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Foregrounding the voices of young women in a deprived coastal context in the UK, this paper explores the intersection of place, class, gender and marginalisation. Drawing upon participatory qualitative research, the paper focuses on the following key themes: (1) how young women navigate perceptions of 'risk' through the everyday realities of the locale, (2) experiences of sexual violence and abuse (3) and finally, how normative depictions of 'risky behaviour' correspond to the accounts of women's (sexual) agency. By rooting the analysis of place-based inequalities through a gendered lens, the findings help illuminate the complex relationship between structural context and the regulation of gender and sexuality. The paper also draws attention to the structural factors that reproduce class-based stigma for people who are deemed 'at risk' in places that are characterised as 'left behind'. In doing so, the paper provides alternative agendas for policy and practice that aim to support young women who experience place-based marginalisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Threats to coastal wetlands, including sea-level rise and subsidence, led the National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) System to protect over 500,000 hectares of coastal wetlands during the twentieth century, with approximately 20% occurring in the South Atlantic geography. This effort has involved systematic long-term monitoring of changes in marsh elevation using surface elevation tables and marker horizons at 20 sites across 19 NWRs in the southeastern coastal USA. From 2012 to 2021, the rates of change in surface elevation (−9.3 to 7.1 mm/year), accretion (−0.3 to 17.5 mm/year), and net vertical elevation change (−14.3 to 3.1 mm/year) were highly variable among monitoring sites and varied with coastal wetland type (oligohaline marsh, salt marsh, pocosin, or forested wetland), land surface elevation, and estuarine salinity and geomorphology (i.e., tidally influenced or embayed). Of 20 sites included in our study, only six were gaining elevation at a rate that was equal to or greater than the long-term rates of sea-level rise and therefore considered resilient. Only Waccamaw and Currituck NWRs, both located in oligohaline marshes, were gaining elevation at a rate that exceeded sea-level rise by 1 mm/year. These results support the mounting evidence that many coastal wetlands, particularly in the South Atlantic geography of the USA, will undergo ecological transformations in the next several decades. The NWR System and other coastal management entities will need to use strategic decision-making frameworks to identify management actions that can mitigate the loss of coastal wetlands to support the conservation of coastal wetland–dependent and obligate species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studying ocean tides with satellite altimetry has traditionally been difficult in coastal regions. The 1 day repeat of the Cal/Val phase of SWOT provides a unique dataset that can be exploited for tidal analysis. In this work, KaRIn data from the SWOT Cal/Val phase are analyzed in two coastal regions to present a first look at the possibilities for tidal analysis from SWOT. The areas are: (a) Bristol Channel and (b) Great South Bay. When benchmarked against in situ measurements in these regions, substantial improvements over tide models, which typically report errors exceeding tens of centimeters and degrees, are seen. Specifically, the SWOT ocean‐tide estimates exhibit amplitude discrepancies ranging from 1.75 to 3 cm and phase lag discrepancies between 1.75° and 2.75° when compared with in situ tide gauge data. These findings underscore the value of SWOT for tidal research in complex coastal regions. Plain Language Summary: Estimating ocean tides in the coastal region has challenged tide modelers for decades. The recently launched SWOT satellite provides the opportunity to derive estimations of ocean tides at unprecedented spatial scales thanks to the innovative wide‐swath measurement principle, particularly in complex coastal regions. The mission's Calibration and Validation (Cal/Val) phase is particularly interesting for tidal research, as the tide‐favorable orbit allows for the derivation of the major tidal constituents with a relatively short time series of SWOT data. This manuscript evaluates the largest tidal constituent, the principal lunar M2 ${\mathrm{M}}_{2}$ tide, derived from SWOT's Cal/Val phase within two complex coastal regions. Results within the Bristol Channel and the Great South Bay demonstrate unprecedented spatial variability in the amplitude and phase lag of the M2 ${\mathrm{M}}_{2}$ tide. Additionally, with respect to in situ measurements, SWOT‐derived estimates resulted in reduced errors compared with global tide models in these complex coastal regions. The initial insights demonstrated several strengths and opportunities for using SWOT to improve tide models and new avenues of research with satellite measurements of ocean tides, particularly within fjords and estuaries. Key Points: SWOT KaRIn data from the Cal/Val phase is used to derive M2 ${\mathrm{M}}_{2}$ tide in two complex coastal regionsResults demonstrate the spatial variability of amplitude and phase lag of coastal tidesSWOT KaRIn measurements are useful for studying tidal flats and ocean tides in river mouths and estuaries [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThe UK housing crisis is having a detrimental impact on the lives of families. However, in England the links between housing and Children’s Social Care remain poorly understood. This paper draws upon 24 months of embedded research within Torbay Council, a Local Authority with comparatively high rates of children in care and acute housing challenges. It includes qualitative data from interviews/focus groups with parents (n = 66); Children’s Services professionals (n = 7), the housing department (n = 2); housing association (n = 2); and staff/volunteers from voluntary and community Sector organisations (n = 28). This study shows that housing circumstances can both trigger crisis situations leading to the involvement of Children’s Services and form a critical element of the complex needs many families in contact with Children’s Services confront. Parents described difficulties demonstrating their parenting abilities to Children’s Services and the Family Courts when living in inadequate housing, or indeed when homeless. This paper recommends better alignment of Housing and Children’s Social Care responses to ensure more effective support for families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growing light pollution is increasingly studied in terrestrial environments. However, research on night lights in coastal ecosystems is limited. We aimed to complement spaceborne remote sensing with ground-based hemispheric photos to quantify the exposure of coastal habitats to light pollution. We used a calibrated DSLR Canon camera with a fisheye lens to photograph the night sky in 24 sites in the rapidly developing area of Moreton Bay, Queensland, Australia, extracting multiple brightness metrics. We then examined the use of the LANcubeV2 photometer and night-time satellite data from SDGSAT-1 for coastal areas. We found that the skies were darker in less urbanized areas and on islands compared with the mainland. Sky brightness near the zenith was correlated with satellite observations only at a coarse spatial scale. When examining light pollution horizontally above the horizon (60–80° degrees below the zenith), we found that the seaward direction was brighter than the landward direction in most sites due to urban glow on the seaward side. These findings emphasize the importance of ground measurements of light pollution alongside satellite imagery. In order to reduce the exposure of coastal ecosystems to light pollution, actions need to go beyond sites with conservation importance and extend to adjacent urban areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The North Pacific distribution of coastal staphylinids may be explained as the result of either dispersal or vicariance. The intertidal rove beetle genus Diaulota is a submarine group that occurs on the Pacific coasts of the Northern Hemisphere. We performed a phylogenetic analysis of Diaulota using molecular characters (3241 bp) to investigate their biogeographic history and patterns. The data were analysed by parsimony, Bayesian, and maximum likelihood methods. Model-based analyses showed the same pattern of Diaulota species relationships, but parsimony analysis resulted in different species relationships for the unresolved clade B. Biogeographical analyses suggested that the common ancestor of Diaulota occurred widely along the East Asian coast with repeated dispersal to the north-eastern Pacific from the north-western Pacific. According to the reconstruction of the ancestral areas, both dispersal (seven events) and vicariance (four events) were important in shaping its current distribution. Although most species underwent stepwise colonization from East Asia via Kamchatka and Alaska to North America along the coast, a single lineage (Diaulota