Northwestern Border Research Articles

POSSIBILITIES OF CREATING CROSS-BORDER TOURIST DESTINATIONS IN EAST-CENTRAL EUROPE

Tourism development is one of today's popular tools for mitigating regional inequalities, thus many regions see tourism as an opportunity to break out. This is no different in the case of border regions, where development in this direction is also supported by cross-border, EU-financed or (co-)financed programs. The aim of the paper is to investigate whether there is a real possibility of connecting the areas along the national borders for tourism purposes and creating sustainable tourism in these regions. The study examines the possibility of creating cross-border tourist destinations in three pre-selected areas in the Hungarian-Croatian, Hungarian-Slovenian and North-Western Hungarian-Slovakian border regions during the last two, already closed programming periods. Results of the research show, that cooperation between border countries for real tourism purposes is still possible today, and it only really aimed at creating uniform reception areas that ignore borders in a few cases. After the implementation of the programs, cross-border destinations as sellable tourist products were not created. The study shows that, in the case of two regions, the potential is given and the initiatives aimed at creating cross-border destinations are promising.

CONSOLIDATION OF STATEHOOD: URBANISATION OF BORDER REGIONS OF THE PRINCIPALITY OF SERBIA IN 1833–1839

This paper elaborates on the measures and decisions of the authorities in the Principality of Serbia that aimed to demarcate the borders and urbanise the wider border areas, with the goal of greater separation of the Principality of Serbia from the Ottoman Empire. The chronological framework of the paper spans from 1833 when the provisions of the Hattisharif finally confirmed the border between the Ottoman Empire and the autonomous Principality of Serbia, to 1839, which marked the end of the first rule of Prince Miloš. During this period, the main directions of urbanisation in Serbia were determined. The paper indicates that the urbanisation of Serbia’s border regions involved measures directly related to border arrangements (establishment of border patrols, border crossings, customs, and quarantines), as well as measures implemented throughout the territory of the Principality (spatial organisation of towns, small towns, and villages, construction and restoration of churches and monasteries). The impact of migration movements after the establishment of the border on the emergence of new settlements or repopulation of deserted settlements in the border areas of the Principality of Serbia was considered, as well as the spatial planning of border varošes/towns and varošicas/small towns, and the establishment of new road routes towards the border. Spatial organisation of villages, although incomplete, was successfully implemented in the northwestern and northern border regions of the Principality of Serbia.

Cross-Border Conflicts and Social-Economic Development along the Kenya-Ethiopia Border: A Case of Northwestern Kenya

Purpose: Kenya borders South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Uganda on the western side. The border is ladened with cross-border conflict involving the Turkana of Kenya, Dasanach and Nyangatom of Ethiopia, Toposa of South Sudan, and Karamoja of Uganda. The cross-border conflicts between Kenya and Ethiopia continue to ravage the social-economic development of cross-border communities on the border of Kenya. Thus, this study focused on managing the cross-border conflict and improving economic growth on the Kenyan northwestern border and Kenya-Ethiopia relations. Methodology: The study used an explanatory research design and multistage sampling. The study sampled the targeted population of 65,218 respondents of the Turkana North constituency. A descriptive analysis of 392 respondents was used in questionnaires, focus group discussions, and observation to collect quantitative and qualitative data. Findings: The findings indicate a high prevalence of cross-border conflicts, their considerable impacts on the social and economic development of the affected areas and communities, and varying levels of effectiveness of various interventions to resolve the issue. After examining the effect of cross-border conflicts on the social economic development of the Kenya-Ethiopia border, the findings showed that locals on the Kenyan side were victims of cross-border attacks from Merille of Ethiopia, as revealed by 76% of the respondents. The study acknowledged the presence of interventions for Managing cross-border Conflicts and Social Economic Development in Turkana County, Kenya-Ethiopia Border administrative mechanisms in managing cross-border conflicts and improving Kenya-Ethiopia relations. The study concluded that the effectiveness of these strategies would enhance the capacity of Kenya and Ethiopia to alleviate the social economic growth of the people and boost relations in the region. The study evaluated measures for enhancing the interventions for managing Cross-border Conflict and Social Economic Development in Turkana County, Kenya-Ethiopia Border. The study documented the state's various actions to mitigate, reduce, or eradicate cross-border conflict in northwestern Kenya. These actions were meant to address cross-border conflict and improve the social economic development of the area. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Constructivist perspective to the cross-border conflict on Kenyan-Ethiopian conflict allows for a better understanding of how identity, norms, and perceptions contribute to the prevalence and persistence of the conflicts. Such perspectives provide a more nuanced approach to the issues that transcend the traditional economic and geopolitical factors to consider the cultural and social aspects of the cross-border conflict. The study concludes that the effective implementation of the disarmament mechanism on the border of Kenya and Ethiopia contributed to the cross-border conflict and enhanced the social-economic development of Turkana County, concluding that the mechanism for cross-border conflict is adequate. However, their implementation was weak due to lacking resources and goodwill. Therefore, the study recommended that Kenya and Ethiopia address the root causes of cross-border conflicts, triggers, and accelerators by promoting effective institutional policies and administrative frameworks for managing natural resources and setting up official access crossing points. Finally, Kenya and Ethiopia pool resources to boost the livelihoods of their border communities.

