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Invasive species are a major threat to biodiversity especially because of their influence on native species. Their behaviours, including those in nonsocial contexts, significantly influence species fitness, drive invasion processes and can result in the competitive exclusion of less dominant species. Understanding these behavioural patterns is vital for the protection of native species and the control of invasive species spread. There is still a controversy regarding the success of invasive species, whether it is attributed to inherent behavioural traits or to adaptations to new environments. This study focused on native populations of two sympatric lizard species in Croatia: a lizard known for its invasiveness, Podarcis siculus , and the eastern Adriatic endemic Podarcis melisellensis. We evaluated nonsocial behaviour associated with competition, including food consumption, exploratory behaviour and risk-taking behaviours, using two primary apparatuses: an open field and a radial maze. Podarcis siculus exhibited higher levels of exploratory behaviour, reduced risk-taking behaviours and greater food consumption than P. melisellensis. These behavioural traits are consistent with behaviour observed in invasive populations of P. siculus , suggesting that they may be intrinsic to the species. Our results indicate that a successful invader is more likely to explore and at the same time be more cautious. Research on behavioural traits in native populations sheds light on preadaptive features of invasive species that could characterize a successful invader, highlighting the importance of researching invasive species in their native range. • Invasion by a species is often linked to its behavioural traits. • Determining whether these behaviours are adaptive or innate poses a challenge. • Similar behaviours are reported for invasive P. siculus and for a native population. • Research indicates that traits linked to invasiveness are likely to be inherited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The changes in the grassland vegetation that have occurred over the last almost 100 years on the northeastern Adriatic island of Plavnik (Croatia) were studied. For this purpose, 29 phytosociological relevés of standard plot size were collected using the Braun-Blanquet phytosociological approach and compared with those of 100 years ago. With the aim of defining the differences among the communities and identifying the main environmental gradients, cluster analysis (Ward's method on a Chord distance matrix) and non-metric multidimensional scaling ordination were applied. Taxa score-weighted means of the Ellenberg-type indicator values of main environmental variables were used to assess ecological differences among communities, and disturbance-related indicator values were calculated to assess the disturbance regime in shaping plant communities. According to the syntaxonomic framework for the grassland associations, three associations and two subassociations were found. Among them the Festuco valesiacae-Poetum bulbosae (Poetalia bulbosae, Poetea bulbosae), the Helichrysetum italici salvietosum officinalis (Scorzoneretalia villosae, Festuco--Brometea), and the Hedypnoido rhagadioloidis-Asphodeletum ramosi were proposed as new. The Festuco valesiacae- - Poetum bulbosae documents for the first time, based on phytosociological data, the occurrence of the Poetea bulbosae in Croatia. Three associations were considered extinct, possibly as a result of changes in grazing pressure and type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

he paper discusses several perforated vessels found during rescue excavations on the route of the gas pipeline in olin, laid within the eastern part of ancient alona (urbs orientalis). he vessels are typologically and functionally characterized and their use in horticulture or pomiculture is identified based on analogies, i.e. they are interpreted as ollae perforatae functional in transplanting and transporting plants. aking into account the topography of the area where they were found within the (sub)urban grid of alona, the assumed horticultural space as identified on the bases of these vessels is discussed in association with earlier architectural finds. Due to the uniqueness of such vessels in the alonitan and wider ast Adriatic pottery corpus, and considering the related and assumed indicators of ancient horticulture, these objects are placed in a wider discussion on gardening in the Roman period in that area, including the social practices and wider implications that follow the establishment and use of Roman gardens, and their ideological and identity significance as cultural landscapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on post-Palaeolithic schematic rock art has changed substantially since its identification and definition almost a century ago. In the areas where this phenomenon is extensively studied (such as South and East Iberia), a chronological and cultural sequence has been established. This is due to the large number of rock art finds and the study of their archaeological context, which includes numerous portable art analogies. Based on this documentation, it has been proposed that its origins lie in the Early Neolithic and that it persisted until the Chalcolithic (c. 6th – 3rd millennium cal BC) or even, in some areas, until the Bronze Age. In this paper, we present the recent discovery of graphic motifs with similar characteristics in the Badanj II rock shelter. In the context of other finds in the Western and Central Mediterranean, this is an interesting indicator that leads us to suggest a connection between this graphic expression and the dispersion, establishment, and consolidation of Neolithic groups in Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the eastern Adriatic flora the genus Pistacia L. (Anacardiaceae) is represented with P. lentiscus L., P. terebinthus L., their hybrid P. × saportae Burnat and the cultivated P. vera L. In addition, an endemic putative taxon from Mt. Biokovo was described in 1985 as P. calcivora Radić. Our aim was to resolve relationships between the four putative indigenous taxa of this genus in Croatia (P. lentiscus, P. terebinthus, P. × saportae and P. calcivora) based on genetic (AFLP) and morphological data. Specifically, we aimed to determine the presence of the hybrid taxon P. × saportae and to validate the controversial taxonomic status of P. calcivora at the molecular and morphological levels. Our combined results indicate the presence of two well separated groups of populations. The first group included all individuals of P. terebinthus and the individuals initially assigned to the potential taxon P. calcivora based on leaf morphology, suggesting