fulviventris and Diaulota harteri) crossed the Pacific Ocean directly from the north-western Pacific to the north-eastern Pacific, possibly via sea surface currents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The escalating issue of land subsidence poses a critical threat to the economic prosperity of Indonesia's North Coast in Central Java. This recurring phenomenon intensifies annual tidal floods, posing a severe threat to the infrastructure, buildings, coastal zones, land quality, and the livelihoods of local communities. Effective monitoring of land subsidence rates is essential to mitigate these impacts and implement pre-emptive measures. This study addresses this challenge by employing a two-pronged approach: measuring subsidence rates and assessing susceptibility. Over six years (2016–2021), the research utilizes SAR Sentinel-1 data coupled with machine learning algorithms to achieve these goals. The subsidence rates are generated by the time series InSAR SBAS method. Land subsidence susceptibility assessment uses algorithms such as Random Forest (RF), Gradient Boosted Trees (GTB), Classification and Regression Trees (CART), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Decision Trees with Bagging Method (MD), and K-Nearest Neighbours (KNN). An exhaustive assessment utilizing K-fold cross-validation, incorporating five folds with an 80% training and 20% validation split, effectively facilitates the identification of the model exhibiting the highest accuracy. The findings reveal significant spatial variations in land subsidence rates. Semarang, Pekalongan, and Jepara experienced the highest rates (ranging from − 13 cm/year to -5 cm/year) based on SAR Sentinel-1 data. Machine learning model evaluation yielded Overall Accuracy values of 0.761 (RF), 0.766 (GTB), 0.65 (CART), 0.456 (SVM), 0.359 (KNN), and 0.541 (MD). Based on this analysis, the RF and GTB algorithms are recommended for mapping land subsidence susceptibility. Additionally, the study identified influential factors, with distance from boreholes being the most significant influence. Other notable variables are distance to rivers, rainfall, wetness index, proximity to faults, and distance from residential areas. These valuable insights offer significant benefits to decision-makers and stakeholders, including local governments, urban planners, and disaster management agencies. These findings serve as a foundation for developing a comprehensive policy framework and strategic measures to address land subsidence in this critical region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analysis of hydro‐climatological time series and spatiotemporal dynamics of meteorological variables has become critical in the context of climate change, especially in Southern African countries where rain‐fed agriculture is predominant. In this work, we compared modern unsupervised time series and segmentation approaches and commonly used time series models to analyse rainfall regime changes in the coastal, sub‐humid and semi‐arid regions of Southern Africa. Rainfall regimes change modelling and prediction inform farming strategies especially when choosing measures for mixed crop–livestock farming systems, as farmers can decide to do rainwater harvesting and moisture conservation or supplementary irrigation if water resources are available. The main goal of this study was to predict/identify rainfall cluster trends over time using regression with hidden logistic process (RHLP) or hidden Markov model regression (HMMR) supplemented by autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) and Facebook Prophet models. Historical time series rainfall data was sourced from meteorological services departments for selected site over an average period of 55 years. Commonly used approaches forecasted an upward rainfall trend in the coastal and sub‐humid regions and a declining trend in semi‐arid areas with high variability between and within seasons. For all sites, Ljung‐Box Test Statistics suggested the existence of autocorrelation in rainfall time series data. Prediction capabilities were investigated using the root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE) and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) which indicated not much difference between ARIMA and Facebook Prophet models. RHLP and HMMR offered a unique clustering and segmentation approach examining between and within‐season rainfall variability. A maximum of 20 unique rainfall clusters with similar trend characteristics were determined as going beyond this brought non‐significant difference to regime changes. A clear trend was exhibited from 1980 going backwards as compared to recent years signifying how unpredictable is rainfall in Southern Africa. The unsupervised approaches predicted a clear cluster trend in coastal than in sub‐humid and semi‐arid and the performance was assessed using Akaike information criteria and log‐likelihood which showed improvement in prediction power as the number of segmentation clusters approaches 20. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The habitat heterogeneity hypothesis predicts that increasing habitat structural complexity will result in greater species richness and diversity. We employed ants as a model organism to investigate the significance of coastal vegetation in sandy soils (“restinga”) in northern Brazil for the conservation of biodiversity. This investigation involved assessing the distribution patterns of ants in restingas in different areas along the coast and different vegetation types. Ants were systematically sampled across six sites in the state of Bahia (Busca Vida, Praia do Forte, Imbassaí, Baixio, Barra do Itariri and Costa Azul) and four distinct restinga habitat types (Forest, Shrub, Beach vegetation habitat, and Humid zone) using pitfall trap, Winkler sampling and entomological umbrella techniques. We assessed whether there are differences in diversity, beta diversity, and ant composition according to the different Restinga vegetation types and sites. A total of 152 ant species were collected, distributed across 43 genera and eight subfamilies. Ant richness per sample and site did not differ according to the type of vegetation. However, we observed a variation in the composition of ants according to the different types of vegetation and sites studied. We observed that regardless of the type of vegetation, the main component responsible for the variation in the composition of ant species is the turnover, that is, the substitution of species between sites. Our study points out the importance of restinga for conservation, with a habitat complexity gradient that increases from beach to inland proportional to the ant diversity, especially in forest habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The coastal area of Jeneponto Regency, South Sulawesi, Indonesia, is heavily impacted by microplastic pollution, which poses a threat to marine organisms such as shellfish and fish. This aim of this study was to identify the presence of microplastic polymers, including vinylidene chloride, polyacetylene, polychlorotrifluoroethylene, polybutylene terephthalate, poly(isobutyl methacrylate), cellulose acetate butyrate, polybutadiene, and polyvinylchloride, in shellfish and fish in the coastal area of Jeneponto district, Indonesia. METHODS: In total, 60 shellfish and fish samples were collected directly from 12 locations in the coastal waters of Jeneponto Regency. Sample preparation, including enzymatic digestion and mechanical destruction, was performed to separate the organic tissues of fish and shellfish into small particles. Optical microscopy (at 100x and 400x magnification) was used to observe the morphology and to count the number of particles per sample volume using a modified Neubeuer Improved Counting Chamber. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy was used to determine the type of polymer. FINDINGS: Feather clams contained the highest number of microplastics, with a total of 58 items ranging from 0.027 to 4.587 millimeters in size. The total abundance of microplastics in feather clams ranged from 0.25 to 2.14 items per gram. Kurisi fish contained 22 items ranging from 0.085 to 2.127 millimeters in size, with a total abundance ranging from 0.01 to 0.08 items per gram. The types of polymers identified in the fish and clams included vinylidene chloride, polyacetylene, polychlorotrifluoroethylene, polybutylene terephthalate, poly(isobutyl methacrylate), cellulose acetate butyrate, polybutadiene, and polyvinyl chloride. Vinylidene chloride was the predominant type of microplastic polymer, accounting for 42 percent of all microplastic polymers. CONCLUSION: This study successfully identified eight types of microplastic polymers found in shellfish and fish in the coastal area of Jeneponto; the most common was vinylidene chloride. These findings indicate that marine organisms and humans are exposed to microplastics, which are potentially harmful, but further research is needed to understand the full extent of the associated environmental health impacts and risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a city located in the northern coast of Central Java, Semarang continuously faces serious