Local Environmental Conditions Research Articles

Two years of outdoor cultivation in alternate climates produces little divergence in the productivity of Nannochloropsis.

Two years of outdoor cultivation in alternate climates produces little divergence in the productivity of Nannochloropsis.

Índice de riesgo de incendios rurales (IRIR) alternativo al índice meteorológico de peligro de incendios (FWI)

Climate change favors the development of non-urban fires, which are characterized by greater intensity and affected areas. The study of fire behavior in forests is of interest to scientists, suggesting that there is enormous potential for future research. However, few publications have studied in greater depth the conditions of ignition probability in rural and non-forest environments and have proposed new computational methods. Wildfire risk assessment systems are not always effective in rural areas due to the diversity of vegetation types. This paper proposes a new fire risk index to weight fuel ignition potential in rural areas. The model uses innovative techniques to obtain more accurate results than the Fire Weather Index (FWI). It takes into account the specific characteristics of local environmental conditions to provide a more accurate assessment of ignition risk.

Kidney form and function vary along an aridity gradient in the African striped mouse, genus Rhabdomys

Abstract Rodents display various adaptations to maintain water balance, involving morphological, physiological and behavioural mechanisms adapted for their habitats. We investigated variation in kidney form and function in four sister species of African striped mice (genus Rhabdomys), occurring along an aridity gradient in South Africa. We collected urine from mice housed in metabolic chambers and measured urine osmolarity using a vapor pressure osmometer. Thereafter, mice were euthanised, and their kidneys were removed and stored in buffered formalin. We dissected both kidneys sagittally and calculated size-corrected average renal medullary thickness (RMT). The arid-occurring R. pumilio had larger RMT and more concentrated urine than individuals of species from mesic environments, although no association occurred between RMT and urine concentration within all species except for R. bechuanae, which had larger RMT but not higher urine osmolarity than mice from the other mesic locations. R. d. chakae from Karkloof Nature Reserve (most mesic environment) had the smallest RMT. While kidney RMT and function are under strong selection pressures in arid African striped mice, mesic populations vary in form but not function. Phylogeny appears to modulate relative RMT in the genus Rhabdomys, but RMT and urine osmolarity are likely driven by local environmental conditions along the west–east rainfall gradient in South Africa.

Ecosystem, spatial and trophic dimensions of niche partitioning among freshwater fish predators

BackgroundNiche partitioning allows species to diversify resource utilisation and space allocation and reduce interspecific competition. Variations in abiotic and biotic conditions in different ecosystems may further influence resource availability and habitat utilisation, potentially reducing competition. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of environmental variation on spatial and trophic niche overlap between two freshwater apex predators, the northern pike (Esox lucius) and the European catfish (Silurus glanis), in three different water bodies.MethodsWe used fine-scale acoustic telemetry to assess the spatial niche overlap of pike and catfish, analyzing their spatial and habitat use in relation to the thermocline and their presence in benthic versus open-water habitats. Stable isotope analysis (SIA) was used to quantify trophic niche overlap and dietary differences between the species. We compared the habitat use, spatial niche width and overlap, and trophic differentiation among waterbodies to determine how environmental conditions influence predator interactions.ResultsDuring summer, pike and catfish primarily occupied benthic habitats above the thermocline across all waterbodies and diel periods. However, catfish more frequently used open water above the thermocline, while pike were more often present in both open water and benthic habitats below it. While this general pattern of habitat use was consistent, its extent varied among lakes, suggesting that local environmental conditions shape species-specific habitat selection. Despite these variations, the species exhibited substantial spatial overlap, though its magnitude fluctuated across waterbodies and diel periods. Catfish occupied a broader spatial niche in two waterbodies, while pike had a broader niche in one. Across all lakes, catfish consistently maintained a broader trophic niche than pike. However, pike exhibited higher trophic overlap with catfish than vice versa, with nearly complete overlap in one lake and substantial but incomplete overlap in others. This suggests that pike relies more heavily on shared prey resources, while catfish exploits a broader range of food sources beyond those used by pike.These patterns were primarily driven by the position of the thermocline, prey availability, structural complexity and the greater foraging plasticity of catfish, highlighting the environmental dependence of niche partitioning in these predators.ConclusionsOur findings demonstrate that spatial and trophic niche overlaps between pike and catfish are highly context-dependent, shaped by abiotic conditions, prey availability, and species-specific foraging strategies. This study highlights the importance of integrating spatial and trophic analyses to understand predator interactions in aquatic ecosystems.

