Geographical Distribution Research Articles

The Construction of Economic Education Model Based on the Spatial Durbin Model

This research attempts to address the complexities and the nuances that are a part of the economic education by proposing an innovative model that is grounded in the Spatial Durbin Model (SDM). The spatial interdependencies which are crucial for the understanding of the regional variations in the economic implications and the efficacy of the educational policies are sometimes neglected by the conventional main frames of the economic education. The integration of the SDM, which is a sophisticated spatial econometric tool, aims to offer a thorough and detailed understanding of the intricate relationships between the education and the economic development in context of the diverse geographics. The model that is proposed in this research study extends beyond the traditional linear regressions as it accounts for the spatial autocorrelation and the spatial lag effects which thereby captures the spatial spillover and the diffusion of the educational investments and policies. With the help of the empirical analysis which moves forward by the utilization of the spatial econometric techniques such as the spatial lag and the spatial error models, strives to explore the spatial dynamics of the economic education while identifying the spatial patterns, the dependencies involved and the disparities that come up in the attainment of the educational and the economic performance. By incorporation of the spatial dimensions into the economic education model, the policymakers and the educators are able to get their hands on the in depth insights. This is into the spatially differentiated impacts of the educational interventions which tends to enable a more targeted and a more effective design and implementation of the policy. Furthermore, the proposed model also aims to facilitate the identification of the spatially targeted strategies in order to address the regional disparities with respect to the educational outcomes and the economic growth. Hence, it contributes to a more inclusive and a sustainable development trajectory. Through the interdisciplinary effort of bridging the economics, education and the spatial analysis, this research extends a valuable main frame for the policymakers, educators and the researchers which helps in attaining better understanding and helps to address the multifaceted challenges as well as the opportunities in the economic education and the regional development. Ultimately, this has enhanced the understanding of the spatial dimensions of the economic education which leads to the evidence based policies and interventions which are aimed at nurturing the equitable and resilient economic growth. In this paper, we utilize the spatial Durbin model as a framework to investigate the role that advanced degrees play in driving technological innovation in various parts of the world. Spatial self-correlation and instability in the geographic distribution of post-graduates in China were shown by data from the regional panel in China between 2004 and 2018. Advanced degrees facilitated the advancement of cutting-edge technologies.

RATA: A novel class A carbapenemase with broad geographic distribution and potential for global spread

Carbapenem resistance's global proliferation poses a significant public health challenge. The primary resistance mechanism is carbapenemase production. In this study, we discovered a novel carbapenemase, RATA, located on the chromosome of Riemerella anatipestifer isolates. This enzyme shares ≤52 % amino acid sequence identity with other known β-lactamases. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests and kinetic assays demonstrated that RATA could hydrolyze not only penicillins and extended-spectrum cephalosporins but also monobactams, cephamycins, and carbapenems. Furthermore, its activity was readily inhibited by β-lactamase inhibitors. Bioinformatic analysis revealed 46 blaRATA-like genes encoding 27 variants in the NCBI database, involving 21 different species, including pathogens, host-associated bacteria, and environmental isolates. Notably, blaRATA-positive strains were globally distributed and primarily collected from marine environments. Concurrently, taxonomic analysis and GC content analysis indicated that blaRATA orthologue genes were predominantly located on the chromosomes of Flavobacteriaceae and shared a similar GC content as Flavobacteriaceae. Although no explicit mobile genetic elements were identified by genetic environment analysis, blaRATA-2 possessed the ability of horizontal transfer in R. anatipestifer via natural transformation. This work's data suggest that RATA is a new chromosome-encoded class A carbapenemase, and Flavobacteriaceae from marine environments could be the primary reservoir of the blaRATA gene.