challenges related to annual tidal flooding. This research specifically examines the multi-temporal distribution of tidal floods in the 2020-2024 time span. Using the Change Detection method on Sentinel-1 SAR satellite imagery, the distribution of tidal flooding during this period was determined. The data obtained was then further processed with overlay techniques to produce more detailed information. This technique allows for mapping areas with different levels of tidal flood vulnerability, and the overlay results were used as one of the parameters in the Composite Mapping Analysis (CMA) method, which integrates various related parameters. The results point out that the coastal areas of Semarang City, including the sub-districts of Tugu, West Semarang, North Semarang, East Semarang, Gayamsari, and Genuk, are dominated by high vulnerability levels. These areas have a high vulnerability percentage of 40%, covering an area of 4,988.65 hectares. Medium vulnerability includes 33% of the area with 4,080.01 hectares, while low vulnerability covers 23% with 2,802.22 hectares. Areas with very high vulnerability only incorporates 3.9% with an area of 481.40 hectares, and the lowest is very low vulnerability at 0.1% with an area of 10.39 hectares. The sub-districts most affected by high vulnerability are Genuk, Tugu, West Semarang, North Semarang, Gayamsari, and East Semarang in succession. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aim to analyze the changes in dietary iodine intake and the contribution rates of various foods to it after the reduction in salt iodine concentration in Zhejiang. We used data from two cross-sectional nutrition surveillance surveys conducted by the Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention in 2010 (9798 residents) and 2022 (5980 residents). In both surveys, multi-stage stratified and systematic sampling were adopted, and uniformly trained investigators conducted the dietary surveys using a 24 h dietary review and weighing record methods for 3 consecutive days. From 2010 to 2022, the median salt iodine concentration and the consumption rate of qualified iodized salt in Zhejiang households dropped from 28.80 to 22.08 mg/kg and from 76.65% to 64.20%, respectively. Moreover, the residents' median dietary iodine intake decreased from 277.48 to 142.05 μg/d. Significant interregional differences in dietary iodine intake were found in 2010 and 2022 (H = 639.175, p < 0.001; H = 588.592, p < 0.001, respectively); however, no significant differences existed between urban and rural areas (p > 0.05). From 2010 to 2022, the proportion of residents with dietary iodine intake below the estimated average requirement increased from 15.10% to 34.80%, while that of residents with intake above the tolerable upper limit decreased from 15.00% to 2.90%. The contribution rate of salt to dietary iodine intake among residents in Zhejiang decreased from 74.92% to 48.54%, showing an apparent overall downward trend despite the dietary intake being generally adequate (markedly inadequate in coastal regions). The salt iodine concentration and the consumption rate of qualified iodized salt in households in Zhejiang showed downward trends. Salt remained the main source of dietary iodine; however, its contribution decreased significantly. Zhejiang may need to reverse the trend of the continuous decline in the consumption rate of qualified iodized salt to protect the health of its residents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subsidence refers to the gradual lowering or sudden sinking of the ground surface and is known to impact human lives in terms of damages to the infrastructures, utility lines, and buildings as well as changes in the surficial drainage systems and groundwater conditions. The impacts of land subsidence will be greater in the future, considering the sea level rise, population growth, intensification of coastal erosion and extreme events, as well as increase in flood risk or freshwater salinization, mostly in coastal cities. The main aim of this work is to provide an open-source, peer-reviewed, and comprehensive database identifying the main and secondary causes of land subsidence in 143 coastal cities. We highlight the potential impacts of subsidence that are still unknown in some at-risk cities and non-existence of mitigation measures. The database additionally shows that mitigation measures, specifically those addressing subsidence due to groundwater extraction, have proven successful in the past. The proposed database aims to increase the knowledge on the subsidence phenomenon and also global awareness of land subsidence issues among researchers, the scientific community, stakeholders, and policymakers in terms of urban planning and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Archaeological bird remains from the Oregon coast provide important insight into local environments and the interactions between birds and people on the North American Pacific Coast. We contribute to this discussion with an analysis of bird remains from the Late Holocene Par‐Tee site (35CLT20) in Seaside, Oregon. We sampled the Par‐Tee avifaunal assemblage to near‐redundancy, generating the largest sample from a single site on the Oregon Coast to date (N = 7204). The Par‐Tee assemblage is dominated by nearshore or estuarine birds including scoters (Melanitta spp.) and Common Murres (Uria aalge), as well as pelagic Sooty Shearwaters (Ardenna grisea). Because of the large size of the sample, we identified unique species such as the California Condor (Gymnogyps californianus), which are currently endangered and face conservation challenges. Although the Par‐Tee avifaunal assemblage is diverse, site residents appear to have focused on acquiring the most accessible species in the nearshore habitat complemented by opportunistic pelagic hunting and/or scavenging of beached birds. Most birds appear to have been processed for dietary consumption, with possible preferential use of larger‐winged birds for tool manufacture. These findings underscore the value and challenges of using legacy collections for evaluating past human–environmental interactions in coastal and other aquatic regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastics are contaminants in marine ecosystems, posing great threats to biota and human health. In this work, we provide an overview of the progress made in understanding microplastic prevalence in tropical coastal environments, focusing on the Johor and the Singapore Straits as a case study. We examine the sources, distribution, transport, and ecological impact of microplastic pollution in this region through a systematic review. All papers relating to marine microplastics in Singapore's sand and benthic sediments, seawater, and marine biota were used for analysis, from 2004 to 2023. In addition, we discuss the influence of envi-ronmental factors such as coastal morphology and anthropogenic activities on patterns of microplastic accumulation. We emphasize that microplastic pollution is more prevalent along the eutrophic Johor Strait compared to the Singapore Strait due to hydrological conditions. Rainfall is also a key factor that influences mi-croplastic abundance during the monsoon seasons. Furthermore, the bacterial and plankton assemblages of organisms on microplastic surfaces are diverse, with eutrophic waters enhancing the diversity of organisms on microplastic surfaces. Novel harmful cyanobacteria and bloom species of phytoplankton were also found on microplastic surfaces. By synthesizing existing research findings and highlighting regional characteristics, this paper contributes to ongoing efforts to mitigate microplastic pollution in tropical regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract When evaluating the fragility of structures in response to wind loads, vulnerability analyses are often conducted under intact conditions. Therefore, the actual strength of aged transmission towers may be compromised, resulting in severe damage. Especially for steel structures used over a long period in coastal areas, there is a potential for performance degradation due to corrosion. One of the high-voltage transmission towers, the 765 kV transmission tower, is taller than other towers, making it more vulnerable to strong winds in the event of corrosion. In this study, the structural performance degradation of 765 kV transmission towers in coastal regions based on their service life was investigated. Capacity distributions were provided considering the uncertainties in various parameters, such as the wind attack angle and material properties. A fragility assessment process that accounts for uncertainties in the wind conditions and aerodynamic parameters is proposed. Using the research results, we created limit-collapsed surfaces to evaluate the structural safety of transmission towers based on their service life, wind speed, and wind attack angle. The results showed a quantitative decrease in structural safety due to corrosion depending on the service life, with the most unfavorable wind attack angle being 0°. The proposed limit-collapsed surface can help efficiently evaluate structural conditions considering wind speed, wind attack angle, and service