Northwestern Region Research Articles

Genetic differentiation and precolonial Indigenous cultivation of hazelnut ( Corylus cornuta , Betulaceae) in Western North America

Cultivation studies evaluating land-use histories and coevolutionary dynamics between humans and plants focus predominantly on domesticated species. Traditional anthropological divisions of “foragers” and “farmers” have shaped our understanding of ancient cultivation practices but have several limitations, including how people stewarded and managed nondomesticated species. To investigate the long-term effects of plant management in the Pacific Northwest, this study focuses on beaked hazelnut ( Corylus cornuta ) which has a long, precolonial history of management, transportation, and cultivation in British Columbia (BC, Canada). In particular, isolated hazelnut populations in northwestern BC are thought to be the result of historical transplanting and management. We sampled individual hazelnuts (n = 219) representing three distinct regions in and assessed 9,650 genome-wide SNPs identified with nextRAD genotyping-by-sequencing libraries to test for population genetic structure. We used linear measurements of individuals to assess morphological phenotypes and to identify variation between individuals and lineages. These data reveal shared genetic clusters in distant and disjunct northwestern and interior regions consistent with the movement of humans across the landscape. We also find several small genetically distinct populations in the northwestern region. The Genetic structure of hazelnut in the previously labeled “disjunct” region in Gitxsan, Ts’msyen, and Nis g a’a homelands is consistent with the enduring influence of people on the distribution of purportedly “wild” plant species. Our results support the hypothesis that hazelnut was likely transplanted long distances and also managed in situ. This study highlights the often-overlooked agency of Indigenous Peoples in shaping species range distributions in North America.

Biotechnology of groundwater purification for water supply systems, using Gallionella and Lepthothrix ferrobacteria

Aim. The aim of the study was to consider the possibility of using the consortia of chemolithoautotrophic ferrobacteria from Gallionella genus and heterotrophic bacteria from Lepthothrix genus for the biological method of groundwater purification. Methods. The photocolorimetric method to determine the concentrations of ammonium and iron ions, the titrimetric method to determine the hydrocarbon and total alkalinity, the method of determining the permanganate oxidizability using the Kubel method, the potentiometric method to determine the values of рН and Еh, the electronic microscopy using the X-ray spectral analysis of matrix structures of bio-minerals, microbiological and statistical methods. Results. The main technological parameters of the water deironing process were defined as follows: the filtration velocity of the bioreactor – 7–11 m/h, and of the filters – 3.5–5 m/h; the filter-cycle duration – 48 h. It was found that the application of the two-stage technology of biological deironing in the bioreactor and filters provided for the possible removal of Fe2+ compounds up to 5.0 mg/cdm, ammonium nitrogen — up to 1.5 mg/cdm, soluble organic substances by PO – up to 6.0 mg O2/cdm. It was determined that the optimal parameters for the process of biological purification of neutral groundwaters, containing increased concentrations of Fe2+ cations were as follows: рН 7.0–7.2; hydrocarbon alkalinity 2.5–2.2 mmol/cdm; content of soluble oxygen – 1.5–2.0 mg/cdm. The ability of concentrated (Dos 200 mg/cdm) matrix structures of Gallionella and Lepthothrix ferrobacteria to remove Cr6+ ions from natural groundwaters was determined. The study found no considerable differences in the efficiency of applying disinfectants, produced using polyhexamethylene guanidine chloride (PHMGchl) or polyhexamethylene biguanidine chloride (PHMBchl). In concentrations of 0.25–0.5 %, they effectively disinfect pathogenic microorganisms, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The same was found true for the bacteria, most common in the systems of technical reverse water supply, the systems of water circulation, plant watering, and fire tanks, including Aeromonas hydrophila, Aeromonas salmonicida, Pseudomonas sp., E. coli, Flavobacterium columnare, Micrococcus lysodeikticus. Conclusions. This was the first study on the possibility of applying the biotechnology of groundwater purification from excessive amounts of iron in conditions of uneven hydraulic burden, notable for the water supply systems of rural areas and most agricultural enterprises in the north-western and northern regions of Ukraine. The specificities and perspectives of PHMGchl application in the systems of water preparation were studied. It was found that from the standpoint of safety and efficiency, the use of the water deironing processes involving iron bacteria was reasonable in the systems of water consumption and technical water supply, and the disinfection of water using PHMG was possible only in the second case, due to some toxicity of the preparation. The optimal parameters for the process of biological purification of neutral groundwaters, containing increased concentrations of Fe2+ cations were determined.

