Areas Of Papua New Guinea Research Articles

Characteristics of Background Noise in the Oldest-1 Array Deployed on the Oldest Part of the Pacific Plate

ABSTRACT We characterize the sources of background noise recorded by an ocean-bottom seismometer array deployed on the oldest oceanic lithosphere of the western Pacific plate. This igneous oceanic crust is blanketed up to 1000 m cover of sediments, making it a unique place to investigate correlations between sediment thickness and background noise levels in the marine environment. Although the data are limited, we found that the thicker sediments attenuated short-period noise levels and amplified long-period noise levels, in agreement with observations made for seismic arrivals in onshore sedimentary basins. Comparison of the noise levels from our Oldest-1 deployment with those (1) in the western Pacific basin, (2) near the Mariana trench, and (3) offshore New Zealand indicates that the Oldest-1 has the highest noise levels in the double-frequency (secondary) microseism band by up to 7 dB. This result was unexpected given the greater water depths (averaging 5800 m) for the Oldest-1 array. However, even at these great depths, we find a strong correlation between significant wave heights and background noise levels in the short-period microseism band (2–5 s). In addition, the Oldest-1 array was subjected to a great number of intense close typhoons than the other arrays and was proximal to a great number of taller seamounts than the other arrays. Finally, tracking noise source azimuths using station pairs led to the identification of a possible new source for the single-frequency microseism band in the coastal areas of Papua New Guinea and Australia.

Ewangelizacja w kontekście kultury górskich rejonów Papui-Nowej Gwinei. Część 2

The purpose of the article is to show the dynamics of evangelization in the context of the culture of the peoples living in the mountainous areas of Papua New Guinea. The starting point is the history of Christianization of these areas and the rooting of Churches of various denominations there. The analysis reveals the tools of evangelization used by Catholic missionaries to penetrate the culture and traditions of the local inhabitants, which resulted in the formation of new Christian communities.

Western to Central Equatorial Pacific Planktic Foraminiferal Fluxes: Implication for the Relationship Between Their Assemblage and Warm Pool Migration from 1999 to 2002

ABSTRACT Time-series sediment trap experiments were carried out in the western to central equatorial Pacific (Sites MT3, MT4, MT5, and MT7) from 1999 to 2002, over the transitional time period from La Niña to El Niño conditions, in order to evaluate temporal variability in planktic foraminiferal fluxes and their assemblages. The foraminiferal test flux follows a trophic gradient from higher fluxes in the Equatorial Upwelling Region (EUR) and lower fluxes in the Western Pacific Warm Pool (WPWP) region. Globigerinoides ruber commonly dominates in all sites through the experimental period. Trilobatus sacculifer, Globigerinita glutinata, and Neogloboquadrina dutertrei occurred especially in the WPWP. In contrast, Globigerina bulloides and Pulleniatina obliquiloculata characterized the fauna in the EUR. A change in hydrologic conditions from La Niña to El Niño was documented along the sites during the sampled time interval. Simultaneous with an eastward advancement of the WPWP, the EUR retreated to the east. Rapid decreases in the fluxes of G. ruber, G. bulloides, and P. obliquiloculata were recognized immediately after the more oligotrophic WPWP conditions prevailed at Sites MT4, MT5, and MT7. Fluxes of the total planktic foraminifer assemblage increased both in the EUR and in the western side of the WPWP under full El Niño conditions during the second half of 2002. Such increases in test fluxes in the western side of the WPWP were mainly attributed to G. ruber and N. dutertrei, suggesting inputs of eutrophic waters from the northern coastal area of Papua New Guinea. Test fluxes under El Niño conditions in the WPWP were at the same level as those in the EUR, giving rise to strongly increased carbonate fluxes in the western equatorial Pacific.

