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Honghe University focuses on the development needs of local industries and actively explores and practices the construction of professional groups based on local characteristic resources. Following the model of "integration of science and engineering, professional collaboration", the university leverages the pioneering advantages of its Chemistry major. By integrating the distinct service-oriented features of the Metallurgical Engineering and Food Quality and Safety majors, it has established a professional group characterized by the "one core, two wings" approach: Chemistry as the core major ("one core") and Metallurgical Engineering and Food Quality and Safety as the supporting majors ("two wings"). Taking advantage of its geographical location, Honghe University engages in international exchanges for talent cultivation and research cooperation with Vietnamese universities, thereby broadening students' global perspectives and developing a unique pathway for talent cultivation. The majors within this professional group are all first-class construction majors in Yunnan Province and exemplary in ideological and political education within the university. The quality of talent cultivation has steadily improved, significantly enhancing the university's ability to support regional economic and social development and drive innovation-led growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Polish Statistician / Wiadomości Statystyczne is the property of State Treasury - Statistics Poland and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Responsibility (social) is one of the most important value bases for consolidation of communities of different levels. Only if it is established in the mass consciousness as a personal essential quality, consolidation can become real. Despite the long-standing tradition of discussing responsibility, it still seems undeveloped in social-humanitarian knowledge. In addition, insufficient individual and collective responsibility often determines the life of communities of different levels and hinders unification. The article aims at assessing the role of personal responsibility in the consolidation of the urban population in the border region. This aim is determined not only by the significance of the responsibility pattern for consolidation but also by the special situation in the frontier region, which is influenced by the special military operation in Ukraine, i.e., responsibility acquires existential significance. The article is based on the results of the authors’ sociological study conducted in 2022-2023 using the survey of urban residents in the Belgorod, Kursk and Voronezh Regions, expert survey and focus groups. The study showed the ambiguity and even paradoxical nature of common judgments regarding the extent of responsibility for oneself and society. The first paradox is the contradiction between the relatively high symbolic significance of the attitude towards socially responsible behavior and the inability to realize it. The second paradox is manifested in the conflict between individualistic and collectively oriented behavioral models: most urban residents worry about the situation in their “location”, about others and loved ones, but at the same time almost two-thirds agree that a person is responsible only for oneself and one’s actions. The third paradox is that contrary to widespread stereotypes about the predominantly individualistic orientation of the youth the share of young people who believe that a person is responsible only for oneself turned out to be lower than in other age groups.

Harmonizing the border society between Indonesia and Malaysia based on their socio-cultural similarities presented an exciting exploration into the social and cultural dynamics that formed the relationship between these neighboring countries. This study explored the complex interactions of traditions, faiths, and practices that fostered cross-border unity and cooperation and highlighted the socio-cultural foundations that bind these communities together. The research was conducted in the border area between Indonesia and Malaysia, especially at Aruk Village, Sajingan Besar District, Sambas Regency. The method used in this research is phenomenology with the qualitative approach. The research findings indicated that the community at Aruk Village collectively managed the forests and natural resources. There were several cultural similarities among the Dayak Ethnic, Bidayu Sub-ethnic, and Melayu Ethnic who stayed in the Aruk Village area. This research highlighted local ideologies' role in strengthening social togetherness. Local wisdom, a binding force, was found to contribute significantly to the prosperity of the society, instilling a sense of optimism about the future of these communities. The harmonization of the border society between Indonesia and Malaysia showed the cognation of those residing in Aruk Village, Indonesia, with those residing in Serawak, Malaysia.

