Holocene Environmental Changes Research Articles

Holocene climate dynamics and ecological responses in Kaas Plateau, Western Ghats, India: Evidence from lacustrine deposits

The Kaas lake is one of the unique sedimentary basins in the Northern region of the Western Ghats escarpment of India and preserves paleoclimate signals of the Holocene in its cover sequence over the lateritic basement. The signatures preserved in the lacustrine deposits, such as pollen, non-pollen palynomorphs, diatoms, and geochemistry of the sediments, were decoded and used to reconstruct the Holocene environmental changes of the Kaas Plateau in the Western Ghats. The main stages in the lake's evolution indicate the following: (1) low nutrient level and strongly changeable water levels in the early Holocene, (2) persistence of the oligotrophic state of the lake up to the last 2000 yr, and (3) strong cultural eutrophication of the lake in the recent period (c. 1000 years). The localized depression or a seasonal-lake favoured freshwater accumulation since 8.0 kyr BP and was probably dried sometimes after 2.0 kyr BP. A late Holocene peak of planktonic diatom and high organic recovery at the top level in the recent past (c. 1000 years) represents an event of eutrophication, possibly due to human impact. Being a seasonal lake, the plateau surface allowed clay accumulation with an extremely slow rate of 2.5 cm/10 kyr. Diatoms, pollen, and non-pollen palynomorphs together showed periodic fluctuations in lake hydrology, which was probably in response to climate-controlled vegetation on the Kaas Plateau. The diatom and sediment anomalies point to an ecological shift towards the mid–Holocene, supporting the hypothesis of increased Southwest Monsoons during the early Holocene around 8.0 kyr BP and the relative weakening of Northeast Monsoon after 2.5 kyr BP.

Late Holocene environmental changes inferred from pollen records of Yileimu Lake sediments, southern Altai Mountains, Northwest China

Climate and landscape changes since the late Holocene have received increasing attention. The Altai region, which is located at the intersection of the Inner Asian Mountain Corridor and the Eurasian Steppe Roads, is relatively poorly studied. In this study, based on robust radiocarbon ages and detailed pollen analyses, the history of climate and landscape changes was reconstructed from Yileimu Lake, southern Altai Mountains during the past 3500 years. Four stages of vegetation change are identified: (1) During 1550 BCE–720 BCE, the vegetation was taiga (mainly Picea and Betula) in uplands, and steppe (dominated by Artemisia, Poaceae and Cyperaceae) around the lake, indicating a humid climate, which was favorable for the expansion of human activities including enhanced nomadic pastoralism in Altai Mountains and transcontinental culture exchange along the proto‐Silk Roads. (2) During 720 BCE–390 CE, there was a stepwise decrease in Picea, rapid increase and then decrease in Betula, and gradual increases in contents of Poaceae and Thalictrum pollen, and fern spores, indicating a warm and moderately humid climate, with evidence of more intense human activities during 20 BCE–390 CE. (3) During 390 CE–1560 CE, desert-steppe (with high Amaranthaceae, Caryophyllaceae, Ephedra and Cyperaceae content) developed in response to an increasing arid climate and/or enhanced human activities. (4) After 1560 CE, taiga and steppe recovered due to the humid climate. Human activities have become the key factor affecting vegetation since the past 2000 years. In addition, the vegetation response to an Ms ≥ 8.0 earthquake that occurred around 1550 BCE was characterized by a rapid recovery of Betula, followed by Artemisia and Picea. Restoration of vegetation helps to reduce soil erosion and afforest exposed landslides.

Technological innovations enhance invasive species management in the anthropocene

AbstractCurbing the introduction, spread, and impact of invasive species remains a longstanding management and policy prerogative. In recent decades, globalization and environmental change have further complicated efforts to execute science-based actions that address these challenges. New technologies offer exciting opportunities to advance invasion science knowledge, enhance management actions, and guide policy strategies but are increasingly complex and inaccessible to most practitioners. In the present article, we offer a synthetic perspective of innovative technologies with applications for invasive species management related to pathway intervention, spread prevention, impact mitigation, and public engagement. We also describe tools that augment big data processing required by some methods (e.g., remote sensing, mobile application data), such as automated image and text recognition built on machine learning. Finally, we explore challenges and opportunities for successful integration of emerging technologies into invasive species management, focusing on pipelines that enable practitioners to integrate tools into practice while recognizing logistic and financial constraints.

