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Traditionally, festivals have been propitious spaces and times for the renewal of community ties and the strengthening of identity. With the secularization of contemporary societies, the prominence of urban life and the dynamics of individualization and conflict inherent in capitalist cities, this totalizing character has gradually lost its prominence. But this does not mean that festivals do not continue playing, today, a fundamental role in the processes of socialization and reaffirmation of the sense of belonging, besides the social conflicts. The expression of these has been carried out in the urban space, the ideal physical and symbolic setting for the party. This is the case of the Festes de Gràcia de Maó, where the celebration of its great week does not hide the profound differences that exist within local society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The carnation Dianthus fruticosus L. ssp. fruticosus (Caryophyllaceae) is a range-restricted perennial, endemic plant that grows on cliffs, rocks, ravines, terraces, and boulders on Serifos Island in the Cyclades in the Aegean archipelago (Greece), possessing an impressive, aesthetic blossoming during the dry season. This indigenous carnation of Serifos has attracted the interest of naturalists and scientists. Specimens of this subspecific taxon from the island of Serifos (Greece) were collected during botanical explorations in preindustrial times by the French naturalist Joseph Pitton de Tournefort (1702) and in the late eighteenth century by the English Professor of Botany at the University of Oxford John Sibthorp (1787). Those specimens, documented in relevant publications and labelled with different names (i.e., Caryophyllus Graecus arboreus and Caryophyllus arboreus Seriphius in the early eighteenth century and Dianthus fruticosus in the early nineteenth century), are related to aspects of vegetation history, linking the past to the present and (most probably) to the future. Today, a thorough understanding of the in situ development and functionality of this endemic carnation is still required, as is a framework of its sustainability and management in small-scale insular habitats. The timeless perception of the emblematic wild carnation Dianthus fruticosus ssp. fruticosus, which is still growing on inland and coastal sites of Serifos and neighboring islands in the Cyclades (Greece), is also a reminder that a native plant is often a repository to which local communities may look when crafting their identity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Biological Invasions is the property of Springer Nature 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.)

Historically, the genetic diversity of insular species and populations has generally been considered to be lower with respect to their continental counterparts. In this study, I compare for first time the genetic diversity of two gecko species, Phyllodactylus angelensis and P. magnus , that inhabit contrasting environments in Mexico (island and mainland, respectively). Utilizing genomic data for both species generated through genotyping by sequencing (GBS), I performed paired comparisons of various genetic diversity indices analyzing thousands of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) variants. The majority of genetic diversity indices demonstrated very similar values between both species, while the observed heterozygosity and genetic diversity within populations was higher for the insular species. The results do not support the generalized assumption of lower genetic diversity in island species. Key aspects such as the effective population size of founders, gene flow, and shared life histories may be involved in explaining the observed pattern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many coastal and island communities depend on groundwater as the only source of freshwater, making it an invaluable resource. In the Mediterranean region, groundwater resources are highly vulnerable to natural and anthropogenic pressures, such as overexploitation, climate change, seasonal variations in precipitation, and seawater intrusion. Hence, an understanding of hydrogeological processes and groundwater chemistry is a basis for the sustainable management of coastal and island groundwater resources. Vis, a small and remote karst island in the Adriatic Sea, exhibits peculiar geological and hydrogeological settings, resulting in the island's autonomous water supply. The current pumping capacity (maximum of 42 l/s) meets most of the demand, but intensive summer tourism and climate change exert high stress on groundwater resources during the dry season. Consequently, in the last decade, occasional reductions for consumers occurred. Monitoring of in situ physicochemical parameters and groundwater sampling for chemical and isotopic analyses were conducted from 2020 to 2023 at deep borewells, shallow dug wells, and springs. Hydrochemical interpretation indicated that groundwater chemistry was affected primarily by carbonate and sulfate rock dissolution, mixing with seawater, reverse ion exchange, and dedolomitization. The majority of groundwater samples exhibit Ca–HCO3 hydrochemical facies, followed by Na–Cl and mixed facies. The low percentage of seawater in the mixture indicated that seawater intrusion is not too extensive even during prolonged dry periods, implying a favorable hydrostatic regime with relatively small but sufficient groundwater reserves of the island's aquifers, although the investigated period was characterized by significantly lower precipitation with respect to the 30-year average. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Childhood Stunting is a condition of failure to thrive in children under five as a result of chronic malnutrition so that children become too short for their age. Parenting is an important component that should not be disregarded in the pursuit of better nutritional status, since it has an indirect impact on nutritional. This study aims to determine the relationship between family parenting and the incidence of stunting in Simeulue Island Aceh, Indonesia. This study applied a cross-sectional design involving 86 people who were taken by proportional sampling. Chi-square test showed a relationship between permissive parenting and experienced stunting (p-value, 0.001), a relationship between authoritarian parenting and experienced stunting (p-value, 0.000), and a relationship between democratic parenting with experienced stunting (p-value, 0.002). Therefore, it is expected that respondents, namely families of toddlers, will provide good parenting to toddlers so that they will increase the growth and development of toddlers to prevent stunting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insects geographically separated into island and mainland populations often exhibit phenotypic variations, a phenomenon known as insular conditions. These conditions can lead to rapid evolutionary changes that affect the morphological characteristics of mosquito