The main purpose of this paper is to analyze the current export potential of Kazakhstan, highlight its shortcomings, and implement solutions that will help to avoid them, form the poles of economic development, as well as explore ways to develop and improve them. This paper is aimed at the study of the economy of the border territories of Kazakhstan, it used the method of logical analysis, the method of comparative analysis, the method of analysis of scientific literature, the method of synthesis, the method of deduction, as well as the economic and statistical method. The result of this work is the definition and development of the theoretical and practical foundations of the activities of border territories, their impact on the economy of this region, as well as the creation of an algorithm and methods for the development of the poles of economic development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital transformation of socio-economic processes is the basis for sustainable development of regions in the digital age. The foundation for such a transformation is the information and communication infrastructure and, first of all, the mobile Internet. The technological growth of mobile networks has provided a rapid increase in the number of users around the world, contributing to further digitalization. With the development of digital technologies, research in the field of human geography has received a new impetus. The impact of the Internet on all spheres of life has necessitated a rethinking of the existing geographical approaches to the study of physical space and the emergence of a new object of research — digital space. On the one hand, the latter is closely connected with traditional institutions and systems. On the other hand, it is characterized by its own patterns of construction and functioning. The problem of delimiting the boundaries of cyberspace makes it difficult to manage digital processes taking into account territorially determined needs and interests, while the current socio-economic unevenness of regional development results in the digital divide. Border regions, maneuvering within the dichotomy of ‘frontier — integration bridge’ models, can gain additional benefits from the development of digital infrastructure in the context of realizing their integration potential. This article assesses the geography of the mobile internet in Russia and its connection with the development of border regions. The authors use geo-information, statistical, and econometric analyses to assess the impact of mobile technologies on interregional information transfer, commodity-money flows, and migration. The study demonstrates the diversity in the availability of mobile internet access among residents in various categories of border and interior regions. Furthermore, the research establishes a link between the quantity of transmitted digital data, the import-export of goods and services, international migration, and two key metrics: the accessibility of 4G mobile internet and the number of mobile subscribers. The article pinpoints specific border regions within the Russian Federation, including Krasnodar Krai, Leningrad, Kaliningrad, Novosibirsk, Smolensk, Rostov, Chelyabinsk, Voronezh, Samara, and Kursk regions. These regions exhibit pronounced potential for executing integration functions through the advancement of digital technologies, particularly under favourable geopolitical conditions.

This study aimed to investigate the implementation of character education values as a means for preventing radicalism along the Indonesia-Malaysia border (specifically focusing on students at SMAN 1 or Public Senior High School 1, Jagoi Babang District, Bengkayang Regency). The study employed a descriptive study. The research focused on character education values as a means to prevent or suppress radicalism among the people of Jagoi Babang District, who were susceptible to ideas that contradicted the national ideology. The main targets of this effort were the students, who often played a role in provoking radical behavior. The study findings indicate that students were aware of their citizenship status due to their exposure to schooling. However, the availability of items from surrounding countries frequently encouraged students to consume a greater quantity of Malaysian products. Empirical evidence demonstrated that students had an innate comprehension of radicalism, despite the researcher merely hinting at the concept. Before being probed with more detailed inquiries during the interview, students were capable of offering comprehensive insights. The majority of students had exhibited their comprehension of the influence of radicalism. According to the research, schools in Jagoi Babang were not offering enough extracurricular, co-curricular, and in-school activities to keep students from becoming radicalized. This was true both inside the schools and in border communities. Nevertheless, students had prior knowledge regarding radicalism and its risks.

