Migration Trends Research Articles

Vertical migration behavior simulation and prediction of Pb and Cd in co-contaminated soil around Pb-Zn smelting slag site

Heavy metal migration in soil poses a serious threat to the soil and groundwater. Understanding the migration pattern of heavy metals (HMs) under different factors could provide a more reasonable position for pollution evaluation and targetoriented treatment of soil heavy metal. In this study, the migration behavior of Pb and Cd in co-contaminated soil under different pH and ionic strength (NaCl concentration) was simulated using convective dispersion equation (CDE). We predicted the migration trends of Pb and Cd in soils after 5, 10, and 20 years via PHREEQC. The results showed that the migration time of Cd in the soil column experiment was about 60 days faster than that of Pb, and the migration trend was much steeper. The CDE was proved to describe the migration behavior of Pb and Cd (R2 > 0.75) in soil. The predicted results showed that Cd migrated to 15–20 cm of soil within 7 years and Pb stayed mainly in the top 0–6 cm of soil within 5 years as the duration of irrigation increased. Overall, our study is expected to provide new insight into the migration of heavy metal in soil ecosystems and guidance for reducing risk of heavy metal in the environment.

Polymedia, de-territorialization, and cultural transformation: Pakistani students’ digitally mediated acculturation journeys in China

ABSTRACT In light of the increasing trend of inter-Asian migration within China, this qualitative research explores the socio-cultural and technological implications of the de-territorial and digitally-mediated acculturation journeys of Pakistani higher education students in China. A comprehensive analysis of the polymedia experiences of Pakistani higher education students reveals paradoxical trends. The research findings illustrate China’s controlled approach to cultural and technological diversity. The study highlights the dominance of Chinese apps, notably WeChat, and VPN services in strengthening co-national bonds, fostering transnational connections, and cultivating cultural belonging. Conversely, the article contends that the students’ polymedia interactions demonstrate China’s evolving cultural and technological landscape. For instance, digital access, availability, and literacy empower sojourners to reinforce their ethnic identities and communities, promote increased usage of US-based digital platforms, and further accelerate the adoption of the English language within China’s socio-cultural landscape. Understanding these digitally influenced creative pathways and information ecologies presents a significant opportunity for Chinese institutions to foster stronger connections with the expanding South Asian student communities.

The epidemiological and clinicopathological features of breast cancer in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

To investigate the epidemiological and clinicopathological features of breast cancer (BC) in Saudi Arabia to improve decisions regarding resource allocation, disease control, and management. We retrieved the records of all patients who presented with histologically proven BC at King Fahad Medical City between 2019 and 2020. The data were analyzed quantitatively, and the results were expressed as percentages and frequencies. This study comprised 419 patients. The mean age was 50.13 (± 10.96) years. The majority of the patients were obese (56.6%), and approximately a quarter had a history of oral contraceptive pill use, breast biopsy, or an affected family member. Most cases were from the central region (80.1%), followed by the southern provinces (12.7%). Breast lumps were the most common complaint (89%), whereas hypertension and diabetes mellitus were the most common comorbidities. Invasive ductal carcinoma was the most common pathologic type (89.7%). Most patients presented with TNM stages II and III (55.2%), and 27.7% had metastasis. The main therapeutic modalities included radical mastectomy (63.8%), neoadjuvant chemotherapy (60.4%), and adjuvant radiotherapy (82.9%). In Saudi Arabia, a trend of BC incidence migration towards older patients may be ensuing. However, prediction of an advanced and aggressive presentation requires the enhancement of screening programs and standardized protocols for disease management.

Prediction of potential distributions of Morina kokonorica and Morina chinensis in China.

Changes in the habitats of species can provide insights into the impact of climate change on their habitats. Species in the genus Morina (Morinoideae) are perennial herbaceous plants that are mainly distributed in the South Asian Mountains and Eastern Mediterranean. In China, there are four species and two varieties of this genus distributed across the Yunnan, Sichuan, Qinghai, and Gansu provinces. This study used the optimal MaxEnt model to simulate past, current, and future potentially suitable habitats of Morina kokonorica and Morina chinensis. Seventy data of M. kokonorica occurrences and 3 of M. chinensis were used in the model to predict potentially suitable habitats. The model prediction results indicated that both M. kokonorica and M. chinensis exhibited trends of northward migration to higher latitudes and westward migration along the Himalayas to higher elevations, suggesting that the northern valleys of Hengduan Mountains and northern and eastern parts of the Himalayas were potential refugia for M. kokonorica, and the potential refugia for M. chinensis was located in the eastern part of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The results of this niche analysis showed that the two species had higher levels of interspecific competition and that the environmental adaptability of M. chinensis was stronger. This research could help further understand the response pattern of Morina to environmental change, to understand the adaptability of species to the environment, and promote the protection of species.