vectors. Nevertheless, studies that specifically examine phenotype differences between island and mainland mosquito populations have been limited. In this study, wing variation in size and shape was investigated using the geometric morphometric (GM) technique in two dominant mosquito vectors, Aedes albopictus and Armigeres subalbatus, in the Ranong and Trat archipelagos of Thailand. Significant differences in average wing centroid size (CS) were found in 6 out of 15 population pairs for Ae. albopictus (p < 0.05) and in 5 population pairs for Ar. subalbatus (p < 0.05). After removing the allometric effect, canonical variate analyses (CVA) based on wing shape analysis revealed overlap across all populations for both Ae. albopictus and Ar. subalbatus. However, the statistical analysis indicated that Ar. subalbatus exhibited wing shape differences across all populations (p < 0.05), and most Ae. albopictus populations also displayed distinct wing shapes (p < 0.05), except for the populations from Chang Island and the mainland of Ranong, which showed no significant differences (p > 0.05). These findings enhance our understanding of mosquito adaptability in island regions and provide valuable data for the surveillance and monitoring of vector evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The World's one of largest inhabited river-made island Majuli, developed in response to depositional processes of large sediment load carried by the Bramhaputra River and Subhansari River from the Himalayan hinterland. But, for decades it has been going through a significant rate of erosion, which is severely threatening the existence of the island and its rich cultural heritage. These erosional processes result in exposure to island depositional records and provide an opportunity to study these sedimentary deposits. This paleo depositional record is very well analysed by adopting the methodology of facies identification and their relationship diagram. A total of 18 exposed outcrop sections are studied with detailed sedimentological documentation, facies identification and symbols assigned to facies. Then calculations and tabulations are carried out for Facies Relationship Diagram (FRD) along with the construction of the sequence model, which provides a lateral and vertical lithofacies association developed in the entire island sequentially. On the basis of validation of obtained data through field survey and analysis of more vertical profiles, we study the correlation between existing bank erosion and dominated sedimentary facies at Majuli Island. This analysis results in two facies sequences: one mud-dominated and the other sand-dominated facies. The Massive Mud and Massive Sand beds are represented as the main facies between these two sequences. Therefore, mud-dominated sequence represents the Flood Plain deposit, whereas the sand-dominated sequence represents Bar and Channel deposits. This study also reveals that sedimentary sequences developed by the Bramhaputra River are mud dominated, while that of the Subhansiri River is both mud and sand sequences. This reflects the differential source to sink transport of sediments, as the Bramhaputra River carries sediment load for a longer distance than the Subhanshiri River. This study also reveals that areas of sand-dominated facies show higher erosion than mud-dominated facies. Therefore, the sedimentary record of the Subhansiri River is more vulnerable to erosion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Myrmeleontidae are conspicuous insects with moderate species diversity, which are reasonably well studied in Europe. However, dedicated samplings in the Mediterranean region carried out in the last years suggest that the state of knowledge of the representatives of this family occurring in outhern Europe is far from ideal. Over 40 species of antlions and owlflies are reported from Italy, of which a few are only known from the islands of the Sicilian Channel. New information: Solter liber Navás, 1912 is reported for the first time in Italy, based on specimens collected in Pantelleria Island in 2022 and 2023. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In our recent examination of the Phintella specimens collected from Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park, a new species and the unknown female of P. liae Wang, Mi & Peng, 2023 were recognised, based on the morphological characteristics and molecular evidence.A new species of Phintella Strand, 1906 is described: P. hongkan sp. nov. (♂♀) from Hainan, China. The unknown female of P. liae Wang, Mi & Peng, 2023 is also described for the first time. Diagnostic photos of both species are provided.

Myrmeleontidae are conspicuous insects with moderate species diversity, which are reasonably well studied in Europe. However, dedicated samplings in the Mediterranean region carried out in the last years suggest that the state of knowledge of the representatives of this family occurring in outhern Europe is far from ideal. Over 40 species of antlions and owlflies are reported from Italy, of which a few are only known from the islands of the Sicilian Channel.Solter liber Navás, 1912 is reported for the first time in Italy, based on specimens collected in Pantelleria Island in 2022 and 2023.

Abstract Many coastal and island communities depend on groundwater as the only source of freshwater, making it an invaluable resource. In the Mediterranean region, groundwater resources are highly vulnerable to natural and anthropogenic pressures, such as overexploitation, climate change, seasonal variations in precipitation, and seawater intrusion. Hence, an understanding of hydrogeological processes and groundwater chemistry is a basis for the sustainable management of coastal and island groundwater resources. Vis, a small and remote karst island in the Adriatic Sea, exhibits peculiar geological and hydrogeological settings, resulting in the island’s autonomous water supply. The current pumping capacity (maximum of 42 l/s) meets most of the demand, but intensive summer tourism and climate change exert high stress on groundwater resources during the dry season. Consequently, in the last decade, occasional reductions for consumers occurred. Monitoring of in situ physicochemical parameters and groundwater sampling for chemical and isotopic analyses were conducted from 2020 to 2023 at deep borewells, shallow dug wells, and springs. Hydrochemical interpretation indicated that groundwater chemistry was affected primarily by carbonate and sulfate rock dissolution, mixing with seawater, reverse ion exchange, and dedolomitization. The majority of groundwater samples exhibit Ca–HCO3 hydrochemical facies, followed by Na–Cl and mixed facies. The low percentage of seawater in the mixture indicated that seawater intrusion is not too extensive even during prolonged dry periods, implying a favorable hydrostatic regime with relatively small but sufficient groundwater reserves of the island’s aquifers, although the investigated period was characterized by significantly lower precipitation with respect to the 30-year average.

