North East Research Articles

Integration of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Education: A Systematic Review

This PRISMA-based systematic review analyzes how artificial intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are integrated into educational institutions, examining the challenges and opportunities associated with their adoption. Through a structured selection process, 27 relevant studies published between 2019 and 2023 were analyzed. The results indicate that AI adoption in education remains uneven, with significant barriers such as limited teacher training, technological accessibility gaps, and ethical concerns. However, findings also highlight promising applications, including AI-driven adaptive learning systems, intelligent tutoring, and automated assessment tools that enhance personalized education. The geographical analysis reveals that most research on AI in education originates from North America, Europe, and East Asia, while developing regions remain underrepresented. Without strategic integration, the uneven implementation of AI in education may widen social inequalities, limiting access to innovative learning opportunities for disadvantaged populations. Consequently, this study underscores the urgent need for policies and teacher training programs to ensure equitable AI adoption in education, fostering an inclusive and technologically prepared learning environment.

Global research on the utilization of population pharmacokinetic model: a bibliometric analysis from 2000 to 2024

Objective Population pharmacokinetic (PPK) model is capable of identifying the factors that influence the variability of pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles and the degree of their influence, effectively reduces unexplained variability, and demonstrates excellent predictive ability. PPK model has been successfully constructed in several populations for a variety of drugs. However, no study has yet conducted a bibliometric analysis of publications related to the PPK model. This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the research progress and hotspots in the field of PPK model research through bibliometric methods.MethodsA systematic search of the Web of Science database was conducted to collect articles and reviews related to the PPK model between 2000 and 2024. We then analyzed the data using Bibliometrix R package, Microsoft Office Excel, CiteSpace and VOSviewers.ResultsBetween 2000 and 2024, we identified a total of 6,125 papers and 128,856 citations. The average annual growth rate of the relevant publications was 10.35%, showing continued growth momentum. These research outputs are concentrated in North America, Western Europe, and East Asia, with USA leading the way with 2,340 publications and having the highest H-index (93) and total citations (54,965). Uppsala University and British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology are the institutions with the highest publication output and the most influential journals, respectively. Most of the funding agencies are from the USA and the subject categories for most publications are Pharmacology Pharmacy. In terms of author contributions, professor Karlsson MO is the leader in the field with 149 publications. In addition, wo found that “critically ill patients,” “tacrolimus,” “machine learning,” “external evaluation,” “polymyxin b,” “voriconazole,” “extracorporeal membrane oxygenation,” “dose optimization” and “model-informed precision dosing” are current research hotspots and future research trends.ConclusionThis study is the first comprehensive overview of the development of PPK model and research hotspots using bibliometric methods. Our findings provide researchers, especially beginners, with insights into the application area of PPK model, helping them to grasp key information in the field.

How can community pharmacy teams prevent prescription and over-the-counter opioid misuse in North East England? A qualitative study using the Capability, Opportunity and Motivation Behaviour (COM-B) model.

This study aims to identify factors that influence the role of community pharmacy teams in preventing prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) opioid misuse. Qualitative design using interviews; thematic analysis was used to generate themes mapped to the Capability, Opportunity and Motivation Behaviour (COM-B) model. Community pharmacies in North East England. 28 community pharmacy staff including 16 pharmacists, 1 pharmacy assistant, 10 dispensers and 1 pharmacy technician. Factors related to the capability component include communication skills, ability to identify service users who misuse OTC opioids, and education and training. Factors in the opportunity component include staff and funding, tools for identification and referral of service users at risk of opioid misuse, and relationship with other healthcare professionals. For the motivation component, attitude towards role, attitude of pharmacist or pharmacy manager, perception about commissioners and commissioned services, and attitude towards service users were identified. This study identified factors that could influence community pharmacists' roles in opioid misuse. A critical factor influencing community pharmacy teams preventing opioid misuse is access to a single system to record the use of both OTC and prescription opioids. This would enable teams to identify service users misusing or at risk of misusing opioids, while supporting staff education and training and regulatory compliance. Future research should focus on developing interventions using these identified factors to enhance community pharmacists' roles in opioid misuse prevention.

