Archaeological Mineralogy and the Dawn of Gemmology:Prehistoric(7th-5th Millennium BC)Gem Minerals and Gold from the Balkans（South-East Europe）

The territory of the Balkan Peninsula in SE Europe is reviewed, from the point of gemmology, as the cradle of gem and decorative minerals and metals in European prehistory. During the local Neolithic period (end of 7 th -6 th millennium BC), as material for tools or for beads, nephrite (with the earliest known Balkan nephrite culture), jadeite-omphacite and quartz (different varieties) were introduced to make pendants and idols. Large quantities of copper and gold artifacts are known since the Chalcolithic period (5 th millennium BC)(unique for the region;the largest in number of gold artifacts is the Varna I Chalcolithic necropolis in Bulgaria). The gemmological materials in the Balkans are known for malachite, antigorite serpentinite, turquoise, rock crystal, carnelian, jasper, jet and obsidian. In the Varna I necropolis (mid 5 th millennium BC) are recorded the first known complex faceted carnelian beads with 32 facets, as well as some of the most important gemmological techniques and procedures such as faceting, tumbling, annealing, miniaturization and standardization. As pigments for pottery, cinnabar, graphite and gold were used in different prehistoric sites. The earliest salt production in the Balkans is known from sites in Romania and Bulgaria, and because of its trade, salt is positively linked to a population rich with prestigious goods. The introduced possible Chalcolithic weight unit “van”(2 carats) is supposed to be the earliest known in prehistoric times.

Dynamics in the Prevalence of Insulin Resistance between 2005 and 2023 in Type 2 Diabetics in South Kivu in the East of the Democratic Republic of Congo: Cross-Sectional Studies

Aim: Sub-Saharan Africa is undergoing an epidemiological transition responsible for a change in the metabolic profile in favour of insulin resistance. The aim of this study was to assess the dynamics of the prevalence of insulin resistance and associated risk factors in diabetic patients in the Democratic Republic of Congo between 2005 and 2023. Method: We measured fasting blood glucose and insulin levels and looked for metabolic syndrome parameters (2009 criteria) in type 2 diabetes patients in 2005-2008 (n = 176) and in 2018-2023 (n = 303). The HOMA model was used to measure insulin sensitivity and islet β-cell secretory function. Results: Between 2005 and 2013, the trend was towards an increase in the prevalence of insulin resistance (from 13.1% to 50.8%;p Conclusion: This present study shows an increase in insulin resistance in Congolese urban areas and a persistence of atypical diabetes mellitus in Congolese rural areas, confirming the particularity of the pathophysiology of the disease in African areas currently influenced by the epidemiological transition. Further studies using an appropriate methodology are required.

Vitamin D, Parathyroid Hormone, Insulin Sensitivity and Islet β-Cell Secretory Function in Diabetic Patients from South Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo: Cross-Sectional Study

Background: The role of vitamin D and parathyroid hormone in the metabolic profile of type 2 diabetes mellitus in sub-Saharan Africa has not been adequately assessed. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of low vitamin D level and secondary hyperparathyroidism and their association with insulin sensitivity and β-cell secretory function among Congolese type 2 diabetics. Methodology: Fasting glycaemia, fasting insulin, 25OH D3 and human parathyroid hormone (hPTH) were measured in one hundred and eighty-four type 2 diabetic patients followed as outpatients in South Kivu. Levels of 25OH D3 65 pg/ml defined low vitamin D and elevated parathyroid hormone levels, respectively. The HOMA model was used to measure insulin sensitivity and β-cell secretory function. Results: Medians (IQR) were 25.3 (20.4 - 32.4) ng/ml for 25OH D3 and 53.7 (38.4 - 115.7) pg/ml for hPTH. 58.7% of diabetics had insulin resistance, 126 (68.5%) had low vitamin D and 80 (43.5%) had hyperparathyroidism. In multivariate analysis, hPTH (partial r = −0.28;p = 0.0002) and 25OH D3 (partial r = 0.16;p = 0.03) showed an independent association with insulin sensitivity after adjustment for body mass index and waist circumference. Finally, hPTH (partial r = 0.27;p = 0.0002) was the sole determinant of β-cell secretory function. Conclusions: This study confirms the high prevalence of low vitamin D level and secondary hyperparathyroidism and their association with insulin resistance and impaired islet β-cell secretory function among Congolese with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Vitamin D and calcium supplementation should be envisaged for cases of deficiency in this region.

