Southern Region Research Articles

Analyzing disruptions in post-pandemic population return patterns: A network perspective on Chinese cities

The COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally reshaped global socio-economic structures, precipitating a profound transformation in people's lifestyles. An in-depth analysis of the disruptions in post-pandemic population returns patterns and the evolving driving factors can facilitate socio-economic recovery, development, and macro-control. This paper employs social network analysis to examine the spatial patterns and evolving urban locational attributes of the Population Mobility Network (PMN) during post-holiday returns in major Chinese cities amid the pandemic, assessing the impact of varying proximities on the PMN. The results indicate that: (1) During the pandemic, the geographic patterns of population mobility in China underwent significant fluctuations, with distinct regional and temporal variations, while intercity connections increasingly shifted toward shorter trips. (2) From 2019 to 2022, major Chinese cities experienced notable changes in status and connectivity, evolving into a multi-centric structure within the national population mobility network. (3) Community clusters predominantly adhere to provincial demarcations, maintaining stable structures within major urban agglomerations despite intense intra-regional competition, with clear distinctions in community stability between northern and southern regions. (4) Beyond traditional socio-economic factors, the level of digital finance has emerged as a new driver of population mobility, with the varied attributes of inter-city relationships also significantly influencing the PMN. Studying spatial patterns and urban location from the perspective of population mobility can inform post-pandemic optimization of national resource allocation and urban recovery strategies.

Spatiotemporal Variation Characteristics of Extreme Precipitation in the Mid–Lower Reaches of the Yangtze River Basin Based on Precipitation Events

In addition to greater precipitation on extreme days of precipitation, preceding and succeeding precipitation (PSP) is often an objective component of flooding in the mid–lower reaches of the Yangtze River Basin (MLRYRB). In this study, focused on the temporal distribution pattern of precipitation, the concept of an extreme precipitation event (EPE), defined as a consecutive precipitation event having at least one daily precipitation extreme, is proposed to consider PSP in an extreme event. We analyzed the spatiotemporal variation of four types of EPEs based on daily data obtained from 130 monitoring stations covering 1960–2019. Extreme precipitation increased significantly over the last 60 years (p < 0.01). The frequency and precipitation amount of single-day EPEs accounted for only 13% and 21%, respectively, while multi-day continuous EPE types that are associated with PSP accounted for 87% and 79%, respectively, confirming the connotations of EPEs. The front and late EPEs under the 100-year return level reached 250 mm and 230 mm, respectively. Furthermore, climate warming could lead to significant increases in the frequency of single-day and late EPEs, particularly in the southern region. The EPE concept may be helpful in exploring disaster-causing processes under extreme weather, and it provides a theoretical basis for deriving the precipitation hazard chain, which is more applicable to basins with long precipitation durations.

Assessing Key Constraints in Cashew Production: Insights from Kerala and Tamil Nadu, India

India ranks among the world’s top cashew producers, with Kerala and Tamil Nadu serving as key contributors to the country's cashew production. Among the Plantation sector, specifically cashew cultivation plays a pivotal role in boosting farm economy in India. This particular study explores field constraints experienced by cashew growers in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, which significantly impacts cashew cultivation. The key objective is to compare field challenges experienced by cashew growers among major producers in southern regions of India. The methodology involves a purposive multi-stage sampling approach to select regions, with an equal proportion of 80 respondents from each state selected through simple random sampling. Totally, 160 cashew growers were investigated for data collection through pre-tested structured interview schedule. The data sets were analysed using SPSS software, with frequency and percentage analysis employed to rank the identified constraints. The significant findings were pest and disease infestations, labour scarcity, unstable market price, lack of technical know-how and inadequate processing facilities. Notably, 100 per cent of growers reported that, Cashew Stem and Root Borer (CSRB) infestation as a most critical issue in both states. This paper highlights, region-specific and timely technical interventions, commodity-specific assured markets, proper pricing system and infrastructure development. The study's interpretation highlights the need to address high-priority and specialized constraints through targeted policy reforms and technical support systems, aiming to enhance the productivity and sustainability of cashew farming in India. These findings also provide valuable insights that can be applied to other cashew-producing regions and contribute to shaping national agricultural policies.

Ethnic origin of Israeli Jews and psychological responses to the extreme stress of the ongoing war with Hamas in Gaza.

