Intimacy Research Articles

Insights into brachyuran crab phylogeny: exploring the mitochondrial genome of Arcotheres sinensis (Brachyura, Pinnotheridae)

Abstract The phylogeny of species of Brachyura, particularly within the family Pinnotheridae, remains incompletely understood. To enhance the taxonomy and systematics of the Pinnotheridae, we conducted a comprehensive study aimed at elucidating the phylogenetic position of Arcotheres sinensis. Consequently, we sequenced and annotated the complete mitochondrial genome of A. sinensis, The results revealed that the circular mitogenome of A. sinensis spans 16 520 bp in length. Distinct from typical mitogenomes, A. sinensis contains 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 2 ribosomal RNA genes and 23 transfer RNA genes. The A + T content of the A. sinensis mitogenome is 71.63%, with both AT-skew and GC-skew being negative. The lengths of the 23 tRNA genes range from 62 to 72 bp. All tRNA genes exhibit typical cloverleaf structures, except for the trnS1 gene, which lacks the dihydrouridine (DHU) arm. Selection pressure analysis revealed that all PCGs are under evolutionary selection, with cox1 experiencing strongest purifying selection and atp8 undergoing weakest purifying selection. Compared to ancestral Brachyura, the gene order of A. sinensis has been rearranged from R-N--E to -E-N-R and the sequence I-Q-M has transitioned to Q-I-M. Phylogenetic analysis unequivocally positions A. sinensis within the taxonomic framework of the family Pinnotheridae, highlighting its intimate phylogenetic relationship with congeners within the same familial clade, notably Arcotheres purpureus and Pinnotheres excussus. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the status and evolutionary history of Pinnotheridae species.

From Neighborhood to Household: Connections Between Neighborhood Vacant and Abandoned Property and Family Violence.

Rates of family violence, including intimate partner violence (IPV) and child maltreatment, remain high in the USA and contribute to substantial health and economic costs. How neighborhood environment may influence family violence remains poorly understood. We examine the association between neighborhood vacant and abandoned properties and family violence, and the role collective efficacy may play in that relationship. Data were used from a longitudinal cohort of 218 maternal-child dyads in a southern US city known for elevated rates of violence. Women were matched on their propensity score, for living in a neighborhood with elevated vacant and cited properties. Analyses accounting for clustering in neighborhood and matched groups were conducted to examine the association between neighborhood vacant and abandoned property and family violence and the potential mediating relationship of collective efficacy. The likelihood of experiencing child maltreatment at 12months of age was more than twice as high for children living in neighborhoods with high vacant and cited property rates compared with women living in neighborhoods with fewer vacant and cited properties (OR = 2.11, 95% CI = 1.03, 4.31). Women living in neighborhoods characterized by high levels of vacant and cited properties were also more than twice as likely to report IPV (OR = 2.52, 95% CI = 1.21, 5.25). Associations remained mostly stable after controlling for key covariates. Collective efficacy did not act as a mediator in the relationship between vacant and cited properties and family violence. Reducing neighborhood vacant and cited properties may be an important target for interventions focused on reducing family violence.

Evaluation of the measurement properties of intimate partner violence screening instruments for the general population: A COSMIN-based international systematic review.

To systematically appraise, compare, and summarize the measurement properties of intimate partner violence screening instruments for the general population and provide recommendations. We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global and EBSCO Psychology Behavioral Sciences Collection from their establishment to March 2024 using systematic search strategies. The methodological quality of the instruments that met the inclusion criteria and their measurement properties were assessed using the COSMIN methodology, and the COSMIN recommendations were followed. We reported this study using PRISMA 2020 checklist. A total of 23 studies were eventually included, and 18 instruments were identified. The evaluation of the methodological quality indicates poor content validity but good structural validity; however, that of the criterion validity in most of the studies was inadequate. Measurement error and responsiveness were not assessed. Four screening instruments could be used in the interim. The remaining 14 instruments were not recommended for use. The overall methodological quality of most of the assessed instruments was insufficient. A rigorous intimate partner violence screening instrument with good measurement properties is urgently required to identify and screen for intimate partner violence in the general population. CRD42022365247.