Regional effects and local climate jointly shape the global distribution of sexual systems in woody flowering plants

Abstract. Understanding the evolution and maintenance of plant sexual diversity needs to incorporate both regional processes and local climate factors across large geographic scales. Using data of woody flowering plants from a global set of large-scale forest plots and multinomial logistic regression, we quantified regional effects on the proportions of dioecious, monoecious, and hermaphroditic species and their abundance while incorporating evolutionary history and local climate factors. Our results showed that plants were more likely to be dioecious than hermaphroditic in Oceania and tropical Asia but were more likely to be monoecious than dioecious in Europe and North America compared with tropical Africa. We further found that plants were more likely to be monoecious than dioecious in island communities. Plants were more likely to be monoecious than dioecious in areas with high precipitation but were more likely to be dioecious than monoecious in areas with high precipitation of coldest quarter. Our results suggest that both regional processes and local climate factors play important roles in shaping the geographic distribution of plant sexual systems, providing a baseline for predicting future changes in forest communities in the context of global change.

Worldwide Examination of Magnetic Responses to Heavy Metal Pollution in Agricultural Soils

Over the last decade, a large number of studies have been conducted on heavy metals and magnetic susceptibility (χlf) measurement in soils. Yet, a global understanding of soil contamination and magnetic responses remains elusive due to the limited scope or sampling sites of these studies. Hence, we attempted to explore a pollution proxy on a global scale. Through a meta-analysis of data from 102 published studies, our research aimed to provide a worldwide overview of heavy metal pollution and magnetic responses in agriculture soils. We mapped the geographic distribution of nine heavy metals (Cr, Cu, Zn, Pb, Ni, As, Cd, Mn, and Fe) in agricultural soils and explored their pollution sources and contributions. Since 2011, The accumulation of heavy metals has escalated, with industrial activities (31.5%) being the largest contributor, followed by agricultural inputs (27.1%), atmospheric deposition (22.66%), and natural sources (18.74%). The study reports χlf ranging from 6.45 × 10−8 m3/kg to 319.23 × 10−8 m3/kg and χfd from 0.59% and 12.85%, with the majority of the samples being below 6%, indicating heavy metal influence mainly from human activities. Pearson’s correlation and redundancy analysis show significant positive correlations of Pb, Zn, and Cu with χlf (r = 0.51–0.53) and Mn and Fe with χfd (r = 0.50–0.53), while Pb, Zn, Cu, and As metals were shown to be key factors of variation in magnetic response. The average heavy metal pollution load index of 2.03 suggests moderate global agricultural soil pollution, with higher heavy metal contamination in areas of high χlf. Regression analysis confirms soil is considered to be non-polluted below χlf of 26×10−8 m3/kg and polluted above this threshold, with all contamination factors of metals showing a linear correlation with χlf (R = 0.72), indicating that a significant relationship between χlf and the geochemical properties of soils continues to exist on a global scale. This study provides new insights for large-scale agricultural soil quality assessment and magnetic response.

First report of four dagger nematode species of the genus Xiphinema (Nematoda: Longidoridae) from banana in Syria using an integrative approach

AbstractA nematological survey was conducted between 2021 and 2022 in banana fields distributed in two major banana-producing regions in the western coast of Syria. As a result, six populations of Xiphinema spp. identified as X. diffusum, X. pachtaicum, X. simile, X. vuittenezi and X. zagrosense were isolated from the rhizosphere of banana plants (Musa sp.) and characterized using morphological and molecular data based on two rRNA genes (D2–D3 expansion segments of the 28S, and ITS fragments) and partial region of the cytochrome oxidase I gene (COI mtDNA) sequences. Moreover, the molecular identification of the endosymbionts of these populations was also performed using the complete 16S rDNA gene. The phylogenetic relationships of the recovered species of nematodes and respective endosymbionts were reconstructed. Candidatus Xiphinematobacter sp. (OR196969; OR196971) and Ca. Xiphinematobacter sp. (OR196970) were detected in X. diffusum and X. simile, respectively, and clustered together with other Ca. Xiphinematobacter sp.A and sp.I respectively. To our knowledge, this is the first report of X. diffusum, X. simile, X. vuittenezi and X. zagrosense parasitizing banana in Syria, extending the geographical distribution of these species within the Mediterranean Basin.

Spiders in Thailand (SIT) via spiderthailand.info: Thailand spider data retrieval system for geographical occurrence and photographic identification.

