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In this study, we apply a novel approach of portfolio diversification—the robust maximum diversified (RMD)—to a small and developing economy's stock market. Using monthly returns data from August 2019 to May 2024 of 18/19 stocks listed on Fiji's South Pacific Stock Exchange (SPX), we construct the RMD portfolio and simulate with additional constraints. To implement the RMD portfolio, we replace the covariance matrix with a matrix comprising unexplained variations. The RMD procedure diversifies weights, and not risks, hence we need to run a pairwise regression between two assets (stocks) and extract the R-square to create a P-matrix. We compute each asset's beta using the market-weighted price index, and the CAPM to calculate market-adjusted returns. Next, together with other benchmark portfolios (1/N, minimum variance, market portfolio, semi-variance, maximum skewness, and the most diversified portfolio), we examine the expected returns against the risk-free (RF) rate. From the simulations, in terms of expected return, we note that eight portfolios perform up to the RF rate. Specifically, for returns between 4 and 5%, we find that max. RMD with positive Sharpe and Sortino (as constraints) and the most diversified portfolio offer comparable returns, although the latter has slightly lower standard deviation and downside volatility and contains 94% of all the stocks. Portfolios with returns between 5% and the RF rate are the minimum-variance, the semi-variance, and the max. RMD with positive Sharpe; the latter coincides with the RF rate and contains the most (94%) stocks compared to the other two. An investor with a diversification objective, some risk tolerance and return preference up to the RF rate can consider the max. RMD with positive Sharpe. However, depending on the level of risk-averseness, the minimum-variance or the semi-variance portfolio can be considered, with the latter having lower downside volatility. Two portfolios offer returns above the RF rate—the market portfolio (max. Sharpe) and the maximum Sortino. Although the latter has the highest return, this portfolio is the least diversified and has the largest standard deviation and downside volatility. To achieve diversification and returns above the RF rate, the market portfolio should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spat collection activities, targeting black-lip (Pinctada margaritifera) and winged (Pteria penguin) pearl oysters, support successful cultured round pearl and mabé pearl sectors in the Fiji Islands. To improve supply of pearl oysters for pearl production, a national spat collection program was developed based on standardised methodology, where commercially available spat collectors are deployed for 10–18 months. Research is now required to maximise the productivity of this program and optimising the duration of spat collector deployments is seen as a priority. This study considered whether there is justification to reduce the duration of spat collector deployments for black-lip and winged pearl oysters to less than 8 months. Spat collectors were deployed at multiple sites and then recovered after 5, 6, 7, or 8 months to examine the yield and size of resulting spat. While duration of spat collector deployment was important in determining the yield and size of harvested spat, it was not possible to generalise responses. Rather, conclusions were liable to vary over macro and micro spatial scales, depending on the target species. Such variability, coupled with the small size of spat at harvest, greatly limited the feasibility and rationale for reducing the duration of spat collector deployment to improve the supply of pearl oysters for pearl production. On this basis, we argue that there is no justification to modify the standardised methodology currently used within the national spat collection program in Fiji, where spat collectors are deployed for longer than 8 months.