Discrimination constitutes a source of stress for minority groups, leading to heightened levels of depression. Discrimination can also elicit positive responses aimed at reducing detrimental impacts. The stress experienced by minority groups may impact their mindset and influence their negative emotional responses. Israeli Jewish society comprised for many years two large communities: the dominant Ashkenazi people, who emigrated from East Europe, and the Mizrahi discriminated minority whose members came from Muslim countries. The Mizrahi minority has become a mainstream community over time, and its size equals the Ashkenazi group. This change raises an interesting issue that has not been investigated empirically: What characterizes the psychological responses to the stress of a formerly discriminated minority? Two representative samples responded to a similar questionnaire measuring inhibiting and bolstering coping strategies. The first sample of 930 people participated in this structured survey between October 12 and 19, 2022. No external adversity threatened Israel at that time. The second sample of 1,608 Israeli Jews participated between October 11 and 17, 2023, a few days after Hamas attacked the southern region of Israel, killed more than a 1,000 people, and kidnapped 100. We examine the impact of moderate and extreme stress of war on the maladaptive levels of anxiety and depression. Furthermore, we investigated the shielding psychological coping measures of this former minority, as compared to Ashkenazi group's response. Results show that the formerly minority Mizrahi group expresses higher levels of depression, anxiety, and sense of danger under extreme stress compared to the Ashkenazi group. Mizrahi individuals compensated concurrently for these negative emotions by fostering enhanced hope and societal resilience compared to the other group. The main contributions of the present study are (a) Demonstration that psychological responses of descendants of a minority group to highly stressful conditions do not necessarily agree with their current status as a mainstream community. (b) Indicating that the phenomenon of concurrently enhanced negative and positive responses in face of extreme stress is associated with ethnic origin and history. (c) Associating the effects of different socio-demographic variables with the psychological response of the investigated groups to extreme and moderate stress.

Diversity of flea beetles from the Nanling Mountains, China, with description of three new species of Minota Kutschera (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae).

The Nanling Mountains is one of the sixteen biodiversity hotspots in China. It divides the central and southern regions of the country. This paper documents the diversity of flea beetles in the Nanling Mountains based on a comprehensive insect biodiversity survey from 2020 to 2022. Three new species of the genus Minota Kutschera, 1859 viz. M. cuiae Zhang, Ruan, Liang & Yang sp. nov. (Guangxi), M. maoer Zhang, Ruan, Liang & Yang sp. nov. (Guangxi), and M. bimaculata Zhang, Ruan, Liang & Yang sp. nov. (Jiangxi) from the Nanling Mountains are described and illustrated. A checklist and key to the Chinese Minota species are provided.

Nepal-India Relations: Exploring the Dichotomy between 'Big Brother' and 'Brotherhood'

The historical relationship between Nepal and India is deeply rooted in their geographic proximity and shared elements such as religion, culture, language, and socio-economic interests. While Nepal borders both China and India, its closeness with India is accentuated by these shared attributes and mutual opportunities. The two countries share an open border of around 1,780 kilometers along Nepal's eastern, western, and southern regions. Despite India's larger size, population, and more advanced economic development, Nepal maintains its sovereignty and equal status as an independent nation. However, India's role is often perceived as that of a "big brother" to Nepal, reflecting the disparity in size and influence. Nonetheless, all sovereign nations, regardless of their geographic or economic differences, are regarded as equals in status. In an era defined by globalization, scientific advancements, and technological progress, Nepal aspires to build a strong relationship with India based on mutual friendship and economic cooperation, particularly through foreign investment and the exchange of technology. While occasional tensions arise, usually from the Indian side, they have not escalated into major conflicts and are unlikely to do so. It is widely understood that while friendships may fluctuate, the bond between neighbors remains constant. This article examines the various aspects and dynamics of Nepal-India relations within this context.

Analyzing the distribution patterns and dynamic niche of Magnolia grandiflora L. in the United States and China in response to climate change.

Magnolia grandiflora L. (southern magnolia) is native to the southeastern coastal areas of the United States, from North Carolina to eastern Texas (USDA Cold Hardiness Zone 8). It is currently widely cultivated in Zones 5-10 in the U.S. and in southern Yangtze River regions in China. Limited studies have examined the effects of climate change and human activities on the geographical distribution and adaptability of M. grandiflora during its introduction to China. We selected 127 occurrence points in the U.S. and 87 occurrence points in China, along with 43 environmental variables, to predict suitable habitat areas for M. grandiflora using present climate data (1970-2000) and projected future climate data (2050-2070) based on a complete niche ensemble model (EM) using the Biomod2 package. We also predicted the niche change of M. grandiflora in both countries using the 'ecospat' package in R. The ensemble models demonstrated high reliability, with an AUC of 0.993 and TSS of 0.932. Solar radiation in July, human impact index, and precipitation of the wettest month were identified as the most critical variables influencing M. grandiflora distribution. The species shows a similar trend of distribution expansion under climate change scenarios in both countries, with predicted expansions towards the northwest and northeast, and contractions in southern regions. Our study emphasizes a practical framework for predicting suitable habitats and migration of Magnoliaceae species under climate change scenarios. These findings provide valuable insights. for species conservation, introduction, management strategies, and sustainable utilization of M. grandiflora.