High biodiversity in the tropics is good for ecosystem services; however, challenges in taxonomy and identification usually come from such high biodiversity. Spiders are no exception to the challenges. Identifying spiders in tropical places like Thailand is difficult and time consuming. To reduce the difficulty of identifying Thai spiders, a data retrieval system for geographical occurrence and photographic identification was conducted to deploy on an online platform, Spiders in Thailand (SIT) via the website "spiderthailand.info". This allows professional arachnologists and amateur spider lovers to visit and check the geographical distribution of Thai spiders and to quickly access pictures for comparative photographic identification. To facilitate Thai spider identification, there were two parts, the database and the website, which are connected to each other. Data of Thai spiders were extracted from the World Spider Catalog to build a database comprising geographical occurrence and pictures of spider species in Thailand. The database was then linked with the website to display data. The dataset of pictures and illustrations extracted from taxonomic literature of the World Spider Catalog were included in the database for connecting with the online platform, Spiders in Thailand (SIT) via the website "spiderthailand.info" which facilitated access to pictures and illustrations, expediting the identification of Thai spider specimens. Geographical occurrences of Thai spiders consisted of 1419 records belonging to 670 species of 228 genera and 50 families. Amongst those, 461 species from 133 genera of 41 families were distributed only in Thailand. Around Thailand, 756 geographical localities were reported for spider occurrences. From 76 provinces and one additional special administrative area (Bangkok), 58 provinces showed occurrence records of spiders and 18 provinces showed non-occurrence records. Those provinces of non-occurrence records of spiders were Amnat Charoen, Ang Thong, Bueng Kan, Chai Nat, Maha Sarakham, Mukdahan, Nakhon Phanom, Nong Bua Lam Phu, Nonthaburi, Phayao, Phichit, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon, Si Sa Ket, Sing Buri, Uthai Thani and Yasothon. Most spiders were reported from Chiang Mai Province.

Potential current and future distribution for Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus in Colombia: important disease vectors

AbstractInvasive mosquitoes, Aedes aegypti (African) and Aedes albopictus (Asian), serve as global vectors for diseases such as dengue, Zika, and chikungunya, and they are currently present in Colombia. Consequently, the aim of this study was to assess the potential geographic distribution of these A. aegypti and A. albopictus vectors under both present and future environmental conditions in Colombia. To achieve this, a dataset was compiled using global records for each species, with those from Colombia being used for model validation. These records, in conjunction with layers of bioclimatic variables, were incorporated into ecological niche models. Predictions of potential distribution were made with the Maxent algorithm, using the Wallace EcoMod application for current conditions and the Java MaxEnt software for future projections, which represented three climate change scenarios (SSP245, SSP370, and SSP585) for two time periods (2041–2060 and 2081–2100). Additionally, niche overlap was calculated, and the suitable habitat range and population at risk in Colombia were quantified for current predictions. It is suggested that both species share ideal areas in the country with an overlap of 0.85, covering over 70% of the country's territory and reaching altitudes higher than 2,500 m, potentially affecting at least 45% of the population. In the future for both species it is estimated that, with increasing temperatures, the potential distribution could decrease, but they could invade areas with altitudes above 3,500 m (colder). It is concluded that, currently, A. aegypti and A. albopictus could have similar geographic distribution in Colombia and that, in the following years, climate change could lead to latitudinal and altitudinal variations in the distribution areas of these vectors.

Geographical distribution of COVID-19 infection across Saudi Arabia

Background. Saudi Arabia, a large country in terms of population size and geographical area, is divided into administrative areas and governorates. It has metropolises, cities (large, medium sized, and small), towns, villages and rural neighborhoods, classifiable into well equipped, rapidly expanding, and others. The COVID-19 epidemics spread all over the country with differentials in infection rates, percentages, and affected persons, alongside daily increases. This analysis, focused on administrative areas, aimed to comprehend the spread and escalation of the epidemic, in addition to highlighting the distribution of the infected population with a special emphasis on geographical spread and seasonal variations. Materials and methods. This analysis of data compiled from COVID-19 daily reports published by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Health considers into account administrative areas and localities (neighborhoods) to demonstrate the distribution of spread, increase in infection, and the proportion of population infected between March 21, 2020 and May 4, 2023. Results. A large majority of the infected cases were reported in three major administrative areas including Riyadh, Makkah, and the Eastern Region. Other regions had a smaller number of infected cases. However, some locations, especially medium-sized upcoming towns and neighborhoods experienced greater number of people seriously affected at a rapid pace, with seasonal differentials, in medium sized upcoming cities — the governorate headquarters and promising future cities, apart from the major cities. Conclusions. COVID-19 spread in the country followed a certain regional pattern. Beyond the populous administrative areas, upcoming cities in fast changing areas had a high impact. Thus, having a categorization of major, medium or low spread is necessary. Such detailing of COVID-19 infection would be useful not only to develop combating strategies but also to create epidemic and emergency preparedness.