In this article, we review one iconic match in Fiji soccer history, the 1982 Inter-District Championship Final, when bad light stopped play after ten kicks each in the penalty shootout with penalty goals tied at 6–6. In interviews with ex-administrators and players from the match, we learn that Ba reneged upon a "gentlemen's agreement," between the two team presidents, not to turn up for any replay match scheduled for outside of Nadi, the original venue. Ba turned up at the replay venue and claimed the trophy much to the disgust of Nadi supporters and officials. Because the Indo-Fijian community "controls" coaching and administrative positions in soccer, it is able to fashion and refashion how Indigenous Fijian men's bodies are presented and administered within the sport. Significantly, race and class combine to make it difficult for Indigenous ex-players to move into coaching and administrative positions in soccer postretirement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tourism industry is fragile as it is prone to numerous risks such as the outbreak of deadly viruses, and natural and human-made disasters. These risks have a significant impact on tourists' decisions when choosing a destination and while in a destination. This paper investigates the risks perceived by Australian tourists and how these risks affect their intention to revisit the Pacific Island Country of Fiji. Through a quantitative survey with 301 tourists, augmented by qualitative interviews conducted among management of hotels, as well as the DMO, the results show that tourists continue to perceive Fiji as a relatively safe destination however there are increased in the perceptions of risk concerning disease risk and financial risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bull shark (Carcharhinus leucas) is an apex predator with a wide distribution in tropical and warm temperate waters. This species is known to utilise freshwater systems and estuaries as nursery grounds. During a wider bull shark tagging survey in the Rewa River, Fiji, in 2017 and 2018, 27 neonate bull sharks with red eye pupils were recorded. This opportunistic observation prompted an examination of water quality parameters in the Rewa River to collect preliminary data on the potential cause of pollution. Water samples were analysed for faecal indicator bacteria (Escherichia coli), ammonia, total nitrogen, and various metals. Results indicated high levels of E. coli contamination, as well as elevated ammonia and total nitrogen concentrations. However, due to the limited sample size and the likelihood of additional underlying causes, a definitive causal relationship could not be established. Hence, this finding stands as an opportunistic observation, detailed here for documentation and stimulation of discourse. Field observations of 27 neonate bull sharks with red eyes in the Rewa River, Fiji, raised concerns about water quality. Analysis indicated high levels of Escherichia coli contamination, ammonia, and total nitrogen. However, the definitive causal relationship is yet to be investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 global pandemic has brought far-reaching and complex repercussions. Small Island Nations (SINs) are particularly devastated by the pandemic because of their peculiar characteristics. One of the worst-affected Pacific countries is Fiji. The nation has suffered because of the shattering of its booming tourism sector for almost two years. However, on 1 December 2021, the country reopened its border thanks to the effort exerted to fast-reach one of the highest immunization rates globally. This paper offers a rapid assessment of the reopening process and the potential for Fiji's tourism recovery and contributes to the current body of knowledge regarding tourism recovery in SINs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oceanic waters of the Southwest Tropical Pacific occupy a vast region including multiple Pacific Island Countries. The state of these waters is determinant for fisheries and the blue economy. Ocean color remote sensing is the main tool to survey the variability and long-term evolution of these large areas that are important for economic development but are affected by climate change. Unlike vast oligotrophic gyres, tropical waters are characterized by numerous archipelagos and islands, with deep and shallow lagoons subjected to the large impacts of the land. Strikingly large dendritic phytoplankton (Trichodesmium) blooms with high levels of chlorophyll, developing within archipelagos, as well as coastal enrichments from various origins may be observed. Algorithms to detect the presence of Trichodesmium have been developed or adapted, as well as algorithms to estimate the chlorophyll concentration ([Chl-a)]. Adapting existing [Chl-a] algorithms does not always yield high, i.e., sufficient, accuracy. A review of published regional bio-optical algorithms developed taking into account the specific phytoplankton composition and minimizing the adverse impacts of particles and the seabed bottom on [Chl-a] determination is presented, as well the bio-optical database that allowed their development. The interest of such algorithms for a variety of applications and scientific accomplishments is highlighted, with a view to further addressing the main biology and biogeochemistry questions, e.g., to determine the true impact of diazotrophs and assess lagoon [Chl-a] variability with the highest confidence. This work anticipates the use of future coarse and high-spatial-resolution and multi- and hyper-spectral satellite imagery in the Pacific. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sugarcane is Fiji’s most important commercial crop, with the sugar industry being the largest enterprise in the country. The industry employs close to 48,000 individuals, with a quarter of the country’s population depending directly and indirectly on the industry for their livelihoods, despite the subsiding sugar industry and declining yields observed in the past two decades. Therefore, to increase yield per hectare and solve the labour storage problem, there has been an immense focus on the mechanization of the sugar industry. There is very little documentation regarding the mechanization of sugarcane farming in Fiji, hence, the present study was undertaken to determine the status of farm mechanization in sugarcane production, using the Nadogo district of Vanua Levu, Fiji, as a case study site. The study revealed that to increase the productivity of the farm and reduce the cost of cultivation, farmers in the Nadogo district were attempting to adopt various mechanisation strategies related to land preparation, planting of sugarcane crops, intercultural operations, weedicide application, harvesting, ratoon management, and transportation of the harvests. In the study, we also focus on the advantages and disadvantages related to the mechanization of the sugarcane farms. The study revealed advantages such as saving time and labour for the growers, minimizing drudgery, improving work quality, lowering operating costs, and ensuring optimal resource utilization related to farm mechanization. The disadvantages were high maintenance costs due to wear and tear, the high cost of fuel to use some of the machinery, increased carbon footprints, and pollution. Most of these machines were also causing soil compaction during rainy seasons and delaying the cultivation process when machine breakdowns occurred and parts were not available.

The aim of this article is to consider research method and research ethics issues in the unique location of the Fiji Islands. After arguing that Eurocentric, Anglo-American ethics clearance processes, embedded into Global North Universities, are culturally inappropriate, in the Fiji setting, I go on to imagine alternative ethics clearance questions that pick up on and reflect adequately Fiji's social and economic context. I discuss and explore why traversing relationships, relationships that traverse time and space through giving, receiving, obligation, reimbursement, and forgiveness, often emerge in the Fiji context, and how they can be a local, social equilibrium that benefits both parties. My own research on Fiji soccer history is used to provide illustrations and anecdotes throughout the article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many difficulties associated with Global Solar Radiation (GSR)’ variability in space and time and with the angular position in sky hemisphere hamper its accurate knowledge. Fiji Islands, with a tropical maritime climate without great extremes of heat or cold, have GSR measurement limited by a small number of stations due to the technical and financial restricts. Yet there are various options of available empirical models to select the most suitable one(s) for estimating GSR accurately using weather-related variables available for each location. This paper, therefore, focuses on evaluation of the performances of twenty (20) empirical models in predicting GSR between 1984 and 2018 in six (6) meteorological stations within Fiji Islands. Simulations were performed for 35-year period (1984–2018) and results were compared with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)’s MERRA (Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications) observational datasets after bias corrections. Model performance indices such as Mean Error (ME), Nash-Sutcliffe Efficiency coefficient (NSE), Percentage Mean Error (PME), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and correlation coefficient (r) were adopted. Obtained coefficients of determination from the regression analysis (0.415 ≤ R2 ≤ 0.988; at 95% confidential level) performed for the models’ calibration between 1984 and 2018 suggest that the models’ potentials to simulate GSR varies across the stations and among the models. About 33% of the models in group I, which relate GSR to the sunshine duration, monthly average day length and/or extra-terrestrial radiation performed favourably well in predicting GSR while 75% of models in group II (with air temperature as additional predictor) and 100% in group III (humidity) performed very well. It is concluded that inclusion of air temperature and humidity as two principal predictors alongside with sunshine duration, day length and extra-terrestrial radiation produce the best GSR prediction (RMSE ≤ 5 MJ m−2) over Fiji Islands.