Previous studies show the reach of the current drug overdose epidemic into the U.S.-Mexico border region, albeit with a unique border-specific wave pattern compared to national waves and a delayed onset of fentanyl involvement (Wave I: 2002–2011, Wave II: 2012–2016, and Wave III: since 2017). The objective of this study is to examine the community predictors and the progression of overdose deaths across the U.S-Mexico border-specific epidemic waves. Descriptive epidemiological profile of border communities across the unfolding of the opioid epidemic, integrated data from the CDC-WONDER multiple causes of death data set, the CDC SVI, Uniform Crime Report, and the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Using spatially adjusted Bayes rates by border-specific epidemic waves, we provide a descriptive profile of the spatial unfolding of the drug overdose epidemic. Negative binomial regression models assessed community predictors of overdose deaths across waves. Spatial analysis identified moderate to steep increases in drug overdose deaths over the three waves along the border. The impact and unfolding of the epidemic in the U.S.-Mexico border region were not uniform and affecting communities with differing severity and timing. Our study also finds support for social vulnerability and community violence as predictors of overdose deaths over the current wave of the epidemic. Findings suggest that more disadvantaged U.S.-Mexico border communities may encounter increasing rates of overdose death over the coming years. Interventions need to target not only the supply side but also the underlying social root causes for sustainable overdose prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines the key problems and challenges faced by the business sector in the Chernihiv region amid the war. Based on a survey conducted among business representatives in Chernihiv, the analysis covers the state and needs for the recovery and development of enterprises in terms of personnel needs, customer interactions, relations with government authorities and regulatory bodies, and local self-government. It was found that the main problems in the recovery and development of the business sector in the Chernihiv region include: significant property damage; landmines and damaged transport infrastructure; proximity to both the aggressor country and a country supporting the aggressor; the constant risk from border area shelling and the possibility of a renewed offensive; disruption of traditional supply and distribution chains; labor shortages due to mass forced migration from the border region; low investment attractiveness of the area due to border-related risks; deficiency, resulting in frequent power outages and prolonged periods without electricity, causing production stoppages and, in some cases, the inability to maintain technological processes. It has been established that for the effective recovery and development of enterprises in the Chernihiv region, as well as in other border and frontline areas that are essential for economic growth, a systematic approach by the government is crucial. This approach should focus on creating a mechanism for continuous interaction between state authorities, business representatives, and local self-government. The foundation for such interaction could be the nationwide platform initiated by the government, which includes various economic tools for the recovery and stimulation of Ukrainian businesses. This platform already has a regional office in the Chernihiv region. However, most initiatives within this program remain declarative and require further detailing and specification of mechanisms and procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European Union uses several instruments aimed at reducing disparities between regions and strengthening their competitiveness and sustainability. The border regions have a special relevance, given their position and characteristics, as well as the challenges faced by local actors. The European Commission has introduced the action "b-solutions" to tackle the specific border obstacles along European Union internal borders. The article aims to analyze the integration mechanisms at the micro-regional level, which is considered as a viable and sustainable solution for cross-border regions with resources which can be exploited to attract investment and generate wealth and well-being. The qualitative analysis method involved consulting thematic publications of the b-solution program and extracting data from the presentation sheets of accepted proposals published by the Association of European Border Regions. The collected data were processed according to criteria such as direction of action, types and causes of obstacles, solutions proposed by experts, etc. Addressing the legal and administrative obstacles that hamper cross-border flows proved to be a good initiative, with 120 cases selected. The solutions offered to the particular cases can also be replicated for other obstacles identified at the European Union's internal borders so that cooperation between border regions is intensified to the benefit of increasing European territorial, economic, and social cohesion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the US-Mexico border region has had increasing restrictions due to coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19), the economically and socially integrated region continues to facilitate necessary movement between the two countries. Binational partners representing universities, government, and health delivery worked together to develop a COVID-19 Virtual Seminar for the US-Mexico Border Region, which consisted of weekly sessions in Spanish designed to better facilitate communication and collaborative systems between border states. In total 835 participants registered for the virtual seminar with attendance ranging from 394 in Session 1 to 269 in Session 6. From evaluation surveys (n = 297), organizers observed a large plurality of healthcare professionals, followed by students, researchers, and government employees. The seminar's contribution to increasing collaborative and communication systems identified major needs in the region surrounding surveillance and monitoring; increased resources for migrant shelters to control outbreaks; an increase in personal protective equipment; tracking binational cases.

This research article explores the effects of economic development policies on the living conditions of ethnic minority communities in the border region of Northern Vietnam. The study analyzes the impact of changes in agriculture, industry, trade, and services, as well as environmental improvements, on the living conditions of these communities. The findings suggest that government policies related to agriculture, trade, and services have a positive impact on the living conditions of ethnic minorities, while the industry does not. The article concludes by offering suggestions to the Vietnamese government on how to further improve the living conditions of ethnic minority communities in the border region. [Extracted from the article]

The latest computer vision and machine learning technologies have introduced various computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) systems to automate the early diagnosis of skin lesions. Nevertheless, improvements made by CAD systems are not optimal because of the similarity in the appearance of skin lesions of different classes as well as the limitations of segmentation. In addition, according to dermatologists, the shape of the lesion and its infiltration into the surrounding skin are decisive information for the diagnosis. Inspired by this idea, the proposed method is based on gradually expanding the lesion border by including the lesion-shaped border area in order to associate the input image with the corresponding skin cancer type using an end-to-end Inception-ResNet-v2 classifier. The main contribution of this work lies in investigating the Inception-ResNet-v2 model exclusively on the expanded lesion-shaped border. In fact, the obtained results showed that the proposed method is effective in achieving precision rates of 95.6 % and 97.26 % on HAM10000 and PH2 datasets, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study has focused on border regions relations and cooperation between the Mongolia and Buryatia. As a border region, Buryatia has a centuries-old history of economic, political, cultural and humanitarian relations with Mongolia. Our relations have been successfully developing in all areas, high-level reciprocal visits have become regular, and mutual trust has been expanding.