that there is no support for the described taxon P. calcivora and that it should be considered as a synonym for P. terebinthus. The second group corresponded to P. lentiscus and included the majority of the presumed hybrid individuals of P. × saportae. However, four hybrid individuals were confirmed at the molecular level and were placed between the two parental taxa in the phylogenetic tree, confirming the presence of P. × saportae in Croatia. Although confirmed P. × saportae individuals were genetically closer to P. lentiscus, they were morphologically more similar to P. terebinthus, hindering their correct identification in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three individuals of Prangos trifida (Mill.) Herrnst. & Heyn (Apiaceae) were found in Croatia for the first time in 2013. The population has increased in the last ten years and in 2023, 30 individuals were found. Prangos trifida grows on the small islet of Zmorašnji Opuh (Puh) in the Kornati National Park (Dalmatia) within the vegetation of salt-sprayed rocky cliffs. The taxonomic status, ecology and origin of the species are briefly discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the richest prehistoric assemblage of ornaments in the Eastern Adriatic discovered to date, found in the Late Upper Palaeolithic layers of Vlakno cave, Croatia. The abundance and multiform of bead types indicate that the site was likely used as a workshop for ornaments, i.e. that production was performed on site. Technological and use-wear analysis of each taxon used for beads allowed us to elaborate on its mode of production, use, and overall position of the Vlakno cave site and its role in the regional context during the Late Pleistocene.

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Copyright of Journal of the Archaeological Museum in Zagreb / Vjesnik Arheološkog Muzeja u Zagrebu is the property of Archaeological Museum in Zagreb 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.)

Copyright of Documenta Praehistorica is the property of Documenta Praehistorica 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.)

In the area of the Neretva delta in the eastern Adriatic, where the European eel, Anguilla anguilla (Linnaeus, 1758) has been traditionally fished for centuries, a decline in its population has been observed, as in most of Europe. Despite several studies, systematic monitoring was not performed, and the causes of population decline are attributed to anthropogenic stressors, mainly overfishing and interventions that disrupt the migration. With the stock at a low level, there is a need for a detailed assessment of biological data and the determination of the "zero state" of the eel population in the areas where monitoring was not previously performed, such as the Neretva delta. This data would serve as a basis for the development of an appropriate monitoring and eel management plan. One of the under-researched aspects is still the eel's morphology, which is closely related to all basic life functions. The aim of this work was to analyze in detail the morphological parameters of yellow and silver eels from the mouth of the Neretva River in different seasons and the relationships between the measured morphometric parameters and physiological indicators and to compare them with previously published results for different life stages across Europe. The samples were collected during spring, summer and autumn of 2021, and winter of 2022. Yellow eels were present in the catch throughout the sampling period, while silver eels were caught in the autumn and winter. Yellow and silver eels were significantly different regarding 22 morphometric measures that were analyzed. Isometric growth was recorded for yellow eels in the spring and autumn of 2021, and positive allometric growth was recorded for yellow eels in the summer and silver eels in the autumn of 2021 and winter of 2022. PCA showed that the main factor that separates the eels grouped by life stage in different seasons is the intestine length (IL), whereas the rest of the factors (weight—W; intestine weight—IW; liver weight—LW; and total length—TL) affect the groupings almost equally. Seasonal averages of the condition factor (CF) for yellow and silver eels did not differ statistically. Three indicators were used to describe intestine morphology: relative gut weight (RGW), relative gut length (RGL), and Zihler's index (ZHI); and the only statistically significant difference between yellow and silver eels was recorded for the RGW. The hepatosomatic index (HSI) was significantly different between silver eels in winter and yellow eels in spring. In addition to supplementing the already known facts, this paper provides new information on the functional morphology of the European eel. Monitoring of these characteristics is crucial for management of the European eel fisheries as they are directly related to functional performance and affect the ability to maintain sustainable populations in anthropogenically altered environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Communities with constant presence of two insular endemic species of genus Brassica (B. cazzae Ginzb. et Teyber, B. mollis Vis.) were studied on the small southeastern Adriatic islands and islets (South Croatia), following the Braun-Blanquet approach. From a total of 51 phytosociological relevés, mostly collected in the period from 2020 and 2022, eight associations and three subassociations belonging to seven alliances and six classes were identified. Brassica cazzae and B. mollis occur in a variety of habitat types (i) in bare or very shallow soils on which halophilous and halotolerant communities of the Limonion anfracti-cancellati and Anthyllidion barbae-jovis mostly thrive, (ii) on rocky crevices and cliffs with rupicolous chasmophytic vegetation of the Centaureo cuspidatae-Portenschlagiellion ramosissimae, (iii) within woody vegetation of the Pistacio lentisci-Pinion halepensis, maquis of the Oleo-Ceratonion siliquae and garrigues of the Cisto cretici-Ericion manipuliflorae, and (iv) grasslands of the Chrysopogono grylli-Koelerion splendentis. Two associations (Plantagino holostei-Limonietum cazzae, Brassico mollis-Anthyllidetum barbae-jovis) and one subassociation (Centaureetum ragusinae limonietosum cazzae) are described for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sacral buildings were an integral part of the fortresses, sometimes built on the ruins of older churches and monasteries in the early modern Eastern Adriatic, retaining their titles. Considering that there is a representative number of fortresses of high architectural value, the main focus is on the fortress churches and chapels of Šibenik and Split, which are studied based on field, archival, and archaeological research.

