Eastern Border Research Articles

Residents’ Perceptions towards Tourism Development—The Case of Galaţi-Brăila Conurbation, Romania

Business and transit tourism are representative of the Galati-Brăila conurbation. Its favorable geographical location, at the eastern border of Romania and the EU, and its natural and cultural tourist potential are the main assets towards tourism development. Therefore, future tourist facilities developed by public authorities or private investors could generate a viable economic alternative for its residents. The objectives of this study were to identify residents’ perceptions, both positive and negative, concerning the impact of tourism development on tourist potential, socio-economic characteristics and the environment of the region. Another major objective was to establish the correlation between the residents’ involvement in tourism activities and tourism development in the region. In this regard, based on social exchange theory and applying the Sem-Pls method, we designed hypotheses and a research model which were verified based on a questionnaire implemented online. The data were processed using SmartPls3 software, all the research hypotheses being validated.

Risk of Attacks by Blackflies (Diptera: Simuliidae) and Occurrence of Severe Skin Symptoms in Bitten Patients along the Eastern Border of the European Union.

The components of blackfly (Diptera: Simuliidae) saliva secreted during feeding on humans and animals induce various pathological reactions manifested by skin lesions and systemic symptoms. In this study, we describe 43 cases of severe skin lesions induced by blackfly bites and analyze their potential causes. Based on the results of a survey of 418 patients, we identified periods with risk of blackfly attacks and their environmental determinants in the eastern part of the European Union. Especially strong inflammatory reactions after blackfly bites were reported in patients with concomitant cardiovascular diseases (mainly with venous insufficiency), metabolic diseases, and bacterial infections. Enhanced symptoms of simuliosis were also observed in other patients attacked by these insects only once or repeatedly. The greatest number of blackfly attacks in the study area is recorded from May to July, with a peak in June (38.73%) in the afternoon (37.10%) and evening (33.03%), when patients are in fields, forests, or their households. The case analysis indicates interactions of various factors in the development of severe inflammatory reactions in patients bitten by blackflies. Therefore, it is recommended that subjects exposed to the presence of blackflies during their work or rest should limit the length of their stay in a vulnerable environment during the highest seasonal and daily activity of these insects. It is also necessary to take measures to reduce the number of blackflies and popularize methods for prophylaxis of their attacks.

Modal split of passenger traffic: The Polish section of EU external borders

Abstract Despite the ongoing processes of territorial integration, especially in Europe, there are still borders that fulfil their original function, namely that of a barrier. In some cases, this function has even been strengthened. Such is the case with Poland’s eastern border, which is also the external border of the EU and of the Schengen Area. This article presents the modal split of passenger traffic under conditions of frequent changes in the functions and permeability of borders, against the background of the key drivers behind the volumes of border traffic, i.e. the geopolitical, socio-economic, and infrastructural factors, both in relation to road, rail and border infrastructure. All sections of the border display some marginalisation of railway transport. The Polish eastern border is characterised by a sustained high share of bus transport, which pertains to all sections under analysis. The long waiting times for clearance when travelling in private cars was probably one of the factors behind the creation of the market for collective transport. Private transport is most dominant on the Polish-Russian border, while the largest share of crossings by bus is recorded on the Belarusian border.

Diet Features of the Crested Newt Triturus cristatus (Laurenti, 1768) at the Eastern Border of Its Range

Diet Features of the Crested Newt Triturus cristatus (Laurenti, 1768) at the Eastern Border of Its Range

The roles of functional traits in canopy maintenance along a savanna/seasonally dry tropical forest gradient in northeastern Brazil

