Eastern Clusters Research Articles

Spatial Estimation of Regional Economic Growth Heterogeneity During 2014‒2021

Introduction. The aggravation of socio-economic heterogeneity among Russian regions is one of the main challenges for sustainable development of the country. The main task of spatial policy is to ensure advanced rates of development of geostrategic and lagging behind territories as well as increasing competitiveness of regional economies. However, the events of the past decade substantially adjusted plans on regional economic growth enhancement. The aim of the study is to estimate spatial economic growth heterogeneity and interdependence of bordering entities of Russia over 2013‒2021. Materials and Methods. The main research method is Moran’s methodology for assessing local and global indices characterizing the inter-regional relation and A. Anselin’s approach for local indices of spatial autocorrelation and spatial clusters identification. The research uses regional data on real GRP per capita growth rates for 85 Russian regions for five annual intervals. Results. The results confirmed that geopolitical tensions significantly enhance the regional economic growth heterogeneity. The most developed regions, including main hydrocarbon producers, are found being most exposed to external economic shocks, which reduced their spatial interrelation. Southern and eastern regions demonstrated an upward growth trend. The COVID-19 pandemic shaped the appearance of western and eastern clusters. Regional economies demonstrated the decreasing heterogeneity through enhancing the economic growth rates in the post-crises period. Coincidently, we document that economic development of the regions influences the growth in bordering entities. Discussion and Conclusion. The research allows defining three stages of regional economic growth rates heterogeneity during 2013‒2021. The derived conclusions are recommended for actualizing state policy in reducing regional heterogeneity and strengthening the national economic space.

Characterization of transient movements within the Joshimath hillslope complex: Results from multi-sensor InSAR observations

This paper investigates the spatiotemporal characteristics and life-cycle of movements within the Joshimath landslide-prone slope over the period from 2015 to 2024, utilizing multi-sensor interferometric data from Sentinel‑1, ALOS‑2, and TerraSAR‑X satellites. Multi-temporal InSAR analysis before the 2023 slope destabilization crisis, when the region experienced significant ground deformation acceleration, revealed two distinct deformation clusters within the eastern and middle parts of the slope. These active deformation regions have been creeping up to −200 mm/yr. Slope deformation analysis indicates that the entire Joshimath landslide-prone slope can be categorized kinematically as either Extremely-Slow (ES) or Very-Slow (VS) moving slope, with the eastern cluster mainly exhibiting ES movements, while the middle cluster showing VS movements. Two episodes of significant acceleration occurred on August 21, 2019 and November 2, 2021, with the rate of slope deformation increasing by 20% (from −50 to −60 mm/yr) and around threefold (from −60 to −249 mm/yr), respectively. Following the 2023 destabilization crisis, the rate of ground deformation notably increased across all datasets for both clusters, except for the Sentinel‑1 ascending data in the eastern cluster. Pre-crisis, horizontal deformation was dominant both in the eastern and middle clusters. Horizontal deformation remained dominant and increased significantly in the eastern cluster post-crisis phase, whereas vertical deformation became predominant in the middle cluster. Wavelet analysis reveals a strong correlation between two acceleration episodes and extreme precipitation in 2019 and 2021, but no similar correlation was detected in other years. This indicates that while extreme rainfall significantly influenced the dynamics of slope movements during these episodes, less strong precipitation had a minimal impact on slope movements during other periods.

Future carbon sequestration potential in a widespread transcontinental boreal tree species: Standing genetic variation matters!

Climate change (CC) necessitates reforestation/afforestation programs to mitigate its impacts and maximize carbon sequestration. But comprehending how tree growth, a proxy for fitness and resilience, responds to CC is critical to maximize these programs' effectiveness. Variability in tree response to CC across populations can notably be influenced by the standing genetic variation encompassing both neutral and adaptive genetic diversity. Here, a framework is proposed to assess tree growth potential at the population scale while accounting for standing genetic variation. We applied this framework to black spruce (BS, Picea mariana [Mill] B.S.P.), with the objectives to (1) determine the key climate variables having impacted BS growth response from 1974 to 2019, (2) examine the relative roles of local adaptation and the phylogeographic structure in this response, and (3) project BS growth under two Shared Socioeconomic Pathways while taking standing genetic variation into account. We modeled growth using a machine learning algorithm trained with dendroecological and genetic data obtained from over 2600 trees (62 populations divided in three genetic clusters) in four 48-year-old common gardens, and simulated growth until year 2100 at the common garden locations. Our study revealed that high summer and autumn temperatures negatively impacted BS growth. As a consequence of warming, this species is projected to experience a decline in growth by the end of the century, suggesting maladaptation to anticipated CC and a potential threat to its carbon sequestration capacity. This being said, we observed a clear difference in response to CC within and among genetic clusters, with the western cluster being more impacted than the central and eastern clusters. Our results show that intraspecific genetic variation, notably associated with the phylogeographic structure, must be considered when estimating the response of widespread species to CC.