The paper presents two decorative attachments depicting Sileni from stamnoid situlae from the eastern Adriatic sites of Karin and Budva. Through formal typological classification, stylistic and comparative analysis within the broader Late Classical and Early Hellenistic art of the Mediterranean, the ‘Adriatic’ Si leni are interpreted in terms of the miniature portrait art of that time, which had a decorative expression and aesthetic value on a lavish functional object such as the stamnoid situla. As visual art is particularly stimulating and evocative, these Sileni represented an iconographically clear message as a metaphor or a metaphor as a message. The artistic striving for recognition, idealizing or caricaturing and emphasizing the emotional state are some aspects that address the portraits of the presented Sileni. Even though every reading is a subjective act, it is an idealised artistic convention of a specific place and time, with a precise mythological and cultural historical background of the remarkable toreutic achievements. It has been im pressive and essential to observers in the past, which is also evident from their prevalence in a wide variety of ‘Old World’ cultural communities.

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This article focuses on some questions concerning the complex phenomenon of the perpetuation of early modern military activities through a case study of the presence of the capi da guerra, foreign military commanders in the Venetian service during the War of Crete situated in its province of Dalmatia and Albania. The fact alone that more than half of the capi da guerra engaged in the War of Crete were actually veterans from the Thirty Years' War, many of them situated in Dalmatia, shows the significance of their impact on the Venetian army. These military entrepreneurs, the main actors in the exchange of military knowledge, combined with the growing internationalization of European armies of the time, both reflect and produce the dynamic exchange and adaptations of military innovations that affected the whole continent, including such borderland areas as the coast of the eastern Adriatic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of the Institute of Croatian History / Radovi Zavoda za Hrvatsku Povijest is the property of Zavod za Hrvatsku Povijest, Filozofski Fakultet 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 paper deals with two vessels bearing a toponymic inscription - Felix Arba and Salona – found in Nin and Janice, in all likelihood originating from the island of Rab and Salona, and a recently identified vessel, also from Nin, possibly belonging to the same group, though the interpretation of its inscription is difficult. On the basis of morphological and typological characteristics, vessels are classified to pottery categories of tableware and transport pottery, which enables their potential chronological and functional attribution, corroborating assumptions on their local origin. On the basis of the aforementioned, the vessels are interpreted as ancient souvenirs, not only as ceramic objects but also as possible receptacles for assumed foodstuffs and other liquids. Alternatively, on the basis of analogies from other parts of the Empire, possibility of their use is suggested in transport or commercialization of specific local products intended for very specific clients, in this case sailors, anyhow these are vessels intended for small-scale market. Regardless of the interpretation we might be inclined to accept, vessels with (not only?) toponymic inscriptions can be observed in various contexts, enabling reconstruction of not only productive and market cycle of these products but also their more extensive biography, as well as certain cultural practices, such as ancient mobility, creating memory and “self-representation” of ancient sites, ancient literacy etc., suggesting possibility of their multiple function as well as reuse, attested at least in one case, and assumed lengthy use.