Holocene environmental evolution and relative sea-level change in the Oka estuary (Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, northern Spain)

The Holocene environmental evolution in coastal areas, including deltas and estuaries, is vital to understanding coastal dynamics and how they may change in the future. Here, we studied the Holocene environmental evolution of the Oka estuary (Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, northern Spain) from sedimentary cores that were 11–49 m long. We applied a multi-proxy approach of benthic foraminifera and grain size, and a temporal framework of radiocarbon dates to reconstruct paleoenvironments. The benthic foraminifera assemblages varied from near-marine (allochthonous and autochthonous hyaline species such as Lobatula lobatula, Rosalina irregularis, Ammonia tepida and Haynesina germanica) to brackish intertidal (autochthonous hyaline species such as A. tepida and H. germanica) to salt-marsh (autochthonous agglutinated species Trochammina inflata and Entzia macrescens) environments. Grain size analysis supported the foraminiferal assemblages and the sedimentary sequences were sand-dominated in near-marine intertidal environments and mud-dominated in the brackish intertidal and salt-marsh environments. The chronology was constrained by thirty four radiocarbon dates from plant macrofossils, marine shells and wood fragments. Our paleoenvironmental reconstructions were used to produce an updated local Holocene relative sea-level (RSL) record based on new data, revised reconstructions, and age recalibration of previous research. Marine limiting dates showed that RSL changed from above −20.4 ± 0.2 m at ∼9100 cal. yrs. BP to above −4.2 ± 0.2 m at ∼6700 cal. yrs. BP. In the late Holocene, sea-level index points (SLIPs) reconstructed the RSL position from −2.7 ± 1.2 m at ∼4900 cal. yrs. BP to −1.4 ± 1.2 m at ∼1500 cal. yrs. BP. Estimates of rates of RSL change from the Errors-in-Variables Integrated Gaussian Process (EIV-IGP) model show RSL gradually rose at 0.3 ± 2.1 mm yr−1 in the late Holocene. There was a progressive shallowing of the estuary as rates of RSL rise reduced during the Holocene. Between ∼9000 and 7000-6000 cal. yrs. BP pre-Holocene fluvial gravels (Lowstand Systems Tract) were replaced by both sandy marine and brackish intertidal sediments (Transgressive Systems Tract). After ∼7000-6000 cal. yrs. BP salt-marsh sediments deposited (Highstand Systems Tract). The sequence was overlain by anthropogenic deposits derived from agricultural, dredging and dumping activities since the 18th century (Anthropogenic Systems Tract). The Holocene environmental evolution and relative sea-level change of Oka is broadly consistent with previous studies in northern Spain, although it places the onset of the Highstand Systems Tract ∼2000 years earlier.

3D morphological variability in foraminifera unravel environmental changes in the Baltic Sea entrance over the last 200 years

Human activities in coastal areas have intensified over the last 200 years, impacting also high-latitude regions such as the Baltic Sea. Benthic foraminifera, protists often with calcite shells (tests), are typically well preserved in marine sediments and known to record past bottom-water conditions. Morphological analyses of marine shells acquired by microcomputed tomography (µCT) have made significant progress toward a better understanding of recent environmental changes. However, limited access to data processing and a lack of guidelines persist when using open-source software adaptable to different microfossil shapes. This study provides a post-data routine to analyze the entire test parameters: average thickness, calcite volume, calcite surface area, number of pores, pore density, and calcite surface area/volume ratio. A case study was used to illustrate this method: 3D time series (i.e., 4D) of Elphidium clavatum specimens recording environmental conditions in the Baltic Sea entrance from the period early industrial (the 1800s) to present-day (the 2010 s). Long-term morphological trends in the foraminiferal record revealed that modern specimens have ∼28% thinner tests and ∼91% more pores than their historic counterparts. However, morphological variability between specimens and the BFAR (specimens cm−2 yr−1) in E. clavatum were not always synchronous. While the BFAR remained unchanged, morphological variability was linked to natural environmental fluctuations in the early industrial period and the consequences of anthropogenic climate change in the 21st century. During the period 1940–2000 s, the variations in BFAR were synchronous with morphological variability, revealing both the effects of the increase in human activities and major hydrographic changes. Finally, our interpretations, based on E. clavatum morphological variations, highlight environmental changes in the Baltic Sea area, supporting those documented by the foraminiferal assemblages.