Vegetation gradients, such as those between savanna and seasonally dry tropical forest (SDTF) vegetations, may experience nearly identical macroclimatic conditions but still differ because of local ecological filters selecting for distinct plant functional aspects related to water storage and use. We examined how leaf phenology, water potential, wood density, and wood saturated water content varied seasonally along a savanna, transition, and SDTF vegetation gradient at the eastern border of the Chapada Diamantina Highlands, Brazil. We monitored the leaf phenologies of 523 individuals of 48 woody species (20 savanna, 14 transition, and 14 SDTF species) for two years. We identified four phenological groups: brevideciduous, deciduous, evergreen (EG) plants having continuous growth, and evergreen plants having seasonal growth. Deciduous species were found throughout the gradient, while EG species accounted for more than 80% of relative density in savanna areas. Precipitation was negatively related to leaf fall for all phenological groups, and positively related for leaf flushing in deciduous species. More than 80% of all species exhibited wood densities between 0.50 and 0.91 g cm−3. The first principal component explained 77.64% of the observed variance, associated with wood saturated water content, water potential, and wood density. All of the savanna species were distributed along the positive axis of the principal component analysis as compared to SDTF species. We demonstrated that the effects of water limitations along the gradient were critical to the selection of functional traits associated with water-use strategies and expressive deciduousness in SDTF vegetation, interpreted as drought avoidance strategies.

Pontos Limes: Romans in Eastern Black Sea Region

The Ponto-Caucasian frontier defence system began function after the modernization-reorganization of the entire eastern defensive line by Vespasian (69-79). 72-76 significant forces began moving on the entire regions of the Roman Empire eastern borders. Created by Vespasian, the Cappadocian complex, which included Colchis, received two legions. These legions were stationed on the Cappadocia-Little Armenia line, at Satala and Melitene.In Melitene was stationed the Legio XII Fulminata (Lightning) transferred from Syria, and in Satala the newly formed XVI Flavia Firma, which later been replaced by the Legio XV Apollinaris. Satala and Melitene were considered as part of Cappadocia and, from a military-strategic point of view, the main distribution base of Roman forces in the Caucasus under the Cappadocian Legation. To the south of Melitene was beginning the Syrian Limes. Trabzon was the Rome's hub and the military-economic center in eastern black sea region. From 64 AD it became the main center of the Roman garrison - Classic Pontica. Trabzon get to be starting point of the Roman defence system - the Ponto-Caucasus border line, which included the castellums of Hisos, Rize, Athena, Apsarus, Phasis, and Sebastopolis.Until the middle of the 2nd century, the Ponto-Caucasian border line extended only to Sebastopolis. But between the years 132-152, the area of this defence system expanded to Pitsunda. The material and technical provision of the castellums located on the Ponto-Caucasus line was carried out from Trabzon.It is known that the Romans built temporary wooden fortifications before the construction of permanent, long-lasting castles, ’Pilum Murale’. We assume that it is possible the Romans built the same temporary wooden fortification in Apsarus as Flavius ​​Arian (95-175 AD) mentions in Phasis. According to recent studies the construction of a permanent, long-term fortress in Apsarus begun in second half of I century. The Apsarus castle over the next two centuries was one of the most significant military centres in eastern Black sea region. During the reign of Hadrian (117-138), as Ariane describes, a permanent ‘Castella Murata’ type defensive structure was already functioning in Apsarus, with five cohorts stationed there.The presence of such a significant military force in Apsarus was due to its strategical circumstance. The fort was a main crossroads from the Colchis lowlands to the interior of East Asia Minor and, at the same time, closed the coastline. Its main function was to prevent the nomads of the North Caucasus and to Roman provinces of Minor Asia. The geostrategic importance of Apsarus increased even more from 20-s of second century, when kingdom of Iberia conquered a part of the Colchis coast. Through the Ponto-Caucasian border defence system, which successfully maintain military and economic stability in the region until the middle of the 3rd century. The attacks of the North Caucasian nomads on the Colchis and other Roman provinces ceased; Piracy and robbery were prevented; the security of the distant provinces of the empire was ensured and the local tribes also came under the real control of Rome.From the beginning of the 4th century, the Roman border defence system, damaged by the barbarians, was renewed in the Eastern Black Sea region with its usual force, and its functioning lasted until the second half of the 4th century.

African Swine Fever (ASF) Trend Analysis in Wild Boar in Poland (2014-2020).

