Marginal Areas Research Articles

Exploring Inequality: A Multi-Scale Analysis of China’s Consumption Carbon Footprint

Carbon emission inequality has become a critical factor constraining the coordinated development of socio-economic systems and the natural environment. This inequality exacerbates the disparity in carbon emissions across regions, hindering efforts to achieve sustainable development and environmental justice. Previous research has primarily focused on the structure of carbon footprints and their influencing factors, but there has been limited quantitative research on carbon emission inequality, particularly from a multi-scale perspective. This study constructs a 250 m-high-resolution consumption-based carbon footprint grid for China and uses the Theil index to reveal significant spatial inequalities in carbon footprints. The results indicate that smaller-scale analyses better reveal the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of carbon footprints within regions. At the county level, carbon footprints exhibit significant inequalities, with hotspots concentrated in regions such as Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei, the Yangtze River Delta, and the Pearl River Delta. The top 5% of areas with the highest carbon footprints (139 cities) contributed 19.6% of the national total, indicating a concentration in a few large cities. The decomposition of the Theil index shows that county-level cities contributed 55% of the national carbon inequality. The study also reveals the complex relationship between carbon footprints and income, as well as urban-rural disparities. The underdeveloped central and western regions exhibit a pronounced spatial lag effect, with the growth rate of carbon footprints in rural areas surpassing that of urban areas. Carbon footprints in impoverished areas and inter-provincial marginal areas overlap significantly with low-emission zones, demonstrating characteristics of “low-carbon growth”. To achieve carbon peak and carbon neutrality targets, China must adopt comprehensive measures to reduce carbon footprints and their inequalities, including strengthening multi-scale carbon inequality monitoring, implementing differentiated carbon reduction policies, and promoting coordinated emission reduction development at the county level.

Identify the impact of tourist attractions on the development of marginal areas

The aim of this study was to identify the effect of tourism attractions on the development of marginal areas and also to provide an operational framework for the development of marginal areas based on tourist attractions. In this article, marginal areas of four provinces of Isfahan, Fars, Yazd and Kerman were considered. And also for this purpose, a qualitative approach and a descriptive phenomenological method have been used in the research who were purposefully and accessibly selected and answered three main questions in the research. The results of the first question related to the types of tourist attractions in the suburbs, these attractions include cultural and ritual attractions, environmental space attractions, categorizes environmental attractions etc. The results of the second question is on how the effect of hega attraction in marginal areas on the development of marginal areas, consisting of Expansion of tourism industry, financial prosperity, professional ability, and the mental health of the people of the region etc. And the results of the third question on how the impact of tourist attractions on the development of marginal areas consisting of dependent on existing lifestyle support policies, dependent on achieving a sustainable tourism pattern in the region, depends on the extent of differences in new and old communication patterns etc. Therefore, one can expect from the development plan made these areas more realistic and use the results as a basis and guide for developing operational frameworks of the development of marginal areas in a special way.

DOP109 A necroptotic-to-apoptotic signaling axis underlies inflammatory bowel disease