The paper presents two decorative attachments depicting Sileni from stamnoid situlae from the eastern Adriatic sites of Karin and Budva. Through formal typological classification, stylistic and comparative analysis within the broader Late Classical and Early Hellenistic art of the Mediterranean, the 'Adriatic' Sileni are interpreted in terms of the miniature portrait art of that time, which had a decorative expression and aesthetic value on a lavish functional object such as the stamnoid situla. As visual art is particularly stimulating and evocative, these Sileni represented an iconographically clear message as a metaphor or a metaphor as a message. The artistic striving for recognition, idealizing or caricaturing and emphasizing the emotional state are some aspects that address the portraits of the presented Sileni. Even though every reading is a subjective act, it is an idealised artistic convention of a specific place and time, with a precise mythological and cultural -historical background of the remarkable toreutic achievements. It has been impressive and essential to observers in the past, which is also evident from their prevalence in a wide variety of 'Old World' cultural communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyses changes of berth infrastructure and suprastructure by global container terminals (CTs) and by four eastern Adriatic ports in the last decade. The emphasis is on understanding whether CTs at Koper, Trieste, Rijeka and Bar achieved higher berth utilisation and productivity per ship-to-shore (STS) crane and if so, how and whether their development is in line with the global trend in CT berth productivity. On this basis a comparison model of twenty selected global CTs is used for productivity comparison as a first step in the process of analysing subsystem productivity. The study shows that four eastern Adriatic ports made different decisions, but with the same goals in reaction to the increased flow of containers via the Adriatic Sea transport route. Their main goal was to increase berth productivity by controlling the eventual subsystem overcapacity. According to observations, the Port of Koper is running at the subsystem’s upper level, while CTs in Trieste, Rijeka and Bar operate with certain degree of berth infrastructural, and suprastructural overcapacity.

The paper analyses offices of individual Venetian rectors in the eastern Adriatic cities of the 13th century, in the period after the IV Crusade, when Venice intensified its expansion toward the Levant. In this process, a very important role was played by representatives of the authorities (counts, podestàs, rectors) who supervised the areas entrusted to them and applied in them Venetian laws, as well as introducing the necessary institutions and urban models created in Venice. During the dogeships of Giacomo Tiepolo and later his son Lorenzo, the installation of patricians of certain families close to the new policy, but also of some other families from this area, is analysed. Some rectors were sent to the cities because of the doge’s policy or for military, economic reasons, or with the purpose of planning of the city. In any case, their circulation in the governmental positions of the eastern Adriatic and beyond had a great impact on the exchange of experiences and knowledge, but also on Venice’s relations with the local communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Povijesni Prilozi is the property of Croatian Institute of History 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.)

This paper examines the narrative strategies of the oldest two medieval Eastern Adriatic historical accounts regarding the emergence of the Early Medieval gentes in local history. Seen through the framework of Othering, these accounts display complicated images within images rather than a linear narrative. At the same time, two categories of the Other seem to appear in them -- the present, preferable Other, and the past, undesirable Other. By employing such strategies, the two histories depict all the gentes in an almost identical manner, and in accordance with the established images, with only some layers of actual historical background.[1] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a contribution to chemotaxonomic relations, a quantitative analysis of bioactive phenolic compounds was carried out for the first time in Drypis spinosa L. subsp. spinosa and D. spinosa subsp. jacquiniana Murb. et Wettst. ex Murb. in Croatia. Total polyphenols (TP), tannins (T) and total flavonoids (TF) were determined in samples of leaves, stems, and roots using UV-Vis spectrophotometric methods. For the subsp. spinosa, the highest content of TF was in leaves (0.09%), as was the highest amount of TP (2.36%) and T (1.12%). In the subsp. jacquiniana, the highest contents of TF (0.10%), TP (1.96%), and T (0.88%) were measured in stems. Coumaric, ferulic and rosmarinic acid were identified and quantified by HPLC analysis in both subspecies. Quercetin and sinapic acid were identified only in subsp. spinosa, while rutin and naringenin were found only in subsp. jacquiniana. Among them, ferulic acid was identified only in flowers of both subspecies. The results of this study represent a useful basis for further research of phytochemical and eventually phytotherapeutic potential of D. spinosa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Archaeological excavations at the Early/Middle Neolithic site at Smilčić‐Barica in 2016/2017 revealed skeletal remains of three people. Of particular interest is the skeleton from Grave 2, directly dated to 5616 and 5485 cal BCE, that is, to the Early Neolithic Impresso Pottery Culture. The skeleton was positioned on its left side, in a crouched position with bended knees and its right arm flexed at the elbow. Based on metric and morphological observations, the skeleton belongs to a young male, aged between 25 and 35 years. The most interesting feature is a penetrating trauma, probably caused by a projectile, located at intertrochanteric crest on the posterior proximal side on the left femur. A 15 × 4 × 3 mm lithic fragment is still embedded in the bone. Due to post‐mortem damage around the injury, it was not possible to establish possible signs of healing and/or inflammation. However, osteogenic reaction around the fragment is noted on computer tomography, indicating survival for a longer period. This is the earliest example of interpersonal violence recorded on the eastern Adriatic coast. