Significant Diversity Research Articles

The Beligerative Landscapes of Ukraine

In the structure of modern landscapes in Ukraine, special attention is deserved by beligerative (from Latin beligero—to wage war) landscape complexes. They are widespread throughout Ukraine, but only in the late 20th to early 21st centuries did they capture the attention of researchers. The aim is to analyze the current state and functioning of beligerative landscapes in the plains of Ukraine in order to develop measures for their further rational use and conservation. In the study of beligerative landscapes, principles of historicism, natural-anthropogenic compatibility, and related methods were applied, including historical-landscape analysis, compilation of historical-genetic series of landscape maps, analysis of final results, comparative method of natural analogs, analysis of beligerative landscape complexes as components of a paragenetic system, and GIS-technologies. The widespread distribution and significant diversity of belligerent landscape complexes within the plains of Ukraine have made it possible to identify a number of beligerative areas and corresponding sites. Among the largest typical ones are the areas of fortified points with sites of defensive ramparts, defensive ditches, and scarps; areas of isolated defensive ramparts with corresponding sites of earthen multi-age ramparts and ditches; areas of defensive lines with a complex system of beligerative sites such as fortresses, ramparts, redoubts, firing points, entrenchments, and more. The directions for their restoration are substantiated for further rational use as specific objects of scientific research, tourist and reserve sites, and objects for the development of local studies and patriotic education. It is noted that the rational use and conservation of beligerative landscapes should be implemented in the form of beligerative geosites—anthropogenic formations of military origin with corresponding territories. Beligerative landscapes formed as a result of russian military aggression are partially discussed and require further research.

What can be lost? Genomic perspective on the lipid metabolism of Mucoromycota

Mucoromycota is a phylum of early diverging fungal (EDF) lineages, of mostly plant-associated terrestrial fungi. Some strains have been selected as promising biotechnological organisms due to their ability to produce polyunsaturated fatty acids and efficient conversion of nutrients into lipids. Others get their lipids from the host plant and are unable to produce even the essential ones on their own. Following the advancement in EDF genome sequencing, we carried out a systematic survey of lipid metabolism protein families across different EDF lineages. This enabled us to explore the genomic basis of the previously documented ability to produce several types of lipids within the fungal tree of life. The core lipid metabolism genes showed no significant diversity in distribution, however specialized lipid metabolic pathways differed in this regard among different fungal lineages. In total 165 out of 202 genes involved in lipid metabolism were present in all tested fungal lineages, while remaining 37 genes were found to be absent in some of fungal lineages. Duplications were observed for 69 genes. For the first time we demonstrate that ergosterol is not being produced by several independent groups of plant-associated fungi due to the losses of different ERG genes. Instead, they possess an ancestral pathway leading to the synthesis of cholesterol, which is absent in other fungal lineages. The lack of diacylglycerol kinase in both Mortierellomycotina and Blastocladiomycota opens the question on sterol equilibrium regulation in these organisms. Early diverging fungi retained most of beta oxidation components common with animals including Nudt7, Nudt12 and Nudt19 pointing at peroxisome divergence in Dikarya. Finally, Glomeromycotina and Mortierellomycotina representatives have a similar set of desaturases and elongases related to the synthesis of complex, polyunsaturated fatty acids pointing at an ancient expansion of fatty acid metabolism currently being explored by biotechnological studies.

Ecological aspects in the use of soil enzymes as indicators of anthropogenic soil pollution

In the contemporary era, with rapid industrial growth and urbanisation, analysing the impact of human activities on soil enzyme activity becomes crucial. The purpose of this study is to assess the influence of anthropogenic pollution on enzyme activity in soil. Research on enzyme activity levels in the soil in the city of KaraBalta, Chuy Region, Kyrgyz Republic, was conducted using biochemical analyses and specific enzymatic tests. The results revealed significant diversity in catalase activity in different soil samples. Some samples exhibited high activity, while others showed low activity. These differences may be associated with oxidative stress and the ability of soil microorganisms to decompose hydrogen peroxide. Urease analysis indicated the highest activity in soil samples after 2 hours, particularly near the protective barrier of the tailings pond, suggesting intensive chemical reactions, especially near pollution sources. Research has also revealed the diversity of protease activity in soil ecosystems, where samples with high activity may more effectively break down proteins compared to samples with low activity. To achieve ecological stability of soil resources, it is necessary to develop a management strategy, including monitoring and restoring priority areas considering local characteristics, supporting biodiversity, applying sustainable agricultural methods, and combating soil erosion. Important steps also include forming a community emphasising the importance of soil resources, funding research, and collaborating with local authorities, scientists, and the business community. The results of the study can be used in developing strategies to prevent the negative consequences of soil pollution, contributing to improved ecological resilience, especially for environmental protection agencies