The influence of tomato varietal selection on the postharvest quality of tomatoes (<em>Solanum lycopersicum</em> L.) grown under protected houses

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is a major vegetable crop grown in Sri Lanka, facing significant postharvest losses that affect profitability. These losses arise from both quantitative and qualitative factors that are influenced by varietal characteristics, cultural practices, and environmental conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of varietal selection on postharvest losses and establish correlations between tomato characteristics and postharvest quality across six commercially important tomato varieties grown in Sri Lanka; “T-245”, “Tomato-1014”, “Red-Bullet”, “King-Kong”, “Padma-108” and “Platinum-701”. The tomatoes were grown in a protected house, and the growth and yield parameters of the selected varieties were assessed. Harvested tomatoes of each variety were categorized according to their marketability, and quality parameters such as weight, color, firmness, and total soluble solids, along with their shelf life, were evaluated at different maturity stages: green, breaker, turning, pink, light-red, and red. The storage quality of the pink stage tomatoes in different varieties was examined. Among the varieties, “Tomato-1014” exhibited the greatest plant height, exceeding “T-245” by 40%, while “T-245” had the highest leaf count, 114% greater than “King-Kong.” Both the “Platinum-701” and “Padma-108” varieties showed a 1:1 flower-to-fruit ratio. “Platinum-701” had the highest fruit yield, overall firmness (6.72N) and superior storage quality, whereas “Tomato-1014” demonstrated the highest flesh firmness (4.73N) and TSS value (5.36°Brix). “Red-Bullet” recorded the longest shelf-life of 18 days. “Platinum-701” and “Red-Bullet” varieties showed comparatively lower susceptibility for diseases. While the relationships between fruit quality parameters, were generally consistent across varieties, firmness of ripened “Platinum-701” and breaker stage “Tomato-1014” were maintained despite fruit ripening, which is potentially beneficial on postharvest handling and storage. These findings emphasize the importance of selecting appropriate tomato varieties tailored to local environmental conditions and market demands to minimize postharvest losses and enhance the economic viability of growers.

Growth Response and Cell Permeability of the Fish-Killing Phytoflagellate Heterosigma akashiwo Under Projected Climate Conditions.

Climate change and anthropogenic alterations in biogeochemical cycles are intensifying the frequency, duration, and potential toxicity of harmful algal blooms (HABs) in marine ecosystems. However, these effects are highly variable and depend on species identity, strain-specific traits, and local environmental conditions. Key drivers include rising sea surface temperatures, changes in salinity resulting from altered precipitation patterns and runoff, and elevated CO2 levels leading to ocean acidification. Heterosigma akashiwo, a euryhaline raphidophyte responsible for the widespread killing of fish, is particularly responsive to these changes. This study investigated the combined effects of temperature, salinity, and CO2 concentration on the growth, yield, and cell membrane permeability of H. akashiwo using a Design of Experiment (DOE) approach. DOE facilitates a detailed and systematic analysis of multifactorial interactions, enabling a deeper understanding of complex relationships while maximizing efficiency and minimizing the use of experimental resources. The results revealed that growth and yield were maximized at higher temperatures and salinities, whereas cell permeability increased under cooler, less saline, and lower CO2 conditions. These findings suggest that projected future ocean conditions may enhance biomass production while potentially reducing cellular permeability and, by extension, toxicity. This study highlights the value of the DOE framework in identifying key interactions among environmental drivers of HABs, offering a practical foundation for future predictive modeling under climate change scenarios.