Ficus septica exudate, a traditional medicine used in Papua New Guinea for treating infected cutaneous ulcers: in vitro evaluation and clinical efficacy assessment by cluster randomised trial

Infected cutaneous ulcers are major health problems for children living in rural areas of Papua New Guinea. The inaccessibility of affected populations and lack of access to basic healthcare, make a local plant-based therapy an attractive treatment option. We assessed Ficus septica exudate in biological assays relevant to wound healing. We then carried out a clinical trial to determine the exudate's efficacy in healing small cutaneous ulcers compared with Savlon antiseptic cream, and soap and water washing. Pre-clinical in vitro assessment of the exudate was carried out using assays to monitor the pro-inflammatory responses of M1 macrophages and neutrophils, antibacterial assays using known ulcer pathogens, an Ames test for mutagenicity and LC-MS chemical analysis of the exudate. An open label cluster-randomised clinical trial was performed, enrolling participants from three different clusters with skin lesions less than 1 cm in diameter. Each cluster comprising 50 participants was randomly assigned to one of three treatment arms namely topical exudate, topical Savlon antiseptic cream, and standard care (soap and water treatment), all administered daily for 2 days. The primary outcome was clinical healing/improvement measured at days 7 and 14, assessed by three dermatologists using blinded photographs. The primary analysis was assessed as non-inferiority of F. septica treatment based on the risk difference for healing/improvement. In vitro, the exudate which is rich in the alkaloid ficuseptine, was found to be non-mutagenic whilst also inhibiting pro-inflammatory responses and exhibiting antibacterial activity. When administered to participants enrolled in the clinical trial, no significant differences were observed between the healing efficacy of F. septica exudate and the two comparator treatments (Savlon antiseptic cream and soap/water treatment). At day 14, but not at day 7, the efficacy of F. septica exudate for healing/improving the ulcers was non-inferior to Savlon antiseptic cream or water/soap treatment. F. septica exudate is non-mutagenic and has both bactericidal and anti-inflammatory properties. When applied topically to small cutaneous ulcers, the exudate has a healing effect that is non-inferior to Savlon antiseptic cream and standard treatment with soap and water at day 14. Our findings, which should be confirmed in larger clinical trials, have important public health implications.

Trial of Three Rounds of Mass Azithromycin Administration for Yaws Eradication

BackgroundTreponema pallidum subspecies pertenue causes yaws. Strategies to better control, eliminate, and eradicate yaws are needed.MethodsIn an open-label, cluster-randomized, community-based trial conducted in a yaws-endemic area of Papua New Guinea, we randomly assigned 38 wards (i.e., clusters) to receive one round of mass administration of azithromycin followed by two rounds of target treatment of active cases (control group) or three rounds of mass administration of azithromycin (experimental group); round 1 was administered at baseline, round 2 at 6 months, and round 3 at 12 months. The coprimary end points were the prevalence of active cases of yaws, confirmed by polymerase-chain-reaction assay, in the entire trial population and the prevalence of latent yaws, confirmed by serologic testing, in a subgroup of asymptomatic children 1 to 15 years of age; prevalences were measured at 18 months, and the between-group differences were calculated.ResultsOf the 38 wards, 19 were randomly assigned to the control group (30,438 persons) and 19 to the experimental group (26,238 persons). A total of 24,848 doses of azithromycin were administered in the control group (22,033 were given to the participants at round 1 and 207 and 2608 were given to the participants with yaws-like lesions and their contacts, respectively, at rounds 2 and 3 [combined]), and 59,852 doses were administered in the experimental group. At 18 months, the prevalence of active yaws had decreased from 0.46% (102 of 22,033 persons) at baseline to 0.16% (47 of 29,954 persons) in the control group and from 0.43% (87 of 20,331 persons) at baseline to 0.04% (10 of 25,987 persons) in the experimental group (relative risk adjusted for clustering, 4.08; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.90 to 8.76). The prevalence of other infectious ulcers decreased to a similar extent in the two treatment groups. The prevalence of latent yaws at 18 months was 6.54% (95% CI, 5.00 to 8.08) among 994 children in the control group and 3.28% (95% CI, 2.14 to 4.42) among 945 children in the experimental group (relative risk adjusted for clustering and age, 2.03; 95% CI, 1.12 to 3.70). Three cases of yaws with resistance to macrolides were found in the experimental group.ConclusionsThe reduction in the community prevalence of yaws was greater with three rounds of mass administration of azithromycin at 6-month intervals than with one round of mass administration of azithromycin followed by two rounds of targeted treatment. Monitoring for the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance is needed. (Funded by Fundació “la Caixa” and others; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03490123.)