Innovative Business Effort in a Mediterranean Region, Same Characteristics and/or Same Spatial Distribution?

Business innovation is fundamental for sustained economic growth at the regional level. Knowing the common characteristics of innovative companies and their location is essential to carry out appropriate economic policies. To this end, we have carried out a double analysis: one grouping of companies according to characteristics and another by geolocation. This study focused on one of Spain’s 17 autonomous communities, the Comunitat Valenciana, a region characterised by significant industrial diversity. Our results show, among other things, that size is not a differentiating factor when it comes to innovation, and that there is a positive relationship between physical clustering and productivity.

Household Cohabitation Patterns in Multiethnic Seventeenth-Century Lviv

Abstract Lviv, a mid-sized city in the eastern borderlands of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, numbered approximately 10,000 inhabitants in the second half of the seventeenth century. Its wealth, strategic location, and role as a trade center with the East contributed to significant ethno-religious diversity, with influential communities of Ruthenians (Ukrainians), Armenians, and Jews, alongside the Catholic majority. Detailed analysis of the 1662 Lviv poll tax register and other sources reveals the social composition and size of individual households, as well as their location in the city, houses’ construction material, and plot sizes. The results reveal diverse domestic arrangements influenced not only by individual socio-economic factors but also by the structural and cultural characteristics of the urban space.

Genetic polymorphism of merozoite surface protein 1 and antifolate-resistant genes in Plasmodium falciparum from Mali and Niger.

Since 2015, countries in the Sahel region have implemented large-scale seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC). However, the mass use of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) plus amodiaquine impacts the genetic diversity of malaria parasites and their sensitivity to antimalarials. This study aimed to describe and compare the genetic diversity and SP resistance of Plasmodium falciparum strains in Mali and Niger. We collected 400 blood samples in Mali and Niger from children aged 3-59 months suspected of malaria. Of them, 201 tested positive (Niger, 111, 55.2%; Mali, 90, 44.8%). Polymorphism of merozoite surface protein 1 (msp1) genetic marker showed 201 allotypes. The frequency of the RO33 allotype was significantly higher in Niger (63.6%) than in Mali (39.3%). There was no significant difference in the frequency of the K1 and MAD20 allotypes between the 2 countries. The multiplicity of infection was 2 allotypes per patient in Mali and one allotype per patient in Niger. The prevalence of strains with the triple mutants Pfdhfr51I/Pfdhfr59R/Pfdhps436A/F/H and Pfdhfr51I/Pfdhfr59R/Pfdhps437G was 18.1% and 30.2%, respectively, and 7.7% carried the quadruple mutant Pfdhfr51I/Pfdhfr59R/Pfdhps436A/F/H/Pfdhps437G. Despite the significant genetic diversity of parasite populations, the level of SP resistance was comparable between Mali and Niger. The frequency of mutations conferring resistance to SP still allows its effective use in intermittent preventive treatment in pregnant women and in SMC.