The effect of energy poverty on gender inequality in Southern Asian countries

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between gender inequality and energy poverty in Southeast Asian countries from 2000 to 2020. The study aims to assess the long-term impact of gender inequality on energy poverty by considering factors such as per capita gross domestic production (GDP), population growth and gross capital formation. By analyzing these variables, the research seeks to shed light on the disproportionate burden women face in energy-poor regions and to provide insights into how addressing energy poverty can promote gender equality and sustainable development in the region. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a dynamic generalized method of moments (GMM) model to analyze the long-term cointegration between gender inequality and energy poverty in Southeast Asian countries. The data, sourced from World Data Indicators, spans from 2000 to 2020, including variables such as GDP, population growth and gross capital formation. Proxy measures for energy poverty and gender inequality were developed using access to electricity, clean cooking technologies and female employment statistics. Stationarity tests and cointegration analyses were conducted to ensure the validity of the results, confirming the relationships among the variables for the region studied. Findings The study finds a significant positive relationship between gender inequality and energy poverty in Southeast Asian countries. Higher levels of gender inequality are associated with increased energy poverty, with women disproportionately affected due to reliance on traditional cooking methods. The dynamic GMM model confirms this long-term cointegration, showing that economic growth initially increases energy poverty but reduces it as nations invest in sustainable energy. Population growth has a negative association with energy poverty, suggesting that development and infrastructure improvements mitigate its effects. These findings highlight the need for gender-sensitive energy policies in the region. Originality/value This study offers a novel contribution by empirically examining the long-term relationship between gender inequality and energy poverty in Southeast Asian countries, an underexplored area in existing literature. Using a dynamic GMM approach, it highlights the disproportionate burden women face due to energy poverty, particularly through traditional cooking methods. The research provides valuable insights into how addressing energy poverty can promote gender equality, offering practical policy recommendations for sustainable development. Its findings serve as a foundation for policymakers to craft gender-sensitive energy interventions that enhance both social equity and economic growth in developing regions.

Durable despite tension: Adult sibling relationships within family figurations

This article analyses adults’ experiences of sibling relationships in the context of the network of family and kin relations – namely, family figurations. In sociological research, there has been growing interest in qualitatively investigating siblings, a theme that was long overshadowed by the interest in intergenerational ties. This study contributes to the discussion on adult sibling relationships as significant and interconnected with other family relationships in individuals’ lives. Drawing upon Elias’ concept of figuration and Smart’s concept of the embeddedness of family relationships, I examine how sibling relationships are experienced in the life stage of family formation. Analysing 32 research interviews with women and men from 16 couples, the article shows three distinct dynamics of how sibling relationships are connected to family figuration. The study contributes to our understanding of how sibling relationships are experienced and lived as embedded within other family relationships. Furthermore, it demonstrates how figuration and embeddedness, two central concepts in family sociology, can be brought together to understand personal relationships in contemporary society.

Multiscale understanding of structural effect on explosive dispersal of granular media

Explosive dispersal of granular media widely occurs in nature across various length scales, enabling engineering applications ranging from commercial or military explosive systems to the loss prevention industry. However, the correlation between the explosive dispersal behaviour and the structure of dispersal system is far from completely understood, thereby compromising the prediction of the explosive dispersal outcome resulting from a specific dispersal system. Here, we investigate the dispersal behaviours of densely packed particle rings driven by the enclosed pressurized gases using coarse-grained computational fluid dynamics–discrete parcel method. Distinct dispersal modes emerge from the dispersal systems with vastly varying sets of the macro- and micro-scale structural parameters in terms of the dispersal completeness and the spatial uniformity of the dispersed mass. Further investigation reveals the variation in the dispersal modes arises from the collective effects of multiscale gas–particle coupling relationships. Specifically, the macroscale coupling dictates the cyclic momentum/energy transfer between gases and particle ring as an entirety. The mesoscale coupling relates to the inter-pore gas filtration through the thickness of the particle ring, leading to the mass/energy reduction of the explosive source. The microscale coupling involves the individual particle dynamics influenced by the local flow parameters. A persistent macroscale coupling results in an incomplete dispersal which takes the form of an aggregated annular band, whereas the meso- and micro-scale couplings alter the macroscale coupling to a different extent. By incorporating the effects of the variety of structural parameters on the multiscale gas–particle coupling relationships, a non-dimensional parameter referred to as the modified mass ratio is constructed, which shows an explicit correlation with the dispersal mode. We proceed to establish a dispersal ring model in the continuum frame which accounts for the macro and meso-scale coupling effects. This model proves to be capable of successfully predicting the ideal and validated failed dispersal modes.

