Deity Statues’. Based on integrating social construction theory and media ecology theory, the study first explores the varied constructors, including practitioners, temple organisations, media organisations, and merchants. Secondly, Malaysian Chinese folk beliefs on social media present characteristics of utilitarianism, regional diversity, multiple social functions, flowing realms, strong Taoist elements, commercialisation, and a close relationship with the Spring Festival. Furthermore, ‘Safety and Peace’, ‘Pray for Demands’, and ‘Merits and Virtues’ form an interconnected semantic nexus. Hence, the findings theoretically highlight the interaction and significance of social media in the construction and practice of folk beliefs within the Malaysian Chinese community. Practically, this research provides valuable insights into the understanding and dissemination of Malaysian Chinese religious culture in the digital era.

The Arrow Macambira (Encholirium spectabile: Bromeliaceae) as an Important Habitat for the Arthropod Fauna in Rocky Outcrops of the Brazilian Semi-Arid Region.

Bromeliads play a vital role in preserving biodiversity in the Neotropical region. To understand their impact on arthropod diversity in Brazil's semi-arid region, we studied the rupicolous bromeliad Encholirium spectabile. From 2011 to 2018, we observed the arthropod fauna in E. spectabile clumps, documenting the associated taxa, their abundance, and interactions. We also investigated how seasonality affects arthropod richness and composition during the dry and rainy seasons. Over the observation period, 15 orders and 57 arthropod families were recorded in association with E. spectabile. Insecta dominated, followed by predatory chelicerates. Eight usage categories were identified, with Shelter being the most prevalent, followed by Predators, Nesters, and Nectarivores. Significant differences in taxonomic richness were noted between rainy and dry seasons, with the rainy season exhibiting higher diversity. Seasonal variation was also observed in species composition. Clumps of E. spectabile emerged as crucial habitats for surrounding arthropod fauna. This research underscores the importance of non-phylotelm bromeliads, particularly in high abiotic stress environments like semi-arid regions. The taxonomic diversity observed aligns with findings from diverse environments, shedding light on the relevance of E. spectabile for associated arthropod fauna. These results prompt further exploration of non-phylotelm bromeliads in semi-arid settings, providing a fresh perspective on their significance in shaping arthropod communities.

ELECTION OF JUDGES TO THE INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE: PROPOSALS FOR REFORM WITHOUT AMENDING THE STATUTE

Abstract In November 2023 the United Nations (UN) General Assembly and Security Council elected (in one case, re-elected) five judges to the International Court of Justice. The electoral system is considered to be overly politicized and to pay lip service to the requirements that judges must be elected on the basis of their qualifications, regardless of their nationality, and that in the body as a whole, the representation of the main forms of civilization and the principal legal systems of the world should be assured. Several amendments to the system of nominations and elections have been proposed that would require a reform of the Court's Statute. This article proposes four measures that could be adopted without amending the Statute or encroaching on the prerogatives of national groups, UN organs or Member States: (1) ensure the representation of the principal legal systems, in part by promoting regional diversity on the bench; (2) remove the use of nationality as a factor in casual elections; (3) establish a vetting process and public hearings; and (4) promote a single vote for Security Council members. It argues that the measures proposed would lead to a change in the present culture of nominations and elections towards one that favours the qualification of the judges over political considerations.

How geopolitical risk affect firms’ internationalization performance: Evidence from China

Geopolitical risks (GPR) arising from wars, terrorist acts and bilateral tensions. It has aroused global attention recently, especially as the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak has further disrupted normal bilateral trade exchanges. However, this argument is still too general to capture the micro impact of geopolitical risks on internationalization in developing countries. This study examines the impact of GPR on firms' internationalization performance in China. Using Chinese A-share manufacturing listed firms from 2008 to 2019, this study investigates the relationship between GPR and firms' internationalization performance. The main findings are presented as follows. First, GPR has a significantly negative effect on firms' internationalization performance. After I conduct a series of robustness tests, my findings remain valid. Second, GPR have a suppressive effect on firms' internationalization performance mainly through reducing legitimacy and investment freedom. Third, the interaction terms of product diversification, technological diversification and regional diversification with GPR have different statistical significance, and they interact with GPR to affect firms' internationalization performance. In addition, GPR have a more significant inhibitory effect on the firms' internationalization performance in developing countries along the “the Belt and Road” and joint ventures investing. Therefore, this study contributes to a better understanding of GPR and firms’ internationalization.

