Socio-economic Importance Research Articles

Crustal deformation in East of Cairo, Egypt, induced by rapid urbanization, as seen from remote sensing and GNSS data

Abstract The area located East to Cairo, the Capital of Egypt, represents an obvious example for the rapid urban expansion, as it contains many new housing cities. Beside its socio-economic importance, it’s located in the Cairo-Suez seismic zone. We utilized Persistent Scatterer Interferometry (PSI) of 2015–2021 Sentinel-1 SAR scenes along with two GNSS stations (KATA and PHLW) to assess the distribution and rates of crustal deformation of this region. The PSI analysis is applied to 140 Sentinel-1 SAR images collected from the ascending track number (58) and the descending track number (167). The Bernese software V. 5.0 is used for the processing of the GNSS data. A good agreement between the rates estimated from the PSI analysis and GNSS data is observed. Based on results, most of the new cities showing land subsidence with variable rates. The rates at Obour, New Cairo, Shorouk, Madinty, and Capital Gardens are 0.54 ± 0.30 mm/year, 0.58 ± 0.30 mm/year, 1.01 ± 0.30 mm/year, 0.58 ± 0.30 mm/year, and 0.99 ± 0.30 mm/year, respectively. The highest recorded subsidence rates are at Asher, Administrative Capital, and Badr with 2.18 ± 0.30 mm/year, 1.89 ± 0.30 mm/year, and 1.69 ± 0.30 mm/year, respectively. Nasr city is the only city with an uplift of 0.82 ± 0.30 mm/year. Our new findings introduce the probable use of integrated techniques such as GNSS and InSAR to evaluate the extent of crustal deformation connected to rapid urbanization in arid areas. Beside tectonic setting, it should be considered while executing mega-projects for sustainable development especially within Egypt’s Vision 2030.

Decadal Morphological Evolution and Governance Measures of the South Branch, Changjiang Estuary

Estuaries and deltas hold significant socioeconomic importance and immense ecological value due to their dynamic geomorphic processes and unique geographical advantages. However, in recent decades, delta recession and the instability of river regimes have become global challenges, driven by intensive human interventions in upstream river basins and local regions. This study examines the South Branch of the Changjiang Estuary as a typical case to investigate its morphological evolution over the past decades and project future trends, offering suitable solutions to enhance the river regime stability. Analysis of bathymetric data reveals substantial channel–shoal adjustments in the South Branch from 1958 to 2016, characterized by significant erosion and deposition on a decadal scale. After 1997, reduced fluvial sediment supply has led to widespread erosion in the South Branch. Further disturbances at the Baimao Shoal and Biandan Shoal have exacerbated the instability of the river regime. Numerical predictions indicate continued erosion in the South Branch over the next 20 years, accompanied by further channel–shoal pattern adjustments. Hydrodynamic modeling of proposed measures demonstrates an improved flow ratio for the North Baimao Shoal Channel, contributing to enhanced channel–shoal system stability. These integrated governance measures have been incorporated into the latest renovation plan for the Changjiang Estuary. The findings provide valuable scientific guidance for the comprehensive management of the Changjiang Estuary and offer insights applicable to other large estuaries facing similar challenges.

Növekvő jövedelemegyenlőtlenség mint a technológiai fejlődés nem várt hatása

The Fourth Industrial Revolution opened substantial growth prospects for the world economy but raised new problems and exacerbated existing ones, including income inequality. The issue of inequality is of paramount socio-economic and geopolitical importance worldwide, as the significant social and wealth stratification of the population in society leads to the emergence of local, national, and even international confrontations. Changes in the industry affect economic and social development. Since productivity and employment are linked to economic growth, it is essential to examine the impact of technological developments on the labour market. This paper shows how technological developments associated with the fourth industrial revolution induce even more significant gaps between countries and affect income inequality. The fourth industrial revolution is full of opportunities and challenges. While technological progress undoubtedly contributes to improving competitiveness and productivity and raising living standards, it also leaves room for labour market polarisation, leading to increased inequality