Murchison Meteorite Analysis Using Tetramethylammonium Hydroxide (TMAH) Thermochemolysis Under Simulated Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) Pyrolysis‐Gas Chromatography‐Mass Spectrometry Conditions

AbstractThe Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) instrument aboard the Curiosity Rover at Gale crater can characterize organic molecules from scooped and drilled samples via pyrolysis of solid materials. In addition, SAM can conduct wet chemistry experiments which enhance the detection of organic molecules bound in macromolecules and convert polar organic compounds into volatile derivatives amenable to gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry analyses. Specifically, N‐tert‐butyldimethylsilyl‐N‐methyltrifluoroacetamide (MTBSTFA) is a silylation reagent whereas tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) is a thermochemolysis methylation reagent. Shortly after arriving at Mars, the SAM team discovered that at least one of the MTBSFTA cups was leaking, contributing to a continuous background inside SAM with the potential to interfere with future TMAH reactions. Therefore, here we characterized possible interactions between the two reagents to determine byproducts and implications for the detection of indigenous organics. SAM‐like pyrolysis experiments supplemented with flash pyrolysis were accordingly conducted with fragments of the Murchison meteorite as a reference for exogenous organic matter delivered to Mars. Flash TMAH experiments yielded various aromatic acids, dicarboxylic acids, and amino acids while SAM‐like pyrolysis presented mixtures of methylated and non‐methylated compounds due to decreased reaction efficiency at slower ramp rates. All experiments in the presence of simulated MTBSTFA vapor produced pervasive silylated byproducts which co‐elute and obscure the identification of Murchison‐derived compounds. Despite challenges, a significant diversity of pyrolyzates and TMAH derivatives could still be identified in flash pyrolysis in presence of MTBSTFA. However SAM‐like experiments with TMAH and MTBSTFA are hindered by both decreased methylation yields and additional co‐eluting compounds.

Management of Chronic Subdural Hematoma a Challenge in Neurosurgical Practice

Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is a common neurosurgical disease encountered by neurologists, neurosurgeons, intensive care specialists, and emergency physicians in the emergency department. Although much has been published on CSDH, it remains a topic of active research, also a significant challenge in specific scenarios. The spectrum of clinical presentation varies from asymptomatic radiological entity to significant sensory-motor deterioration resulting in a comatose state. The majority of these cases have an underlying history of trivial trauma in one or the other form. More often, elderly individuals present with CSDH. Management of CSDH in elderly individuals presents specific challenges due to pre-existing comorbidities and medications which alter the pathophysiology. There exists a significant diversity in the treatment modality of CSDH amongst neurosurgeons. The treatment modality includes medical management as well as various forms of surgical manoeuvres intended to evacuate the hematoma and hence alleviate the mass effect over the surrounding brain matter. The treatment modality needs to be individualized for every case. The rationale selection of cases for medical and surgical intervention with robust follow-up results in a better prognostication of these cases.

Culture Representations Incorporated within the English Textbook Used for Teaching Seventh-Grade Students in Indonesia

This study aims to examine the cultural representation incorporated within the English textbook that the teachers utilized for instructing seventh-grade students in Indonesia. The Study employed qualitative content analysis techniques. The study utilized documentation and a checklist table containing criteria to assess the presence of cultural aspects in the textbook recommended by experts in teaching English as a foreign language. The results indicated that the textbook has successfully fulfilled specific criteria for including cultural information. A distinct and well-defined learning objective accompanies every chapter within this English textbook. The textbook organizes its content into individual chapters, each exploring diverse topics about various cultural aspects. The introduction of vocabulary on the topic of each unit occurs exclusively within the respective unit, without subsequent repetition in subsequent chapters. The content covered in Chapters 1 to 5 of the textbook has encompassed a wide range of cultural elements, exhibiting significant diversity. The material has been tailored to suit the student's age group. Every chapter within this English textbook also presents four distinct categories of language skills. However, the learning materials primarily emphasize Indonesian culture through the inclusion of cultural materials. The chapters within the textbook need to cultivate students' awareness of intercultural understanding. There need to be more activities that facilitate students' engagement in intercultural understanding and cross-cultural communication