Investigating possible links between Holocene environmental changes and cultural transitions across India

From the early Holocene onward, the Indian Subcontinent has accommodated a range of diverse human cultures and associated ecological adaptations and lifestyles. Around 10 kyrs ago, the Subcontinent has witnessed the development of later Mesolithic hunter-gatherers and their subsequent regional transitions to pastoralist (Neolithic) and agricultural (Chalcolithic) lifeways. The Holocene climate records reveal discrepancies in the timing and duration of climatic events, which can be attributed to a vast geographic isolation, the influence of height, elevation, and local climatic conditions. These changing climatic patterns including the development of a geographically variable monsoon directly impacted these various cultures including the Harappans and their contemporaries as well as younger Historical and Medieval empires across India, at various levels. In some regions, environmental changes led to uneven cultural transitions, geographic migrations, and the development of regionally-distinct material cultures along with establishment of sedentary life-ways. This paper attempts to present a review broadly correlating general climatic patterns throughout the Holocene period of India with regional cultural dynamics. All geomorphic-climatic zones of the Subcontinent showed strong inter-proxy coherence between 9 and 5 kyrs in response to increased precipitation. After this warming period ends, we see a moderate dry period as a result of a weakening monsoon and an overall tendency toward aridity throughout all zones (after 4 kyrs). The temporal variation of human habitation and respective adaptive responses suggest broad linkages to the varying climatic and physiographic features at a regional scale. Learning how this shaped human eco-dynamics in the past can help us expand our understanding of human history and implement lessons for the present as well as the future.

Pathological features of West Nile and Usutu virus natural infections in wild and domestic animals and in humans: A comparative review

Mosquito-borne flaviviruses are emerging pathogens with zoonotic potential. Due to the recent climate and environmental changes, they are spreading across Europe, becoming a major threat for public and veterinary health. West Nile virus (WNV) and Usutu virus (USUV) are arboviruses that are responsible for multiple disease outbreaks in different species of birds, reptiles, and mammals, including humans. This review reports and compares the clinical signs as well as the gross and microscopic pathological features during natural infection with WNV and USUV in wild and domestic animals, as well as in humans. The main objective of this comparative review is to delineate the common features and the specific differences that characterize WNV- and USUV-induced diseases in each group of species and to highlight the main gaps in knowledge that could provide insight for further investigation on the pathogenesis and neurovirulence of these viruses.

How Group Identifications Have Contributed to Our National Discord

In this article, the author first describes the role of group identifications during individual development. These include the direct familial experience and accumulated experiences in the public sphere, the introjections of adults’ prior group experiences, and the large-group experience of those in an individual’s immediate world. Next, the author identifies recent environmental changes that have altered the pathways for group internalizations. He then identifies pressures impinging on large groups, the mechanisms by which these groups regress, and the type of leader who sometimes emerges in this context. In America, Donald Trump became that leader, and he added to the division between individuals by voicing demeaning attitudes toward immigrants and Black Americans, expressing confusing messages about the COVID-19 pandemic, and promoting the idea that he won the 2020 election. The author hypothesizes that group attachment security stemming from familial experience predicts vulnerability to later extremist large-group recruitment. He describes Ashli Babbitt and her participation in Trump’s large group as such an example. Finally, the author considers corrective options given our current large-group conflict.