life. Hence, this study can serve as a basis for the structural evaluation of modern transmission towers to avoid power disruptions in major cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The population of recreation-seeking fishing tourists is increasing. This study aimed to examine the variables that contribute to predicting fishing tourists' green behaviors at coastal tourism destinations by adopting an fsQCA approach. The research findings show that while each factor (i.e. perceived benefits, volitional variables, non-volitional variables, and emotion variables) individually exerts a significant influence on green behavior, the combined effect of integrating all these factors is substantial. This indicates that the synergy or combined influence of considering perceived benefits, volitional variables, non-volitional variables, and emotion variables together has a pronounced effect on promoting environmentally friendly behavior. Furthermore, the results of this study have academic and practical implications, as it was the first investigation of fishing tourists' psychological mechanisms undertaken by defining the relationship between green behaviors and their antecedents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing seawater influence in coastal areas is an ongoing environmental issue. Gardening is a widespread activity mainly in touristic areas such as the Mediterranean coasts. However, the use of exotic species well adapted to salinity encompasses the risk of invasive species introduction. This study aimed to evaluate salinity tolerance of native geophytes, Pancratium maritimum L. and Eryngium maritimum L., to assess their use as ornamental species in salt affected coastal areas. Experiments were conducted using cultivated plants for flowering response and physiological and enzymatic antioxidant response. Six treatments were applied for two months, exposing plants to seawater (SW) dilutions (Tap-Water, 6.25%SW, 12.5%SW, 25%SW, 50%SW and 100%SW). Taxa decreased inflorescence production being this effect more architectonical in E. maritimum and affecting all inflorescence integrity in P. maritimum. Flowering time was strongly delayed and reduced in P. maritimum, while E. maritimum showed smaller effects among treatments. Physiological and biochemical response showed at moderate salinity levels (1/4SW) variation concomitant with late stress response and senescence in P. maritimum, with decreased water use efficiency, NPQ values, and enzymatic activity, and increased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. In contrast, E. maritimum showed early stress response with steady gas exchange response, increasing NPQ values and catalase (CAT) and superoxide dimutase (SOD) activity, and decreasing MDA levels with salinity. Glutathione enzymes showed limited participation in both species. The results of this study suggest that neither species can be classified as halophytes, but they exhibit tolerance to low and moderate salinity levels, making them suitable for ornamental use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reinforced concrete structures constructed in coastal areas in Indonesia often suffer damage before reaching their intended service life, with steel reinforcement corrosion being a major contributing factor. This study aims to investigate the use of concrete structures produced with simple methods and inadequate supervision in coastal regions. Reinforced concrete structures near the coast are susceptible to carbonation due to marine environmental factors, leading to reinforcement corrosion. The study was conducted on the Dande Dandere Market building, Tanakeke Island, Takalar Regency, South Sulawesi. The research method employed quantitative techniques, including surveys and structural testing. Visual inspections were conducted to identify the types of damage present in the building and estimate their causes. Structural testing involved both destructive and non-destructive tests. Concrete compressive strength testing was also conducted to assess the concrete sample's compressive strength, along with carbonation testing to determine the acidity level of concrete due to the intrusion of salt compounds or carbonation formed within the concrete mass. The research findings indicate structural degradation in the market's construction, occurring more rapidly than the intended lifespan of the building. Signs of structural degradation in the reinforced concrete construction include spalling of concrete cover on beams, supporting columns, and cantilever slabs, as well as degraded reinforcement, with an average reduction in steel weight of 62.70% over six years, and an average weight loss of 0.103 grams per day. Therefore, efforts are needed to optimize the structural quality of the building through comprehensive repairs, starting from the foundation. However, for cost-efficient alternatives, it is recommended to use timber structural materials for new market construction. The use of timber in coastal buildings, which are vulnerable to marine influences, is more feasible as the presence of saltwater can inhibit wood decay caused by microorganisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the heavy metal concentrations in water and sediment samples from three stations in coastal marine wetlands in Rivers State, Nigeria: Sangama, Degema, and Tema. Samples were collected monthly from October 2021 to April 2022. Igeo, metal pollution load index (MPLI), ecological risk assessment, ecological risk factor (Er), and potential ecological risk index (PERI) were used to evaluate the impact of pollution levels. The average concentrations of heavy metals like Fe, Zn, Pb, Cd, and Cu were analyzed to assess contamination levels and ecological risks. Results show spatial variations in metal concentrations, with Sangama having the highest levels in both water and sediment. The geoaccumulation index (Igeo) and ecological risk factor (Er) were used to evaluate contamination levels and risks. Tema and Degema have generally favourable conditions with low to moderate contamination, while Sangama shows higher levels, especially for Cd, Pb, and Cu. The potential ecological risk index (PERI) and metal pollution load index (MPLI) emphasize the significant ecological risks from heavy metal pollution at all three stations. Urgent action is needed to implement effective environmental management strategies and reduce the impacts of metal pollution on aquatic ecosystems in these areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Analysis of hydro‐climatological time series and spatiotemporal dynamics of meteorological variables has become critical in the context of climate change, especially in Southern African countries where rain‐fed agriculture is predominant. In this work, we compared modern unsupervised time series and segmentation approaches and commonly used time series models to analyse rainfall regime changes in the coastal, sub‐humid and semi‐arid regions of Southern Africa. Rainfall regimes change modelling and prediction inform farming strategies especially when choosing measures for mixed crop–livestock farming systems, as farmers can decide to do rainwater harvesting and moisture conservation or supplementary irrigation if water resources are available. The main goal of this study was to predict/identify rainfall cluster trends over time using regression with hidden logistic process (RHLP) or hidden Markov model regression (HMMR) supplemented by autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) and Facebook Prophet models. Historical time series rainfall data was sourced from meteorological services departments for selected site over an average period of 55 years. Commonly used approaches forecasted an upward rainfall trend in the coastal and sub‐humid regions and a declining trend in semi‐arid areas with high variability between and within seasons. For all sites, Ljung‐Box Test Statistics suggested the existence of autocorrelation in rainfall time series data. Prediction capabilities were investigated using the root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE) and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) which indicated not much difference between ARIMA and Facebook Prophet models. RHLP and HMMR offered a unique clustering and segmentation approach examining between and within‐season rainfall variability. A maximum of 20 unique rainfall clusters with similar trend characteristics were determined as going beyond this brought non‐significant difference to regime changes. A clear trend was exhibited from 1980 going backwards as compared to recent years signifying how unpredictable is rainfall in Southern Africa. The unsupervised approaches predicted a clear cluster trend in coastal than in sub‐humid and semi‐arid and the performance was assessed using Akaike information criteria and log‐likelihood which showed improvement in prediction power as the number of segmentation clusters approaches 20.