Migratory Movements Research Articles

Exploring the socio-political construction of mental health issues of the Tibetan diaspora in India: coping strategies and implications for care

IntroductionLike many diasporas, the Tibetan diaspora has also had cataclysmic events and migratory movements and wish to return to their exiled homeland one day. In their countries of settlement, they face various challenges as they try to cope with their loss and adapt to a new environment.PurposeThis study aims to attempt to explore the socio-political construction of the mental health issues and coping strategies of the members from different generations of the Tibetan diaspora in India using the social ecological model as the theoretical framework. This study further aimed to provide suggestions based on findings to inform culturally sensitive care.Design/methodology/approachUsing the snowball sampling method, 20 Tibetans residing in North India were interviewed about their socio-political experiences. The obtained narratives were analyzed using thematic content analysis framework by Braun and Clarke (2006).FindingsFindings suggest that several socio-political conditions shape the mental health issues of the Tibetans that are inclusive of the acculturative stress, distress, intergenerational trauma and negative affectivity. A range of coping strategies, including spiritual-religious coping, collective coping and nostalgic coping emerged from the analysis.Research limitations/implicationsThis study has few limitations that must be considered to accurately interpret the findings. First, the sample size is small and hence may not be an accurate representation of the entire Tibetan diaspora. Second, the study uses self-reported data that may be subject to personal biases. Third, having been conducted in a specific socio-political context, the findings of this study may not be generalizable to other settings or to the members of the Tibetan diaspora elsewhere.Practical implicationsThe findings of the study will help spread awareness about mental health issues within the Tibetan diasporic community. The study will also help the mental health professionals to recognize the need for culturally responsive approaches to care. It also highlights the need to use the benefits of traditional healing practices, spirituality and cultural identity. The findings also will be relevant to developing interventions that are effective at individual, interpersonal, community and societal levels. The tailored interventions should address political issues surrounding the Tibetans, emphasize on their education and support cultural activities that can be essential for identity affirmation of these individuals.Originality/valueShifting focus: Instead of viewing mental health solely through a psychological lens, it recognizes the powerful influence of political and social forces on their well-being. Generational lens: It explores how different generations within the diaspora grapple with the complexities of exile and its impact on their mental health. Unveiling coping strategies: It goes beyond the diagnosis, showcasing the diverse coping mechanisms used by Tibetans, including spiritual practices, collective support and even nostalgia.

Brain gene expression reveals pathways underlying nocturnal migratory restlessness

Migration is one of the most extreme and energy demanding life history strategies to have evolved in the animal kingdom. In birds, champions of long-distance migrations, the seasonal emergence of the migratory phenotype is characterised by rapid physiological and metabolic remodelling, including substantial accumulation of fat stores and increases in nocturnality. The molecular underpinnings and brain adaptations to seasonal migrations remain poorly understood. Here, we exposed Common quails (Coturnix coturnix) to controlled changes in day length to simulate southward autumn migration, and then blocked the photoperiod until birds entered the non-migratory wintering phase. We first performed de novo RNA-Sequencing from selected brain samples (hypothalamus) collected from birds at a standardised time at night, either in a migratory state (when restlessness was highest and at their body mass peak), or in a non-migratory state and conducted differential gene expression and functional pathways analyses. We found that the migratory state was associated with up-regulation of a few, yet functionally well defined, gene expression networks implicated in fat trafficking, protein and carbohydrate metabolism. Further analyses that focused on candidate genes (apolipoprotein H or APOH, lysosomal associated membrane protein-2 or LAMP2) from samples collected during the day or night across the entire study population suggested differences in the expression of these genes depending on the time of the day with the largest expression levels being found in the migratory birds sampled at night. We also found that expression of APOH was positively associated with levels of nocturnal activity in the migratory birds; such an association was absent within the non-migratory birds. Our results provide novel experimental evidence revealing that hypothalamic changes in expression of apolipoprotein pathways, which regulate the circulatory transport of lipids, are likely key regulatory activators of nocturnal migratory movements. Our study paves the way for performing deeper functional investigations on seasonal molecular remodelling underlying the development of the migratory phenotype.