Ewangelizacja w kontekście kultury górskich rejonów Papui–Nowej Gwinei. Część 1

The purpose of the article is to show the dynamics of evangelization in the context of the culture of the peoples living in the mountainous areas of Papua New Guinea. The starting point is the history of Christianization of these areas and the rooting of Churches of various denominations there. The analysis reveals the tools of evangelization used by Catholic missionaries to penetrate the culture and traditions of the locals, which resulted in the formation of new Christian communities.

ARTventures: Art and Life in the Contemporary Pacific

The unpublished work ARTventures: Art and Life in the Contemporary Pacific is a literary memoir recounting Susan Cochrane’s unorthodox life as a roaming curator of contemporary Pacific art. The narrative intertwines vignettes of the author’s personal life with her experiences as a “poken” (slang  for English-speaking foreigner) in New Caledonia; on fieldwork trips collecting art in remote areas of Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu; and encountering Māori and Pasifika artists in Aotearoa New Zealand, and Aboriginal Taiwanese in Taiwan. The text is subtly layered with insights into the attitudes and operations of the art world and strategies to establish Indigenous art in its own right.

Measuring unmet need for contraception among women in rural areas of Papua New Guinea

Located in the South West Pacific region, with a population of 7.5 million, Papua New Guinea (PNG) is among a group of Pacific countries with sub-optimal health status. The maternal mortality ratio is 171 per 100,000 live births. Unmet need for contraception and family planning services, although poorly understood in PNG, may be one of the underlying causes of poor maternal health. This study set out to measure the prevalence and trends in unmet need for contraception and the identified socioeconomic factors associated with contraceptive use among women of reproductive age (15–49 years) in PNG. Data available from the Integrated Health and Demographic Surveillance System (IHDSS) were used in this study. A sub-population data set was extracted of 1434 women who gave birth in the preceding two years and resided in four rural surveillance sites: Asaro, Hides, Hiri and Karkar. Analyses of unmet need for contraception were performed with respect to birth spacing and limiting the number of births. Unmet need for contraception was 34% for the previous birth, 37% for the current pregnancy, and 49% for future family planning. The total unmet need for contraception was 35%, of which 49% was for spacing births and 51% for limiting births. Women’s age, education and household wealth are the most significant determinants of unmet need for contraception. The high level of unmet need for contraception may contribute to women’s poor health status in PNG. Urgent programming responses from the health sector for supporting effective interventions to increase availability and utilisation of contraceptives are required.

Social Immunity Not to Use Drugs on Youth (Case Study of the Marind and MUYU Tribes in The Border Region of Indonesia and Papua New Guinea)

Marind and Muyu tribe are tribes that are still very thick with their cultural values and still have blood tiesor family ties with the tribes or villages in the surrounding areas of Papua New Guinea, where these villagesare still rarely touched by modernity. However, among teenagers, it was found that they often broughtcannabis into Indonesian territory. This study aims to look for concepts and relationships between conceptsrelated to family security of the Marind and Muyu ethnic groups not to use drugs and to find a picture ofthe socio-cultural value system of the two tribes in protecting adolescents against drugs. The design usedis qualitative research with a case study approach. This research was conducted in Sota sub-district, SotaDistrict, Merauke Regency in July - August 2017. Data collection was carried out by interview, observationand document review. Research informants are adolescents who are not narcotics, adolescent drug users,parents and other community leaders. Analysis of the data used is qualitative data analysis and triangulationto ensure the validity of the findings. The results showed that empirically teenagers did not become drugusers because of the mother’s message. The emotional closeness of adolescents with the mother at homenaturally flows into the superstructure. Although some teenagers who are not narcotics are friends withnarcotics, they do not use drugs because it can make parents embarrassed and excluded from the communitylife in Merauke Regency.

