Island Region Research Articles

Comprehensive energy system with combined heat and power photovoltaic-thermal power stations and building phase change energy storage for island regions and its coordinated dispatch strategy

Comprehensive energy system with combined heat and power photovoltaic-thermal power stations and building phase change energy storage for island regions and its coordinated dispatch strategy

Childhood BMI trajectories and sociodemographic factors in an Italian pediatric population

Childhood obesity is a growing global concern due to its long-term health consequences. Yet, more research relying on multiple time-point BMI measurements is warranted to gain further insight into obesity’s temporal trends. We aimed to identify BMI trajectories in children aged 2–10 years and evaluate their association with sociodemographic factors. This retrospective cohort study utilized data from the PEDIANET registry, containing sociodemographic, clinical, and prescribing information on patients assisted by Italian family pediatricians, linked to the corresponding area deprivation index. 29,576 children with at least 10 years of follow-up, born at term with normal birthweight, and at least three plausible BMI measurements were identified. BMI z-score trajectories were calculated using Group-Based Trajectory Modeling, and mixed multinomial logistic regression was used to assess their association with the sociodemographic factors. A secondary analysis examined BMI trajectories from ages 2–7 years (n = 58,509). Four BMI z-scores trajectories, all with quadratic shape, were identified as the optimal fit: “stable-low-weight” (27.5%), “normal-weight” (40.9%), “stable-moderate-increase” (24.2%), and “overweight-to-obese” (7.5%). Females, children residing in Southern and Island regions, and those from more deprived socioeconomic areas had a higher probability of following the “overweight-to-obese” group compared to the “normal-weight” trajectory. Sex and area of residence had similar effects on the “stable-moderate-increase” trajectory. Conversely, females and children residing in Central Italy were less likely to belong to the “stable-low-weight trajectory”. This study highlighted a considerable heterogeneity in BMI trajectories in pediatric age, emphasizing the effect of sociodemographic inequalities on growth patterns with models capable of capturing the dynamic nature of the phenomenon.

Analysis of the Impact of the Shift in Investigative Authority from Sector Police (Polsek) to Resort Police (Polres) on the Law Enforcement Process and Fulfillment of Justice for the Community in the Jurisdiction of the Bangka Belitung Islands Regional Police

The Indonesian National Police (Polri) holds a central role in safeguarding public security, maintaining order, and enforcing the law in Indonesia. The Chief of the National Police's Decision Number: Kep/613/III/2021 introduces a strategic shift of investigative authority from Sector Police (Polsek) to Resort Police (Polres) in designated areas, including within the Bangka Belitung Islands Regional Police jurisdiction. This transformation is designed to optimize preventive functions at the Polsek level. This study employs a normative juridical method combined with an empirical approach through regulatory analysis and interviews with law enforcement officers and community members. The results reveal that this policy shift positively affects the efficiency of case handling while refocusing the Polsek’s role on community security and public service. Several determining factors, such as geographical distance, report volume, and accessibility, significantly influence the selection of Polseks exempt from investigative duties. The findings suggest that delegating investigative tasks to Polres supports better resource allocation for Polri personnel, enhances community-based policing, and ensures preventive measures are implemented effectively. These changes aim to create a more efficient and equitable system of law enforcement that accommodates the specific needs of various local contexts.

The extent of the hip bone sexual dimorphism in two Italian coeval modern skeletal samples

The rate of sexual dimorphism in the human hip bone is primarily due to the structural demands of childbirth. Genetic, environmental, and socio-cultural factors can also influence pelvic shape variations across populations. This study examines intra-population sex variation within the Italian population based on regional differences of 280 coxal bones from two documented human osteological collections (Bologna and Sassari) coming from different geographical areas, the northern continental and island regions. Nineteen metric variables were used to evaluate sexual dimorphism and population differences. Most of the variables showed sexual dimorphism, particularly the hip height and ischio-pubic measures within both populations, and accurately predicted sex for each population (Bologna: 100%; Sassari: 91.2%). Results show the Bologna sample have larger dimensions for most of the measurements than the Sassari one, especially when considering the longitudinal ones. Some female traits of the Bologna sample are larger than the correspondent ones in the Sassari males. The rate of sexual dimorphism between the populations shows significant differences, with better sex distinction for Bologna than Sassari. This study aims at interpreting these intra-population differences, considering the effect of environmental (physical and social milieu) and genetic factors, underscoring the importance of this local differences for accurate diagnostic criteria.