Many difficulties associated with Global Solar Radiation (GSR)' variability in space and time and with the angular position in sky hemisphere hamper its accurate knowledge. Fiji Islands, with a tropical maritime climate without great extremes of heat or cold, have GSR measurement limited by a small number of stations due to the technical and financial restricts. Yet there are various options of available empirical models to select the most suitable one(s) for estimating GSR accurately using weather-related variables available for each location. This paper, therefore, focuses on evaluation of the performances of twenty (20) empirical models in predicting GSR between 1984 and 2018 in six (6) meteorological stations within Fiji Islands. Simulations were performed for 35-year period (1984–2018) and results were compared with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)'s MERRA (Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications) observational datasets after bias corrections. Model performance indices such as Mean Error (ME), Nash-Sutcliffe Efficiency coefficient (NSE), Percentage Mean Error (PME), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and correlation coefficient (r) were adopted. Obtained coefficients of determination from the regression analysis (0.415 ≤ R2 ≤ 0.988; at 95% confidential level) performed for the models' calibration between 1984 and 2018 suggest that the models' potentials to simulate GSR varies across the stations and among the models. About 33% of the models in group I , which relate GSR to the sunshine duration, monthly average day length and/or extra-terrestrial radiation performed favourably well in predicting GSR while 75% of models in group II (with air temperature as additional predictor) and 100% in group III (humidity) performed very well. It is concluded that inclusion of air temperature and humidity as two principal predictors alongside with sunshine duration, day length and extra-terrestrial radiation produce the best GSR prediction (RMSE ≤ 5 MJ m−2) over Fiji Islands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article uses the qualitative 'narrative analysis' method to explore and reflect upon the post-retirement issues faced by a small sample of Fiji elite ex-national-league soccer players. The sample consists of one Indo-Fijian and six indigenous Fijians. All experience lives of practical poverty and, for the indigenous men, their lives are defined by village customary routines and obligations. Perhaps surprisingly, the experiences of the Indo-Fijian ex-player are not too dissimilar because he shares social-class affiliation with his interviewed ex-teammates. The bonds between these ex-players remain strong and the ex-legend Joe Tubuna, killed in a motor-vehicle accident in 1984, still casts a presence which links them to the past, to the land, and to each other via the medium of shared localized memories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary aim of this article is to use Foucault's idea of subjugated knowledges to search out areas and viewpoints within Fiji soccer which are suppressed by the governing authorities. To fulfill this aim, we explore and assess, via ethnographic research, the racial and ethnic aspects of Fiji soccer, from the 1970s to the 2010s, and how cultural hegemony facilitates continued Fiji Indian control and dominance within the sport. Next, and although we note the positive dimension of Fiji Football Association's 2014 Veterans' Dinner, we suggest that some ex-Ba players were apparently discriminated against by, puzzlingly, not being invited. The regulator was also unaware of, or insensitive to, ex-players' transportation needs as some were poor or invalid. We then look at the cases of Sweats Soccer Club (SSC) and Nadi Legends Football Club (NLFC) to show how, in the face of the regulator's indifference to the financial plight of an Indigenous village club (SSC), the ex-Nadi players set up instead a self-help organization (NLFC) to assist and encourage ex-players going through hard times. The latter was a cross-ethnic group/cross-class collaboration between ex-officials and ex-players and was largely outside the regulator's sphere of interest or intent.

Fiji’s cultured pearl sector relies on wild collected oysters (Pinctada margaritifera) for culture stock. Most oysters are collected by community-based spat collection enterprises but there is little information on the optimal duration of spat collector deployment, which potentially affects oyster yield, oyster size, and the sales value of resulting oysters. We investigated the influence of the timing and duration of spat collector deployment on these parameters, and the potential for early removal of juveniles from spat collectors for intermediate culture. Spat collectors deployed in October and January, during Fiji’s warmer summer season, generated higher numbers of oysters than those deployed in the cooler winter season. The average numbers of spat harvested from spat collectors deployed for 6-month, 8-month, and 14-month periods were 0.6, 1.8, and 1.7 spat per collector, respectively. Shorter spat collector deployment duration of 8-months generated similar numbers of oysters to those of 14-months; however, oysters harvested after 8-months were smaller (20.4 ± 1.8 g) than those harvested after 14-months (89.2 ± 3.2 g). Harvested oysters grown in panel nets during intermediate culture increased significantly in size and weight with 100 % survival. However, oysters removed from spat collectors after 8-months and grown in panel nets for a further 6-months were smaller than those retained on spat collectors for the same 14-month period. Results indicate that, of the options tested, the most profitable for pearl oyster spat collection in Fiji is to harvest spat collectors after 14-months then grow oysters in panel nets for a further 6-months. This assessment is based on production estimates only and detailed cost-benefit analysis is recommended to account for the additional equipment costs and labour inputs required after spat collector harvest. Improved oyster production, using spat collectors only, should deploy collectors during Fiji’s warmer summer season for a 14-month duration.

Until the revision of the genus Manta in 2009, when a second manta species (Manta alfredi) was resurrected based on morphological and meristic data, all available records in Fijian literature were recorded as Manta birostris. Subsequently, documented sightings were recorded as M. alfredi. Another reclassification of the genus Manta was undertaken in 2018 when both manta ray species (Manta alfredi, Manta birostris) were moved to Mobula based on phylogenetic analysis. Here, we present the first unequivocal evidence of oceanic manta ray (Mobula birostris) occurrence in Fijian waters. In November 2018, two individuals were sighted foraging in Laucala Bay, a large lagoon adjacent to Suva, the capital city of Fiji. Subsequently, three more individuals were sighted in December 2018, two individuals in July 2020, at least six individuals were observed in November 2021, and eight individuals in May/June 2022, all foraging in the same geographical area. Unique ventral identification patterns could be obtained for nine individuals, and all nine individuals have been re-sighted since first identification, with one individual being documented in 2018, 2020, 2021 and 2022. Two additional individuals were recorded in the Yasawa Island Group in the west of Fiji while passing through and foraging in a channel between Drawaqa and Naviti Island in April and September 2020. We provide photographic identification of ten M. birostris individuals from two sites and discuss our findings in the context of local environmental parameters and other recorded sightings in the South Pacific region. In light of the global extinction risk of M. birostris and the recent reclassification from Vulnerable to Endangered on the Red List of Threatened Species, the expansion of their known distribution range to Fijian waters and the recurrence of individuals over consecutive years in the same location adds valuable information for the development of effective and data-driven conservation strategies.