Can the giant planets of the Solar System form via pebble accretion in a smooth protoplanetary disc?

Context. Prevailing N-body planet formation models typically start with lunar-mass embryos and show a general trend of rapid migration of massive planetary cores to the inner Solar System in the absence of a migration trap. This setup cannot capture the evolution from a planetesimal to embryo, which is crucial to the final architecture of the system. Aims. We aim to model planet formation with planet migration starting with planetesimals of ~10−6−10−4 M⊕ and reproduce the giant planets of the Solar System. Methods. We simulated a population of 1000-5000 planetesimals in a smooth protoplanetary disc, which was evolved under the effects of their mutual gravity, pebble accretion, gas accretion, and planet migration, employing the parallelized N-body code SyMBAp. Results. We find that the dynamical interactions among growing planetesimals are vigorous and can halt pebble accretion for excited bodies. While a set of results without planet migration produces one to two gas giants and one to two ice giants beyond 6 au, massive planetary cores readily move to the inner Solar System once planet migration is in effect. Conclusions. Dynamical heating is important in a planetesimal disc and the reduced pebble encounter time should be considered in similar models. Planet migration remains a challenge to form cold giant planets in a smooth protoplanetary disc, which suggests an alternative mechanism is required to stop them at wide orbits.

Determinants of global migration: The impact of ESG investments and foreign direct investment

In response to global economic, social, and environmental problems, ESG investment principles have changed the approach to directing and structuring foreign direct investment. Additionally, they are becoming an essential factor in attracting migrants. This article aims to determine the impact of foreign direct investment on global migration trends and their peculiarities with the introduction of ESG investment principles. For this purpose, global foreign direct investment flows, global ESG investment flows, and global migration trends have been analyzed from 1995 to 2022. Pairwise correlation calculation was used as the primary analysis method through R-Studio software with integrated R programming language. The results indicated a 35% correlation between the volume of global ESG investment flows and the number of international migrants (as a percentage of the total population, which varies between 3.2% and 3.6%) for 2010-2022. Subsequently, regression analysis was conducted to explore the relationship between critical variables: investment flows and the level of migration in four European countries (France, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Germany). It was determined that investment inflows led to new jobs, accelerated economic growth, and improved business climate, thus encouraging reduced outflow and increased inflow of migrants. Investments based on ESG principles also reduce emigration as they enhance the quality of life in the host country, provide better environmental protection, and promote more transparent corporate management. However, it should be noted that investments have no apparent impact on migration caused by external factors such as wars or political conflicts, so such analysis should not include periods of global economic and political unrest.

Migration Trends of Female African Footballers who Competed at the Women’s African Cup of Nations over the Last Decade (2012-2022)

Migration Trends of Female African Footballers who Competed at the Women’s African Cup of Nations over the Last Decade (2012-2022)

Cross Border Migration in India and its Global Implication

Abstract: Cross-border migration is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon with far-reaching implications for nations worldwide. This research paper focuses on examining the dynamics of cross-border migration, using India as a case study to understand its historical roots, current trends, and wide-ranging consequences. The paper begins by providing an overview of the significance of studying global migration patterns and introduces the historical context of cross-border migration in India, shaped by colonial influences and the partition in 1947. Subsequently, the paper delves into contemporary trends in cross-border migration, analysing recent data to find key drivers and motivations behind individuals' decisions to migrate. Economic implications of migration are explored, highlighting both the positive contributions of skilled labour influx and the challenges associated with brain drain and dependency on remittances. Social dynamics of cross-border migration are examined, focusing on cultural diversity, social integration, and the challenges and opportunities presented by cultural shifts. Additionally, the paper addresses environmental factors in migration decisions, considering the implications of climate change on migration patterns. Through case studies, the paper provides a human perspective on cross-border migration, highlighting individual experiences and outcomes. Finally, the paper synthesizes key findings and discusses potential future developments and areas for further research, aiming to contribute to a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding cross-border migration and its global implications.