Modelling seasonal and geographical n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid contents in marine fish from the Northeast Atlantic Ocean

Demand for n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) exceeds supply. Large-scale studies on effects of season and geography of n-3 PUFAs in marine fish from the Northeast Atlantic Ocean (NEAO) may be used to optimize utilization and improve nutrition security. Using a sinusoid model, seasonal cycles of n-3 PUFAs were determined and found to be species-specific and clearly pronounced for the pelagic zooplankton feeding species. The Greenland halibut showed very little seasonal variation. The n-3 PUFA content in North Sea autumn-spawning (NSAS) herring peaked in summer, while Norwegian spring-spawning (NSS) herring and mackerel had their peak in autumn. A time shift of peaks in n-3 PUFAs between the two herring stocks was detected, likely due to different spawning strategies in addition to a delay of n-3 PUFAs flux in the northern regions of the NEAO. This study demonstrates that consideration of nutrient contents, such as n-3 PUFAs, when organizing and structuring fishery approaches may improve overall nutritional yield. Based on total annual Norwegian fish landings and seasonal variation in n-3 PUFA contents, n-3 PUFAs yield could theoretically be increased from 13.79 kilo ton per year from the current fishing tactics, to 15.54 if the pelagic species were only caught during the time of their seasonal n-3 PUFA peaks. Pelagic fish is a good source for dietary n-3 PUFAs, but harvest timing will also influence n-3 PUFAs intake by human consumers. One portion of fatty fish harvested during winter/spring may not meet the weekly intake reference nutritional guidelines for n-3 PUFAs. Marine n-3 PUFAs yields also varied geographically and decreased southwards, with the lowest values in Skagerrak. This study can serve as a model to understand patterns of reproductive cycles and geographical distribution of n-3 PUFAs in fatty fish from the NEAO and the novel approach may be useful to support sustainable, seasonal fishing programmes for optimization of n-3 PUFAs yields.

Does E.S.G. Performance Enhance Corporate Green Innovation? The Mediating Effect of Government Subsidies and the Moderating Role of Media Attention

Purpose - This paper aims to investigate the relationship mechanism between environmental, social, and governance (E.S.G.) scores of Chinese A-share listed companies and corporate green innovation for the period 2009 through 2022. The research further seeks to elucidate the mediating role of government subsidies and explore the moderating impact of media attention on the relationship between government subsidies and corporate green innovation. Through a heterogeneity analysis of the geographical distribution of Chinese companies, our study aims to discern regional differences in the impact of E.S.G. scores on green innovation across the western, central, and eastern regions of China. Design/Methodology – The empirical model explores the mechanisms among E.S.G. scores, government subsidies, media attention, and green innovation. E.S.G. scores are measured using the widely adopted Huazheng E.S.G. rating in China, whereas corporate green innovation is quantified through the number of green patents obtained in a given year. Data on government subsidies and media coverage are acquired through public databases. Findings – E.S.G. scores exhibit a significant positive impact on corporate green innovation, and government subsidies significantly enhance this positive impact. Furthermore, media attention amplifies the impact of government subsidies on green innovation. Firm size, industry, and regional differences are observed in the impact of E.S.G. scores on corporate green innovation, with more pronounced effects for large firms, manufacturing industries, and the economically developed eastern region of China. Originality/value - Our study assesses the relationship between E.S.G. scores and green innovation in Chinese companies from an external perspective. Diverging from most E.S.G. studies that focus on financial performance and corporate value, we introduce government subsidies and media attention as mediating and moderating variables, respectively, to investigate the mechanisms behind corporate green innovation. It offers valuable insights for guiding government, media, companies, and investors in strengthening corporate social responsibility initiatives.