Simple SummaryAfrican swine fever (ASF) has been present in Poland since 2014. The article describes and explains the changes in the ASF epidemic in the wild boar population in the period 2014–2020. In that relatively short time, the disease has spread to about half of the territory of Poland, affecting eastern and western provinces. Most ASF-positive animals were molecular/virus-positive, however, the observation of the increase of serologically positive animals (potential survivors) in successive years of the epidemic, especially in areas where the virus has been present for a longer time, may indicate the potential beginning of ASF endemicity in Poland.African swine fever (ASF) is a lethal hemorrhagic disease of Suidae, i.e., domestic pigs and wild boars. The disease was introduced to Poland in 2014 and is now present in the wild boar population. Appropriate ASF prevention requires further research for answers to fundamental questions about the importance of vectors in virus transmission, the impact of environmental factors on the presence of ASFV in wild boar habitats, and the role of survivors as potential virus carriers and their part in the potential endemicity of ASF. In order to analyze the changes in the molecular and serological prevalence of ASFV in wild boar population in Poland, real-time PCR and ELISA/IPT tests were conducted. In the analyzed period (2014–2020), most of the ASF-positive wild boars were molecular/virus-positive, however, over the years the percentage and the number of seropositive animals has increased. At the beginning of the epidemic, the disease was limited to a small area of the country. Since then, it has spread to new provinces of Poland. From the beginning and until today, most notifications of ASF-positive wild boars were for carcasses (passive surveillance), however, the number of serologically positive animals is still increasing. Despite the fact that notifications of ASF outbreaks are still being received near the eastern border of Poland, the old ASF area seems to be limited mainly to ASF serologically positive animals, which may indicate the beginning of ASF endemicity in Poland.

Challenges for Cooperation of Participating States in the Bucharest Nine Format under the Conditions of the Evolution of the Security Threats on NATO's Eastern Borders.

The article reveals the challenges for cooperation of the participating states in the Bucharest Nine initiatives in the conditions of the evolution of security threats on NATO’s eastern borders. The preconditions, purpose and goals of the Bucharest Nine have been highlighted. The group composition of B9 participants on a territorial basis has been considered, namely: the Baltic countries (Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania), the Visegrad Four countries (Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, and the Czech Republic), and the Black Sea countries (Bulgaria and Romania). The organizational structure of such a regional format within NATO has been represented. The goals of the Bucharest Nine have been concretized both in the Euro-Atlantic dimension and in the regional one, especially in the region of Central and Eastern Europe. The focus is on the resilience and solidarity of B9 member states in their approaches to guaranteeing the European security architecture, including increasing defense spending and its dynamics, supporting Ukraine and its territorial integrity, as well as assessing threats from the russian federation. The current challenges for the development of the B9 initiative have been highlighted, the key ones being: restrained attitude towards the russian policy in the CEE region; various preconditions for action to increase military capabilities; the position of some Western NATO member states on B9 as a pro-American project, etc. It has been concluded that it is expedient to establish B9 format initiatives within NATO in order to “strengthen the voice” of less powerful states in the conditions of transforming the security architecture in the global dimension, mainly in the context of growing military threat from the russian federation in the CEE region.

DIGITAL EMPLOYMENT: UKRAINE’S RANKING IN THE GLOBAL DIVISION OF DIGITAL LABOUR

The paper reviews information on the formation and development of a new form of employment — digital one — and identifies its impact on the country’s place in the global dimension. The overall objective of the study is to verify the trends of digital employment in Ukraine and assess its place and role in the global distribution of the digital workforce. The literature review indicates a lack of research on the gap between the level of technological development of the country and the use of digital employees in the national economy. This is particularly imperative for developing countries, which technologically remain far behind, and to which Ukraine belongs.The scholars used a certain sequence to conduct the study of this issue, particularly: at first, in accordance with the characteristics of digital employment, the authors identified the types of business where the largest number of digital workplaces is concentrated. Secondly, the researchers analysed the statistical indicators of digital employment in Ukraine for 10 years and revealed the development tendencies of this segment. Thirdly, the study compared the data on employment, wages and the obtainability of the favourable domestic talent development environments for the country of reference and a neighbouring country with a higher level of economic development. Fourthly, the research identified the factors influencing the spread of digital employment and defined the place and role of Ukraine in the global digital landscape.The study uses methods of analysis and synthesis, abstraction and generalisation in the verification of digital employment trends, statistical and analytical methodologies in the study of the state and trends inherent in the digital segment of national employment markets. The knowledge base of the research consists of the official statistics of Ukraine, Poland, analytical materials of UNIDO, The World Economic Forum, OECD, Eurostat.The object of the study is the digital segment of the labour markets of Ukraine and Poland, as these countries have similar preconditions for economic development, they are geographically located in Eastern Europe and border each other. At the same time, Poland has a higher level of economic development and is a recipient country for Ukrainian migrant workers.The paper presents the results of empirical analysis, which showed that technological lag is the major precondition for the low demand for digital employment in Ukraine. Accordingly, this determines that Ukraine is basically a resource colony in the digital global environment, which supplies highly qualified digital workers. The experts and practitioners can use the results of the study to elaborate a strategy for the development of Ukraine’s economy in the context of digitalisation.