Reef rubble from a number of locations in the southwest and central Pacific (Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands) was surveyed for its level of infestation with bioeroding sponges. The assessment was performed by random sampling of reef rubble in shallow water ranging from intertidal to subtidal down to 15 m of water depth. It was found that essentially four styles of bioerosion prevailed: 1) small cavities with roundish cross sections commonly produced by Pione spp. and Cliona cf. macgeachii Holmes; 2) large cavities in the order of cm-size are for example produced by Aka spp., Cliothosa spp., Cliona cf. janitrix Topsent, Cliona cf. ensifera Sollas, and others; 3) multiple etchings which can degrade the interior of coral rubble on a scale of a few cm in diameter are typically produced by both, Cliona orientalis and C. celata species complexes; and 4) large hadromerid sponges are capable of eroding into solid reef rock and produce silt-, sand-, and pebble-sized fragments. Observed was the activity of Spheciospongia solida (Ridley & Dendy) and S. cf. inconstans var. digitata Dendy. These large clionaid sponges are the most efficient eroders on the reef. Species of Pione are abundant at all sites from intertidal to subtidal, and although they are weak bioeroders, they may be the most destructive by number.

Extreme rainfall events often lead to excessive river flows and severe flooding for Pacific Island nations. Fiji, in particular, is often exposed to extreme rainfall events and associated flooding, with significant impacts on properties, infrastructure, agriculture, and the tourism sector. While these occurrences are often associated with tropical cyclones (TCs), the specific characteristics of TCs that produce extreme rainfall are not well understood. In particular, TC intensity does not appear to be a useful guide in predicting rainfall, since weaker TCs are capable of producing large rainfall compared to more intense systems. Therefore, other TC characteristics, in particular TC track morphology and background climate conditions, may provide more useful insights into what drives TC related extreme rainfall. This study aimed to address this problem by developing a decision tree to identify the most important predictors of TC related extreme rainfall (i.e., 95th percentile) for Fiji. TC attributes considered include; TC duration, the average moving speed of TCs, the minimum distance of TCs from land, seasonality, intensity (wind speed) and the geometry of TCs (i.e., geographical location, shape and length via cluster and sinuosity analyses of TC tracks). In addition, potential predictors based on the phases of Indo-Pacific climate modes were input to the decision tree to represent large scale background conditions. It was found that a TC's minimum distance from land was the most important influence on extreme rainfall, followed by TC cluster grouping, seasonality and duration. The application of this model could result in improved TC risk evaluations and could be used by forecasters and decision-makers on mitigating TC impacts over the Fiji Islands.

Dengue is currently one of the most common vector transmitted disease and this is further elevated with climate change. Pacific Island Countries like Fiji are at the forefront of this issue and this puts stress on the already strained public health care system. Therefore, efficient methods need to be employed to better combat and control dengue fever when an outbreak occurs. Attention is drawn to dengue fever in Fiji Islands and the three types of surveillance systems present and their effectiveness. This paper provides recommendations of introducing a climate based and a web-based surveillance are provided to better combat dengue fever under changing climatic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cultured pearl farming in Fiji relies on wild spat collection to supply the oysters used for pearl production. This supply can be inconsistent and a research program was implemented to determine recruitment of pearl oysters to spat collectors at sites throughout Fiji as a basis for developing a national spat collection program to improve reliability of oyster supply to the industry. Twenty-nine sites across Fiji were used in this study. Spat collectors consisted of a 100 m longline from which 310 individual spat collectors were suspended. Spat collectors were deployed for a period of 10–15 months when the number of pearl oyster (Pinctada margaritifera and Pteria penguin) spat attached to each collector was counted and shell size recorded. A total of 5478 P. margaritifera juveniles were collected from all sites with the highest number of recruits (693) and the highest number of recruits per collector (2.10 ± 0.17) occurring at Nacobau (Vanua Levu). The largest mean dorso-ventral measurement (DVM) of P. margaritifera at any site was 8.61 ± 0.30 cm while the smallest was 4.26 ± 0.13 cm. Some sites did not record any P. margaritifera recruitment during the study and these were generally sites with relatively turbid water. A total of 4224 Pt. penguin were collected from all sites, with the highest number of recruits (495) recorded from Namarai (Viti Levu). The mean DVM of Pt. penguin ranged from 7.53 cm to 13.62 cm across sites. Results indicate that Pt. penguin have greater tolerance of more turbid inshore sites than P. margaritifera based on greater levels of recruitment at these sites. Results identified sites supporting high levels of pearl oyster recruitment as a basis for an ongoing national spat collection program, and support better targeting of spat collection activities that maximise oyster supply to the Fijian pearl industry. The national spat collection program will generate significant livelihood benefits across Fiji and support continued expansion of the Fijian cultured pearl industry.