Centering intersectional breast cancer screening experiences among black, Latina, and white women: a qualitative analysis

ObjectiveMammography screening guidelines in the United States highlight the importance of informing and involving women when making their breast cancer screening decisions. However, the complexity of interpreting and applying these population-level guidelines can contribute to patient burden. Patient-centered communication strategies can alleviate patient burden, but few consider perspectives from racially and ethnically marginalized populations. We examine diverse women’s perspectives on screening to characterize patient-centered experiences.MethodsWe conducted 28 focus groups with 134 non-Latina Black (n = 51), non-Latina White (n = 39), and Latina (n = 44) participants. We coded participants’ discussion of their screening influences. We used deductive and inductive qualitative methods to identify common themes.ResultsWe identified three themes: (1) personal relationships with primary care providers, (2) potential impacts of cancer on families, and (3) interactions with medical systems. Most White participants described trusting physician relationships in contrast to perfunctory, surface-level relationships experienced by many Black participants; high costs of care prevented many Latina participants from accessing care (Theme 1). Diagnosis was a concern for most Black participants as it could burden family and most Latina participants as it could prevent them from maintaining family well-being (Theme 2). While many White participants had general ease in accessing and navigating healthcare, Latina participants were often held back by embarrassment—and Black participants frequently described disrespectful providers, false negatives, and unnecessary pain (Theme 3).ConclusionCultural and structural factors appeared to influence participants’ approaches to breast cancer screening. Structural barriers may counteract culturally salient beliefs, especially among Black and Latina participants. We suggest patient-centered communication interventions be culturally adjusted and paired with structural changes (e.g., policy, insurance coverage, material resources) to reflect women’s nuanced values and intersectional social contexts.

Ethical challenges of telepsychiatry

Telepsychiatry is shifting the focus of psychiatry and psychotherapy from personal interaction and relationship building to communication with technological mediators in the form of telecommunication, virtual reality (VR), social robots or artificial intelligence (AI). This article discusses the opportunities and risks of new technologies in psychiatric treatment, taking into account the principles of medical ethics. Telepsychiatric treatments can promote self-determination in the home environment as opposed to institutionalisation but carry the risk of uncontrolled data sharing. They harbour risks of potential harm such as social isolation, negative effects on the doctor-patient relationship and long-term changes in patient behaviour through, for example, VR. In terms of justice, demographic and psychopathological factors could result in unequal access to telepsychiatry, with questionable sustainability effects. The anonymity of telepsychiatry threatens alienation, while moral considerations cannot be replaced by AI for the time being. It is obligatory to carefully weigh up the benefits and risks of telepsychiatry, but especially in rural areas they could optimise care.Precisely because of ethical concerns, further intensive research is necessary to weigh up the risks and benefits. The development of telepsychiatric systems requires transdisciplinary co-operation. At a societal level, the significance of technologies as a supplement or replacement for the doctor-patient relationship needs to be discussed.

Effects of social support interventions on LGBTQ+ survivor-victims of Intimate Partner Violence: a systematic review

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is a significant global health concern associated with poor physical and mental health outcomes and overall mortality. IPV is highly prevalent in LGBTQ+ individuals, but interventions targeting LGBTQ+ survivor-victims of IPV remain scarce. Although interventions using a social support approach have a well-documented positive effect on cisgender heterosexual survivor-victims, relatively little is known about how these interventions impact LGBTQ+ survivor-victims. This systematic review synthesizes literature on effects of social support interventions on LGBTQ+ survivor-victims of IPV. Using a comprehensive search strategy, one quantitative and six qualitative studies were identified and included. Observed themes include connection, mentorship, representation, discrimination, safety, service access, and service utilization. Findings highlight that, while interventions can have numerous benefits, there are also notable adverse impacts, including safety risks and discrimination. Services that are specialized for LGBTQ+ survivor-victims or are community-focused were most beneficial. Overall, this review is evidence that much more research is needed to continue understanding the effects of social support interventions and to optimize the support provided for LGBTQ+ survivor-victims of IPV.