Cardiovascular Health of the Balearic Islands (Spain) After the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Background/Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic caused healthcare managers to reallocate resources from other areas in order to handle the outbreak. Cardiovascular usual care was especially affected during the first wave. Methods: We analyzed the short- and mid-term impact of the resource reallocation on cardiovascular health, focusing on the Balearic Islands in Spain. Data from 2019 to 2021 of the regional healthcare system and from the national and regional stats center were collected in order to analyze the variations in type of admissions, main causes of cardiovascular mortality, and the correlation between the monthly variation in those causes of mortality and total cardiovascular mortality. Results: The year 2021 showed worse results in terms of healthcare outcomes compared to the pre-pandemic period, with a population-adjusted cardiovascular mortality increase of 4.8% and heart failure and hypertension being the main drivers (6.4% and 26.45%, respectively). However, this impact was not homogeneous in both pandemic years. In 2020, the main driver for the cardiovascular mortality increase was myocardial infarction (R Pearson = 0.655/p = 0.021). On the other hand, chronic conditions such as heart failure and hypertension led to the increase in cardiovascular mortality in 2021 (R Pearson = 0.671/p = 0.017 and R Pearson = 0.619/p = 0.032, respectively). In-hospital resources for COVID-19 showed a positive correlation to cardiovascular mortality in 2021; however, it did not reach statistical significance (R Pearson = 0.41/p = 0.1). Conclusions: Mid-term cardiovascular health worsened in the Spanish Balearic Island region, with hypertension and heart failure being the main drivers, with important differences in influence between 2020 and 2021. We found a correlation between COVID-19 in-hospital resource allocation and total cardiovascular mortality.

Numerical investigation of neoclassical tearing mode in toroidal plasma

Abstract The neoclassical tearing mode (NTM) is numerically investigated with the three-dimensional toroidal MHD model (CLT). Both the linear and nonlinear behaviors are simulated and compared with the theory. It is found that in the large aspect ratio condition, the growth rate for a small island limit and the saturated island width for 2/1 NTMs are in good agreement with the MRE theory. However, in the toroidal geometry, the toroidal effect will alter the NTM behaviors. In the small island region, the island growth rate is significantly reduced due to the GGJ effect, because the poloidal asymmetry of the perturbed bootstrap current and the perturbed Pfirsch–Schlüter current are resulted from the Grad-Shafranov shift. As the magnetic island grows, the poloidal asymmetry is substantially reduced, and the growth rate increases significantly.

Risk Assessment of Harmful Algal Blooms in Salmon Farming: Scotland as a Case Study.

This study explored harmful algal bloom (HAB) risk as a function of exposure, hazard and vulnerability, using Scotland as a case study. Exposure was defined as the fish biomass estimated to be lost from a bloom event, based on the total recorded annual production. Hazard was estimated from literature-reported bloom events. Vulnerability was calculated from records of the number of employees (2020), as an estimate of aquaculture-based employment. The dinoflagellate Karenia mikimotoi was identified as the HAB species with the highest frequency of reported bloom events in Scotland, with variable spatial and temporal reports, but environmental and climatological variables regulating these events are currently unknown. The Shetland Islands region exhibited the highest combined HAB risk, with the highest scores in all three components. Vulnerability was particularly important to overall risk within an island setting, where a larger proportion of the population was dependent on aquaculture. The analysis demonstrated the potential to evaluate the economic and social consequences of HAB events on the aquaculture industry. As fish-killing HABs and fish health impacts are likely under-reported, more transparent reporting of events and related fish health and physiological consequences is recommended for a more quantitative application of this approach.

