Geographical Specificity Research Articles

Influence of Smoking and Paprika Spice on the Content of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the Traditional Spanish Smoked Sausage ‘Botillo del Bierzo’

The content of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in a traditional Spanish smoked sausage known as ‘Botillo del Bierzo’ was analysed. The determination and quantification of PAH4 (the sum of benzo[a]pyrene, benz[a]anthracene, benzo[b]-fluoranthene and chrysene) in the smoked sausage were performed using GC–MS. The results showed that smoking ‘Botillo del Bierzo’ for 24 h contributes very little to the increase in PAH levels in the product, with no significant differences (p < 0.05). The paprika used in the production of botillo also contributes to PAH content, depending on the paprika’s production process (smoked, low-smoked, mixed paprika (smoked + unsmoked or low-smoked + unsmoked), and unsmoked), with significant differences among them (p < 0.05). Using paprika with a lower PAH content (unsmoked or mixed) enables the production of ‘Botillo del Bierzo’, in accordance with Protected Geographical Indication specifications, with a lower PAH content while maintaining the organoleptic characteristics provided by the paprika. The contamination levels detected in ‘Botillo del Bierzo’ do not pose a risk to consumer health, as the benzo[a]pyrene and PAH4 values are well below the regulatory limits of 5 μg/kg and 30 μg/kg, respectively.

Shāh Walī Allāh Dihlawi (d. 1762): The Hajj Journey and Intellectual Scholarship Between India and Arabia

Rather than simply claiming the “unorthodox” or “pluralistic” mindset of an early modern Muslim thinker, this intellectual micro-history aims to show the complexity of Shāh Walī Allāh’s (d. 1762) thought-world. This article follows him to Mecca and Medina for the Hajj pilgrimage. While pilgrimage is traditionally included in the fundaments of Islamic practice, it is also important to realize that the majority of Muslims have not historically participated in this pilgrimage. Due to the physical limitations of travelling as the Muslim community rapidly expanded in the 7th century onwards, we have nearly a thousand years until the 18th century where only a select few Muslims, usually wealthy enough to make the arduous journey, participated in the yearly practice. This created a complex culture of pilgrims in the Holy Cities with the cities functioning as informal circles of scholarship. Shāh Walī Allāh Dihlawī engages in this knowledge production process while carrying out the mandatory rituals associated with the Hajj pilgrimage. Thus, this article shows that the complex interplay of Walī Allāh with Meccan and Medinan scholars is a highly dynamic process with unexpected outcomes as specific sacred geography interacts with the conceptual (and genealogical) categories that scholarly pilgrims bring with them to this intellectual encounter. In doing so, we catch a glimpse of the 18th century through a very particular set of Indian Sufi eyes.

Prevalence of Open Defecation Practice and Associated Factors Poverty and Geography in Palembang Indonesia

Palembang is one of the large cities in Indonesia which has a specific geography. A study was conducted to estimate the prevalence and determine poverty factors associated with open defecation practices.An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted for one year among 397 respondents as a sampling. Prevalence was calculated with 95% confidence intervals and binary logistic regression analysis was performed to determine factors associated with open defecation.32.5 percent of people still practice open defecation which is influenced by poverty and geographical factors. Influence of income ) AOR of 13,891 (Cl 8,345 – 23,123), education AOR of 20,328 (Cl 11,881 – 34,780), clean AOR 6,192 (Cl 3,747 – 10,234), water source AOR of 28,882 (16,403 - 50,854), characteristics of the house AOR of 3,977 (2,555 – 6,191), facilities or the availability of toilets at home AOR of 7,066 (4,167 – 11,983), geographical location of the house towards the river or water AOR of 478.995 (173.112 – 1325.1399), knowledge of open defecation behavior AOR of 3.607 , attitudes AOR of 3.277. Respondents who practice open defecation have low income and education, no water source available from the government, geographical location of the house near a river or swamp, no defecation facilities, lack of knowledge and bad behavior.