Evolution of Insect Diversity in the Permian and Triassic

The global warming that occurred during the Permo-Triassic transition, following the end of the Late Paleozoic glaciation, and the resulting responses of the biota to the changing environment, are considered important analogs for understanding rapid future warming scenarios. While there has been extensive research on the patterns and extent of diversity in plants, tetrapods, and marine invertebrates during the Permo-Triassic, the study of insect diversity and the evolution of their faunal composition has been relatively limited. The question of whether there were insect extinctions during this period continues to be a subject of debate. Here, we present a statistical study on taxonomic diversity of insects—at specific, generic and familial levels—throughout the Permian and Triassic, with subsampled context on the reported global occurrences. Our result show that more than one insect extinction events, accompanied by significant diversity drop and turnovers of faunal compositional, occurred in the Permian and Triassic. All the uncovered insect diversity crises exhibit strong correspondence with the well-known marine mass extinction events in the Middle Permian, Permo-Triassic transition, Carnian, and Rhaetian, whilst the marine correspondence with the Early Permian insect crisis is less pronounced. Insects, being a major component of terrestrial ecosystems, demonstrate varied diversity responses to climatic changes in Permian and Triassic. Our study sheds new light on the intricate interplay between insect diversity evolution and the changing environmental conditions during these critical geohistorical periods.

The Art of Childbirth of the Midwives of Al-Andalus: Social Assessment and Legal Implication of Health Assistance in the Cultural Diversity of the 10th-14th Centuries.

(1) Background: The role of Al-Andalus's women were the result of Arabization and Islamization in Spain. The 10th to the 14th centuries were a time of significant cultural diversity in the region. Female physicians and midwives were important for providing care to women. Despite existing studies, there is still a lack of focused research on the professionalization of these trades, including their requirements, intervention areas, and treatments. (2) Methods: To address this gap, we conducted a scoping review using the dialectical structural model of care (DSMC). Primary medical and legislative sources were used. (3) Results: two kinds of midwife, or qābila, were discovered, along with a woman physician, or ṭabība, who also acted as a midwife. These professions underwent diverse training and fulfilled duties as obstetricians and pediatricians. Midwives were esteemed members of society and were the sole female professionals who needed qualified training. Their performance in the courts was exemplary. Tools for facilitating childbirth and interventions related to female health were discovered in the study. (4) Conclusions: The patriarchal societies suffer from significant inequality in terms of academic training, knowledge transmission, and healthcare provision. Midwives functioned in segregated domestic and legal spaces and were responsible for providing public care to communities from the 10th to 14th centuries.

Gut microbiome dynamics in index patients colonized with extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacterales after hospital discharge and their household contacts.

This study investigated the gut microbiome dynamics of index patients colonized with extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli (ESBL-Ec) (n = 5) or extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (ESBL-Kp) (n = 3) and their household contacts (n = 9) up to 4 months after hospital discharge of the index patient using 16S rRNA amplicon gene sequencing. Samples were collected at the day of hospital discharge of the index patient, 1 week and 2 and 4 months after discharge. Compared to household contacts, we observed a significant lower alpha diversity (P < 0.001) among index patients and significant (P < 0.05) separation between the two groups for beta diversity. Principal component analysis of the samples from each household (i.e., index patient and respective household contact) showed a clear shift in microbiome composition, in 4/8 index patients, from dissimilar to more similar to the household contact group. This suggests recovery of the microbiome to a healthier status, which was also reflected by de novo colonization of (health-associated) taxa. In contrast, the four time-point samples of the household contacts clustered together indicating a stable microbiome composition over time irrespective of low-level ESBL-Ec (n = 3) or ESBL-Kp (n = 2) colonization. In conclusion, here we show that, at the day of hospital discharge, the microbiome composition of index patients is dissimilar from that of household contacts. Over time, signals of microbiome recovery were observed in half of the index patients. The stable microbiome composition in household contacts irrespective of low-level ESBL-Ec or ESBL-Kp colonization suggests that the gut microbiome in these healthy people provided colonization resistance against ESBL-PE outgrowth. IMPORTANCE Colonization with extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales (ESBL-PE) often precedes infections and is therefore considered as a great threat for public health. Here, we studied the gut microbiome dynamics in eight index patients colonized with ESBL-PE after hospital discharge and the impact of exposure to this index patient on the gut microbiome dynamics of their household contacts. We showed that the microbiome composition from index patients is different from their household contacts upon hospital discharge and that, in some of the index patients, their microbiome composition over time shifted toward the composition of their household contacts. In contrast, household contacts showed a stable microbiome composition over time irrespective of low-level extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli (ESBL-Ec) or extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (ESBL-Kp) gut colonization, suggesting that, in healthy microbiomes, colonization resistance is able to prevent ESBL-PE expansion.