The Relationship between Lithology and Chemical Characteristics of Soil and Soil Fertility Quality in the Taliabu Island Region, Indonesia

Background: Soil fertility refers to the soil’s ability to provide essential nutrients for plant growth. This is largely determined by the process of lithological weathering, which involves the breakdown of parent rock. As the parent rock weathers, it releases different types of minerals into the soil, ultimately shaping the physical and chemical properties of the soil. These characteristics serve as the foundation for effective soil management, which is crucial for supporting a successful agricultural system. Through research on the impact of lithology and soil chemistry on soil quality, we gained a better understand and improve soil fertility. Methods: The assessment of soil fertility quality is based on two aspects: the type of mineral content in the parent rock and soil chemistry, which includes CEC, BS, pH and elements such as N, P and K. This research was conducted in Taliabu Island Regency, North Maluku Province, Indonesia from May to December 2021. Soil data were obtained through direct observation in the field and by collecting soil samples for laboratory analysis. Result: The research location’s lithology comprised two main groups: sedimentary and volcanic rocks. Sedimentary rocks included young formations (alluvio-marine and alluvio-colluvium) and old formations (limestone, coral, marl mixtures, sandstone, gneiss and schist). Old volcanic rocks present were breccia, tuff, lapilli tuff, granite and granodiorite. Soil chemical analysis revealed low fertility status. Considering the source rock composition and soil chemical properties, the overall soil fertility status was categorized as low.

Connecting consultants with primary healthcare doctors in remote areas, mountains, and islands through available technology

Telehealth has emerged as a pivotal tool in bridging the gap between consultants and primary healthcare physicians, particularly in remote, mountainous, and island regions. This paper discusses the innovative NARAKOM project, which leverages available technology to facilitate this connection. The project aims to enhance healthcare service delivery, ensure general practitioners’ continuous education, and improve patient outcomes in underserved areas. The project provides the confidentiality and effectiveness of medical consultations by employing mobile phones, phone calls, and the WhatsApp social networking program. Initial implementation in the Jazan region has shown promising results, and the project is poised for expansion across Saudi Arabia.

Determination of optimal island regions with simultaneous DG allocation and reconfiguration in power distribution networks

AbstractThe rising demand for electric energy and environmental pollution concerns have led to using renewable energy‐based distributed generators (DGs) in power distribution networks (PDN). However, the power flow may become bidirectional (non‐radial) by introducing the DGs into the system, which may cause instability in the system's operation. System instability causes an increase in system losses and implies a rising in costs. This paper proposes a methodology using Moth Flame Optimizer and Equilibrium Optimizer to reconfigure the PDN, optimizing the siting, sizing, and power factor of multiple DGs to maintain radial mode operation. Determining DGs' allocation within a radial system by optimizing multi‐parameters simultaneously leads to minimizing losses, enhancing reliability, and improving the stability of the network. Thus, the number of affected customers in a catastrophic power outage or emergency blackout scenarios can be minimized. The method has been tested on a 33‐bus distribution system where four different scenarios with three cases for each are studied to show the performance of the proposed method. The method's effectiveness is demonstrated by minimizing power loss, enhancing the voltage stability index, assuring reliability, and improving the voltage profile. Moreover, the accuracy of reliability index calculation results is confirmed with the commercial software ETAP.

Fine-scale landscape heterogeneity drives microbial community structure at Robinson Ridge, East Antarctica.