Multilevel correlates of the severity of intimate partner violence among women in Nigeria: Evidence from the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey

Multilevel correlates of the severity of intimate partner violence among women in Nigeria: Evidence from the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey

Information communication technologies and intimate partner violence among women in sub-Saharan African countries

Intimate partner violence is widespread in sub-Saharan Africa with women the usual victims. Efforts to address intimate partner violence (IPV) include interventions with information communication technologies (ICT) that are being used to raise awareness and promote the empowerment of women. Thus, there is a need to examine the relationship between ICT ownership and IPV among women in sub-Saharan Africa. We conducted a cross-sectional study of four countries in sub-Saharan Africa using the Demographic and Health Survey data. Ownership of ICT was the main predictor variable that was measured by ownership of a radio, television, mobile phones, and access to the Internet. The outcome variable was IPV, which was measured in two forms: physical and sexual violence. A multivariable analysis using binary logistic regression was used to examine the association between ownership of ICT devices and intimate partner violence (IPV) among women. In Zambia and Mali, women who own ICT devices were significantly less likely to experience sexual violence than those who did not own ICT devices. Predictors such as age, place of residence, education, wealth status, employment status, number of children and age at first marriage were significantly associated with experiences of IPV, even though the strength of this relationship varied across countries and types of IPV. Access to ICT should be promoted among women because ICT can raise awareness and offer women a platform for receiving social support and advice about coping with intimate partner violence.

Cultural and Practical Barriers to Seeking Help for Intimate Partner Violence Among Korean Immigrants: Exploring Gender and Age Differences

Immigrants in the United States, including Korean immigrants, are more vulnerable to intimate partner violence (IPV), yet they are less likely to seek help than non-immigrants. This qualitative study sought to understand barriers to seeking help for IPV among Korean immigrants and to explore age and gender differences in Korean immigrants’ understanding of these barriers. We conducted four focus groups with 38 adults grouped by age and gender. Thematic analysis was employed to understand Korean immigrants’ perceptions of IPV and barriers to help-seeking. As a result, four prominent themes emerged: (1) differential understanding of IPV, (2) Confucian cultural influences on IPV, (3) cultural barriers to help-seeking, and (4) practical barriers to help-seeking. Women participants showed an in-depth understanding of IPV, recognizing various forms beyond physical violence within the immigrant social context. Younger participants highlighted the intergenerational transmission of IPV. Cultural factors, rooted in Confucianism such as strict gender roles and women’s self-sacrifice, exacerbate IPV. Cultural barriers include shame culture, treating IPV as a private matter, and the emphasis on family unity. Practical barriers are linked to the challenges immigrants face. These insights illustrate the need for targeted IPV interventions tailored to distinct gender and age demographics within the community.

A high-response-frequency bimodal network polyacrylate elastomer with ultrahigh power density under low electric field.

Dielectric elastomers, used as driver modules, require high power density to enable fast movement and efficient work of soft robots. Polyacrylate elastomers usually suffer from low power density under low electric fields due to limited response frequency. Here, we propose a bimodal network polyacrylate dielectric elastomer which breaks the intrinsic coupling relationship between dielectric and mechanical properties, featuring relatively high dielectric constant, low Young's modulus, and wide driving frequency bandwidth (~200 Hz) like silicones. Therefore, an ultrahigh power density (154 W kg-1@20 MV m-1, 200 Hz) is realized at low electric field and high resonance frequency, 75 times greater than at 10 Hz. Further, a rotary motor is developed, reaching an impressive speed of 1245 rpm at 19.6 MV m-1 and 125 Hz, surpassing previous acrylate-based motors and entering the high-speed domain of silicone-based motors. These findings offer a versatile strategy to fabricate high-power-density dielectric elastomers for low-electric-field soft actuators.