Approximate Bayesian computation and ecological niche models elucidate the demographic history and current fragmented population distribution of a Korean endemic shrub.

Climatic fluctuations and geological events since the LGM are believed to have significantly impacted the population size, distribution, and mobility of many species that we observe today. In this paper, we determined the processes driving the phylogeographic structure of the Korean endemic white forsythia by combining the use of genome-wide SNPs and predicting paleoclimatic habitats during the LGM (21 kya), Early Holocene (10 kya), Mid-Holocene (6 kya), and Late Holocene (3 kya). Using a maximum of 1897 SNPs retrieved from 124 samples across nine wild populations, five environmental predictors, and the species' natural occurrence records, we aimed to infer the species' demographic history and reconstruct its possible paleodistributions with the use of approximate Bayesian computation and ecological niche models, respectively. Under this integrated framework, we found strong evidence for patterns of range shift and expansion, and population divergence events from the onset of the Holocene, resulting in the formation of its five distinct genetic units. The most highly supported model inferred that after the split of an ancestral population into the southern group and a larger central metapopulation lineage, the latter gave rise to the eastern and northern clusters, before finally dividing into two sub-central groups. While the use of molecular data allowed us to identify and refine the (phylo)genetic relationships of the species' lineages and populations, the use of ecological data helped us infer a past LGM refugium and the directions of post-glacial range dynamics. The time frames of these demographic events were shown to be congruent with climatic and geological events that affected the central Korean Peninsula during these periods. These findings gave us a better understanding of the consequences of past spatiotemporal factors that may have resulted in the current fragmented population distribution of this endangered plant.

Assessing population structure and migration patterns of wild boar (Sus scrofa) in Japan

Geographical wildlife patterns reflect historical range expansion and connectivity and provide insights into wildlife population management. In our large-scale phylogeographic population analysis of wild boars (Sus scrofa leucomystax) in Japan, we identified 15 clusters using 29 microsatellite markers, each structured within a range of approximately 200 km. This suggests that evolution was essentially driven by isolation by distance, and that the range of gene flow was limited. One cluster contained subpopulations located approximately 900 km apart, indicating the occurrence of past anthropogenic introductions. Moreover, we estimated effective migration to visualize the geographic genetic population diversity. This analysis identified six potential barriers, one of which involved large plains and mountainous areas in the Kanto region of eastern Japan. This barrier likely persisted in the two eastern clusters for an extended period, restricting migration to the neighboring areas. Overall, our study sheds light on the demographic history of wild boar in Japan, provides evidence of past anthropogenic introductions from distant areas, and highlights the importance of geographic barriers in shaping genetic diversity and population dynamics. This knowledge will be beneficial for forming informed wildlife management strategies toward the conservation of genetic integrity and ecological balance of wild boar populations in Japan.

Assessing the Potential for Developing Innovation Districts at the City Scale by Adapting a New Sustainable Entrepreneurial Ecosystems Method

Excellent previous case studies of innovation districts have provided a foundation for the integration of innovation and urban development. However, few researchers have evaluated the potential for developing innovation districts in inner city spaces. In this study, taking Qingdao as an example, the adaptive cycle theory was combined with entrepreneurial ecosystem theory to form a sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem (SEE) framework, including the three criteria of conditions, outputs, and outcomes. This framework allows for the effective identification of key factors and areas within cities that influence the development of innovation districts. The results showed that the potential for developing innovation districts showed a concentric trend, i.e., higher in the downtown, highest in the suburbs, and lowest in the outer suburbs. Comparative analysis revealed that innovation sources were a key factor in the development of Qingdao’s innovation districts. In terms of cluster analysis, the northern and southwestern clusters in the suburbs were in the conservation (K) phase, and the eastern and downtown clusters were in the exploitation (r), suggesting that the former was the preferred location for innovation districts. This study facilitates the establishment of site-specific innovation districts at key locations to enhance the success of decision making.