Border territories were considered both as front lines and as a resource for economic development in different historical periods. The studied regions of the Northwestern Federal District adopt these roles too. The purpose of the research is to consider the transformations of the border strip, to assess the normative sources that contribute to or limit the development of border regional economic systems, to analyze economic parameters and identify the patterns of this development. The scientific novelty is associated with the development of a comprehensive methodology, including the economic and legal assessment of the influence of the border location factor on the development indicators of the territory. The application of this technique allows substantiating the assumption that the nature of functioning and economic parameters may be related to the legal aspects of regulating the border position of Russian regions to a greater or lesser extent. The authors come to the conclusion that in the current geopolitical environment it becomes obvious that the legal and economic conditions will be significantly transformed. The degree of involvement in cross-border interactions for some sections of the borders will decrease, and vice versa new areas of international economic activity will appear, with corresponding structural shifts, which will become a vector for continuing the research. The study substantiates that the processes of economic interactions must be assessed both in economic and legal dimensions. It is shown that the border location factor has an ambiguous and multidirectional influence. At the same time, the impact of the factor is transformed along with the geopolitical, economic and legal environment. Legal prerequisites for different territories are formed individually, manually and are associated with specific situations and the nature of international interactions. A significant part of the restrictions on doing business in the border areas, which were considered in the article, is related to the peculiarities of their legal regime. Consequently, the factor of the border position from the point of view of economic and legal regulation can intensify both risks and opportunities for development.

The article describes the methodology for the following successive stages: data collection on cross-border organized crime; analysis of the impact of PEST factors of the border region on the number of cross-border crimes committed by organized criminal groups; generalization and analysis of parameters for assessing the capabilities of organized criminal groups; assessment of the level of capabilities of organized criminal groups to commit cross-border crimes; passporting of organized criminal groups specializing in cross-border crimes; modeling of scenarios of the development of organized criminal groups illegal activities by types of cross-border crimes; selection of options for fighting cross-border organized crime by the targeted impact on organized criminal groups. The strategy envisages a complex of the following measures: rapid (operational) interventions in critical situations; anti-crisis measures of the border guard operation to neutralize threats; other regime and control measures to strengthen the protection of the state border; standard planned and preventive measures; measures of sustainable development of the border security system. Implementing the methodology in practice enables the development of a strategic approach to effectively utilize the resources of state law enforcement agencies in combating cross-border crime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, a growing number of institutional mapping approaches has reflected on border regions' development. These approaches visualise the relationship between institutional and spatial patterns. In parallel, the quality and quantity of cooperation-related information in the EU KEEP database (DB) is continuously increasing. The aim of our paper is two-fold. Firstly, we aim to understand the cooperation dynamics and funding geographies of the recent INTERREG A period. We do so with the example of cross-border programmes with German participation. More concretely, we scrutinise the relationships that exist between the spatial configurations of funded project cooperation, the involved thematic topics and the role of territorial contexts, particularly in terms of the degree of urbanisation and distance to a border. Secondly, we reflect on the potential and limitations of institutional mapping based on KEEP data. Specifically, we explore the explanatory capacity of institutional mappings based on KEEP data and discuss the blind spots that must be considered and how these could be addressed. The general conclusion from our paper is that institutional mapping based on the KEEP DB proves to be a strong data exploration tool with potential for comparative analyses. However, it has clear limitations with regard to causality testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examining selected aspects of labour market performance in the Polish tourism sector can extend our knowledge of hotel company attitudes in connection with COVID-19. The aims of this article are to present selected determinants of labour market performance in the Polish tourism sector (with particular emphasis on the hotel industry) in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic and to address the following research question: how did the COVID-19 pandemic affect the functioning of hotel companies in the key tourist region of Poland—Zachodniopomorskie province? The research methods used in the study included critical analysis of source literature, survey method, correspondence analysis method, and analysis of primary and secondary data, mainly from official statistics. The survey was conducted in January 2022. Information was collected from 129 respondents using surveys. The results of the research presented in the article reveal that the observed long-term upward trend in the national labour market has been halted by the pandemic and that (among the various accommodation facilities) hotels are the most vulnerable to changes in the tourism labour market. The authors' contributions to the literature are the identification of the extent to which businesses from the hotel industry have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and the determination of the impact of the pandemic on selected employment-related aspects of business operations in Zachodniopomorskie province. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aimed to describe and analyze Information Dissemination in Developing Community Resilience in Border Region. This research used a qualitative approach and case study research. The researchers performed the study in the Malaka Regency Department of Communication and Information. The research focused on information dissemination to build community resilience in the border region. The researchers divided the research focus into several sub-focuses, namely: (1) Environmental observation; (2) Information Technology Infrastructure; (3) Media literacy. The data source used primary data and secondary data. Data collection used interviews, documentation, and observation. The data analysis technique used Miles and Huberman (2007), which consisted of data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. Furthermore, the researcher used data triangulation to validate the research result. The research result showed a lack of Media Literacy. The government focused on national security and defense in the border region. However, the government did not develop social capital such as information. Developing information technology in the border region is closely related to the sovereignty of the nation and state, public welfare, poorly managed public services to border communities, and adequate environmental sustainability. The government has identified the lack of information in the border region. Therefore, the government may formulate a national policy to develop the national image in the border region. The government developed infrastructure, simplified licensing process for information media companies, and improved media literacy in the border region community. The development and changes in the border region may improve public welfare, national security, and deter internal and external issues.