Urgent Need for Real Time Web Mapping GIS Applications to Dengue Surveillance for Epidemic Control and Management in India

Dengue epidemics has been increased both horizontal and vertical structure across the country since 2006, and hence, urgent need for GIS based dengue surveillance for epidemic control and management in the nation. The dengue epidemic cases and the mortality caused by dengue has become essentially public health important in India, and the situation has become worse since 2006. Dengue cases were clinically confirmed with thousands of cases and hundreds of deaths annually. The report of dengue epidemics is becoming daily news nowadays and it was reported from 24 states and Union Territories in India. The spatial and seasonal occurrence of dengue epidemics were reported across the country during the period of April to November annually, however, the vulnerability of epidemics was reported between the periods of mid-July to mid-November of every year. The geo-environmental and climate variables are fuelling to create a conducive environment for profusion of dengue vector mosquitoes Aedes species (Ae. aegypti or Ae. Albopictus). The information relevant to the geographical site specification of dengue vectors breeding habitats, vector abundance, vector density, etc., could be collected using global positioning systems (GPS), and these information are mapped and overlay on the thematic layers of climate variables (Temperature, relative humidity, saturation deficiency and Rainfall) under the geographical information systems (GIS) software platform for spatial analysis (cluster analysis, nearest neighborhood analysis, fussy analysis, probability of maximum and minimum likelihood analysis etc.,) for spatial risk prediction. The Google based internet GIS mapping could be used to embedded web mapping real time situation and updating the information with online data base connectivity (ODBC) within the GIS spatial engine for providing the real time information relevant to the dengue epidemics, and hence, the appropriate precaution measures could be taken to control dengue epidemics in the nation early in advance.

Bacterial and Symbiodiniaceae communities’ variation in corals with distinct traits and geographical distribution

Coral microbiomes play crucial roles in holobiont homeostasis and adaptation. The host’s ability to populate broad ecological niches and to cope with environmental changes seems to be related to the flexibility of the coral microbiome. By means of high-throughput DNA sequencing we characterized simultaneously both bacterial (16S rRNA) and Symbiodiniaceae (ITS2) communities of four reef-building coral species (Mussismilia braziliensis, Mussismilia harttii, Montastraea cavernosa, and Favia gravida) that differ in geographic distribution and niche specificity. Samples were collected in a marginal reef system (Abrolhos, Brazil) in four sites of contrasting irradiance and turbidity. Biological filters governed by the host are important in shaping corals’ microbiome structure. More structured associated microbial communities by reef site tend to occur in coral species with broader geographic and depth ranges, especially for Symbiodiniaceae, whereas the endemic and habitat-specialist host, M. braziliensis, has relatively more homogenous bacterial communities with more exclusive members. Our findings lend credence to the hypothesis that higher microbiome flexibility renders corals more adaptable to diverse environments, a trend that should be investigated in more hosts and reef areas.

Characteristic of new Phaffia rhodozyma yeast strains isolated from birch slime fluxes in Poland

Three new strains of Phaffia rhodozyma yeast have recently been isolated in Poland. The aim of this study was to phenotypically characterize these strains and to compare them with the properties of the reference strain. The potential for carotenoid biosynthesis in these strains was also determined, depending on temperature, carbon, and nitrogen sources in the medium. Phaffia rhodozyma yeasts were also identified by MALDI-TOF MS. There were minor differences in cell morphology among the strains. All strains reproduced asexually by budding and formed spherical chlamydospores. No ability for sexual reproduction was observed. Physiological tests showed minor variations between the reference strain and the isolates, likely due to the geographical specificity of the habitat from which they were originally isolated. Analysis of protein spectra showed that the tested yeast isolates had seven common peaks of different intensities, with masses at 2200, 2369, 3213, 3628, 3776, 3921, and 4710 m/z. Moreover, additional strain-dependent spectra were found. The amount of synthesized carotenoids varied with the carbon and nitrogen sources used, as well as the temperature. The best producer of carotenoids was the P. rhodozyma CMIFS 102 isolate.