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The coastal area of Jeneponto Regency, South Sulawesi, Indonesia, is heavily impacted by microplastic pollution, which poses a threat to marine organisms such as shellfish and fish. This aim of this study was to identifiy the presence of microplastic polymers, including vinylidene chloride, polyacetylene, polychlorotrifluoroethylene, polybutylene terephthalate, poly(isobutyl methacrylate), cellulose acetate butyrate, polybutadiene, and polyvinylchloride, in shellfish and fish in the coastal area of Jeneponto district, Indonesia.METHODS: In total, 60 shellfish and fish samples were collected directly from 12 locations in the coastal waters of Jeneponto Regency. Sample preparation, including enzymatic digestion and mechanical destruction, was performed to separate the organic tissues of fish and shellfish into small particles. Optical microscopy (at 100× and 400× magnification) was used to observe the morphology and to count the number of particles per sample volume using a modified Neubeuer Improved Counting Chamber. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy was used to determine the type of polymer.FINDING: Feather clams contained the highest number of microplastics, with a total of 58 items ranging from 0.027 to 4.587 millimeters in size. The total abundance of microplastics in feather clams ranged from 0.25 to 2.14 items per gram. Kurisi fish contained 22 items ranging from 0.085 to 2.127 millimeters in size, with a total abundance ranging from 0.01 to 0.08 items per gram. The types of polymers identified in the fish and clams included vinylidene chloride, polyacetylene, polychlorotrifluoroethylene, polybutylene terephthalate, poly(isobutyl methacrylate), cellulose acetate butyrate, polybutadiene, and polyvinyl chloride. Vinylidene chloride was the predominant type of microplastic polymer, accounting for 42 percent of all microplastic polymers.CONCLUSION: This study successfully identified eight types of microplastic polymers found in shellfish and fish in the coastal area of Jeneponto; the most common was vinylidene chloride. These findings indicate that marine organisms and humans are exposed to microplastics, which are potentially harmful, but further research is needed to understand the full extent of the associated environmental health impacts and risks.

A taxonomic review of Korean intertidal species of Bryothinusa Casey is presented. Eight species are recognized, five of which are new additions to the Korean fauna (Bryothinusa algarum Sawada, B. hokkaidensis Liu, Ono and Maruyama, B. itsuroi Liu, Ono and Maruyama, B. japonica Liu, Ono and Maruyama, and B. nigra Liu, Ono and Maruyama). Previous record of B. nakanei Sawada was an incorrect identification of B. nigra. A key, diagnoses, habitus photographs, and line drawings of median lobe and spermatheca are provided to facilitate identification.

ABSTRACTIndonesia is located at the confluence of the world’s tectonic plates, causing frequent tsunami disasters. An area in Indonesia prone to a tsunami is the Sunda Strait, which has an active underwater volcano, Mount Krakatau. One of the tsunami disaster mitigation measures is to make a map of the level of vulnerability of coastal areas to tsunami disasters. Spatial analysis of the vulnerability of coastal areas to the tsunami disaster employs the overlay method of coastal area vulnerability parameters using Geographic Information System software. The parameters used in analyzing the level of tsunami vulnerability are (1) land elevation, (2) land slope, (3) land use, (4) distance from the coast, and (5) distance from the river. The level of vulnerability is divided into five categories: very high, high, medium, low, and very low. Of all the research areas, those included in the very high vulnerability category (33.56 ha) areas included in the high vulnerability category are 3923.62 ha.

Due to the advantageous tidal movements and water exchange in coastal ponds, pangasius and tilapia farmers in Bangladesh benefit from higher water quality and nutrient levels, leading to higher quality fish at lower feed and water exchange costs. Therefore, the economic performance of coastal farms may be higher than for noncoastal farms. This study investigates the differences in technical efficiency and other economic performance indicators between coastal and noncoastal pond aquaculture farms. Data from 121 coastal and 479 noncoastal farms were analyzed using meta-frontier data envelopment analysis (DEA) and propensity score matching (PSM). Results show coastal farms are more efficient than noncoastal ones due to their advantageous locations. Locating new aquaculture farms to coastal regions could increase average output with the same inputs, follow industry best practices, save costs, and achieve higher returns on investment, reaching break-even at lower prices and quantities than noncoastal farms. Prioritize the development of aquaculture in coastal regions by providing incentives and infrastructure supports, as these areas offer competitive advantage over noncoastal regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to determine: i) differences in general intelligence students in the urban, highland, and coastal, ii) scholastic differences students in the urban, highland and coastal, and iii) the relationship of general intelligence and scholastic students urban, highland and coastal. Samples were taken by using purposive sampling techniques as many as 670 students from the urban, 764 people from the highland and 604 students from the coastal. Analysis data used descriptive analysis, analysis of variance followed by Tukey honestly significant difference (HSD) analysis, and regression. The results showed that 31.4% of students in the highland have a general intelligence above the average of their age students, while students who live in the urban with a general intelligence above average age is only 23.3%, while on the coastal is only 8.1%. It was found that; i) there are differences in general intelligence of students, ii) there are differences in scholastic ability of students, and iii) there is a general intelligence effect to scholastic ability students in the urban, highland and coastal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quality of the water supply for aquaculture determines the success of vanamei shrimp farming. The presence of heavy metals and microplastics in aquaculture waters are hazardous pollutants that pose a toxicological risk to aquatic organisms and the aquatic environment. The study aimed to determine the heavy metal content and abundance of microplastics in the water supply, as well as to determine the correlation between water quality factors with heavy metals and microplastics. Data collection was carried out through sampling at five locations determined based on close to Vannamei ponds and in the vicinity of settlements, tourism activities, and industrial activities criteria. The ICP-OES technique was used to measure heavy metal concentrations. NOAA standard techniques were used to identify and quantify the number of microplastics. One-way ANOVA and correlation tests were used for data analysis. The results of heavy metal measurements of Hg were 0.00001-0.0000133 mgL-1, Pb ranged from 0.015-0.06 mgL-1 and Cd ranged from 0.003-0.008 mgL-1. The abundance of fragment-type microplastics was dominant compared to other types of microplastics was 733.33 particles/m³. Variance testing for microplastic fragment types differed significantly (p<0.1) between sampling points. Heavy metal concentrations between sampling points are not statistically different (p>0.1) and the results of correlation analysis show temperature correlates with heavy metal Cd. Temperature (30-32℃), pH (7.5-7.6), dissolved oxygen (5.53-7.23 mgL-1), salinity (16.33-28.33 ppt), and total suspended solid (37-48.33 mgL-1) are the physicochemical parameters that measure and has not exceeded the established quality standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastics are contaminants in marine ecosystems, posing great threats to biota and human health. In this work, we provide an overview of the progress made in understanding microplastic prevalence in tropical coastal environments, focusing on the Johor and the Singapore Straits as a case study. We examine the sources, distribution, transport, and ecological impact of microplastic pollution in this region through a systematic review. All papers relating to marine microplastics in Singapore’s sand and benthic sediments, seawater, and marine biota were used for analysis, from 2004 to 2023. In addition, we discuss the influence of envi-ronmental factors such as coastal morphology and anthropogenic activities on patterns of microplastic accumulation. We emphasize that microplastic pollution is more prevalent along the eutrophic Johor Strait compared to the Singapore Strait due to hydrological conditions. Rainfall is also a key factor that influences mi-croplastic abundance during the monsoon seasons. Furthermore, the bacterial and plankton assemblages of organisms on microplastic surfaces are diverse, with eutrophic waters enhancing the diversity of organisms on microplastic surfaces. Novel harmful cyanobacteria and bloom species of phytoplankton were also found on microplastic surfaces. By synthesizing existing research findings and highlighting regional characteristics, this paper contributes to ongoing efforts to mitigate microplastic pollution in tropical regions.