Border regions are significant geostrategic territories, which long-term sustainable development is one of the priorities of Russia’s national security. The specificity of their economic-geographical position necessitates the development and implementation by the authorities of special governance approaches aimed at finding a balance between the openness and barrier function of the state border. One of the most common tools for the spatial development of border areas is the sustainable cross-border cooperation with the regions of neighboring countries using various froms of cross-border cooperation, incl. focused on the generation and diffusion of innovations. The covid-19 coronavirus pandemic, having become a truly global challenge of our time, has made significant changes not only in the policies of many countries regarding the border, but also in the functioning of already established cross-border regions. The impossibility of fully implementing the previous formats of interethnic and interregional interaction has necessitated the search for new forms of cooperation, primarily based on the use of rapidly developing digital technologies. This led to the growth of academic and practical interest in substantiating the mutual effects of digitalization, innovation and internationalization for the regions. This article is devoted to assessing the potential and prospects of cross-border digitalization of the Western borderland of Russia. The objectives of the study were to identify the gap between border regions in the level of accessibility and penetration of digital technologies, as a significant condition for the formation of cross-border digital connections. The object of study is 15 subjects of the Russian Federation and 17 regions of NUTS 2 neighboring states. Using geoinformation and statistical methods of analysis, a typology of regions by the value of the digitalization index is proposed, with the allocation of leaders, moderate and lagging regions, and an assessment of their spatial location relative to the state border. Possible reasons for the current digital inequality, primarily of a socio-economic nature, are discussed. The determining role of the institutional factor in realizing the potential of cross-border digitalization has been substantiated. It is concluded that political efforts for digital convergence in the western direction are being undertaken only between Russia and Belarus, although further intensification is required.

Upland rice commodity is generally the second choice after paddy in fulfilling community rice needs. Morotai Island is one of the government's target locations in initiating the Export-Oriented Food Storage program in the Border Region. This study aimed to determined the prospects for the development of upland rice to support food barns in the border region of Morotai Island. The method used is descriptive analysis, measuring the growth rate of rice based on the Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR), and measuring the feasibility of farming using income analysis, R/C ratio, and break-even point analysis. The results showed that the increase in the growth rate of harvested area and upland rice production was 25,75 percent with a contribution of 42,81 percent and 31,65 percent, recpectively, of the harvested area and rice production on Morotai Island in the 2011 to 2017 period. Upland rice farming has an R/C ratio of 1.72 which indicated that this farming is feasible. The potential and opportunities for upland rice development to support food barns on Morotai Island are still very prospective. The development of upland rice can be pursued through intensification and extensification of agriculture with the application of cultivation technology, the use of new high yield varieties, increasing the cropping index, and sustainable soil and water conservation efforts. This needs to be supported by strong farmer and extention institutions and easy access for farmers to finance agriculture.

Cross-border trade is an enduring feature of African borderlands. Ethiopia had a long history of informal economic relations in its frontiers. This study examined the prevalent trends of economic relations in theEthiopia-Somaliland borderlands, with particular reference to the post-1991 period. These trends are assessed in the context of the entrenchment of state authority.The paper found that ‘informal’ trade, which is pervasive in these borderlands, is not as such informal. Indeed, the distinction between formal and informal is found to be imprecise. The conventional view holds that the presence of a large size of informal economy is a manifestation of state’s weakness. Contrary to the conventional wisdom, this paper shows that state capacity is not something to be owned or possessed but rather is a result of a multifaceted negotiation of actors on the ground.