Unveiling per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance contamination in Chinese paper products and assessing their exposure risk

The contamination characteristics, migration patterns and health risks of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were investigated in 66 Chinese paper products by using target and non-target screening methods. Among 57 target PFASs, 5 and 6 PFASs were found in the hygiene paper products (<LOQ-12.6 ng/g) and stationery paper products (<LOQ-8.8 ng/g), respectively. A total of 25 PFASs were detected in the 39 food contact paper products, with the highest concentration of 1630 ng/g. Suspect and non-target analysis have found 28 PFASs with confidence levels 1–3, 132 certain PFAS compounds (level 4) and 56 homologue groups (level 5), containing newly identified long-chain polyfluorocarboxylic acid (9:3/11:3FTCA, 11:3/13:3FTUCA) and X:2 FTOH-Sulfate. A potential transformation relationship between the detected PFAS was proposed, starting from X:2 FTOH and finally transforming to CnF2n+1COOH. Microwave heating can increase the release of PFAS in popcorn bags and convert long-chain PFAS into short-chain ones. The migration experiments indicated that the ethanol in food simulants can increase the migration of PFAS, and short-chain PFAS exhibits a greater migration trend. The estimated daily intake (EDI) values for 6 of 18 paper bowls/plates exceeded the recommendation of 0.63 ng/kg bw/day by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), posing a potential threat to human health.

IRREGULAR MIGRANTS ON THE ROADS OF SERBIA

With the onset of the migrant crisis in Europe, irregular migration is becoming a significant security problem for European leaders and citizens. As a result, there has also been a change in the public opinion of European countries, because many citizens associate irregular migration with terrorism and other security problems. In line with the growing importance of irregular migration as a security problem, the research aimed to determine changes in migration trends in Serbia, that is, on the ‘Balkan route’ of migration since 2015, when the migrant crisis in Europe began. Results that can roughly indicate the profile of an irregular migrant found on the territory of the Republic of Serbia were obtained in this research, conducted between June and August 2020 on a sample of 50 irregular migrants. An irregular migrant is a person from Afghanistan, of Islamic religion, uneducated, and of a poor financial status. They want to go to Germany for money, and they cross the borders of the countries located on the ‘Balkan route’ on foot, occasionally using the services of smugglers. Additionally, they have no problems with the border police of Serbia. The conducted research can contribute to gaining new knowledge about the problem of irregular migration, primarily about the trends that are different than they were at the time of the migrant crisis in 2015. Unlike previous research, this research is unique in that it also refers to the work of the border police and the attitude of border police officers toward irregular migrants.

Migration Processes in the Republic of Kazakhstan: Regularities, Problems, and Prospects

The study’s relevance lies in the ongoing phenomenon of mass migration, which significantly impacts society, economy, and politics worldwide. The purpose is to consider the features of the current situation in the migration field in Kazakhstan and assess the possibilities for public policy development. In this study, the problem-thematic method and the method of policy analysis were used. The study emphasizes the role of migration trends in Kazakhstan and the impact on its socioeconomic, demographic, cultural, and political development. Special attention is paid to integrating global trends and socioeconomic prerequisites for the reception of migrants.

Introduction: Labor Migration in Ukraine and the Post-Soviet Space

This themed section of Dve domovini / Two Homelands illuminates significant contemporary migration and labor migration trends in the post-Soviet space. Ukraine has experienced substantial emigration in recent decades, spurred by economic uncertainties and the conflict in eastern Ukraine since 2014. Labor migration is a major phenomenon, partly facilitated by Ukraine’s visa-free access to the EU, which provides more opportunities for temporary work abroad (Kortukova, 2021). However, large-scale emigration of working-age Ukrainians poses risks of “brain drain” and other socioeconomic impacts (Spanger &amp; Andersen, 2023). Kazakhstan has also seen substantial emigration and immigration, mainly to and from neighboring countries like Russia and Uzbekistan, for economic reasons. Newly restrictive residence permit regulations in Kazakhstan may alter these longstanding migration dynamics within the region. Japan is gradually easing some of its previously strict immigration policies to fill acute labor shortages in the construction, home healthcare, and agriculture sectors. However, tensions remain around the integration of migrants into Japanese society. Public attitudes do not always align with government efforts to accept more foreign workers (Liu, 2023). Meanwhile, many Tajiks engage in temporary cyclical labor migration to Kazakhstan, working in trade sectors like markets or transportation. Their collective family-based migrant enterprises demonstrate resilience in the face of challenging conditions, though restrictive and unpredictable migration policies in Kazakhstan create precarity.