Exploring the Gene Pool of Silver Fir in Southern Germany on the Search for Climate-Smart Seed Sources

Central European populations of silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) grow under a relatively wide amplitude of environmental conditions. Assuming that forest tree stands are locally adapted, the use of forest reproductive material from sites with limited water availability is expected to increase drought tolerance in future forests. At the same time, genetic diversity is of utmost importance as the basis of adaptation to a changing environment. Currently, a selection of potential sources for climate-smart reproductive material of silver fir is under way in Southern Germany. It is based on a multidisciplinary approach elucidating the genetic variation, site conditions, as well as tree resilience based on a dendroecological approach. The analysis encompasses a large number of stands representing the whole range of the species’ ecological requirements. The population genetic analysis based on molecular markers (nuclear microsatellites) provided important information concerning the gene pool of the species in Southern Germany. On one hand, it revealed genetic differentiation and transition zones between western and eastern clusters. On the other hand, the results indicated gradients and regional variation of genetic diversity. These patterns can be explained by post glacial recolonization and the peripheral character of the species at the northern limit of its distribution. Together with the outcomes of the site condition and dendroecological approaches, the results of the genetic analysis will be used to inform future provenance recommendations.

Spatio-Temporal Patterns of Livestock Predation by Leopards in Bardia National Park, Nepal

Human–wildlife conflict is a challenging issue that requires the attention of conservationists worldwide. Habitat fragmentation and encroachment reduce the abundance of prey species, and an increase in the number of predators leads to a higher risk of conflict with large cats such as leopards, jeopardizing conservation efforts. This study explored the spatio-temporal pattern of the human–leopard conflict in Bardia National Park, Nepal, from 2000 to 2020. To analyze the conflict with leopards, we used data (compensation cases filed in the park) from the buffer zone management office, the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC), and the Department of National Park and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC). Leopard attacks on livestock are increasing exponentially, with 3335 livestock killed in 2652 attacks occurring during the study period. Although livestock depredation by leopards occurred all over the park, the southern cluster has most documented livestock damage (64.01%). The eastern and northern clusters reported fluctuating and dispersed predation events, respectively. Our spatial analysis indicated no effect of topography (slope) on livestock depredation by leopards. We recorded the highest number of leopard attacks and predation during the dry winter season when the nights are longer and livestock remain in their sheds. This carnivore mostly limited its prey to small-sized livestock (95.77%) such as goats, sheep, and pigs, whereas attacks on large-sized (cow and buffalo) livestock were least frequent. Among small-sized livestock, goats are the most predated (66.92%), followed by pigs (20.30%), in all seasons. The escalating human–leopard conflict in BNP is thus a severe threat to conservation efforts as the park has already invested a substantial amount of money (approx. USD 80,000) compensating for livestock lost in leopard attacks over the last two decades. Improving habitat conditions to reduce competition inside the park, developing an insurance scheme for livestock and humans, providing support for upgraded sheds, and the development of practical and feasible strategies that focus on specific animals and clusters of the national park are needed to reduce conflicts to maintain the co-existence between wildlife and human beings.

Development of CCUS clusters in Croatia

Carbon Capture and Storage is a concept that is not yet fully implemented largely because of the high costs. Clustering of industrial stakeholders is imposed as a measure for cost reduction. All relevant emitters, possible transport routes, including existing gas pipeline corridors, and their geographic location in relation to potential storage locations are assessed in this paper. Site availability and CO2 storage capacity are examined, summarizing all study results gathered under the Strategy CCUS project. The CO2 enhanced oil recovery is being studied for CO2 storage rather than extra oil recovery. As logical choices, three clusters were recognized. Only less expensive, onshore injection was taken in consideration for assessment of early (economic) feasibility in the Adriatic, Central, and Eastern clusters. Because of the shorter distance between CO2 emitters and injection sites, the Eastern and Central clusters are being investigated in more detail, despite the fact that the largest point source emitter is in the Adriatic region. Because of small number of point source CO2 emitters and huge theoretical storage capacity, further research is needed to better assess the storage capacities as well as possibilities for development of cross-border projects. Based on previous research (particularly regarding the emitters), the number of facilities (fewer facilities, with more concentrated emissions), and the availability of storage objects, the Eastern cluster is recommended to be further studied as the next stage of Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage cluster research and development in Croatia and nearby cross-border regions.