Post-Salafism: From global to local Salafism

ABSTRACT This special issue expands on the recent literature break with the globalist paradigm of Salafism studies to propose a shift to a ‘glocal’ or ‘translocal’ paradigm emphasizing the interplay between global pushes and local particularities. Based on an extensive literature review, this introduction proposes to (1) challenge the prevalent understanding of the global spread of Salafism as a Saudi-induced process; (2) to raise the question of Salafis’ integration in their respective national/local environment; and (3) to analyse the local as a space in its own right rather than as a mere receptacle of global fluxes. In contrast with the model of a globalized, ‘decultured’ Salafism, the SI contends that Salafism is now taking an opposite direction towards a threefold trend of ‘indigenization’, re-culturation, and politicization, which encompass an increasing embeddedness in local dynamics and the revision of exclusivist, isolationist, and non-participatory behaviours. The SI proposes a series of case-studies and cross-case comparisons both at the centre (France, Algeria, Tunisia, and Syria) and at the periphery of the Mediterranean region (Mauritania, Mali/Nigeria, Ethiopia, and far away Cambodia) with the intent of demonstrating that this trend is not confined to a specific geography but occurs in all Muslim communities, including Muslim-majority and Muslim-minority countries. Through in-depth ethnographic and qualitative research, the authors observe a tendency towards the revision of Salafis’ exclusivist and rejectionist stance through a reinvention of its modes of engagement with society at the religious, political, and cultural levels, which marks an unprecedented rupture with ‘globalized’ Salafism.

A five-year, multi-institutional mentorship program in radiation oncology: the Society for Women in Radiation Oncology experience: Short running title: SWRO Mentorship Program

BackgroundMentorship in the field of radiation oncology (RO) promotes career development and satisfaction. Many individuals, however, do not have access to mentorship or are unsatisfied with their mentorship experience, potentially due to insufficient gender-concordant mentorship opportunities. To address this, the Society for Women in Radiation Oncology (SWRO) created the SWRO Mentorship Program for women, gender minorities, and those with intersecting marginalized identities at all stages of training for physicians and medical physicists. We present the five-year experience of the largest multi-institutional mentorship program, to our knowledge, in RO. MethodsPublicly available information and the SWRO mentorship sign-up form were used. Descriptive statistics and binomial tests compared to reference points were conducted. ResultsBetween January 2018 and June 2023, 296 individuals from 19 countries participated in the mentorship program, generating 225 mentee-mentor pairs. The majority were female (89.2%), based in the United States (US; 84.8%), and on the physician-track (96.6%). The remainder of the analysis focused on US-based, physician-track participants (n = 244), the majority of whom were female (96.7%) and trainees (58.2%). Among those who have completed RO residency, most accepted a first job in academia (82.1%) and remained in academia at the time of the analysis (76.3%). A significantly higher proportion of SWRO mentorship participants compared to the reference point took a first job in academia (82.1% vs 58.3%; p<0.0001). The most common disease sites of focus for the physician-track trainees who finished residency are breast (50.4%), central nervous system (32.7%), and gynecologic malignancies (30.1%), with 54% listing more than one. The most common expressed goals of mentorship are research (35.8%), leadership (24.5%), and building connections within a specific geography or institution (19.2%). ConclusionsThe SWRO experience demonstrates the feasibility of a large-scale, multi-institutional mentorship program in RO.

Root-associated mycobiota of &lt;i&gt;Goodyera repens (Orchidaceae)&lt;/i&gt; populations from three Russian regions