Abstract Background Dysregulated programmed cell death plays a key role in IBD pathogenesis, with clinical trials exploring anti-necroptotic therapies (1,2). While apoptosis and necroptosis are well-studied in murine colitis models, their prevalence, mechanisms, and therapeutic relevance in human IBD remains unclear. We examined cell death pathways in patients on advanced therapies, uncovering unique signalling mechanisms that could inform future treatments. Methods Over 900 paired intestinal biopsies were analysed from 52 IBD patients (25 Crohn’s disease, 27 ulcerative colitis) and 28 non-IBD controls. Biopsies were taken from inflamed, marginal, and non-inflamed areas. Cell death processes, including apoptosis (e.g. cleaved caspase-3) and necroptosis (e.g. RIPK3, MLKL), were assessed using histology, immunoblotting and RNA sequencing. The effects of IBD-associated inflammatory cytokines (TNF, IFNγ) on epithelial death were tested on human-derived intestinal organoids(Fig 1). Data was correlated with clinical parameters like disease indices and treatments, with tissue quality validated using S100A8/S100A9 expression and blinded histology scoring. Results Increased necroptotic and apoptotic signalling were prominent in IBD, correlating with intestinal inflammation, regardless of treatment. Necroptotic signalling was detected in non-inflamed IBD tissue, suggesting early activation in disease progression, while apoptotic signalling was primarily in inflamed tissue. Gene set enrichment analysis identified dysregulated TNF and IFNγ-related pathways linked to cell death signalling, exacerbated by inflammation. Bulk RNA sequencing demonstrated that inflammation-induced transcriptional reprogramming of epithelial cells triggered a macrophage-like phenotype, promoting RIPK1-independent necroptotic signalling(Fig1). In vitro, exposure to TNF and IFNγ in intestinal organoids synergistically induced cell death, primarily through mitochondrial apoptosis. IFNγ enhanced epithelial cell reprogramming, amplifying cell death signalling, while both cytokines together induced mitochondrial apoptosis. In intestinal stem cells, apoptosis was driven by increased PUMA, while upregulated iNOS expression mediated epithelial cell death. Conclusion Early IBD inflammation reprograms epithelial cells into a macrophage-like state, promoting RIPK1-independent necroptotic signalling. IFNγ and TNF synergise to induce iNOS- and PUMA-mediated mitochondrial apoptosis in epithelial and stem cells. This aberrant epithelial cell death signalling persists despite histologic remission or treatment. Necroptotic signalling occurs upstream of apoptotic cell death, suggesting that targeting the necroptotic-to-apoptotic axis could facilitate molecular healing and sustained deep remission in IBD.

Evaluation of Internal and Marginal Accuracy (Trueness and Precision) of Laminates Using DLP Printing and Milling Methods.

This study evaluated the internal and marginal accuracy (trueness and precision) of zirconia laminate veneers fabricated using the DLP printing and milling method, employing 3D analysis software program. The maxillary central incisor tooth of a typodont model was prepared by a dentist and scanned using a desktop scanner. An anatomical zirconia laminate was designed using computer-aided design (CAD) software and saved in a standard tessellation language (STL) format. Thirty zirconia laminates were manufactured using a milling machine (MLL group) and a DLP printer (PTL group). All the specimens were scanned, and their internal and marginal areas were edited accordingly. The root-mean-square value was used to assess the accuracy of the internal and marginal areas of the zirconia laminates. Statistical significance was evaluated using the Mann-Whitney U test. Statistically significant differences were found in RMS values for both groups in the internal and marginal areas (p < 0.001 and p = 0.034, respectively). The MLL and PTL groups differed significantly in terms of precision (p = 0.017), but not at the margin (p = 0.361). DLP-printed zirconia laminates demonstrated stable and consistent performance, making the technique a reliable option for producing esthetic prostheses.

Intraplate seismicity in southwestern Norway: Enhanced catalogue highlights diffusive earthquake occurrence linked to inherited weakness zones

Summary Intraplate earthquakes in stable continental regions exhibit diverse characteristics in terms of timing, spatial distribution, and magnitude. They are often unexpected, and their underlying physical mechanisms are not well understood. This complexity is particularly apparent in Norway, where seismicity is mostly localised on the continental margin and coastal areas. Various studies have attempted to explain the causes of seismicity in Norway by invoking different sources of stress, ranging from regional stress due to ridge push to local effects such as topography or deglaciation. In this study, we revisit these questions by investigating the distribution of seismicity in southwestern Norway using an enhanced earthquake catalogue. To achieve this, we revised the Norwegian National Seismic Network seismic catalogue from 2000 to 2023 and built a new catalogue using machine-learning-based techniques on data from a temporary seismic deployment in the region. Thanks to the increased station density during this deployment, we were also able to calculate new fault plane solutions that consistently showed a WNW-ESE direction for the most compressive axis. Furthermore, we demonstrate that seismicity in southwestern Norway, while diffuse, tends to be localised around the major crustal shear zones of the region, such as the Bergen Arc Shear Zone and the Hardangerfjord Shear Zone.

