Regular Events Research Articles

“Lucky Enough”: The Music and Stories That Make Vaughan's Lounge, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States

“Lucky Enough”: The Music and Stories That Make Vaughan's Lounge, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States

Tsunami preparedness within Sri Lanka's education system

Asked what hazard posed the greatest threat to their school, the principals of coastal schools in the Galle, Ampara and Batticaloa districts of Sri Lanka overwhelmingly responded “tsunami”. This result is unsurprising considering the scale and trauma caused by the December 26, 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. This tsunami claimed over 35,000 victims in Sri Lanka, a third of whom were children. It damaged and destroyed 182 schools, and a further 287 served as camps for internally displaced persons. Given that Sri Lanka is far from all potential sources of earthquake-induced tsunami, and that there is time for early warning and evacuation, it is crucial that coastal schools are prepared and ready to act. This study uses semi-structured interviews with school principals and regional education and disaster management officials to gain insights into the tsunami preparedness of the Sri Lankan education sector. Overall, our findings show that schools are heavily reliant on tsunami early warning towers for their warning, yet only half of the 430 Sri Lankan schools exposed to tsunami are within audible range of a tsunami early warning tower. It is crucial therefore that alternative and backup early warning channels are established where needed. However, the interviews show that there is a very low level of baseline hazard preparedness. There are few or no fire drills, let alone tsunami evacuation plans or drills. The school principals express the view clearly that the education system in Sri Lanka is ill-prepared for a future tsunami. We find however that there are opportunities to involve existing safety committees in school preparedness and in the development of evacuation plans; and to exploit existing regular teacher curriculum training events to develop capacities in emergency response and evacuation. Importantly, experiences from a past tsunami drill with Sri Lankan communities emphasise the importance of holding regular school practice drills as well as “end-to-end” (from tsunami detection to tsunami evacuation) community evacuation exercises.

Variable seismic responsiveness to stress perturbations along the shallow section of subduction zones: The role of different slip modes and implications for the stability of fault segments

Assessing the stability state of fault interfaces is a task of primary interest not only for seismic hazards, but also for understanding how the earthquake machine works. Nowadays it is well known that a relationship exists between slow and fast earthquakes; moreover, it is more and more evident that such a connection is quite diffuse all over the Earth. In this paper, we perform a spatial and temporal analysis of both geodetic and seismic—non-volcanic tremors, low-frequency events (LFEs), and regular earthquakes—time series. We focus on the relationship between the clustering of properties of the different kinds of seismicity and their response to stress perturbations. Earth tides and large earthquakes are used as a source of additional stress. Seismic activity hosted in the Cascadia subduction zone, Manawatu region in New Zealand, and Japan during the last two decades is considered. Our analysis suggests that tremors become more and more sensitive to Earth-tide perturbations as the fault interface is seismically locked. Therefore, tremors and regular events show a similar response to tidal stress perturbations. This feature is also accompanied by relatively lower spatial and temporal coefficients of variation. A series of recordings by several GNSS stations along the Hikurangi Trench, North Island, New Zealand, and along the Nankai coasts in Japan is taken into account for studying how large thrust-faulting earthquakes affect silent events and geodetic signals and vice versa. In the last section, a simple model for grasping a glimpse of the local stability condition of the Earth’s crust and for explaining previous observations is provided.

Protesting is Not Everything: Analyzing Twitter Use During Electoral Events in Non-democratic Contexts

Despite the fact that during political protests, Twitter usage has been substantially studied in various contexts, there are still some significant gaps in our understanding of the ways that this microblogging network is employed in regular political happenings, e.g., elections, particularly in authoritarian countries. As a result, it remains unclear if citizens in non-democratic countries use Twitter to protest at the time of regular political events as the time of uprisings or not. This investigation tries to address this gap by providing some empirical evidence from the Iranian Twittersphere during the 2017 presidential election. Having employed networked framing theory, we combined textual and network analytic approaches to investigate a sample of 10,416 tweets of the most influential users in the retweet (RT) network. Findings demonstrate that Iranian users did not significantly challenge the regime and power relations in Iran. They framed the election in a non-critical way dealing with routine political and election frays and debates. They also preferred to attack politicians rather than discuss contentious and deliberate politics. Thus, this research reveals that Twitter is not always a tool for protesting against non-democratic regimes. At the time of electoral events, it could be used as an ordinary communication platform.