Evaluating the Impacts of Human Activities on Diversity, Abundance, and Distribution of Large Mammals in Nimule National Park, South Sudan

Globally, human activities have a significant impact on the diversity, abundance, and distribution of large mammals in Protected Areas (PAs). These disturbances increase human pressure on biodiversity and species habitats, highlighting the need for conservation. This study aimed to assess the abundance and distribution of large mammals in different habitat types within Nimule National Park (NNP) and understand the impacts of human activities on them. Data on the abundance and distribution of large mammals and their respective habitat types were collected through line transect surveys. Human activity signs were observed and recorded along the transect lines. To estimate the impacts of human activities on the diversity, abundance, and distribution of large mammal species, as well as to identify any significant differences between them and their habitat types, the study utilized the Kruskal Wallis test, Polynomial multiple regressions, and diversity indices. The findings from the Shannon-Weiner and Simpson indices indicated that large mammal species were more diverse inside the park (H’ = 1.136;D = 0.570) compared to the buffer zone (H’ = 0.413;D = 0.171), with 85% (443 out of 510 samples) recorded within Nimule National Park. The species abundance showed a semi-balanced status (0.58). The diversity results among different habitat types revealed that large mammals were more diverse and highly distributed in both open woodlands (244) and dense woodlands (192), while riverine vegetation had the lowest diversity (8). Statistical tests demonstrated a highly significant difference at a 99% confidence interval (p-value = 0.01) between habitat types and identified species of large mammals. Additionally, the results highlighted the high abundance of Uganda kob (274), baboons (141), and warthog (57) across most habitat types, accounting for at least 75% of their distribution. The most prevalent human activities observed were cattle footprints (27%) and cattle dung (14%). Human footprints and tree cutting combined accounted for 9%, indicating the practice of livestock grazing, poaching, encroachment, and fuelwood collection by local communities. However, these activities did not appear to significantly impact the diversity, abundance, and distribution of large mammals in Nimule National Park. Therefore, it is crucial to foster shared responsibilities and engage relevant stakeholders in the management and conservation of large wildlife species. Regular community awareness programs should be implemented to cultivate a sense of ownership. Moreover, it is recommended that a comprehensive survey be conducted on the population status of all mammal species in Nimule National Park, including its surrounding Buffer Zone. Monitoring the impact of human activities on their behavior and habitats using satellite images should also be carried out at least every five to ten years.

Investigation of Potential Factors on South Atlantic Magnetic Anomaly

The first part of this investigation analyzes the deep earthquake occurrences in Nazca subducting under South America. The depth taken is to get information about possible influences from the unknown materials and formations under the crust. The results revealed the presence of malleable material, which is unbreakable and, therefore, unable to trigger earthquakes. The structure of those elements is diamagnetic, attracting ionized particles from the Van Allen belt region in the ionosphere. The charged particles travel towards Earth’s surface, enhanced during the geomagnetic storms. The South Atlantic Magnetic Anomaly (SAMA) found that the deformation suffered by the anomaly moving from South Africa to South America is, possibly due to a bulge of unknown flexible material buried underneath the oceanic and continental crust. The continental part is strengthening in weakness because the background also has a high amount of diamagnetic material in this region, and it would not happen over the Atlantic Ocean, where part of the deformation is placed.