Many coastal ecosystems are impacted by human pressures. Rocky reefs are structurally complex habitats that often support elevated fish abundance and marine biodiversity. In the Baltic Sea, rocky reefs have suffered from extraction for decades, leading to a decrease in hard substrata and complex habitat availability.This study is the first to restore cobble reefs and examine the biological effects.Baited and unbaited underwater video systems (BRUVS and UBRUVS, respectively) were employed across five years to monitor fish communities before reef deployment in 2017 and after reef deployment in 2018 and 2021.Using a before–after control‐impact (BACI) study design with replicates, relative abundances of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua), herring (Clupeidae sp.), goldsinny wrasse (Ctenolabrus rupestris), two‐spotted goby (Pomatoschistus flavescens), shore crab (Carcinus maenas), and flatfish (Pleuronectiformes spp.) were compared across time and test sites. Comparisons were conducted across 1) restored cobble reefs, 2) natural cobble reefs, and 3) sand‐bottom test sites.This study found positive reef restoration effects revealed consistently by BRUVS and UBRUVS in three species: Atlantic cod, goldsinny wrasse and two‐spotted goby. These findings indicate that A) it is possible to restore cobble reefs and the associated mobile fauna, but also that B) continued marine extraction of cobble degrades complex habitats to the detriment of various marine species.To preserve Atlantic cod, and other sensitive species, we emphasize ecosystem restoration and warn against marine cobble reef extraction in vulnerable areas. Restoration of marine habitats may contribute to achieving the UN sustainable development goal covering life below water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foraging animals move through the environment to satisfy their requirements for food, rest, reproduction and risk-avoidance. Understanding how animals respond to changing environmental conditions can help to characterise favourable habitat and determine whether they might be motivated to depart when those habitats become unsuitable. Foraging green turtles are typically residents that scarcely move in response to environmental changes or disturbances. Some individuals though, exhibit high mobility at fine scales. We developed an analysis of Fastloc GPS tracks of 61 green turtles using cox regression models and generalised linear mixed models to investigate the influence of a suite of environmental characteristics on the length of residence time and probability of turtles transitioning between two behavioural modes, "stay" or "go". Decisions to move ("go") were influenced by short-term changes in the local environmental conditions. Individuals were more likely to "stay" when temperature increased during their stay and were more likely to "go" when turbidity decreased, and they entered deeper habitats. This result implies that foraging and resting ("staying") primarily occurs in benthic, shallow, warm habitats, while transit ("going") is facilitated in deeper, clear water. We also determined that individuals within the green turtle foraging aggregation respond differently to environmental cues to move and hypothesise that a diversity of strategies within a foraging aggregation could confer its resilience to disturbance events. Our study provides new evidence of the factors influencing movements in green turtles and can aid in predicting how they may respond to future changes and enhance risk mitigation efforts through dynamic and adaptive planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: Cyanobacteria are ancient organisms that contribute significantly to primary production in aquatic ecosystems. Although they are a group of microbes present in a wide range of environments, their diversity on anthropogenic substrates, namely microplastics, is still largely unknown. In the present study, we describe a new genus and species of cyanobacteria from the Nodosilineaceae family. Strains were isolated from foam microplastic particles obtained from beach sediments facing the Singapore Strait. This species is morphologically similar to the polyphyletic, cosmopolitan Leptolyngbya spp.; however, it forms an independent clade with 16S rRNA phylogeny and has a unique 16S–23S internal transcribed spacer secondary structure. To date, no cyanobacteria have been isolated and cultured from the surfaces of microplastic particles. Using a polyphasic approach combining morphological, phylogenetic and ecological traits, we describe a new genus and species Sphaerothrix gracilis. The presence of certain cyanobacteria rafting on microplastic surfaces can potentially indicate a long‐distance transport into new ecosystems with implications on toxicity and biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Curracurrang 1 (1CU5) is a rockshelter site located in the Royal National Park (RNP) on the coast south of Sydney. Excavated from 1962 to 1966, the site's rich Holocene cultural deposit has become important for understanding regional Late Holocene developments in Australian lithic and shell technologies. Our comprehensive analysis of 1CU5's faunal remains is presented here, accompanied by new AMS radiocarbon dates and a reinterpretation of the site's occupation sequence. Much of the midden deposit spans from about 2500 BP to approximately 1850 AD, rather than only the last ∼1500 years as originally believed based on less comprehensive dating. A wide range of terrestrial and marine fauna were exploited at 1CU5, with the relative importance of the latter group increasing within the last ∼1500 years. Greater fish consumption during the later period may relate to use of novel hook and line fishing technology using hooks made from shellfish, but concurrent increases in seals, seabirds and marine invertebrates suggest a broader increased reliance on marine resources. By comparison, the earlier period, which coincides with the manufacture of backed microliths, displays relatively greater reliance on terrestrial marsupials. Taxonomic representation suggests occupation of the shelter from winter through spring, and potentially into summer. Analysis of the 1CU5 fauna marks an important contribution to the understanding of Late Holocene economies at the interface of the greater Sydney and NSW South Coast cultural and biogeographic regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the field of coastal geomorphology, advancements in space technology have revolutionized coastal mapping and understanding. Satellite‐derived bathymetry (SDB) research has progressed, focusing on various estimation methods using high‐resolution satellite imagery and in‐situ data. Challenges arise when applying these methods to the Indian coastline due to its turbid waters and intricate features such as creeks and deltas, laden with sediment and submerged rocks. A study aims to assess multivariate machine learning (ML) regression techniques for estimating bathymetric data. The study employs ground‐truth data and imagery from Aster, Landsat‐8, and Sentinel‐2 at distinct sites known for complex underwater landscapes. Several algorithms including Multiple Linear Regression, Support Vector Regressor, Gaussian Process Regression (GPR), Decision Tree Regression, K‐Neighbors Regressor, k‐fold cross‐validation with Decision Tree Regression, and Random Forest (RF) are evaluated for SDB. Results from the Vengurla Site show that using the Landsat‐8 data set with the GPR algorithm achieves R2 0.94, root mean squared error (RMSE) 1.53 m, and MAE 1.14 m, utilizing visible spectrum bands. At Mormugao, the Sentinel‐2 data set with GPR and RF algorithms attains R2 0.97 and RMSE 1.23 m, with GPR outperforming RF, having an MAE of 1.05 m compared to RF's 1.22 m. This study underscores the potential of ML regression techniques in overcoming challenges with using SDB for mapping coastal geomorphology, particularly in intricate underwater terrains and turbid waters by assimilating sophisticated algorithms and their refined cartographic representation. Plain Language Summary: Researchers are leveraging advancements in space technology to enhance the mapping and comprehension of coastal regions, particularly focusing on satellite‐derived bathymetry (SDB). SDB utilizes high‐resolution satellite imagery in conjunction with on‐site data to estimate the