Life at Robinson Ridge, located in the Windmill Islands region of East Antarctica, is susceptible to a changing climate. At this site, responses of the vegetation communities and moss-beds have been well researched, but corresponding information for microbial counterparts is still lacking. To bridge this knowledge gap, we established baseline data for monitoring the environmental drivers shaping the soil microbial community on the local 'hillslope' scale. Using triplicate 300-m long transects encompassing a hillslope with wind-exposed arid soils near the top, and snowmelt-sustained-moss beds at the bottom, we assessed the fine-scale heterogeneity of the soil environmental and microbial properties. Moist, low-lying, and vegetated soils exhibited higher soil fertility and unique biodiversity, with taxa adapted to thrive in moist conditions (i.e., Tardigrada, Phragmoplastophyta, Chloroflexi) and those that have previously demonstrated strong specificity for moss species (i.e., Fibrobacterota, Mucoromycota and Cyanobacteria) dominating. In contrast, elevated soils with limited moisture and nutrients were dominated by metabolically diverse phyla like Actinobacteriota and Ascomycota. Significant differences in microbial communities were observed at both hillslope (50-300m) and fine spatial scales, as small as 0.1m. Vertical heterogeneity was observed with higher abundances of Cyanobacteria and micro-algae in surfaces compared to subsoil, potentially indicating early biocrust formation. Stochastic and deterministic processes governing phylogenetic assembly were linked to soil positional groups and microbial domains rather than soil depth. Gradient Forest modeling identified critical environmental thresholds, such as ammonia, manganese, and sulphur, responsible for drastic community changes following level alterations. This reinforces the existence of strong niche preferences and distinct distribution patterns within the local microbial communities. This study highlights the need for finer-scale investigations considering site topography to better understand the relationship between environmental drivers and local microbiota. Ultimately, these insights enable us to understand environmental drivers and predict Antarctic ecosystem responses, helping safeguard this fragile environment.

Energy Policy on National Defense: Oil and Gas Exploration in the Sebatik Island Region

Oil and gas exploration on Sebatik Island is important for Indonesia's energy policy and national defense. Oil and gas potential in the region can increase national energy supply and reduce dependence on energy imports. In addition, Sebatik Island's strategic location on the border strengthens national security. This study aims to examine the impact of oil and gas exploration in Sebatik Island on energy policy and national defense. The approaches used are energy security theory and national security theory, which explore the diversification of energy sources and the role of energy infrastructure in supporting defense strategies. The results show that oil and gas exploration on Sebatik Island can improve energy security and support national defense strategies. In addition, this exploration can potentially improve the local economy through employment and foreign investment.

Lack of association between common polymorphisms associated with successful aging and longevity in the population of Sardinian Blue Zone

More than two decades ago, in the central-eastern region of the Mediterranean island of Sardinia, a mountain area was identified where the population displays exceptional longevity, especially among men (the Longevity Blue Zone, LBZ). This community was thoroughly investigated to understand the underlying causes of the phenomenon. The present study analyzed 11 genetic markers previously associated with increased survival in several long-lived populations. APOE (rs429358 and rs7412), APOE promoter (rs449647, rs769446, and rs405509), ACE1 (rs1799752), IL6 ‒174G/C (rs1800795), TNFα ‒308G/A (rs1800629), FOXO3A (rs2802292), KLOTHO (rs9536314) and G6PD (rs5030868) polymorphisms were investigated. PCR-based genotyping was performed following genomic DNA extraction from 150 nonagenarians living in the LBZ and 150 controls from a nearby area. No significant deviation in the frequency of the analyzed markers was detected between the two subgroups except for a weak association with the − 174G > C gene variant in the IL-6 gene (p = 0.040), which codes for a major modulator of the inflammatory response. Overall, the findings of this study do not support a significant association of known genetic variants on survival in the population of the Sardinian LBZ, suggesting that other genetic or epigenetic traits not yet identified might play a role.

Regional disparities in the management and outcomes of ST-elevation myocardial infarction: an Italian analysis focusing on time-dependent reperfusion networks and in-hospital logistics.