Valuing and retaining the dental workforce: a mixed-methods exploration of workforce sustainability in the North East of England

BackgroundNHS dentistry is experiencing significant recruitment and retention challenges, particularly in rural, coastal, and deprived urban areas. Issues have been exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic, leading to unequal distribution of dental professionals across UK geographies. Despite workforce policy initiatives, issues persist. This study explores factors influencing workforce sustainability in the North East of England – an under-served region of the UK.MethodsForty-six participants, including 30 dentists, 3 dental care professionals, and 13 managers, contributed to this study. Four focus groups were held at two events in July 2023 – one in the north of the region, and one in the south to enable broad stakeholder engagement and reflect the different geographies within the region. These groups generated qualitative data to elaborate on the factors influencing workforce sustainability and ideas for change. Analysis involved a codebook approach to thematic analysis.ResultsThematic analysis identified four key factors influencing workforce sustainability: careers, collaboration, costs, and contentment. Career development in a supportive learning environment was essential for professional growth and retention, yet systemic barriers hindered progression. Collaboration, both within dental teams and across regulatory bodies, played a vital role in improving job satisfaction and service delivery, but fragmented communication remained a challenge. Financial pressures, particularly rigid NHS contracts and inadequate remuneration, emerged as significant concerns impacting recruitment and retention. Contentment was shaped by work-life balance, professional recognition, and the ability to provide high-quality care without excessive bureaucracy. These systemic challenges collectively contribute to workforce instability, particularly in the North East.ConclusionFindings highlight critical systemic barriers that threaten workforce sustainability in NHS dentistry. Addressing career progression pathways, improving collaboration, reforming contracts, and enhancing professional support systems are essential for sector stability. Without coordinated action from employers and policymakers, NHS dentistry will remain unsustainable, necessitating urgent interventions to support workforce retention and service provision.

Spatiotemporal Variations of Meteorological Drought in Türkiye and Its Linkage With Large‐Scale Atmospheric Circulation

ABSTRACTIn this study, long‐term variations of dry and wet events, and large‐scale atmospheric circulation mechanisms triggering drought conditions are investigated for Türkiye. For this purpose, meteorological data of 92 stations are used for the period 1965–2020. For drought conditions, 0.5° × 0.5° monthly gridded values of the Standardised Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI‐1 month) are used for the period 1903–2022. Later, the role of North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and East Atlantic/West Russia (EA/WR) patterns on regional dry/wet seasons is investigated. Synoptic mechanisms causing extreme dry/wet events in the Aegean Region (AR) of Türkiye are examined using NCEP/NCAR Reanalysis data. According to the main results, statistically significant negative trends of SPEI‐1 month values are observed, especially in the western (AR) and southern (Mediterranean: MeR and Southeastern Anatolia: SEAR) regions during the winter and summer seasons. Additionally, we have found that temperature increments lead to more frequent summertime drought events in these regions, particularly during July (correlation coefficient [r] results are −0.58, −0.60 and − 0.61 for AR, MeR and SEAR, respectively). The impact of the NAO on drought events is more significant during the winter and summer months. During the positive phases of winter NAO conditions, the Azores surface high is located over the eastern Mediterranean Basin and causes atmospheric blockage, resulting in severe drought conditions in western Türkiye (precipitation in AR is 60% less than normal and regional temperature is 1.5°C below normal). Conversely, during summer NAO (−) phases, light northerly winds transfer dry air from northern terrestrial regions to the AR as a result of the interaction between the expanded Azores surface high and the surface Asiatic monsoon low. Prolonged above‐normal temperatures at low levels of the atmosphere and dry air at the surface result in more frequent and intense drought conditions over western Türkiye (AR temperatures are 1.2°C above normal). The results of this study can help managers understand the large‐scale atmospheric role in the occurrence of meteorological drought and to cope with drought events by reducing drought impacts on different sectors.