Abstract This study investigates the viability of hybrid photovoltaic (PV), wind, and fuel cell (FC) systems for on‐grid and off‐grid operations for the Ashrayan‐3 housing project in Bangladesh, with an increased focus on sustainable energy solutions. Motivated by the issue of the delivery of proper and sustainable energy services to remote locations, we conducted an extensive analysis of load demand and found that an average daily demand of 46,176.65 kWh exists, with a peak load of 4852.8 kW. In this research, the HOMER software has been used to make a simulation of five different hybrid system configurations with differing mixes of renewable technologies. From the analyses, the systems based 100% on renewable resources suffer more initial capital costs, with a total net present cost increase of up to 20%, in comparison to conventional systems. On the other hand, the systems give much lower operational costs and cost of energies (COEs) of a minimum of $0.0253/kWh, reported from the on‐grid PV‐based system. On the other hand, the off‐grid PV–FC–wind turbine system showed a COE of $0.286/kWh, along with a decrease in CO2 emissions by about 15,000 kg/year, showing a 30% decrease, compared with on‐grid systems. The results form a basis for the conclusion that such hybrid renewable energy systems are both economically and environmentally feasible. They can reduce COEs by up to 70% in off‐grid systems. This proves that the quality of life and energy security in developing regions will be highly increased, supporting the goals of sustainable development.

With the successive launch of high-resolution Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites, conducting all-weather, all-time high-precision observation of island regions with variable weather conditions has become feasible. As a key preprocessing step in various remote sensing applications, orthorectification relies on high-precision control points to correct the geometric positioning errors of SAR images. However, obtaining artificial control points that meet SAR correction requirements in island areas is costly and risky. To address this challenge, this study first proposes a rapid registration algorithm for optical and SAR heterogeneous images, and then automatically extracts control points based on an optical reference base map, achieving orthorectification of SAR images in island regions. The proposed registration algorithm consists of two stages: constructing dense common features of heterogeneous images; performing pixel-by-pixel matching on the down-sampled features, to avoid the issue of low repeatability of feature points in heterogeneous images. To reduce the matching complexity, a land sea segmentation mask is introduced to limit the search range. Subsequently, local fine matching is applied to the preliminary matched points to reduce inaccuracies introduced by down-sampling. Meanwhile, uniformly sampled coastline points are introduced to enhance the uniformity of the matching results, and orthorectified images are generated through a piecewise linear transformation model, ensuring the overall correction accuracy in sparse island areas. This algorithm performs excellently on the high-resolution SAR images of multiple scenes in island regions, with an average positioning error of 3.2 m and a complete scene correction time of only 17.3 s, both these values are superior to various existing advanced heterogeneous registration and correction algorithms, demonstrating the great potential of the proposed algorithm in engineering applications.

Coiba National Park is an offshore region on the Pacific side of Panama, which hosts several endemic species of animals and plants. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005. Despite the title awarded to the Park, knowledge about basic elements of its biodiversity are still lacking, which are of vital relevance for management and conservation policies. For instance, until now, no study had ever monitored the araneofauna diversity of the Park.Here, we provide the first checklist of spider species in Coiba National Park, including the main island and several surrounding islands. We sampled during several field trips carried out from August 2021 to August 2023. We identified at least 152 species (98 genera and 30 families) and we report three new spiders species for Panama, namely Ctenus nigrolineatus Berland (1913), Chapoda gitae Zhang & Maddison (2012) and Sarinda nigra Peckham & Peckham (1892). We discuss the implications of our results and recommend future lines of work that include DNA barcoding, monitoring of population and community dynamics, plus linkage of climatic data from the newly-installed meteorological station on the Island.

In my paper I point out that the study of literary utopias has been and still is a constant focus on my scientific research. It has accompanied me in different historical and political contexts, helping in analysing and interpreting their complexity. The metaphor I use is that of Utopia as a tree with deep roots from which many branches spread out. In my first book on this topic, I suggested that Utopia could be considered on the whole as a literary genre, characterized by a continuous metamorphosis over time and space. Within such a theoretical framework, I addressed how a variety of utopian main themes, i.e. the journey, the island, and the dream, have been treated in pillars of utopian English literature. Eventually, what fascinated me is that Utopia allowed and still allows me to look at major problems and questions of my contemporary time taking a “lateral” perspective and envisaging new, usually unexpected, political horizons.

Abstract Background Respiratory viral illnesses among children are a prominent cause of morbidity and mortality in the developing world. The aim of this study is to understand the seasonal pattern and surge of respiratory viruses among the Nicobarese tribe. Methods Respiratory specimens were collected from both ARI and SARI cases attended the BJR district hospital in Car Nicobar Island, India, between 2021 and 2022. Respiratory viruses were identified from the specimens by using the qRT-PCR assay. Meteorological parameters were collected and evaluated using Microsoft Excel and SPSS 21. The significant association between the surge of respiratory viruses and each climatic parameter was evaluated. Results In this hospital-based cross-sectional study, 471 ILI cases were enrolled, and 209 of these were positive for respiratory viral infections. Of these respiratory virus infections, 201 (96.2%) were infected with a single respiratory virus infection, and 8 (3.8%) had mixed viral infections. Fever, cough, and chills were the most common symptoms of respiratory illness among this indigenous population. There was a significant link between respiratory viruses and influenza-like illness in children (below 5 years and 6 to 15 years). Conclusion This prevalence study revealed that viral respiratory infections were more common in children than adults. Among these respiratory viruses, respiratory syncytial virus A (RSV) and influenza B virus were predominantly reported among tribal children up to age five years. In the year 2021, these viruses were recorded frequently during the winter season. Climate factors such as high humidity, high precipitation, moderate temperature, and moderate rainfall are found to be correlated with respiratory viral infections. This study implicates important information for preventing a further outbreak of respiratory viral infections in Car Nicobar Island.

The two East Asian subtropical–tropical noctuoid moths, Nyctemera adversata (Schaller, 1788) (Erebidae: Arctiinae) and Dictyestra dissectus (Walker, 1865) (Noctuidae: Noctuinae), are newly recorded in the Russian Far East on an extreme long distance to the north from their known localities in the neighboring countries. They were collected on the small Rikord Island in the Peter the Great Gulf after the period of strong southern wind associated with Typhoon Chaba. Data on the general distribution and bionomics of these species are given. This founding, along with other similar discoveries, is consistent with the current trend of global climate warming and indicates a northward expansion of the ranges of southern species in the Sea of Japan/East Sea region. Large migratory moths effectively use powerful air currents to move long distances, including over the sea, while small coastal islands can be used by them as intermediate sites and/or for possible establishing of invasive populations.