Multi-scale hydrostructural approach for karst environment. Application to the Arcier hydrosystem (eastern France)

Based on a multi-scale and hydrostructural approach, this study presents the most relevant methodology to be applied to a karst hydrosystem in order to get a full understanding of underground water flow. It implies a complete structural analysis, from the hydrosystem scale to the outcrop scale, including the intermediate scale of the major geological structures. We illustrate the method in the Arcier hydrosystem, in the northwestern border of the Jura fold-and-thrust belt (Eastern France).Field mapping and structural analysis allow to update the geological vision of the hydrosystem with two kink-type fault propagation folds, including a trishear kinematic model, on either side of a plateau presenting a hollow-and-dome configuration. Fracturing analysis reveals a fault-fracture network that we infer governs the entire hydrosystem. A Riedel pattern is highlighted, characterized by a N–S-striking (N355° ± 5), sinistral strike-slip, regional shear zone. Then, two 3D geological models, at different scales, constructed with MOVE and Visual Karsys softwares are combined with water levels and artificial tracer tests. It reveals a multilayer aquifer and a redefinition of groundwater circulations for the Arcier hydrosystem.The results demonstrate a strong geological control of karstic hydrosystems on groundwater circulations, proving that classical hydrogeological methods, such as natural and/or artificial tracers, must be combined with rigorous geological analysis. Moreover, the multi-scale approach provides an explanation of groundwater circulation based on the intersection between 3D geometry of impervious layers delimiting the aquifers and their base water level, instead of the 2D view (section or map) requiring systematic recourse to inferred vertical faults to cross permeability barriers vertically or laterally. This study also brings a new vision to the local protection of the water resource.

요·금 시대 고려 서북계의 범위 재고찰

During the Liao(遼) and Jin(金) dynasties of the Goryeo(高麗) period, Goryeo's northwestern border was defined by the Yalu River(鴨淥江), and Boju(保州) was located at the northwest end of Goryeo's six eastern provinces. During the Japanese colonial period, Tsuda Soh Ki-chi(津田左右吉) redefined the scope of the six eastern provinces to include the coastal areas of present day Pyonganbuk-do within the current Yalu River, a view that our academic community currently follows. However, recently, based on research suggesting that the Yalu River during the Goryeo period was the Liao River, an argument has been made that the six eastern provinces of Goryeo should be viewed as lying between the opening of Kaixian and Cheollyeong in China. Nevertheless, issues remain regarding Goryeo's northwestern border and the Yalu River. Firstly, the misconception arises from examining the direction not as true north(眞北) but as mapped north(圖北), leading to an erroneous consideration of the west as northwest. Secondly, place names can change, and the same applies to the boundary river, the Yalu River. Therefore, the Yalu River should not be seen as a proper noun referring to a specific river but rather as a common noun meaning “boundary.” The fact that the Yalu River has many names suggests that these are not different names for a single river but rather names that indigenous people in the region have given to rivers that have become the new Yalu River due to changes in the border. Considering these points, the author reevaluated the records of Goryeo and the Liao(遼) and Jin(金) dynasties regarding Goryeo's northwestern border and the Yalu River. As a result, it was argued that Goryeo's northwestern border included the areas of Jilin(吉林), Jangchun(長春), and Nang'an County(農安 縣) in Jilin Province, China, and that the Yitong River(伊通河) flowing through this area should be considered the Yalu River as the border. Additionally, it was noted that Boju, located at the northwest end of the six eastern provinces, corresponds well with the Nang'an County area.