We Should Perform a Systematic Evaluation of the Placenta.

Despite its critical importance, the placenta receives substantially less attention during obstetric ultrasound examinations compared to the fetus. The evaluation of the placenta is typically limited to determining its location within the uterus, particularly its relationship to the cervix. Abnormal placenta findings are the result of gross anomalies identified by chance during obstetric examinations, rather than from a systematic evaluation. Here we describe a standardized protocol evaluating four placental regions: 1) the uterine wall/decidua/chorion interface; 2) the amnion/chorion interface; 3) the placental body; and 4) cord insertion and marginal area, which can improve the identification of placental anomalies in all pregnant subjects.

Areas with agroecological potential for Agave cupreata (Trel. &amp; Berger) plantations in Guerrero, Mexico

Objective: to determine areas with agroecological potential for Agave cupreata (Trel. &amp; Berger) plantations in the state of Guerrero, Mexico. Design/ Methodology/ Approach: fifty-four specimens of A. cupreata were characterized. For each specimen, phenotypical, agroclimatic and agroecological data were recorded. Information from 123 herbarium specimens and information available in the literature were consulted. In addition, representatives of the State Council of Mezcal in Guerrero and other companies were interviewed, in order to identify possible areas excluded in the field. As well as in the specimens reviewed at the herbarium, which were validated with field observations. This information was processed in ArcGIS© version 10.3.1 (Esri Inc., 1999-2015, United States), with which a geographic information system was built and the distribution map was obtained, as well as the soil and climate and agroecological requirements of A. cupreata in the state of Guerrero. This information allowed the delimitation of the optimal, suboptimal and marginal areas for establishing agave plants. The validation of the information was made through field trips to specific areas to validate the agroecological variables of the potential areas defined in this study. Results: areas comprising 673 084.16 ha with optimal agroecological potential, and 1 942 072.86 ha with suboptimal potential were determined. Limitations/ Implications of the study: it is suggested to complement with studies on productivity, population ecology, intra- and inter population genetic variability, in plantations and natural population (called in Mexico ‘magueyeras’) of A. cupreata. Findings/ Conclusions: in the state of Guerrero (Mexico), North, Central and Mountain regions were those with the highest number of optimal areas, which coincides with the areas where mezcal (a strong and dry alcoholic beverage distilled from the sap of Agave plants) production is concentrated.

Transcriptional engineering for value enhancement of oilseed crops: a forward perspective.

Plant-derived oils provide 20%-35% of dietary calories and are a primary source of essential omega-6 (linoleic) and omega-3 (α-linolenic) fatty acids. While traditional breeding has significantly increased yields in key oilseed crops like soybean, sunflower, canola, peanut, and cottonseed, overall gains have plateaued over the past few decades. Oilseed crops also experience substantial yield losses in both prime and marginal agricultural areas due to biotic and abiotic stresses and shifting agro-climates. Recent genomic, transcriptomic, and metabolomics research has expanded our understanding of the genetic and physiological control of fatty acid biosynthesis and composition. Many oilseed species have inherent stress-combating mechanisms, including transcription factor regulation. Advances in genome editing tools like CRISPR/Cas9 offer precise genetic modifications, targeting transcription factors and binding sites to enhance desirable traits, such as the nutritional profile and chemical composition of fatty acids. This review explores the application of genome editing in oilseed improvement, covering recent progress, challenges, and future potential to boost yield and oil content. These advancements could play a transformative role in developing resilient, nutritious crop varieties essential for sustainable food security in a changing climate.