Ecological interactions driving spring dynamics of Aurelia aurita medusae (Linnaeus, 1758) in the western and north-western Black Sea

This study examined the ecological factors influencing spring fluctuations in the medusa population of the moon jellyfish (Aurelia aurita) in the western and north-western Black Sea between 2009 and 2015. Data were collected at 216 sampling stations, mainly covering coastal and shelf waters of Bulgaria, Romania and Ukraine. The north-western Black Sea exhibited the highest mean abundance (2.48 ind/m3 ± 0.92 SD) and biomass (4.65 g/m3 ± 3.22 SD) of A. aurita, despite individuals in this region having the smallest mean bell diameter (5.7 cm ± 1.5 SD). In contrast, the western regions (Bulgarian and Romanian waters) showed lower, yet comparable abundance and biomass, with mean values of 1.31 ind/m3 ± 1.01 SD to 1.33 ind/m3 ± 1.08 SD and 3.79 g/m3 ± 3.93 SD to 3.99 g/m3 ± 3.72 SD, respectively, alongside slightly larger average bell diameters (6.2 cm ± 1.8 SD and 6.3 cm ± 1.7 SD). Generalised Additive Models identified mesozooplankton biomass and sea surface salinity as key predictors of jellyfish biomass, while depth significantly influenced abundance and size. Regional variations in mean size distribution, depth-related patterns and non-linear predator-prey dynamics emphasise the role of local environmental conditions in regulating the A. aurita medusa population during the spring post-strobilation phase.

Ecological testing of Don rice varieties on the right bank of the Kuban River

The development of new rice varieties which form high productivity and are better adapted to the specific area where they will be further grown, plays a crucial role in rice productivity improvement. At the breeding institutes of the FSBSI “Federal Research Center of Rice” and the FSBSI “Agricultural Research Center “Donskoy”, the researchers have been studying for a long time and developing more productive and high-quality rice varieties that are resistant to adverse natural conditions. Individual genotypes of each variety determine different responses to the peculiarities of local environmental conditions that affect productivity level and the need for practice. The current paper is devoted to the analysis of the results of environmental trials of two Rostov and two Krasnodar rice varieties in the fields of 4 farms in the Krasnoarmeysky district of the Krasnodar Territory in 2023–2024, which revealed a significant difference in grain productivity. The conducted ecological trials of rice varieties ‘FNTsR’ and ‘ANTsD’ on the checks of four agricultural institutions of Krasnodar Krai showed significant variability of grain productivity depending on a forecrop. In the ES “Krasnaya”, on average for 2023–2024, the variety ‘Rapan 2’ was at the first place in productivity (7.95), the variety ‘Favorit’ was at the second place (7.50), the variety ‘Virasan’ was at the third place (6.47 t/ha). In the RPP “Krasnoarmeysky”, the varieties were ranked as follows: ‘Rapan 2’ (7.68), ‘Argamak’ (6.87 t/ha), ‘Favorit’ (6.72 t/ha). In the Agrocomplex “Cheburgolsky” they were ranked as follows: ‘Rapan 2’ (7.66 t/ha), ‘Favorit’ (7.40 t/ha), ‘Virasan’ (7.32 t/ha). In the Agrocomplex “Rossiya” they were ranked as follows: ‘Favorit’ (8.11 t/ha), ‘Argamak’ (7.34 t/ha), ‘Rapan 2’ (7.30 t/ha). For cultivation in rice farms of the Krasnodar Krai after soybean and sunflower there has been recommended the new highly productive rice variety ‘Argamak’, developed by the ARC “Donskoy”, is recommended.