Hydrodynamical simulations for the common-envelope wind model for Type Ia supernovae

Context. The single-degenerate (SD) model is one of the leading models for the progenitors of Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia). Recently, a new version of the SD model, the common-envelope wind (CEW) model, has been proposed, which, in principle, has the potential to resolve most of the difficulties encountered by previous SD models. This model is still being developed and a number of open issues remain, such as the details of the mass-loss mechanism from the surface of the common envelope (CE), the main observational properties, and the spiral-in timescale of the binary inside the envelope. Aims. In this article, we aim to address these issues by considering hydrodynamical effects on the CE. Methods. Using the stellar evolution code MESA, we carried out a series of 1D hydrodynamical simulations of an asymptotic giant branch (AGB) star undergoing a common-envelope phase with different envelope masses (0.0007 M⊙–0.06 M⊙). The effect of the immersed binary was mimicked by changing the gravitational constant throughout the envelope and injecting an extra heating source at the location of the binary orbit. Results. We found that the envelopes are always dynamically unstable, leading to regular mass ejection events if the envelope is more massive than the critical value of ∼0.003 M⊙. The κ mechanism can naturally explain this phenomenon. We also found that, due to the low mass of the CE, the estimated frictional luminosity caused by the spiral-in of the immersed binary is much less than the nuclear luminosity, and therefore will not affect the structure of the CE significantly. Conclusions. Our results imply that the CE in the CEW model cannot be very massive. We also present a rough estimate for the spiral-in timescale based on a simplified model. We found that, for reasonable assumptions, the timescale may be longer than a few 105 yr; therefore, the white dwarf (WD) may have enough time to increase its mass toward the Chandrasekhar mass, avoiding a merger with the companion.

Morphology of ctenostome bryozoans: 6. Amphibiobeania epiphylla.

Ctenostome bryozoans are unmineralized and mostly marine. Their lack of calcified skeletal features requires other characters to be considered for systematic and phylogenetic considerations. As a continuation of an ongoing series of studies, we herein investigate the morphology of Amphibiobeania epiphylla, a unique bryozoan inhabiting mangrove leaves that are highly exposed to tidal cycles and regular dry events according to the tidal cycle. Besides this interesting mode of life, the species was originally interpreted to be a weakly mineralized cheilostome bryozoan, whereas molecular data place it among ctenostome bryozoans. To elucidate the systematic and phylogenetic position of the genus and also find morphological adaptations to an extreme habitat, we investigated the morphology of A. epiphylla in detail. Zooids show a lophophore with eight tentacles and a simple gut with a prominent caecum, lophophoral anusand most notably a distinct gizzard in the cardiac region. Gizzard teeth are multiple, simple homogeneous cuticular structures. The cuticle of the zooid is rather uniform and shows no respective thickenings into opercular flaps or folds. Likewise, apertural muscles are represented by a single pair of muscles. There are no specific closing muscles in the apertural area like the operculum occlusors of cheilostomes. Most prominent within zooids is a spongiose tissue filling most of the body cavity. Although not properly understood, this tissue may aid in keeping animals moist and hydrated during prolonged dry times. In summary, all morphological characters support a ctenostome rather than a cheilostome affinity, possibly with Vesicularioidea or Victorelloidea. In addition, we provide new molecular data that clearly supports such a closer relationship.

Plague circulation in small mammals elevates extinction risk for the endangered Peñasco least chipmunk

Wildlife diseases are a major concern for species survival around the world. Vector-borne diseases, in particular, are problematic for both humans and wildlife. Plague is an introduced disease to North America where many species have low natural resistance to infection by the causative bacterium, Yersinia pestis. Plague in the United States is often associated with large-scale epizootic events that impact rodent populations. However, we need more information regarding the effects of plague at enzootic levels and in species that rarely if ever experience epizootic events. New Mexico is a state that experiences regular epizootic plague events in several species of rodents but comparatively less is known about enzootic plague impacts within rodent communities in New Mexico. The Peñasco least chipmunk (Neotamias minimus atristriatus) is state-listed as endangered in New Mexico and is a candidate for listing under the federal Endangered Species Act. It likely has been extirpated from the southern portion of its range and is now observed only at high elevations in isolated areas in the White Mountains. We evaluated plague presence in the more abundant small mammal species associated with these chipmunks. We used an F1 antigen plague-specific vaccine and a placebo injection to test whether plague was present and reducing survival in western deer mouse (Peromyscus sonoriensis) and vole (Microtus spp.) populations in the Lincoln National Forest. The effect of plague on survival differed among years and sites. Monthly apparent survival was up to 60 % higher for rodents given the vaccine compared to those given a placebo. Our results suggest that plague is likely impacting the small mammal community in the Lincoln National Forest and is even present at higher elevation sites where the Peñasco least chipmunk was most recently extirpated. Because least chipmunks are highly susceptible to plague, our results suggest that this disease may be an important factor in the population decline of the Peñasco least chipmunk.