Tree populations show low regeneration of valued species in West Africa

Tree populations have declined substantially in West Africa in recent decades, raising concerns since trees provide numerous ecosystem goods and services. Regional information on the population status of tree species could guide more effective conservation and regeneration of natural vegetation. Here, we report results of the first regional analysis of tree population structure across the Sahel and Sudan zones, a meta-study of vegetation inventories, including 23,586 individual trees sampled across nine countries. We evaluated current status and forecast future trends of 16 species and one genus of trees of ecological and socio-economic importance. Size class distribution (SCD) reflects the population structure of an individual species and can provide early warning of composition change and population decline. SCD is analysed widely at a local scale, but analysis at a regional scale is needed to detect widespread population changes. Many native species lacked trees in the smaller size classes, implying unsustainable populations and future decline. Some species show sound regeneration at the regional scale, but high variation among sites. Eight species, including Adansonia digitata and Afzelia africana, show regional declines in regeneration and risks of future extirpations. Four of these severely lack regeneration. Protected areas show higher tree regeneration, but protected status did not assure good regeneration. Our results identify priority tree species across West Africa, indicate a more urgent need for conservation and regeneration of native tree species, and highlight the benefit of effective conservation. More widespread protection could increase tree populations, conserving biodiversity, and ecosystem services essential for people's livelihoods.

Impact of the Seasons on the Evolution of Tomato-infecting Geminivirus and Identification of Plant Reservoirs Harboring Geminivirus in Burkina Faso

Geminiviruses are known as responsible for huge damage to vegetable crops in many tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions. In Burkina Faso, tomato was reported as the most infected vegetable crop with the involvement of several geminivirus species despite its socioeconomic importance. This suggests and underlines the pressing need for additional information on virus population evolution (diversity, prevalence, and host plant reservoirs). Thus, to address this problem, surveys and sample collection were carried out in three localities in Burkina Faso (Goué, Léguéma, and Toussiana). Tomato leaves and those of cultivated and non-cultivated plants around the tomato fields were collected. The total DNA extracted from these samples was subjected to diagnosis based on the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocol with or without amplicon sequencing. Results showed that depending on the season and locality, the prevalence of the disease varied from 0 to 53.33% and that of the virus species varied from 0 to 76.67%. The highest prevalence was observed in the dry season. In addition, PepYVMLV was the virus that was widely detected in all three localities in the rainy (18.89%) and dry (52.22%) seasons. The DNA-B molecule associated with this virus was associated with other begomoviruses (ToLCMLV). In addition, out of 200 samples collected in the vicinity of the tomato fields, only 63 were positive based on PCR diagnosis. Amplicon sequencing yielded 63 partial sequences of virus from ten plant species, including six non-cultivated species. Based on phylogenetic analysis, the 63 partial sequences belonged to three phylogenetic groups (the ToLCV group, the PepYVMLV group, and the CLCuGV group). This study allowed a better understanding of the evolution of tomato leaf curl/yellow disease in Burkina Faso and the diversity of plant species serving as reservoirs for involved viruses. This constitutes an important step in the search for adequate control methods.

Extremes of Temperature and Precipitation Under CMIP6 Scenarios Projections Over Central Hokkaido, Japan

ABSTRACTClimate extreme events are intensifying globally, posing increasing risks across various sectors. Understanding climate extremes' spatiotemporal patterns and responses to climate change is crucial for effective management, especially on a regional scale. This study examines temperature and precipitation extremes, as well as compound dry‐hot events (CDHEs), in the Ishikari River basin (IRB) of Northeastern Japan, an area of significant socioeconomic importance. We focus on spatiotemporal analysis under multiple scenarios of temperature/precipitation extremes and CDHEs based on statistical downscaled datasets from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6. Results indicate that IRB underwent increased trends of extreme hot periods, extreme droughts, and heavy rainfalls during 1985–2014, which are significantly affected by the North Pacific Oscillation and Southern Oscillation Index. Future projections show that warming temperatures and less rainfall shift asymmetrical impacts on temperature and precipitation extremes, expecting increased warm spells and CDHEs but increased wet durations and less heavy rainfalls. Emission scenarios analysis suggests low‐emission scenarios (SSP1‐2.6) could mitigate their exacerbations, especially for CDHEs (decreased by 139%). Moreover, spatial‐pattern analysis reveals regional heterogeneity in temperature and precipitation extremes, with northern mountainous regions more susceptible to thermal extremes and southern plain regions (e.g., Sapporo city) experiencing prolonged drought and CDHEs. This study provides valuable insights into climate risk management and adaptation strategies.