Migration Abroad as a Social Consequence of Transformations of the Institute of Education in Modern Ukraine

This study provides an original qualitative analysis of how contemporary labor migration trends shape and interact with Ukraine’s education system. While extensive research analyzes the economic and political impacts of Ukrainian migration, few studies examine its influence on domestic educational processes. Thus, this study helps fill this gap through the in-depth examination of migrants’ motivations, particularly the desire to finance quality education for children. By elucidating these understudied connections, the study aims to inform education policies and partnerships that leverage migration’s developmental potential while mitigating the risks of brain drain.

Depressive disorder benefits of cities: Evidence from the China

BackgroundRapid urbanization is a major trend in global population migration. There is growing debate about whether this urban-rural disparity exacerbate depression at the individual level. This study aims to investigate how urban living has a beneficial impact on individual mental health. MethodsBased on the data of 15,764 participants in the 2018 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), we perform analysis of variance to identify the gap in depression levels between urban and rural areas. Extensive comparisons and detailed statistical analyses are carried out to demonstrate the differences in social participation between urban and rural residents. Finally, we conduct a series of mediation and moderation analyses to reveal the underlying mechanisms of depressive disorder benefits of cities. ResultsThe results indicate that those who lived in urban areas were less likely to suffer from depression (β = −1.461, 95 % CI = [−1.691, −1.235], p < 0.001). Social engagement is found to mediate the relationship between residence type (β = 0.164, 95 % CI = [0.136, 0.193], p < 0.001) and individual depression (β = −0.462, 95 % CI = [−0.587, −0.337], p < 0.001). City size plays a moderating role in the association between urban living and social engagement. LimitationsThe mechanism is conducted through cross-sectional data. Self-reported depression status is accessed in this study, which could lead to measurement error. ConclusionThis study demonstrates the beneficial effects of urban living on individual depression, and reveals the mechanism by which urbanization at different scales affects the prevalence of depression.

Migration Patterns and the Changing Demographics of Nigeria

Purpose: The main objective of this study was to investigate migration patterns and the changing demographics of Nigeria.&#x0D; Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library.&#x0D; Findings: The findings revealed that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to the migration patterns and the changing demographics in Nigeria. Preliminary empirical review revealed the intricate relationship between migration dynamics and demographic transformations in Nigeria. It reveals that migration, both domestic and international, plays a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria's evolving population structure, particularly in terms of rapid population growth, a significant youth population, and urbanization. The research emphasizes the importance of understanding the demographic consequences of migration patterns and the economic drivers behind international migration. Ultimately, the study's findings hold significance for policymakers, urban planners, educators, and healthcare providers as they grapple with the challenges and opportunities presented by Nigeria's changing demographics, guiding evidence-based decision-making and sustainable development efforts.&#x0D; Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Demographic Transition theory, Push and Pull theory and the Dependency theory may be used to anchor future studies on changing demographics. The recommendations from the study highlighted the importance of evidence-based policymaking, data collection, and community engagement. Policymakers should prioritize comprehensive urbanization and migration policies that consider resource allocation and services for a diverse, youthful population. It is crucial to establish a robust database and employ modern technology for monitoring migration trends. Additionally, fostering social cohesion and inclusivity through community-based programs and cultural integration initiatives is essential for peaceful coexistence in evolving urban areas.

Poor Governance and Migration Trends in Nigeria

Poor governance has been identified as a significant factor influencing migration both within and outside the country. The study investigated the ways in which poor governance contributes to migration and suggested potential avenues for improvement. The study employed the descriptive research method; a qualitative analysis approach. It draws on existing literature and policy documents to explore the impacts of poor governance on migration patterns in Nigeria. Findings suggest that poor governance in Nigeria has a positive correlation to migration trends in Nigeria. Economic instability, high poverty rates, and limited opportunities drive individuals to seek better livelihoods abroad. Political instability and conflicts resulting from weak governance also contribute to forced migration. Also, inadequate provision of basic services, such as healthcare and education, prompts individuals to migrate in search of better life abroad. To address these issues, the study recommended policy evaluation as crucial in assessing existing interventions aimed at addressing poor governance and its impact on migration. Evaluating their effectiveness and identifying areas for improvement can lead to more effective governance practices and better

In-between centers and suburbs? Increasing differentials in recent demographic dynamics of Italian metropolitan cities