New Insights into Tetraplosphaeriaceae Based on Taxonomic Investigations of Bambusicolous Fungi and Freshwater Fungi.

Species within Tetraplosphaeriaceae have been frequently documented in recent years with the extensive investigations of microfungi along a latitudinal gradient from north to south in the Asian/Australian region. Both bamboo substrates and freshwater habitats serve as extensive reservoirs, hosting a rich diversity of fungi that exhibit broad geographical distributions. The most common fungi in these two environments are generally distributed in distinct families. However, our statistics have revealed an intriguingly distinct preference of Tetraplosphaeriaceae species for inhabiting both bamboo substrates and freshwater habitats. The genera Pseudotetraploa (100%) and Triplosphaeria (100%) exhibit a strong preference, followed by Shrungabeeja (71%) and Quadricrura (67%). Our taxonomic and phylogenetic study of microfungi in southern China have identified four additional novel species, viz., Aquatisphaeria bambusae sp. nov., Pseudotetraploa phyllostachydis sp. nov., Pseudotetraploa yangjiangensis sp. nov., and Tetraploa submersa sp. nov. from bamboo substrates and freshwater habitats. In addition, Aquatisphaeria thailandica has previously been documented from freshwater habitats in Thailand; however, we have once again isolated this species from decaying bamboo substrates in Guangdong, China. The new findings substantiate our hypothesis that the preference of Tetraplosphaeriaceae species for colonizing bamboo substrates and freshwater habitats will be more evident through more extensive investigations conducted in such environments.

Six new species of the pill millipede genus Hyleoglomeris Verhoeff, 1910 (Diplopoda, Glomerida, Glomeridae) in Thailand revealed by dna-barcoding

Abstract Thai species of the pill millipede genus Hyleoglomeris Verhoeff, 1910 are reviewed, and an annotated catalogue is provided. Six new species from Thailand are described and illustrated based on morphological characteristics and molecular analyses: H. dracosphaera sp. n., H. nigromaculata sp. n., H. suwannakhuhensis sp. n., H. bomba sp. n., H. tongkerdae sp. n., and H. krasoon sp. n. They are morphologically similar, yet all can be separated based on their characteristic colour patterns, telopod structures and geographic distributions. Genetic differences in the dna barcode region confirm their full species statuses, with interspecific coi p-distances ranging from 9.01% to 16.51% dissimilarity. We also propose the following new synonym: H. hongkhraiensis Likhitrakarn, Golovatch & Panha, 2015 = H. cavicola Likhitrakarn, Golovatch & Panha, 2015 syn. n. This is based on the low genetic divergence observed between these two taxa (2.34% coi p-distance). A new distribution map of and a key to all Hyleoglomeris species presently known to occur in Thailand are also provided.

Simultaneous production of biosurfactant and extracellular unspecific peroxygenases by Moesziomyces aphidis XM01 enables an efficient strategy for crude oil degradation

Crude oil is a hazardous pollutant that poses significant and lasting harm to human health and ecosystems. In this study, Moesziomyces aphidis XM01, a biosurfactant mannosylerythritol lipids (MELs)-producing yeast, was utilized for crude oil degradation. Unlike most microorganisms relying on cytochrome P450, XM01 employed two extracellular unspecific peroxygenases, MaUPO.1 and MaUPO.2, with preference for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and n-alkanes respectively, thus facilitating efficient crude oil degradation. The MELs produced by XM01 exhibited a significant emulsification activity of 65.9% for crude oil and were consequently supplemented in an "exogenous MELs addition" strategy to boost crude oil degradation, resulting in an optimal degradation ratio of 72.3%. Furthermore, a new and simple "pre-MELs production" strategy was implemented, achieving a maximum degradation ratio of 95.9%. During this process, the synergistic up-regulation of MaUPO.1, MaUPO.1 and the key MELs synthesis genes contributed to the efficient degradation of crude oil. Additionally, the phylogenetic and geographic distribution analysis of MaUPO.1 and MaUPO.1 revealed their wide occurrence among fungi in Basidiomycota and Ascomycota, with high transcription levels across global ocean, highlighting their important role in biodegradation of crude oil. In conclusion, M. aphidis XM01 emerges as a novel yeast for efficient and eco-friendly crude oil degradation.