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Ottoman Empire swept across southeastern Europe in the 16th century a.d., testing the boundaries of Venetian-controlled territories in the eastern Adriatic. In an area known as Ravni Kotari along Croatia's central coast, Ottoman governance lasted about a century, but little is known about the material manifestation of conquest in the area. Here, we summarize the results of recent archaeological work at Nadin-Gradina, a hilltop settlement centrally located within Ravni Kotari. In addition to historic records, we rely upon artifact assemblages and the ruins of two monumental structures—a fortress and a mosque—to assess the material expression and consequences of Ottoman authority. Despite more than a century of Ottoman control, the artifactual record portrays a complicated and porous situation along the border, where commercial exchange continued with the west with only scant evidence of products introduced from eastern workshops. In this scenario, the mosque likely served as the most conspicuous indicator of territorial control in this contested frontier setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper advances knowledge of human behavioural and adaptational strategies in coastal areas related to acquiring, producing and distributing ornaments, specifically, the omnipresent marine gastropod Columbella rustica. By applying quantitative and qualitative approaches to the most extensive collection of Columbella rustica shells in the Eastern Adriatic region discovered in the Late Upper Palaeolithic and Mesolithic levels of Vlakno cave in Croatia, we have determined the complete step-by-step life cycle of this bead type , in particular, where and how shells were collected, produced, used, distributed and discarded. By integrating different methodologies, our data revealed changes in the collection strategies, reduction of the shell size during the Mesolithic period, and standardisation and continuity in production techniques. Detailed analyses of broken shells in the archaeological assemblage identified the presence of technological traces resulting from processing mistakes, supporting our hypothesis of on-site production. A significant share of used and unused standardised beads points that bead production at this site was for personal use but also likely for the exchange and distribution systems. Standardised, systematic and long-lasting activity related to the ornaments places Vlakno cave as one of the leading centres for maintaining regional exchange and communication networks in the Eastern Adriatic region during significant climatic and environmental changes happening in this region in the Late Pleniglacial and the early Holocene. Detecting on-site activities related to the ornaments in Vlakno cave has extended our understanding of how symbolic motives influenced the settlement model of the Late Pleniglacial and Early Holocene hunter-gatherers in Eastern Adriatic region and overall contributed to fundamental questions about the complexity of ancient human societies' adaptation strategies. • Chaîne opératoire and in-situ production of C. rustica ornaments • Changes in collection strategies reflected in size reduction • Standardization of production techniques in Eastern Adriatic • Archaeological broken shells as processing mistakes [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Diadora is the property of Archaeological Museum in Zadar 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.)

There is a lack of a comprehensive study of eastern Adriatic salt marsh vegetation with special attention to plant–soil relationships that determine individual plant assemblages. We surveyed 41 sites of salt marshes on the Croatian coastline in order to classify their vegetation by numerical methods and to compare the resulting groups in terms of soil chemical properties. A clear zonation between plant communities along the hydro-sequence was identified and was well represented by the dominance of individual diagnostic species. Two large vegetation groups were detected, well distinguished by mean species richness and soil properties. The first group, assigned into the classes Thero-Salicornietea and Sarcocornietea fruticosae, contains three subgroups of succulent, sparse stands of species-poor vegetation on the mudflat zone flooded by sea water, characterised by high salinity, electric conductivity, exchangeable Mg and K, and low nutrient content (total nitrogen, organic carbon) of the substrate. In the second group, tall rush communities (class Juncetea maritimi), three subordinate clusters, were identified, occurring in the upper, brackish zone with infrequent tides. Their soils had low salinity and electric conductivity and increased total nitrogen, organic carbon and exchangeable Mg and Ca. Vegetation within the second group occurring in the uppermost tidal zone had the highest species-richness, nutrient content in the soil and the lowest salinity. It has not been previously identified. Here, we described it as the new association Limonio narbonensis–Caricetum divisae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a summary of new evidence for the Mesolithic in the Dinaric Alps of Montenegro. The region is one of the best areas in south-eastern Europe to study Early Holocene foragers and the nature of the transition to Neolithic lifeways at the end of the seventh and the beginning of the sixth millennium cal bc thanks to the existence of biodiverse landscapes and numerous karstic features. We argue that harpoons found at two different sites in this regional context represent a curated technology that has its roots in a local Mesolithic cultural tradition. The continued use of this standardized hunting tool kit in the Neolithic provides an important indication about the character of the Mesolithic–Neolithic transition. We also use this regional case study to address wider questions concerning the visibility and modes of Mesolithic occupation in south-eastern Europe as a whole. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The meteotsunami early warning system prototype using stochastic surrogate approach and running operationally in the eastern Adriatic Sea is presented. First, the atmospheric internal gravity waves (IGWs) driving the meteotsunamis are either forecasted with state‐of‐the‐art deterministic models at least a day in advance or detected through measurements at least 2 hr before the meteotsunami reaches sensitive locations. The extreme sea‐level hazard forecast at endangered locations is then derived with an innovative stochastic surrogate model—implemented with generalized polynomial chaos expansion (gPCE) method and synthetic IGWs forcing a barotropic ocean model—used with the input parameters extracted from deterministic model results and/or measurements. The evaluation of the system, both against five historical events and for all the detected potential meteotsunamis since late 2018 when the early warning system prototype became operational, reveals that the meteotsunami hazard is conservatively assessed but often overestimated at some locations. Despite some needed improvements and developments, this study demonstrates that gPCE‐based methods can be used for atmospherically driven extreme sea‐level hazard assessment and in geosciences in wide. Plain Language Summary: Atmospherically driven extreme sea‐level events are one of the major threats to people and assets in the coastal regions. Assessing the hazard associated with such events together with uncertainty quantification in a precise and timely manner is thus of primary importance in modern societies. In this study, an early warning system for the eastern Adriatic meteotsunamis, destructive long waves with periods from few minutes up to an hour generated by traveling atmospheric disturbances, is presented and evaluated. The system is based on state‐of‐the‐art deterministic atmospheric and ocean models as well as an innovative statistical model developed to forecast the meteotsunami hazard. The evaluation reveals that the meteotsunami hazard is conservatively assessed but often overestimated. This study demonstrates that the presented methodology can be used for extreme sea‐level hazard assessment and in general for hazard studies in geosciences. Key Points: Design and evaluation of an innovative meteotsunami early warning system prototype using stochastic surrogate approachForecast of the atmospheric internal gravity waves driving meteotsunami events with deterministic state‐of‐the‐art modelsStochastic surrogate model based on generalized polynomial chaos expansion methods and running at nearly no computational cost [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the eastern Adriatic, Podarcis siculus, an invasive species, competitively excludes the native Podarcis melisellensis. Monoamine neurotransmitters—serotonin (5HT), dopamine (DA), and noradrenaline (NA)—are implicated in social behavior, and could lie at the basis of the direct behavioral interference of P. siculus with P. melisellensis. To understand the relationship between social behavior and monoamines, as well as the differences in behavior between P. siculus and P. melisellensis, we developed a high-performance liquid chromatography (UV/VIS detection) method with which we were able to reliably measure concentrations of 5HT, DA, and NA in 32 brains of the two lizard species. We observed no statistically significant influence of species, sex, or their interaction on brain NA and 5HT concentrations. Statistically significant influence of species on dopamine levels were recorded, with P. siculus having twice as much dopamine in their brains. Taking into account that a significant aggressive relationship, with P. siculus dominating over P. melisellensis, has been previously observed, and that dopamine directly influences this behavior, the observed differences in dopamine levels could represent a trait in these species and may contribute to the competitive exclusion of P. melisellensis by P. siculus in the eastern Adriatic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the study we present results of stable isotope analysis (δ18O, δ13C) of two stalagmites (SPD-1 and SPD-2) from Strašna peć Cave, situated on Dugi otok Island in the Central Adriatic region. The growth interval of the speleothems based on U-Th dating covers the period from 4.4 ka to 1.5 ka. Both speleothems show frequent δ18O and δ13C fluctuations with similar average values (δ18O value of -4‰ for both speleothems; and average value of δ13C-8.5‰ and −8.8‰, respectively). In order to reconstruct the Holocene climatic conditions in the Eastern Adriatic, the speleothem isotopic record is discussed and compared with other Holocene records. They reveal periods of drought which occurred at 4.3–4 ka and around 3.5 ka, with relatively wet phases between. From 3 ka, there is a general trend towards dryness as evidentiated by the relatively high δ18O values of -3.5‰ to -2.5‰ recorded in speleothem SPD-1. There is distinct trend of drying during the Roman Warm Period and further toward the Dark Age Cold Period (DACP) with shorter periods of wetter conditions. These changes coincide well with the other records, thus revealing regional events along the Eastern Adriatic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since ancient times, the Eastern Adriatic has been the intersection of routes from different regions of Europe and one of the main maritime hubs for trade with the East. Many officials, foreign travellers and travel writers left their written testimonies in the form of manuscripts, various accounts and travelogues about the places they had visited, the people who lived there, their customs, occupations, and other matters of interest. In creating perceptions of the Eastern Adriatic, a special role was certainly played by travel books, due to their interesting contents and availability to the general public. Although the introduction of printing made exchanges of information more widespread and faster, and the conditions for improving knowledge of the observed areas had arisen, the quality of information in them did not improve significantly. There were several reasons for this: the negative legacy from earlier periods, the uncritical assumption of information from other authors, and the existence of ingrained distorted images, misconceptions and stereotypes. The aim of this paper is to refer to some aspects of perceptions of the Eastern Adriatic and its population, and to highlight certain incorrect interpretations and stereotypes that resulted from them. This article will mainly focus on Italian travel books, as they were most numerous among this form of literature and contributed most to the expansion of knowledge about the Eastern Adriatic in Early Modern Age.