Evaluation and comparison of administrative division-level road traffic safety indices of Egypt, England, Turkey, and the United States

Introduction: There is regional diversity inside countries regarding road safety indices (RSIs), and countries rarely have been compared based on these indicators. Thus, regional RSIs of England, the United States, Egypt, and Turkey were evaluated. Regional data were collected from the statistical center of each country. The adopted regional RSIs include road fatalities, health risk (HR) or fatalities per population, and traffic risk (TR) or fatalities per number of vehicles. The associations between variables were examined using correlation and regression analysis. The spatial distributions of subdivisions were evaluated using Moran's I, the local Moran index. Results: Considerable differences between the countries were observed, including differences in the spatial distribution of regions and associations between RSIs. Significant relationships were detected between road fatality, population, and the number of motor vehicles. Higher exposure rates mean higher fatalities in regions. A robust linear relationship between the HR and TR indices was identified in developed countries. There is a nonlinear and significant association between motorization rates and TR indices of regions, and fatality risk decreases as the motorization rate increases. There is a considerable gap between developed and developing countries regarding regional RSIs, and the transferability of road safety models from one country to another is challenging. Huge hotspots regarding RSIs were observed in Turkey and the United States. The locations of hot spots in terms of the risk indices were identical in the developed countries.

Landscape of Digital Technologies Used in the National Health Service in England: Content Analysis.

In England, digital technologies are exploited to transform the way health and social care is provided and encompass a wide range of hardware devices and software that are used in all aspects of health care. However, little is known about the extent to which health care providers differ in digital health technology capabilities and how this relates to geographical and regional differences in health care capacities and resources. This paper aims to identify the set of digital technologies that have been deployed by the National Health Services clinical commissioning groups (NHS CCGs) in England. In doing this, we respond to calls to shed light on the internal dynamics and variation in the form of digital capability in England in terms of health service regional differences and health diversity, equity, and inclusion. We collected 135 annual reports that belong to 106 NHS CCGs in England, comprising more than 18,000 pages in total, released from 2020 to 2021. Using this data set, we identified 2163 pages related to digital technologies and labeled them using content analysis. We follow the construct taxonomy used by digital options theory, a theory from the management information systems field analyzing organizational resource investment choices, in classifying observed technologies according to digital themes-inherent design patterns that we identified and explained. We then used a hierarchical clustering method to extract groups of NHS CCGs that implement similar technology themes. We found 31 technologies from the reports and grouped them into 9 digital themes. The 9 themes were further assigned to 1 of the 3 constructs of digital options theory, the identification of patients' requirements (we identified information portals [76/106], digital health engagement [67/106], and digital inclusion support [45/106]), the development of new work patterns (we identified telehealth [87/106], telemedicine [35/106], and care home technologies [40/106]), the realization of improvements in efficiency and public accessibility (we identified online booking [26/106], online triage [104/106], and digital mental health services [74/106]). The 3 clusters of CCGs are identified based on the 8 themes (Hopkins=0.9914, silhouette=0.186), namely (1) digitally disengaged, (2) digitally engaged, and (3) digital torchbearer. Our findings show prominent digital themes within each construct group, namely information portals, telehealth, and online triage, covering people's fundamental health information needs. Almost half of CCGs fell into the digitally disengaged group, and all London CCGs (5/106) belonged to this group. We propose that practitioners should offer specialized assistance to regions with limited digital engagement, emphasizing digital health literacy, inclusion support, and ongoing evaluation, rather than concentrating solely on technical advancements.