Mechanism of rock burst in deep gob-side entry based on dynamic and static stress: a case study

Deep gob-side entry (DGSE) shows rock burst risk under the condition of kilometer depth and hard roof. Based on the established conditions of the Tengdong coal mine, theoretical analysis, microseismic (MS) monitoring, and numerical modeling were used to study the rock burst mechanism of DGSE. Results show that MS events mainly occurred on the solid side of DGSE and the intense dynamic load was mainly caused by the breaking of low hard roof strata, which can release 2.64 × 105 J elastic energy per meter. The surrounding stress of DGSE was asymmetrical due to the coal pillar yielding and hanging roof’s weight, and the load of coal pillar is negatively correlated with that of solid. Simulation shows the vertical stress evolution of coal pillar and solid shows significant diversity. Coal pillar’s vertical stress first drops sharply, and then increases gradually, finally stable at 10.6 MPa with the DGSE’s excavation. Contrarily, solid’s vertical stress gradually rises and was finally stable at 40.9 MPa. Under roof dynamic loading, the vibration velocity of the entry’s top was higher than that of the floor which was caused by the increase of the propagation distance and the reflection and diffraction effect of waves. The vibration velocity of the coal pillar was significantly higher than that of the solid which is because higher stress can lead to faster attenuation of vibration velocity. After dynamic loading, the coal pillar’s principal stress and principal stress difference decreased while that of the solid can be divided into two drop areas and one rising area. Periodic pressure relief that was carried out in the rising area can reduce the rock burst risk on the solid side of DGSE.

Genome-wide epitope mapping across multiple host species reveals significant diversity in antibody responses to Coxiella burnetii vaccination and infection.

Coxiella burnetii is an important zoonotic bacterial pathogen of global importance, causing the disease Q fever in a wide range of animal hosts. Ruminant livestock, in particular sheep and goats, are considered the main reservoir of human infection. Vaccination is a key control measure, and two commercial vaccines based on formalin-inactivated C. burnetii bacterins are currently available for use in livestock and humans. However, their deployment is limited due to significant reactogenicity in individuals previously sensitized to C. burnetii antigens. Furthermore, these vaccines interfere with available serodiagnostic tests which are also based on C. burnetii bacterin antigens. Defined subunit antigen vaccines offer significant advantages, as they can be engineered to reduce reactogenicity and co-designed with serodiagnostic tests to allow discrimination between vaccinated and infected individuals. This study aimed to investigate the diversity of antibody responses to C. burnetii vaccination and/or infection in cattle, goats, humans, and sheep through genome-wide linear epitope mapping to identify candidate vaccine and diagnostic antigens within the predicted bacterial proteome. Using high-density peptide microarrays, we analyzed the seroreactivity in 156 serum samples from vaccinated and infected individuals to peptides derived from 2,092 open-reading frames in the C. burnetii genome. We found significant diversity in the antibody responses within and between species and across different types of C. burnetii exposure. Through the implementation of three different vaccine candidate selection methods, we identified 493 candidate protein antigens for protein subunit vaccine design or serodiagnostic evaluation, of which 65 have been previously described. This is the first study to investigate multi-species seroreactivity against the entire C. burnetii proteome presented as overlapping linear peptides and provides the basis for the selection of antigen targets for next-generation Q fever vaccines and diagnostic tests.