Characterizing Tetraploid Populations of Actinidia chinensis for Kiwifruit Genetic Improvement.

Understanding genetic diversity and structure in natural populations and their suitable habitat response to environmental changes is critical for the protection and utilization of germplasm resources. We evaluated the genetic diversity and structure of 24 A. chinensis populations using simple sequence repeat (SSR) molecular markers. The potential suitable distribution of tetraploid A. chinensis estimated under the current climate and predicted for the future climate was generated with ecological niche modeling (ENM). The results indicated that the polyploid populations of A. chinensis have high levels of genetic diversity and that there are distinct eastern and western genetic clusters. The population structure of A. chinensis can be explained by an isolation-by-distance model. The results also revealed that potentially suitable areas of tetraploids will likely be gradually lost and the habitat will likely be increasingly fragmented in the future. This study provides an extensive overview of tetraploid A. chinensis across its distribution range, contributing to a better understanding of its germplasm resources. These results can also provide the scientific basis for the protection and sustainable utilization of kiwifruit wild resources.

Situational factors shape moral judgements in the trolley dilemma in Eastern, Southern and Western countries in a culturally diverse sample.

The study of moral judgements often centres on moral dilemmas in which options consistent with deontological perspectives (that is, emphasizing rules, individual rights and duties) are in conflict with options consistent with utilitarian judgements (that is, following the greater good based on consequences). Greene et al. (2009) showed that psychological and situational factors (for example, the intent of the agent or the presence of physical contact between the agent and the victim) can play an important role in moral dilemma judgements (for example, the trolley problem). Our knowledge is limited concerning both the universality of these effects outside the United States and the impact of culture on the situational and psychological factors affecting moral judgements. Thus, we empirically tested the universality of the effects of intent and personal force on moral dilemma judgements by replicating the experiments of Greene et al. in 45 countries from all inhabited continents. We found that personal force and its interaction with intention exert influence on moral judgements in the US and Western cultural clusters, replicating and expanding the original findings. Moreover, the personal force effect was present in all cultural clusters, suggesting it is culturally universal. The evidence for the cultural universality of the interaction effect was inconclusive in the Eastern and Southern cultural clusters (depending on exclusion criteria). We found no strong association between collectivism/individualism and moral dilemma judgements.

A chromosomal level genome sequence for Quasipaa spinosa (Dicroglossidae) reveals chromosomal evolution and population diversity.

Quasipaa spinosa is an Asian commercial Dicroglossidae species noted for its spiny chest found in adult males. Here, we report the first chromosomal level Q. spinosa genome employing PacBio long read sequencing and high-resolution chromosome conformation capture (Hi-C) technology. The total length of the final assembled genome was 2,839,292,578bp, with contig N50 of 3.79Mb and scaffold N50 of 327.44Mb. Approximately 99.30% of the length of the assembled genome sequences were anchored to 13 chromosomes with the assistance of Hi-C reads. A total of 26,173 protein-coding genes were predicted, and 95.98% of the genes were functionally annotated. The annotated genes covered a total of 92.10% of the complete vertebrate core gene set according to the BUSCO pipeline evaluation. Approximately 41million years ago, Q. spinosa began to diverge from its dicroglossid sister taxon Nanorana parkeri. The Q. spinosa genome revealed obvious chromosomal fissions compared with Xenopus tropicalis, which probably represented a specific chromosome evolutionary history within frogs. Population analysis showed that Chinese Q. spinosa could be divided into eastern and western genetic clusters, with the western population showing higher diversity than the eastern population. The effective population size of Q. spinosa showed a continuously decreasing trend from one million years ago to 10,000years ago. In summary, this study sheds light on Q. spinosa evolution and population differentiation, providing a valuable genomic resource for further biological and genetic studies on this species, and other closely related frog taxa.