Green iguanas are heavily hunted and traded in their native range, and apprehended as invasives in their introduced range, where their populations have become increasingly challenging to monitor and control. Fiji islands in the Pacific are endowed with unique biodiversity and ecosystems; there are four native iguana species, three of which are endemic to the islands. Green iguanas were introduced accidentally as a pet in the island of Qamea, and have since spread to the islands of Matagi, Taveuni, Vanua Levu, Laucala, Koro and Wakaya, possibly by natural and anthropogenic means of dispersal. Reports of adverse impacts on biodiversity, communities and livelihoods have surfaced but local communities encounter difficulties in distinguishing between the native and introduced iguanids. Invasive species management has been prioritised for localising the invasion, however, there is a strong need to incorporate research as an indispensable tool for evidence based decision making. This is particularly important for accidently introduced species whose impacts are unconfirmed but suspected to be serious. Recognising inter- and transdisciplinary approaches in invasion science can facilitate participatory decision making and generate long term benefits. Research on the foraging behaviour and nutritional physiology, impacts on seed germination and dispersal of native and invasive plant species, ecological processes, and interactions between the green and native iguanid population, would improve our understanding of actual and potential impacts on species, ecosystems and habitats. At the same time exploring the environmental, social and economic impacts, benefits and costs, and people's perception can generate strong support for management actions, secure long term funding and foster closer coordination between scientists, local communities, and policymakers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Routine check and optimal control of blood pressure have been recommended to reduce the high cardiovascular disease burden in the Southern Pacific. As demographic profile in the Pacific Island countries continues to transition, the burden of cardiovascular disease is importunately affecting more younger and high stress population. In collaboration with the Healthy Setting Initiative of the Ministry of health, we conducted a survey of blood pressure among market traders in Suva City Central and Nasouri markets of Fiji Islands. Following ethical approval and informed consent, we obtained socio-demographic data, and measured anthropometric indices and blood pressure of asymptomatic adult market traders of Suva City and Nasouri market using standard procedures. Participants comprised of 189 traders (52% females); with mean body mass index of 30kg/m2, weight of 82kg and waist circumference of 101cm. Overall, 152(80%) had sub-optimal blood pressure: elevated 23(12%), stage I: 70(37%), stage II: 57(30) and hypertensive crisis 2(1%). Of these, 30(20%) reported being compliant with medication, 62(41%) non-compliant and 60(39%) were previously unaware of their blood pressure status. Percent body fat (OR: 1.07; 95% CI: 1.02-1.13) and diastolic blood pressure (OR: 1.34; 95% CI: 1.21-1.48) were independently associated with hypertension. Burden of hypertension is high (80%) among study participants, with 39% of these being undiagnosed. There are issues with suboptimal blood pressure control and non-compliance with medication among study participants. There is need for health education, routine screening and sustainable intervention to reduce this burden among this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Fiji, little or no attention has been given to entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) in biocontrol programs due to the lack of awareness about their occurrence and distribution in Fiji. A survey of EPNs was conducted for the first time in Fiji Islands in 2012 and 2013, throughout the eight provinces in Viti Levu to determine the occurrence and distribution across different habitat in Viti Levu. The soil samples from various habitats were collected and assayed for the presence of EPN using Galleria mellonella as baits. EPNs were recovered from five out of seven provinces with 35 positive sites (7.3%) out of 478 sites sampled. The only EPN genera encountered was Heterorhabditis. Steinernema was not isolated from any of the samples. Characterization of isolates was done by using morphometric and molecular examinations and isolates were identified as Heterorhabditis indica. H. indica isolates were primarily recovered from leeward side of the Viti Levu Island along the coastline and riversides, being more prevalent in lighter soil with pH > 6. Further, this study found significant association between habitat type, soil type, soil pH, average annual rainfall and EPN occurrence. This is the first record of naturally occurring EPNs in Fiji. The found nematodes will serve as the basis for efficacy screening with the ultimate aim of delivering effective, more sustainable and environmentally safe control for agricultural pests in Fiji. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to investigate gender and ethnicity-based differences in scientific attitudes among Fijian students, the widely studied Test of Scientific Related Attitudes (TOSRA) was administered to 1401 senior secondary Fijian students (Years 11-13; approximately 15-18 years of age). Students generally had a positive attitude towards science overall in Years 11-13, with females showing a more positive attitude than males. By Year 13, the attitudes of females towards science had become more negative. The attitude of iTaukei students towards science started out lower than other ethnicities in Year 11 and increased during Year 12, before falling to below the starting attitude levels in Year 13. Fijian students of Indian descent generally had a positive attitude towards science that remained consistent throughout Years 11-13, with an increase in leisure and career interest in science in Year 13. A strong correlation was found between the ethnicity of a student and their first language. Continued science outreach programmes, particularly in Year 12, are important to achieve and retain scientific interest and attitudes among Fijian secondary students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ocean supplies a significant amount of food to human population. However, marine ecosystem is under a threat due to the increasing marine pollution. Fiji Islands, located in South Pacific sea, are experiencing such a threat. Therefore, this study aims to determine the effects of pollution on the diversity of marine gastropods in Nasese Shore, Suva, Fiji Islands. A detailed opportunistic survey was conducted; 85 species of marine gastropods molluscas were recorded belonging to 29 families in four different habitats (Habitat 1, Habitat 2, Habitat 3 and Habitat 4) at Nasese Shore during April–September 2014. Compared with Habitat 4, all three other habitats were polluted by frequently added sewages and domestic effluents via artificial and natural creeks to the coastal area. Therefore, diversity and abundance of the gastropods were significantly lower in those three habitats. Furthermore, a higher human consumption rate for some of the gastropods was observed.