Pushing the envelope: do narrowly and widely distributed Eucalyptus species differ in response to climate warming?

Contemporary climate change will push many tree species into conditions that are outside their current climate envelopes. Using the Eucalyptus genus as a model, we addressed whether species with narrower geographical distributions show constrained ability to cope with warming relative to species with wider distributions, and whether this ability differs among species from tropical and temperate climates. We grew seedlings of widely and narrowly distributed Eucalyptus species from temperate and tropical Australia in a glasshouse under two temperature regimes: the summer temperature at seed origin and +3.5°C. We measured physical traits and leaf-level gas exchange to assess warming influences on growth rates, allocation patterns, and physiological acclimation capacity. Warming generally stimulated growth, such that higher relative growth rates early in development placed seedlings on a trajectory of greater mass accumulation. The growth enhancement under warming was larger among widely than narrowly distributed species and among temperate rather than tropical provenances. The differential growth enhancement was primarily attributable to leaf area production and adjustments of specific leaf area. Our results suggest that tree species, including those with climate envelopes that will be exceeded by contemporary climate warming, possess capacity to physiologically acclimate but may have varying ability to adjust morphology.

First confirmed records of Teratohyla midas (Lynch & Duellman, 1973) (Anura, Centrolenidae) from Bolivia

Different sources of information indicate the possible presence of Teratohyla midas (Lynch & Duellman, 1973) in Bolivia; however, none of them confirm this scenario. Here we confirm the presence of T. midas in the northern Bolivian Amazon (Pando Department) and extend the geographical distribution of the species to include Bolivia. Likewise, we contribute information on some aspects of this species’ behavior and natural history.

Large carnivores and the EU LIFE programme

Most large carnivore populations have increased in recent decades in Europe. Along with the adoption of the EU Habitats Directive in 1992, the EU launched a funding program entirely dedicated to environment, nature protection and climate action, the European LIFE programme. Here, we explore the investment of this programme in large carnivore conservation across Europe, from its implementation in 1992 to 2020 (28 years), with respect to budgets, species considered, economic factors and the geographical distribution of the projects. A total of 153 projects have directly or indirectly targeted large carnivores, with a total budget of ca. 338.2 M€ (EU contribution >194.1 M€). Despite the transboundary character of most large carnivore populations, only 5.8 % of projects worked across national borders. Large carnivores did not receive equal attention within the programme, and EU Member States from Southern Europe accumulated 77.7 % of the projects. The region of Abruzzo (Italy) has been granted with the highest number of projects (n= 28), followed by Castilla y León (Spain, 16 projects). At national level, the per capita Gross Domestic Product (GDP) did not correlate with the number of LIFE projects granted, but the proportion of the GDP invested in the protection of biodiversity and landscapes (positively). However, at the level of European regions (NUTS 2), those regions with lower average per capita GDP were more frequently granted with LIFE projects. We discuss several factors affecting the distribution of projects across Europe, and we make recommendations for future investments in maximizing large carnivore conservation under this program.

Unveiling novel APLIS model for identifying groundwater recharge zones in semi-arid regions: A case from Lebanon

The Bekaa Plain in Lebanon, is a major agricultural region known for its fertile soil and extensive crops cultivation using groundwater resources which is recently became under stress due to population growth, urbanization, and climate change. The main aim of this study is to investigate the rate of groundwater recharge (GwR) into this region using APLIS Model which principally depends on altitude, slope, lithology, infiltration, and soil type. Using GIS-based for a multicriteria mapping approach, in this study additional factors were added to the model, by incorporating rainfall rates, stream density, and fracture density. Results revealed various recharge potential area in the Bekaa Plain, with 52 % classified as high to very high GwR zones, equivalent to approximately 42.5 % of precipitated water, which is a testament to the exceptional capacity of the region to replenish groundwater aquifers. The geographic distribution of GwR categories primarily depends on altitude and lithological characteristics. The exceptional GwR potential of the Bekaa Plain holds immense promise for mitigating water scarcity, fostering agricultural productivity, and ensuring the socioeconomic well-being of communities reliant on groundwater resources.