Limits to commercially iodized salt to address dietary iodine deficiency in rural Papua New Guinea.

Fortifying commercial table salt with iodine is the principal strategy used globally to prevent dietary iodine deficiency. However, the costs of providing fortified salt to remote communities may result in it not being locally available or too expensive for many households. This study shows that barriers to consuming adequately iodized salt remain significant for remote rural households in Papua New Guinea (PNG). Using data from a rural household survey conducted in four areas of PNG in 2018, two issues are examined. First, we contrast the characteristics of households that reported consuming or not consuming iodized table salt, respectively. Second, the adequacy of the iodine content of samples of table salt consumed was assessed in the laboratory. Nine percent of the 1,026 survey households reported not consuming iodized table salt. These households tend to live in remote communities, are among the poorest households, have received no formal education, and have experienced recent food insecurity. Second, 17 percent of the 778 salt samples tested had inadequate iodine. The brand of salt most commonly consumed had the highest share of samples with inadequate iodine levels. Particularly in remote communities, ensuring that individuals consume sufficient iodine will require going beyond salt iodization to use other approaches to iodine supplementation. To ensure that the iodine intake of those using commercial table salt is adequate, closer monitoring of the iodine content in table salt produced or imported into PNG and enforcement of salt iodization regulations is required.

Prevalence of non-communicable diseases and their risk factors in Papua New Guinea: A systematic review.

Introduction:The mortality associated with non-communicable diseases has increased significantly in most countries in the World Health Organization Western Pacific Region over the last 20 years, as have the underlying risk factors. This study aimed to collate evidence on the prevalence of four major non-communicable diseases and their risk factors in Papua New Guinea in order to inform appropriate policy for their prevention and management.Methods:We performed a systematic review of Papua New Guinea-based population prevalence studies of cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic respiratory diseases, and cancers, as well as non-communicable disease risk factors published before 2016. Five online databases were searched and screened against eligibility criteria according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.Results:A total of 57 articles were included in this review, most of which (n = 48) were published prior to 2000. Eleven articles reported on diabetes, six reported on chronic lung disease/asthma, two reported on cardiovascular diseases, and two reported cancer as the primary outcome, while the remaining 36 papers reported non-communicable disease risk factors.Conclusion:This review demonstrated variations in the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (0%–19%) and their risk factors (0%–80.6%) attributed to the lifestyle and genetic diversity of the Papua New Guinea population. There is a strong suggestion that the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (particularly type 2 diabetes mellitus) and key non-communicable disease risk factors (hypertension, overweight, and obesity) has increased, but there is a lack of recent data. As such, there is an urgent need for new and up-to-date data in all areas of Papua New Guinea.

Current Evidence and Future Projections: a Comparative Analysis of the Impacts of Climate Change on Critical Climate-Sensitive Areas of Papua New Guinea

Climate change is a global concern arising from spatial or temporal changes in precipitation, temperature and greenhouse gases. The impacts of this on critical climate-sensitive areas are largely on land, marine resources, forestry and agriculture, and their biodiversity and ecosystems. In Papua New Guinea (PNG), the mainstay (85%) of the rural people is on land and agriculture, compared to resources obtained from the marine areas and forest. Productivity on land depends on climatic factors and a compromised climate affects land, which in turn affects forestry, agriculture and the marine environment (resources and ecosystems). Because of this, a lot of resources have been invested in climate change to understand the impacts; however, much is yet to be achieved, especially in the developing nations. In PNG, understanding the types of changes in climate that will be experienced is important to be resilient, to mitigate and to adapt. In this review, the potential impact of global climate change on climate of PNG and the impact of the new (future) climate on land, marine and forest resources and their biodiversity and ecosystems are analyzed. Moreover, the impacts on crop agriculture are discussed. Analysis of available data shows that the temporal and spatial changes in precipitation and temperature projections of the future climate are within current optimum crop production ranges, at least up to 2090. Since most staple and plantation crops in PNG are C<sub>3</sub> plants, an increase in CO<sub>2</sub> levels will have a fertilizing effect on productivity. The plastic effects on certain crops may benefit some farmers as temperature, precipitation and CO<sub>2</sub> levels change.