The general aim of this research is to examine village governance structure and functions in the use, management and sustainability of coastal resources in Fiji. Traditional and contemporary systems of governance structures within the Fijian village setting play an integral role in decision-making for the well-being of every member in the community, and it is particularly important for matters relating to natural resource use. However, it is believed that poor governance is attributed to uncoordinated efforts of the dual governance system that continues to give rise to the many problems encountered in Fijian villages.

Water is a key driver of economic and social development while it also has a basic function in maintaining the integrity of the natural environment. Due to its small sizes and locations of islands, many remote and rural communities in the Fiji Islands have barriers in accessing freshwater. The challenges of freshwater accessibility are not only present in small remote islands but in the two main islands of Fiji as well. Supply side solutions alone are not adequate to address the ever increasing demands from demographic, economic and climatic pressures that directly affect freshwater accessibility. Since water is a vital resource, it is important to find solutions to remove obstacles to its access. Thereby, it is imperative that accessibility issues to freshwater are not considered in isolation when you have to come to a meaningful solution to face the current challenge that will contribute to a sustainable future.

Abstract Objective: The main aim of this study was to determine the content of fluoride in drinking water from sources within the sampling areas for the National Oral Health Survey (NOHS) 2011 from the Central, Northern, Western and Eastern Divisions in the Fiji Islands. Method: Drinking water samples were collected from taps, a waterfall, wells, creeks, streams, springs, rivers, boreholes and rain water tanks in a diverse range of rural and urban areas across the Fiji Islands. A total of 223 areas were sampled between December 2014 and June 2015. Samples were analysed for fluoride using a colorimetric assay with the Zirconyl‐SPADNS Reagent. The samples were pre‐treated with sodium arsenite solution prior to analysis to eliminate interference from chlorine. Results: Measured fluoride concentrations ranged from 0.01 to 0.35 ppm, with a mean concentration across all samples of 0.03 + 0.04 ppm. No samples achieved the optimal level for caries prevention (0.7 ppm). The Western Division had the highest fluoride levels compared to the other Divisions. The highest single fluoride concentration was found in Valase. The drinking water for this rural area located in the Western Division is from a borehole. The lowest concentrations of fluoride were in reticulated water samples from rural areas in the Central Division, which were consistently less than those recorded in the Northern, Eastern and Western Divisions. Conclusion: All samples had fluoride concentrations below the optimum level required to prevent dental caries. Implications for public health: This research forms part of the objectives of the 2011 National Oral Health Survey in Fiji. At present, Fiji lacks water fluoridation and therefore a baseline of the fluoride content in drinking water supplies is essential before water fluoridation is implemented. The results from this study would be beneficial in designing caries‐preventive strategies through water fluoridation and for comparing those strategies with caries prevalence overtime.

We use theories from the philosophy of sport literature to contextualize and make conclusions in relation to two famous matches in Fiji’s soccer history: the 1982 Inter-District Championship Final between Ba and Nadi and the 1988 World Cup Qualifier between Australia and Fiji. In relation to the first game, Nadi and Ba officials made a gentlemen’s agreement not to accept Fiji Football Association’s decision to host the final replay in the neutral venue of Lautoka instead of the original venue of Nadi and then Ba reneged on that agreement. We conclude that, based on the philosophical treatment of fair play as equal to respect for the game, Fiji FA was within its rights to host the replay in Lautoka and Nadi should have turned up to play on the day. In the second game, we argue that Fiji was the better team on the day, in its 1–0 win over Australia, and so the victory was neither hollow nor undeserved. However, during that era, Australia was the better team overall as it won the majority of games played between the two nations.