Academic return migration amidst North-to-South trend: an integrative inquiry into the case of Chinese international STEM researchers

ABSTRACT Set against the booming reverse migration of scientific talents from developed nations to newly-emerged advanced economies, this study particularly examines the return of Chinese early career researchers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Deploying a mixed research design that integrates quantitative and qualitative traditions, it aims to address three prominent knowledge gaps surrounding this emergent pattern of transnational academic migration. According to survey results, caring duties, career prospects, and cultural attachments have consistently emerged as the primary drivers for returnees who received PhD training in various host destinations. In contrast, economic and lifestyle concerns were of much less import to those completing the doctorate in leading Anglophone countries. Stark gender disparities were also observed, with male returnees’ desire to secure cultural familiarity and upward mobility especially evident and their use of transnational academic networks more prevalent. Moreover, participants who made the decision to return toward the end of their overseas sojourn and whose doctoral education was sponsored by the Chinese government demonstrated a significantly higher likelihood of considering onward migratory movement. While largely corroborating the quantitative findings, interview data further highlights the vital role of a justice-oriented university environment in attracting high-skilled talents from across different axes of social disadvantage. Throughout, it points to the prospective stickiness of return migration instigated amidst the radical shifts in global science. We conclude the paper with critical reflections on our empirical and methodological focus.

Parent, meaning who? Biotechnological revolution in human procreation and succession law in Poland

Recent developments in assisted reproductive technology (ART) – the use of third parties in the process of fertilization and pregnancy, and cryopreservation of human sperm, ova and human embryos – have contested many previously unchallenged paradigms related to parenthood. Currently, the thesis that a person is created by the physical consummation of two living parents of the opposite sex, is no longer as simple and clear cut. Undoubtedly, these changes affect social norms, including the legal systems of individual states which take divergent stances on the above-mentioned issues. For example, in their approach to filiation relations of a child born through ART and how his/her parents’ data are entered on the child’s birth certificate. Intensified migration movements of Poles to the USA and an increased number of cross-border (Polish and American) relationships have resulted in a growing frequency of foreign birth certificates appearing in Poland. Though incompatible with the Polish law, such certificates provide grounds for certain claims to be filed since vital records are documents of particular importance in every legal order, and in succession proceedings they are of fundamental value. Thus, a question arises as to the viewpoint of Polish law in regard to American birth certificates which do not comply with the rules in force in Poland regarding the filiation indicated therein. Can a child inherit by operation of law from people of the same sex indicated in his/her birth certificate issued abroad and can he/she inherit from all the parents named in such a certificate even if there are more than two of them? Does a child conceived several years after the death of his/her father, whose data feature on the American birth certificate, have a right to inherit from him in Poland? This article attempts to answer these questions.

Embeddedness in complex networks: Theoretical central debate, policy implications, and research agenda in ethnic entrepreneurship

Objective: This article explores ethnic entrepreneurship as an emerging organizational phenomenon, aiming to provide a comprehensive overview through a systematic literature review. Method: Triangulation employed bibliometric analysis, network analysis, citation and co-citation analysis, co-citation network, and a meta-analysis of bibliometrics over the period. It also includes content analysis demonstrating study characteristics, key findings, and suggestions for future research. Key Findings: The crucial role of ethnic networks in identity valorization and overcoming obstacles, exerting a moderating influence on entrepreneurial decisions, was identified. Furthermore, a broader theoretical framework for understanding the ethnic entrepreneurship phenomenon is synthesized. Theoretical/Methodological Contributions: A combined method of analyses is employed, offering an approach that can be adopted by similar research. The theoretical framework in which ethnic entrepreneurship studies are anchored is presented, emphasizing social immersion, co-ethnic network building, and Economic Sociology. Relevance/Originality: In a growing global migration movement, individuals have become entrepreneurs in the pursuit of ethnic valorization, equality, and survival. They face various barriers in host countries, influencing the decision to undertake entrepreneurship and their business. This study fills a gap by elucidating how research explains the interplay of these emerging phenomena. Social/Management Contributions: The article identifies future directions for ethnic entrepreneurship research, addressing crucial issues such as gender, network construction, financing, international refugee policies, public policies, ethnicity, ethnic markets, marginalization, and prejudice. Its conclusions offer valuable insights for managers, researchers, and policymakers.