The mercury and low molecular-weight antioxidants levels in ungulates of the Republic of Karelia

The high toxicity of mercury (Hg) poses a danger to the environment and humans, but studies of the concentration of this metal in organisms of terrestrial ecosystems are few. Ecotoxicologists also pay little attention to studying the role of antioxidant vitamins in protecting cells from toxic metals. The Republic of Karelia is one of the northwestern regions of Russia, the biogeochemical features of which can contribute to an increase in the mobility and bioavailability of Hg in food chains. The purpose of the work was to determine the concentration of Hg in the liver, kidneys, muscle and hair of ungulate mammals of the Republic of Karelia (wild boar Sus scrofa L. and moose Alces alces L.) and to analyze the relationship between the level of this toxic metal and the content of low molecular-weight antioxidants – reduced glutathione, retinol and α-tocopherol. Species and tissue-specific of the studied parameters in wild boars and moose are noted. The observations discovered by other researchers that omnivorous species accumulate more Hg in their tissues compared to herbivores, and also that this toxic metal is predominantly accumulated in the kidneys, while muscles contain a minimal amount, have been confirmed. Hg concentrations in most samples of liver and kidney of wild boars and in all samples of these same organs of moose were within the limits recorded for domestic pigs and deer, respectively. The levels of Hg we recorded in the tissues and hair of wild boars and moose were generally comparable to or lower than the levels of this metal noted in animals from other regions of Russia and other countries of the world. In wild boars and moose of Karelia, no statistically significant relationships were found between the Hg level and the content of the studied antioxidants in the internal organs. Moose were characterized by a higher content of α-tocopherol in the body than wild boars, which is a feature of this type of herbivorous ungulate mammal. The results of the study indicate a relatively low level of mercury pollution in terrestrial ecosystems in Karelia.

Integrity and Size of Green Spaces Are Critical for the Functional Diversity of Birds: Evidence from the Eastern and Northwestern Regions of China

Integrity and Size of Green Spaces Are Critical for the Functional Diversity of Birds: Evidence from the Eastern and Northwestern Regions of China

Spatial and Temporal Analysis of Severe Dust Storm in Iraq in May 2022

Dust storms are a common ecological occurrence in many world‘s countries, mainly in dry and semi-dry parts. Dust storms tremendously influence human health, the environment, the climate, and numerous social aspects. In this paper, spatial and temporal analysis, metrological triggers, and trajectory, dust exporting areas of a severe dust storm that occurred in Iraq on May 16, 2022, were investigated. The dust storm's backward trajectory was determined using HYSPLIT model, which is then compared with MODIS and Meteosat satellite images. The weather is then analyzed using the NCEP/NCAR Reanalysis model, and the approximate area of these sources was determined using Landsat 8 satellite image classification method. The results revealed that the HYSPLIT model trajectory of the dust storm agreed with MODIS and Meteosat satellite visuals. The primary dust storm sources and their areas are identified. The first source is from the shared border region between Syria (Rif-Dimasshq) and Jordan (north of Al-Ruwaished), with an area of about 775 km2. The second is from the northwestern regions of Iraq, specifically north of Anbar and south of Nineveh, with an area of about 905 km2.

Diversity of hirudin and hirudin-like factor genes in the North-African medicinal leech, Hirudo troctina.

Medicinal leeches of the genus Hirudo inhabit large areas of the Palaearctic realm. The distribution range of Hirudo troctina includes the southern Iberian peninsula and the northwestern regions of Africa. H. troctina is used for medical purposes, but only very little is known about the components of its salivary gland secretion. Hirudins, bivalent inhibitors of thrombin, are probably the best known leech-derived bioactive factors. Hirudin-like factors (HLFs) represent another class of salivary gland components that share characteristic genetic and structural markers with hirudins. Hirudin is not a single entity but exists in at least four different variants. However, there are differences among the European members of the genus Hirudo with respect to the actual number of hirudin and HLF genes that are present within their genomes. Here, we describe the identification and molecular cloning of 11 genes that encode for putative hirudin and HLF variants in H. troctina. Three of the genes consist of exons and introns that originate from different "archetype" genes and are likely the result of recombination events. The diversity of hirudin and HLF genes in H. troctina surpasses that of all other European members of the genus Hirudo. The putative hirudin variants and representatives of the HLFs of H. troctina were expressed as recombinant proteins, purified and functionally characterized for their thrombin-inhibiting potencies. Phylogenetic analyses based on hirudin and HLF gene sequences of the leech genera Hirudo, Hirudinaria, and Whitmania supported the hypothesis that hirudins and HLFs diverged early in leech evolution.