A Complex Meso–Cenozoic History of Far-Field Extension and Compression: Evidence from Fission Track Analysis in the Helanshan Mountain Tectonic Belt, NW China

The Helanshan Mountain tectonic belt (HTB) is an intraplate deformation belt along the northwestern border of the Ordos Block in the North China Craton. When and why this intracontinental tectonic belt formed, its subsequent uplift and erosion, and the relationships between ranges and adjacent basins remain unclear. To better assess the connections between the temporal and structural activity in HTB, apatite fission-track (AFT) and zircon fission-track (ZFT) analyses were conducted in this study. The lack of adequate FT data from the HTB is a source of contention and dispute. This paper collected samples for AFT and ZFT techniques from the central and southern HTB, trying to improve the research. The ZFT and AFT ages could be divided into the following 7 groups: 279 Ma, 222–213 Ma, 193–169 Ma, 151–147 Ma, 130–109 Ma, 92–77 Ma, and 65–50 Ma. The inverse modeling results of AFT indicate 4 fast cooling episodes of 170–120 Ma, 120–95 Ma, 66–60 Ma, and ~10–8 Ma to the present. Combining the results of FT analysis with radial plot and inverse modeling of AFT, the following eight age groups are believed to reveal the distinct tectonic activities in HTB: the first age group of 279 Ma mainly represented the back-arc extension of the southern HTB; the age group of 222–213 Ma was bounded with NNE-SSE trending contraction between the South China block and North China Craton; the event of 193–169 Ma responded to the post-orogenic collapse followed after the second event; the 151–147 Ma group was interpreted as the eastward extrusion induced by the subduction between Qiangtang and Lhasa blocks; the Early Cretaceous (130–109 Ma) group was not only affected by the rollback of the Pacific Plate, but also denoted the collapse of the thickened lithosphere formed in the Late Jurassic; the Late Cretaceous (92–77 Ma) group was attributed to long-distance impact from the subduction of the Pacific Plate beneath the Eurasian Plate; the event during 65–50 Ma was a correspondence to far-field effect of the onset collision between the Eurasian and Indian Plates; and from 10–8 Ma to the present, the progressive collision of the Indian and Eurasian Plates have a significant impact on the HTB and the northeastern Tibetan Plateau.

Agenția Sighet a Băncii Naționale a României în perioada 1921–1950

Based on our research of archived documents, this paper retraces the history of the Sighet Agency of the National Bank of Romania (NBR) in the period between 1921 and 1950, that is from the time of its establishment to the time of Romania’s first administrative reorganisation during the communist regime. The establishment of the agency was part of the process of expanding the branch and agency network of the National Bank of Romania after the Union of 1918 and can be explained in several ways: the demographic, economic, and banking potential of the town of Sighet within Maramureș county, notwithstanding the challenges presented by the status of local means of transportation, the railway in particular, given that it was not entirely built on Romanian territory; the completion of monetary unification before the establishment of the local agency; the stages of acquiring the Sighet offices of the former Austrian-Hungarian Bank and the appointment of the agency’s first bank officers. The agency’s actual discount lending (rediscounting) operations, bearing the lowest existing interest rate, are exemplified by listing the agency’s customers and their loans, as well as by data showing the growing business volumes in the period from 1923 to 1929. For relevance purposes, the data is compared with similar data from the Craiova and Cluj branches. The impact of the Great Depression can be seen in the evolution of another banking operation, namely bank transfers, as well as in the audit reports prepared by auditors from the bank’s head office. There is also a list of people whose professional destiny was linked to the NBR Sighet Agency in the period between the two World Wars, both bank managers and other bank officers, among whom one may notice the remarkable figure of Romulus Roman, whose life tragically ended in a communist prison, after an exceptional career with the central bank. The consequences of the territorial changes which took place between 1938 and 1940 near Romania’s north-western border on the activity of the Sighet Agency are also traced back from the time when railway transportation was discontinued to the time when the bank’s offices were evauted. The last part of our paper is dedicated to the events which happened between 1945 and 1950, namely: the return of bank officers to the NBR Sighet offices in the context of the presence of Red Army troops in the region at a time of turmoil surrounding the establishment of Romania’s northern border; the withdrawal of foreign legal tenders (the Hungarian pengő, the Soviet pengö, roubles, Soviet lei); the resumption of bank operations in the context of the dramatic changes imposed by the communist regime, culminating at the time in the nationalisation of the NBR, the dissolution of banks, the disestablishment of Maramureș county and the establishment of the Baia Mare Region, following which the Sighet Agency of the Bank of the Romanian People’s Republic – the State Bank became the Sighet Region Subsidiary subordinated to the Baia Mare Regional Branch.