Neanderthals’ recolonizations of marginal areas: An overview from Eastern Germany

Neanderthals’ recolonizations of marginal areas: An overview from Eastern Germany

A Numerical Simulation of a Fog Event in the Sichuan Basin, China: The Sensitivity to Terrain Elevations

In this paper, we utilize the Advanced Research version of the Weather Research and Forecasting model (ARWv4) to explore how the fog is affected by the basin’s topography during a radiation fog event in the Sichuan Basin in December 2016 by setting up three sets of terrain tests. The simulation results demonstrate that the fog area in the expanded basin terrain emerges 40 min earlier than in the original topography control test (CTL), with the fog area extent marginally reduced. Conversely, the fog area in the reduced basin terrain emerges one hour earlier than in the CTL, with the fog area extent increased by 133.5%. Basin topography is an essential factor influencing the humidity, temperature, and dynamical fields. The expansion of basin topography was shown to be unfavorable for water vapor convergence. Moreover, the area exhibiting relative humidity levels exceeding 95% at the peak of the fog intensity was smaller than that observed in CTL. The impact of radiative cooling was diminished, and the thickness and intensity of the inversion layer were reduced compared to CTL. In addition, the wind speed in the marginal area exceeded 5 m s−1, and the fog formation was observed only in the central portion of the basin, where wind speeds ranged from 0 to 3 m s−1. In contrast, the change in the topography of the narrowed basin resulted in the opposite phenomenon overall. This work emphasizes the importance of basin topography in forming and developing the fog in the Sichuan Basin.

Millet Cultivation in North-east Hill Region of India: A Review

The millets are climate resilient, most efficient in use of water, adopted to grown in marginal and sub marginal area, suitably grown in hilly and rainfed area, nutrient dense and having low carbon and water footprint. Considering their significance in present context of agriculture, it is important to know about their region-specific cultivation practices and intervention in it. The North East Hill (NEH) region is known for its diversity in terms of soil and climatic condition as well as crop and plant diversity. The marginal and sub-marginal area with different slope, topography and soil related constraints for production, the millets will be one of the important options for arable crop cultivation. The production practices followed by the farmers and recommended practices were highly diverse due to different agro-climatic condition. At the same time, in several locations production practices were even not developed due to cultivation on very less area with less economic impact at regional or state agriculture. Hence it is informative and knowledge impacting exercise to review the production practices followed and interventions made at institutional and stakeholders level for millets cultivation in NEH region. The present review summarizes the interventions in production practices such as seed and sowing requirement, nutrient, water and weed management as well as insect-pest and disease management in context of NEH region. Besides that, interventions from NEH region at post-harvest and value addition were also discussed in this review. The cost effective and high enumerative interventions in production processes such as substitution of low yielding upland rice cultivation partly or completely with millets, transplanting, fertilization, micronutrient foliar feeding, use of herbicide for weed management and promotion/ up gradation of millets cultivation in new areas (North-East Hill region) are important at production level. The interventions at policy level such as promotion for incorporation of millets in public distribution system, inclusion of millets in school age children diet and different schemes related with supply of nutritious food to children and adolescence are important for NEH region. Increase in diversity of product prepared from millets, initiation of organic seed production of millets, exploring export potential of traditional products prepared from millets to different domestic and international market are important interventions at policy level. At research level, the standardization of production practices for different states in NEH region was initiated and need to be further emphasized rather than using recommendation as it is from other part of India.

Landscape regeneration and place-based development in marginal areas: learning from an Integrated Project in Southern Salento