The paper aims to apply such principles of territorial planning in border areas and regions under the threat of war, which will allow to meet the primary needs of the population under relatively peaceful conditions and, in emergency situations, will reduce the vulnerability of territories and populations. To solve this problem, the issues specific to the border regions and principles of their classification were studied, which were found both in international documents and in scientific publications. In the example of the Meghri community of Syunik Marz, RA, such factors directly related to spatial planning, such as geographical location; natural, economic, and cultural resources; territorial placement of settlements; population; and infrastructure, were investigated. To solve the problem of access to public services, the infrastructures for providing the primary needs of the population were selected and categorized according to access levels. The study's findings led to recommendations for using these spatial planning concepts, which will guarantee that all the residents in the community's settlements have access to services.

Copyright of Tourism & Rural Development Studies / Turisztikai és Vidékfejlesztési Tanulmányok is the property of CampInvest Kft. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Social and economic development of regions is closely connected with transport industry functioning, which was proven by numerous academic works. However, the problem of transport infrastructure importance for border regions was actually neglected. In fact transport on state periphery plays an important role in regional development and in some cases becomes a key factor of realizing foreign-economic potential. This article on the basis of functional approach to the research object describes an attempt to substantiate the role of transport infrastructure in the development of border region through identifying its foreign-economic function. The essence of this function implies the capacity of transport infrastructure to build in-regional and inter-regional flows of goods, services and people travel and at the same time to carry out operations of international exchange of goods. The importance of infrastructure for border regions is demonstrated by dynamics of indicators of railway construction and investment into fixed funds of transport industry: growth rates of these indicators are much higher for border regions in comparison with internal regions. It proves the importance of intensive development of transport on border territories to provide integrity of the country and to realize the potential of foreign-economic links.

Introduction. The issues of ensuring economic security of regions (especially of those with a specific situation) taking into account the influence of economic complexity are a novel research problem. The development of regions, primarily the border ones, is determined by two divergent processes: growing economic complexity, determined by external constraints or opportunities, and economic security, associated with the internal potential and resources of the region. Based on the study conducted, the article reveals the features of the interconnection between economic security and economic complexity, the latter determining the innovative and technological limitations to the growth and development of territories. Materials and Methods. The author has conducted semantic analysis and thematic clustering of economic security using data from bibliographic and reference databases of publications in English (Web of Science) and in Russian (eLIBRARY.RU). The assessment of economic complexity was based on the conducted analysis of the UN Comtrade foreign trade statistics, that of economic security – on the official data published by Rosstat. Results. The author has identified the terminological connection between economic security and economic complexity, and has provided a theoretical representation of the relations and interdependence of these categories. The paper presents the methodological provisions for studying the economic security of border regions, taking into consideration the possibilities for increasing their economic complexity. Discussion and Conclusion. In the context of systemic constraints in the development of the region, economic security is largely determined by both the available internal potential and resources, and the possibilities of their use. However, the region gains new capabilities with the increase in its economic complexity, the latter also limiting its economic security. In fact, the choice of key areas for the structural transformation of the region’s economy depends on whether priority is given to maintaining the level of economic security or increasing economic complexity. The mechanism and criteria discussed in this paper, as well as the methodological provisions of such a choice, contribute to further development of the theory of economic security and economic complexity at the regional level and are of practical importance for regional governance.

The article examines the directions of activation of investment activity in the border territories of Ukraine. The problems and obstacles to investment activity in the border regions are identified and directions of its activation are outlined. It is specified that in the process of international cooperation, including the cross-border activities, border territories play an important role and have a specific status. Regions at the present stage of economic development begin to play a significant economic, social and technological role in the formation of the territorial infrastructure of each particular country. The concepts of investment, investment climate, border region are considered. The factors of influence on the level of investment attractiveness of border regions are determined. A characterization of capital investments in the border regions of Ukraine is carried out. It is noted that the border regions have great potential for the development of investment activity, and their geographical location creates additional advantages. Priority directions of activation of investment processes in border regions and priority directions of developoing the investment potential, which would contribute to the increase of investments in border regions, are presented. It is concluded that investment is the dominant factor in the socio-economic growth of the border regions and the State in general. That is why conditions should be created at the State level that will increase investment attractiveness and, as a result, intensify investment activity. This will ensure active participation of the border regions of Ukraine in the processes of integration into the EU.