Food, Pregnancy & Me: Exploring food insecurity in pregnancy in the UK to inform future public health intervention needs-A mixed-methods study protocol.

There are several known risks relating to poor nutrition during pregnancy, including the development of complications and poor birth outcomes. While food insecurity is associated with poorer nutrition, data on the prevalence and severity of food insecurity in pregnancy in the UK is lacking. This study aims to explore the prevalence, experiences and health impact of food insecurity in pregnancy in England to develop strategic recommendations for intervention strategies. Food, Pregnancy & Me is an observational, multi-method study. Questionnaires exploring diet quality, food security, mental health, and other health behaviours will be distributed to all women and pregnant people in their third trimester in two NHS Trusts in England (North East and West Midlands). Returned questionnaires (n=605) will be linked to routine maternal and birth outcome data and pseudo-anonymised. We will estimate the prevalence of food insecurity in pregnancy in these locations, associations with diet quality, maternal mental health, and pregnancy outcomes (e.g., pre-term birth, pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes). Qualitative interviews (n=40) with participants identified as having experienced food insecurity will explore their lived experience, support received, and recommendations for additional support needs. Through a series of co-production workshops with local and national system shapers and experts by lived experience, we will use the data gathered to produce strategic recommendations for intervention with pregnant women and people facing food insecurity. We will then explore the potential costs and benefits of implementing the proposed recommendations. Ethical approval was obtained from Newcastle and North Tyneside 1 NHS Research Ethics Committee (24/NE/0027). Findings will be disseminated to key national and local system shapers and policy makers, advocacy groups, and the public through reports, presentations, the media and open access publications. ISRCTN16655955.

Sustainable Digital Rural Development: Measurements, Dynamic Evolutions, and Regional Disparities—A Case Study of China

Amid the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), China’s digital village initiative has emerged as a localized implementation for achieving multidimensional sustainability. However, the progress of digital villages in China remains uneven, posing challenges to achieving sustainable rural transformation. This study develops a multidimensional index system at four levels: rural digital infrastructure, the digital development environment in rural areas, the digital industry in rural areas, and agricultural production digitalization. Entropy weighting was used to evaluate digital village progress across 30 Chinese provinces (2013–2022). Kernel density estimation, the Dagum Gini coefficient, and the obstacle degree model were used to study China’s spatiotemporal dynamics, regional disparities, and digital village development barriers. The results show that between 2013 and 2022, digital villages in China advanced (the average annual growth rate: 9.43%), with a spatial distribution pattern of “east superior, west inferior, south prosperous, and north declining”. National and regional digital villages have advanced yearly, with absolute and relative disparities increasing, extensibility increasing, and multi-polarizing rising. Digital village development is becoming increasingly imbalanced, with inter-regional differences driving “east, central, and west” disparity and intra-regional disparities driving North–South disparity. Ranking the average hurdle levels: the digital industry in rural areas (45.94%) > the digital development environment in rural areas (24.83%) > rural digital infrastructure (21.85%) > agricultural production digitalization (7.38%). Taobao villages are a major restraint on China’s digital village development.

Spatial clusters of poverty among rural women in Nigeria: analysis and underlying predictors

ABSTRACT Poverty is a major global challenge, with growing evidence of its feminisation in developing countries like Nigeria. This study uses data from the 2018/2019 Nigeria Living Standard Survey to identify poverty hotspots and predictors among rural women in Nigeria. Results reveal that 75.9% of rural women are multidimensionally poor, with poverty hotspots in the North West and North East regions. Key determinants include household size, expenditure, education, land ownership and access to credit. The study recommends focusing poverty reduction efforts on these high-poverty areas, improving health, living standards, work opportunities and resilience to shocks to meet global and national goals.