藏南拆离系活动与淡色花岗岩就位——以希夏邦马峰地区为例

藏南拆离系是世界上最大的拆离断层系统,也是喜马拉雅造山带的重要构造边界,对喜马拉雅造山过程起着重要的控制作用。在拆离断层内部和断层下盘的高喜马拉雅单元,出露了大量的同构造淡色花岗岩;近期研究工作发现,这些淡色花岗岩具有良好的稀有金属成矿潜力,因此,研究藏南拆离系的活动历史和淡色花岗岩的就位过程,对理解拆离断层变形和演化过程、熔体-断层相互作用和成矿有着重要的启示意义。针对该问题,本文选择喜马拉雅造山带中段希夏邦马峰附近的两条经典剖面——吉隆和聂拉木,开展系统的构造地质学研究,就藏南拆离系的演化过程和淡色花岗岩的同构造迁移-就位机制进行初步探讨。研究表明,吉隆地区的拆离断层厚度数十米到上百米,影响范围小,下盘吉隆岩体和高喜马拉雅的向北拆离变形较弱;聂拉木拆离断层为藏南拆离系深部构造层次,拆离断层厚度达数千米,强烈的构造变形导致肉切村群和高喜马拉雅顶部发生强烈的糜棱岩化,韧性剪切后的淡色花岗岩以平行拆离断层的岩席或岩脉产出;由此,我们认为吉隆和聂拉木的拆离断层分别代表了藏南拆离系的不同构造层次,受控于后期不均一的构造隆升剥露过程,进而可以解释两个地区不同的构造特征。综合前人的研究工作,我们提出藏南拆离系内部拆离断层活动存在逐渐向上迁移现象,而淡色花岗岩的侵位对该过程有着重要的促进作用。早期藏南拆离系的主拆离断层层次较深,控制了淡色花岗岩的顺层迁移和就位;而晚期熔体向更浅层次的运移,也促使藏南拆离系的主拆离断层也向上部迁移。

希夏邦马峰淡色花岗岩岩石成因初步研究

淡色花岗岩是研究碰撞造山带地球动力学过程的重要对象。本文对喜马拉雅造山带希夏邦马峰海拔5800m大本营附近的淡色花岗岩样品进行了独居石U-Th-Pb年代学和全岩地球化学初步分析。研究样品根据矿物组合可分为黑云母花岗岩和二云母花岗岩,二者地球化学特征以及变形程度都有所差异,全岩地球化学中弱变形的黑花岗岩表现出低Si和富Al、Mg、Fe、K、Ti的特征,铝饱和指数A/CNK为1.06;强变形和弱变形的二云母花岗岩均表现出高Si和贫Mg、Fe、K、Ti的特征,A/CNK为1.11~1.17。同黑云母花岗岩相比,二云母花岗岩稀土元素中Eu元素负异常明显,微量元素中富集Sn、U,亏损Ba、Sr、Zr、Hf、LREE等元素,暗示岩浆经历了斜长石、黑云母、锆石、独居石和磷灰石的分离结晶作用。黑云母花岗岩和二云母花岗岩中的独居石给出U-Th-Pb年龄为22.9±0.2Ma、22.7±0.5Ma和22.7±0.7Ma的一致结果,这一年龄略早于前人报道的结果,指示藏南拆离系活动时间在该区域与喜马拉雅中段具有一致性。本文认为希夏邦马淡色花岗岩岩浆作用与碰撞后伸展阶段发育的藏南拆离系活动具有同时性。

Literature Review of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in South Asian Populations

Background: South Asians have been recently identified as having rapidly rising incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). There is a paucity of data regarding the phenotypic and genotypic associations of IBD among the patients of this region. Due to the rising disease prevalence, a study on South Asian population can disclose more information about the etiopathogenetic causes of the disease. Methods: Here we did a review article of IBD among South Asians. In order to get a correct sense of factors associated with the disease, we have reviewed approximately 150 articles through the PubMed search and google scholar. Results: We attempted to find temporal trends of IBD among south Asian population, compared phenotype and genotype of IBD among South Asians and western patients and looked at the patterns of IBD presentation in different countries of South Asia. We have also reviewed the differences in the incidence of IBD among South Asian immigrants and discussed the treatment challenges of IBD among this special population. Conclusion: We identified that both patients in South Asia as well as South Asian patients living in Western countries are at greater risk for all types of IBD. This geographical region provides an opportunity for revealing possible etiopathogenetic factors. Further population-based studies, comparison of studies in South Asians and immigrants from South Asian countries, and large-scale biologic treatment models need to be accelerated to control the disease burden in South Asians, as well as to achieve reduced burden globally.