We present a multiproxy analysis of a sediment core from Freshwater Pond, Barbuda, one of just a few inland paleoenvironmental records from the Lesser Antilles. Our results shed light on the relative contributions of climate variability and Pre- and Post-Columbian human activities to vegetation and fire dynamics on Barbuda. The presence of macroscopic charcoal and pollen of ethnobotanically-useful and disturbance-indicator plant taxa in the sediment record suggests that Pre-Columbian subsistence activities occurred within a few kilometers of the pond between ~150 BCE and ~1250 CE. Our record extends anthropogenic fires back into the early Ceramic (500 BCE–1500 CE) and possibly late Archaic Ages (3000–500 BCE) adding evidence to the timing of arrival of the island's earliest inhabitants. The history of island-wide biomass burning inferred from microscopic charcoal fragments showed heightened fire activity between ~540 and ~1610 CE followed by a period of quiescence that reflected the transition from Pre- to Post-Columbian land-use practices associated with European colonization of the region. The British established a permanent settlement on Barbuda in the 1660s, but given Barbuda's unsuitability for large-scale agriculture, timber harvesting, small-scale farming, and livestock rearing, activities that left no detectable charcoal footprints likely dominated post-colonial land use. The lack of any clear correspondence between the reconstructed histories of fire and effective moisture at Freshwater Pond supports the idea that Late-Holocene fire activity on Barbuda was driven primarily by human activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the viability of hybrid photovoltaic (PV), wind, and fuel cell (FC) systems for on‐grid and off‐grid operations for the Ashrayan‐3 housing project in Bangladesh, with an increased focus on sustainable energy solutions. Motivated by the issue of the delivery of proper and sustainable energy services to remote locations, we conducted an extensive analysis of load demand and found that an average daily demand of 46,176.65 kWh exists, with a peak load of 4852.8 kW. In this research, the HOMER software has been used to make a simulation of five different hybrid system configurations with differing mixes of renewable technologies. From the analyses, the systems based 100% on renewable resources suffer more initial capital costs, with a total net present cost increase of up to 20%, in comparison to conventional systems. On the other hand, the systems give much lower operational costs and cost of energies (COEs) of a minimum of $0.0253/kWh, reported from the on‐grid PV‐based system. On the other hand, the off‐grid PV–FC–wind turbine system showed a COE of $0.286/kWh, along with a decrease in CO2 emissions by about 15,000 kg/year, showing a 30% decrease, compared with on‐grid systems. The results form a basis for the conclusion that such hybrid renewable energy systems are both economically and environmentally feasible. They can reduce COEs by up to 70% in off‐grid systems. This proves that the quality of life and energy security in developing regions will be highly increased, supporting the goals of sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unifying research and conservation objectives with the needs of local populations demands a profound understanding of the field. This perspective provides a brief policy and social‐cultural context for the conservation of endangered sea turtles in São Tomé and Príncipe, Central Africa. It is illustrated by initiatives implemented from the 90s to the 2000s and complemented by a community‐based intervention on Príncipe Island (2010–2014). The intervention focused on awareness‐raising, economic‐alternatives, capacity‐building, and surveillances to deter poaching, collect scientific data, and increase outreach. It contributed to reduce sea turtle exploitation, train local conservationists, and increase awareness to economic alternatives. Securing stakeholders' support is vital for success, and endeavors like this provide a cost‐effective approach, aligning biodiversity conservation strategies with local values and aspirations. Overall, this perspective underscores that failure to collaborate with those involved in wildlife subsistence livelihoods often results in delays and setbacks in reducing exploitation, while modest investments in local stewardship can efficiently improve ecosystems and human well‐being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the struggle of Individuals for survival during natural calamities i.e. floods and showcases how their cognitive abilities help them maintain their existence in disaster-like situations. While presenting the helplessness of the old man that forces him to settle down on an island despite the knowledge of the danger of the river during the rainy season, and the empathetic nature of the villagers, it showcases the children learning life lessons from their elders using their cognitive abilities and their own empirical experiences. This paper also reveals how the children suffer from alienation, pine for company and find respite with toys, flora and fauna. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Humanities & Social Sciences (2522-3380) is the property of Arab Journal of Sciences & Research Publishing (AJSRP) 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.)