Response of soil carbon dioxide efflux to temporal repackaging of rainfall into fewer, larger events in a semiarid grassland

Changing rainfall patterns will alter soil water availability to plants and microbes and likely impact soil CO2 efflux (Fs) in semiarid ecosystems. However, our understanding of the response of Fs to compound changes in rainfall event size and frequency remains relatively limited. To address this knowledge gap, we examined how compound changes in rainfall size and frequency impact Fs in a semiarid grassland by deploying automated soil chambers at a rainfall manipulation experiment. All plots within the experiment received equal total summer growing season precipitation that was temporally repackaged into regular events of inversely varied size and frequency, with event sizes ranging from 5 to 50 mm and dry intervals ranging from 3.5 to 21 days. We found that repackaging rainfall into few/large events with long dry intervals decreased seasonal cumulative Fs. Repackaging influenced key aspects of pulses including mean, maximum, and antecedent (day before irrigation) values of soil moisture and Fs and their rate of decline during drying intervals. Soil moisture explained substantial variation in Fs (R2 > 0.84) for all treatments; however, the sensitivity of Fs to soil moisture decreased in the few/large regime compared to the reference and many/small regimes. Dynamics in plant phenology (quantified by plot greenness) and soil temperature interacted with soil moisture to influence the seasonal evolution of Fs pulses and cumulative efflux. Our findings demonstrate that soil moisture and vegetation responses to changes in rainfall size and frequency impact soil CO2 efflux pulses and seasonal emissions in semiarid grasslands. These results, coupled with the knowledge that CO2 efflux pulses play an outsized role in dryland carbon exchange, indicate the possibility of future climate-mediated shifts in the carbon cycling of semiarid ecosystems.

Patriot, Expert, or Complainer? Exploring How Athletes Express Themselves at Olympic Games’ Press Conferences

Abstract: Media coverage of the Winter Olympic Games provides an invaluable opportunity for athletes to promote themselves to a global audience that otherwise would not be reached through regular calendar events. An important element of athlete promotion occurs during press conferences when athletes speak to global media after winning a medal. The purpose of this study was to investigate how Olympic medalists presented themselves in front of the media after achieving Olympic success. A thematic analysis was conducted using press conference transcripts from 307 Olympic medalists during the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games. The results indicated that athletes were likely to use media opportunities to self-promote their achievements, share secrets and stories, exhibit gratefulness, protest, show patriotism, and provide expert opinion. Overall, six categories of self-presentation were identified and discussed. Practical and theoretical implications are offered throughout, including a contribution to self-presentation theory and suggestions for athlete media literacy training.

Shifting Trend on Management Event during the Pandemic

The shift in trends in organizing MICE events which are conventionally known as mass gathering activities and as a result of the pandemic there have been changes. This already happened in all countries in the world which then responded with various policies to maintain business sustainability despite being pessimistic. Stakeholders are hesitant in changing the paradigm of MICE activities from conventional models to virtual or hybrid models. This doubt is caused by the advantages and disadvantages of each type of event which will most likely reduce business profits. A simple literature review known as feature selection is used to find answers to this problem. Based on the analysis it was found that event activities are now popular in virtual and hybrid ways. Both virtual and hybrid events have changed the conventional perspective of understanding events. Although the implementation is simpler, the two events have a smaller economic impact compared to regular events that were popular in the pre-pandemic era. This paper also tries to find case studies in several countries that have successfully organized MICE events during the pandemic. In the end, a new taxonomy of event management emerged, namely original (regular) events, virtual events, and hybrid events. This change in the landscape of organizing MICE events will be an important consideration for MICE business people who may experience stagnation in recent times due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

END-PERMIAN BURNOUT: THE ROLE OF PERMIAN–TRIASSIC WILDFIRES IN EXTINCTION, CARBON CYCLING, AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE IN EASTERN GONDWANA