Salary Benchmarking for Voice-Specialized Speech-Language Pathologists

Purpose: This study aimed to understand how salaries of voice and upper airway–specialized speech-language pathologists (SLPs) differ from medical SLPs based on prevailing wage data and to give clinicians resources to better negotiate their salary and benefits. Method: A nationwide survey of voice-specialized SLPs was disseminated via various online platforms including American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Special Interest Group 3, Instagram, voice-specialized Facebook groups, and e-mail. Data were collected via REDCap. The survey investigates SLPs' salary, benefits, experience, clinical responsibilities, and profit generated through Current Procedural Terminology codes. Two separate analyses were completed. First, annual salary, as reported by participants, was compared against annual salary, as estimated by prevailing wage data. Second, a multiple regression driver analysis was completed to identify significant predictors of wage level within our sample. Outliers in the sample were removed using the Difference in Fits procedure. Results: A total of 111 participant surveys were included for analysis. Our data demonstrate that, between participant data and prevailing wage data, salaries for voice and upper airway disorders (VUAD) SLPs are significantly higher in the West, Midwest, and Southern regions. There is no significant difference in the Northeast. Several factors proved statistically significant predictors of increased salaries including years of work ( p ≤ .0001), cost of living ( p = .0030), and work in multidisciplinary setting ( p = .0223). Conclusions: As practitioners navigate negotiations for equitable compensation, leveraging localized salary data and emphasizing the value of specialized expertise may prove instrumental. Moreover, advocating for employer-sponsored professional development opportunities and benefits can enhance the overall well-being and professional satisfaction of VUAD SLPs, ensuring optimal delivery of care within this specialized field.

Impacts of PM2.5 exposure near cement facilities on human health and years of life lost: A case study in Brazil

Cement factories significantly contribute to atmospheric pollution by generating fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which can potentially increase the mortality risk. The lack of information on the health impacts of PM2.5 pollution from cement operations in Brazil prompted this investigation. We used corrected PM2.5 measurements from low-cost sensors from March 2021 to October 2022 in Rio Branco do Sul, city in the southern region of the country and home to Latin America's largest cement plant, to assess exposure data. Disability-adjusted life years (DALY) method was applied to estimate the years of life lost (YLL) and cost estimate due to deaths from non-accidental causes, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. The total YLL attributable to PM2.5 concentration was estimated by calculating the attributable fraction (AF) through relative risk. We also collected PM2.5 using a Harvard impactor to evaluate health risks from toxic metals components. During the study period, the analysis of chemical characterization of PM2.5 showed enrichment factors for most elements and the possible influence of the calcination process facilities on the PM2.5 levels. The mean concentration of PM2.5 exceeded the annual WHO air quality guideline (AQG) level, accounted for 3.5%, 4.7%, and 4.3% of total YLL from all causes, cardiovascular, and respiratory diseases, which corresponded to 0.23 (95% CI: 0.17–0.26), 0.06 (95% CI: 0.05–0.07) and 0.03 (95% CI: 0.01–0.06) years loss in life expectancy, respectively. An indirect health cost attributable to PM2.5 resulted in US$ 1.4 million, equivalent to about 3.5% of the total local annual health costs in Rio Branco do Sul, underscoring the significant financial burden of PM2.5 exposures. The greatest economic loss was found in the male age group of 40–69 years and among those with cardiovascular disease, rather than those with respiratory disease. Despite this, the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks from inhalation of hazardous elements were within safe ranges. This work demonstrated PurpleAir's potential for air quality and public health applications. Our findings indicate health and economic benefits from reducing PM2.5 levels by adopting WHO air pollution standards. The results can guide policies toward delivering more effective health care.