Induced genetic variability for quantitative and biochemical traits of local landraces of rajmash (Phaseolus vulgaris) of north-western Himalayas

The present study was carried out during rainy (kharif) seasons of 2020 and 2021 at Regional Horticulture Research Station (Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir), Bhaderwah, Doda, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir to evaluate genetic variability for quantitative and biochemical traits of local landraces of rajmash (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) of north-western Himalayas. Twenty-two induced mutant lines of rajmash generated with gamma rays and ethyl methane sulphonate were screened for quantitative, qualitative and anthracnose reactions under natural and artificial conditions in the field during kharif 2020 (M3) and 2021 (M4). The highly significant differences imply that induced mutant lines for different traits exhibited substantial amount of genetic diversity. Zinc content (55.38) and grain yield/plant (33.24) both had high phenotypic coefficients of variation, while 1000-seed weight (10.14) and protein content had low values (9.83). Zinc content had highest genetic advance, measured as a percentage of the mean, and the highest heritability, followed by grain yield/plant, iron content, number of pods/plant, number of clusters/plant, days to flowering and number of seeds/pod, whereas days to maturity and 1000-seed weight were moderate. The number of pods/plant (0.774), number of seeds/pod (0.556), number of clusters/plant (0.729), length of pod (0.648) and 1000-seed weight (0.620) all exposed a highly significant relationship with grain yield/plant but the days to flowering (-0.636) and days to maturity showed negative correlation (-0.602). It is obvious that the 9 induced mutant lines of Bhaderwah local and Poonch local i.e. R-BL-M3-1, R-BL-M3-9, R-BL-M3-10, R-BL-M3-12, R-BL-M3-13, R-BL-M3-14, R-PL-M3-18, R-PL-M3-20 and R-PL-M3-22 showed the minimum anthracnose disease incidence along with early emergence and superiority in grain yield/plant compared to controls. These mutant lines may be carried forward for the development of mutant genetic stocks and varietal development programmes of rajmash for north-western Himalayan region.

Virulence and Diversity of Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici Populations in Northwestern and Southwestern Oversummering Regions of China.

Stripe rust, caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), is the most devastating fungal disease affecting wheat in China, particularly in the northwestern (Qinghai, Gansu, and Ningxia) and southwestern (Sichuan, Yunnan, and Guizhou) oversummering regions. In this study, 302 isolates collected from these six provinces were analyzed using virulence testing and single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. Virulence testing on 19 Chinese differentials identified 38 previously reported and 49 novel races. CYR34 was the most prevalent race in both the northwestern and southwestern oversummering regions, with frequencies of 24.00% and 21.05%, respectively. In the northwestern oversummering region, the prevalence of CYR32 (10.70%) and G22-14 (10.67%) was nearly identical, whereas in the southwestern oversummering region, CYR32 (13.20%) and G22-14 (9.87%) exhibited significant differences. Additionally, 112 races were identified using 18 Yr single-gene differentials, although none of the isolates showed virulence to either Yr5 or Yr15. The virulence diversity of Pst populations was greater in the southwestern than in the northwestern oversummering region, as indicated by the differential sets. Further molecular analysis with 20 pairs of polymorphic KASP-SNP markers confirmed that the southwestern Pst population exhibited higher genetic diversity than the northwestern population. Both virulence phenotypes and genotype data demonstrated that the Pst population was more diverse in the southwestern oversummering region, despite presence of the exchange of Pst sources between regions. In addition, mutant isolates indicating resistance to tiadimefon fungicide were detected in both regions. This study provides a systematic comparison of Pst populations in the northwestern and southwestern oversummering regions based on virulence phenotyping and SNP marker genotyping, and the findings are crucial for the integrated management of wheat stripe rust in these regions and across the country.