Growth and metamorphosis of Bufo gargarizans gargarizans larvae: effects of water volume and food diversity

An organism has the ability to evolve and produce different phenotypes in order to respond to local environmental conditions, which is a common adaptation strategy in nature. Besides biotic factors, abiotic factors such as the volume of water and the diversity of food in breeding ponds can also play significant roles in the survival and age at metamorphosis in amphibians. This study experimentally examined the plasticity in growth rate, survival rate, larval mass, age, and SVL at metamorphosis for Bufo gargarizans gargarizans. It specifically focused on different combinations of water volume and food diversity. An interaction between water volume and food diversity had no effect on larval growth and development. However, food diversity had a significant impact on the age at metamorphosis, revealing that the presence of two food resources resulted in a shorter larval period and earlier metamorphosis, particularly in larger water volumes. Our findings demonstrated that single tadpoles reared in larger water volumes had a larger body size at metamorphosis compared to those raised in smaller water volumes. Additionally, single tadpoles raised in larger water volumes exhibited higher growth rates and a shorter larval period than those raised in smaller water volumes. We propose that the increased frequency of physical encounters between tadpoles and vessel walls in smaller volumes leads to stress from crowding or psychological factors, which is the primary factor in hindering larval growth and development.

Genetic diversity of the zigzag ladybird beetle, Cheilomenes sexmaculata (F.) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) with its distribution in India and implications for biological control

Biological control is considered the backbone of any integrated pest management programme. Exploring native ranges to identify new biological control agents is technically challenging and time-consuming; however, incorporating biogeographical insights into the selection process enhances the likelihood of success in biological control efforts. The zigzag beetle, Cheilomenes sexmaculata (F.), the most important and abundant of all ladybird beetles, feeds on a diverse range of prey. To study the population structure of C. sexmaculata, individuals were collected from five different zones, consisting of 25 subpopulations (subsets from their respective main zones) that uniformly represented India. We identified 109,585 contigs, 304,784 SNPs, and 46,583 INDELs, among which 5 INDELs and 9 SSRs were polymorphic. We observed high genetic diversity parameters for populations collected from the West Zone in all SNPs, SSRs, and INDELs markers. However, gene flow (Nm) was restricted, and FST was high in the South Zone and East Population (FST=0.45) populations, while the populations from the Central, North and West zones recorded zero FST. The structure and dendrogram construction analysis revealed individuals from Coorg and Mudigere of the South Zone and Barapani of the East Zone populations formed separate clusters. Mantel correlation revealed genetic distances decreased with the increasing geographical distance SNPs (Rxy= − 0.184 and P = 0.07); INDELs (Rxy= − 0.204 and P = 0.05) and SSRs (Rxy= − 0.339 and P = 0.06) indicated moderate genetic differentiation in the South and East zones populations due to geographic barriers, genetic drift and local environmental conditions. Populations in the North, West, and Central zones showed high gene flow, likely due to modern domestication and human activities. Additionally, the findings indicated that the populations from the West, North, and Central zones are better strains due to their high genetic fitness, so these populations can be used for classical and augmentative biological control.

Spatial Dynamics of Harbour Porpoise Phocoena phocoena Relative to Local Hydrodynamics and Environmental Conditions.

Understanding the spatial dynamics of harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) is crucial for effective conservation and management. The study presents a multidisciplinary approach to modelling and analysing the site occurrence and habitat use of Phocoena phocoena within the Skerries and Causeway Special Area of Conservation (SAC), identifying areas where they were seen surfacing and/or spending the most time. Using data derived from multibeam echosounders (MBES), particle size analysis of sediments, hydrodynamic modelling, and theodolite tracking observations, the study examines the influence of local hydrodynamics and environmental conditions on the spatial distribution of harbour porpoises. Kernel density analysis of 451 porpoise sightings over an 11-day survey demonstrated that dense clusters and higher aggregations occurred within ~500 m of the shoreline. Generalised Additive Models (GAMs) identified slope, aspect, backscatter intensity and sediment grain size as the most significant environmental predictors, accounting for 47.6% of the deviance in harbour porpoise distribution. Porpoises' occurrence was particularly spatially coincident with coarser sediments (4.25-5 mm), and their distribution was highly concentrated around headlands, shoreline and within a 3-h window before and after high water. Overall, these findings highlight the dynamic nature of harbour porpoises' use of habitat in space and time, with models predicting a high probability of porpoise encounters (> 0.6) nearshore, particularly in headland areas characterised by local flow acceleration and coarser seabeds. The study presents a robust workflow for developing a porpoise-specific monitoring program. By leveraging multidisciplinary methodological approaches, the study provides a scientific basis for refining marine conservation measures, delivering long-term protection for harbour porpoise habitats under existing legal and management frameworks both within and beyond the SAC boundaries.