Монгол орны голоцены үеийн байгаль орчны өөрчлөлт, хурдас хуримтлалын онцлог

The investigations presented in this paper focus on the reconstruction of Holocene environmental change in Mongolia based on published paleoclimate records, including lake sediments, lake levels, pollen records and eolian sediment records. These data indicate that the early Holocene of Mongolia is characterized by increasing temperature and humidity. The mid Holocene is characterized by enhanced aridity, and during late Holocene humidity increased, evaporation decreased.

Holocene environmental changes inferred from an oxbow lake in a Mauritia palm swamp (aguajal) in the Madre de Dios region, southeastern Peru

Mauritia peatland palm swamps (locally called aguajales) are typical ecosystems in Madre de Dios River floodplains in southeastern Peru. We investigated a sediment core from an oxbow lake in Los Amigos Aguajal to reconstruct paleoclimatic changes, vegetation dynamics on a regional scale, and human impact using multi-proxy analysis. The results show that the oxbow lake was part of Madre de Dios River's active meandering system and cut off at ca. 1760 cal yr BP. X-Ray Fluorescence results combined with stratigraphy suggest that since the cutting off, the recorded climate was humid until 540 cal yr BP excepting a shortly drier period of 640–610 cal yr BP, but after 540 cal yr BP the climate became less wet until the present. Pollen results show a stable terra firme forest composed primarily by Moraceae/Urticaceae throughout the record. The dense aguajal surrounding the oxbow lake developed from 1240 cal yr BP until the present, but canopy was more open during 780–180 cal yr BP. Hedyosmum became consecutively abundant since 270 cal yr BP until the present. Charcoal analysis indicated almost no human activity in the study area throughout the record. Comparison of the oxbow lake record and the previously studied palm swamp record both from Los Amigos Aguajal shows that: (1) main environmental changes in the palm swamp may correspond to moisture changes; (2) vegetation composition and dynamics on local aguajal and more regional scales are similar, except for the missing period of marsh in the oxbow lake. Furthermore, the oxbow lake record shows less wet conditions during the Little Ice Age and relatively wet in the Medieval Climate Anomaly, which is contrary to many records from the Peruvian Andes. This might be related to elevational differences (lowland vs. mountain) and/or non-climate factors and will need further investigation.

공연무역 가치사슬 생태계 모델에 관한 연구

The purpose of this paper is to present a new value chain ecosystem model of performing arts services trade (hereafter as PAST). The recent changes in the global trade environment around Korean trade represent both a crisis and an opportunity. Specially recent increase in content exports of games, animations, music, and drama genres has brought about a new renaissance of the Korean Wave. It means the importance of researches and implementation on next-generation growth engines that will continuously realize the growth of K-contents is getting bigger. As seen in the case of the UK, performing arts content creates various intellectual property rights and high economic effects, which means it’s necessary for Korea to find out how to expand exports in performing arts content. This paper defined the features and areas of performing arts content as not a good but a service, based on GATS and EBOPS classifications. Also it reviewed preceding studies on performing arts industry, theories on value chains and service networks, Holden’s cultural ecosystem models, and UK’s case. Finally the paper concluded that a new PAST model has structure of double-layered ecosystem and five-stage of value chains.