Iris Rabbitear Kasatik (Iris) laevigata Fischer et Meyer – distribution features on the north-western border of the area

As a result of special work, it was revealed that the Iris Rabbitear Kasatik (Iris) laevigata Fischer et Meyer is a rare species of the Irkutsk region, the Republic of Buryatia and the Transbaikal Krai. It is shown that until recently, the features of its distribution in the northwestern edge of its area were unknown. Our special long-term research has allowed us to identify it in many parts of this region. It is shown that all his finds are limited to the occurrence of small curtains of this species (2-10 flowering plants, rarely up to 20 and only in two cases 50-70 flowering stems). It has been established that this species is most common on the rivers of the Republic of Buryatia – Upper Angara and Kichera. The most typical stations of the species have been identified - very well-insulated open parts of grass-sedge swamps with separate lakes. It is shown that the main limiting factor for it is the lack of heat at the northwestern border of its area. Here, its distribution is limited by the mountain floodplain water regime. Summer floods coming from the mountains and reaching the strength of large and even catastrophic floods carry very cold waters, strongly depressing the vegetation of aquatic vegetables. It is proved that the conservation of this species can only be ensured by creating a network of differently ranked specially protected natural territories. For species with a local distribution of small parts suitable for their habitat, the organization of Natural Monuments at the republican and federal levels is the most promising.

FORMATION OF THE ST. PETERSBURG STATE MOBILE MILITIA AND ITS PARTICIPATION IN MILITARY OPERATIONS IN 1855-1856

The article presented to your attention is devoted to a little-researched topic - the participation of the State Mobile Militia in the Crimean War of 1853-1856. The author examines in this work the history of the formation of only the capital’s squads in 1855. Moreover, not a single work has been published on the mobile militia of the St. Petersburg province to date. In total, by the end of the Crimean, or as it was also called the Eastern War, 196 squads were formed in 18 provinces of Russia. Of this number, only 5 squads were formed in the St. Petersburg province, which never ended up in the main theaters of military operations. According to the decision of the authorities, they were to participate in repelling enemy landing operations on the coast of the Gulf of Finland. However, the Anglo-French forces, after several such weak and unsuccessful attempts to seize a springboard in the Vyborg region for an invasion of the northwestern borders of the country, decisively abandoned such plans, fearing complete defeat. Thanks to the indecisiveness of the enemy, the capital's squad managed to attend only one military clash. However, in this skirmish the St. Petersburg militia most likely witnessed the clash, since they failed to use their weapons.

Ground roof as a sustainable element that improves the habitat of a space in the desert area of the northwestern border of Mexico

A ground roof is a sustainable element in which using a certain thickness of ground can reach the desired thermal and climatic comfort. On the northwestern border of Mexico, with an emphasis on desert areas, there is a need to compose solutions that measure the heat gain problems caused by climatic conditions. The heat gain is caused mainly by solar rays that occur in summer; the ground roof creates an insulating layer which helps to reduce the flow of heat, which in turn with the volume of ground helps maintain and lower stable temperatures. To evaluate the thermal performance of a ground roof, with the weather conditions of the metropolitan area of Mexicali, the simulation will be carried out. The ground roof are analyzed with different ground thicknesses and measurement periods are established, according to the specifications in standards ASTMC-1046-95, ASTMC1155-95. The thicknesses were simulated with the Ener-Habitat program. In the results it has been obtained that in a concrete cover the temperatures will be higher in contrast to the temperature of the environment and that of the ground roof.