Strength and timing of austral winter Angolan coastal upwelling

The tropical Angolan upwelling system (tAUS) is a highly productive ecosystem of great socio-economic importance. Productivity peaks in austral winter and is linked to the passage of remotely forced upwelling coastal trapped waves (CTWs), where the strength of the productivity peak is associated with the amplitude of the upwelling CTW. Here, we analyze the year-to-year variability in the timing and amplitude of the austral winter upwelling CTW by examining sea surface temperature, sea level anomaly, and wind fields. Our results show that the timing of the CTW is influenced by variability in the equatorial region and along the southern African coast. Weaker equatorial easterlies from April to July delay the generation of the upwelling Kelvin wave, leading to a later arrival of the upwelling CTW. In contrast, the amplitude of the CTW is primarily influenced by variability in the eastern equatorial Atlantic and the central South Atlantic, where the South Atlantic Anticyclone is located. A cooling in the eastern equatorial Atlantic three to four months before the arrival of the CTW causes stronger zonal winds, ultimately leading to a stronger austral winter upwelling CTW. Our results suggest that the timing and amplitude of the upwelling CTW in the tAUS during austral winter are predictable on seasonal time scales.

Straw Craftsmanship from Port of Sauípe-BA: Possibility of Become a Geographic Indication

Objective: Present the potential of the Geographical Indication for straw handicrafts from Porto de Sauípe – Bahia based on the Methodology for Identifying Potential Brazilian Geographical Indications, developed by the Micro and Small Business Support Service (Sebrae). Theoretical Framework: The article shows some reports that provide information about the history and context of straw crafts in Porto de Sauípe, including local traditions and the role of artisans in the production of the products. Method: The research has a qualitative approach with data collection through bibliographic survey and interviews with local artisans. Results and Discussion: The results showed that the Porto de Sauípe region has factors that provide a quality product (handicrafts) with unique characteristics. The handicrafts have market potential, notoriety and great socioeconomic importance for local artisans. One of the main restrictions for the Geographical Indication is related to the criteria that require more attention, such as governance, research involved and vision of the future. Research Implications: The research makes it possible to analyze the potential of Geographical Indications in other regions that have potential for manufacturing products with notoriety and requirements for registration. Originality/Value: The study provides support to academics and artisans in Brazil, demonstrating the importance of the piassava production chain for maintaining crafts and generating local employment and income.

Impacts of UV-filter pollution and low pH: Sperm and adult biomarkers in the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis in a multi-stressor context.

In an era of unprecedented environmental changes, understanding the combined effects of multiple stressors on species' performance is urgent. The increasing UV-filter incorporation in daily-life products raises concerns about their potential impact on marine-coastal environments upon release. As stressors rarely act alone, global change-induced factors, such as ocean acidification (OA), can amplify ecological hazards promoted by contaminants in coastal realms. This study investigated the combined impacts of UV-filters 4-methylbenzylidene camphor (4-MBC) and benzophenone-3 (BP-3), at ecologically relevant concentrations (1 and 10 µg/L), under two target pH levels (8.2 and 7.7, reflecting a ∆pH of 0 and -0.3 relative to the average pH at the sampling site), on the biological performance and male reproductive health of the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis. Using sperm and adult assays alongside a multi-biomarker approach, the study revealed that pH was the primary driver of the decline in mussel physiological and biochemical performances, further intensifying UV-filters' impacts. While sperm cells showed adaptive responses to low pH conditions alone, characterized by reduced lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels and superoxide anion overproduction, adult mussels experienced more pronounced effects, particularly under simultaneous exposure to low pH and UV-filters. Specifically, the adults exhibited distinct bioconcentration patterns under low pH, enhanced cellular metabolic activity and energy-demand compensatory processes, activation of biotransformation pathways, and regulation of antioxidant defenses. Given the ecological and socio-economic importance of M. galloprovincialis and its demonstrated vulnerability to these stressors, these findings highlight the need for further studies on potential transgenerational impacts and evolutionary implications for mussel populations.