Integration of immigrant women in Europe: a multifaceted approach

PurposeThis work analyzes female immigrants’ integration in the dimensions of education, labor market participation and fertility in 15 European countries, considering individual characteristics, including cultural background, host countries’ attitudes towards immigrants, the role of women in the family and country-specific integration policy. All these aspects taken together are crucial to understand the main patterns of integration focusing on gender differences.Design/methodology/approachWe focus on second- and first-generation male and female immigrants between the age of 25 and 41, with a length of stay of at least ten years. Enrollment ratios for tertiary education in parents’ countries, the total fertility rate and the female labor force in the mother’s country represent ethnic background. Diversity in the destination regions is captured by local attitudes towards immigrants, the perceived role of women and national policies to integrate migrants [Migrant Integration Policy Index (MIPEX)]. The data are drawn from the European Social Survey (ESS) for 2010–2018. Our results are based on ordinary least squares (OLS) and logit estimates; multilevel analysis was conducted.FindingsWe find significant evidence of gender role transmission from mother to daughter; age at immigration seems to be crucial to examine the importance of the culture of origin among immigrants. However, females are responsive to attitudes toward immigrants and gender equality in receiving societies, while integration policies, by defining the set of opportunities, may contribute to both genders’ tertiary education and women’s probability of being in the labor force.Social implicationsThis work underlines that integration policies favoring equal rights as nationals may contribute to both women’s tertiary education and their probability of being in the labor force.Originality/valueWe explore female integration in Europe in the dimensions of education, labor market, fertility and the role of both immigrants’ cultural heritage and specific aspects of destination countries. Previous research, particularly in the USA, has generally focused on some of these features at the expense of a more comprehensive approach. This study builds upon the existing literature and contributes to it by taking a multifaceted approach to female integration in Western Europe, which presents not only an institutional context different from the USA but also some heterogeneity with respect to integration policies and socioeconomic factors.

Comparative analysis of diversification-marketing challenges faced by farmers in North India

This study delves into the dynamics of crop diversification, offers a comparative analysis, and explores the marketing challenges confronting farmers in northern India. Crop diversification has gained prominence as a sustainable agricultural practice necessitated by ecological concerns and market fluctuations. Drawing from a wide array of secondary sources, including government reports, academic literature, and agricultural data, this research investigates the evolution of crop diversification in different regions. We scrutinize the diversification trends in North India, highlighting the shifts in crop choices such as rice, wheat, pulses, and cash crops. In parallel, we address the multifaceted marketing challenges faced by farmers across these regions. This includes the influence of intermediaries, price volatility, logistical constraints, and quality compliance issues. We explore the varying impacts of government policies and schemes in alleviating these challenges. Furthermore, the research reveals that effective marketing solutions are pivotal for guaranteeing equitable returns for farmers diversifying their crops. The role of government interventions emerges as a critical factor in this context.

Effects of Land Use Change on Avian Diversity in the Semi-Arid Area of Longxi Loess Plateau

Biodiversity is under threat due to human-induced changes in land use. While various aspects of biodiversity are increasingly studied in response to these changes, there is limited understanding of their effects on the structure and composition of bird communities in dryland regions. We examined the impacts of land use change on birds in the semi-arid area of the Longxi Loess Plateau by considering taxonomic diversity, functional diversity, and phylogenetic diversity. We analyzed both the α- and β-diversity of avian communities across different dimensions of diversity and calculated functional and phylogenetic structures using the net relatedness index. Our findings revealed that species richness was highest in farmland and abandoned farmland, while artificial mixed forests exhibited the highest number of unique species. Functional and phylogenetic α-diversity was greater in farmland and abandoned farmland when compared to the other four land use types. Moreover, the taxonomic diversity in artificial mixed forests, artificial Caragana korshinskii forests, and artificial Platycladus orientalis forests surpassed that in typical grasslands, but no differences were observed in functional and phylogenetic diversity. Regarding β-diversity, turnover patterns dominated multidimensional dissimilarity, with taxonomic turnover and total dissimilarity lower than their functional counterparts but higher than phylogenetic counterparts. Based on the present findings, we emphasize the long-term cessation of ongoing silvicultural initiatives to safeguard bird diversity in the semi-arid region of the Longxi Loess Plateau. This is crucial for narrowly distributed species such as Alectoris magna, as they face heightened vulnerability to losses.

Mosquitoes in crabholes: A hidden realm of culicid diversity in India

This is the first listing of mosquitoes inhabiting crabholes across the diverse landscapes of India. Drawing from an extensive review of existing literature on mosquito diversity in various ecological regions of the country, the adults or immature stages of 68 mosquito species have been found in crabholes. This entomological assessment revealed that 24 species occur in crabholes in mangroves, characterized by brackish water, while an additional 44 species are found in freshwater crabholes in forested areas. The majority of the species appear to have been collected as resting adults, a pattern consistent with earlier observations. The implications of this finding highlight the complex relationship between mosquitoes and their association with crabholes. This new knowledge opens up avenues to future studies that explore the diversity and biology of mosquitoes in these unique habitats.