Migratory lifestyle carries no added overall energy cost in a partial migratory songbird.

Seasonal bird migration may provide energy benefits associated with moving to areas with less physiologically challenging climates or increased food availability, but migratory movements themselves may carry high costs. However, time-dynamic energy profiles of free-living migrants-especially small-bodied songbirds-are challenging to measure. Here we quantify energy output and thermoregulatory costs in partially migratory common blackbirds using implanted heart rate and temperature loggers paired with automated radio telemetry and energetic modelling. Our results show that blackbirds save considerable energy in preparation for migration by decreasing heart rate and body temperature 28 days before departure, potentially dwarfing the energy costs of migratory flights. Yet, in warmer wintering areas, migrants do not appear to decrease total daily energy expenditure despite a substantially reduced cost of thermoregulation. These findings indicate differential metabolic programmes across different wintering strategies despite equivalent overall energy expenditure, suggesting that the maintenance of migration is associated with differences in energy allocation rather than with total energy expenditure.

Commodity production and African migration to Turkey, Now and in the premodern past

African Migration in Turkey is an under-researched area despite the long history of migration between West Africa and the Ottoman Empire and the large number of African migrants in Turkey. The connection of this historical and contemporary migration movement with commodity production reveals not only the basic dynamics and patterns but also the global character of this mobility. While the flow of labor and commodities between Africa and Turkey continues, especially with Turkey's new Africa policy after 2002, African migrants are also implementing their own interests and agendas. Thus, an interdisciplinary approach encompassing history, economics, and anthropology reveals intertwined transformations and networks that provide a perspective for historical changes.

Prevalence of Chagas disease among Latin American immigrants in non-endemic countries: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundChagas disease (CD), endemic in 21 Latin American countries, has gradually spread beyond its traditional borders due to migratory movements and emerging as a global health concern. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of available data to establish updated prevalence estimates of CD in Latin American migrants residing in non-endemic countries. MethodsAa systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science, and LILACS via Virtual Health Library (Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde - BVS), including references published until November 1st, 2023. Pooled prevalence estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using random effect models. Heterogeneity was assessed by the chi-square test and the I2 statistic. Subgroup analyses were performed to explore potential sources of heterogeneity among studies. The study was registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42022354237). FindingsFrom a total of 1,474 articles screened, a total of 51 studies were included. Studies were conducted in eight non-endemic countries (most in Spain), between 2006 and 2023, and involving 82,369 screened individuals. The estimated pooled prevalence of CD in Latin American migrants living in non-endemic countries was 3.5% (95% CI: 2.5-4.7; I2: 97.7%), considering studies in which screening was indicated simply because the person was Latin American. Per subgroups, the pooled CD prevalence was 11.0% (95% CI: 7.7-15.5) in non-targeted screening (unselected population in reference centers) (27 studies); in blood donors (4 studies), the pooled prevalence was 0.8% (95% CI: 0.2-3.4); among people living with HIV Latin American immigrants (4 studies) 2.4% (95% CI: 1.4-4.3) and for Latin American pregnant and postpartum women (14 studies) 3.7% (95 CI: 2.4-5.6). The pooled proportion of congenital transmission was 4.4% (95% CI: 3.3-5.8). Regarding the participants’ country of origin, 7,964 were from Bolivia, of which 1,715 (21,5%) were diagnosed with CD, and 21,304 were from other Latin American countries of which 154 (0,72%) were affected. InterpretationCD poses a significant burden of disease in Latin American immigrants in non-endemic countries, suggesting that CD is no longer a problem limited to the American continent and must be considered as a global health challenge. FundingThis study was funded by the World Heart Federation, through a research collaboration with Novartis Pharma AG.