(Im)mobile intimacies: Commodities and marriage at the crossroads of Asia

AbstractThis article follows traders and entrepreneurs that live and work between Kyrgyzstan and China's northwestern region of Xinjiang. Looking specifically at Islamic marriage and business partnerships forged between persecuted Uyghurs and their Uzbek partners, it argues that commodity‐mediated forms of transnational intimacy create spaces of safety and possibility in the face of political oppression, carceral violence, and gendered limitations. These transnational mobilities are forged in spite of structural immobilities. Taking seriously the imbrications of objects and people, it advances a view of intimacy as a multi‐scalar, trans‐subjective, and multiply entangled field of relationality.

Evaluating health risks of PM2.5-bound heavy elements in Faridabad, Haryana (India): an industrial perspective.

The present study isfocused on investigating the heavy/toxic metals (Al, Ni, Cr, Pb, Cu, As,Mn, and Zn) of PM2.5 and assessing their associated human health risks. During the study period (July 2022 to July 2023), the PM2.5 samples were collected from two distinct sites in Faridabad (92 samples from site 1 and 85 samples from site 2). In this study, the US EPA's Risk Assessment Guidance for Superfund (RAGS) was followed to evaluate the human health risk associated with PM2.5-bound heavy elements. The annual average of PM2.5 concentrations was 108 ± 16µgm⁻3 at site 1 and 154 ± 11µgm⁻3 at site 2, approximately three to fourtimes higher than the national ambient air quality standards (annual, 40µgm-3). The analysis of enrichment factors (EFs) for the elements Cr, As, Zn, Cu, Mn, Pb, and Ni indicates that the heavy elements associated with PM2.5 primarily originate from anthropogenic sources. The application of the conditional bivariate probability function (CBPF) model for Faridabad revealed local pollution sources contributing to elevated mass concentrations at the receptor site from the southern (S), northwestern (NW), northeastern (NE), southwestern (SW), and southeastern (SE) regions. Furthermore, positive matrix factorization (PMF) analysis identified the predominant sources of PM2.5-bound heavy elements as industrial emissions (41%), vehicular emissions (34%), and combustion processes (25%). After a thorough assessment of health hazards, Cr appeared as a significant carcinogenic risk factor. Children with elevated hazard quotient (HQ) values for Mn and Cr indicated non-carcinogenic health problems. Ultimately, this analysis reinforces the necessity for rigorous monitoring and intervention to safeguard public health from the potentially harmful effects of heavy elements.

Factors Influencing Teacher Enthusiasm: A Qualitative Study in Turkish Context

This study explores the factors influencing teacher enthusiasm in Turkish public schools through a qualitative, exploratory case study design conducted in two provinces in the northwestern region of Türkiye. Data were collected from 28 teachers using semi-structured interviews, with participants selected through convenience and maximum variation sampling methods. Content analysis was employed to analyze the data. The research identified three primary themes: personal factors, contextual factors, and external factors. Personal factors include motivation, affection for teaching and job satisfaction. Contextual factors encompass students’ academic performance and behaviors, school leadership practices, relationships with colleagues, and working conditions. External factors involve parental attitudes, educational policies, the value perception of the teaching profession, and incentives and rewards. The findings emphasize the critical role of personal motivation, affection for teaching, and job satisfaction in fostering teacher enthusiasm. Additionally, supportive leadership, positive student interactions, and a collaborative work environment are crucial contextual factors. External factors such as positive parental attitudes, consistent educational policies, societal recognition of the teaching profession, and appropriate incentives and rewards also play a vital role in fostering teacher enthusiasm. These results suggest that policymakers should prioritize consistent educational policies as well as recognition and rewards for teachers, while school principals should create supportive and collaborative environments. By addressing these areas, stakeholders can enhance teacher enthusiasm, ultimately improving teaching quality and student outcomes.