This article aims to discuss the links between childhood sociology and school education - focusing on border regions. Our interest persists in understanding the cultural construction of childhood, as well as the place of school education intersecting with cultural diversity. Based on the bibliographical reference, and the literature used, it was noticed that childhood is a social construction that varies between different groups in a society. Thus, several ways of experiencing childhood coexist, which - in turn - are not always considered in school institutions. It ends up valuing certain cultures - specifically dominant - over others, exerting different formats of symbolic violence. The concept of universal child, adopted by the school, ends up marginalizing childhoods that escape the prevailing convention. Thus, the sociology of childhood must redirect the look at the subjects in order to contribute to a school that goes beyond social reproductions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic has been monitored by applying different strategies, including SARS-CoV-2 detection with clinical testing or through wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE). We used the latter approach to follow SARS-CoV-2 dispersion in Tapachula city, located in Mexico's tropical southern border region. Tapachula is a dynamic entry point for people seeking asylum in Mexico or traveling to the USA. Clinical testing facilities for SARS-CoV-2 monitoring are limited in the city. A total of eighty water samples were collected from urban and suburban rivers and sewage and a wastewater treatment plant over 4 months in Tapachula. We concentrated viral particles with a PEG-8000-based method, performed RNA extraction, and detected SARS-CoV-2 particles through RT-PCR. We considered the pepper mild mottle virus as a fecal water pollution biomarker and analytical control. SARS-CoV-2 viral loads (N1 and N2 markers) were quantified and correlated with official regional statistics of COVID-19 bed occupancy and confirmed cases (r > 91%). Our results concluded that WBE proved a valuable tool for tracing and tracking the COVID-19 pandemic in tropical countries with similar water temperatures (21–29 °C). Monitoring SARS-CoV-2 through urban and suburban river water sampling would be helpful in places lacking a wastewater treatment plant or water bodies with sewage discharges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Major birth defects increase the risk of fetal death and pediatric hospitalization, which also impact on healthcare costs. Sociodemographic factors can drastically affect reproductive health and be used to discriminate the exposure to hidden risk factors. Foz do Iguassu is a Brazilian city located in the triple-border region of Brazil / Paraguay / Argentina with high rates of birth defects. However no study aimed to verify factors associated with this incidence or preventive care is reported. The current work investigated the prevalence of major birth defects and its association with maternal sociodemographic factors in Foz do Iguassu. Methods In this population-based cross-sectional study we used data of all live births occurred in Foz do Iguassu from 2012 to 2017. The associated sociodemographic variables such as maternal age, maternal education, maternal race, country of residence, maternal parity and onset of prenatal care were analyzed. Each major birth defect was described according to absolute and relative frequencies, Kruskal-Wallis and logistic regression models were used to evaluate variables associated with selected birth defects. Results The most prevalent major birth defects were Cleft Lip and/or Palate (9.5/10,000), gastroschisis (6.93/10,000), spina bifida (5.53/10,000), hydrocephalus (5.53/10,000), hypospadias (4.55/10,000), Down syndrome (4.23/10,000), anencephaly (2.93/10,000), anorectal atresia / stenosis (1.95/10,000), undetermined sex (1.95/10,000), esophageal atresia / stenosis with or without fistula (1.63/10,000) and limb reduction defects (1.30/10,000). Maternal age was associated with gastroschisis and Down syndrome. Only maternal education up to 7 years was statistically associated with major birth defects considering all other sociodemographic variables. Conclusion Cleft Lip and/or Palate and Gastroschisis prevalence were higher than those found in the literature. This findings may suggest a distinct epidemiological behavior regarding major birth defects in the region. The work opens new perspectives for birth defects risk factors in the triple-border.

The issue of food security has long since developed, both among the international community and national communities in Indonesia. In some processes and forms of national food security, the Government encourages the development of local food-based communities. In the community in Entikong, the implementation of this program is still not seen as an exact condition in the handling of food issues at the borders of the country. Border society is still food dependence on Malaysia. The idea of making Indonesian society self-sufficiency in food has long been a crucial sector of individual attention to the Government. Many empowerment programs are found in the community that is the meeting point for overcoming food insecurity, so it is a new way for the border community out of the inferior zone. The method used is a descriptive exploratory where the source of the data comes from the primary data referring directly to the situation of the border society of Entikong, while the secondary data of the desk review results related to the potential and state of the food community In the Entikong border area. The findings in this paper are that Entikong has economic potential, strategic location, and formal access support that has been qualified to advance. However, this situation is uneven; there are still areas of isolated villages and limited access. Then, the construction of international Terminal Goods (TBI) on the border became a breath of fresh air for the Entikong to multiply and make Entikong as the center of activity and economic development, including the food Center for the region Indonesia and as part of Malaysia.