This paper aims to contribute to the debate on improving the capacity of place-based policies to trigger sustainable development strategies in marginal rural areas. Drawing on a critical review of the literature on rural development planning, with a focus on European and Italian policies and multi-actor and multi-level approaches in the design and implementation of place-based policies, the paper discusses a participatory action-research experience carried out by the authors, which concerns an Integrated Project for landscape regeneration and local development in Southern Salento, Italy. This is a rural area that adds to the typical features of a peripheral context those related to the so-called Olive Quick Decline Syndrome, a disaster connected to the Xylella epidemic, which transformed a huge part of the traditional landscape of olive groves into a ghostlike place, thus worsening local process of land abandonment and marginality. In this context of social, ecological and economic crisis, the Integrated Project adopted an evolutionary approach to resilience combined with a relational conception of territory-landscape. This was aimed to provide a transformative and empowering local agenda, challenging local actors (and researchers) to experiment with an evolutionary transition towards a more sustainable rural development. According to this perspective, the Integrated Project took the distance from mere consultation-based forms of participation to encompass the selective mobilisation of local actors engaged in collective transformative practices. Thus, it gives some methodological indications on how to develop multilevel governance arrangements to promote new knowledge and innovative ideas for a transformative development of places, which is still a poorly articulated issue in place-based documents and literature. A reflection on the findings of this experience may thus give interesting suggestions for future public policies supporting place-based development in marginal territories.

Insights into Corncrake (Crex crex) movements in a fragmented agricultural landscape using bioacoustics with implications for nature conservation strategies

AbstractMovement ecology data are often collected by catching animals and fitting GPS tags. This technique is expensive, biased and comes at an extra cost for the caught individuals. New conservation technologies allow noninvasive data collection, providing ecological knowledge to aid the conservation of endangered species. Using bioacoustics, we investigated intraseason and between‐year movements of the red‐listed corncrake (Crex crex) and their relationships with landscape structure. Our goals were to track corncrake movements with minimal disturbance to the species and determine how landscape features affect these movements. We recorded males over two consecutive breeding seasons in 2022 and 2023 in an extensively farmed agricultural landscape in the West of Ireland. Individual identity was obtained through vocal characteristics of the calling males which were grouped into clusters. The areas of seminatural grassland and margin features, presence of bird refuge strips, and habitat connectivity were extracted from buffers between locations of two matching recordings (same calling male). These landscape features were used as model predictors to determine the distance that the same male covered. We found that, in a season, males moved 415 m on average (min = 10 m; max = 1805 m) between calling locations, which was more than previously thought in the Western Europe. Males also reoccurred on average 375 m (min = 23 m; max = 1231 m) away from the previous year's location. Landscape connectivity (p = 0.01, N = 42) and seminatural grassland area (p = 0.02, N = 42) were positive predictors of intraseason movements, whereas the margin area (p = 0.01, N = 35) predicted further between‐year movements. Considering our noninvasively sampled results in the Irish context, we suggest increasing the protection area around a calling male to 500 m. In this buffer, we also suggest improving the availability of seminatural grassland to 30% and presence of margin features to 3%. Further land management recommendations are provided.

3D Assessment of Mandibular Margin Morphological Change after BTX-A Injection for Masseter Hypertrophy: A Retrospective Study.

Some facial morphological changes may occur in some patients after botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) injection for the treatment of masseteric hypertrophy. The aim of this study was to investigate the morphological changes that occurred on mandibular margin. This retrospective analysis included 43 patients (86 lateral cases) who received BTX-A injections for masseter hypertrophy. To assess the morphological changes in the mandibular margin after treatment, the sharpness of the mandibular margin was evaluated before and after the injections using an established grading system. Additionally, 3D scanning technology was used to measure both the therapeutic effect of the BTX-A injections and the extent of soft tissue sagging in the mandibular margin area. Grading: The grade of mandibular margin sharpness change occurred in 41 lateral cases post-procedurally. Based on the measurement results, statistically significant differences were observed before, 1 month, and 3 months post-procedurally in subjects' positive lower face width representing the therapeutic effect of BTX-A injection and the extent of sagging soft tissue at sagittal section B and section C (p < 0.05), but not in section A (A: outer canthus, B: midpoint of the eyelid margin, and C: inner canthus) (p > 0.05). After receiving a BTX-A injection for masseteric hypertrophy, the mandibular margin may develop an unclear mandibular margin and sagging soft tissue in mandibular margin area. EBM Level: IV LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

Marginalization of urban space: Experience of sociological research on the example of Khabarovsk