Yellow-breasted bunting <i>Ocyris aureolus</i> (Pallas, 1773) (Aves, Passeriformes) in the Northern European Russia

Our studies of the distribution and abundance of the yellow-breasted bunting (Ocyris aureolus) were carried out on the territory of the Arkhangelsk region and in certain bordering areas of the Komi Republic in 2001–2022. A total of 57 meadow and meadow-swamp territories were surveyed, and a number of them – repeatedly in several years. In 2001–2011, the yellow-breasted bunting was found in almost all the surveyed territories, except some dry meadows and extreme northeastern floodplain lands in the lower reaches of the Mezen river. But already in these years, there were trends towards a decrease in its numbers, as indicated by the records carried out in the floodplain of the Pinega river for several years. In subsequent years, the yellow-breasted bunting was recorded on vast grasslands in the floodplains of large rivers only. A relatively high density was observed only in three (out of 35 surveyed) sections of flood meadows, in the floodplains of the Northern Dvina river and Vaga river. In most of the territories where it was found, only 1–3 individuals were recorded. In addition to dry meadows, it has ceased to occur in small-area floodplain meadows. Since the habitat conditions of the yellow-breasted bunting at the northwestern borders of its range have not changed significantly, the cause for this decrease in its numbers there can be considered the deterioration of habitat conditions during the flight and wintering.

Taxonomy of Devonian conulariids (Cnidaria) from Mato Grosso do Sul, Paraná Basin, Brazil

Devonian conulariids (Cnidaria) from the Ponta Grossa Formation, Paraná Basin, have been studied since 1913, when the fauna composed of Paraconularia africana (Sharpe), Conularia quichua Ulric h, and Paraconularia ulrichana (Cla rke) was first described. Since then, much work has been done encompassing their taphonomy, systematics, and paleobiology. However, until now the studies have relied on conulariids from the eastern border area of the basin. Therefore, there was a lack of information on the conulariids of the northwestern border area of the Paraná Basin, particularly from the Mato Grosso do Sul, for which there are no previous descriptions of these fossils. The present analysis of specimens from the Ponta Grossa Formation in Mato Grosso do Sul revealed the presence of Conularia quichua, Paraconularia africana, P. ulrichana, and Reticulaconularia caetensis sp. nov. Therefore, the diversity of the conulariid fauna recorded from the northwest border area of the basin is greater than that of the eastern border area, where the genus Reticulaconularia has not yet been found, and the presence of Paraconularia ulrichana still needs confirmation. Furthermore, our data suggest that the Paraná Basin had narrow connections with the Devonian seas of Bolivia, at least during sea-level rise, as indicated by the shared benthic marine fauna. Keywords: Conulariids, Lower Devonian, Ponta Grossa Formation, Paraná Basin.

Surface Solar Extremes in the Most Irradiated Region on Earth, Altiplano

Abstract Satellites have consistently pointed to the Altiplano of the Atacama Desert as the place on Earth where the world’s highest surface irradiance occurs. This region, near the Tropic of Capricorn, is characterized by its high elevation, prevalent cloudless conditions, and relatively low concentrations of ozone, aerosols, and precipitable water. Aimed at studying the variability of the surface solar irradiance and detecting atmospheric composition changes in the Altiplano, an atmospheric observatory was set up in 2016 at the northwestern border of the Chajnantor Plateau (5,148 m MSL, 22.95°S, 67.78°W, Chile). Here, we report on the first 5 years of measurements at this observatory that establish the Altiplano as the region that receives the highest-known irradiation on Earth and illuminate the unique features of surface solar extremes at high-altitude locations. We found that the global horizontal shortwave (SW) irradiance on the plateau is on average 308 W m−2 (equivalent to an annual irradiation of 2.7 MWh m−2 yr−1, the highest worldwide). We also found that forward scattering by broken clouds often leads to intense bursts of SW irradiance; a record of 2,177 W m−2 was measured, equivalent to the extraterrestrial SW irradiance expected at approximately 0.79 astronomical units (AU) from the Sun. These cloud-driven surface solar extremes occur on the Chajnantor Plateau at a frequency, intensity, and duration not previously seen anywhere in the world, making the site an ideal location for studying the response of photovoltaic (PV) power plants to periods of enhanced SW variability.

Severe Falciparum and Vivax Malaria on the Thailand-Myanmar Border: A Review of 1503 Cases.