Goodyera repens is an orchid, widespread and abundant in the coniferous forests of the northern hemisphere. Along with other members of Orchidaceae, in natural conditions it exists in obligate mycorrhizal symbiosis. Despite a long history of study, no data on the mycobiota associated with the root system of this species have been obtained for populations growing in Russia. It is therefore necessary to assess the entire diversity of fungal associates, including non-cultivated species, as well as to obtain quantitative characteristics and evaluate the geographic specificity of fungal communities. In this work, the mycobiota of the root system of G. repens growing in the Leningrad and Moscow Regions and Karachay-Cherkess Republic was analysed qualitatively and quantitatively for the first time using high-throughput sequencing. A total of 438 operational taxonomic units were identified, with the majority belonging to the subdivision Basidiomycota. The quantitative predominance of sequences of the genera Russula, Ceratobasidium, Piloderma, Mycena, and Tomentella was observed. Significant differences between fungal communities of soil and the root system of G. repens were established in all studied regions. The regional specificity of the taxonomic composition of the mycobiota was demonstrated. The taxa spectrum of the samples from Karachay-Cherkessia differed significantly from that of the Leningrad and Moscow Regions, while no notable difference was observed between the latter two. With regard to the distribution of ecological groups of fungi, no significant differences were found between the regions.

Power Outage Perils: Assessing the Impact of load-Shedding on SMEs in Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality, South Africa.

This qualitative case study delves into the profound impact of load-shedding, the deliberate and temporary interruption of electricity supply, on small and medium (SMEs) in the Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality (EMLM) of South Africa. The study, conducted within an interpretive research paradigm and a qualitative methodology, provides a nuanced understanding of how institutional forces shape SMEs' behavior, decision-making, and overall functioning in the face of energy disruptions. The persistent power cuts due to load-shedding have had a substantial toll on the survival of SMEs in the EMLM, with businesses across diverse sectors, including hospitality, beauty, manufacturing, retail, and services, struggling to maintain operations. The study brings to light the multifaceted challenges SMEs face, such as disruptions to daily activities, equipment damage, and significant financial losses. It also presents a concerning trend of layoffs by SMEs in the region, contradicting the National Development Plan’s (NDP) employment creation goals. The findings provide valuable insight for policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders, underlining the urgent need for collaborative efforts to develop tailored programs, promote alternative energy sources, and advocate for policies that prioritize the energy needs of SMEs. The study acknowledges limitations related to geographical specificity, temporary constraints, and data source reliance and recommends further research to extend the geographical scope, conduct longitudinal analyses, and incorporate diverse data collection methods. By addressing these limitations, further studies can contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the broader challenges and potential solutions faced by SMEs amid energy-related crises.

Cost of a Healthy Diet: A Population-Representative Comparison of 3 Diet Cost Methods in Canada

BackgroundDifferent food price sources and dietary assessment tools may impact the estimation of diet costs and hamper our understanding of the relationship between diet costs and dietary intakes. ObjectivesWe aimed to investigate the effect of 3 diet cost derivation methods, with increasing numbers of food prices and geographic specificity, holding consistent the dietary assessment tool, on the estimation of diet costs overall and by food group. MethodsWe matched 24-h dietary recall data from the 2015 Canadian Community Health Survey-Nutrition (CCHS-N) to food price data from 3 Canadian Consumer Price Index (CPI) food price lists; national short list, national long list, and provincial long list. We compared the daily ($/day) and energy-adjusted ($/2000 kcal) diet costs overall and by food groups for the overall population (4+), children (4–18), and adults (19+). ResultsThe proportion of dietary intakes (grams) that were covered by CPI prices significantly increased from the national short list to the national long list but did not significantly differ from the national long list to the provincial long list. The national short list resulted in the highest daily and energy-adjusted diet costs overall. No difference in diet costs was noted between the national and provincial long lists. Diet costs for 4 food groups—additions, sweets, fruits, and vegetables, which were poorly covered by the national short list—significantly differed using the national and provincial long lists. All 3 diet cost methods were significantly correlated with energy intakes; however, a strong/very strong correlation was detected for children, and a weak/moderate correlation for adults. ConclusionsThe choice of food price data may introduce bias in the diet cost estimate, as well as limiting our understanding of how individuals allocate their diet costs. Refinement of diet cost estimation methodology and measures can strengthen future studies of how consumers allocate their purchases to their diets.