The object of this study is the process of marginalization. The subject is the marginalization of urban space. The aim of the paper is to actualize and clarify the essence of the process of urban space marginalization, as well as to identify the features of urban space marginalization using the example of Khabarovsk. The article employs methods of scientific-theoretical analysis, generalization, and systematization of domestic and foreign research on marginalization problems, as well as empirical methods such as surveys, expert interviews, and the method of vernacular zoning. The theoretical part of the article demonstrates a multitude of different approaches to defining marginality and marginalization, on the one hand, and the lack of stable definitions of these concepts, on the other. This is primarily explained by the lack of a comprehensive approach to the study of the marginalization process. To provide a more complete definition of the process of urban space marginalization, the article applies an algorithm: causes - essence - implementation - consequences. The practical significance of studying the marginalization of urban spaces is determined by the need to control marginal areas in terms of the spread of various social deviations, as well as the need to forecast marginalization trends. Based on empirical studies of urban space (using the example of Khabarovsk), the study of public and expert opinions, and the use of the method of vernacular zoning, the overall "well-being" of different vernacular districts of the city was determined, the level of income of city residents living in these districts was assessed, the correlation between the determination of the level of "well-being" and the crime rate of the district was revealed, as well as the features of the stigmatization of urban spaces, which is an integral part of the process of marginalization.

Association between the economic situation and diabetes mellitus, metabolic control and the use of health services in a Spanish region

IntroductionThe prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) has increased in low- and middle-income countries and in marginal areas of developed countries. In Spain, it grew by 3.42% from 1993 to 2020. In the Canary Islands, the increase was even greater. ObjectivesThe main one was to evaluate the possible relationship of the income level with DM, different markers of metabolic control and the use of Primary Care services, in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (LPGC). Secondary ones are to determine the prevalence of DM in the city of LPGC, to describe the sociodemographic characteristics, the use of Primary Care services of the population with DM, the level of registry of variables related to metabolic control and the main process indicators and intermediate results of the metabolic control in the population with DM in the city of LPGC. Material and methodAll patients with DM over 14 years of age, living in LPGC as of 12/31/22 were included. Data were collected from the electronic medical records of the Canarian Primary Care Service, the National Institute of Statistics and the National Tax Agency. Results and conclusionThe overall prevalence of DM was 11.39%. The mean age of participants was 67.06 years (SD=13.86), lower in men than in women. The groups with low or moderate income accounted for more than 40% of the prevalence each, while those with high income barely accounted for 10%. Higher income levels corresponded to lower use of health resources and registration of metabolic variables, while decreasing income levels were associated to higher prevalence of overweight/obesity, worse lipid and glycemic profiles and higher risk of diabetic foot. The middle-income group showed the highest prevalence of pathological/uncertain diabetic retinopathy, lower glomerular filtration and higher LDL levels.

UNDERSTANDING THE FACTORS, IMPACTS AND MANAGEMENT OF TRIBAL HEALTH ISSUES- A STUDY ON JANGALMAHAL PERSPECTIVE

Jangalmahal is a tribal and forest dominant area in the State of West Bengal. It is also a marginal and underdeveloped area. It is inhabited by various tribal groups of people who live in the lap of hills and forests so almost everything of their life and livelihood revolves around depend on the forest. Their social and cultural norms are heavily dependent on this forest environment. Health is a very important aspect of human life being isolated from the mainstream society for a long time, the people of the tribal community here took care of their own health and wellness and in this, and theyare dependent on the environment and the forest here. Not only that they tried to stay healthy when they were sick, a deep analysis of their lifestyle shows that there are some customs and habits involved in every aspect of life which are part of their desire for a healthy life. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to exploring the factors which are associated with the health and understanding impacts of these factors on their health. With this, we tried to comprehend the management process of their own way regarding their health and wellness issues. After reviewing various aspects of the health of the tribal of Jangalmahal, we found that the tribal here mainly prefer to stay in their own world. Though, the social provisions are also largely responsible for their marginalization. So, they have made their own society and everything is conducted according to the norms of their society. The aspect of health and being healthy revolves around their own perception and every aspect of this health is influenced by the environment or the forested atmosphere.