Tree-related microhabitat assemblages in boreal forests depend more on local environmental conditions and tree species than on tree size

ABSTRACT Tree-related microhabitats (TreMs) are crucial for biodiversity, supporting thousands of species. Most TreM research has focused on temperate forests, prompting us to evaluate the TreM typology in the boreal biome. We aimed to: (i) identify factors influencing TreM occurrence on living trees, (ii) assess redundancy and complementarity of TreM supply among Scots pine, birch, and aspen in Fennoscandia, (iii) compare TreM occurrence between Fennoscandian and Canadian boreal forests, and (iv) determine the minimum sample size for assessing TreM diversity in large-scale inventories. We inventoried 1515 trees in long unmanaged forests across Fennoscandia and compared results with a Canadian dataset. Findings show that Scots pine, birch, and aspen support distinct and complementary TreM assemblages, emphasizing the importance of mixed stands for biodiversity. Over larger geographic areas, local plot context – including climate, disturbance history, and biotic/abiotic factors – was the main driver of TreM occurrence. Unlike temperate forests, tree diameter was not a significant driver in boreal forests. The variability of TreM assemblages within the boreal biome underscores the need for large sample sizes to accurately assess TreM diversity. Sampling 1000 trees is sufficient to assess the seven TreM forms, while a larger sample is required to capture all fifteen TreM groups.

Genetic diversity and population structure of Colombian sweet potato genotypes reveal possible adaptations to specific environmental conditions

AbstractIpomoea batatas, commonly known as sweet potato, is a widely cultivated and consumed crop. It is valued for its storage roots, which serve as an important source of energy and essential nutrients. However, in Colombia, sweet potato remains underutilized, with limited cultivation and consumption. Native and alternative crops are central to government strategies that link biodiversity to food security and sovereignty. This study evaluates the diversity and genetic structure of 438 genotypes from the Colombian Sweet Potato Collection (CSPC), using both morphological and molecular data, and proposes a core collection to support conservation strategies. Additionally, a genetic comparison with the USDA collection was conducted to contextualize the diversity of the CSPC within a global framework. Substantial diversity was observed among Colombian sweet potato genotypes. Four distinct phenotypic groups were identified based on their origin in the Andean and Caribbean regions, exhibiting variations in their ability to develop storage roots and floral structures under the conditions of the evaluation site. Molecular analyses revealed over 37,000 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) variants, allowing the identification of six genetic groups associated with geographic origin (Andean and Caribbean regions), altitude, levels of genetic diversity, and cultivation status (landraces, breeding lines, or wilds). A core collection of 100 genotypes was proposed to represent the genetic diversity of the CSPC, incorporating both morphological and molecular data. Finally, the CSPC was compared with the USDA collection, revealing clear genetic differentiation between the two collections and higher levels of genetic diversity in the CSPC. These findings highlight the broad genetic diversity of sweet potato in Colombia, with its genetic structure strongly influenced by local environmental conditions. They also confirm that Colombia is an important center of diversity for this crop. These insights are essential for advancing research, strengthening conservation efforts, and optimizing the use of sweet potato genetic resources in the country.