Intraoperative Frozen Section Analysis for Margin Status in Breast Conserving Therapy: a Retrospective 6-Year Experience at a Tertiary Centre in North East India

Abstract Breast cancer is the commonest cancer among Indian women as it is globally. Margin status post lumpectomy remains an important predictor of local recurrence after breast conserving surgery. We set out to investigate the positive predictive value of intra operative frozen section analysis in a tertiary cancer center in North East India. Retrospective data from all women who underwent breast conserving Surgery (BCS) from 2017 to 2022 was included. Frozen section analysis reports were compared against final pathology reports. Comparison was in regard to margin status. Two hundred ten women underwent BCT, and mean age was 49.5 years. The sensitivity and specificity of frozen section was 92.5% (86.2–95.64% 95% CI) and 99.8% (62.23–99.9% 95% CI) respectively. The PPV and NPV was 94.8% (87.09–99.86% 95% CI) and 99.8% (95.53–99.9% 95 CI). Our analysis showed an accuracy of 99.63% (95.22–99.96%, 95% CI). We concluded that frozen section analysis is accurate and has a high positive predictive value and negative predictive value for margin status in breast conserving surgery.

Fingerprinting and chemotyping approaches reveal a wide genetic and metabolic diversity among wild hops (Humulus lupulus L.).

Hop (Humulus lupulus L.) is an emblematic industrial crop in the French North East region that developed at the same time as the brewing activity. Presently, this sector, especially microbreweries, are interested in endemic wild hops, which give beer production a local signature. In this study, we investigated the genetic and metabolic diversity of thirty-six wild hops sampled in various ecological environments. These wild accessions were propagated aeroponically and cultivated under uniform conditions (the same soil and the same environmental factors). Our phytochemical approach based on UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis led to the identification of three metabolic clusters based on leaf content and characterized by variations in the contents of twelve specialized metabolites that were identified (including xanthohumol, bitter acids, and their oxidized derivatives). Furthermore, molecular characterization was carried out using sixteen EST-SSR microsatellites, allowing a genetic affiliation of our wild hops with hop varieties cultivated worldwide and wild hops genotyped to date using this method. Genetic proximity was observed for both European wild and hop varieties, especially for Strisselspalt, the historical variety of our region. Finally, our findings collectively assessed the impact of the hop genotype on the chemical phenotype through multivariate regression tree (MRT) analysis. Our results highlighted the 'WRKY 224' allele as a key discriminator between high- and low-metabolite producers. Moreover, the model based on genetic information explained 40% of the variance in the metabolic data. However, despite this strong association, the model lacked predictive power, suggesting that its applicability may be confined to the datasets analyzed.

The survey of planetary nebulae in Andromeda (M31). VII. Predictions of a major merger simulation model compared with chemodynamical data of the disc and inner halo substructures

The nearest giant spiral, the Andromeda galaxy (M31), exhibits a kinematically hot stellar disc, a global star formation episode ∼ 2 - 4 Gyr ago, and conspicuous substructures in its stellar halo that are suggestive of a recent accretion event. Recent chemodynamical measurements in the M31 disc and inner halo can be used as additional constraints for N-body hydrodynamical simulations that successfully reproduce the disc age-velocity dispersion relation and star formation history as well as the morphology of the inner halo substructures. We combined an available N-body hydrodynamical simulation of a major merger (mass ratio 1 $:$ 4) with a well-motivated chemical model to predict abundance distributions and gradients in the merger remnant at z $=$ 0. We computed the projected phase space and the M/H distributions for the substructures in the M31 inner halo, namely, the Giant Stellar Stream (GSS) and the North-East (NE) and Western (W) shelves. We compared the chemodynamical properties of the simulated M31 remnant with recent measurements for the M31 stars in the inner halo substructures. This major merger model predicts (i) multiple distinct components within each of the substructures; (ii) a high mean metallicity and large spread in the GSS and NE and W Shelves, which explain various photometric and spectroscopic metallicity measurements; (iii) simulated phase space diagrams that qualitatively reproduce various features identified in the projected phase space of the substructures in published data from the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI); (iv) a large distance spread in the GSS, as suggested by previous tip of the red giant branch measurements; and (v) phase space ridges caused by several wraps of the secondary as well as up-scattered main M31 disc stars that also have plausible counterparts in the observed phase spaces. These results provide further strong and independent arguments for a major satellite merger in M31 ∼3 Gyr ago and a coherent explanation for many of the observational results that make M31 appear so different from the Milky Way.