Crayfish communities converge over succession in beaver pond metacommunities

Abstract Metacommunity theory predicts that the relative importance of regional and local processes structuring communities will change over ecological succession. Determining effects of these processes on taxonomic and evolutionary diversity in spatially structured freshwater habitats of different successional stages may greatly improve understanding of the maintenance of diversity across temporal and spatial scales. In this study, we evaluated crayfish diversity at local and regional scales in pond metacommunities undergoing secondary succession from beaver (Castor canadensis) disturbance. Following theoretical predictions from metacommunity ecology of the increasing importance of local processes over succession, we hypothesised a decline in crayfish local and β diversity over succession from stronger local structuring as the older ponds may provide less suitable habitat than streams. Crayfish species and phylogenetic diversity were evaluated in beaver pond metacommunities and reference headwater streams located in three catchment regions. DNA sequences from the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I gene were used to assign crayfish to species for community and phylogenetic diversity tests. Local and β diversity were contrasted across beaver ponds ranging in age from 24 to 70 years and as a function of metacommunity processes. Counter to predictions, local species diversity among streams and the successional stages of ponds categorised by age class (24–39 years; 42–57 years; 60–70 years) did not differ, but community and phylogenetic convergence occurred in the oldest pond ecosystems. Crayfish community composition differed between the youngest and oldest ponds, resulting from higher abundance in the youngest ponds and community convergence in the oldest ponds. The association between community composition and the environment was strongest in streams and decoupled with pond age. In contrast, the correlation between intraspecific haplotype composition and the environment increased over succession. Among the three metacommunities, the regional crayfish species diversity arose from a combination of the temporal and environmental drivers from beaver‐constructed ecosystems and dispersal limitation within catchments. This study represents the first investigation of the taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity response to the successional stages of beaver pond metacommunities. The detection of differential crayfish composition and haplotype sorting to pond age suggests a role for local structuring and further indicates that future studies should acknowledge succession in shaping species diversity at local and regional scales. Dispersal limitation within catchment regions probably contributes to the evolution of crayfish species diversity in metacommunities and the overall maintenance of biodiversity. The results support a transition in community and freshwater ecology from a recent emphasis on spatial processes towards the integration of temporal drivers to better identify regulators of taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity across scales.

The quantitative genetics of gene expression in Mimulus guttatus.

Gene expression can be influenced by genetic variants that are closely linked to the expressed gene (cis eQTLs) and variants in other parts of the genome (trans eQTLs). We created a multiparental mapping population by sampling genotypes from a single natural population of Mimulus guttatus and scored gene expression in the leaves of 1,588 plants. We find that nearly every measured gene exhibits cis regulatory variation (91% have FDR < 0.05). cis eQTLs are usually allelic series with three or more functionally distinct alleles. The cis locus explains about two thirds of the standing genetic variance (on average) but varies among genes and tends to be greatest when there is high indel variation in the upstream regulatory region and high nucleotide diversity in the coding sequence. Despite mapping over 10,000 trans eQTL / affected gene pairs, most of the genetic variance generated by trans acting loci remains unexplained. This implies a large reservoir of trans acting genes with subtle or diffuse effects. Mapped trans eQTLs show lower allelic diversity but much higher genetic dominance than cis eQTLs. Several analyses also indicate that trans eQTLs make a substantial contribution to the genetic correlations in expression among different genes. They may thus be essential determinants of "gene expression modules," which has important implications for the evolution of gene expression and how it is studied by geneticists.

An arrow in the quiver: evaluating the performance of Hyptis suaveolens (L.) Poit. in different light levels