Changes in the Global Structure of Energy Consumption and the Energy Transition Process

The global energy transition represents a pivotal aspect of the pursuit of sustainable development and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The objective of this study was to examine the dynamic relationships between global primary energy consumption and the consumption of individual energy sources (nuclear, oil, coal, natural gas, renewables) from 2011 to 2023. To examine both long-run and short-run relationships between variables, advanced econometric methods were employed, including the Johansen cointegration test and the Vector Error Correction Model (VECM). Furthermore, an Index of Sustainable Energy Transformation (ISTE) was devised to quantify the advancement of the transition to low-carbon energy sources. The analysis confirms the existence of long-term equilibrium relationships between global primary energy consumption and the consumption of individual energy sources. The analysis revealed that renewable energy consumption exerts a considerable influence on primary energy consumption, both in the short and long term. The ISTE index demonstrated a notable increase over the period of 2011 to 2023, indicative of advancement in the global energy transition. The results confirm the existence of a stable long-term equilibrium between global primary energy consumption and the consumption of individual energy sources. The observed increase in the ISTE index indicates progress towards low-carbon energy sources, which has important implications for energy policy and sustainable development. The results can support policymakers in monitoring the progress of the energy transition and shaping policies to accelerate the development of renewable energy sources.

Why Bystanders Report Intimate Partner Violence Anonymously: A Qualitative Analysis of Real-Life Cases

Although bystanders can play an important role in combating intimate partner violence (IPV), they also experience unique barriers and challenges that may prevent them from involvement. While anonymous reporting could potentially address some of these barriers, this form of intervention has rarely been studied. Using a thematic analysis of case files ( N = 34 reports), this study investigates bystanders’ reasons to report suspicions of IPV anonymously to a domestic violence hotline. Results indicate that anonymity allowed bystanders to balance the desire to protect the victim(s) from harm with the fear of potential consequences for themselves and/or their relationship with the victim(s).

Survivor Health Connection Project: Understanding Experiences of Accessing Health Care Among Those Affected by Intimate Partner Violence During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) has short- and long-term health effects, including physical injuries and traumatic brain injury, as well as sexual, reproductive, and mental health issues. However, accessing necessary health care is often challenging for IPV survivors and became even more difficult during the COVID-19 pandemic. We examined access to health care among those affected by IPV during the COVID-19 pandemic to better connect survivors to health and social support services. The Health Resources and Services Administration's Office of Women's Health partnered with its Bureau of Primary Health Care, the Administration for Children and Families' Office of Family Violence Prevention and Services, and the National Domestic Violence Hotline (Hotline) on the 2-year Survivor Health Connection Project. The Hotline administered 2 surveys to its contacts: a 2-question postinteraction survey from March 29, 2021, through September 30, 2022, and a longer focused survey in 2021 and 2022 that measured barriers and restrictions to accessing health care, telehealth safety, and interactions with health care providers. Of 9918 respondents to the postinteraction survey, 6173 (62.2%) reported current health needs related to their abusive experience. Nearly half of 242 respondents to the 2021 survey (n = 106, 43.8%) indicated that the frequency or intensity of abuse increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, and 157 of 338 respondents to the 2022 survey (46.4%) reported that their partner had controlled and/or restricted their access to health care. Participants described barriers to accessing health care, including finances, health insurance coverage, and transportation. Findings illuminate opportunities to further support the health and social needs of those experiencing IPV, including continued coordination of efforts across health care and social service delivery partners.

Evocation of positive memories as complement to trauma-focused cognitive–behavioural therapy for intimate partner violence against women

ABSTRACT Background: Focusing on positive memories as a complement to trauma-focused interventions for intimate partner violence against women (IPVAW) could contribute to enhancing the recovery from trauma with the development of a more integrated and emotionally modulated autobiographical narrative. Objective: To test the effectiveness of a trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) tailored for IPVAW that incorporates the evocation of positive memories. Methods: Female survivors of IPVAW entered a randomized controlled trial comparing trauma-focused CBT for IPVAW (CBT; n = 35) to a version that incorporates the evocation of positive memories (CBT-M+; n = 44) and to a waitlist (WL; n = 12) control group. Pre and post measures were obtained for: posttraumatic stress, meaning of trauma, affect, emotional regulation, associated symptoms, self-concept and overall functioning. Results: A total of 43.04% of women who entered treatment dropped out, without significant treatment differences. Pre–post changes were not significant for the WL; both treatments resulted in significant improvements, with good effect sizes, for posttraumatic stress (g = 0.78 and g = 1.00 for CBT and CBT-M+, respectively), meaning of trauma, affect, associated symptoms, self-concept and overall functioning, but not in emotional regulation. There were no significant differences between CBT and CBT-M+ in the direct comparisons; however, the effect sizes showed better effects of CBT for centrality of the IPVAW, whereas they favoured CBT-M+ for PTSD, depression, self-esteem and impairment measures. No clinically significant change was reached for the WL, while both treatments significantly reduced the percentage of women with PTSD and self-esteem problems; additionally, the percentage of women with depression and impairment problems in the CBT-M+ group was significantly decreased. Conclusions: Although there were few differences between both treatments, CBT-M+ seemed to have a greater effect, pointing to the potential of the inclusion of the evocation of positive memories that should be further researched.