Indo-Aryan – a house divided? Evidence for the east–west Indo-Aryan divide and its significance for the study of northern South Asia

AbstractIn this study, we investigate the possible presence of an east–west divide in Indo-Aryan languages suggested in previous literature (Peterson, John. 2017a. Fitting the pieces together – towards a linguistic prehistory of eastern-central South Asia (and beyond). Journal of South Asian Languages and Linguistics 4(2). 211–257.), with the further hypothesis that this divide may be linked to the influence of the Munda languages, spoken in the eastern part of the subcontinent. Working with 217 fine-grained variables on a sample of 27 Indo-Aryan and Munda languages, we test the presence of a geographical divide within Indo-Aryan using computational methods such as cluster analysis in combination with visual statistical inference. Our results confirm the presence of a geographical divide for the whole dataset and most of the individual features. We then proceed to compute the degree of similarity between the Indo-Aryan languages and Munda, using a Bayesian alternative to a t-test. The results for most features support the claim that the languages identified in the eastern clusters are indeed more similar to Munda, thereby opening up further research scenarios for the history of this region.

Effects of short-term training on pastoral community employment creation and livelihood improvement: a study on selected Ethiopian pastoral areas

This study investigated the effects of a short-term training on pastoral community employment creation and livelihood improvement. The study investigated the perception of beneficiaries pertinent to the benefits of a short-term training scholarship, experiences of graduate trainees, estimation of employability rate after training, and types of employment TVET graduates are engaged during the year 2014 to 2017 in Pastoral Resilience Improvement through Market Extension project operating clusters. Self-administered survey questionnaires were used and distributed to 128 project beneficiaries in Afar, Eastern, and Southern clusters of Ethiopia. Since the instrument was close-ended questionnaires in the form of a dichotomous, and quantitative research approach was deployed. The quantitative part of the assessment was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with the support of SPSS version 20. The finding of the study indicated that the reasons for unemployment of the beneficiaries were mainly lack of financial support and poor industry linkage with employers in the areas. On the other hand, such activities should be assessed once again for financial and material support since the majority of the trainees were unemployed and seeking support besides the training received from the program in all clusters from all concerned development partners. The finding of the study depicted, gender-related issues in all clusters implies that women involvements or participation shows a variation in some clusters. However, the project more benefited male beneficiaries than women in all clusters. Therefore, if the project will continue this type of program, balancing gender and equal benefit should be maintained in all clusters. Redesigning the program is required because due to providing training alone cannot bring livelihood changes as the finding of the study revealed. This is because the beneficiaries of the program were selected from an economically poor family background. Therefore, the program should evaluate once again for financial and equipment support since the majority of the trainees were unemployed and seeking support from different development stakeholders in the three clusters.

Analysis of Clan Structure of Tuvans by Y-Chromosome Markers

According to the data on the Y-chromosome polymorphism, an assessment of the influence of two factors (tribal (clan) and administrative (kozhuuns) subdivision) on the structure of the gene pool of Tuvans is provided. The ten most common Tuvan clans (Ak, Baraan, Irgit, Kol, Kyrgyz, Mongush, Oorzhak, Oyun, Khertek, Choodu) are included in this analysis. They cover two-thirds of the total sample (N = 545) of Tuvans from six kozhuuns (Barun-Khemchiksky, Tandinsky, Tere-Kholsky, Todzhinsky, Chaa-Kholsky, Erzinsky). Genetic portraits of clans created on the basis of 52 SNP markers of the Y chromosome reveal the founder effect for all clans, except the two largest—Kyrgyz and Mongush. Making up one-third of the sample, these two clans are conglomerates. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) indicates an equal degree of genetic separation of clans (5.2%) and kozhuuns (6.8%). But the Mantel test detects a high correlation (r = 0.50) between the genetic and clan structure against the low correlation (r = 0.25) between the genetic and geographical distances. The reason for the difference between the AMOVA and Mantel test lies in the fact that the four most numerous kozhuuns are “monoclan,” in which one clan prevails, and only two kozhuuns (Todzhinsky and Tere-Kholsky) include representatives of three different clans. The selection of the western and eastern clusters on the graph of multidimensional scaling fits in well with the anthropological data (Sayansky and Katangsky anthropological types), but does not confirm any of the ethnographic versions of the Tuvan ethnogenesis (“Samoyedic,” “Mongolian,” “Turkic”). The sum of results indicates that the tribal structure most fully reflects the architectonics of the Tuvan gene pool, and for this reason, it must be taken into account in population genetic research.