A key competitive advantage of a contemporary economy, knowledge, is distributed unevenly, tending to concentrate in cities and urban agglomerations. A border position translates into distinctive features of regional innovative development. In a favourable institutional context, proximity to a border strengthens transboundary cooperation and interaction between neighbouring regions. Although frequent social contacts across borders are well documented in the literature, the effect that the border has on intensive knowledge transfer is yet to be investigated. This article analyses models of knowledge integration taking place between Russia’s northwestern regions and the countries that their border. The study covers six territories of the Northwestern federal district (the Republic of Karelia, St Petersburg, and the Kaliningrad, Leningrad, Murmansk, and Pskov regions); five regions of the Central federal district (Belgorod, Bryansk, Voronezh, Kursk, and Smolensk); and one region of the Southern federal district (Rostov). The methodology of the study consists of using information from the Scopus abstract and citation database to assess the intensity of research cooperation. The findings suggest that the degree of involvement in transboundary research cooperation varies widely across Russia’s border regions.

In this article we present an introductory essay on the growth of Venezuelan regional and local studies, with significant historiographic value for the historical explanation of the Colombian-Venezuelan Táchira, specifically around the historical process of the Andean subregion and its links with Norte de Santander-Colombia during the nineteenth century. These territories and their populations were part of the jurisdiction of the Viceroyalty of New Granada. The professional training of historians and the debates produced during the 1970s and 1980s contributed to clarify the research purposes that motivated the new Latin American regional and local history. Since 1990 the debate has expanded, contributing to the creation and renovation of important historiographic environments, oriented to the critique and theoretical-methodological updating of the regional question in Venezuela and Latin America and attending to the evolution and complexity of certain dynamics of the Colombian-Venezuelan geopolitical and cultural frontier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to explore the attitudes and behaviors of Latino mothers around feeding their children. Using qualitative methods, we conducted four focus groups in Spanish with 41 Latino mothers of elementary school-age children in San Diego County, CA. Latino mothers' mean age was 41 years; 90% were foreign-born; and 74% had a high school education or less. We explored cultural viewpoints around feeding and cooking and feeding strategies used. Focus groups were analyzed based on a priori and emergent themes. The following themes around feeding emerged: feeding attitudes central to the maternal responsibility of having well-fed children and feeding behaviors that centered on cooking methods, supportive behaviors, and reinforcement strategies for "eating well." These findings increase our understanding of the Latino maternal role to feed children and can help to inform more culturally appropriate research to effectively address nutritional issues and obesity prevention in Latino children.

This study aimed to explore the attitudes and behaviors of Latino mothers around feeding their children. Using qualitative methods, we conducted four focus groups in Spanish with 41 Latino mothers of elementary school-age children in San Diego County, CA. Latino mothers' mean age was 41 years; 90% were foreign-born; and 74% had a high school education or less. We explored cultural viewpoints around feeding and cooking and feeding strategies used. Focus groups were analyzed based on a priori and emergent themes. The following themes around feeding emerged: feeding attitudes central to the maternal responsibility of having well-fed children and feeding behaviors that centered on cooking methods, supportive behaviors, and reinforcement strategies for "eating well." These findings increase our understanding of the Latino maternal role to feed children and can help to inform more culturally appropriate research to effectively address nutritional issues and obesity prevention in Latino children.

Over the past three decades, the socio-economic shape of the international community has changed and the structure of developing and developed countries has transformed. These changes were reflected in the distribution and reorientation of key economic and political forces between countries. Developing countries have become more stable and larger players in the world economy and have been able to influence the modification of macroeconomics. The study of modern economic conditions shows the characteristic specifics of development caused by the increasing dependence on the international economic space. Interrelations of the external environment of the states’ performance and internal economic processes have undergone essential transformation: transnational economic relations arising from the international division of various types of production come to the foreground, turning into the key mechanism of effective development of national economies. The foreign economic activity is extremely important for Turkmenistan, and therefore any steps aimed at changing it have to be analysed promptly and, where appropriate, science-based options of development in new conditions must be developed.