A public health program and others for about 10,000 villagers in the Kutubu area of Papua New Guinea (PNG)

The paper describes the health conditions in villages of the Kutubu area in the Southern Highlands province of Papua New Guinea from 1993 to 1995. A set of actions were planned aiming at improving the health status of people living in these villages as well as the efficiency of medical services provided to these communities through a public health program, which did not exist earlier. After two years, it was shown that the combination of an adequate action plan, appropriate human and financial resources can produce significant results and marked improvement health wise for a population in dire needs.

Contribution of Malaria to Inhospital Mortality in Papua New Guinean Children from a Malaria-Endemic Area: A Prospective Observational Study.

We aimed to identify clinical and laboratory predictors of mortality in children from a malaria-endemic area of Papua New Guinea hospitalized for severe illness. Children aged 0.5-10 years presenting with any WHO-defined feature of severe malarial illness were eligible for recruitment. Each child was assessed with a detailed clinical examination, blood film microscopy, malaria rapid diagnostic testing (RDT), a full blood examination, and blood glucose and lactate concentrations. Clinical care was coordinated by local medical staff in accordance with national guidelines. Daily study assessments were conducted until death or discharge. Other biochemical tests and malaria polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests were performed subsequently. Logistic regression identified independent predictors of death. Of 787 evaluable children with severe illness, 336 had confirmed severe malaria (microscopy and PCR positive) and 58 (6.6%) died during hospitalization. The independent predictors of mortality were hyperlactatemia (adjusted odds ratio [95% CI]: 2.85 [1.24-6.41], P = 0.01), malnutrition (2.92 [1.36-6.23], P = 0.005), renal impairment (3.85 [1.53-9.24], P = 0.002), plasma albumin (0.93 [0.88-0.98] for a 1 g/L increase, P = 0.004), and Blantyre coma score (BCS) ≤ 2 (10.3 [4.77-23.0] versus a normal BCS, P < 0.0001). Confirmed severe malaria (0.11 [0.03-0.30] versus non-malarial severe illness, P < 0.0001) was independently associated with lower mortality. Although established risk factors were evident, malaria was inversely associated with mortality. This highlights the importance of accurate diagnosis through blood film microscopy, RDTs, and, if available, PCR to both guide management and provide valid epidemiological data.

Combining different diagnostic studies of lymphatic filariasis for risk mapping in Papua New Guinea: a predictive model from microfilaraemia and antigenaemia prevalence surveys

BackgroundThe Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis has encouraged countries to follow a set of guidelines to help them assess the need for mass drug administration and evaluate its progress. Papua New Guinea (PNG) is one of the highest priority countries in the Western Pacific for lymphatic filariasis and the site of extensive research on lymphatic filariasis and surveys of its prevalence. However, different diagnostic tests have been used and thresholds for each test are unclear.MethodsWe reviewed the prevalence of lymphatic filariasis reported in 295 surveys conducted in PNG between 1990 and 2014, of which 65 used more than one test. Results from different diagnostics were standardised using a set of criteria that included a model to predict antigen prevalence from microfilariae prevalence. We mapped the point location of each of these surveys and categorised their standardised prevalence estimates.ResultsSeveral predictive models were produced and investigated, including the effect of any mass drug administration and number of rounds prior to the surveys. One model was chosen based on goodness of fit parameters and used to predict antigen prevalence for surveys that tested only for microfilariae. Standardised prevalence values show that 72% of all surveys reported a prevalence above 0.05. High prevalence was situated on the coastal north, south and island regions, while the central highland area of Papua New Guinea shows low levels of prevalence.ConclusionsOur study is the first to provide an explicit predictive relationship between the prevalence values based on empirical results from antigen and microfilaria tests, taking into account the occurrence of mass drug administration. This is a crucial step to combine studies to develop risk maps of lymphatic filariasis for programme planning and evaluation, as shown in the case of Papua New Guinea.