Stromatolites from the Majiagou Formation in the Ordos Basin, Northwestern China

Stromatolites declined remarkably in the Middle Ordovician, which has been speculatively related to the concomitant proliferation of metazoan reefs during the Great Ordovician Radiation Event, however, they are flourish and widely distributed in the Middle Ordovician (Darriwilian) Majiagou (Machiakou) Formation in the Ordos Basin, northwestern China. The stromatolites in the Ma-5 Member of the Majiagou Formation in the Ordos Basin exhibit significant morphological diversity, and are ready to be divided into wavy and domal stromatolites from the south and west part, columnar in the Northeast part, accompanied with rarely hemispheroid and conical ones. The stromatolites in the Ma-5 Member distribute in a subcircular ring belt, which can be subdivided into three sedimentary divisions, mostly near the boundary between the gypsum-bearing dolomite flat and gypsum salt lake, of which, the north-central division, with its thicker stromatolite-bearing strata and more complex stromatolite morphologies, was the most favorable for the establishment of stromatolites, where grazing animals were absent and burrowing animals few. Some calcified microorganisms were recovered from the stromatolites, which substantially increases their known diversity for this interval and suggestive of a severe undersampling of the middle Ordovician calcified cyanobacteria fossil record in the Ordos Basin.

The lag in agricultural civilization during the Bronze Age in Northeast China: A stable isotope study based on the faunal remains of the Weizili site

In recent years, the feeding patterns of ancient livestock in Northeast China has been a hot but unclear research topic. In this study, we selected 42 faunal collagen samples from the Weizili site (c. 3207–2155 a BP), a typical Bronze Age site, to study the rearing diets of animals based on carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes. The results showed that roe deer (−18.1 ± 3.2‰, 6.4 ± 1.0‰, n = 5) relied on a C3 food, indicating that wild vegetation in Weizili site was primarily composed of C3 plants. Cattle (−14.6 ± 1.9‰, 7.5 ± 0.4‰, n = 9), horses (−16.6 ± 2.7‰, 7.9 ± 2.9‰, n = 3), canines (four were dogs, one was a racoon dog) (−14.8 ± 4.2‰, 7.3 ± 1.3‰, n = 5), pigs (−15.2 ± 4.3‰,6.4 ± 1.2‰, n = 18), and humans (−15.3 ± 0.4‰, 10.6 ± 1.3‰, n = 2) were mainly lived on C3 and C4 mixed food. We compared the results with the available data for the same period of time from different regions, such as the Central Plains region, the Northeast region and the interior of the Northeast region (especially the Liaodong and Liaoxi regions). We concluded that pigs, horses, cattle, dogs and roe deer from the Weizili site were domesticated and that most individuals of these domestic animals were reared by C3 and C4 mixed food, but that there was quite significant diversity in the food sources of a given species, particularly for pigs and roe deer. The isotope results from the Weizili site, together with previously published data from related sites in Northeast China, demonstrated that the level of human intervention in the animal diets was relatively high but different from that of other sites in the same region, such as the Changshan (c. 3000–2200 a BP) and Wanfabozi sites (c. 3000–2300 a BP). Hence, an uneven pace of agricultural development in Northeast China was shown. This comparatively primitive agricultural production lagged behind the agricultural production of the Central Plains region of the same period.

Exploring YOLOv8 Pretrain for Real-Time Detection of Indonesian Native Fish Species

The main objective of this research is to determine the efficacy of the YOLO model in detecting native fish species found in Indonesia. Indonesia has a variety of maritime natural resources and shows significant diversity. This research utilizes the YOLO architecture, previously trained on several datasets, for fish detection in the environment in Indonesian waters. This dataset consists of various fish species native to Indonesia and was used to retrain the YOLO Pretrain model. The model was evaluated using test data that accurately represents Indonesian water conditions. Empirical findings show that the modified YOLO Pretrain model can accurately recognize these fish in real-time. After utilizing YOLO and Pre-Train with Ultralytics YOLO Version 8.0.196, the results show an accuracy of 92.3% for head detection, 86.9% for tail detection, and an overall detection accuracy of 89.6%. The fish image dataset, consisting of a total of 401 images, is categorized into three subsets: the training dataset, which consists of 255 images; the validation dataset, which includes 66 images; and the testing dataset, which contains 80 images. This research has great potential for application in fisheries monitoring, marine biology research, and marine environmental monitoring. A real-time fish detection system for the Identification and tracking of fish species is carried out by researchers and field workers. The findings of this research provide a valuable contribution to ongoing efforts aimed at conserving marine biodiversity and implementing more sustainable management practices in Indonesia.