Исторические предпосылки этноязыковой картины юга России (Адыгея, Дагестан, Калмыкия, Волгоградская область)

The study aims to identify the features and uniqueness of the ethnolinguistic picture of Southern Russia and to substantiate the origin and composition of regional toponymics, as toponyms are a key code / source of information in the historical landscape. They are recorded in documents, lexicographic sources, atlases, as well as in narrative sources related to the southern territories of Russia. The article describes the history of the appearance of Slavic, Turkic, Adyghe, Dagestani, Iranian, and other peoples in the territory under consideration, the processes of ethnic migrations, and the current state of the population of the southern regions of Russia. The scientific novelty of the study lies in the fact that it provides, for the first time, a comprehensive overview based on chronological facts of the presence of historically formed ethnic groups in the southern regions of Russia as sources of the toponymic picture. This picture is generally represented by the names of settlements, rivers, and mountains. As a result, the historical preconditions for the emergence of appellative-onymic complexes in such regions of the Russian Federation as the Republic of Adygea, Volgograd Oblast, the Republic of Dagestan, and the Republic of Kalmykia are substantiated.

Urban Livability Assessment in South Korea: Incorporating Climate Change Vulnerability

This study aims to develop an urban livability assessment index that incorporates climate change vulnerability and to apply this index to urban areas in South Korea, thereby analyzing the impact of climate change on living environments and quality of life. Existing frameworks for livability indices often fail to adequately reflect the long-term risks associated with climate change. Consequently, this research proposes a new livability index that includes climate change vulnerability, establishing a policy foundation aimed at protecting and enhancing the quality of life for urban residents. The methodology integrates existing livability indicators with climate change vulnerability indicators across 219 cities and districts in South Korea. Utilizing panel regression analysis and Local Indicators of Spatial Association (LISA) analysis, the study evaluates the spatial clustering characteristics and potential risks in each area. The results indicate that urban infrastructure significantly influences livability, with climate change vulnerability indicators forming high clusters primarily in southern regions. Furthermore, the study confirms economic disparities within the metropolitan area, as well as the exacerbation of social inequalities in regions vulnerable to disaster safety and social services. This research underscores the necessity of integrating climate change vulnerability into livability indices, suggesting that such indices can serve as critical criteria for urban policy formulation and the evaluation of regeneration projects.

Early Generation Selection of Potato Breeding Lines

Potato is the third most important food crop in the world in terms of adaptability, yield potential, and nutritional advantages. This study aimed to conduct potato breeding work for cultivation in Kazakhstan; potato breeding for further processing into chips with cultivation in the northern regions; and the selection of potatoes for processing into frozen French fries with cultivation in the southern and south-eastern regions. Potato varieties (Fontane, Santana, and Punchy) were used as reference varieties to check molecular markers linked to maturity, tuber shape, and flesh color. A total of 42 potato breeding lines crossed from Yagodnyi 19 and CIP clone 397079-6 were used in this study to identify prospective breeding lines. The research was carried out between 2023 and 2024 and under greenhouse conditions. According to the results of molecular analysis and phenotypic data, 21 breeding lines were identified as prospective potato breeding lines. The majority of these potato breeding lines had a round tuber shape and were recommended for chip processing. Three breeding lines had a long oval tuber shape, making them suitable for French fries. Six breeding lines with short-oval and oval tuber shapes were found for consumer potato processing. It is recommended that the breeding process and studies of biochemical properties are continued in all of these identified potato breeding lines.

Assessing Watershed Flood Resilience Based on a Grid-Scale System Performance Curve That Considers Double Thresholds

Enhancing flood resilience has become crucial for watershed flood prevention. However, current methods for quantifying resilience often exhibit coarse spatiotemporal granularity, leading to insufficient precision in watershed resilience assessments and hindering the accurate implementation of resilience enhancement measures. This study proposes a watershed flood resilience assessment method based on a system performance curve that considers thresholds of inundation depth and duration. A nested one- and two-dimensional coupled hydrodynamic model, spanning two spatial scales, was utilized to simulate flood processes in plain river network areas with detailed and complex hydraulic connections. The proposed framework was applied to the Hangjiahu area (Taihu Basin, China). The results indicated that the overall trend of resilience curves across different underlying surfaces initially decreased and then increase, with a significant decline observed within 20–50 h. The resilience of paddy fields and forests was the highest, while that of drylands and grasslands was the lowest, but the former had less recovery ability than the latter. The resilience of urban systems sharply declined within the first 40 h and showed no signs of recovery, with the curve remaining at a low level. In some regions, the flood tolerance depth and duration for all land use types exceeded the upper threshold. The resilience of the western part of the Hangjiahu area was higher than that of other regions, whereas the resilience of the southern region was lower compared to the northern region. The terrain and tolerance thresholds of inundation depth were the main factors affecting watershed flood resilience. The findings of this study provide a basis for a deeper understanding of the spatiotemporal evolution patterns of flood resilience and for precisely guiding the implementation and management of flood resilience enhancement projects in the watershed.