The diabetes epidemic in Malta

Aim: The small European Mediterranean island state of Malta is a highly prevalent type 2 diabetes (T2DM) country. Over recent decades drastic environmental, cultural and ethnic changes occurred and it was considered timely to undergo a cross-sectional survey to establish up-to-date prevalence of T2DM, its socio-geographical distribution and ultimately estimating the economic burden of T2DM. Methods: A health examination survey was conducted (2014-16) including a representative sample of the adult population stratified by 18-70 years, gender and locality (n=3,947; males n=1,997 male). The survey consisted of a socio-demographic questionnaire, various health examination measurements and blood samples for fasting blood glucose (FBG). Prevalence for T2DM (depending on medical history, medication and FBG >7mmol/L) were calculated for the general population as well as for each of the districts making up the Maltese Islands. The economic burden of T2DM for 2017 and projected burden for 2045 were calculated using secondary sources and by incorporating 2% compound interest per annum respectively. Results: A total response rate of 47.15% was obtained, with a mean age of 48 years for males and 46 years for females. Out of the total adjusted population (n=3,947, male n=1,998), the prevalence of T2DM was of 10.31%, with 6.31% already known to have T2DM while 4% were newly diagnosed. Females were diagnosed with T2DM at an earlier age than the males. No significant geographical T2DM prevalence differences were established. The total annual diabetes health care expenditure was approximately €107,316,517.82 for 2017, while the projected expenditure for 2045 was estimated at €244,136,040. Conclusion: Malta is a country with a high prevalence of diabetes. The females were observed to be at an earlier risk of developing undiagnosed diabetes compared to males. Although geographical location did not appear to have significant effect on T2DM distribution, this disease contributes to a high economic burden. The expected exponential increase in diabetes prevalence is subsequently expected to affect negatively the healthcare expenditure. This puts forward the recommendation for development of early screening programmes as part of preventive action strategies.

Species identification and population genetics of the Antarctic fish genera Lepidonotothen and Nototheniops (Perciformes, Notothenioidei)

AbstractAccurate species identification is essential to assess biodiversity and species richness in ecosystems threatened by rapid and recent environmental changes, such as warming in most Antarctic waters. The Lepidonotothen species complex comprises demersal notothenioid fishes which inhabit the shelf areas of the Antarctic Peninsula, the Scotia Arc and sub‐Antarctic islands with a circum‐Antarctic distribution. Species determination in this group has often been problematic. In particular, whether Lepidonotothen squamifrons and Lepidonotothen kempi are valid as separate species has been questioned. In this study, we analysed the genetic variation among four nominal southern polar species within this complex (L. kempi, L. squamifrons, Nototheniops larseni, Nototheniops nudifrons) by means of three different markers (ND2 and tRNA mitochondrial genes and a panel of 16 nuclear microsatellites). We tested whether individuals morphologically assigned to L. kempi showed genetic separation from L. squamifrons. Our analyses indicated a lack of differentiation between L. kempi and L. squamifrons. However, a genetically distinct population was found for L. squamifrons at the Shag Rocks islands near South Georgia. Antarctic and sub‐Antarctic islands are known to be home to many cryptic species and further studies will elucidate if the genetically differentiated population we found potentially originated from this context and can be considered an incipient species. Our analysis contributes to further characterize the species composition of the most abundant fish suborder in the Southern Ocean, which is among the regions most threatened by climate change.

Genetic variation of endangered Jankowski’s Bunting (Emberiza jankowskii): High connectivity and a moderate history of demographic decline

IntroductionContinued discovery of “mismatch” patterns between population size and genetic diversity, involving wild species such as insects, amphibians, birds, mammals, and others, has raised issues about how population history, especially recent dynamics under human disturbance, affects currently standing genetic variation. Previous studies have revealed high genetic diversity in endangered Jankowski’s Bunting. However, it is unclear how the demographic history and recent habitat changes shape the genetic variation of Jankowski’s Bunting.MethodsTo explore the formation and maintenance of high genetic diversity in endangered Jankowski’s Bunting, we used a mitochondrial control region (partial mtDNA CR) and 15 nuclear microsatellite markers to explore the recent demographic history of Jankowski’s Bunting, and we compared the historical and contemporary gene flows between populations to reveal the impact of habitat change on population connectivity. Specifically, we aimed to test the following hypotheses: (1) Jankowski’s Bunting has a large historical Ne and a moderate demographic history; and (2) recent habitat change might have no significant impact on the species’ population connectivity.ResultsThe results suggested that large historical effective population size, as well as severe but slow population decline, may partially explain the high observable genetic diversity. Comparison of historical (over the past 4Ne generations) and contemporary (1–3 generations) gene flow indicated that the connectivity between five local populations was only marginally affected by landscape changes.DiscussionOur results suggest that high population connectivity and a moderate history of demographic decline are powerful explanations for the rich genetic variation in Jankowski’s Bunting. Although there is no evidence that the genetic health of Jankowski’s Bunting is threatened, the time-lag effects on the genetic response to recent environmental changes is a reminder to be cautious about the current genetic characteristics of this species. Where possible, factors influencing genetic variation should be integrated into a systematic framework for conducting robust population health assessments. Given the small contemporary population size, inbreeding, and ecological specialization, we recommend that habitat protection be maintained to maximize the genetic diversity and population connectivity of Jankowski’s Bunting.