The conceptualization of insularity in the context of islands has been widely studied and debated, encompassing both geographical and identity aspects. The academic discussion on the definition of insularity and isolation in the context of islands remains a current topic, along with the economic, social, legal and environmental challenges faced by insular regions. This study aims to deepen the conceptual framework of insularity and structure its issues from various scientific perspectives through quantitative bibliometric analysis. Key focus areas and research gaps have been identified, including the need for enhanced economic policies, better marine resource management, more comprehensive urban development research and improved data on social and political issues. The conclusions emphasize the importance of prioritizing intervention areas and specific policies to address the unique challenges faced by insular regions in terms of sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Homestead windbreaks are used on the Ryukyu Islands to protect houses from the tidal water blowing from the sea, strong typhoons in the summer, and monsoonal winds in the winter. The homestead windbreak landscape is believed to have been established approximately 300 years ago in the Ryukyu Kingdom. Garcinia subelliptica (Fukugi in Japanese) was dominant in this windbreak landscape. These windbreaks vanished on several islands soon after World War II. Many trees were burned during the war and removed to extend village roads in rural and recent resort development projects. This study surveyed the present spatial distribution of the remaining homestead windbreaks and conducted a tree inventory survey. We recorded the location and characteristics of trees damaged by the powerful typhoon and tentatively explored the causes of tree and house damage through a case study of Yonaguni Island, where one of the world's biggest typhoons occurred. Homestead windbreaks facing the wind direction, tree characters of cavities, unsound branching, and combined tree trunks were the significant factors contributing to tree damage. The remnant homestead windbreak belts in Yonaguni Island were fragmented and not continuous and may not offer consistent wind protection since there are open gaps between the sections. It suggests windbreaks should be replanted in the direction of the wind, and regular checks of tree health and tree structure are needed to reduce typhoon damage. The results are used to propose guidelines for windbreak management and conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Coiba National Park is an offshore region on the Pacific side of Panama, which hosts several endemic species of animals and plants. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005. Despite the title awarded to the Park, knowledge about basic elements of its biodiversity are still lacking, which are of vital relevance for management and conservation policies. For instance, until now, no study had ever monitored the araneofauna diversity of the Park. New information: Here, we provide the first checklist of spider species in Coiba National Park, including the main island and several surrounding islands. We sampled during several field trips carried out from August 2021 to August 2023. We identified at least 152 species (98 genera and 30 families) and we report three new spiders species for Panama, namely Ctenus nigrolineatus Berland (1913), Chapoda gitae Zhang & Maddison (2012) and Sarinda nigra Peckham & Peckham (1892). We discuss the implications of our results and recommend future lines of work that include DNA barcoding, monitoring of population and community dynamics, plus linkage of climatic data from the newly-installed meteorological station on the Island. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Respiratory viral illnesses among children are a prominent cause of morbidity and mortality in the developing world. The aim of this study is to understand the seasonal pattern and surge of respiratory viruses among the Nicobarese tribe. Methods: Respiratory specimens were collected from both ARI and SARI cases attended the BJR district hospital in Car Nicobar Island, India, between 2021 and 2022. Respiratory viruses were identified from the specimens by using the qRT-PCR assay. Meteorological parameters were collected and evaluated using Microsoft Excel and SPSS 21. The significant association between the surge of respiratory viruses and each climatic parameter was evaluated. Results: In this hospital-based cross-sectional study, 471 ILI cases were enrolled, and 209 of these were positive for respiratory viral infections. Of these respiratory virus infections, 201 (96.2%) were infected with a single respiratory virus infection, and 8 (3.8%) had mixed viral infections. Fever, cough, and chills were the most common symptoms of respiratory illness among this indigenous population. There was a significant link between respiratory viruses and influenza-like illness in children (below 5 years and 6 to 15 years). Conclusion: This prevalence study revealed that viral respiratory infections were more common in children than adults. Among these respiratory viruses, respiratory syncytial virus A (RSV) and influenza B virus were predominantly reported among tribal children up to age five years. In the year 2021, these viruses were recorded frequently during the winter season. Climate factors such as high humidity, high precipitation, moderate temperature, and moderate rainfall are found to be correlated with respiratory viral infections. This study implicates important information for preventing a further outbreak of respiratory viral infections in Car Nicobar Island. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oceanic islands have been recognized as natural laboratories in which to study a great variety of evolutionary processes. One such process is evolutionary radiations, the diversification of a single ancestor into a number of species that inhabit different environments and differ in the traits that allow them to exploit those environments. The factors that drive evolutionary radiations have been studied for decades in charismatic organisms such as birds or lizards, but are lacking in lichen-forming fungi, despite recent reports of some lineages showing diversification patterns congruent with radiation. Here we propose the Ramalina decipiens group as a model system in which to carry out such studies. This group is currently thought to be comprised of five saxicolous species, all of them endemic to the Macaronesian region (the Azores, Madeira, Selvagens, Canary and Cape Verde islands). Three species are single-island endemics (a rare geographic distribution pattern in lichens), whereas two are widespread and show extreme morphological variation. The latter are suspected to harbor unrecognized species-level lineages. In order to use the Ramalina decipiens group as a model system it is necessary to resolve the group's phylogeny and to clarify its species boundaries. In this study we attempt to do so following an integrative taxonomy approach. We constructed a phylogenetic tree based on six molecular markers, four of which are newly developed and generated competing species hypotheses based on molecular (species discovery strategies based on both single locus and multilocus