Views of South Asian Physicians on Climate Related Health Effects: A Multinational Cross-Sectional Pilot Study

Background: South Asian populations are vulnerable to poor health outcomes associated with climate due to the region’s complex topography, poverty, lack of education, and population density. Physicians, being highly trusted members of society, can help mitigate climate change effects in their countries. Objectives: The present study assessed perceptions of physicians from four South Asian countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Pakistan). We hypothesized that physicians from these countries will be aware and knowledgeable about health effects of climate change. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional online survey of physicians between March and July 2022. Data of 201 physicians was analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test and Dunn’s post hoc method. Results: Physicians from four South Asian countries were attuned to the health risks associated with climate change. A majority of physicians (86.6%) believed that climate change would make health conditions in their countries more severe or frequent (Bangladesh 83.3%;Bhutan 70%;India 91% and Pakistan 90.8%). The most common health effect related to climate change was illnesses related to reduced outdoor air quality (54.3%). Common barriers to discuss climate change with patients from all four countries were physicians’ lack of knowledge (strongly agree, 13.8%;agree 47.7%) in how to approach the issue with patients, lack of time (strongly agree, 12%;agree, 48%) and their perception that patients were not interested in knowing about climate change (strongly agree, 8.6%;agree, 42.6%). More than half (56.2%) of the physicians reported no training (Bangladesh, 51.7%;Bhutan, 80%;India, 44.6%;Pakistan, 63.1%) and approximately 30% reported less than 20 hours of training (Bangladesh, 28.3%;Bhutan, 15.0%;India, 39.3%;Pakistan, 27.7%) in climate-change-related health effects. Conclusion: While additional large-scale research is needed to understand the trends observed in our pilot study, our findings identify the need to introduce interventions to improve physicians’ knowledge of the health impacts of climate crisis.

Geodynamics of the South Balkan and Northern Aegean Regions Driven by the Westward Escape of Anatolia

The Plio-Quaternary deformation pattern of the northern Aegean and south Balkan regions is interpreted as an effect of the interaction between the Anatolian-Aegean-Pelagonian system (Tethyan belt), undergoing westward extrusion and strong deformation, and the surrounding plates (Nubia, Europe and Adriatic). Since the middle-late Miocene, the collision of the Tethyan belt with the continental Adriatic domain has caused strong E-W shortening in the outer Hellenides and Albanides, also involving the southward extrusion of the Peloponnesus wedge, at the expense of the Ionian oceanic domain. The roughly E-W extension recognized in the western South Balkan zones (Macedonia and eastern Albania) is related to the divergence between the Pelagonian belt (Albanides and Hellenides) and the Rhodope-Moesia domain. Stressed by the westward displacement of the central Anatolian plateau and by the southward bowing of the Cycladic Arc, the northern Aegean zone has contemporaneously undergone E-W compression and N-S extension, which has generated a series of dextral shear faults, delimiting a number of slats. The westward displacement and deformation of such slats can explain the morphological features of the northern Aegean zone. During this phase, the push of the central Anatolian plateau also caused the separation of the Rhodope massif from the Moesian European domain, with the consequent formation of the upper Thrace basin. This hypothesis can explain the Plio-Quaternary compressional deformations recognized in a sector of the North Anatolian fault system, the Ganos-Gelibolu zone. The proposed geodynamic/tectonic interpretation may help to explain some features of the time-space distribution of major earthquakes in the study area.