Abstract The recently discovered Vlakno Cave, situated in the central part of the island of Dugi Otok (Croatia), is one of the most prominent Upper Palaeolithic and Mesolithic sites along the eastern part of the Adriatic coast. Its uninterupted stratigraphy offers a rare opportunity to study the response of Pleistocene populations to a post-glacial environment. The artifact assemblage shows a gradual transition toward a typical Mesolithic assemblage, but with strongly pronounced Epigravettian traditions. Subtle changes within mostly uniform material culture are best seen in the ornamental assemblage, but similar patterns can be observed in subsistence strategies and lithic production. The Epigravettian deposits are dominated with the remains of red deer. Changes can be observed with the beginning of the Holocene, when marked diversification of mammalian taxa is accompanied with an increasing number of fish and molluscs remains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Lake Vrana in Dalmatia is a coastal karstic brackish water environment characterized by a high species richness of ostracods that evolved into their current morphologies during the Holocene. The results of this study reveal five ostracod zones within an 11 m sediment core taken from the central part of the lake. This sedimentary sequence reveals significant changes in both depositional and environmental conditions at local and regional scales; the oldest freshwater deposits, interpreted as the Late Pleistocene/Holocene transition, mainly comprise the species Candona neglecta , Juxilyocypris cf. schwarzbachi , Hungarocypris madaraszi , Darwinula stevensoni , and Mixtacandona sp. Although the lake had not formed at this time, it is well known that the living environment of most ostracod species is connected to flooded plains, marshes, rivers, springs, and interstitial waters. In the deepest and oldest sediments within the core, from depths between 1101 cm and 945 cm, the presence of C. neglecta and J. cf. schwarzbachi are indicative of cold water, while the dominant taxa at depths between 945 cm and 874 cm are the brackish species Cyprideis torosa and C. angulata , possibly suggesting the influence of seawater because of the presence of a permeable karstic ridge that separates the lake from the ocean. In contrast, the dominant ostracod taxa at depths between 874 cm and 813 cm are species typical of freshwater environments subject to colder climatic conditions indicating a marshy, low-energy wetland. We know that the first permanent freshwater body formed at about 8130 cal yr BP (a depth of 813 cm), while large proportions of Pseudocandona marchica , Heterocypris salina , D. stevensoni , and Metacypris cordata are all indicative of warmer, shallow waters that are rich in vegetation and have variable water level. Similarly, from 5240 cal yr BP onwards, a marine influence within the core is evidenced by the presence of Cy. torosa , while present lake water conditions (i.e., alternating seasonal changes in salinity from freshwater to brackish) were established by 2750 cal yr BP. The ostracod assemblages in sediments from Lake Vrana in Dalmatia have significant potential for reconstructing the evolution of this lake as well as for understanding environmental changes and rising sea level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This paper presents an updated overview of fauna from the Early to Late Pleistocene/Holocene localities on the Eastern Adriatic coast and hinterland of Croatia. In this term 15 sites: four of Early (Šandalja I, Razvođe, Tatinja draga, and Podumci), two of Middle (Dubci, and Milovac), and nine of the Late Pleistocene age (Marlera I, Mujina pećina, Romualdova pećina, Vrtare male, Šandalja I + II, Vela spila, Ljubićeva pećina, Hijenska pećina, and Kopačina) have been selected and presented. The fossil mammal taxa prevail in all samples, followed by avifauna, while other groups of animals are less represented. On the basis of the palaeoecological remarks of different taxa the palaeoenvironmental and climate changes have been discussed through particular stages of the Early, Middle, and Late Pleistocene, and the beginning of the Holocene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is based on the main results of an analysis of spontaneous flora and vegetation on the small islet of Vrnik (0.281 km2), on which there are some abandoned limestone quarries, on the eastern Adriatic coast. The investigations were carried out from 2014 to 2016. Altogether, 251 vascular