Source characteristics and b-values of the Tuz Gölü Fault Zone in Central Anatolia, Turkey

We investigate significant earthquake sequences in the observation period between 2000 and 2018 along the Tuz Gölü Fault Zone in Central Anatolia. These sequences include a series of strong events with moment magnitudes (Mw) >5.0, e.g. 30 July 2005 Bala-Ankara Mw 5.2, 20 December 2007 Bala-Ankara Mw 5.7 and 26 December 2007 Mw 5.6 Afşar-Ankara earthquakes. The mainshocks are shallow focus strike-slip events with minor normal component at depths of 12–15 km. Focal depths of aftershocks range from 2 to 30 km. The focal mechanisms of the aftershocks are mainly normal faulting with variable strike-slip components. The geometry of focal mechanisms reveals a normal faulting regime with E-W and also NE-SW trending directions of T-axis in the entire activated region. A stress tensor inversion of focal mechanism data is performed to acquire a more accurate picture of the Tuz Gölü Fault Zone stress field. The stress tensor inversion results display a predominant normal stress regime with a NNE–SSW oriented maximum horizontal compressive stress (SH). According to high-resolution hypocenter relocations of the Tuz Gölü Fault Zone seismic sequences, eight clusters are revealed. The aftershock activities in the observation period between 5 March 2000 and 2 June 2018 extend from NW to SE direction. Seismic cross-sections show that a complex pattern of the hypocenter distribution with the activation of Tuz Gölü Fault Zone segments. The western clusters are associated with a fault plane trending mainly N-S and dipping towards almost vertical, while the eastern clusters are related to a fault plane trending NW and dipping towards SE direction. The best constrained focal depths are mainly confined in the crust (depth < 30 km) and range from 2 to 30 km. In this study, we compare the results of an analysis of b-values from seismicity and stress tensors of focal mechanism solutions to understand their coupling in terms of faulting and earthquake hazard implications. In particular, this comparison allows to investigate the spatiotemporal correlation between b-values and stress distributions and it is therefore able to locate fault segments that have a high potential of generating large earthquakes. According to recent seismicity, b-values range from 0.5 to 1.5 along the Tuz Gölü Fault Zone in Central Anatolia. The maximum horizontal compressive stress (SH) indicates N-S and NE-SW directions while the minimum horizontal compressive stress (Sh) displays E-W. These results represent that low stress variances are correlated with high b-values. Low b-values are predominant in areas with high stress rates, consistent with a high heterogeneity of focal mechanisms.

Seascapes as drivers of herbivore assemblages in coral reef ecosystems

AbstractNotionally herbivorous fishes maintains a critical ecosystem function on coral reefs by grazing algae and maintaining highly productive algal turf assemblages. Current paradigms implicate habitat complexity, predation, and primary productivity as major drivers of the distribution and abundance of herbivorous fish, yet little is known about the relative contribution of these factors. Here, we compare bottom‐up and top‐down drivers of notional herbivore assemblages across an environmental gradient of wave exposure in the Palau archipelago. We surveyed herbivore assemblages at reef slopes (6–9 m) across 18 sites, and quantified proxies of top‐down control (predator biomass, habitat complexity) and bottom‐up drivers (net primary production, nutrients) at each site. Despite substantial variability in herbivore biomass throughout the archipelago (6–65 g/m2), general additive models indicate that neither top‐down nor bottom‐up drivers significantly predicted biomass or density of herbivores among sites. In contrast to expectations, herbivore biomass was highest at sites with high predator biomass, low structural complexity, and low benthic productivity. Rather, the highest biomass of herbivores was associated with shallow, tidally emergent, productive reef flats located adjacent to steep vertical walls (“drop‐offs”). The emergent nature of this neighboring habitat precluded occupation by territorial fishes and multiple species of herbivores were observed to make foraging runs into this habitat once tidally inundated. We hypothesize that this habitat configuration provides an important cross‐habitat resource subsidy. Multivariate ordination and permutation of herbivore communities revealed strong evidence for biogeographic partitioning throughout the archipelago (western, southwestern, inner eastern, and outer eastern clusters), contributing to an emerging picture that the habitat heterogeneity of seascapes can overwhelm the effects of conventional top‐down and bottom‐up structuring of herbivory on coral reefs.

Genetic Differentiation of Glossina pallidipes Tsetse Flies in Southern Kenya.