The effect of belimumab on mucocutaneous and vasculitis manifestations in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: A large pooled post hoc analysis.

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of belimumab (BEL) on systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) mucocutaneous and vasculitis manifestations.MethodsThis post hoc, integrated Belimumab Summary of Lupus Efficacy (Be-SLE) analysis pooled data from five international Phase 3, randomized, placebo (PBO)-controlled BEL trials (BLISS-52 [NCT00424476; conducted in 2007-2009], BLISS-76 [NCT00410384; 2007-2009], BLISS-SC [NCT01484496, 2011-2015], North East Asia [NCT01345253; 2011-2015], EMBRACE [NCT01632241; 2013-2018]). Adults with active SLE and Safety of Estrogens in Lupus Erythematosus National Assessment-SLE Disease Activity Index (SELENA-SLEDAI) score ≥6 (BLISS-52, BLISS-76) or ≥8 (BLISS-SC, North East Asia, EMBRACE), randomized to BEL (10mg/kg/month intravenously or 200mg/week subcutaneously) or PBO, plus standard therapy (ST) were included. Mucocutaneous and vasculitis manifestations (listed below) were measured (baseline and every 4weeks) for 52weeks using SELENA-SLEDAI and British Isles Lupus Assessment Group (BILAG).ResultsOf 3086 patients (BEL, n = 1869; PBO, n = 1217), 85% (BEL and PBO) by SELENA-SLEDAI and 58% (BEL) and 62% (PBO) by BILAG (moderate or severe activity) had mucocutaneous manifestations, and <10% had vasculitis at baseline. At Week 52, significantly more BEL-treated than PBO-treated patients demonstrated improvements in SELENA-SLEDAI (59% vs 49%; p < .0001) and BILAG (54% vs 43%; p < .0001) mucocutaneous domains. Significant differences between-treatment favored BEL at Week 52 for resolution of all SELENA-SLEDAI items (vasculitis, rash, alopecia, and mucosal ulcers), and nine of 20 BILAG items (mild maculopapular eruption, localized active discoid lesions, mild alopecia, small mucosal ulceration, malar erythema, subcutaneous nodules, swollen fingers, major cutaneous vasculitis including ulcers, and minor cutaneous vasculitis).ConclusionPatients with SLE treated with BEL plus ST experienced significant improvements in most mucocutaneous and vasculitis manifestations compared with patients receiving PBO plus ST. These data provide additional support for the use of BEL in SLE and show that it is associated with skin improvements.

Act East Policy and ASEAN Connectivity: Political Turmoil and Security Challenges in India’s North East

India’s Act East Policy represents a strategic and economic blueprint to position the country as a regional power in Southeast Asia through enhanced connectivity and cooperation with ASEAN member states. North East India, sharing long international borders and holding immense geostrategic value, plays a pivotal role in this framework. However, the region is entrenched in political instability, ethnic conflict, insurgent activity, and underdevelopment, which collectively challenge the policy's implementation. This article examines the security, political, and structural constraints within the North East that hinder the realisation of India’s connectivity vision with ASEAN. It further explores the implications of militarisation, governance deficits, and cross-border pressures, offering critical insights and policy recommendations for reconciling internal conflict with external engagement.

A Review of The Narrative of Ethnic Conflicts and Violence Faultlines in Manipur of Northeast India: An Economic perspectives

It is a review paper that examines the pertinent issue of ethnic violence and conflicts that has long been experienced in the North East region of India. It is observed to be a generic problem of the region especially in Manipur. Ethnic violence and conflicts have erupted and exploded unpredictably throwing the region or the state or the ethnic communities under immense social, economic and political pressure. The region is rich but underdeveloped and one of the significant factors contributing to this economic backwardness is the violent relationship and trust deficit between the ethnic communities. The policies formulated and implemented in the region by the constitutionally established institutions has also contributed significantly to the volatile situation. In all this fluid and volatile situation, Agriculture sector has been the most vulnerable sector of the economy.