Most forests in Fiji are on native land owned by communities with tenure rights that are held largely with clans. Although there are examples in Fiji of local communities setting up conservation areas to protect their valuable forest resources, many are under pressure to issue leases to logging or mining companies for much-needed income. With inadequate legislation and government resources to secure the long-term protection of natural forests, conservation practitioners are looking at alternative models for establishing forest conservation areas in Fiji. One such model is the application of a forest payment for ecosystem services (PES) scheme to deliver both ecological and socioeconomic outcomes for local communities. A case study from Kilaka village, Fiji, is presented where the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) has worked with traditional land owners to secure a 99-year conservation lease for 402 ha of pristine native forest in Vanua Levu. The lease, which was brokered through the government iTaukei Land Trust Board, provides an alternative source of income to logging and mining. The management plan which is nested within a larger ecosystem-based management plan for the district, sets out the comanagement arrangements between the community and WCS, with the day-to-day management of the forest, enforcement, monitoring and evaluation led by the traditional landowning clan. This PES model and co-management arrangement has potential for replication to other priority forest areas to meet Fiji's obligations under the Convention on Biological Diversity, but at an estimated financial cost ranging from US$69.0–287.8 million. Forest payment for ecosystem services schemes to deliver both ecological and socioeconomic outcomes for local communities are being applied in Fiji, and have potential for replication to other priority forest areas in Fiji to meet Fiji's obligations under the Convention on Biological Diversity, but at an estimated financial cost of US$69.0–287.8 million. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Fiji Islands is an archipelago of more than 330 islands located in the tropics of the South Pacific Ocean. Microbial diversity and biogeography in this region is still not understood. Here, we present the first molecular characterization of fungal, bacterial, and archaeal communities in soils from different habitats within the largest Fijian island, Viti Levu. Soil samples were collected from under native vegetation in maritime-, forest-, stream-, grassland-, and casuarina-dominated habitats, as well as from under the introduced agricultural crops sugarcane, cassava, pine, and mahogany. Soil microbial diversity was analyzed through MiSeq amplicon sequencing of 16S (for prokaryotes), ITS, LSU ribosomal DNA (for fungi). Prokaryotic communities were dominated by Proteobacteria (~ 25%), Acidobacteria (~ 19%), and Actinobacteria (~ 17%), and there were no indicator species associated with particular habitats. ITS and LSU were congruent in β-diversity patterns of fungi, and fungal communities were dominated by Ascomycota (~ 57–64%), followed by Basidiomycota (~ 20–23%) and Mucoromycota (~ 10%) according to ITS, or Chytridiomycota (~ 9%) according to LSU. Indicator species analysis of fungi found statistical associations of Cenococcum, Wilcoxina, and Rhizopogon to Pinus caribaea. We hypothesize these obligate biotrophic fungi were co-introduced with their host plant. Entoloma was statistically associated with grassland soils, and Fusarium and Lecythophora with soils under cassava. Observed richness varied from 65 (casuarina) to 404 OTUs (cassava) for fungi according to ITS region, and from 1268 (pine) to 2931 OTUs (cassava) for bacteria and archaea. A major finding of this research is that nearly 25% of the fungal OTUs are poorly classified, indicative of novel biodiversity in this region. This preliminary survey provides important baseline data on fungal, bacterial, and archaeal diversity and biogeography in the Fiji Islands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The black‐lip pearl oyster, Pinctada margaritifera, used for round pearl production in Polynesia, is generally cultured using "ear‐hanging" where they are attached to a rope to form "chaplets." In other countries, pearl oysters are cultured using panel (pocket) nets that are more expensive than chaplets but afford more protection to cultured oysters. Prior research has shown panel nets produce pearls of higher quality and value, potentially generating higher profits. This study used cost–benefit analysis to compare pearl production using chaplet‐based and panel net‐based culture methods. Whole farm data, including gross revenues and annual production costs, fixed and variable, were analyzed. Average production cost per pearl using panel net‐based culture was USD 22.47 and for chaplet‐based culture was USD 21.55. However, use of panel nets saved around 3,430 hr (USD 6,860) of labor a year, offsetting the greater capital investment. A chaplet‐based pearl farm generated USD 65,738 in annual profits compared to USD 88,774 for a panel net‐based farm. Positive cash flow was achieved 1 year earlier (Year 7) for the panel net‐based farm. This is the first economic analysis of different pearl culture methods for P. margaritifera and evidence of profitability will support further development of the black‐lip pearl industry in the Indo‐Pacific region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The following new species are described from the long-horned caddisfly genera Triaenodes McLachlan, 1865; Vietnam: T. catbana, T. sokaga; Indonesia (Sumba Island): T. sumbana; Indonesia (Batanta Island): T. apraka, T. bala, T. harmasa, T. izgaga, T. jobba, T. kalija, T. marleorum, T. nemapraka, T. sagodii, T. sarla, T. torpa, T. tudarda, T. zugora; Indonesia (Papua): T. atkarol, T. fodra, T. hasa, T. lemeza, T. tarula, T. zicsii; Solomon Islands: T. fura, T. gerela, T. picinka; New Hebrides: T. fioka, T. nakla; Fiji Islands: T. bunka, T. buzoga, T. ketaga, T. koba, T. ranca. Triaenodes dusra Schmid described from China has been recorded from Malaysia and Vietnam. Triaenodes pellectus Ulmer described from Japan has been recorded from Vietnam. Triaenodes pentheus Malicky described from Thailand has been recorded from Vietnam. Phylogenetic relation of Triaenodes paratlan Oláh & Mey described from Indonesia (Papua) has been revised.