Environmental Disturbances in Counties from the Region of “Agreste” in the State of Pernambuco, and the Governmental Actions to Minimize Them, According to Counties’ Managers

Purpose: analyze the recent environmental changes and monitor programs of local governments. Theoretical framework: is supported by literature on the maturity level of sustainability and sustainable. Method/design/approach: the most populated municipalities of Pernambuco in the mid-dry region of the state were investigated by applying the same questionnaire and interviews used in all Brazil by Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE) in 2002. Results and conclusion: Based on the questionnaires, two indices were generated: Anthropic Pressures Index and Anthropic Pressures Mitigation Index. It is proven, from the data, an increase of impacts and a reduced number of local policies. Research implications: the lack of studies of the environmental situation in the municipalities of Pernambuco is noteworthy, as well as the absence of environmental policies to address these negative impacts. Originality/value: one of the most debated topics nowadays has been the human impacts on the natural environment. In this respect, public policies aimed at mitigation have been insufficient.

Legacy archaeology: Aboriginal subsistence response to Holocene environmental changes using faunal evidence from archaeological sites on the Lower Murray, South Australia

Ngaut Ngaut (Devon Downs) and Tungawa (Fromm’s Landing) 2 and 6 are located in the Gorge Section of the Lower Murray River. They were excavated more than 60 years ago. Unusually, they preserved fauna over the 6000 or 7000 years of occupation. Assessing this record, it is concluded that Aboriginal agents were responsible for the middens in these rockshelters. Following this, Ngaut Ngaut and the Tungawa sites are compared in terms of their dating, stratigraphy and changes in the fauna through time. While the majority of species are present throughout at all three sites, there are shifts in the number of animals in concert with Holocene environmental changes. After 3000 BP, the trend is to increased attention being given to resources from the riparian and river zones and away from the dryland Murray Plains. An increase in shellfish and the presence of crayfish gastroliths support this contention. Nearby Tartanga Island provides a record of Holocene sedimentary changes in the Murray River associated with altered sea level and flood regimes, particularly the deposition of the Monoman and Coonambidgal formations. The latter creating a landscape of highly productive swamps and backwaters. The information from these legacy excavations supports the conclusion that a shift in the locus of Aboriginal hunting and gathering activities accompanied mid- and late-Holocene environmental changes on the Lower Murray River.

Environmental changes and mental distress in rural communities.

In Japan, non-farmers and people living in urban areas have not been greatly affected by environmental changes. In contrast, primary producers living in rural areas increasingly suffering from declining crop yields and drastically reduced catches of wild animals and seafood because of recent environmental changes. Studies, mainly from overseas, have reported that farming is an especially stressful occupation associated with high rates of depression and suicide, and the relationship between climate change and depression, as well as between climate change and suicide, is almost certain in rural communities. Particularly striking examples include the impact on the mental health of farmers in rural Australia and the Inuit in the Canadian Arctic, who are losing their livelihoods because of ecological collapse; this mental distress is known as "ecological grief". Such mental distress may be a major cause of depression and suicide among people in rural areas and Japan is no exception. I hoped that the concept of mental distress due to environmental changes will be recognized in Japan, leading to more eco-friendly attitudes that can promote the health of people living in rural areas and protect the surrounding ecosystem.