Strategies to Exclude: Temporariness and Return/Readmission Policies of the EU

Migration governance, migration management and migration crises have been key themes among migration scholars and governments over the last decade. Historically, systemic political economic crises are accompanied by the scapegoating of migrants, often as a strategy to shift the focus away from political and economic decisions taken by states. The EU has been no exception, and political and social tensions around migration are arguably at an all-time high, as European governments aim to protect their interests and manage their borders amidst increasing migration pressures globally. In this paper, we will examine these three EU immigration prevention strategies, with a focus on the recently adopted Pact on Migration and Asylum. Specifically, we ask the following research question: what are the roles of temporariness and return/readmission as important EU strategies to hinder, stop, and exclude the movement of migrants to EU (and Schengen)?

Historic checklist, core species and temporal composition turnover of birds in an urban protected natural area in central México over 50 years.

The Pedregal de San Ángel Ecological Reserve (REPSA) is located within the central campus of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), in southwestern Mexico City. This area is known for its bird richness, which has been documented over time. However, this historical information has not been compiled, nor has it been assessed whether species composition has changed over time. In this study, we generated the historical checklist of avifauna in the REPSA by integrating data from systematic monitoring, bibliographic review and citizen science. Additionally, we calculated Jaccard's dissimilarity Index (nestedness and species turnover) among bird checklists from each year and evaluated whether this index and its components changed over time. In addition, we estimate whether the proportion of species arriving and becoming extinct in the REPSA is influenced by time (census interval) and by the migratory status of the species. Finally, we identified the core species of the REPSA. Our results indicate that from 1967 to 2023, 258 bird species have been recorded in the REPSA. The Jaccard's dissimilarity and turnover increased and reached an asymptotic trend over time while nestedness showed similar values throughout time. The time and species residency status did not have significant effect on the proportion of species that arrival and become extinct in the reserve. We identified 58 core species based on their persistence; 35 of these are residents, 22 have some migratory movement and one exotic species. Our results highlight the importance of the REPSA as a fundamental habitat for the avifauna of Mexico City, including a wide variety of migratory bird species.

CONSOLIDATION OF STATEHOOD: URBANISATION OF BORDER REGIONS OF THE PRINCIPALITY OF SERBIA IN 1833–1839

This paper elaborates on the measures and decisions of the authorities in the Principality of Serbia that aimed to demarcate the borders and urbanise the wider border areas, with the goal of greater separation of the Principality of Serbia from the Ottoman Empire. The chronological framework of the paper spans from 1833 when the provisions of the Hattisharif finally confirmed the border between the Ottoman Empire and the autonomous Principality of Serbia, to 1839, which marked the end of the first rule of Prince Miloš. During this period, the main directions of urbanisation in Serbia were determined. The paper indicates that the urbanisation of Serbia’s border regions involved measures directly related to border arrangements (establishment of border patrols, border crossings, customs, and quarantines), as well as measures implemented throughout the territory of the Principality (spatial organisation of towns, small towns, and villages, construction and restoration of churches and monasteries). The impact of migration movements after the establishment of the border on the emergence of new settlements or repopulation of deserted settlements in the border areas of the Principality of Serbia was considered, as well as the spatial planning of border varošes/towns and varošicas/small towns, and the establishment of new road routes towards the border. Spatial organisation of villages, although incomplete, was successfully implemented in the northwestern and northern border regions of the Principality of Serbia.

Migration background and loneliness among middle-aged and older adults in Germany

Currently, there is limited knowledge about the association between amigration background and loneliness among middle-aged and older individuals in Germany. The aim was therefore to examine the association between migration background and loneliness in this group. Data were taken from the German Ageing Survey (Wave7, November 2020 to March 2021), arepresentative sample of middle-aged and older individuals. The sample comprised 4145 individuals, and the mean age was 63.8 years. Of the respondents, 93.2% had no migration background, approximately 5.9% had amigration background with personal migration experience, and 0.9% had amigration background but no personal migration experience. The De Jong Gierveld tool was used to quantify loneliness. Multiple linear regressions showed that individuals with amigration background and their own migration experience have significantly higher levels of loneliness (β = 0.15, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.004 to 0.30, p < 0.05) compared to individuals without amigration background, whereas individuals with amigration background without their own migration experience have significantly lower levels of loneliness (β = -0.27, 95% CI: -0.52 to -0.02 p < 0.05). Individuals with amigration background and their own migration experience appear to represent arisk group for high loneliness among middle-aged and older adults in Germany. In this respect, this group should be given special consideration in corresponding measures. Against the background of current (and potential future) migration movements, the results are of great importance as these groups in particular could be affected by loneliness.