submerged terrain. However, the application of these methodologies along the Indian coastline poses challenges due to factors such as turbidity and the presence of complex geological formations like creeks and deltas. This study explored the utilization of multivariate machine learning (ML) regression techniques to improve the estimation of SDB. Various algorithms were tested using data sourced from satellites such as Aster, Landsat‐8, and Sentinel‐2 across two different sites with diverse underwater landscapes. Results demonstrate promising accuracy, particularly when employing Landsat‐8 data in conjunction with Gaussian Process Regression (GPR), yielding an R2 value of 0.94. Similarly, at another site, the combination of SENTINEL‐2 data with GPR and RF achieved an R2 value of 0.97, underscoring the potential of ML techniques in mapping intricate coastal terrains despite challenges like turbid waters. Key Points: Advancements in space technology for coastal bathymetry mappingPredicting coastal geomorphology with satellite‐derived bathymetry (SDB)Multivariate machine learning regression for estimating SDB [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent decades, the relationship between gender and climate change has become a central theme in various discourses. This is due to the massive environmental destruction recorded across the world, including along the coast of Sayung sub-district, with women and other vulnerable groups being the major victims of these environmental problems and socialecological crises. This study, therefore, aimed to better understand the coping strategies and solutions used by gender-based coastal communities in facing types of disasters. The ecofeminist viewpoint served as both a theoretical framework and an analytical tool in examining the problem of tidal waves and land subsidence along the Sayung Demak coast. This perspective could capture the reality of women and vulnerable groups, as well as their adaptation process, through the expression of personal experiences with the existing conditions. In conclusion, current developments have significantly marginalized women and other vulnerable groups into economic adaptation, physical adaptation, and survival (quietly) with existing conditions. The findings of this study show several types of adaptations made by women in facing the climate change crisis. Based on an ecofeminist perspective, climate change is not sudden but results from a capitalistic and development paradigm. As a result, it impacts women and the environment, especially on the coast, with the occurrence of tidal floods (rob), floods, and abrasion. Women respond to this condition through economic, environmental, and physical adaptation. This condition implies that people's living space, especially women's, will disappear or become more complicated if this condition is not handled wisely through regulations and policies on development in coastal areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tsunami disaster mitigation is essential to reduce the possibility of negative impacts on human life by using ecologically acceptable alternatives. In line with the mitigation efforts, it is essential to focus on strategies such as reducing the risk of casualties and planning for coastal development. An effective method includes the implementation of coastal risk mapping for tsunami disasters. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the propagation and run-up modeling of tsunami waves, as well as evaluate the timing and extent of inundation, and identify affected areas, providing basic information for mapping tsunami risk and vulnerability. Geospatial analysis adopting stacking methods with integrated weighting was applied, using physical topography data as a basis. The results showed that the fault from the earthquake scenario, triggering a tsunami, led to elevated water levels in the southern area. This was attributed to the upward orientation of the fault in the southern area, causing higher waves. Specifically, wave height in the southern area reached a maximum of 8 meters, with the minimum wave value recorded at -4. Tsunami modeling presented a height of 22 meters, resulting in a run-up affecting an area of 965.96 Ha. In conclusion, this study provided an important contribution to the development of the basic theory related to the tsunami risk and vulnerability model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coastal eutrophication is a major issue of marine pollution. The main factors controlling eutrophication must be identified to ensure effective marine environmental management according to the respective local conditions. Zhanjiang Bay (ZJB), located northwest of the South China Sea, is a semi-closed bay influenced by complex water flows and the development of surrounding cities. In this study, we investigated the development of nutrient concentrations and compositions in ZJB seawater over the past 20 years and the factors influencing eutrophication based on several field investigations from 2006 to 2022 and historical data. High concentrations of dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP) and dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) were the main contributors to the severe long-term eutrophication in ZJB; however, light eutrophication was observed in the outer bay, primarily caused by chemical oxygen demand (COD) and DIP. The primary sources of COD and nutrients were riverine freshwater, sewage outfalls, mariculture and domestic effluents carried by rivers. Tidal effects diluted the nutrient concentrations in the bay with seawater from the outer bay, thereby playing a key role in nutrient redistribution. The DIN: DIP ratio of ZJB showed long-term nitrogen restriction and excess phosphorus, primarily owing to mariculture activities. Marine undertakings can exert various impacts on water quality. Eliminating illegal aquaculture and launching aquaculture tailwater treatment can improve water quality, whereas practices such as channel dredging may worsen it. This study demonstrates the intricate dynamics of the ZJB ecosystem and offers valuable insights for effective environmental management and conservation efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to identify critical risk factors for childhood malnutrition and inform targeted interventions. Childhood malnutrition remains a pressing concern in the coastal regions of Bangladesh. Data were extracted from the latest Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey 2017–2018 and children aged 0–59 months and their mothers aged 15–49 years from 17 coastal districts were included as study population in this study. We performed multivariable logistic regression model to determine the risk factors and a total 2153 children were eligible for the analysis. Stunting, wasting and underweight prevalence was 31.4%, 8.5% and 21.1% respectively. Stunting was more common in children aged 24–35 months with compared to their younger counterparts [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 3.32, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.35–4.67]. Children to mothers with higher education exhibited 69% (AOR = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.18–0.52) lower risk of stunting compared to those with no education. Similarly, children in poorest and poorer households had 2.2 and 1.83 times higher odds of stunting respectively than those in the richest households. Children born to obese mothers (compared to normal) were 34% less likely to be stunted (AOR = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.51–0.85). Children who had fever and underweight mothers reported wasting. Increasing child age, low maternal education, poorest wealth index, unimproved toilet facilities and childhood morbidity were identified as significant risk factors for underweight. Results support the requirement of effective and appropriate interventions for this particular region considering the identified risk factors to reduce childhood malnutrition in Bangladesh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecuador, a country with distinct coastal (CO), highland (HL), and Amazon (AM) regions that are characterized by unique climatic, ecological, and socio-economic features is highly vulnerable to climate change. This study focuses on these three regions, highlighting their individual importance in