datasets) and phenotypic data (unsupervised clustering algorithms based on morphology, secondary chemistry and geographic origin). We found that taxonomic diversity in the Ramalina decipiens group has been highly underestimated in previous studies. In consequence, we describe six new species, most of them single-island endemics and provide a key to the group. Phylogenetic relationships among species have been reconstructed with almost full support which, coupled with the endemic character of the group, makes it an excellent system for the study of island radiations in lichen-forming fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve precipitation estimation and forecasting, it is important to have a thorough understanding of the regional variability of raindrop size distribution (DSD) characteristics. This study aims to investigate the differences in DSDs between island and inland areas along the South China coastline, using observations from four disdrometers. The results of the study reveal that convective precipitation is the main contributor to summer rainfall in South China, with regional variations in DSD. The eastern stations (Shangchuan Island and Yangjiang) exhibit a higher concentration of large raindrops and a lower concentration of small raindrops compared to the western stations (Weizhou Island and Fangchenggang), which have more small raindrops. Additionally, the inland stations have a higher number of large raindrops (with a diameter greater than 3mm) compared to the island stations. The study also discusses the differences in environmental conditions that contribute to these variations. It is found that the warm cloud depth at the eastern (inland) stations is thicker than at the western (island) stations, indicating a longer pathway for raindrops to fall towards the ground and an enhanced collisional-coalescence process for raindrop growth. Furthermore, the shape-slope (μ -L) and radar reflectivity-rain rate (Z-R) relationships for the four stations also exhibit differences. Overall, this study provides a more comprehensive understanding of the regional variability of precipitation microphysics in South China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study has estimated the missing values of minimum temperature, maximum temperature and rainfall records of longer lengths, respectively, from 1994 to 1996 in Hatiya and 2000–2003 in Sandwip islands of the Bay of Bengal with harmonic regression analysis to realize the past climate. The work has provided past climate of records, which have justified with the mean absolute error, root mean squared error and skill score respectively 1.50, 2.00 and 0.84 for minimum temperature, 1.66, 2.10 and 0.48 for maximum temperature, and 8.60, 14.69 and –0.43 for rainfall for the stations with known records. The mean of the two estimations varies respectively for temperature and rainfall from –0.69 to 0.64°C and –0.36 to 4.79 mm, where one estimation is done with the proposed harmonic analysis and another estimation has been done with inverse-distance-weighting technique for the stations with missing records. The study is advantageous because it uses data from its own station on the island rather than data from neighbouring stations on the continent. It has avoided the probability of mixing up the continental climate with the climate of the island and vice versa. Hence, the estimations provided are spatially unbiased and meaningful past climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article represents the first historical study of the port site of Genoa Fortress located on the coast of the city of Annaba (عنابة) in Algeria. In it, we sought to highlight this coastal maritime cultural heritage and introduce it by showcasing its role, commercial activity, and the events that the port experienced during various historical periods, along with the sequence and origin of its name over these periods. We also provided a brief historical overview of the city of Annaba (عنابة). Additionally, we explored its relationship with ports on other shores of the Mediterranean Sea, particularly Genoa in Italy, by extracting ideal Genoese maritime routes between Genoa and Annaba (عنابة), utilizing various new methodologies. Therefore, our main objective in this study was to highlight new and significant historical aspects of the Algerian city of Annaba (عنابة), especially during the Middle Ages, through the intensive application of various methodologies, including Google Earth Pro 2023 and geographic information systems. This aimed to provide a comprehensive and clear understanding of how sailors, in general, and Genoese sailors, in particular, selected ideal maritime routes during ancient and medieval historical periods (The maritime route between the port of Genoa in Annaba (عنابة) and the port of Genoa in Genoa as a case study.). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Island is a special area with natural and socio-economic vulnerability, which to some extent restricts the livelihood strategy choices and development of island residents. Relying on the rich tourism resources of the island, the tourism industry has become an important source of livelihood for farmers in the villages around the scenic spots in the island. However, The difference of tourism resource endowment of different villages will inevitably affect the livelihood capital level of farmers in different villages. This paper takes 15 villages of South Changshan Island and North Changshan Island of Changdao as the research area, constructs the livelihood capital evaluation index system, measures the total livelihood capital index of Yujiale farmers in the research area, analyzes the spatial distribution pattern and agglomeration characteristics of the total livelihood capital index, and put forward suggestions to improve the livelihood capital level of Yujiale farmers to promote the sustainable livelihood development of island farmers.

The Congo River, which is between 900 and 300 metres wide between the city of Kisangani and the town of Yangambi, is characterised by important socio-economic and conservation activities but also by a lack of knowledge on morphological and lithological matters. To fill the gaps, the lithology and the morphological dynamics of the riverbed were studied through a description of islands (between 1984 and 2017) and banks thanks to remote sensing and field work, respectively. With regard to the number of islands, the study revealed a loss of 5.13% and a recovery of 28.21% between 1984 and 2017. The direct factors of this dynamism are the erosion and landslides observed both on the banks and on the islands. The geological survey method allowed the collection of 4 samples of sound indurated rocks and 50 samples of loose rocks on the soil profiles of the islands and banks. The macroscopic description and sieving of the samples with 63 mm and 2 mm mesh size allowed the lithology map to be drawn up. The fine soil particles were analysed in the soil laboratory using the Robinson–Köhn pipette method to determine their texture. The USDA textural classification was used. The results of the analysis showed that sand is the predominant rock element in the area. Such a lithology would increase the sensitivity of the banks to mass movements observed here and there along the Kisangani–Yangambi river section.