Celebrowanie świąt wśród polskiej społeczności w Armenii. Nośnik tożsamości, element promocji kultury czy substytut rozrywki w obcym otoczeniu etniczno-kulturowym?

From the historical perspective, Polish migration to Armenia intensified in the 19th century, when men were forcibly conscripted into the Tsar’s Army in the territory of the Russian partition. Since then, the dynamics of Polish mobility and its motivations have changed many times. As for the direction of the Caucasus, since the 1990s it has been closely associated with the population movement in the opposite direction, i.e., with the Armenian migration to Poland. However, we know relatively little on this subject, as most contemporary studies focus mainly on the analysis of historical processes, and the current migration movements are commonly referred to as “labor migration”. The following article is based on field research conducted by the author in 2015–2022. Their main axis was to learn about the ways of self-organization and functioning of the contemporary Polish community living in the Republic of Armenia. The article focuses on the description of individual phases of the annual rituals with which representatives of the Polish minority identify and the influence of Polish organizations on their celebration. The article covers both states, secular, and religious holidays. They create an interesting mosaic consisting of cultural and national identity, promotional and popularization elements, as well as the need for entertainment and social life in a local environment.

THE TRUE NATURE OF ARMENIAN MIGRATION ON THE EASTERN FRONT: THE CASE OF BİTLİS PROVINCE (1914-1922)

On 28 July 1914, when the First World War started, the Russian Caucasian army attacked the Ottoman lands in November 1914 and many Armenians adhere the Russian army. Taking advantage of this rebellion, Russian troops occupied Van on 20 May 1915 and dominated the region. With the occupation of Van, the Ottoman Government enacted the Law on Relocation and Resettlement on 27 May 1915 and relocated some Armenians in the war zones to the southern provinces of the Ottoman Empire for military reasons. In July 1915, the Russians, were forced to migrate the Armenians in the zone of occupation to the Caucasus. With the Russian occupation of Eastern Anatolia in 1916, the Armenians who had migrated returned. In 1917, with the withdrawal of the Russian Caucasian army, these Armenians had fled with the Russians. With the signing of the Armistice of Mudros, some Armenians came to Bitlis. In 1922, with the success of the Turkish War of Independence, Armenians who did not want to stay in Anatolia migrated to Istanbul and various Western countries. With the outbreak of the First World War, Armenians experienced a continuous migration movement due to the war conditions. Bitlis was one of the provinces where this migration movement took place. One of the main reasons for choosing Bitlis as a sample is that it is a province with a high Armenian population density. Secondly, the occupation of Bitlis by the Russians. It is assumed that the Armenian migrations in Bitlis were political in nature rather than war related. In this respect, it was determined that the Armenian population mobility in Bitlis took place eight times. As a result, it is possible to say that the main reason for such frequent mobility was that the Armenians acted with the Allies.

CED-5/CED-12 (DOCK/ELMO) can promote and inhibit F-actin formation via distinct motifs that may target different GTPases.