Socio‐Cultural Connectivity Along the Zagros Mountains: A SEM‐EDS Study of Rare Neolithic Obsidian Artifacts From the Kohgiluyeh Region (Southwest Iran)

ABSTRACTRecent archaeological investigations in the Kohgiluyeh region of southwestern Iran revealed numerous Neolithic sites along with diverse settlement strategies adapted to the local resources and environmental conditions of this high mountainous stretch of the Zagros Mountains. The regional Neolithic chipped stone collections mainly indicate the acquisition and use of local mineral resources, with obsidian being uncommon. Its occurrence suggests the existence of long‐distance acquisition and/or distribution networks. This study presents a provenance analysis of two rare obsidian artifacts recovered during intensive surveys in the Kohgiluyeh region. Using Scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive X‐Ray Spectroscopy (SEM‐EDS), we characterized the obsidian samples and determined their elemental compositions for source attribution. The results of these analyses indicate that the two artifacts originated from two distinct source areas in southeastern Anatolia: the Nemrut Dağ and Bingöl‐A volcanic complexes. These findings provide evidence to reconstruct socio‐cultural interactions between Neolithic communities along the Zagros Mountains and improve our understanding of settlement strategies in the southern Zagros region during the early stages of sedentism.

Biodiversity on the move: Epibiotic communities associated with pelagic sargassum in the northeast Atlantic.

Biodiversity on the move: Epibiotic communities associated with pelagic sargassum in the northeast Atlantic.

Succession of zooplankton in a Mediterranean pond using taxonomic and functional approaches

Habitat restoration offers a unique opportunity to recover biodiversity and study ecological processes in new habitats, such as successional changes in communities. In new habitats, an increase in species richness over time and a decrease in beta-diversity between consecutive samplings are expected, and several ecological mechanisms can drive these temporal variations. An approach using functional traits can reveal how communities are assembled through time. Therefore, we aimed to assess temporal patterns in both taxonomic and functional (trait-based) composition and diversity of zooplankton in a newly created permanent pond, exploring the succession patterns and the underlying ecological mechanisms over four hydrological years. For this, zooplankton samples were bimonthly taken over the first four years after an interdunal pond was created. We estimated a set of taxonomic and functional indices, including Hill numbers, functional richness, dispersion, specialization and redundancy, and taxonomic and functional beta diversity. Their trends over time were analyzed, as well as the relationship with environmental variables and the correlation among them. The results showed an increasing trend in taxonomic diversity along the four-year succession. Regarding beta diversity between samplings, a decreasing trend was observed for taxonomic and functional values. Measured local environmental conditions played a minor role driving variations in both community and traits assembly, but the role of unmeasured variables, biotic interactions and regional processes cannot be discarded. Functional indices provided complementary information to the taxonomic ones: the positive correlation between taxonomic and functional richness indicates that arriving species are adding novel combinations of traits to the communities.

Annual cycle and ecological interactions of macroalgal epiphytes with Cymodocea nodosa and Ruppia maritima in Epanomi and Vravrona, Greece

Abstract Cymodocea nodosa and Ruppia maritima constitute key seagrasses that provide habitat, stabilize sediment, and support nutrient cycling and carbon sequestration in coastal ecosystems. This study aims to investigate the composition and abundance of epiphytic macroalgae on C. nodosa and R. maritima at the coastal sites of Epanomi and Vravrona, parts of Natura 2000 network in Greece. Seasonal plant material collection was conducted from 2022 to 2023 and epiphytic macroalgae were removed and identified to species or genera level. The coverage and number of epiphytic macroalgal taxa were determined and species were classified into Ecological Status Groups (ESGs). The similarity of macroalgal composition and coverage between seasons, locations and hosts was analyzed using cluster analysis. Vravrona exhibited higher epiphyte coverage compared to Epanomi, while Rhodophyta dominated qualitatively and quantitatively throughout the year. In Epanomi, seasonal shifts in dominance were observed, with different algal groups prevailing in each season. Cluster analysis revealed distinct clusters of epiphyte communities, indicating significant differences between sites and seasons, suggesting that local environmental conditions play a role in determining the composition and structure of epiphytic communities. The findings underscore the need for continuous environmental assessments to protect coastal waters and support conservation strategies for these critical ecosystems.