Prompt reperfusion is critical for patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) to improve outcomes. Yet, variability in regional healthcare delivery may influence treatment times and patient outcomes. We thus aimed at evaluating differences in management and outcomes of STEMI patients across Northern, Central, and Southern Italy, focusing on time-dependent reperfusion and in-hospital logistics. A prospective observational study conducted from September 1st to 25th, 2023, including 554 STEMI patients treated at high-volume hub centers operating 24/7. Data were collected through structured surveys completed by catheterization laboratory directors across different Italian regions. Primary outcomes included door-to-balloon (DTB) time, time from symptom onset to balloon inflation, and regional disparities in pre- and post-PCI management. Secondary outcomes included in-hospital mortality, discharge destinations, and medication regimens. The median DTB time was consistent across regions (30 minutes; IQR: 20-50 minutes). Significant regional disparities were however noted in time from symptom onset to balloon inflation, with Southern and Island regions experiencing longer median times (180 minutes) compared to Central (170 minutes) and Northern (154 minutes) regions (P<0.01). We also found a significant reduction in DTB time associated with ECG teletransmission from ambulances (mean reduction of 25 minutes, P=0.03). In-hospital mortality rates were similar across regions (P=0.83). This comprehensive nationwide analysis highlights significant regional disparities in the management and treatment timelines of STEMI patients in Italy. Despite these differences, in-hospital care was consistently timely across regions, suggesting that pre-hospital logistics critically influence overall treatment times. Enhanced pre-hospital ECG teletransmission could further optimize reperfusion times, potentially improving patient outcomes.

Development of a Diagnostic Algorithm for Detecting Freezing Precipitation from ERA5 Dataset: An Adjustment to the Far East

Freezing precipitation and the resultant ice glaze can have catastrophic impacts on urban infrastructure, the environment, forests, and various industries, including transportation, energy, and agriculture. In this study, we develop and evaluate regional algorithms for detecting freezing precipitations in the Far East, utilizing the ERA5 reanalysis dataset from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, along with standard meteorological observations for 20 cold seasons (September–May) from 2004 to 2024. We propose modified diagnostic algorithms based on vertical atmospheric temperature and humidity profiles, as well as near-surface characteristics. Additionally, we apply a majority voting ensemble (MVE) technique to integrate outputs from multiple algorithms, thereby enhancing classification accuracy. Evaluation of detection skills shows significant improvements over the original method developed at the Finnish Meteorological Institute and the ERA5 precipitation-type product. The MVE-based method demonstrates optimal verification statistics. Furthermore, the modified algorithms validly reproduce the spatially averaged inter-annual variability of freezing precipitation activity in both continental (mean correlation of 0.93) and island (correlation of 0.54) regions. Overall, our findings offer a more effective and valuable tool for operational activities and climatological assessments in the Far East.

Working with all nations and all relatives in feeding the future

Most unprecedented changes and challenges to planetary health that include earth and human health, are attributed to short-sighted policies and systemic barriers. Standardized and top-down approaches of development that often dominate through limited, persuasive, and extractive euro-centric perspectives often dominate in Turtle Island and most colonial regions of the world. Food and food-sustaining relatives (land, water, plants, animals, micro-habitats) which are central to planetary health, are negatively impacted and threatened by these human pressures, which have severe implications for our ability to feed current and future generations (FAO et al., 2023; Planetary Health Alliance, n.d.). Many international agencies (including those affiliated with the United Nations), food systems scholars, grassroots organizations, and community members are grappling with the very imminent challenges of addressing the alarmingly high level of food insecurity in Turtle Island (Council of Canadian Academics, 2014; Fieldhouse &amp; Thompson, 2012) and the global South (Kuhnlein et al., 2013).

Clean Water For Small Islands In Indonesia: Case Study Of Child Diarrhea In Kelapa And Kelapa Dua Islands, Kepulauan Seribu

Clean water quality/water sources are critical factors in preventing diarrhea, especially in island areas that often face challenges of limited access and infrastructure to provide adequate clean water. This study aimed to see the descriptive relationship between the physical and microbiological quality of dug well water and the incidence of diarrhea in children on Kelapa Island and Kelapa Dua Island, Kepulauan Seribu. The results of the analysis showed that the physical quality of water in both locations met the criteria of the Minister of Health Regulation number 2 of 2023, namely, the temperature was in the range of 24°C-30°C, turbidity 1 NTU, and water that was odorless and colorless. Microbiological analysis revealed significant contamination, with total Coliform Bacteria and Escherichia coli levels exceeding the maximum allowable limit ( 0 CFU/100 ml ). Factors such as shallow well depths of less than 3 meters and well distances of less than 10 meters from pollution sources contribute to water pollution indicates fecal contamination that increases the risk of diarrhea, especially in children under five. Given the island region's limited access to water quality, these findings emphasize the need for improved water quality monitoring and environmental quality improvements to reduce public health impacts.