Coordinated activation and inhibition of F-actin supports the movements of morphogenesis. Understanding the proteins that regulate F-actin is important, since these proteins are mis-regulated in diseases like cancer. Our studies of C. elegans embryonic epidermal morphogenesis identified the GTPase CED-10/Rac1 as an essential activator of F-actin. However, we need to identify the GEF, or Guanine-nucleotide Exchange Factor, that activates CED-10/Rac1 during embryonic cell migrations. The two-component GEF, CED-5/CED-12, is known to activate CED-10/Rac1 to promote cell movements that result in the engulfment of dying cells during embryogenesis, and a later cell migration of the larval Distal Tip Cell. It is believed that CED-5/CED-12 powers cellular movements of corpse engulfment and DTC migration by promoting F-actin formation. Therefore, we tested if CED-5/CED-12 was involved in embryonic migrations, and got a contradictory result. CED-5/CED-12 definitely support embryonic migrations, since their loss led to embryos that died due to failed epidermal cell migrations. However, CED-5/CED-12 inhibited F-actin in the migrating epidermis, the opposite of what was expected for a CED-10 GEF. To address how CED-12/CED-5 could have two opposing effects on F-actin, during corpse engulfment and cell migration, we investigated if CED-12 harbors GAP (GTPase Activating Protein) functions. A candidate GAP region in CED-12 faces away from the CED-5 GEF catalytic region. Mutating a candidate catalytic Arginine in the CED-12 GAP region (R537A) altered the epidermal cell migration function, and not the corpse engulfment function. We interfered with GEF function by interfering with CED-5's ability to bind Rac1/CED-10. Mutating Serine-Arginine in CED-5/DOCK predicted to bind and stabilize Rac1 for catalysis, resulted in loss of both ventral enclosure and corpse engulfment. Genetic and expression studies strongly support that the GAP function likely acts on different GTPases. Thus, we propose CED-5/CED-12 support the cycling of multiple GTPases, by using distinct domains, to both promote and inhibit F-actin nucleation.

Climate change and migration dynamics in the Horn of Africa: a comprehensive review and future research directions

Introduction: In this study, relevant references are analysed to establish what factors determine migratory movements in the Horn of Africa and what role climate change plays. Methodology: A systematic literature review in five phases is conducted, selecting 221 relevant references based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. These references are used to analyze migration movements and the factors influencing them. Results: A notable increase in publications is highlighted since 2011, coinciding with a devastating drought in the region. Findings indicate that while climate change is an important factor, other elements such as poverty, insecurity, and conflicts play an even more significant role in regional migration. Discussion: Challenges, such as the lack of reliable data and the need for a multidisciplinary approach to address these complex issues, are identified. The region faces a critical situation with high levels of food insecurity, conflicts, and climate vulnerability, suggesting that climate change is an added factor to an already complicated situation. Conclusions: The study concludes that integrating climate change, migration, and conflicts in future research is crucial to develop effective and sustainable responses.

Effective Stance in Conservative Newspaper Opinion Articles on Irregular Immigration and Refugee Humanitarian Crises

This paper presents a quantitative and contrastive analysis of expressions of effective stance in conservative newspaper opinion articles related to irregular immigration and humanitarian crises involving refugees in both English and Spanish contexts. Drawing upon the seminal works of Langacker (2013) and Marín-Arrese (2021a, 2021b, 2023), the study examines six fundamental categories of effective stance expressions established according to factors such as orientation towards self or others, degree of control about the realisation of the event, and agreement with social norms. The dataset under examination comprises a 120,000-word corpus of opinion articles obtained from two conservative newspapers, The Telegraph from the United Kingdom and El Mundo from Spain. The words are evenly distributed, with each newspaper contributing 30,000 words in articles pertaining to three humanitarian crises involving refugees: Syria (2015), Afghanistan (2021), and Ukraine (2022-2023), and 30,000 words relating to articles on irregular immigration coinciding in time with each of the three refugee crises. The primary objective of the paper is to discern notable differences between the two newspapers and across the different refugee and irregular immigration crises under investigation. The analysis of the results, which uncover a larger number of effective stance expressions in the English subcorpus as well as distributional differences of subcategories across the subcorpora in both languages, provides a valuable understanding of the intricate patterns of usage and distribution of effective stance expressions within the realm of newspaper discourse, thereby enriching our comprehension of journalistic portrayals concerning the complexity of refugee crises and migratory movements.