Black rats (Rattus rattus) are one of the most widespread invasive animals and have been implicated in the decline of species representing several wildlife taxa, particularly on islands. However, their impact on more closely related species, i.e. rodents, via competition is less well-understood. Using diet similarity as a metric of competition for food resources, we used stable isotopes to compare diets of two populations of black rats to diets of two endangered populations of rice rats (Oryzomys palustris natator and Oryzomys palustris sanibeli) in southern Florida, USA. Specifically, we analysed hair samples from 32 rice rats and 35 black rats for carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotopes. In addition, we analysed samples of 129 potential food items to characterise rodent diets using stable isotope mixing models. Despite considerable overlap in isotope-space, we observed differences between rice rats and black rats in the relative composition of plant and animal foods. Specifically, the diets of both populations of rice rats consisted of mostly animal foods, whereas the diets of black rats consisted mostly of plants. In combination with previous work revealing temporal niche partitioning, our results suggest competition between invasive black rats and endangered native rodents may be limited. As such, expensive and logistically complicated efforts to control black rats may have limited success for conserving endangered rodents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Islands provide a great system to explore the processes that maintain genetic diversity and promote local adaptation. We explored the genomic diversity of the Balearic lizard Podarcis lilfordi, an endemic species characterized by numerous small insular populations with large phenotypic diversity. Using the newly available genome for this species, we characterized more than 300,000 SNPs, merging genotyping‐by‐sequencing (GBS) data with previously published restriction site‐associated DNA sequencing (RAD‐Seq) data, providing a dataset of 16 island populations (191 individuals) across the range of species distribution (Menorca, Mallorca, and Cabrera). Results indicate that each islet hosts a well‐differentiated population (FST = 0.247 ± 0.09), with no recent immigration/translocation events. Contrary to expectations, most populations harbor a considerable genetic diversity (mean nucleotide diversity, Pi = 0.144 ± 0.021), characterized by overall low inbreeding values (FIS < 0.1). While the genetic diversity significantly decreased with decreasing islet surface, maintenance of substantial genetic diversity even in tiny islets suggests variable selection or other mechanisms that buffer genetic drift. Maximum‐likelihood tree based on concatenated SNP data confirmed the existence of the two major independent lineages of Menorca and Mallorca/Cabrera. Multiple lines of evidence, including admixture and root testing, robustly placed the origin of the species in the Mallorca Island, rather than in Menorca. Outlier analysis mainly retrieved a strong signature of genome differentiation between the two major archipelagos, especially in the sexual chromosome Z. A set of proteins were target of multiple outliers and primarily associated with binding and catalytic activity, providing interesting candidates for future selection studies. This study provides the framework to explore crucial aspects of the genetic basis of phenotypic divergence and insular adaptation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) are among the most medically significant insects, with several species acting as vectors for human pathogens. Although there are frequent reports of mosquito-borne diseases in the border island areas of Thailand, comprehensive data on the diversity and DNA barcoding of these mosquito species remain limited. This study investigated mosquito diversity in two main archipelagos in Thailand—the Trat archipelago (comprising Chang Island and Kood Island) and the Ranong archipelago (comprising Chang Island and Phayam Island)—and generated DNA barcode data from the mosquitoes found there. The survey across these islands discovered a total of 41 species, highlighting the presence of several species known to be vectors for human diseases. Thirty-seven mosquito species from the island areas were documented to provide reference DNA barcode sequences for mosquitoes in Thailand’s island regions. Two species, Aedes fumidus and Finlaya flavipennis, have been added as new COI sequence records in the database. DNA barcoding was highly effective in classifying almost all species by identifying barcoding gaps, except for Anopheles baimaii and Anopheles dirus, which could not be distinguished. Additionally, the study noted that geographical variations might influence certain mosquito species, such as Anopheles barbirostris A3 and Mansonia dives, causing them to be split into two distinct subgroups. The findings of this study are crucial, as they aid in classifying mosquito species using molecular techniques and expand our knowledge of disease vectors in these biodiverse regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Elucidating how demography and contemporary landscape features regulate functional connectivity is crucial to implementing effective conservation strategies. We assessed the impacts of landscape features on the genetic variation of a locally endangered carnivore, the leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis) in Taiwan. Objectives: We aim to evaluate the association between genetic structure and landscape features. We further predicted the changes in genetic diversity and suitable habitats in the future. Methods: We genotyped 184 leopard cats in western Taiwan using 12 nuclear microsatellites and a mitochondrial marker. We applied a landscape optimization procedure with two genetic distances to identify major genetic barriers and employed ecological niche modeling to predict the future distribution of the leopard cat. Results: Bayesian demographic inferences revealed a dramatic population decline for all leopard cat populations in Taiwan. Genetic clustering and resistance surface modeling supported that the population connectivity was influenced by highways and high elevation. Niche modeling indicated low temperature was one of the primary factors limiting the occurrence of leopard cats that may inhibit their movement in high elevations. We predicted the suitable habitats of leopard cats would shrink northward and towards higher altitudes with rugged topography in response to global warming. Conclusions: Our study provided genetic evidence that leopard cats in Taiwan had undergone a dramatic population decline that may be associated with anthropogenic impacts. We also inferred the anthropogenic linear feature compromised the connectivity and persistence of leopard cats in human-mediated landscapes. Our finding serves as a model for landscape genetic studies of island carnivores in subtropical regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coco Island, located 530 km off the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, experiences rainfall of over 7000 mm/year. This study aims to explore the distinctiveness of the growth ring boundaries and the dendrochronological potential (DP) of nine tree species found on Coco Island. The distinctiveness was classified into type 1: density variation; type 2: marginal parenchyma; type 3: fiber/parenchyma pattern; type 4: vessel distribution, and type 5: fiber band. Cecropia pittieri and Henriettella fascicularis lacked growth ring boundaries and, therefore, did not present any DP. Growth ring type 1 occurred in Ardisia compressa, Henriettea succosa, Henriettella odorata, and Psychotria cocosensis. Ocotea insularis and Sacoglottis holdridgei exhibited type 5 growth rings, with sufficient distinctiveness. Finally, Eugenia pacifica possessed growth rings of type 3 and type 4, but with limited distinctiveness in the growth ring boundary. In relation to DP, A. compressa, E. pacifica, and P. cocosensis presented low DP; meanwhile, H. succosa, H. odorata, O. insularis, and S. holdridgei demonstrated medium DP. If these species are found in abundance with a diameter exceeding 60 cm, a cross-dating technique like bomb-spike dating is established to confirm the annual growth of the 'bands'. As these species exhibit some DP, they can be used to establish a chronology spanning 50–130 years, which could be utilized to create climate proxies or derive ecologically and climatically meaningful information. Additionally, the