The Erythrocyte Morphology of Pregnant Women with Undernutrition who Live in Archipelago Dry Land, Kupang City, East Indonesia

The prevalence of undernutrition of pregnant women remains high in Indonesia, and also deficiency of micronutrition such as iron, folic acid, or vitamin B which affected low level of hemoglobin. The insufficient hemoglobin levels in erythrocytes could disturb delivery oxygen needed to the tissues and fetus as well. The occurrence of anemia in pregnant women varies depending on diet, infections, lifestyle, environment, and socioeconomic factors. This study aims to describe the erythrocyte morphology of pregnant women in Kupang City, located in a dry island region. The research involved 24 pregnant women living in Kupang City, using a cross-sectional observational method. The results of erythrocyte morphology from peripheral blood smears showed that 12 subjects (50%) had microcytic hypochromic anemia and 1 subject (4.2%) had microcytic normochromic anemia. This indicates that, based on erythrocyte morphology, nutritional deficiencies and the possibility of chronic inflammation among pregnant women are still very high. Geographical background could be a predisposing factor for this anemia. Continuous education about adequate and balanced nutrition for pregnant women and further investigations to determine the etiology of inflammation are greatly needed.

Exploring the factors associated with prelacteal feeds in Papua New Guinea: a population-based survey

BackgroundPrelacteal feeding disrupts early breastfeeding initiation and exclusive breastfeeding, and increases the risk of childhood illnesses and under-five mortality. Despite its negative health outcomes, newborns are given prelacteal feeds in...

Sleep quality and cognitive function on self-rated health status among the elderly: Findings from the Indonesian family life survey (IFLS-5).

Cognitive decline poses a significant challenge for the elderly population globally. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of cognitive function and its associated factors among the elderly in the Indonesian family life survey's fifth wave (IFLS-5) conducted from 2014 to 2015. The study included elderly individuals aged 60 and above, excluding proxy respondents and those with missing data. Various socio-demographic, cognitive function and health-related variables were analyzed, including age, sex, education level, marital status, residence, region, economic status, current employment, self-rated health status, happiness, sleep quality, depression, loneliness, and chronic conditions. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify the factors associated with cognitive functions among the 2,929 elderly respondents. The results revealed that 44.6% of the respondents reported poor cognitive function. In the unadjusted model, residence (OR: 0.81; 95%CI: 0.70-0.94), region of other islands (OR: 0.66; 95%CI: 0.54-0.81), sleep quality (OR: 0.53; 95%CI: 0.42-0.68), self-rated health status (OR: 1.38; 95%CI: 1.19-1.61), happiness (OR: 1.48; 95%CI: 1.22-1.79), and depression (OR: 1.22; 95%CI: 1.04-1.44) showed significant associations with cognitive function. After adjusting for confounding factors, the association remained significant for residence (OR: 0.77; 95%CI: 0.66-0.89), regions other than Java, Bali, and Sumatra (OR: 0.61; 95%CI: 0.50-0.76), self-rated health (OR: 1.28; 95%CI: 1.09-1.51), happiness (OR: 1.30; 95%CI: 1.06-1.59), and sleep quality (OR: 0.60; 95%CI: 0.47-0.78). These findings emphasize the necessity of interventions aimed at enhancing sleep quality and overall health in order to preserve cognitive function among the elderly, thus potentially improving their quality of life. Implementing comprehensive health programs could significantly enhance the overall quality of life for the aging population, especially the elderly population.