Learning and teaching is geared to provide lifelong skills to its pupils - who are able to contribute to the economy not only as physical capitals, more so as human capitals with the source of wealth for social and economic development. At the backdrop of this vision is the University of Fiji's five years Annual Strategic Plan 2017-2021, that relentlessly pursuits to develop a knowledge society through the University's work-ready graduates. One of the undergraduate courses in the field of Science is exactly road mapping its course to expose learners to a great degree of research through hand-on research experience. This paper aims to investigate the merits of entailing Course-Based Research (CBR) practice in Science at undergraduate level at a tertiary institution. The paper further attempts to explore the plausible benefits of tying research experience at undergraduate study that is primarily content heavy and theoretical in nature. The paper provide recommendations for courses pitched at undergraduate level to consider entailing research experience in their programmes given the benefits it provides to learners venturing into the work field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Termites belong to the infraorder Isoptera, which contains almost 3,000 described species worldwide. These social insects cause substantial damage globally leading to billions of dollars of losses annually. Damage can occur to timber, wooden goods, paper, cotton, certain plastics, trees and many crops. Consequently, termite control and management is a major sector in the global pest-control industry. However, economic losses due to termite damage have not been quantified in the Fiji Islands to date. A review of published literature was conducted to assess the geographic range of Asian subterranean termites that occur in the Fiji Islands and to identify existing and potential control measures. The most common termite species that is known to cause millions of dollars of damage each year in the Fiji Islands is Coptotermes gestroi. This species is currently controlled primarily using the chemical fipronil but integrated termite management is the preferred long-term solution. Other possible control methods include physical, cultural, chemical and biological options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between urbanisation, inflation and tourism output of Fiji. This study used the Autoregressive Distributed Lag bounds test to examine the relationship between urbanisation, inflation and tourism output by using annual time series data for the period 1985–2015. This study has found that urbanisation, inflation and tourism output share a long-run relationship when urbanisation and inflation are used as the dependent variables. The results of this study confirm that in the long run, tourism output has a significant and positive impact on urbanisation. This implies that a 1% increase in tourism output will increase urbanisation by 0.000165%. In the short run, urbanisation and inflation do not affect the tourism output of Fiji. The findings from this study have implications for the policy-makers and practitioners. Policy-makers should play an essential role in expanding tourism activities in the rural areas. In Fiji, there is development disparity between the urban and rural areas. The government has to invest more financial resources in the development of tourism activities in the rural areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of island fauna has greatly informed our understanding of the evolution of diversity. We here examine the phylogenetics, biogeography, and diversification of the damselfly genera Nesobasis and Melanesobasis, endemic to the Fiji Islands, to explore mechanisms of speciation in these highly speciose groups. Using mitochondrial ( COI, 12S) and nuclear ( ITS) replicons, we recovered Garli- part maximum likelihood and Mrbayes Bayesian phylogenetic hypotheses for 26 species of Nesobasis and eight species/subspecies of Melanesobasis. Biogeographical patterns were explored using Lagrange and Bayes- Lagrange and interpreted through beast relaxed clock dating analyses. We found that Nesobasis and Melanesobasis have radiated throughout Fiji, but are not sister groups. For Nesobasis, while the two largest islands of the archipelago-Viti Levu and Vanua Levu-currently host two distinct species assemblages, they do not represent phylogenetic clades; of the three major groupings each contains some Viti Levu and some Vanua Levu species, suggesting independent colonization events across the archipelago. Our Beast analysis suggests a high level of species diversification around 2-6 Ma. Our ancestral area reconstruction ( Rasp- Lagrange) suggests that both dispersal and vicariance events contributed to the evolution of diversity. We thus conclude that the evolutionary history of Nesobasis and Melanesobasis is complex; while inter-island dispersal followed by speciation (i.e., peripatry) has contributed to diversity, speciation within islands appears to have taken place a number of times as well. This speciation has taken place relatively recently and appears to be driven more by reproductive isolation than by ecological differentiation: while species in Nesobasis are morphologically distinct from one another, they are ecologically very similar, and currently are found to exist sympatrically throughout the islands on which they are distributed. We consider the potential for allopatric speciation within islands, as well as the influence of parasitic endosymbionts, to explain the high rates of speciation in these damselflies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The moth assemblages in forest ecosystems are often used as indicators of forest quality and to monitor the effects of habitat degradation or ecological restoration and management. However, to provide meaningful data on nocturnal moth faunas, it is important to evaluate the efficacy of available sampling methods and identify the minimum number of samples needed to obtain a reliable estimate of moth diversity. This study compared three light-based collecting methods to sample nocturnal moths in Colo-i-Suva Forest Reserve, a lowland mixed forest 8 km north of Suva, Fiji Islands. On average, over eight nights collecting, a mercury vapour light (MV) with manual capture obtained approximately 14 times more individuals and five times more species than a white fluorescent light with automatic capture and ultraviolet light with automatic capture. Of the 84 moth taxa recorded in total, only two were not obtained by the MV trap, suggesting the moth assemblages obtained by the fluorescent light and ultraviolet light methods were subsets of the larger MV collection. Using a bootstrap method to estimate the total species collected after successive nights sampling, we found that after four nights almost 90% of the predicted total moth species would be obtained by the MV method. These results identify the MV method as a high-performing technique to investigate nocturnal moth diversity in Fijian forests, and that a minimum of four nights sampling with this protocol would produce reliable data for use in habitat evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Existing studies on human development and women's labour force participation rate shows mixed results. Some studies have found that human development influences women's labour force participation rate while other studies have found that there is no relationship between human development and women's labour force participation rate. This paper uses data from the United Nations Development Programme, World Bank and Asian Development Bank database to empirically determine whether human development influences women's labour force participation rate in Fiji. The findings of this study confirm that human development influences women's labour force participation rate both in the short run and long run. Currently, the most immediate need in Fiji is to review existing education policies that are targeted towards different gender and minority groups so that these policies can effectively contribute towards developing an egalitarian society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Population genomic investigations on highly dispersive marine organisms typically require thousands of genome-wide SNP loci to resolve fine-scale population structure and detect signatures of selection. This information is important for species conservation efforts and stock management in both wild and captive populations, as well as genome mapping and genome wide association studies. Double digest Restriction site-Associated DNA Sequencing (ddRADseq) is a recent tool for delivering genome wide SNPs for non-model organisms. However, its application to marine invertebrate taxa has been limited, particularly given the complex and highly repetitive nature of many of these organisms' genomes. This study develops and evaluates an optimised ddRADseq technique together with associated analyses for generating genome-wide SNP data, and performs population genomic analyses to inform aquaculture and fishery management of a marine bivalve, the black-lip pearl oyster Pinctada margaritifera . A total of 5243 high-quality genome-wide SNP markers were detected, and used to assess population structure, genome diversity, detect F st outliers and perform association testing in 156 individuals belonging to three wild and one hatchery produced populations from the Fiji Islands. Shallow but significant population structure was revealed among all wild populations (average pairwise F st = 0.046) when visualised with DAPC and an individual network analysis (NetView P), with clear evidence of a genetic bottleneck in the hatchery population ( N e LD = 6.1), compared to wild populations ( N e LD > 192.5). F st outlier detection revealed 42–62 highly differentiated SNPs (p < 0.02), while case–control association discovered up to 152 SNPs (p < 0.001). Both analyses were able to successfully differentiate individuals between the orange and black tissue colour morphotypes characteristic of this species. BLAST searches revealed that five of these SNPs were associated with a melanin biosynthesis pathway, demonstrating their biological relevance. This study has produced highly informative SNP and population genomic data in P. margaritifera , and using the same approach promises to be of substantial value to a range of other non-model, broadcast-spawning or marine invertebrate taxa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]