PRODEM: an annual series of summer DEMs (2019 through 2022) of the marginal areas of the Greenland Ice Sheet

Abstract. Surface topography across the marginal zone of the Greenland Ice Sheet is constantly evolving in response to changing weather, season, climate, and ice dynamics. However, current digital elevation models (DEMs) for the ice sheet are usually based on data from a multi-year period, thus obscuring these changes over time. Here we present four 500 m resolution summer DEMs (PRODEMs) of the Greenland Ice Sheet marginal zone for 2019 through 2022. The PRODEMs cover the marginal zone from the ice edge to 50 km inland, hence capturing all Greenland outlet glaciers. Each PRODEM is based on data fusion of CryoSat-2 radar altimetry and ICESat-2 laser altimetry using regionally varying kriging of elevation anomalies relative to ArcticDEM. The PRODEMs are validated using leave-one-out cross-validation, and PRODEM19 is further validated against an external data set, showcasing their ability to correctly represent surface elevations within the associated spatially varying prediction uncertainties. We observe a general lowering of surface elevations during the 4-year PRODEM period, but the spatial pattern of change is highly complex and with annual changes superimposed. The PRODEMs enable detailed studies of the marginal ice sheet elevation changes. With their high spatio-temporal resolution, the PRODEMs will be of value to a wide range of researchers and users studying ice sheet dynamics and monitoring how the ice sheet responds to changing environmental conditions. PRODEMs from summer 2019 through 2022 are available at https://doi.org/10.22008/FK2/52WWHG (Winstrup, 2024), and we plan to annually update the product henceforth.

Solina: An Example of Ancient Wheat Suitable for the Protection of Agrobiodiversity and Agricultural Workers’ Health

Solina is an ancient common wheat that has been cultivated in Abruzzo since the 16th century. It is a variety of wheat typical of mountain and marginal areas with peculiar organoleptic and nutritional characteristics. In this review, a collection of experimental and empirical data analyses on its agronomic, environmental, historical, gastronomic, and cultural characteristics was carried out to propose its possible use in sustainable agriculture. The observed data suggest that Solina represents an ancient wheat variety that could be used as an alternative to modern wheat, following the European Directive 128/2009 on the sustainable use of pesticides. The natural resistance of this ancient wheat to the typical climatic conditions of the territory in which it grows allows for the non-use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Therefore, Solina has all the characteristics to respond to consumer demands, paying greater attention to environmental protection, preserving biodiversity, and safeguarding the health of farm workers.

Effect of Lending Innovation on the Financial Performance of Listed Commercial Banks in Kenya

Commercial banks have quickly recognized that lending innovation is a viable strategy for expanding formal financial services into the unbanked regions of the country, such as urban, rural or marginalized areas. In this regard, banks have continued to deploy huge investments in financial-based innovations and manpower training to handle the new technologies. However, despite the numerous innovations that banks have adopted, a portion of them have kept on encountering a decline in market value, causing them to merge with others. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to ascertain the effect of the lending innovation on the financial performance of listed commercial banks in Kenya. The study adopted descriptive and correlational research designs. Twelve staff members from each bank were purposefully selected. The study utilized a questionnaire to collect primary data. The study assessed the validity of the study instrument using construct validity and content validity. To measure reliability, the Cronbach's alpha technique was employed. For statistical analysis of quantitative data, SPSS software version 22 was utilized. The results revealed that lending innovation had a significant positive effect on financial performance (β1=0.138, P=0.002). The study concluded that lending innovation has a significant positive effect on financial performance. The study recommended that listed commercial banks in Kenya should prioritize investment in lending innovation to enhance financial performance. This includes adopting innovative lending practices and technologies to improve service delivery and customer experience.