Features of Landfill Reclamation in the North-Western Region of Russia

Ecological and climatic features of solid municipal waste landfills in the north-western region of the Russian Federation are considered. It was noted that it is impossible to use the land for the intended purpose, stipulated by regulatory documents, immediately after completion of waste disposal. The incorrectness of the current regulatory documents in relation to the north-western region of Russia is emphasized. The expediency of reclamation in two stages is substantiated: at the first stage, the sanitary-hygienic direction is carried out – the creation of phytocenoses of anti-erosion and aesthetic purpose, at the second stage (after 2–3 decades and more) after assessment of the ecological situation in the landfill area the direction of reclamation is chosen and the target (economic) land use is established.

Construction and Empirical Research of an Evaluation System for High-Quality Development of Small Towns in Guangxi Under the New Development Concept

The high-quality development of small towns in Guangxi is crucial for regional economic balance and sustainable development. This research conducts an in-depth exploration and systematic construction and validation analysis of the high-quality development of small towns in Guangxi. Guided by the new development concepts of innovation, coordination, green, openness, and sharing, a comprehensive evaluation system is established to assess the development levels of 70 small towns from 2005 to 2022. The research findings are as follows: 1. The analysis revealed significant growth in these dimensions over the study period, highlighting the unique characteristics of different types of small towns. 2. It was observed that small towns in southeastern Guangxi generally demonstrated higher development levels, while those in the northwestern regions exhibited considerable disparities, indicating regional imbalances. 3. The overall gap in the high-quality development level of small towns is gradually narrowing, but the difference is still relatively significant. 4. The findings underscore the advantages of the evaluation system developed, which effectively captures the multidimensional nature of high-quality development and serves as a robust framework for future research.

Identification of thresholds and key drivers on Water Use Efficiency in different maize ecoregions in Yellow River Basin of China

Identifying the constrains on water use efficiency (WUE) of crops along a wet-to-dry gradient is important due to irrigation water scarcity, as well as the increasing drought risk under climate change in China. This study coupled five high-resolution climate models from Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) with the Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer (DSSAT)-CERES-Maize model to quantify drought risk and the drivers affecting WUE in five major maize ecoregions of the Yellow River Basin (YRB) under three future scenarios (SSP126, SSP370, and SSP585) for both the historical baseline (1985-2014) and three future periods: 2021-2040 (2030s), 2041-2070 (2050s), and 2071-2100 (2080s). And a bias correction method was implemented for the crop model to analyze optimal WUE thresholds for maize across varying dry-wet gradients. The results indicated that future drought risk will likely persist in the YRB under all scenarios, but with regional differences in drought severity and frequency. The southwestern region (V) experienced the highest frequency of drought (62.50%-SSP126), while the northwestern region (III) exhibited the lowest frequency (33.00%-SSP585) in 2030s, and 83.30% of areas in the southwestern (V) showed significant wetting in the 2080s under SSP126. The bias-corrected CERES-Maize model effectively simulated crop yield and evapotranspiration (ET), resulting in an average reduction of 4.00% and 9.73% in normalized root mean square error (nRMSE) respectively. Distinct WUE thresholds ranging from 1.96 to 8.41 kg ha−1 mm-1 were observed across various scenarios-periods in the maize regions, mostly under slight and moderate dry/wet conditions. Notably, all SSP585 scenarios demonstrated a decrease in WUE thresholds compared to the baseline. Across all scenarios and periods, WUE was mainly driven by yield in the eastern regions (I and II) but by ET in the western regions (III, IV, and V). These findings suggest that regions experiencing varying degrees of drought severity should undergo differentiated management and optimization of agricultural practices to improve WUE under future climate scenarios.

Parasitic fauna of wild boars (Sus scrofa) from the northwestern region of São Paulo state, Brazil.

In Brazil, the wild boar (Sus scrofa) is the main invasive exotic species, responsible for causing various economic, environmental, and health damages to biodiversity. In view of the above, we aimed in our study to investigate the occurrence of endo and ectoparasites in free-ranging wild boars in the northwest region of the state of São Paulo, Brazil. In total, 45 animals of different sexes and ages were examined in this research. Fecal and urine samples were processed using coproparasitological techniques. Multiple incisions in muscles, liver, and pancreas were also made to investigate cestodes and trematodes, and the entire epidermal region of the animals was analyzed for ectoparasites search. In our study, we demonstrate an occurrence of 97.77% (44/45) and 43.33% (13/30) of endo and ectoparasites, respectively, in wild boars, with the identification of eggs of Metastrongylus spp., Strongyloides ransomi, Trichuris suis, Stephanurus dentatus, and nematodes of the order Strongylida, as well as oocysts of Eimeriidae protozoa. Ectoparasite infestations were mainly caused by ixodids of the genus Amblyomma spp. and by larvae of Cochliomyia hominivorax.