Evaluation of Enterobacteriaceae Isolated from Ogbese River, Ovia North East LGA, Edo State

Ogbese River is about 150 meters from the Ogbese community in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. It serves as the major source of water to the inhabitants of the community. This is because it’s strategic location, makes it available for domestic, agricultural and industrial purposes. This study was aimed at evaluation of Enterobacteriaceae isolated from Ogbese River. Samples (27) were collected from three sampling points (upstream, midstream and downstream with 100 meters apart) into sterile containers and were immediately transported to the laboratory on ice packs. Standard bacteriological methods such as most probable number (MPN) and standard plate counts were employed to isolate and enumerate bacterial species. Identification of the Enterobacteriaceae was done by using biochemical and molecular methods. Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion technique was employed for evaluation of antibacterial sensitivity against standard antibiotics and the multiple antibiotic resistance index was evaluated. The data were analyzed using SPSS (Version 26) and MS Excel (2019) employing basic descriptive statistics. The results revealed that total heterotrophic bacterial counts ranged from 4.52 ±2.12 cfu/ml – 51.50 ±4.94 cfu/ml, while the total coliform counts ranged from 0.33 ±0.03 cfu/ml – 17 ±1.55 cfu/ml. The molecular identification of the bacterial isolates revealed the presence of Enterobacter hormaechei, Proteus vulgaris, Salmonella bongori, Escherichia coli, Serratia liquefasciens, and Shigella flexneri. The phenotypic virulence properties revealed that all isolates were beta-hemolytic. The antibiotic sensitivity tests revealed that all isolates were resistant to tetracycline and erythromycin but were susceptible to ciprofloxacin and meropenem. The values of the multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index of all the isolates were greater than 0.2 which is the permissible limit. This suggests that the isolates are of public health significance as a risk factor to consumption of water from Ogbese river hence relevant authorities should set up regulatory teams to monitor the quality of the river.

Agro-Allied Expansion: The Green Climate Finance Perspectives

Research projections indicate persistent agricultural strain as rainfall levels are set to continue declining while temperatures increase due to ozone layer depletion and climate change. There is food shortage for the teeming populace in Nigeria thus having its negative effects on the people and the economy. The shortfall in food supply could be adduced to climate change, insecurity, poor agricultural credit facility, poor government policy roadmap e.t.c. This paper tends to x- ray the possibility of channeling the grant for agro- allied expansion by designing and fabricating farm tools for farming purposes, increase yield, food sufficiency and promotion of indigenous technology via the Green Climate Fund (GCF) supports. A weekly climate data were collected from two geographical zones (Southwest and North East) in Nigeria and their seasonal variation in land tilling actions were taken with appropriate financing mechanism of the United Nations (UN) which provided a grant of 2.5 million dollars to the Bank of Industry (BOI) through the French Development Agency (FDA) being one of the entities accredited by the Green Climate Fund. This technical assistance grant strengthens Bank of Industry’s capacity by providing funds for agro- allied tools and development of eligible climate-related projects financed with commensurable annual yields of grains in tons. It is concluded that the overall agricultural framework has solved the perennial acute shortage of food and revamp the economy.

Evans Syndrome: Analysis of 1255 Adult Cases in US Hospitals, Revealing Demographics, Associations, and Outcomes