Recovery at sea of abandoned, lost or discarded drifting fish aggregating devices

Tropical tuna purse-seine fishing vessels contribute to abandoned, lost or discarded (ALD) fishing equipment by deploying large numbers of drifting Fish Aggregating Devices (dFADs). Here we analysed more than 80,000 dFAD trajectories (56,263 tracking buoys) in the Indian and Atlantic oceans from 2012 to 2018. We found that more than 40% of dFAD trajectories ultimately drifted away from fishing grounds, becoming ALD. About 20% of these lost dFADs passed within 50 km of major ports, indicating that port-based programmes could be effective in collecting ALD dFADs at sea. We also identified areas within the fishing grounds where most dFADs exit and where high-seas recovery could be valuable. For example, most dFADs leaving Indian Ocean fishing grounds along their eastern border at ~70° E, particularly in October–December, do not return to fishing grounds. Despite considerable logistical challenges, at-sea dFAD recovery offers promising options for reducing the ecological footprints of purse-seine fisheries. Nearly half of drifting fish aggregating devices in the Indian and Atlantic oceans becomes abandoned, lost or discarded. However, a substantial portion of this pollution passes near major ports, hence port-based recovery presents a promising strategy to reduce fishing-related marine pollution.

PM 7/53 (2) Liriomyza spp.

PM 7/53 (2) <i>Liriomyza</i> spp.

Frasnian reef mounds in the Durbuy–Bomal area (eastern border of the Dinant Synclinorium, Belgium)

This paper focuses on the Frasnian reefal development in the eastern border of the Dinant Synclinorium. Classical sections from the Durbuy–Bomal area were reevaluated for lithostratigraphy, microfacies, magnetic susceptibility (MS) and diagenesis. As regards the middle Frasnian succession, the studied area is located in a transitional zone between the Pont de la Folle/Philippeville Formations and the Moulin Liénaux/Grand Breux Formations. This succession is topped by Petit-Mont Member reef mounds. Massive mound microfacies are characteristic of the Petit-Mont and Lion Members, with fossil associations respectively dominated (from deepest to shallowest) by sponges; sponges, crinoids and corals; corals, crinoids, stromatoporoids and cyanobacteria; and microbes. Flank and off-mound microfacies consist of microbioclastic, bioclastic, crinoidal or lithoclastic bedded limestones. MS values are related to the depositional environment and regularly decrease from the off-mound to the reef mound microfacies. The reef mound diagenetic sequence is similar to that identified in other Petit-Mont buildups: cementation in the marine phreatic zone preliminary to drowning, then the development of a meteoric lens at the time of a marine regression, with dysoxic facies in the distal zones of the aquifer and, finally burial cementation and dolomitization during the Variscan tectonism.