ABSTRACTWildfire has been implicated as a potential driver of deforestation and continental biodiversity loss during the end-Permian extinction event (EPE; ∼ 252 Ma). However, it cannot be established whether wildfire activity was anomalous during the EPE without valid pre- and post-EPE baselines. Here, we assess the changes in wildfire activity in the high-latitude lowlands of eastern Gondwana by presenting new long-term, quantitative late Permian (Lopingian) to Early Triassic records of dispersed fossil charcoal and inertinite from sediments of the Sydney Basin, eastern Australia. We also document little-transported fossil charcoal occurrences in middle to late Permian (Guadalupian to Lopingian) permineralized peats of the Lambert Graben, East Antarctica, and Sydney and Bowen basins, eastern Australia, indicating that even vegetation of consistently moist high-latitude settings was prone to regular fire events. Our records show that wildfires were consistently prevalent through the Lopingian, but the EPE demonstrates a clear spike in activity. The relatively low charcoal and inertinite baseline for the Early Triassic is likely due in part to the lower vegetation density, which would have limited fire spread. We review the evidence for middle Permian to Lower Triassic charcoal in the geosphere, and the impacts of wildfires on sedimentation processes and the evolution of landscapes. Moreover, we assess the evidence of continental extinction drivers during the EPE within eastern Australia, and critically evaluate the role of wildfires as a cause and consequence of ecosystem collapse. The initial intensification of the fire regime during the EPE likely played a role in the initial loss of wetland carbon sinks, and contributed to increased greenhouse gas emissions and land and freshwater ecosystem changes. However, we conclude that elevated wildfire frequency was a short-lived phenomenon; recurrent wildfire events were unlikely to be the direct cause of the subsequent long-term absence of peat-forming wetland vegetation, and the associated ‘coal gap' of the Early Triassic.

Hospitality Tourism Impact on Socio-Economic Development in Rivers State, Nigeria

This study examined the impact of hospitality tourism and socio-economic development in Rivers State, Nigeria. The development of hospitality tourism has become very crucial in economic diversification and changing paradigms of development in this 21st century. Nations that have keyed into the changing development would attest its multiplier effect on their economy, ranging from revenue generation, job opportunities, foreign exchange earnings, poverty alleviation and economic diversification. In this study, a field survey approach was adopted, that is, non-experimental design. The stratified random sampling technique was used to select one hundred (100) hotels and guest houses for the study from three senatorial zones of Rivers State. Data were obtained through the use of semi-structured questionnaire administered to five hundred (500) respondents among who are the managers, subordinate staffs and guest who were randomly selected from the sample size? The research question and the specific objective were analysed with descriptive statistical techniques of simple percentages and frequency distribution tables. The results revealed that hospitality tourism (hotels) have direct and indirect impacts on the lives of the people in Rivers State through job creation and revenue generation. It concluded that hospitality tourism have impacts on socio-economic development in Rivers State, which in turn promotes and enhances economic development in the area. Therefore, the study recommended that regular social events eg cultural days and exhibitions should be organised in the state to attract visitors and tourists that would make use of the hotels and guest houses. This will enhance socio-economic benefits and better living standard in the study area.

Evidence of destructive debris flows at (pre-) Hispanic Cayambe settlements, Ecuador

In Ecuador, a country with numerous potentially active volcanoes, recurrent large earthquakes, and regular climate-related events, it is surmised that phenomena such as debris flows have affected pre-Hispanic populations since their settlement in ∼5000 cal BC. Here, using a multidisciplinary approach, we studied the most recent debris flow events that affected the Cayambe city area, located 15 km west of the active glacier-clad Cayambe volcano. Based on detailed characterization of the deposits, including sedimentological, archaeological, and paleontological analyses, as well as radiocarbon dating. We found that two debris flow (i.e., Río Blanco I and II) destroyed Caranqui settlements in 665–775 cal AD and 774–892 cal AD, respectively, while another event impacted a Spanish colonial farm in 1590–1620 cal AD (Río Blanco III). The grain size distribution of these deposits indicates a gravel-rich flow for Río Blanco I and clay-rich flow for Río Blanco II and III, whilst componentry suggests low juvenile volcanic content for all three deposits. Juvenile components include pumice and lustrous dense dacites, while accidental clasts are dull dense dacites, oxidized and hydrothermally-altered material, as well as archaeological artifacts. These results, in addition to radiocarbon ages, suggest that the debris flows could either be post-eruptive or not related to volcanic eruptions. Potential non-volcanic trigger mechanisms for these events include rainfall and/or earthquakes, which implies that they can occur at any time and without forecast. Currently, the city of Cayambe is rapidly expanding and, consequently, our findings are relevant for creating impact scenarios for future debris flows forming in the Rio Blanco headwaters and descending to the city.