GOALS AND CONTENT OF LANGUAGE TRAINING OF SPECIALISTS IN RUSSIAN HIGHER EDUCATION

In this article, we will talk about the socio-economic importance of higher professional education, the scientific research carried out to increase its status and effective strategies for its improvement, the innovative paradigm of higher education, the role and necessity of higher professional education in the formation of the intellectual elite of society. will go. Also, the issue of the linguistic component of the block of humanities, which determines the content of the comprehensive training of specialists in this field, and the integrated scientific and methodological concept of teaching students to professional speech communication are discussed.

Vegetation cover in outdoor enclosures reduces feather pecking in farm-reared red-legged partridges (Alectoris rufa)

Feather pecking is a major problem in intensively reared birds, leading to welfare issues, chronic stress and economic losses. Despite the ample literature on how to improve the living conditions in the poultry industry, very little attention has been paid to gamebird species. The red-legged partridge (Alectoris rufa) plays a crucial role in the ecosystems of the Iberian Peninsula and also holds significant socio-economic importance in rural areas, as it is the primary species for small game hunting. Our aim was to experimentally test whether improved housing conditions with abundant natural vegetation cover reduce feather pecking and enhance body condition and growth in red-legged partridges. For two years, we compared the degree of feather pecking in red-legged partridges raised in two types of enclosures: a) in the absence of vegetation and b) with abundant natural vegetation. We also took morphometric measures (body weight and tarsus length) of the birds. We found that feather pecking varied both according to vegetation cover and bird age. Chicks aged between 42 and 67 days old exhibited a higher degree of feather pecking than adults. Vegetation cover reduced feather pecking in adults in one of the years of study and in chicks in the other. Additionally, we also found partial support that the presence of vegetation can improve body condition, as during one year, chicks raised in enclosures with vegetation were marginally heavier than those raised without vegetation. These findings suggest that the presence of vegetation might be a contributing factor in mitigating the development of abnormal behaviours in captive red-legged partridges. Future studies are necessary to evaluate what additional measures can be implemented to enhance the effectiveness of a vegetation enriched environment. Additionally, future studies should aim to investigate the effects vegetation cover in aviaries on other parameters relevant to the welfare of these birds, such as the physiological stress response and other specific behavioural traits.

Characterization of the chemical composition, amino acid, and fatty acid profiles of underutilized poultry feathers

Poultry is one of the leading subsectors of animal husbandry. However, despite its socioeconomic importance, it is considered a significant contributor to environmental problems through its waste production, including feathers. Feathers are protective layers that make up the typical outer wrapping. It can be found on feathery and in some non-feathery winged creatures. In this context, this research was conducted to determine the proximate, mineral, fatty acid, and amino acid profile in poultry feathers. The proximate analysis revealed the values of ash (1.40%), moisture (6.30%), crude fiber (9.20%), protein (67.50%), crude fat (2.90%), and carbohydrate (12.70%). The mineral elements (ppm) indicated sodium (0.04), magnesium (0.03), potassium (0.04), calcium (0.06), phosphorus (0.05), manganese (0.01), iron (0.01), and zinc (0.01). The amino acid profile showed that it contained sixteen amino acids which includes important amino acids most especially all the essential amino acids except lysine. In contrast, the fatty acid profile revealed that it contained twelve fatty acids. Among these, it includes basic saturated fatty acids such as glycine and rich in unsaturated fatty acid contents. The finding indicates that poultry feathers can contribute useful nutrients, mineral elements, fatty acids, and amino acids to livestock feed for maximum utilization and rapid development, making it a good potential and sustainable material from waste to wealth.