Verifying the intrinsic stability of demographic processes over time and space is a pivotal task from both science and policy perspectives. Compared with other regions of the old continent, a latent peculiarity of demographic systems in Southern Europe is their persistent heterogeneity over space, especially observed across metropolitan regions. ‘Centers’ and ‘peripheries’ are thus becoming representative of, respectively, territories undergoing demographic growth and decline. The former corresponds to urban areas, being attractive for different population segments. The present study illustrates the results of a statistical analysis of total population data over time (2011–2020) and its decomposition in natural increase and net migration rates in 14 metropolitan cities of Italy. Assuming that central and peripheral (e.g., suburbs) locations show differential trends of natural increase and net migration, our analysis verifies whether (i) central locations behave homogeneously in terms of population dynamics, and whether (ii) a North–South gradient holds. Results indicate how (metropolitan) demographic patterns no longer reflect a traditional gap between Northern and Southern regions, while outlining a subtler divide in growing and declining contexts. The few still-growing metropolitan areas were all located in North-Central Italy, and reflect more polarized socioeconomic contexts than in the past. Internal migration was likely the most powerful factor that discriminates growing from declining cities. Such evidence indicates that strengthening the self-restraining capacity of Southern Italian territories contributes to increase their attractiveness of international migration flows, counteracting demographic shrinkage.

Images of torture: ‘affective solidarity’ and the search for ransom in the global Somali community

ABSTRACT Recent migration trends among the Somali youth and the rise of the migrant smuggling network, in Somali known as Magafe, have rendered traditional practices of solidarity ambiguous. Somali notions of solidarity have historically been a mechanism of care within the clan system. In this article, we argue that traditional practices of solidarity are challenged through the intensification of ransom collection in the Somali community. In recent years, increasing numbers of young Somali migrants have been taken captive in the deserts of Sudan and Libya. Appealing to affective responses, the Magafe network use images and sound recordings of beatings and torture to convince family members, and the wider Somali community, to pay extortionate ransoms. Based on fieldwork conducted in Somaliland in 2013, 2015 and 2021 among Somali families affected by irregular youth migration, the article finds that the willingness and ability of clan members to pay the ever-increasing sums are dwindling. Consequently, mass and social media are widely used by family members and the Magafe network alike to spread the images, sound bites and the phone numbers for money transfer. They thereby appeal to what the article conceptualizes as the ‘affective solidarity’ of the global Somali community.

Внутрирегиональная и межрегиональная миграция населения Сибири: сравнительный анализ Иркутской, Томской областей и Красноярского края

The article focuses on the analysis of intraregional migration processes in Tomsk and Irkutsk Oblasts and Krasnoyarsk Krai. The aim of the article is the observation of trends and consequences of the interregional and intraregional migration processes in three Siberian territories. The basis of this study is the migration statistic data in Irkutsk and Tomsk Oblasts and Krasnoyarsk Krai. The authors use data that were both published in open access and obtained on individual request from the Russian Federal State Statistics Service (Rosstat). Migration statistics was analyzed by means of authors’ statistic calculations and visualization of these data by mapping the information. The migration situation in the Siberian regions is analyzed in the following steps: comparison of indicators and coefficients of migration growth/loss of interregional movements to identify the most and least intensive and productive migration connections of the regions; comparison of the coefficients of migration growth/loss of intraregional migrations to identify the main migration trends – donor-territories and recipient-territories within the regions; comparison of indicators and coefficients of migration intensity to identify the territories of the region with the most and least movable population. The data of intraregional migrations are the basis for the mapping of these processes. The comparison of data on interregional and intraregional migration in relation to the identification of centers of attraction and migration donors on a regional scale allowed identifying common patterns and regional specifics of these processes, as well as key migration trends and territories that are most actively involved in migration exchange. These approaches ensured the comparison of migration situation in three regions. The authors ascertain trends of sustainable population outflow from rural areas to large cities and concentration of intraregional migrants in cities of regional or district administration. Taking into account the movement of people to the central and southern regions of the country, described through the western shift concept, presumably, the intraregional migration trends that repeat directions of interregional migration flows can create extra conditions for negative migration processes in these regions. The results of the study allowed formulating a hypothesis about the correlation of the role of interregional and intraregional migration for the social and demographic development of Tomsk and Irkutsk Oblasts and Krasnoyarsk Krai.

Impact of climate change on migration trends in rural Central Asia

Central Asia is considered a region highly vulnerable to climate change impact and susceptible to climate-induced migration. Rural populations throughout the region are particularly at risk of experiencing adverse effects of climate variability and (im) mobility due to increased exposure to environmental hazards and distress that can severely affect agricultural productivity. This paper explores how climate change impacts migration trends in rural areas of Central Asia with an aim to contribute to the research on climate mobility in the region focusing on most vulnerable inhabitants. By examining the ongoing region's environmental degradation with increased aridity and retreating glaciers that affect local agriculture, water and food security, this paper suggests possible outcomes of such effects on rural mobility trends across five Central Asian countries.