information presented could pave the way for future studies of sites that also have very high rainfall, where trees are presumed to lack annual growth rings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twelve species of atyid shrimps are reported from three Micronesian islands (Babeldaob, Pohnpei, and Guam) and studied using a combined morphological and molecular approach. Among them, three are new records for the area (Caridina appendiculata, Caridina lobocensis, and Caridina rubella), while three new species are here described: Atyoida chacei sp. nov., Caridina ponapensis sp. nov., and Caridina rintelenorum sp. nov. Descriptions for these new species, diagnoses for poorly known species, and taxonomic notes are provided herein and their biogeography is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although incentives for sea turtle conservation are widespread, few interventions involving direct payments to individuals for releasing captured turtles have been documented, limiting valuable learning opportunities for conservation practitioners and hindering the development of the field.This study reports on two initiatives involving the purchase of live sea turtles from citizens in São Tomé and Príncipe, highlighting the inappropriateness of this measure in impoverish locations by unveiling unplanned consequences and their implications for future conservation efforts.To ensure effectiveness and lasting behaviour change of stakeholders, the design of conservation experiments in economically disadvantaged areas or marginalized communities, particularly those conducted by outsiders, should incorporate an ethnographic component and consider the impacts on the well‐being of local people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The analysis of the influencing factors of flash floods, one of the most destructive natural disasters, is the basis of scientific disaster prevention and mitigation. There is little research considering the influence of tropical cyclones (TCs) and water conservancy projects on flash floods, which cannot be ignored in the island areas where flash floods often occur due to the complex influence of various factors. In this study, under the pressure-state-response framework (PSR framework), the factors affecting the distribution of flash floods on Hainan Island, China, from 1970 to 2010 were quantitatively analyzed by using the geographical detector method. By dividing the time period, give full play to the advantages of the PSR framework and show the evolution process of various factors. Different from inland areas, extreme precipitation and tropical cyclones play a major role in the spatial distribution of flash floods on Hainan Island, China, and the driving force of tropical cyclones is 1.1 times that of extreme precipitation on average. Medium-sized reservoirs play the greatest role in the prevention of flash floods on Hainan Island, and their driving forces reach 0.38 times of extreme precipitation on average, followed by large-sized reservoirs and small-sized reservoirs. Large-sized reservoirs are limited in quantity and have limited effectiveness in preventing flash floods on Hainan Island. Therefore, in the forecasting and risk management of flash flood in the island area, more attention should be paid to the impact of extreme precipitation and TCs, and the role of medium-sized reservoir should be fully exerted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This essay addresses the insufficient attention paid in narrative theory to the reformulated concept of space resulting from the spatial turn in the analysis of narrative space. To address this lack of attention, the essay proposes the concept of "narrative environments" as a new lens for conceiving of narrative space that distinguishes it from setting. Narrative environments are the formal narrative expression of space: the combined social contextualization and historicization and environmental imaginings that have historically produced that space and are called forth in the narrative to build narrative space and its interactions with other narrative components. These are distinguished from "setting" in that the latter has been interpreted as textually self-sufficient, not relying on social and cultural knowledge. The article reviews recent debates on narrative space and their branching into the fields of critical geography and ecocriticism in order to bring the reenvisioned concept of space resulting from the spatial turn into the discussion. The functioning of this new perspective on space is illustrated through the analysis of island and ocean space and its narrative effects in J. M. Coetzee's Foe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This essay aims to examine the entropic landscape in motion that appears in Floating Island by Robert Smithson, a distinguished earth artist active in the 1970s. Floating Island was a temporary artificial mobile island made with earth, rocks, native trees, and shrubs, towed by a tugboat around Manhattan Island. Smithson attempted to combine his artistic imagination with the theory of science, particularly entropy, a pivotal concept in the second law of thermodynamics while also developing an original idea of his own, namely "dialectics of entropic change" that combined entropy with dialectic. He believed that the dialectic could go beyond entropy and reach toward a continuous ever-changing process, which means that "destruction caused by entropy" is not the end of objects as static or discrete but fluctuating and entangled processes. Smithson's concept relates to open systems that are antithetical to closed systems that succumb to entropy. Against this backdrop, this paper explores the meanings of entropic landscape in motion based on Floating Island, for which the artist drew inspiration from dreaming of a "mobile" or "moving" Central Park from the perspective of the dialectic of entropic change. Through the island's movement, which remains elusive from a static viewpoint of a viewer from a central location like Manhattan, Smithson demonstrates how the geopolitical significance and values traditionally ascribed to the city by dichotomous thinking are not immutable truths. The mobility integrated into Floating Island, grounded in the dynamic vitality of nature, draws upon Smithson's innovative dialectics on entropic change, blurring the boundaries between center (life, structure, city, etc.) and periphery (death, debris, island, etc.) through the set of relationships. This offers a meaningful framework for contemplation on sustainability that transcends the boundaries of dichotomous thinking, particularly resonant in today's era confronted with climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small mammals in farmland hedgerows feed on soil surface invertebrates with non-native invasive species potentially affecting prey species and populations. We investigated terrestrial invertebrates using pitfall traps and leaf litter samples across four zones of invasion in Ireland: (1) native species only (wood mouse Apodemus sylvaticus and pygmy shrew Sorex minutus), (2) natives plus the non-native bank vole (Myodes glareolus), (3) natives plus the non-native greater white-toothed shrew (Crocidura russula) and (4) natives plus both. After accounting for regional and local environmental variation, small mammal invasion was associated with lower invertebrate species richness (9–39% lower than uninvaded zones), reduced abundance (18–56% lower), shorter arthropod body length (24–52% shorter) and lower arthropod biomass (63–89% lower). Negative effects were observed on a wide range of disparate functional groups spanning phytophagous, detritivorus, zoophagous and omnivorous taxa including: the Staphylinidae, Carabidae and Coleoptera larvae, Isopoda, Diplopoda, Diptera, Hymenoptera, Pulmonata and Acari. The greater white-toothed shrew had greater negative effects than the bank vole with presence of both having greater effects than either alone though the majority of their combined effects were largely attributable to the former. The bank vole may mitigate some of the negative effects of the greater white-toothed shrew on invertebrate abundance perhaps indicating of some form of trophic interaction. Predation of detritivores and large invertebrate predators may impact farmland ecosystem service delivery i.e. nutrient cycling and pest biocontrol. Hedgerow biodiversity loss may induce indirect trophic cascades negatively impacting other taxa including farmland birds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]