Impact Parenting Style on Academic Achievement, Emotional Intelligence and Self-Esteem among University Students in Southern Punjab

This study examined the impact of different parenting styles—authoritative, authoritarian, and permissive—on students' emotional intelligence, academic achievement, and self-esteem in South Punjab, specifically in Multan, Bahawalpur, and Dera Ghazi Khan. Utilizing a sample of 600 university students, the research employed cross-sectional data collection through questionnaires. The findings revealed that authoritative parenting significantly positively influenced emotional intelligence, academic achievement, and self-esteem, whereas both authoritarian and permissive parenting styles were associated with negative outcomes across these variables. Authoritarian parenting was linked to lower emotional intelligence, academic performance, and self-esteem, while permissive parenting also demonstrated detrimental effects on these aspects, though to a lesser extent. These results underscore the importance of fostering authoritative parenting practices to enhance developmental outcomes in students. The study provides valuable insights for educators, parents, and policymakers to implement strategies that support effective parenting to improve students' holistic development. Limitations include the cross-sectional design and geographic specificity, suggesting a need for further research with longitudinal approaches and diverse populations.

A Comparative Study of Online Consumer Reviews Among Mainstream and Niche Products

The purpose of the paper is to understand the variations in the online consumer reviews among product categories across geographies and cultures. We consider the cases of mainstream products and their lesser-known niche counterparts providing similar utilities across emerging and developed markets. We find reviews vary in terms of characteristics and sentiments across the two categories and markets. The reviews for the niches contain in-depth discussions on some topics. We apply mixed method approach of quantitative analysis, topic modeling, sentiment analysis, and network analysis to arrive at the conclusion. The quantitative analyses confirm the variations, while the qualitative approach enables us to create a typology/ontology for the reviews. Based on the observations, we could successfully map various motives and cultural dimensions related to online reviews to our hierarchical typology. Managers may find our study interesting to boost their online review strategy according to the product category in a specific geography.

Comparative genomics and evolutionary analysis of dengue virus strains circulating in Pakistan.

Dengue fever virus (DENV) poses a significant public health risk in tropical and subtropical regions across the world. Although the dengue fever virus (DENV) exhibits significant genetic diversity and has the potential to evolve, there is a lack of comprehensive research on the comparative genomics and evolutionary dynamics of the virus in Pakistan. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated the circulation of all four dengue virus serotypes (DENV-1, -2, -3, and -4) with prevalent genotypes III and V within DENV-1, cosmopolitan genotype within DENV-2, genotype III within DENV-3, and genotype I within DENV-4 during 2006-2014. Based on the complete envelope region, genome-wide residue signature and genetic diversity indicate that there is a high level of genetic diversity among DENV-1 strains, while DENV-3 strains exhibit the least genetic diversity. Comparative analysis of all four DENV serotypes revealed that certain codons in DENV-2 and -4 were subject to strong purifying selection, while a few codon sites in the envelope region showed evidence of positive selection. These findings provided valuable insights into the comparative genomics and evolutionary pattern of DENV strains reported from Pakistan. Whether those characteristics conferred a fitness advantage to DENV-1 genotypes within a specific geography and time interval warrants further investigations. The findings of the current study will contribute to tracking disease dynamics, understanding virus transmission and evolution, and formulating effective disease control strategies.

Electricity and hydrogen fuel generation based on wind, solar energies and alkaline fuel cell: A hybrid IWGAN–AVOA approach

Addressing the pressing need for sustainable energy solutions, this paper proposes a novel hybrid energy system integrating wind, alkaline fuel cells and solar energies. This paper introduces a pioneering hybrid energy system designed to produce electricity and hydrogen fuel through the integration of wind, solar energies, and an alkaline fuel cell. The proposed approach, coined as IWGAN–AVOA technique, synergizes the improved Wasserstein generative adversarial network (IWGAN) and the African vultures optimization algorithm (AVOA). The primary aim is to delineate a distinctive energy cycle reliant on renewable sources, featuring a Stirling engine, electrolyzer, alkaline fuel cell, wind turbine, and solar photovoltaic system, with the objective of generating hydrogen fuel and energy. The AVOA enhances fuel cell capabilities, simulates optimal system component sizes, and rectifies erroneous configurations based on geographical specifics. By validating the efficacy of IWGAN, the study achieves optimal configurations for device capacities and enhances power flow efficiency. Comparative analyses reveals that the IWGAN–AVOA approach surpasses existing techniques, like particle swarm optimization (PSO), wild horse optimizer (WHO), and heap based optimizer (HBO), with a remarkable efficiency rate of 98%, outperforming current methods. The last figure illustrates the effectiveness comparison, showcasing efficiencies of 62%, 79%, and 85% for HBO, PSO, and WHO, respectively, against the superior 98% efficiency achieved by the IWGAN–AVOA approach, affirming its superiority in energy system optimization.