Iron deficiency during pregnancy is associated with a reduced risk of adverse birth outcomes in a malaria-endemic area in a longitudinal cohort study

BackgroundLow birth weight (LBW) and preterm birth (PTB) are major contributors to infant mortality and chronic childhood morbidity. Understanding factors that contribute to or protect against these adverse birth outcomes is an important global health priority. Anaemia and iron deficiency are common in malaria-endemic regions, but there are concerns regarding the value of iron supplementation among pregnant women in malaria-endemic areas due to reports that iron supplementation may increase the risk of malaria. There is a lack of evidence on the impact of iron deficiency on pregnancy outcomes in malaria-endemic regions.MethodsWe determined iron deficiency in a cohort of 279 pregnant women in a malaria-endemic area of Papua New Guinea. Associations with birth weight, LBW and PTB were estimated using linear and logistic regression. A causal model using sequential mediation analyses was constructed to assess the association between iron deficiency and LBW, either independently or mediated through malaria and/or anaemia.ResultsIron deficiency in pregnant women was common (71% at enrolment) and associated with higher mean birth weights (230 g; 95% confidence interval, CI 118, 514; p < 0.001), and reduced odds of LBW (adjusted odds ratio, aOR = 0.32; 95% CI 0.16, 0.64; p = 0.001) and PTB (aOR = 0.57; 95% CI 0.30, 1.09; p = 0.089). Magnitudes of effect were greatest in primigravidae (birth weight 351 g; 95% CI 188, 514; p < 0.001; LBW aOR 0.26; 95% CI 0.10, 0.66; p = 0.005; PTB aOR = 0.39, 95% CI 0.16, 0.97; p = 0.042). Sequential mediation analyses indicated that the protective association of iron deficiency on LBW was mainly mediated through mechanisms independent of malaria or anaemia.ConclusionsIron deficiency was associated with substantially reduced odds of LBW predominantly through malaria-independent protective mechanisms, which has substantial implications for understanding risks for poor pregnancy outcomes and evaluating the benefit of iron supplementation in pregnancy. This study is the first longitudinal study to demonstrate a temporal relationship between antenatal iron deficiency and improved birth outcomes. These findings suggest that iron supplementation needs to be integrated with other strategies to prevent or treat infections and undernutrition in pregnancy to achieve substantial improvements in birth outcomes.

The origins of the Kula Ring: Archaeological and maritime perspectives from the southern Massim and Mailu areas of Papua New Guinea

ABSTRACTThis paper is focused on the archaeology of Massim exchange and the development of the Kula Ring. It establishes an ethnographic baseline for the European contact period, and summarises fieldwork in the southern Massim. It provides a first description of the prehistoric pottery sequence and draws together previous information from the northern Massim and the Mailu area into a study of the archaeological origins of the Kula Ring. In the last centuries of prehistory the Massim became isolated from the PNG mainland by warfare and, at the same time, islands of the Massim became more connected. The geographical configuration of the Kula was influenced by seasonal winds and the sailing performance of nagega canoes. Some islands were advantaged in their location, but others lay upwind from the Kula islands and outside the Ring. Among the Kula islands, exchanges resolved into a gyre and concepts of Kula magic and ritual spread across the open borders of adjacent communities. In late prehistory the small southern island of Tubetube became a dominant centre when it established a direct connection with the trade in industrial stone from Woodlark Island. Finally, when the Massim was pacified by the colonial government the ethnographic Kula was free to sail, and sea lanes to the mainland opened again.