Participatory Action Research and Knowledge Dissemination in Virtual Photovoice: Methodological Insights.

Despite the methodological spread of virtual photovoice, alignments to and potential advances for the participatory action research (PAR) and knowledge dissemination (KD) components of in-person photovoice are poorly understood. Detailing the PAR and KD processes, practices, and products drawn from a virtual photovoice study examining men's experiences of and perspectives about equitable intimate partner relationships, the current article offers three thematic findings. The first theme Processes and pragmatics for selecting representative photographs describes adapting established analytics of preview, review, and cross-photo comparisons to categorize and select images from a large collection of participant-produced photographs (n = 714). Specifically, detailed are the reconciling of researchers deciding which images and accompanying narratives to include guided by PAR principles. Theme 2, Democratizing and disrupting in-person PAR with virtual focus group polls (VFGPs), chronicles participant voting through Zoom to collectively decide and subsequently discuss their favorite photographs. While anonymity for the poll was democratizing in terms of participant equality for voting on the photographs, connecting men virtually from diverse locales could differentiate cultural norms. The third theme KD pledges and pitfalls with online photovoice exhibitions details the potential benefits and challenges for reaching diverse end-users. Evident was the importance of marketing and media for driving traffic to the online exhibition, and the centrality of interactivity for fostering engagement to build and adjust photovoice e-health interventions. With virtual photovoice continuing to grow in popularity post COVID-19, this article offers important methodological lessons for adapting and advancing components of in-person PAR and KD.

Sensitive character, melancholic type, and extras on personality and mental disorders

A traditional view in psychiatry concerns the intimate relationship between personality disorders and primary mental disorders in a spectral model. Psychic functions with common roots might play a role in personality and psychosis or other disorders, probably not only in terms of deficits but also balance or proportions among them. Personality characteristics in connection with endogenous or functional psychoses are described, such as the sensitive and melancholic types. Concepts derived from psychopathology, namely schizoidism and syntony, which involve psychosis and personality, seem related to pivotal frameworks in cognitive sciences comprising the so-called 4Es. When adopting a continuum view of mental disorders, they behave in a unitary or systemic configuration, corresponding to endogenous-functional dispositions interacting with the milieu and composing personality.

Killer whales in the Gulf of Mexico and North Atlantic off the Southeastern United States

Killer whales occur in the Gulf of Mexico (GoMex) and the North Atlantic, including off the southeastern United States (SEUS). Data from cetacean surveys during 1990 – 2021 and other sources were combined to assess killer whale biology, including spatial and temporal distribution, social structure, genetics, morphology, acoustics, and predatory behavior. GoMex records occurred predominantly in oceanic waters (>200 m) during spring and summer. SEUS records occurred primarily in winter and spring off the North Carolina region along the shelf-edge and deeper waters, and off the east coast of Florida. Photo-identification analysis of GoMex killer whales resulted in 49 individuals sighted up to seven times with sighting histories up to 26 years, and social analysis provided evidence of long-term relationships up to 16 years. The GoMex genetic samples revealed two mtDNA haplotypes, one of which does not match any outside the GoMex. Most GoMex whales had wide non-faint saddle patches and many had cookiecutter shark scars while no scars were noted on SEUS whales. Three groups recorded in the GoMex made few calls, but a group harassing sperm whales produced many. Cetaceans and tuna are known prey in the GoMex and SEUS, respectively. Directed studies of killer whales in the GoMex areas would be difficult to implement as this species is very rare. It is therefore important to pursue ongoing efforts to collect behavioral, acoustic and any biological samples that will contribute to improve our understanding of the biology and ecology of killer whales in tropical and subtropical regions.