Chefs Evaluate Syrup from the Wild Bigleaf Maple (Acer macrophyllum): A New Artisanal Food from Pacific Northwest Forests

This paper examines a new artisanal food product made from bigleaf maple trees (Acer macrophyllum). These trees are indigenous to, and thrive in, the moist and mild climate of the Pacific Northwestern regions of the United States and Canada. Small producers have a new artisanal product from this historically valuable tree. The sap is collected from family-owned woodland trees to produce maple syrup. To better understand the gastronomic potential of bigleaf maple syrup, we conducted sensory evaluations with culinary professionals. In this study undertaken in Oregon, the syrup from three small independent producers was subjected to sensory hedonic and attribute assessments by 62 chefs. The results of the sensory assessments and the details of the testing methods and analysis are presented. This paper examines the agreement among the chefs and the implications for the culinary acceptance of this new artisanal product. We discuss in detail (1) the complexity of flavor; (2) the most likely use of bigleaf maple syrup in various foods or as a sweetener; (3) and the four most important reasons for purchasing bigleaf maple syrup consisting of both environmental and taste attributes.

The seismicity of the Carpathians in 2023

According to the results of observations at the seismic stations of the Carpathian region of Ukraine in 2023, the main parameters of 81 earthquakes in the range of energy classes KR=5.8÷13.7 were obtained. The parameters of seismometric equipment at active seismic stations are given. A catalog of earthquakes, their distribution by regions and energy classes, a map of epicenters, graphs of seismic energy release and the number of earthquakes in the region by month are presented. A brief description of the seismicity of certain seismically active areas of the Carpathian region is given. The total energy observed in the region was ΣЕ=9.06·1013 J, which is slightly higher than the last year’s level of ΣЕ=5.06·1013 J. This year, increased seismic activity was observed in three seismically active areas. Thus, 19 earthquakes of energy class KR=5.7÷13.7 were recorded in the North-Western region. Their total seismic energy was ΣЕ=5.02∙1013 J. The two strongest in this area were the earthquake that occurred on October 9 at 18:23 on the territory of Slovakia, near the town of Humenne, with KR=13.7 at a depth of h=8.8 km and intensity at the epicenter of I0=8 points and the earthquake in Transcarpathia, near the village of Dovge, on January 3 at 01:28 with magnitude MSH=3.1, KR=10.7 at a depth of h=9.6 km and intensity at the epicenter of about 5 points. In the Southern Carpathians, 29 earthquakes with KR=8.8÷13.0 were registered at a depth of 2―35 km with a total seismic energy of ΣЕ=3.72∙1013 J. This year, in terms of seismic activity after a long seismic lull, the Krishan region was the third. There were 8 earthquakes with KR=7.6÷12.3 with total seismic energy ΣЕ=2.56∙1012 J. The foci of earthquakes are located in the earth’s crust at depths h=2.0÷15.1 km. This year, compared to last year, the Vrancea district was less active. For the whole year, 19 events with KR=8.4÷11.5 were recorded, the total seismic energy of which is ΣЕ=6.41∙1011 J. In the territory of Bukovyna this year, there is also a decrease in seismic activity compared to 2022. A total of 4 earthquakes with an energy class of KR= 5.8÷7.8 had total seismic energy ΣЕ=1.05∙108 J. The foci of earthquakes were located in the earth’s crust at depths h=1.1÷5 km. Only 2 weak earthquakes were recorded in the Bacau region in 2023, and none in the Banat and Transylvania regions. The regional Carpathian hodograph was used to determine the main parameters of earthquakes in Transcarpathia, and the Jeffreys-Bullen hodograph was used for earthquakes in the Vrancea zone and other six districts.