Using social practice theory to examine parenting: A scoping review

Practice theory-based research has been established theoretically as an answer to health and social problems, but its use in empirical research is still emerging. We conducted a scoping review in accordance with JBI guidelines for evidence synthesis to identify methodological characteristics of practice theory-based research concerning parenting. A total of 2681 abstracts were identified, with 214 retained for full text screening. A total of 33 articles were included in the review. The included studies in the review focussed on a range of practices relating to parenting including meal preparation and cooking, mobility and transport, homework and school engagement. Major findings from this scoping review identified the use of multiple methods to draw on different aspects of practice and a high variety of time frames for data collection. The tailoring of practice theory approaches was highly varied, and some studies also combined practice theory with alternate theory and concepts. The results reveal significant diversity in the use of social practice theory, the range of methodological approaches used and the application of a high variety of methods. All studies used some form of interview to investigate practices and ethnography was a main methodological approach adopted. Across the studies there were recommendations for expanding sampling and recruitment strategies. Given the call to adopt new approaches to parenting and child development research, our review serves as a mapping of the multitude of ways practice theory-based research can provide can be used to examine parenting.

Understanding the role of youth in Indigenous territorial governance

Indigenous territories cover more than one-fourth of the world’s land surface, overlap with distinct ecological areas, and harbour significant cultural and biological diversity; their stewardship provides critical contributions to livelihood, food security, conservation, and climate action. How these territories are accessed, used, and managed is an important question for owner communities, state governments, development agencies, and researchers alike. This extends to how broad community memberships remain invested in territorial use and management, with young people comprising one sub-group often underrepresented in decision-making spaces. We know that internal community norms and structures–often dominated by older, adult males–can limit opportunities for youth to contribute their energy and ideas. We also know that youth can and do leave their home communities to pursue life, work, or education goals and aspirations. Drawing on insights from 5 years of collaborative research with the Indigenous Territory of Lomerío (ITL), Bolivia, we explore the roles that youth play in territorial governance, their perceptions of current structures and novel engagement strategies, and consider what lessons from this case could be applied more broadly. Our findings point to the ITL as an instructive example of how Indigenous (and other rural and remote) communities might enable young people to participate more fully in territorial governance, highlighting the importance of an enabling, underlying socio-cultural context. Based on our work in Bolivia, and lessons from other places, we discuss ways to enhance youth-community-territory linkages to support Indigenous land sovereignty and stewardship and reflect on how research co-design and knowledge co-production can help deliver more robust, inclusive, and useful (in an applied sense) empirical insights in support of such efforts.

Genomic diversity of wild and cultured Yesso scallop Mizuhopecten yessoensis from Japan and Canada.

The Yesso scallop Mizuhopecten yessoensis is an important aquaculture species that was introduced to Western Canada from Japan to establish an economically viable scallop farming industry. This highly fecund species has been propagated in Canadian aquaculture hatcheries for the past 40 years, raising questions about genetic diversity and genetic differences among hatchery stocks. In this study, we compare cultured Canadian and wild Japanese populations of Yesso scallop using double-digest restriction site-associated DNA (ddRAD) sequencing to genotype 21,048 variants in 71 wild-caught scallops from Japan, 65 scallops from the Vancouver Island University breeding population, and 37 scallops obtained from a commercial farm off Vancouver Island, British Columbia. The wild scallops are largely comprised of equally unrelated individuals, whereas cultured scallops are comprised of multiple families of related individuals. The polymorphism rate estimated in wild scallops was 1.7%, whereas in the cultured strains, it ranged between 1.35 and 1.07%. Interestingly, heterozygosity rates were highest in the cultured populations, which is likely due to shellfish hatchery practices of crossing divergent strains to gain benefits of heterosis and to avoid inbreeding. Evidence of founder effects and drift was observed in the cultured strains, including high genetic differentiation between cultured populations and between cultured populations and the wild population. Cultured populations had effective population sizes ranging from 9 to 26 individuals whereas the wild population was estimated at 25,048-56,291 individuals. Further, a depletion of low-frequency variants was observed in the cultured populations. These results indicate significant genetic diversity losses in cultured scallops in Canadian breeding programs.