The northwestern border of Thailand is an area of low seasonal malaria transmission. Until recent successful malaria elimination activities, malaria was a major cause of disease and death. Historically the incidences of symptomatic Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax malaria were approximately similar. All malaria cases managed in the Shoklo Malaria Research Unit along the Thailand-Myanmar border between 2000 and 2016 were reviewed. There were 80 841 consultations for symptomatic P. vivax and 94 467 for symptomatic P. falciparum malaria. Overall, 4844 (5.1%) patients with P. falciparum malaria were admitted to field hospitals, of whom 66 died, compared with 278 (0.34%) with P. vivax malaria, of whom 4 died (3 had diagnoses of sepsis, so the contribution of malaria to their fatal outcomes is uncertain). Applying the 2015 World Health Organization severe malaria criteria, 68 of 80 841 P. vivax admissions (0.08%) and 1482 of 94 467 P. falciparum admissions (1.6%) were classified as severe. Overall, patients with P. falciparum malaria were 15 (95% confidence interval, 13.2-16.8) times more likely than those with P. vivax malaria to require hospital admission, 19 (14.6-23.8) times more likely to develop severe malaria, and ≥14 (5.1-38.7) times more likely to die. In this area, both P. falciparum and P. vivax infections were important causes of hospitalization, but life-threatening P. vivax illness was rare.

The Beginning of Chinese Cavalry and the Use of Horses in Northwest of Han Empire

The article examines the processes of the gradual introduction of cavalry troops based on the “barbarian model” into the Chinese army to counter the nomads near the northwestern borders of the empire. The author gives some examples from the written sources of the Zhanguo and Qin Dynasty periods, presenting the gradual transformation of the role of the horse rider as a separate combat unit, but also in combination with chariots. During the Han dynasty, the immediate threat from the Xiongnu by the borders and the need to secure trade routes to the West were the impetus for the reorganization of the army in general and the cavalry in particular. In order to study the peculiarities of horse use for transport needs and military operations in the north-west of the Western Han empire, besides the chronicles, documents of administrative and commercial content – bamboo slips with characters, hanjian, were being used. They were found in large numbers in border fortresses and can significantly supplement the information from the written sources of the Han period and make it possible to reconstruct not only the specifics of inner workings of the northwestern prefectures of China at the turn of the eras but also the peculiarities of horse use for the needs of postal service, patrols and the internal everyday life of garrisons.

New evidence for the recent presence of the lynx, Lynx lynx (Linnaeus), in Western Stara Planina Mountains, Bulgaria

The data presented here argue for the regular recent presence of the lynx in the north-western mountainous border region of Bulgaria.

Features of the Activities of Political Agents in the Tribal Area of the North-West Frontier Province of British India (1919–1939)

The special form of government of the North-West Frontier Province, analyzed in the article, was established through the interaction of British political agents with local tribes. The territory under consideration was characterized by a high level of instability, which they tried to neutralize by creating a multi-level management system, as well as establishing parity among local elites with British mediation as an arbiter. The administrative system formed by agents has survived, territorially related to modern Pakistan, with its characteristic problems, which is presented as the historical experience of British India in controlling its northwestern border. The main task of the British officers was to establish a controlled system of checks and balances in the border zone, aimed at resolving issues of ensuring the reliable protection of British India from external threats. At the same time, the possibility of a foothold for the territory under consideration was created for further geopolitical competition in Asia. The presented hierarchy of subordination removed this region from the general system of colony management and prevented reforms. The tribal area was under the territorial jurisdiction of British India, had full autonomy with limited agents who had representation in local jirgas and coordinated the actions of the militias, self-defense units, scouts. The implementation of the set installations was carried out using a number of mechanisms for the management of the province, concluded in diplomatic agreements, supported by financial payments in favor of the local elite, as well as by engaging the Indian army in particularly unstable areas.