PREDICTING THE POTENTIAL DISTRIBUTION OF Pinus cernua L.K. PHAN EX AVER., K.S. NGUYEN AND T.H. NGUYEN, A CRITICALLY ENDANGERED CONIFER SPECIES

Pinus cernua L.K. Phan ex Aver., K.S. Nguyen and T.H. Nguyen (Pinaceae) is a critically endangered species restricted to the Laos - Vietnam border. The population of this species has been declining due to habitat loss and forest fire. Predicting the potential distribution of the species is an important priority for conservation plans and strategies. In this study, a MaxEnt model was used for predicting the potential distribution of P. cernua using 21 occurrence data and 13 environmental variables. Precipitation of driest month (with 32.3% of contribution), annual mean diurnal range (23.4%), elevation (18.4%), and aspect (12.3%) are crucial factors for predicting the species’ potential distribution in the MaxEnt model, while remaining factors are less important factors. The suitable distribution was predicted in the north-western region of Vietnam and the adjacent regions of Son La and Thanh Hoa provinces (Vietnam) and Houaphan province (Laos) with 1,544 km2 in total. The high, medium, and low suitability areas are 159 km2 (10%), 475 km2 (31%), and 910 km2 (59%), respectively. The current protected areas do not contain many of the possible habitats for this species. Priority should be given to conservation efforts for species in these potentially suitable locations both in- and outside of current protected areas, particularly in the surrounding area of Vietnam and Laos.

New Cingulata (Mammalia, Xenarthra) from the late Neogene Palo Pintado Formation (Northwestern Argentina)

Cingulata (Early Eocene-Recent) is a very well-diversified clade that reached a high diversity during the early Neogene. In southern South America, there is an evident imbalance in our knowledge of the Neogene diversity along the Northwestern region of Argentina (NWA) compared to the Pampean region (PR), despite the importance of NWA to understanding the hypothetical evolutionary scenarios of several clades. The Palo Pintado Formation (ca. 10–5 Ma) is one of the richest units in NWA, involving both the global warming of the Tortonian (ca. 11.6–7.25 Ma) and the global cooling event of the Messinian (ca. 7.25–5.33), coeval with the widespread of the C4 plants. Despite this, Cingulata from this Formation are still poorly known. Interdisciplinary fieldwork at Calchaqui Valley (Angastaco Basin) yielded several new remains, including Chlamyphoridae Euphractinae Proeuphractus limpidus, Chorobates villossisimus and Prozaedyus sp.; Dasypodidae Dasypus sp.; Pampatheriidae Kraglievichia paranensis; and Glyptodontidae Cranithlastus xibiensis. The “armadillos” P. limpidus, Prozaedyus sp., and Dasypus sp. increase the previously known diversity. The record of Dasypus sp. reinforces recent hypotheses extending the biochron of the genus to the Late Miocene in NWA. The recognized taxonomic diversity of glyptodonts, limited to one species, contrasts with that known from other coeval formations placed both in the south (Andalhuala and Corral Quemado formations, Catamarca Province) and the north (Maimará and Tafna formations, Jujuy Province), revealing a complex biogeographic scenario for this clade during this period. The analyzed deposits are interpreted as accumulated within the channel and formed during episodes of large discharges of water and sediment mostly under a warm subtropical climate, tough there is an aridization recorded at ca. 6 Ma, which is probably related to the increase in the taxonomic diversification of Cingulata along the stratigraphic sequence.

Citizens’ Free Access to Information. The Case of Local Institutions from Rural Areas of the North-Western Region from Romania

This study examines the extent to which local authorities in rural North-West Romania adhere to the requirements set forth in Law no. 544 of 2001, which mandates the ex officio public information disclosure online. The findings suggest a relatively low level of transparency, with notable discrepancies observed across communes. While larger communes exhibited slightly elevated levels of compliance, population size exerted a limited influence on transparency. Additionally, the study revealed no statistically significant correlation between the gender of mayors and transparency. This may be attributed to the limited representation of female mayors in the sample. Similarly, while the presence of businesses demonstrated some influence on transparency, it was not a robust predictor. These findings underscore the necessity for more robust enforcement mechanisms, including penalties for non-compliance, to guarantee compliance with transparency laws. Furthermore, the study highlights the necessity of considering a broader array of factors, including local governance practices, institutional capacity, and citizen engagement, when evaluating transparency outcomes. It would be beneficial for future research to expand to other regions and consider a longitudinal approach to monitor changes over time. The study underscores the pivotal role of transparency in cultivating public trust, curbing corruption, and strengthening democratic governance.