Evaluation of Community Health Workers’ Upskilling Training in Maternal and Newborn Care at Mount Hagen in Western Highlands Province, Papua New Guinea

Background: Community Health Workers (CHWs) in Western highlands Province were given a 6-month CHW upskilling training to enable them to provide essential maternal-newborn care, do timely referral of high risk clients and refer emergencies to hospital. Five trainings were conducted over the five year period. Forty seven (47) CHWs were upskilled over that five year period.&#x0D; &#x0D; Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of the CHW Upskilling Training during 2012 – 2016.&#x0D; &#x0D; Methods: A post-training assessment was conducted by direct observations of the CHWs and the Officer in Charges (OICs) at their workplaces. Assessors observed the application of knowledge and skills and determined if there were improvements in the health facilities. Purposeful discussions were carried out to elicit qualitative feedback from CHWs OICs of the health facilities.&#x0D; &#x0D; Findings: The findings were impressive. The organisation of health facilities improved with specific schedules made for priority reproductive and maternal health services. The recording of maternal and newborn care services indicated great improvement. The ANC, family planning and labour ward registers indicated the kinds of services provided including management of life-threatening conditions. Records show reduced maternal and newborn deaths. Records also show reduced unnecessary referrals.&#x0D; &#x0D; Conclusions: The CHW Up skilling Training Program is an effective intervention to improve reproductive health and maternal-newborn services in remote areas of Papua New Guinea, particularly where there are no midwives, or higher category health care providers. It has contributed to improved maternal-newborn survival.&#x0D; &#x0D; Recommendations: The evaluation recommends that the CHW Upskilling Training should reach more CHWs to fill in gaps in health facilities where there are no midwives or doctor. In Papua New Guinea, the CHWs Upskilling program in maternal and newborn care is recommended for all CHWs.

Isostatic anomaly characteristics and tectonism of the New Britain Trench and neighboring Papua New Guinea

In this paper, we calculated Bouguer gravity anomalies and Airy-Heiskanen isostatic anomalies in the New Britain Trench and surrounding areas of Papua New Guinea. The calculations are based on a topographic model and a gravity anomaly model from the Scripps Institute of Oceanography. Characteristics of the isostatic anomaly and the earthquake dynamic environment of this region are analyzed, and the results show that there are obvious differences in the isostatic state between each block in the region. Tectonic movements are very intense in regions with high positive or negative isostatic gravity anomalies, and a number of sub-plates in this area are driven by external tectonic action, such as plate subduction and thrusting, of the Pacific, Indo-Australian and Eurasian plates. From the distribution of the isostatic gravity anomaly, the tectonic action of anti-isostatic movement obviously is the main source of power. Based on isostatic gravity and spatial distribution of earthquakes in the region, it is obvious that further contraction of the Indo-Australian Plate will result in the southwestern part of the Solomon Plate becoming part of the Owen Stanley thrust belt, and the northern part will enter the lower part of the Bismarck Plate. The eastern part of the Solomon Plate will enter the front of the Pacific Plate, resulting in northward and eastward migration of significant earthquakes along the Solomon Plate.

Does the materiality of museum collections matter in Digital Humanities?

After more than one hundred years of increasingly self-reflective collecting, museums and archives around the globe hold an immense corpus of physical objects and relevant archival material from the Sepik area of Papua New Guinea. While culturally coded knowledge is embodied in these materials, the use of additional outside observations may help to describe some of these areas of knowledge. To keep traditional knowledge alive, methodologies beyond the reading of traditional texts, photographs, and sound recordings have to be developed and applied consistently. The unusual complexity and high diversity of Sepik art makes developing new digital methods of storing, studying, and sharing these resources a challenging task. Future museum activities are likely to put the original object into a new, focused light. Long overlooked aspects in the work of artists may thus come to the fore. By communicating with source communities and, at the end other end, with museum visitors, and by fostering research activities combining the context oriented approach of disciplines rooted in natural science and/or in the humanities, museums will redefine our views of Sepik art and culture.