Editors' Note

Editors' Note Karen Powell Sears and Stacey L. Brown Recent public health, political, cultural, economic, and environmental changes have refocused public attention on women's intimacy, sexuality, family, and relationship experiences. While academic research in these areas increased in recent years, our understanding of Black women's experiences remains limited. Research and public discourse have often framed Black women's lives through a "problem and pathology" prism. In popular culture, a functional classroom to the masses, essentialist tropes of Black womanhood persist offering contemporary spins on historical notions of our sub-humanity reflected in exaggerations of our power, understatements of our vulnerability and denied evidence of our joy and pain. The storied history of academic research about Black women reflects patterns seen in the public sphere. Across disciplines Black women have been understudied and frequently misrepresented. The dearth of research about our organic needs and desires reflect the priorities of the gatekeeping power structures that define and govern the parameters of knowledge deemed scientific and worthy. We recognize that the opportunity to focus on Black women's experience- in the academy and in general social discourse- in ways that is celebratory and uninhibited is a rarely granted privilege. All too often definitions about what is worthy and valid knowledge reflects the same unequal power structures that question Black women's value outside of the academy. It has often been the case that "worthy science" reflects "outsider" imaginations at the exclusion of Black women's insider knowledge. Black and African Diasporic women continue to experience dramatic and rapid shifts in family/intimacy patterns worldwide. With global changes in Black and African Diasporic women's family and relationship formation patterns, discourse in sociology, psychology, Black Studies and Women Studies suggest a need for additional theoretical and methodological perspectives. [End Page 1] The need to engage these issues is of particular concern as crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, climate instability, and persistent anti–Black racism pose obvious threats to Black women's lives health and sense of wellbeing in the global context. This special issue attempts to respond to this need by exploring the nuanced experiences of Black women's sexuality, intimacy, and leadership from Black scholars from a range of fields including psychology, sociology, Black studies and women's studies. We are grateful for the courage and determination of academic pioneers, past and present, who have broken through erected institutional boundaries to share the insider stories of Black women's experiences. This volume is a collection of such pioneers, who offer new and renewed perspectives, illuminate social patterns that have been obscured and celebrate a range of Black women's humanity. The authors in this collection explore diverse meanings and constructions of intimacy, sexuality, relationships and satisfaction and contemplate Black women's vulnerability in ways that resist narratives of pathology and make visible offer powerful re-conceptualizations of Black women's humanity. [End Page 2] Copyright © 2023 James C. Wadley

Mid-to-late Holocene environmental changes along the southern coast of Sri Lanka and their impact on sediment dynamics and human behaviour

The Ceylon Journal of Science is a peer-reviewed journal published quarterly by the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka in March, June, September and December. It is aimed at publishing high quality research articles on topics related to different disciplines in Science. The journal accepts original research articles, book reviews, reviews and mini-reviews, short communications, opinions, research notes, and commentaries and notes. The Journal has its own website https://site.pdn.ac.lk/cjs/. The journal strictly adheres to publication ethics as emphasized by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). It is indexed in Sri Lanka Journals Online (SLJOL), Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), Google Scholar and Zoological Records. According to the Google Scholar;H5-Index: 12H5-Median: 15According to the Exaly (1970 – 2021);Impact Factor: 0.6 (top 19%)Extended IF: 0.6 (top 19%)H-Index: 8 (top 28%)Citations/paper: 1.42

Yuuyaraq today, Yuuyaraq tomorrow: modeling erosion threats to Yup’ik traditional land use areas

ABSTRACT The following article illustrates the impact of contemporary coastline change on Yup’ik subsistence practices known collectively as Yuuyaraq. We draw from an extensive archive (n = 490) of historic maps, aerial photographs, and surveying reports collected and digitized over the course of on-site visits to Quinhagak, AK from 2018-2021. In addition, our research team conducted numerous recorded (n = 7) and unrecorded (n = 42) interviews with community members about recent environmental changes near Quinhagak to study the impact of coastal erosion. Our aim is to demonstrate how archival maps can provide high quality, mobile-friendly visualizations so that Yupik researchers and community members can study the impact of climate change in the Yukon-Kuskokwim (Y-K) Delta.