Laboratory possibilities of prognosis of local complications in hip replacement

BACKGROUND: Endoprosthetics of large joints is a frequently performed operation in traumatology practice. The progression of local infectious sequela among postoperative patients is of major socio-economic importance since more than 30% of cases of inflammatory postoperative reactions are complicated by sepsis. In recent years, new criteria have been sought to assess the risks of infection in the field of surgical intervention, and prognostic scales have also been developed. AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate the prognostic value of coagulological, biochemical and hematological indicators of the risk of hemorrhagic complications in patients after hip replacement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 85 patients who were in the clinic of Traumatology and Orthopedics of the I.I. Mechnikov for planned hip replacement. The average age of the patients was 64 ± 10 years. There were 46 women (54%), 39 men (46%). All patients underwent clinical and laboratory examination before surgery, the day after surgery and before discharge. All patients received rivaroxaban (10 mg 1 time/day) after surgery for the prevention of venous thromboembolic complications (46 patients) or apixaban (2.5 mg 2 times/day) (39 patients) during the entire period of stay in the clinic. Retrospectively, depending on the occurrence of complications, the patients were divided into 2 groups: group 1 — 78 patients (42 women and 36 men), whose postoperative period passed without complications, and group 2 — 7 patients (4 women and 3 men), who had hemorrhagic cases. Screening coagulogram (International Normalized Ratio, Activated partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen) was performed on the STA Compact analyzer (Stago, France), biochemical parameters (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, creatinine, total calcium, ionized calcium, serum iron, C-reactive protein) were determined on the COBAS Integra 400plus analyzer, hematological parameters on the DxH800 analyzer (Beckman Coulter, USA). RESULTS: A retrospective analysis revealed that a decrease in serum iron in male patients before surgery is a marker of the prognosis of hemorrhagic complications. Prognostic significant laboratory indicators of the development of hemorrhagic complications in patients in the early period after hip replacement include an increase in fibrinogen and C-reactive protein; a decrease in serum iron. During the recovery period, the concentration of C-reactive protein and the relative number of monocytes are the most significant for assessing the risk of complications. CONCLUSIONS: Among the laboratory indicators in the structure of the weight coefficients of the prognosis of complications in patients undergoing hip replacement, it is necessary to evaluate the concentration of serum iron before surgery, especially in men, in the early postoperative period — C-reactive protein, fibrinogen and serum iron and at discharge — C-reactive protein and the number of monocytes as additional criteria for the risk of complications.

Práticas higiênico-sanitárias em feiras de arte e gastronomia de Niterói/RJ, Brasil

Introduction: Street food is an important market segment with an impact on the generation of jobs, income, and appreciation of food culture. However, it poses a challenge for public health because it increases the risk of transmission of pathogens from foodborne disease. Objective: Evaluate the hygienic-sanitary practices of food handlers at fairs and the physical-functional conditions of gastronomy and arts fairs in the city of Niterói/RJ. Method: The descriptive methodology was applied, using a qualitative and quantitative approach. For data collection, two scripts were developed and applied to evaluate the functional conditions of the fairs and the hygienic-sanitary practices of the handlers during sales, and a questionnaire was administered to outline the socioeconomic profile of the workers. Results: 68.1% were women; average income of 3 minimum wages; 51.1% had completed higher education; 46.8% had never taken a Good Food Handling Practices course; 70.5% did not use hair protection; and 86.8% used adornments. In 40% of the fairs visited, there was the presence of animals/vectors, as well as the absence of toilet facilities for handlers. Conclusions: Thus, despite its socioeconomic importance, the street food trade represents a potential health risk. Therefore, it is necessary to expand the hygienic-sanitary training of handlers and improve the environmental conditions of fairs.