Assessment of carbon flux gradients and dominant processes in a subtropical highly urbanized coastal ecosystem

Highly urbanized coastal ecosystems are vital in the global carbon budget. However, there are limited researches on carbon flux gradients in these nearshore areas, considering both natural and anthropogenic influences. Through on-site measurements and field samplings during wet-to-dry season in 2023, this study investigated spatial variations and factors affecting carbon fluxes, focusing on the impacts of salinity and eutrophic status in five geographically connected coastal waters of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area (GBA). By estimating carbon exchange at land-sea-air interface, dominant processes in carbon dynamics were identified as well. Results showed that partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2) varied from 391 to 2290 μatm, and sea-air CO2 exchange fluxes (FCO2) ranged from -3.07 to 70.07 mmol m–2 d–1, indicating significant geographical distinctions among five coastal waters of the GBA. The total carbon transport from rivers to these nearshore waters was approximated at 6.44 Tg C yr-1, with the Pearl River (PR) contributing 99.7%, primarily in dissolved forms. Atmospheric CO2 release was calculated at 0.29 Tg C yr-1 for studied five coastal waters, primarily as carbon sources, except for Dapeng Bay (DPB) as a sink. CO2 emissions inversely correlated with salinity, yet positively with eutrophication status, particularly in river-dominated estuaries. Moreover, CO2 flux decreased 23 times as eco-status shift from eutrophic to non-eutrophic. River plumes, terrestrial pollutant inputs, and economic structure were underlying drivers, influencing carbon species concentrations and fluxes. Elevated CO2 concentrations in eutrophic coastal waters were mainly attributed to terrestrial carbon and nutrients inputs, supporting active biological respiration and microbial decomposition. Conversely, carbon dynamics potentially depend on the balance of respiration and photosynthesis in non-eutrophic coastal waters. This study offers high geographic precision and specificity of carbon species, and provides land-sea integration insight to understand carbon dynamic mechanisms, promoting advancements in water quality management and climate mitigation.

Despotic dominion and union organizing: Law, property, and the historical geography of class struggle in California agribusiness

This paper examines the role of law, particularly law related to private property, in the historical geography of class struggle. At the center of the analysis is the ‘access rule’, written by the California Agricultural Labor Relations Board in 1975 and struck down by the United States Supreme Court in 2021. Responding to the specific geography of California agribusiness labor relations and the long history of violent repression of workers' organizing rights, the rule allowed union organizers onto growers' property under highly constrained conditions to speak with workers about the merits of unionization. The paper traces the ‘pre-history’ of the rule – the decades of law officers and growers' efforts to deny organizers access to California's rural working class – the working of the rule during its more than forty-five years of existence, and its demise at the hands of the current, conservative supreme court. In doing so, it shows how law not only shapes class composition in particular landscapes but is an essential tool, strategically deployed, by all sides in class struggles.