Life on gypsum: the vegetation of gypsum ecosystems in Cyprus

Gypsum ecosystems occur in arid and semi-arid areas, where evaporation is intense and annual precipitation is low and insufficient to leach the gypsum. They host sparse and scattered vegetation, composed of species specialized in this soil type. In Cyprus, gypsophilous vegetation is part of the priority habitat *1520 Iberian gypsum steppes (Gypsophiletalia) characterized by Campanula fastigiata, Gypsophila linearifolia, and Teucrium salaminium. Despite the ecological importance of gypsophilous vegetation, its distribution and ecology in Cyprus is still understudied. This study aimed to provide the first comprehensive account of the gypsum communities, focusing on the distribution of gypsophytes in relation to the substrate and the floristic composition of gypsum soils. Floristic inventory was carried out in 27 sites with gypsum soil. Biophysical information and data about human impact were also recorded. A total of 97 taxa were identified, including three gyspophile species, two gypsoclines, 20 gypsovags, and 72 waifs. A new endemic Rostraria hadjikyriakou was recorded in five locations. The known geographical distribution of gypsophilous vegetation has been updated. For 35% of the sites, gypsophilous vegetation was recorded for the first time while none of the characteristic gypsophilous species was found in the western part of the island.

A PCR-RFLP Analysis for the Diagnosis of DAS and T-2 Genotypes in Fusarium goolgardi

Fusarium pathogens and their mycotoxins are considered as the main threats to cereal production and food safety worldwide. However, due to the constant discovery of new Fusarium species especially along with mycotoxin production profile differentiation in certain species, efforts on their species composition, geographical distribution, and chemotype proportion are urgently required. In the Fusarium goolgardi species, two distinct trichothecene (TB) genotype populations have recently been identified. Previous studies have shown that the structural variance of TBs biosynthesized by the two genotypes is attributed to the Tri1 gene. Polymorphisms of Tri1 gene from type A TB-producers were investigated in different Fusarium species in the current study. According to these DNA sequence variations identified in Tri1 gene sequences, a polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) based diagnostic approach for the differentiation of T-2 and 4,15-diacetoxyscirpenol (DAS) genotypes in F. goolgardi was successfully developed. The PCR-RFLP assay will facilitate the studies on geographic distribution, frequency and other aspects of the two genotypes within F. goolgardi species.

Human resources in dentistry geographical distribution in Brazil and Colombia: Comparative analysis from the perspective of historical institutionalism

The Human Resource in Health constitutes one of the six core components of health systems, playing a crucial role in realizing the right to health and ensuring access and service quality. Additionally, institutional frameworks within each country, encompassing laws, decrees, political systems, and health system characteristics, exert a significant influence on HRH and, specifically, in Human Resources in Dentistry (HRD). Both Brazil and Colombia experienced neoliberal reforms in the 1990s, introducing new institutions within the existing model and altering the social, political, and economic dynamics of each country. This study aims to examine the impact of institutional arrangements stemming from the 1990s neoliberal reforms in Brazil and Colombia on HRDs, focusing on geographic distribution. Employing a comparative analysis and adopting a historical institutionalism perspective, the research relies on a methodology involving multiple case studies with embedded units. Results reveal that the neoliberal reforms represented critical junctures reshaping the social and economic policies of both nations. In this context, the reforms influenced wealth distribution in both countries, subsequently impacting the unequal geographical distribution of HRD. These effects were closely tied to factors such as labor flexibility and the unregulated, unplanned expansion of dentistry courses. These elements initiated positive feedback loops, characterized by path dependence and increasing returns, which have contributed to the institutionalization and persistence of these phenomena within the state and have become entrenched in HRDs over time.