Distribution of Najadaceae Species in Trans-Baikal Area Due to Climatic Factors

According to data of the late 20th century in the Trans-Baikal and Baikal areas, the family Najadaceae is represented by four species known in few localities: Caulinia flexilis (4 localities), C. minor (3), and Najas major (3), N. marina (4). All of them are annuals, r-strategists, which are characterized by fluctuations in abundance. Since the 21st century, these species have been found in 20 more localities, mainly situated within the Baikal Depression. In 2015, when performing monitoring studies of aquatic flora, three more new localities of Caulinia flexilis, C. minor, and Najas major were found in the basin of the Amur River. Distribution maps of the Najadaceae species in the region were compiled, and the ecological characteristics of their habitats were given. In Trans-Baikal area, since the middle of the 20th century, warming has occurred due to an increase in the average annual temperature. For the last 70 years, aridization has increased in southern regions, which changes the habitat conditions in waterbodies. Findings of these Najadaceae species in Trans-Baikal area coincided with the periods of increase in mean annual air temperatures and with local minimums of precipitation. An increase in the number of findings of the Najadaceae species since the beginning of the 21st century, both in Trans-Baikal area and in other regions of Russia, has been occurring against the background of an increase in the average annual air temperature. In Trans-Baikal area, the trend of increasing of temperatures in the warm season since the beginning of the 21st century is favorable for these species and may contribute to their further distribution.

From One Heath to One Sustainability: The Role of Contagious Mastitis Pathogens in Decreasing the Dairy Herd Sustainability.

Economic, social, and environmental sustainability are the results of efforts aiming to improve all aspects of milk production, respecting animal welfare and improving herd health. An epidemiological study was designed to assess the role of contagious pathogens (S. aureus and S. agalactiae) in a cohort of 120 dairy herds located in the southern regions of Italy. Milk quality was assessed using certified methods, and the prevalence of mastitis pathogens in bulk tank milk was determined using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Welfare scores were assessed using a scoring card that has more than 100 items, including animal-based measurements. Statistical analyses were performed using general lineal model and logistic regression procedures. The results showed that S. aureus had a significant negative effect on the amount of milk nutrients delivered to the dairy plant, and on the level of welfare, whereas the presence of S. agalactiae did not show any significant association. The major risk factors associated with the presence of S. aureus were also identified to help prioritize control programs. These results support the "One Sustainability" approach, implying that an increase in animal productivity is related to the improvement of animal health and welfare and potentially leading to the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions.

Impact of Acne on the Quality of Life of Adolescents in the Territory of the Northern and Southern Regions of Montenegro.

Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory disease predominantly known as a disease of adolescents. We aimed to assess the quality of life of adolescents with acne in the territory of northern and southern regions of Montenegro. This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024, in four secondary schools in the north and south of Montenegro with total number of 561 subjects. To assess the quality of life of adolescents with acne we used the Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index and to measure acne-related disability we used The Cardiff Acne Disability Index. The average value of the total CDLQI score among adolescents from the northern region of Montenegro was 4.45±3.31, and 4.03±3.50 among southern region. The average value of the total CADI score among adolescents from the northern region of Montenegro was 3.56±1.77, and 3.50±1.98 among adolescents from the southern region. A statistically significantly higher mean value of sub scores in adolescents from the northern region compared to adolescents from the southern region existed in the domain of symptoms and feelings, vacation and treatment (P< 0.05). The regression analysis was also performed. This study confirms the negative impact of acne on the quality of life of Montenegrin adolescents, especially those in the northern region. It is necessary to give more attention to the acne problems from doctors, and to increase awareness among adolescents and provide them early and the most effective therapy.