Investigating the footprint of post-domestication dispersal on the diversity of modern European, African and Asian goats

BackgroundGoats were domesticated in the Fertile Crescent about 10,000 years before present (YBP) and subsequently spread across Eurasia and Africa. This dispersal is expected to generate a gradient of declining genetic diversity with increasing distance from the areas of early livestock management. Previous studies have reported the existence of such genetic cline in European goat populations, but they were based on a limited number of microsatellite markers. Here, we have analyzed data generated by the AdaptMap project and other studies. More specifically, we have used the geographic coordinates and estimates of the observed (Ho) and expected (He) heterozygosities of 1077 European, 1187 African and 617 Asian goats belonging to 38, 43 and 22 different breeds, respectively, to find out whether genetic diversity and distance to Ganj Dareh, a Neolithic settlement in western Iran for which evidence of an early management of domestic goats has been obtained, are significantly correlated.ResultsPrincipal component and ADMIXTURE analyses revealed an incomplete regional differentiation of European breeds, but two genetic clusters representing Northern Europe and the British-Irish Isles were remarkably differentiated from the remaining European populations. In African breeds, we observed five main clusters: (1) North Africa, (2) West Africa, (3) East Africa, (4) South Africa, and (5) Madagascar. Regarding Asian breeds, three well differentiated West Asian, South Asian and East Asian groups were observed. For European and Asian goats, no strong evidence of significant correlations between Ho and He and distance to Ganj Dareh was found. In contrast, in African breeds we detected a significant gradient of diversity, which decreased with distance to Ganj Dareh.ConclusionsThe detection of a genetic cline associated with distance to the Ganj Dareh in African but not in European or Asian goat breeds might reflect differences in the post-domestication dispersal process and subsequent migratory movements associated with the management of caprine populations from these three continents.

Abundance, production, and migrations of nesting green turtles at Rose Atoll, American Samoa, a regionally important rookery in the Central South Pacific Ocean

Sea turtles are a taxon of conservation concern and are highly migratory, exposing them to a variety of threats (e.g., fisheries bycatch, direct harvest) across their lifetime. Understanding the abundance of nesting females, hatchling production, and migratory movements - three of the most basic biological data needs for this species group - is imperative for population assessment. This study summarizes novel data most relevant to population assessments of the endangered central south Pacific (CSP) green turtle (Chelonia mydas) population, determined from annual rapid assessment surveys (mean survey duration=7.6 days year-1, n=61 survey days over 8 nesting seasons) and satellite telemetry at Rose Atoll, American Samoa, from 2012 to 2019. A minimum of 138 unique females nested in the Rose Atoll National Wildlife Refuge (RANWR) over the study period with 218 total females observed. Satellite tracks of post-nesting females suggest Fiji (n=33/48, 70.2%) is the primary foraging ground for turtles nesting at RANWR, though other areas throughout the south Pacific Ocean are also important. Limited data suggest hatchling production was high (average hatching success=92.3%) and nest temperature data collected from 2017-2019 suggest primary sex ratios were likely balanced during this time. These are positive signs for the resilience of this nesting population, but climate change poses threats to RANWR and other low-lying tropical islands throughout the central south Pacific, as nesting areas are potentially exposed to beach erosion, tidal inundations, and increasing temperatures leading to sex bias and embryonic death.

The Dynamics of Narrative Structure in Depicting the Repercussion of Migration Movements in Razan Naiem Almoghrabi’s Women of Wind

Writers of narrative fiction employ certain techniques in the structure of their literary works that reinforce the theme of the story. These techniques and narrative tools can be used in the various stages of the building block of the narration and enable the writers to manipulate such techniques in favor of producing certain images and ideas. Narrative voice, focalization, and interconnectedness of spatial and temporal presentations are among the most important tools available in the narrative structure of novels. Razan Naiem Almoghrabi in Women of Wind (2010) utilizes these techniques and tools available in narrative structure to depict the experiences of migrants from different nationalities who set out their migration from the shores of Libyan cities with the facilitation of human smugglers. The focus of this paper is on the effect of the narrative structure in portraying the mental and physical conditions of migrants. The major research question is how the narrative structure and techniques implemented in Women of Wind capture specific repercussion of migration movements. To depict a vivid portrayal of the suffering of migrants and the risks they encounter during their migration journey, Almoghrabi employs different narrators that allow the perception from different angles. The deployment of internal focalization through the eyes of one of characters, augmented the narration of subjective human experience. The intermingling of different voices and the nonlinear narration that shifts from one tempo-spatial presentation to another recreates in words the turbulent worlds of the characters in this novel.