The Importance of Sustainable Wetland Management

Wetlands have faced a global reduction from 64% to 71% during the 20th century, and it is estimated that habitat loss could lead to the extinction of around 1,700 vertebrate species by 2070. This study analyzed data from SCI, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and a range of theses to explore sustainable wetland management. While previous research focused on the consequences of wetland degradation, this study highlights the critical need for sustainable management. Wetlands are biodiversity hotspots, home to numerous endemic and endangered species, making their conservation vital for protecting global biodiversity. Wetlands also contribute significantly to climate change mitigation by sequestering carbon, regulating water flow, and reducing catastrophe risk. Sustainable wetland management is essential to harness these benefits, particularly in light of growing environmental challenges. Wetlands also provide crucial ecosystem services, such as water purification, flood control, and recreational opportunities, emphasizing their socio-economic importance. Despite these benefits, wetlands face ongoing threats from habitat destruction, pollution, and unsustainable use. Effective management requires a comprehensive approach, incorporating conservation, community engagement, policy development, and scientific research. Embracing sustainable practices is essential to preserve wetlands for future generations, reaffirming their role as critical ecosystems that support life and resilience. This abstract calls for global action to prioritize sustainable wetland management as a key aspect of environmental protection and sustainable development.

The livelihood impacts of eucalypt plantations on rural farm households in Western Gurage Watersheds, Central-south Ethiopia

BackgroundRural landscapes, particularly those close to human settlements and main roads throughout the highlands of Ethiopia, appear greener than the outfields because of eucalypt plantations. The most common factors for eucalypt plantations are two: fuel and construction demands and to generate income. ObjectiveThis study tried to investigate the socioeconomic impacts of eucalypt plantations in Western Gurage Watersheds located in Central-south Ethiopia. The specific objectives are: to evaluate the socioeconomic importance of eucalypt plantations on the livelihood of farm households, and to assess perceptions on impacts of eucalypt plantation and copping strategies. MethodsSystematic and purposive sampling method was employed by selecting households with eucalypt woodlots from the list of each Woreda's Kebeles. Close- and open- ended questionnaires were distributed to every fifth households that possessed eucalypt plantations. Three hundred eighty three questionnaires were distributed and collected from households found in three Woredas (districts) namely Cheha, Enemorna Ener, and Eza located in the Watersheds. To supplement the information critical observations, discussions with focus groups and interviews with key informant were employed. The survey data were analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative techniques. To describe data acquired from critical observations, focus group discussions and key informant interviews; critical and logical qualitative data analysis technique were used. Descriptive and dispersive statistics such as frequency, percentage, mean, variance, standard deviation, p- value and correlation were employed using SPSS Version 20. ResultsThe result showed that eucalypt plantation dominated fuel wood and construction consumption and substituted further encroachment to natural forests. From multiple responses given, households prefer planting eucalypts to indigenous trees because it is fast growing (100 %), profitable (100 %), needs lesser labor (100 %), needs lower capital (100 %), can be used for multipurpose (100 %), and coppice itself fatly (93 %). They rated income gained from eucalypt as 2nd next to enset. ConclusionsHouseholds may continue planting the species particularly for fuel wood and construction need since substituting it by other alternative seems not feasible and challenging. To sustain the livelihood and environment; appropriate management like site selection and substitutions by horticultural and cash crops using micro irrigation schemes for market needs are recommended. Conducting in-depth participatory research and specific policy ratification and promulgation on eucalypt plantations will sustain its utilization and curb the drawbacks.

SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE OF THE TOURISM INDUSTRY IN KAZAKHSTAN AND ITS DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES

This article explores the development of tourism in Kazakhstan and its socio economic importance. The aim of the study is to analyze the impact of the tourism industry on Kazakhstan's economy, its historical stages of development, and the current state of tourism. The research identifies the benefits tourism brings to the population and the national economy, as well as its role in promoting social and intercultural connections. Methodological approaches used include data collection, comparative analysis, and interpretation. As a result, recommendations for improving the tourism industry in Kazakhstan and suggestions for its future development are provided. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the key factors necessary for advancing tourism in the country.