Incidence, Mortality, and Epidemiology of Leukemia in South Asia: An Ecological Study

Background: Nowadays cancer is a buzzword in every corner of the world. Back a few decades, cancer was not that much known to the people of South Asia let alone known of Leukemia. Many countries in the South Asian region are designated as developing countries. Hence, the deficiency of diagnosis system, treatment, management, and lack of knowledge about leukemia in this region are major problems. Therefore, the incidence rate, mortality rate, and several deaths are increasing day by day. Methods: This cross-sectional study is aimed to investigate the incidence and mortality of leukemia in South Asian Countries for the year 2020 by acquiring data from the global cancer project (GLOBOCAN2020) accessible at https://gco.iarc.fr. Results: In South Asia, 1,733,573 cancer cases were documented in 2020 where 62,163 cases were leukemia related. The highest incidence rate was reported in Pakistan (4.3 in 1,000,000) and Sri Lanka (4.1 in 1,000,000) and the lowest in Bangladesh (1.8 in 1,000,000) and Nepal (2.0 in 1,000,000). On the other hand, 1,124,875 death had been reported in 2020, where 45,707 (4.1%) death was associated with leukemia. Pakistan (3.4 in 1,000,000) and Maldives (3.1 in 1,000,000) had the highest death and lowest in Bangladesh (1.4 in 1,000,000) and Nepal (1.5 in 1,000,000). Adults aged from 60 - 85 years old have the highest rate of incidence and mortality rate in all countries except Nepal. Conclusions: Leukemia is one of the major concerning cancer of all ages people in South Asia, the situation and related risk factors information can be helpful to reduce death through proper treatment.

Analysis of Rainstorm Process in South China from September 7 to 8, 2022

Based on the NCEP data of the United States, a rainstorm process in South China during September 7 to 8, 2022 was studied. Synoptic method is a qualitative and empirical forecasting method. The results show that: In early September 2022, the cold air behind the trough line from northeast China to North China can directly drive southward and invade South China from the east road. Typhoon Hinnamnor is located in the saddle field between the mainland subtropical high and the offshore subtropical high. It moves northward on the west side of the coastal subtropical high, affecting the Taiwan Island and the coastal areas of East China. During September 7-8, the wave trough of the 925 hPa Easterly wave was located near 110°E. Easterly jet existed in the southeast of South China. The center of the easterly jet was located to the east of Hainan Island, which could transport abundant water vapor from the sea surface to the sky over South China. The precipitable water in the whole layer of the atmosphere decreased from the southern coastal areas to the north, reaching more than 50 mm in southern China, of which most of the South China Sea, Hainan Island and parts of the western part of Guangdong Province exceeded 60 mm, providing sufficient water vapor supply. The circulation field with convergence at low level and divergence at high level is conducive to vertical uplift to form precipitation.

South Atlantic Anomaly Variations during Seasons

This investigation searches the possible connections between deep and ultra-deep earthquakes in a subduction zone with unique characteristics known as Nazca-South America subduction. The earthquake events occurred in an area under the South Atlantic Magnetic Anomaly. The results pointed out that the cyclicity of earthquakes is independent of external factors and linked to internal unknown changes traced or associated with the lithosphere and upper mantle. The malleable minerals or unbreakable material could be due to a bulge of water between the two Nazca slabs sinking. The periodicity noticed from some events is opposite to the Solar Cycles, which means they enhance during the minima of cycles. Therefore, we concluded that these variations might be linked to internal causes below the crust into the lithosphere.