Background: Evans syndrome (ES) is a rare immune disorder characterized by immune thrombocytopenia and warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia (wAIHA), with the possibility of autoimmune neutropenia (AIN). Limited data due to its rarity led us to perform a descriptive analysis of demographics, outcomes, and comorbidities. Materials and Methods: This study used the National Inpatient Sample database to identify Evans syndrome hospitalizations (ICD-10 code D69.41) from 2016 to 2019, with national estimates. We collected demographic data, examined outcomes, and assessed patient comorbidity. STATA Version 17 was used for data analysis. Results: In our study of 1,255 ES hospitalizations, the mean age was 50.13 years, with a relatively even gender distribution. The racial breakdown included White (59.6%), Black (17.1%), and Hispanic (14.6%). Most had Medicare (41.8%), Medicaid (20.4%), or private insurance (33.5%). Charlson Comorbidity Index scores varied, with 36.6% scoring 3 or more. Non-elective admissions accounted for 90.2% of cases, coming from various U.S. Census Divisions, with East North Central (16.2%) and Pacific (16.1%) leading. Large urban teaching hospitals handled 84.1% of cases. Mortality was 5.5%, the mean stay was 7.8 days, with total charges averaging $114,696. Notable associations included SLE (15.63%), ITP (37%), and anemia (53.5%). Inpatient risks included AKI (22.47%) and sepsis (15.33%). Interventions included red blood cell transfusion (18.65%) and platelet transfusion (10.44%). Conclusion: This study offers key insights into ES in hospitalized adults, emphasizing demographic trends and important associations with other conditions. More research is required to enhance our understanding of ES and enhance outcomes for those affected.

Evolutionary divergence contributes to species richness anomalies among intercontinental disjunct regions of ash species (Fraxinus, Oleaceae)

AbstractSpecies are distributed heterogeneously, and different regions have contrasting numbers of species, producing species richness anomalies. More than 100 angiosperm genera demonstrate disjunct distributions in at least two of these regions: Europe, eastern North America, western North America, and East Asia, and commonly between East Asia and eastern North America. These regions have similar climates but usually exhibit species richness anomalies; however, the underlying causes of species richness anomalies in disjunct intercontinental regions remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the drivers of anomalies in ash tree (genus Fraxinus L.) species richness anomalies among disjunct intercontinental regions based on distribution data, macrofossil records, and corresponding evolutionary and environmental variables. Generalized linear regression and pathway model analyses incorporating environmental and evolutionary processes indicated that global cooling has contributed to low species richness in Europe, whereas evolutionary divergence, shaped the distinct species distribution patterns in East Asia (which was identified as an evolutionary cradle) and North America (which was identified as an evolutionary museum). Environmental heterogenies and evolutionary divergence have resulted in a significant diversity anomaly between these regions. This study emphasizes the important role of evolution in the formation of species richness distribution patterns.

Criminal justice responses to victim-survivors of sexual violence with learning disabilities: findings from a local study in North East England

This article presents findings from research that explored local criminal justice responses to people with learning disabilities reporting sexual violence. The article presents data collected in interviews with victim-survivors and stakeholders. Findings suggest that the criminal justice system creates key barriers to justice for people with learning disabilities/autism when reporting sexual violence. Barriers include learning disabilities not being recognised or understood, a lack of effective communication, and a lack of appropriate support, alongside people with learning disabilities/autism not being viewed as ‘credible witnesses’ by the police or courts. The article concludes that current working practices are inherently discriminatory to those with atypical frames of reference and need adjustment to better support victim-survivors of sexual violence who have additional needs.

Early Devonian non-trilobite arthropods from the Iberian Chains (North East, Spain)

ABSTRACT Slightly sclerotised arthropods are described from shales of the Early Devonian age of the Axial Depression of the Cámaras river in Northeast Spain. The oldest records represent eurypterid fragments assigned to indeterminate Pterygotidae. They have been found in the early Pragian Nogueras Formation associated with land plant remains and rare marine invertebrates. The other two correspond to the first report of the phyllocarid Nahecaris in Spain. Nahecaris carlsi n. sp. is represented by a single complete specimen from the Pragian Santa Cruz Formation and Nahecaris sp. by another specimen from the Emsian Mariposas Formation. Both are associated with a rich marine fauna of various invertebrate groups. Environmentally, these arthropods occupied different areas from marginal marine (Pterygotidae indet.) to more open marine conditions (Nahecaris). The discovery of slightly sclerotised arthropods in several levels informs about the potential of the area for such type of preservation.