Convenience orientation, environmental concerns and resource conservation behaviours

There is a concern that convenience orientation, especially lifestyles that prefer convenience to sustainability, could lead to increased resource consumption, posing a challenge to sustainable consumption. This study aims to provide empirical evidence showing that convenience orientation may not necessarily harm the environment but helps conserve resources. We designed our survey to collect data on convenience orientation and environmental concerns from 361 households living in the capital city of Pakistan. Using the structural equation modelling approach, we examine how convenience orientation, environmental concerns and socioeconomic importance affect food, water, and energy conservation behaviours. Our results reveal a positive association between convenience orientation, environmental concerns and conservation behaviours while socioeconomic importance negatively associated with the food, water and energy conservation behaviours. This finding is contradictory to concerns that convenience orientation might undermine sustainability efforts.

A multifaceted approach to expanding conservation efforts in the Pan-Himalayan landscape

The Pan-Himalayan biogeographic domain is a significant region for biodiversity conservation and climate resilience. This region has both tropical and extratropical flora and holds ecological, cultural, and socio-economic importance. However, knowledge about the spatial distribution and threats to threatened plant species in the study area is still poorly known. In this study we evaluate the phylogenetic diversity and phylogenetic endemism of threatened flora in the region, and also examine the effect of rapid land cover transformation and landscape fragmentation between 2000 and 2020 on the preservation of distinct evolutionary lineages. Phylogenetic metrics provide a better understanding of ecological, historical, and evolutionary factors that shape plant communities in highly biodiverse regions. Our result show that current protected areas are insufficient for preserving Pan-Himalayan biodiversity, and also reveal a significant gap in conservation efforts within these areas. We highlight conservation priorities areas in the western Himalayan belt encompassing 2.43 million km2 and covering 26.73% of the total area. However, a large conservation gap encompassed 22.67% (2.06 million km2) hotspots of total study area, whereas non-hotspot priorities covered 67.62% (0.77 million km2) of the total protected area, revealing a mismatch between biodiversity hotspots and protected areas. In addition, biodiversity priority areas have been threatened by rapid land cover transformation and landscape fragmentation between 2000 and 2020. There were 6.93% increase in cropland area and 172.64% increase in impervious surface, while an increase in landscape fragmentation and a decrease in landscape cohesion in different hotspots within protected areas. The biodiversity hotspot regions emphasize the need to conserve unique evolutionary lineages and high species occurrence areas with targeted conservation strategies. Mountainous, but cross-border international cooperation is highly recommended for effective preservation strategies. Our study has implications for advancing biodiversity preservation and sustainable ecosystem management not only in the Pan-Himalayan but also in similar regions, as well as for achieving the 2030 protection goal.

Nocturnal pollinators significantly contribute to tree bean (Parkia timoriana (DC.) Merr.) reproductive success compared to diurnal pollinators

The prevailing scientific research in agricultural pollination is primarily focused on diurnal pollinators. However, the active role of pollinators during the night hours, such as moths and bats, is gradually expanding. Parkia timoriana (tree bean) was selected for the present study to test the significance of nocturnal pollinators in reproductive success. Tree bean is a highly valuable tree species of ecological and socio-economic importance on agricultural farms in Southeast Asia. We examined the contributions of nocturnal and diurnal floral visitors to the reproductive success of P. timoriana via an exclusion bagging experiment in the Mizoram, north-east India. A comparison of the relative contributions of nocturnal and diurnal pollinators to the fruit production of P. timoriana was performed by quantitative parameters. We found that nocturnal pollinators outperformed diurnal pollinators in terms of all the quantity parameters and were significantly different (p < 0.05) from each other. The nocturnal pollinators have clearly facilitated fruit production in P. timoriana, which was statistically similar to the levels of pollination observed in the open pollination treatment. The results of the present study suggest that the nocturnal pollinators significantly affect the reproductive success of P. timoriana (tree bean) in an agricultural land setting.