Determining the Effects of Selected Organic Fertilizer on Growth and Yields of Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum: Var. Rio Grande Tomatoes) in Mundri West County, Western Equatoria State, South Sudan

Worldwide, the demand for agro-organic foods that are healthy, nutritious, and environmentally friendly is increasing dramatically across all nations among consumers. Tomatoes being one of the dietary requirements in almost every meal is not exceptional and its availability in the market all year round is very important to farmers as well as consumers because it is highly demanded as a vegetable par excellence;which is either eaten raw in salads, cooked or processed into liquid ingredients. This study investigates the impact of chicken, goat, and cow manure treatments on tomato plant growth response to height, leaf length, and width, as well as fruit yield. The experimental field trials were conducted over two planting seasons in Mundri West County. It followed a Complete Randomized Design (CRD) approach, consisting of four blocks. Each block contained three treatments replicated four times and a control group. The data of measured parameters from all 16 plots were subjected to one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) using the Gen Stat 14th Edition software. The findings indicate significant differences (P < 0.05) among all the different organic manure applications on tomato plant growth parameters compared to the control group. Chicken manure resulted in the tallest tomato plants (30.1 and 37.9 cm), longest leaves (9.9 and 10.4 cm), and widest leaves (2.1 and 2.5 cm) in both seasons respectively. The study showed plots treated with chicken manure had a highly significant impact (P < 0.05) on the prevalence of aphids (1.0) and white flies (1.4) with the lowest value compared to those with cow and goat manure applied. Additionally, chicken manure led to the highest yields (39.30 and 49.49 tons/ha) in both seasons. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that using chicken manure effectively improves the performance of Rio Grande Tomatoes, and thus, farmers are encouraged to utilize chicken manure to maximize their tomato yields.

Assessing Forest Cover Distribution, Species Diversity, and Richness of the Buffer Zone for Strategic Forest Management Planning for Nimule National Park, South Sudan

Natural forest ecosystems play an essential role in the conservation of biodiversity of many plants and animals by providing them with habitat and suitable environments. Studies have shown that biodiversity-protected areas reduce the loss and degradation of natural habitats to various wild species of plants. This study examined the forest resources in five subzones by conducting tree/shrub species inventory to be able to develop an effective forest management plan for the Buffer Zone Forest Reserve for the sustainable conservation of flora and fauna of Nimule National Park. This is with the view to identify the main tree and shrub species;assess the composition, distribution, and abundance of various tree/shrub species;to determine the species diversity as well as the richness of these areas in terms of growth and performance where DBH and heights of trees/shrubs in the circular sample plots were measured. The results revealed the overall mean DBH and H of 13.83 cm and 6.61 m respectively. The highest number of trees was obtained in subzone B followed by D, while the least were found in subzone A. The overall mean tree/shrub density was 0.83 tons/ha. The mean total basal area and volume per hectare were 3252.74 m2/ha and 46,540.82 m3/ha respectively. The overall species abundance and distribution indicate Combretum spp, Cedrella spp., Grewia mollis, Acacia Sieberiana, Ziziphus abysinica, and Acacia seyal were the most dominant species, with over 12 species richness at the deposition side of the River Nile, 13 species at the western side of the Nile, the Administration site shows only 7 species, the lowland of Mt. Gordon show over 14 different species, whereas over 10 species were found on the top of Mt. Gordon. The overall mean diversity indices and evenness of H’, D, and E depicted 2.507, 0.871, and 0.840 respectively. These results yielded are relatively moderate. Therefore, conservation efforts are very necessary to improve and maintain the quality of vegetation cover.

国际秩序转型背景下“全球南方”的战略地位和角色作用

当今时代,大国政治博弈加剧,“全球南方”的战略地位与价值日益凸显。地位和角色的转变赋予了“全球南方”独特的理论价值,其逐渐超越传统以经济属性为主的新兴市场国家和发展中国家概念,成为具有更丰富内涵的国际政治新概念,为国际关系理论创新提供了新视角和路径。全球南方国家均非美西方盟友的核心成员,未处于国际权力体系的中心地位,具有相似的国际境遇、利益诉求、发展任务和政治主张。在国际秩序重构方面,全球南方国家主张以联合国宪章和原则为宗旨,建立公平合理的国际新秩序,践行真正的多边主义,实现平等共治、合作共赢。在全球气候治理领域,全球南方国家普遍面临经济发展、消除贫困的迫切要求,主张共同维护以联合国为核心的全球气候治理体系,捍卫共同但有区别的责任原则,推动全球气候治理体系朝着更加公正合理的方向发展。在国际经济领域,全球南方国家倡导开放包容、互利共赢的合作理念,主张坚持多边主义和公平贸易,通过改革与完善国际合作机制应对挑战,构建开放型世界经济。在新的时代背景下,加强政治、经济、科技等领域的南南合作,不仅有助于推动发展中国家自身经济和社会发展,还能为完善现行国际秩序做出重要贡献。