The tsetse fly Glossina pallidipes, the major vector of the parasite that causes animal African trypanosomiasis in Kenya, has been subject to intense control measures with only limited success. The G. pallidipes population dynamics and dispersal patterns that underlie limited success in vector control campaigns remain unresolved, and knowledge on genetic connectivity can provide insights, and thereby improve control and monitoring efforts. We therefore investigated the population structure and estimated migration and demographic parameters in G. pallidipes using genotypic data from 11 microsatellite loci scored in 250 tsetse flies collected from eight localities in Kenya. Clustering analysis identified two genetically distinct eastern and western clusters (mean between-cluster F ST = 0.202) separated by the Great Rift Valley. We also found evidence of admixture and migration between the eastern and western clusters, isolation by distance, and a widespread signal of inbreeding. We detected differences in population dynamics and dispersal patterns between the western and eastern clusters. These included lower genetic diversity (allelic richness; 7.48 versus 10.99), higher relatedness (percent related individuals; 21.4% versus 9.1%), and greater genetic differentiation (mean within-cluster F ST; 0.183 versus 0.018) in the western than the eastern cluster. Findings are consistent with the presence of smaller, less well-connected populations in Western relative to eastern Kenya. These data suggest that recent anthropogenic influences such as land use changes and vector control programs have influenced population dynamics in G. pallidipes in Kenya, and that vector control efforts should include some region-specific strategies to effectively control this disease vector.

History rather than hybridization determines population structure and adaptation in Populus balsamifera.

Hybridization between species is known to greatly affect their genetic diversity and, therefore, their evolution. Also, within species, there may be genetic clusters between which gene flow is limited, which may impact natural selection. However, few studies have looked simultaneously at the influence of among-species and within-species gene flow. Here, we study the influence of hybridization between Populus balsamifera and Populustrichocarpa on population structure and adaptation in P.balsamifera. We did this by sampling a total of 1517 individuals from across the ranges of these two species, and by genotyping them using a combination of 93 nuclear and 17 cpDNA SNPs. We found that hybridization is mostly limited to the contact zone where the species' distributions overlap. Within P.balsamifera, we found multiple levels of population structure. Interestingly, the border between the Eastern and Central clusters is very sharp, whereas the border between the Central and Western clusters is diffuse. Outlier analysis revealed that three loci associated with the sharp border were also associated with climate. We hypothesize that the observed clusters derive from three refugia during the Pleistocene ice ages. Between the Central and Western clusters, post-glacial long-distance gene flow has led to the diffusion of their border. In the Eastern cluster, we hypothesize that endogenous genomic barriers have developed, leading to the sharp border and a spurious climate association. We conclude that the large-scale genetic structure of P.balsamifera is mostly shaped by historical factors and the influence of interspecific hybridization is limited.

An example of triggered earthquakes in western Turkey: 2000–2015 Afyon-Akşehir Graben earthquake sequences

We investigate significant earthquake sequences in the observation period between 2000 and 2015 along the Afyon-Akşehir Graben system in western Anatolia. These sequences include a series of strong events with moment magnitudes (Mw) larger than 5.5, e.g. Eber (Mw 5.8), Sultandağı (Mw 6.5) and Çay (Mw 5.8) earthquakes. The mainshocks are shallow focus normal events at depths of 8–15km. Focal depths of aftershocks range from 2 to 30km. The focal mechanisms of the aftershocks are mainly normal faulting with variable strike-slip components. The geometry of focal mechanisms reveals a normal faulting regime with NNE-SSW trending direction of T-axis in the entire activated region. A stress tensor inversion of focal mechanism data is performed to acquire a more accurate picture of the Afyon-Akşehir Graben stress field. The stress tensor inversion results display a predominant normal stress regime with a NW–SE oriented maximum horizontal compressive stress (SH). According to high-resolution hypocenter relocations of the Afyon-Akşehir Graben seismic sequences, six clusters are revealed. The aftershock activities in the observation period between 17 January 2000 and 26 October 2015 extend from east to west direction. Seismic cross-sections show that a complex pattern of the hypocenter distribution with the activation of Sultandağı Fault segments. The western clusters are associated with a fault plane trending mainly E-W and dipping towards SE, while the eastern clusters are related to a fault plane trending NW-SE and dipping towards vertical. The best constrained focal depths are mainly confined in the crust (depth<30km) and run in the approximate depth range from 2 to 30km. Moreover, Coulomb stress analysis is also performed to estimate the stress loading for the activated region. We obtain more than 3bars for positive lobes. This result defines that the values are large enough to increase the Coulomb stress failure towards NE-SW direction.