plant taxa (species and infraspecific units) were recorded on the islet. A total of 11 plant associations, one subassocation and two stands within 10 vegetation classes were identified. Due to high anthropogenic influences during the last centuries, quarrying in particular, the islet investigated showed a relatively low variety of vascular plant taxa. In addition, clear signs of fragmentation of the forest vegetation were observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents high resolutionoxygen and carbon isotopic record of two U-Th dated stalagmites from the Eastern Adriatic caves. The stalagmites were collected from Mala špilja and Velika špilja caves situated on Mljet Island in the southern part of the Croatian Adriatic. Dripwater samples were collected from Medvjeđa špilja, Strašna peć, Špilja u Vrdolje, Kraljicina spilja, Velika špilja and Mala špilja caves. All caves formed in well-stratified Cretaceous limestones. The average value of deuterium excess of the dripwater is 9.3 ‰, indicating that the atmospheric conditions over the Atlantic Ocean have greater influence on the isotopic composition precipitation in the Adriatic region than the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. The longest isotopic record of the speleothems is of stalagmite MSM-1 from Mala špilja Cave dated from 119.2 ±3.3 ka to 5.6±0.6 ka, although deposition was not continuous. During the Holocene the speleothem grew between 7 ka and 4 ka. That interval is characterized by several δ18Oc and δ13Cc fluctuations reflecting changes in the environment. Superimposed on these fluctuations, there is an increasing trend in the 7.0−6.5 ka interval, evident in elevated δ18O values, which primarily refers the trend to drier conditions in the eastern Adriatic, which were occasionally interrupted by wet intervals. Humid conditions are particularly pronounced by low δ18Oc and δ13Cc values of speleothem MSM-1 between 7.3 and 6 ka, as a reflection of increased precipitation and lower temperatures. The transition to today's Mediterranean climate (Cs) occurred between 6 ka and 5 ka, while the driest conditions are recorded at ~4.7 − 4.2 ka. Comparisons between the eastern Adriatic δ18Oc and δ13Cc records of the speleothem from Mala špilja Cave (MSM-1) and Velika špilja Cave (Mljet Island) with Soreq Cave (Israel) and Corchia Cave (Italy) together with other proxies such as lake sediments demonstrate that the speleothems from the Eastern Adriatic caves record the local and the regional climatic changes. Key words: Holocene, speleothem; stable isotopes; Eastern Adriatic, Croatia. Rekonstrukcija okoljskih razmer v zgodnjem in poznem Holocenu na podlagi zapisa v sigi jam Mala Špilja in Velika Špilja (otok Mljet, Hrvaška) Raziskava temelji na visoko ločljivih zapisih kisikovih in ogljikovih izotopov, pridobljenih iz dveh stalagmitov, datiranih z uran-torijevo metodo. Kapnika sta bila vzorčena v jamah Mala špilja in Velika špilja na otoku Mljet, v južnem delu hrvaškega Jadrana. Vzorčena je bila tudi prenikla voda v jamah Medvjeđa špilja, Strašna peć, Špilja u Vrdolje, Kraljicina spilja, Velika špilja in Mala špilja. Vse omenjene jame so v plastovitem krednem apnencu. Povprečna vrednost presežka devterija v prenikli vodi je 9,3 ‰, kar kaže na prevladujoč podnebni vpliv Atlantskega oceana v primerjavi z vplivom vzhodnega Sredozemlja. Najdaljši izotopski zapis smo pridobili iz kapnika MSM-1 iz Male špilje, katerega starost je med 119,2 ±3,3 ka in 5,6±0,6 ka. Za kapnik je značilnih več prekinitev izločanja. V holocenu je kapnik rastel v obdobju med 7 ka in 4 ka. V tem obdobju je več izrazitih nihanj δ18Oc in δ13Cc, kar kaže na spremembe okolja. Med 7,0 in 6,5 ka je v zapisu trend naraščanja δ18O, kar kaže na relativno suhe razmere v vzhodnem Jadranu, ki so jih občasno prekinila vlažna obdobja. Med 7,3 in 6 ka je več obdobij z nizkim vrednostmi δ18Oc in δ13Cc v vzorcu MSM-1, kar kaže na veliko padavin in nizke temperature. Prehod v današnjo sredozemsko klimo (Cs) se je zgodil med 6 ka in 5 ka, najbolj suha obdobja smo zabeležili med 4,7 ka in 4,2 ka. Primerjava izotopskih zapisov δ18Oc on δ13Cc iz Male špilje (MSM-1) in Velike špilje (Mljet) z zapisi v jami Soreq (Izrael) in v sistemu Corchia (Italija) ter drugimi kazalci nekdanjih okolij, npr. jezerskimi sedimenti, kažejo, da sige vzhodne ga Jadrana hranijo pomembne zapise o lokalnih in regionalnih podnebnih spremembah. Ključne besede: Holocen, siga, stabilni izotopi, vzhodni Jadran, Hrvaška.

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