ASPECTS REGARDING MULTINATIONAL LOGISTIC SUPPORT IN NATO OPERATIONS. LIMITATIONS AND CONSTRAINTS

Within the North Atlantic Treaty Organization / NATO we have in most cases operations and activities supported in a multinational environment, diverse and especially different in terms of technology and levels of training. The logistics of military actions is one of the pillars and basic factors taken into account right from the moment of their preparation, which initiates a widespread need to understand the phenomenon of multinational logistical support, both tactically and operationally, as well as issues related to legality, funding, responsibilities, limitations and constraints. We also believe that multinational logistical support must primarily reflect the interests of the state and, secondarily, the obligations of the state that generates the logistical support in accordance with the treaties, conventions and alliances to which it is a party. At the same time, we believe that the harmonization of national strategic cultures and logistics cultures is a major challenge that will find a rather difficult answer. Also, noting the current technological advancement but also the growing threats of Russia, we believe that defining on the territory of one of the NATO member states on the eastern border a large and rapid reaction logistical support capacity would be one of the solutions for ensuring the least material support of NATO's eastern countries in the event of military aggression that would invoke Article 5. Major logistical support provided by the alliance could support frontline countries to military support from other members, thus decongesting the material burden, being able to focus on the conduct of combat actions.&#x0D;

Improving the Explanation of Electoral Behavior Through a Combination of Historical and Local Context – The Case of the AfD’s Results at the Federal Election in Germany in 2017

Abstract The purpose of this article is to examine the extent to which an approach that takes into account the historical and spatial context of an election can contribute to a better understanding of electoral dynamics in general. It applies this approach to the analysis of the results of the populist radical right party “Alternative for Germany” (AfD) at the 2017 federal election in Germany. Making use of a newly compiled dataset at the municipality level in Germany, local context will first be included in a direct way, measured by distances from the municipalities to relevant geographical markers that can be associated with a long-term or a short-term historical legacy. These spatial points include former Nazi concentration camps (main camps as well as relevant sub-camps) in order to test for the long-term legacy, first reception facilities for refugees during the so-called “refugee crisis” (2015–16) as markers of one of the most incisive developments of the recent past in Germany. Additionally, the distance to the Eastern border is tested, as this variable has proven to be relevant in the context of earlier studies on the AfD. Second, actively modeling spatial non-stationarity using Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) in an exploratory manner shows that most effects on the strength of the AfD at the municipality level (from modernization loser theory to the contact hypothesis) vary significantly and considerably in terms of strength throughout Germany.

Maritime Policy Design Framework with ESG Performance Approach: Case of Estonia

In policy-making, the design of a policy is considered to be one of the most significant steps. A well designed policy will be able to solve sectoral problems across stakeholders as well as support the competitive development of the entire economy. Enterprises of the maritime sector have been influenced by environmental, social, and governance (ESG) changes with the push coming from financiers, insurers, regulators, and customers. To meet the ESG challenges and utilize the benefits ahead, they need to be addressed in the new policy design processes. The specificities of a maritime sector as well as science-based policy-making framework are the fundamentals of successful maritime policy development. Estonia is located on the eastern border of the EU, and has always aimed to be a maritime state. National maritime policy has been adopted (2012–2020) and currently, the Estonian Transport and Mobility Master Plan incorporates maritime aspects. Actors of the maritime sector have remained dissatisfied and advocate the reinstatement and redevelopment of Estonian maritime policy. The aim of this study was to present a framework for the design of maritime policy that uses maritime economics, ESG performance goals, and policy design analyses as inputs. As a result, a maritime policy design framework is proposed.

Rally 'round the Ukrainian flag. The Russian attack and the (temporary?) suspension of geopolitical polarization in Italy

ABSTRACT Until recently, the configuration of geopolitical orientations in the Italian electorate seemed to reflect processes of political polarization triggered by the upsurge of populism, which reached its zenith at the general election of 2018. In particular, the emergence of pro-Russian sympathies among Italian parties seemed to overlap Euroscepticism and a more general rejection of mainstream western politics. Russia’s military intervention in Ukraine, in February 2022, may further shift the geopolitical points of reference of Italian parties and the party system. The article uses survey data to analyse the reactions of the Italian electorate to the outbreak of war on the Eastern borders of the EU and to compare the geopolitical positions of party electorates before – in the spring of 2020 – and (immediately) after this new potential watershed. The results suggest an (at least temporary) consensus among Italian voters in favour of the Ukrainian cause, a marked weakening of pro-Russian sentiments, and an (at least provisional) suspension of the polarization linked to international references.