An overview of the estuarine ichthyofauna from Bahia, Brazil: expanding the knowledge about the fish species of three important regions of the state

ABSTRACT The coast of Bahia state is the longest along the Brazilian coastline, and there are significant knowledge gaps concerning its estuarine fish fauna. Thus, there is a need to provide extensive coverage of the estuarine ichthyofauna of Bahia to provide an updated checklist of its fishes, which could function as a database for the management of such biodiversity. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize three different important estuarine systems (Camamu, Todos os Santos Bay, and Caravelas) in Bahia to contribute information on the ichthyofauna in shallow areas of the state. We recorded 29 orders, 54 families, 101 genera, and 147 species of fish. The families with the highest number of species were Sciaenidae and Carangidae, with twelve and nine species, respectively, followed by Gobiidae and Engraulidae, each with eight species. In terms of abundance in the northern region, the orders Atheriniformes (28.80%), Pleuronectiformes (15.92%), Clupeiformes (14.20%), and Gerreiformes (13.91%) predominated. In the Central region, Gerreiformes (21.55%), Tetraodontiformes (17.94%), Gobiiformes (12.83%), and Clupeiformes (8.94%) were the most representative. In the southern region, the orders Clupeiformes (57.48%), Mugiliformes (14.09%), Atheriniformes (4.10%), Lutjaniformes (3.97%), Gerreiformes (3.60%), and Carangiformes (2.23%) predominated. The region was characterized by a high representation of guilds of marine migrant species, followed by marine, estuarine, and freshwater visitors.

Spatiotemporal Evolution and Driving Factors of Land Use Carbon Emissions in Jiangxi Province, China

Analyzing the spatiotemporal changes and influencing factors of carbon emissions generated by land use is of great importance for improving land use structure and promoting regional low-carbon economic development. This study, based on remote sensing and statistical yearbook data from 1995 to 2020, calculated the carbon emissions from land use in Jiangxi Province, China. Multiple spatial analysis methods and the logarithmic mean Divisia index were used to elucidate the spatiotemporal evolution and driving factors of carbon emissions, and the findings revealed the following: (1) The spatiotemporal changes in land use in Jiangxi Province during 1995–2020 were substantial as forest land accounted for 65% of the entire land area, while construction land increased by 98.1%. Cultivated land decreased the most, followed by forest land. (2) There was a fourfold rise in carbon emissions in Jiangxi Province, driven primarily by construction land, and northern areas produced higher carbon emissions compared with central and southern regions. Forest land was the main carbon sink. (3) Economic development (257.36%) and the impact of the proportion of construction land (211.31%) were the primary factors contributing to the increase in carbon emissions from land use, while other factors had inhibitory effects. This study transformed the macroscale low-carbon development strategy of cities into targeted local policies, and the research theories and methods adopted could provide scientific reference for other regions in urgent need of carbon reduction worldwide.

Estimation of prevalence of CIAF‐based undernutrition among under‐six children of India: A systematic and meta analytical review

AbstractUndernutrition is a silent emergency resulting from a combination of various social, economic, educational, demographic, and morbidity factors. This systematic and meta‐analytical review assessed the pooled prevalence of Composite Index of Anthropometric Failure (CIAF)–based undernutrition among under‐six years children in India. Articles were searched using Publish and Perish software and through reference exploration. The random effect model with the inverse method estimated the pooled prevalence (at 95% confidence interval, CI). Heterogeneity was tested through the I2 value and Q chi‐square. Subgroup analysis considered the National Food Security Act (NFSA), zonal distribution of studies, study location, and sample size. The pooled prevalence of CIAF‐based undernutrition among Indian under‐six children was 58% (95% CI: 0.54–0.62). After the implementation of the NFSA, the prevalence significantly dropped from 63% (95% CI: 0.58–0.67) to 56% (95% CI: 0.51–0.61). Undernutrition was higher in central and southern India (64%) but showed no significant difference between urban (58%) and rural (57%) areas (χ2 = 0.10; p = .76). The high I2 value (75%) indicated significant variation. Undernutrition remains a critical public health issue in India, particularly in central and southern regions. Enhanced screening, implementation, and monitoring of interventions are recommended.

Wound Healing Activity of Two Honeys from the Southern Regions of Senegal (Casamance)

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the healing activity of two honeys from Casamance (Senegal) in a second-degree experimental burn model in the Wistar strain rat. Methodology: Experimental burns were induced using a metal cylinder 3 cm in diameter and heated for 5 min. The cylinder was applied for 20 seconds, pressing lightly on the surface of the rats' shaved skin to induce second-degree burns. Results: The daily application of honey induces a healing dependent on concentration and typology. The healing rate is higher with AF, with a score of 0.60 ± 0.48 vs 1.00 ± 0.00 for MZ which induces almost complete tissue repair after 21 days of treatment. Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrate the use of traditional honey in wound healing and burns.