Review on Effect of Seed Sources and Sizes on Faba Bean (<i>Vicia faba </i>L.) Production in Ethiopia: Review

A significant legume crop in Ethiopia, the faba bean (<i>Vicia faba</i> L.) is essential for food security, nutrition, and the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. While there are a number of factors that affect faba bean output, seed sizes and sources have a big impact. In order to give a thorough understanding of these factors, this study synthesizes research data from other studies to investigate the effects of various seed sources and seed sizes on Ethiopian faba bean yield. The potential for production, disease resistance, and adaptation of the faba bean cultivars is significantly influenced by the seed source. Locally adapted seed variations, which are often generated from farmers' own harvests, are generally more resistant to local environmental variables and pests than imported seed varieties. However, locally sourced seeds might occasionally be of uneven quality, which can have a detrimental effect on crop performance. On the other hand, it has been shown that improved seed types have higher yields and are more resistant to disease, which can increase overall production even if they are typically more expensive. The size of the seeds has a major impact on faba bean yield as well. Larger seeds tend to generate robust seedlings and greater germination rates, both of which are necessary for achieving optimal yields. Tiny seeds may occasionally be more appropriate for specific local growing conditions for farmers who have limited access to larger, superior seed varieties. This review describes how maximizing the production of faba bean types can be achieved by selecting the appropriate seed size while accounting for local environmental considerations. This review examines how selecting the appropriate seed size while accounting for local environmental conditions can optimize faba bean yield variations. To boost Ethiopian faba bean productivity, seed size and seed supply must be adjusted. Further research is required to assess the long-term impacts of varying seed sizes and sources under various agro-ecological zones in order to improve the stability and sustainability of faba bean yields throughout the nation.

The human entry in Sicily: new archaeological and paleoenvironmental evidence from San Teodoro cave (Acquedolci, Messina)

The timing of the earliest peopling of Sicily and, to a wider level, of human mobility in the Mediterranean basin after the Last Glacial Maximum is enriched by the recent discovery of an archaeological record dated back to 16,5 ka cal BP from San Teodoro cave (Acquedolci, Messina). We present the results of a new archaeological campaign inside the grotto, where we were able to identify a layer related to the initial stage of human occupation. The excavation yielded lithic and faunal remains and the first systematic collection of wood charcoal for the archaeobotanical analysis. The new data offer a snapshot on the site and on the daily activities of the hunter-gatherers in their palaeoenvironmental context. The peri-coastal area surrounding San Teodoro appears to have played a role as a glacial refuge, allowing for the development and survival of temperate tree species. New evidence also gives an overview on the initial stages of the peopling of Sicily. The chronology of the layer is not only the oldest from the cave, but also from the region. The new radiocarbon dates, coupled with the chronological framework reconstructed so far, allows a parsimonious recognition of a westward movement of human populations (from the eastern Messina province to the Egadi, on the west). The time of the first spread of human groups on Sicily has to be considered as a consequence of the rapid demographic increase that has been registered in Southern Italy, since the early stages of the Late Epigravettian, and can be related to the amelioration of local environmental conditions in both areas.

Evaluating compliance with HeatSuite for monitoring in situ physiological and perceptual responses and personal environmental exposure

Extreme heat events pose a significant health threat to vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those living with disease. Recent extreme heat events highlight that heat-related mortality often occurs indoors, urging a need to better understand how at-risk populations physiologically and behaviorally respond in their natural environment. However, a low-cost and scalable all-in-one solution to comprehensively monitor individuals during periods of extreme heat does not presently exist. We developed HeatSuite, a fully data-governed multimodal sensor platform, that can monitor the local environmental conditions, and physiological and behavioural responses, of free-living individuals. Compliance to the platform was assessed over 28 days among 21 older individuals living in low-income housing (70 ± 7 y, body mass index: 28.7 ± 6.3). Moderate (>77%) to near optimal (94%) compliance was observed among the physiological and perceptual metrics obtained. In conclusion, HeatSuite is an effective and comprehensive solution for at-home monitoring of at-risk populations.