The Social Spaces of Music Traditions in Baghdad before and after Destruction

The Social Spaces of Music Traditions in Baghdad before and after Destruction

Батыс Қазақстандағы савромат ескерткіштерінің зерттелу тарихы (ерте көшпелілер мәдениетінің қалыптасуы мен дамуы хақында)

This article is devoted to the history of the study of Sauromat sites in the Southern Urals, which mainly addresses the formation and development of the culture of the early nomads. Data on the history of the early nomads and the areas of their geographical location originate in the works of ancient authors. In particular, the Greek historian Herodotus in his History writes that the Sarmatian tribes inhabited the lands adjacent to the eastern border of Scythia. In general, ancient literature presents valuable information about the tribes of the Sauromat-Sarmatians, corresponding to the topic we have chosen. Nevertheless, the ancient tribes that lived in the Ural steppes in the early Iron Age remained unexplored for a long time. Only since the 19th-20th centuries, this problem begins to attract the attention of researchers. During this time, scientists such as F.D. Nefedov, I.A. Castanye, M.I. Rostovtsev, B.N. Grakov, P.S. Rykov, M.K. Kadyrbaev, and others carried out archaeological excavations of sites of Sauromat-Sarmatian culture and made great changes in the study of it. Also, the opening in 1887 of the Orenburg Scientific Archival Commission contributed to the further study of the history of nomads.

Geophysical Imaging of the Critical Zone along the Eastern Betic Shear Zone (EBSZ), SE Iberian Peninsula

The critical zone (CZ) represents the most-shallow subsurface, where the bio-, hydro-, and geospheres interact with anthropogenic activity. To characterize the thickness and lateral variations of the CZ, here we focus on the Eastern Betic Shear Zone (EBSZ), one of the most tectonically active regions in the Iberian Peninsula. Within the EBSZ, the Guadalentín Depression is a highly populated area with intensive agricultural activity, where the characterization of the CZ would provide valuable assets for land use management and seismic hazard assessments. To achieve this, we have conducted an interdisciplinary geophysical study along the eastern border of the Guadalentín Depression to characterize the CZ and the architecture of the shallow subsurface. The datasets used include Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT), first-arrival travel time seismic tomography, and multichannel analysis of surface waves (MASW). The geophysical datasets combined help to constrain the high-resolution structure of the subsurface and image active fault systems along four transects. The resulting geophysical models have allowed us to interpret the first ~150 m of the subsurface and has revealed: (i) the variable thickness of the CZ; (ii) the CZ relationship between the fault zone and topographic slope; and (iii) the differences in CZ thickness associated with the geological units. Our results provide a method for studying the shallow subsurface of active faults, complementing previous geological models based on paleo-seismological trenches, and can be used to improve the CZ assessment of tectonically active regions.

Petrology of the late Pan-African Guider syenite pluton (Cameroon): Implications for magma genesis and emplacement

The Guider pluton, located in the eastern border of the North-West Cameroon domain close to the Mayo-Kebbi domain, is one of the rare high potassic magmatic bodies in the northern portion of Central African Orogenic Belt. Previously studied for its structural and geochronological aspects, its petrogenesis remained uncertain. Petrography, mineralogy, and whole rock geochemistry data are presented. The pluton is made of pink and grey quartz syenites and contains numerous enclaves of quartz diorites. These enclaves are highly concentrated at the center of pluton, previously identify as the pluton's feeder zone. The transition between syenitic types is gradational while the contact between grey quartz syenite and quartz diorite is sharp. Geochemically, they display a high-K signature. Our results including field observations, petrography, mineral chemistry and geochemistry suggest that these rocks derive from a single parental magma differentiated by fractional crystallization and sedimentation in a magmatic chamber. These results also suggest that the parental magma was generated by partial melting of metasomatized lithospheric mantle. Combining previous results with former structural data, we envisage that the Guider pluton derive from two successive steps: (i) a static step of fractional crystallization and sedimentation in a deep magmatic chamber; and (ii) a dynamic step during which the stratified magma ascent toward the upper crust, the evolved syenitic magma being tapped first and the diorite later. The magmatic structures are consistent with this magma emplacement scenario.