Общественно-географический подход к обоснованию границ экономической безопасности приграничного региона

Dramatic geopolitical and geo-economic changes occurring since 2022 have created a new development context for Russian border regions redrawing their economic security boundaries. The latter are also changing, which is understood as the required level of security in the current mode of functioning of the territorial system in terms of its openness or closeness. These regions, especially ones located along the northwestern borders, geo-strategically gain more military and political importance for Russia’s national security. Thus, changing boundaries of the border regions’ economic security require theoretical understanding and development of measures to ensure it. A socio-geographical approach to addressing this issue allows factoring in the regions’ spatial characteristics, in particular, the influence of the border factor. Highlighting the specific functions of border regions that distinguish them from the internal territories of the country, the paper presents a hierarchy of economic security factors. In terms of their content, we consider groups of general and specific factors, while in terms of the character of their impact — constructive (potential-forming) or destructive (potential-destructive). The study shows that the economic security boundaries for a particular territory are determined by the ratio of various groups of factors in establishing the operating regime of the region in terms of its openness or closedness as a territorial system. We use the example of the exclave Kaliningrad region to identify the leading border functions, analyze changes in the economic security boundaries and propose key action areas for ensuring it.

О факте обнаружения и изъятия птенцов степного орла на таможне в Саратовской области, Россия

Steppe Eagle (Aquila nipalensis) is a rare bird inhabiting wide open areas. The species listed in the Red Book of the Saratov region as small-numbered, depressed category with a slow population decline. The species is included in the Red Data Book of the Russian Federation (Bragin, Belik, 2021), Appendix 2 of CITES, Appendix 2 of the Berne Convention, Appendix 2 of the Bonn Convention. Currently, Steppe Eagle is encountered in the southeastern part of the Saratov region, in the Saratov Transvolga. Previously, scientists noted that the northwestern border of the species’ range is gradually moving towards Kazakhstan (Galushin, 2001). Three Steppe Eagle nestlings were seized at border control in Urban-type settlement Ozinki in the Saratov region, on the Russian border with Kazakhstan. The species of seized nestlings was determined after consultation with the staff of the Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution of the RAS (Saratov). Institute staff recommended to transfer nestlings to the Khvalynsky National Park, and border service employees in the Saratov region delivered nestlings there on June 1, 2023. During an external examination, veterinarian determined that nestlings’ appearance was satisfactory, they could not fly, had moderate appetite, were weakened and needed veterinary care. Nestlings’ age estimated at the first month, sexes were not determined. During June 1–22, 2023, nestlings were fed and rehabilitated under the supervision of employees of the Teremok aviary farm of the Khvalynsky National Park. Fresh beef and water four times a day constituted their diet. Their bodies grew, and nestlings developed contour feathers (Fig. 1). However, on July 22, 2023, one nestling died and was removed from the enclosure to avoid the spread of infection to living nestlings. After an examination by an ornithologist, it was decided to send the biomaterial of the deceased nestling to the Federal State-Financed Institution “All-Russian Research Institute for Animal Protection” (Saratov branch) to clarify the cause of death. The autopsy report No. Sar23.P-1984 dated 07.07.2023 and bacteriological examination indicate that nestling died from acute heart failure (aerosacculitis, pericarditis) due to colibacillosis. The causative agent of colibacillosis, E. coli, was isolated from the nestling’s body. The above indicates the vulnerability of Steppe Eagle nestlings at the age of one month. It is necessary to develop standards for keeping these birds in captivity in the future. In nature, particularly strict rules and protective measures should be introduced in pre-nesting and nesting periods of eagles’ development. Employees of ecological education should teach local residents and students about the importance of preserving biodiversity and specifically about Steppe Eagle conservation.

Afghan Demarcation 1884–1885 and the Government Official Position of the Russian Empire

The author examines the process of establishing the northwestern border of Afghanistan with the possessions of the Russian Empire in Central Asia in 1884–1885, known as the second Afghan demarcation. The main goal set by the author is to study the government official position of the Russian Empire on this issue and to consider its evolution over a period of almost two years. The novelty of the study seems to be that the question of the position of the Russian government during the second Afghan demarcation of 1884–1885 has not yet been considered in a separate work. The relevance of the study is due to the fact that the border established by the results of this demarcation is still preserved, being the state border of Afghanistan and Turkmenistan, therefore it is important to study the history of its creation. The author presents the results of the analysis of documents on the second Afghan demarcation published by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Empire – this collection served as the basis for writing the work. The article is divided into three parts according to the chronological principle. The author's main conclusion is as follows: the position of the Russian Empire during the second Afghan demarcation remained almost unchanged, especially in terms of preserving the territories of compact residence of Turkmen tribes for Russia, who expressed a desire to become subjects to the Russian emperor, although the government had to make concessions on the status of the Zulfagar Passage.