Geology and Mineral Deposits of Saraikistan (South Punjab, Koh Sulaiman Range) of Pakistan: A Tabular Review of Recently Discovered Biotas from Pakistan and Paleobiogeographic Link: Phylogeny and Hypodigm of Poripuchian Titanosaurs from Indo-Pakistan

Saraikistan (South Punjab and surrounding) area of Pakistan is located in the central Pakistan. This area represents Triassic-Jurassic to Recent sedimentary marine and terrestrial strata. Most of the Mesozoic and Early Cenozoic are represented by marine strata with rare terrestrial deposits, while the Late Cenozoic is represented by continental fluvial deposits. This area hosts significant mineral deposits and their development can play a significant role in the development of Saraikistan region and ultimately for Pakistan. The data of recently discovered biotas from Cambrian to Miocene age are tabulated for quick view. Mesozoic biotas show a prominent paleobiogeographic link with Gondwana and Cenozoic show Eurasian. Phylogeny and hypodigm of Poripuchian titanosaurs from India and Pakistan are hinted at here.

新情势下长江河口南槽河床冲淤演变特征

随着长江流域来沙的锐减、河口涉水工程的建设、生态环境保护力度的加大和通航环境的高效利用,长江口河势将面临着新一轮的调整。以长江口南槽河床冲淤演变为研究对象,采用河床演变分析的方法对南槽近十年来多次水下地形和航道水深数据进行了分析,并对南槽航道治理一期工程效果进行了讨论。结果表明:2010-2018年,南槽主槽整体呈冲刷态势,江亚南沙头部窜沟冲刷发展,沙尾冲刷下延;2018年至今,江亚南沙头部窜沟由冲刷环境转化为淤积环境,其他区域冲淤形势基本未变;南槽断面主槽形态总体稳定,在主槽总体冲刷背景下,“拦门沙”逐渐被削平,加上南槽航道治理一期工程的作用,南槽6 m以深河槽容积明显扩大,且保持较好的稳定性。近期南槽河势变化是流域来水来沙和河口自然、人类活动影响的综合结果,南槽航道治理一期工程对近期江亚南沙的地形变化起到了重要影响,工程有效地控制了江亚南沙河势,遏制了局部冲刷发展的趋势,有利于稳定南槽航道的北侧边界。

从东盟到“东盟世界”:东南亚地区秩序构建的全球意义

当今世界,东盟面临的内外部环境发生新的变化,大国竞争势能持续增加,东盟致力于打造的包容性地区秩序同样处于正增长态势。回顾东南亚地区秩序的构建历程,东盟从被动参与者逐渐演变成为地区秩序塑造者,形成了“东盟世界”的空间形态与理论雏形。“东盟世界”的兴起不是凭空产生,亦非东盟纯粹自发性的结果,而是东盟国家之间、东盟与大国、东盟与全球三大维度的复杂系统合成。“东盟世界”在认知层面来源于东盟对内外部世界的体悟与反思,在实践层面来源于东盟国家之间以及东盟与外部世界互动的经验逻辑。“东盟世界”不是单一静态概念,而是动态的概念集合,可以从宏观层面展现东盟建立的跨区域全球网络的搭建过程,为世界政治呈现动态的东南亚区域概念系谱图变迁,也为“全球南方”参与国际秩序构建提供范例。