BackgroundHyptis suaveolens (L.) Poit., native to the American tropics, is a pantropical annual plant and a major invasive species throughout India. It was anticipated that the availability of sunlight, coupled with its superior reproductive potential, persistent propagule bank, and dispersal ability, could lead to an increase in the growth and spread of this invader, thus potentially impeding herbaceous growth and diversity in non-native areas. Clarifying its ecological fitness and competitive performance will be useful to manage the spread of H. suaveolens in natural ecosystems that are facing a wide range of anthropogenic pressures.MethodsThe present study is a three-tier experiment. In the first tier, a field study was conducted to assess the patterns of H. suaveolens abundance and herbaceous species diversity in response to light availability (sun, 842–1072 µmol m–2 s−1 and shade 253–341 µmol m–2 s−1) in the tropical dry deciduous ecosystems in the Vindhyan highlands, India. Furthermore, the impact of H. suaveolens abundance on the resident native and non-native species abundance and diversity was also studied. In the second tier, a randomized common garden experiment was conducted to understand the trait fitness of H. suaveolens in sun (940 µmol m–2 s−1) and shade (300 µmol m–2 s−1) conditions. In the third tier, a plant growth chamber experiment with high-light (940 µmol m–2 s−1) and low-light (300 µmol m–2 s−1) treatments was done to learn how H. suaveolens partitions its biomass between aboveground and belowground plant parts.ResultsThe field study indicated that the sunlit areas had a higher abundance of H. suaveolens and a lower diversity of resident herbaceous species than the shaded areas. The common garden experiment showed that sun-dwelling H. suaveolens individuals performed better in germinative, vegetative, eco-physiological, and reproductive traits than the shade-dwelling individuals. The growth chamber experiment exhibited that plants grown in high-light environment had greater seed germination, seedling recruitment, and aboveground biomass than those grown in low-light environment, whereas plants grown in low-light environment exhibited a higher root mass ratio than the high-light individuals. These results suggest that H. suaveolens individuals mask the understory vegetation owing to higher seedling recruitment, relative growth rate, photosynthetic performance, resource acquisition-allocation, and reproductive output in response to high-light conditions.ConclusionsThe study concludes that light significantly controls the invasive population dynamics of H. suaveolens in dry deciduous forests. In high-light areas, H. suaveolens populations dominate the forest understory with suboptimal shade tolerance. In shade environment, H. suaveolens maintains a persistent soil seed bank along with ‘Oskar individuals’ that become active in response to high-light availability. The modus operandi is a ‘sit and wait’ strategy. The current study provides insights on prioritizing areas for H. suaveolens management that will potentially reduce the risk of biological invasions on the native species diversity of tropical regions.

Dissimilarity among Species and Higher Taxa of Amphibians in a Hotspot of Biodiversity and Endemism in the Neotropics

The Mexican Republic ranks fifth in the world in terms of amphibian diversity, and within Mexico, the state of Oaxaca has the greatest amphibian richness and endemism. Unfortunately, various factors, such as land use change and global warming, have caused a global crisis that threatens the conservation of this class. In the face of these threats, an analysis of beta diversity provides information that can be applied to conservation strategies, since its study reveals the spatial scaling of diversity loss and clarifies the mechanisms of regional diversity maintenance. In this work, we analyzed the beta diversity at the species and higher taxa level (order, family, subfamily, genus and species) for the amphibians of Oaxaca and their replacement components and the differences in richness for anurans and caudates separately between physiographic subprovinces. Very high beta diversity was recorded, with higher diversity occurring among caudates (0.92) than among anurans (0.84). Species replacement was the component that most contributed to this result, and the subprovinces with substantial environmental differences had the most dissimilar amphibian communities. The results of this study show the need to implement conservation strategies in subprovinces with high amphibian richness and endemism levels, following the example of Sierra Madre de Oaxaca (SMO), where local communities have developed conservation actions in most of the territory.

Global guidelines recommendations for dietary sodium and potassium intake.

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) cause a significant global health challenge, with unhealthy diets identified as a major risk factor. Sodium and potassium, which are essential minerals for human health, play important roles in various bodily functions, and an imbalance in their intake can have significant health implications, particularly concerning hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. This review compiles dietary sodium and potassium intake recommendations from prominent global health organizations and compares global guidelines to Japan's Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) guidelines. Sodium and potassium intake guidelines from organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), American College of Cardiology (ACC) and American Heart Association (AHA), Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA), European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), and DRI for Japanese exhibit variations. Compared to other Asian countries, Japan's historically higher sodium goal aligns with Southeast Asia where traditional preserved foods contribute to high sodium intake. Contrarily, Japan's lower potassium goal contrasts with other countries in Asia promoting a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. The ongoing effort by Japan to align with global recommendations reflects a gradation approach considering social habits. While harmonizing international efforts is essential, appreciating regional diversities is paramount through tailoring guidelines to cultural and dietary habit practices. Implementing context-specific guidelines informed by scientific research can contribute to global efforts in promoting healthy diets and reducing the burden of NCDs. Global guidelines that recommended the daily dietary intake goal for sodium and potassium exhibit variations. These disparities are influenced by diverse factors, including cultural dietary habits, socioeconomic status, health priorities, and available scientific research. Each population should follow the recommendations of their region.