The Circular Path Towards Decarbonising the Li-Ion Battery Value Chain

The rapid transition to clean energy and electric mobility has led to an unprecedented demand for Li-ion batteries (LIBs), necessitating a comprehensive decarbonisation of their entire value chain to meet climate goals [1]. This talk takes a holistic view at the LIB production and recycling system to explore cradle-to-cradle decarbonisation strategies. The Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) framework is used to quantify the comparative importance of developments in battery manufacturing, raw material sourcing and battery recycling in reducing greenhouse-gas emissions (GHG) arising from the globally-distributed LIB value chain.On the upstream side, sourcing low-carbon materials is found to reduce the GHG footprint of LIB manufacturing by up to a factor of 4, depending on raw material type and source, and battery chemistry [2]. The geographical links between battery Gigafactory location and GHG emissions are also explored, revealing substantial differences between US states, Chinese provinces and European countries, traced to the carbon intensity of electricity generation [2]. On the downstream side, hydrometallurgical and pyrometallurgical treatment options for end-of-life LIBs are shown to achieve a GHG benefit of up to 40%, when recovered materials are circulated back to LIB production [3].The battery production and recycling LCA models are integrated to present a comprehensive sensitivity analysis on the effectiveness of LIB recycling in reducing GHG emissions. This is shown to depend on battery chemistry, with lithium iron phosphate material recovery achieving lower benefits, but also on the geographical specificity of key operations, directly affecting the type of materials being displaced through secondary routes. The talk concludes with an outlook to 2035, presenting scenarios to reduce the GHG emissions of the battery value chain through technological developments, improvements in manufacturing and the establishment of circularity.

Characterization of core microbiota of barley seeds from different continents for origin tracing and quarantine pathogen assessment

Seeds are important microbial vectors, and seed-associated pathogens can be introduced into a country through trade, resulting in yield and quality losses in agriculture. The aim of this study was to characterize the microbial communities associated with barley seeds, and based on which, to develop technical approaches to trace their geographical origins, and to inspect and identify quarantine pathogens. Our analysis defined the core microbiota of barley seed and revealed significant differences in the barley seed-associated microbial communities among different continents, suggesting a strong geographic specificity of the barley seed microbiota. By implementing a machine learning model, we achieved over 95% accuracy in tracing the origin of barley seeds. Furthermore, the analysis of co-occurrence and exclusion patterns provided important insights into the identification of candidate biocontrol agents or microbial inoculants that could be useful in improving barley yield and quality. A core pathogen database was developed, and a procedure for inspecting potential quarantine species associated with barley seed was established. These approaches proved effective in detecting four fungal and three bacterial quarantine species for the first time in the port of China. This study not only characterized the core microbiota of barley seeds but also provided practical approaches for tracing the regional origin of barley and identifying potential quarantine pathogens.

Urban Logistics and Mobility: A Framework Proposal for Sustainable Cities

Objective: This article aims to analyze the challenges and solutions of integrating urban logistics and urban mobility, providing insights and a framework for the development of public policies, business strategies, and future research. Theoretical Framework: The harmony between logistics and urban mobility is essential for the efficient management of cities, given its direct influence on the movement of people and goods. This integration enhances infrastructure, accessibility, social inclusion, and competitiveness while reducing operational costs. With the growth of online commerce and urbanization, it is urgent to seek a fairer and more sustainable mobility model, demanding strategic and collaborative urban planning to ensure smart and efficient cities in the future. Method: The research employed a systematic literature review (SLR) with a predefined search strategy in the Scopus and Transport Research International Documentation (TRID) databases, using specific terms related to urban logistics and mobility. This resulted in the selection of 129 studies from the period 2019-2024. The framework's development involved organizing and categorizing the extracted information. Results and Discussion: The SLR revealed the need for more comprehensive technical studies to improve urban mobility, considering geographical and cultural specificities and the local impact of infrastructure works. The high population density in metropolitan areas has increased traffic and hindered goods deliveries, emphasizing the importance of urban logistics in mitigating congestion and finding sustainable solutions. The integration of urban logistics with cities' development strategies and territorial policies is essential, requiring technological innovations and integrated public policies. Research Implications: The study proposes an integrated framework for urban logistics and mobility management, which includes components of urban planning, technology and information, incentives and public policies, as well as community engagement. It also highlights the need for future research on the impacts of emerging technologies like autonomous vehicles and delivery systems on urban logistics operations. Originality/Value: The article offers a unique perspective on the interdependence between urban logistics and urban mobility, providing a comprehensive analysis and proposing integrated strategies to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and quality of life in modern cities.