the broader context of Ecuador's climate vulnerability. Utilizing dynamically downscaled data from the Regional Climate Model (RCM), we generated precipitation and air temperature projections for the period 2070-2099 under three different climate change scenarios. We indicate projected temperature increases across all three regions: mean temperature increases for the CO, HL and AM regions are of 1.35, 1.55, and 1.21°C, respectively. Each year, the largest temperature increases are predicted for the third quarter (June-August), with the smallest increases predicted for the last quarter (December-February). Precipitation patterns show varied changes, with CO exhibiting a positive mean daily change, in contrast to a mean negative change in the AM region. These region-specific projections underscore the differential impacts of climate change within Ecuador and highlight the necessity for tailored adaptation measures. The study's novel approach, focusing on distinct regional impacts within a single nation, offers valuable insights for policymakers, aiding in the development of effective, region-specific climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies. This targeted approach is crucial to address unique challenges faced by different regions, thereby supporting national resilience strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bio-optical and physical measurements were collected in the Mississippi Sound (Northern Gulf of Mexico) during the spring of 2018 as part of the Integrated Coastal Bio-Optical Dynamics project. The goal was to examine the impact of atmospheric and tidal fronts on fine-scale physical and bio-optical property distributions in a shallow, dynamic, coastal environment. During a 25-day experiment, eight moorings were deployed in the vicinity of a frontal zone. For a one-week period in the middle of the mooring deployment, focused ship sampling was conducted with aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicle overflights, acquiring hyperspectral optical and thermal data. The personnel in the aircraft located visible color fronts indicating the convergence of two water masses and directed the ship to the front. Dye releases were performed on opposite sides of a front, and coincident aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicle overflights were collected to facilitate visualization of advection/mixing/dispersion processes. Radiometric calibration of the optical hyperspectral sensor was performed. Empirical Line Calibration was also performed to atmospherically correct the aircraft imagery using in situ remote sensing reflectance measurements as calibration sources. Bio-optical properties were subsequently derived from the atmospherically corrected aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicle imagery using the Naval Research Laboratory Automated Processing System. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coral reefs are threatened globally by compounding stressors of accelerating climate change and deteriorating water quality. Water quality plays a central role in coral reef health. Yet, accurately quantifying water quality at large scales meaningful for monitoring impacts on coral health remains a challenge due to the complex optical conditions typical of shallow water coastal systems. Here, we report the performance of 32 remote sensing water quality models for suspended particulate matter and chlorophyll concentrations as well as colored dissolved organic matter absorption, over concentration ranges relevant for reef ecology using airborne imaging spectroscopy and field measurements across 62 stations in nearshore Hawaiian waters. Models were applied to reflectance spectra processed with a suite of approaches to compensate for glint and other above-water impacts on reflectance spectra. Results showed reliable estimation of particulate matter concentrations (RMSE = 2.74 mg L−1) and accurate but imprecise estimation of chlorophyll (RMSE = 0.46 μg L−1) and colored dissolved organic matter (RMSE = 0.03 m−1). Accurately correcting reflectance spectra to minimize sun and sky glint effects significantly improved model performance. Results here suggest a role for both hyperspectral and multispectral platforms and rapid application of simple algorithms can be useful for nearshore water quality monitoring over coral reefs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Jakarta, Indonesia, rapid urbanization and intensive groundwater extraction have led to significant land subsidence, posing challenges for sustainable urban management. This study utilized Interferometry Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) integrated with multi-track data analysis to generate refined time-series and velocities of 2D displacement across Greater Jakarta. This study reveals notable variation in subsidence rates across different areas, with the most significant subsidence observed in Cikarang and the coastal regions of North Jakarta, which remains linear to this day. Notably, while the 2D approach improved accuracy by up to 53% at some locations, discrepancies at others indicated that simpler descending projections might sometimes yield better results. This underscores the necessity for a nuanced application of geodetic methods based on specific site conditions to effectively monitor and manage land subsidence in complex urban environments. Our findings highlight the critical importance of integrating multiple monitoring approaches to comprehensively address both vertical and horizontal displacement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The application of silicon solubilizing rhizobacteria (SSB) with various plant growth-promoting properties to improve the uptake of nutrients by plants is becoming the global trend in sustaining rice production systems. However, the identification and profiling of SSB from the coastal halophyte are still limited. This study was aimed to identify and profile the SSB with plant growth-promoting properties isolated from the coastal halophyte rhizosphere soil. Methodology and results: The rhizosphere soil of halophyte (Poaceae) was sampled and screened for SSB. The SSB obtained was further in vitro screened for lignocellulolytic activities and phosphate solubilization properties. The most potential SSB were clustered and selected using principal component analysis (PCA) and further evaluated for in vitro siderophore and IAA production, followed by rice seed germination and seedling growth performance. A total of 46 SSB were isolated from the coastal halophyte with the silicon solubilizing index ranging 1.01-4.6. Eight SSB isolates (SSB34, SSB37, SSB41, SSB24, SSB45, SSB46, SSB25 and SSB29) were identified and selected from the clustering analysis. Further analysis revealed that rice seedlings inoculated with the isolates SSB24, SSB29 and SSB46 exhibited significant sprouting rates compared with control. All these three SSB isolates were identified using 16S rRNA sequencing as Pantoea stewartii subsp. Indologenes (SSB24), Burkholderia lata strain 383 (SSB29) and Ralstonia syzygii strain ATCC 49543. Conclusion, significance and impact of study: The selected SSB isolates can potentially be suggested as a sustainable approach to promote rice seedling growth. Moreover, exploring SSB under field conditions to improve rice seedling growth through increasing nutrient availability for plant uptake needed to be focused. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Studying ocean tides with satellite altimetry has traditionally been difficult in coastal regions. The 1 day repeat of the Cal/Val phase of SWOT provides a unique dataset that can be exploited for tidal analysis. In this work, KaRIn data from the SWOT Cal/Val phase are analyzed in two coastal regions to present a first look at the possibilities for tidal analysis from SWOT. The areas are: (a) Bristol Channel and (b) Great South Bay. When benchmarked against in situ measurements in these regions, substantial improvements over tide models, which typically report errors exceeding tens of centimeters and degrees, are seen. Specifically, the SWOT ocean‐tide estimates exhibit amplitude discrepancies ranging from 1.75 to 3 cm and phase lag discrepancies between 1.75° and 2.75° when compared with in situ tide gauge data. These findings underscore the value of SWOT for tidal research in complex coastal regions.