Die on this hill? A new monotypic, microendemic and montane vertebrate genus from the Australian Wet Tropics

AbstractThe upland rainforests of the Australian Wet Tropics (AWT) are renowned for their diverse and highly relictual biota, and are amongst the best‐studied areas of tropical rainforest in the world. Nonetheless, the evolutionary history of many endemic AWT taxa remains poorly resolved. Here we use molecular data to show that a small thigmothermic and heat‐sensitive lizard endemic to the Thornton Uplands in the northern portion of the AWT is a palaeoendemic that likely diverged from the nearest living taxa around the early Miocene. On the basis of genetic and morphological data, we remove this taxon from the genus Calyptotis where it was formerly placed, redefine Calyptotis and describing a new monotypic genus, Calorodius gen. n. This taxon is the second microendemic, monotypic and montane vertebrate genus recognised from the AWT, and highlights the potential for small areas of upland habitat in AWT to function as evolutionary refugia. However, despite the deep divergence of this lineage, there is no strong evidence that cool‐mesic environments are ancestral to the broader radiation of sphenomorphin skinks that it sits within. The impacts of future anthropogenic climate change on this new genus are difficult to predict, but a tiny range and apparent sensitivity to even relatively moderate temperatures raise concerns, especially if accelerating climate change leads to more regular drought events and heatwaves in the mountain ranges where it occurs.

Methodological considerations on estimating medication adherence from self-report, electronic monitoring and electronic healthcare databases using the TEOS framework.

Measuring adherence to medication is complex due to the diversity of contexts in which medications are prescribed, dispensed and used. The Timelines-Events-Objectives-Sources (TEOS) framework outlined a process to operationalize adherence. We aimed to develop practical recommendations for quantification of medication adherence using self-report (SR), electronic monitoring (EM) and electronic healthcare databases (EHD) consistent with the TEOS framework for adherence operationalization. An adherence methodology working group of the International Society for Medication Adherence (ESPACOMP) analysed implications of the process of medication adherence for all data sources and discussed considerations specific to SR, EM and EHD regarding the information available on the prescribing, dispensing, recommended and actual use timelines, the four events relevant for distinguishing the adherence phases, the study objectives commonly addressed with each type of data, and the potential sources of measurement error and quality criteria applicable. Four key implications for medication adherence measurement are common to all data sources: adherence is a comparison between two series of events (recommended and actual use); it refers to one or more specific medication(s); it applies to regular repeated events coinciding with known recommended dosing; and it requires separate measurement of the three adherence phases for a complete picture of patients' adherence. We propose recommendations deriving from these statements, and aspects to be considered in study design when measuring adherence with SR, EM and EHD using the TEOS framework. The quality of medication adherence estimates is the result of several design choices that may optimize the data available.

Assessment of Fusarium-Damaged Kernels in Common Wheat in Romania in the Years 2015 and 2016 with Extreme Weather Events.

This article assesses the occurrence of Fusarium-damaged kernels (FDKs) in common wheat (Triticum aestivum) under the influence of environmental factors and extreme weather events in Romania (exceptionally high air temperatures and extreme pedological drought produced by a dipole block in summer 2015, and extreme precipitation and floods produced by an omega block in spring 2016). Wheat samples (N = 272) were analyzed for FDKs via visual estimation and manual weighing according to ISO 7970 and are statistically evaluated using SPSS. The dipole block in 2015 reduced the effects of environmental factors to non-significant correlations with FDKs, while the omega block in 2016 was non-significantly to very significantly correlated with FDKs in the northwestern and western regions. The occurrence of FDKs was favored for wheat cultivation in acidic soils and inhibited in alkaline soils. Wheat samples with FDKs ≥ 1% were sampled from crops grown in river meadows with high and very high risks of flooding. Knowing the contaminants’ geographical and spatial distributions under the influence of regular and extreme weather events is important for establishing measures to mitigate the effects of climate change and to ensure human and animal health.

Geospatial and fluvio-geomorphological investigation of confluence dynamics of river Raidak within Himalayan foreland basin, India

ABSTRACT Confluence of river channels plays a significant role in channel avulsion, flood plain evolution and dynamics of the fluvial system. The principal objectives of the present study are (i) to analyze the direction and degree of confluence shifting through the recent past (1955–2020) by applying geospatial techniques and (ii) to find out the probable causes of confluence dynamics of the Raidak river system within quaternary geological sites of a Himalayan foreland basin in West Bengal, India, applying fluvio-geomorphological and sedimentary bank facies. Modified Normalized Difference Water Index method is also used. The result shows that the Raidak-Sankosh confluence (RSC) shifted by 9.94 km of the total distance between 1955 and 2020, whereas Raidak-I-Torsa confluence (RTC) has shifted 4.29 km overall distance during the same period. Both confluences were shifted toward the south and south-east directions. Total erosion and accretion area at the proximity of RSC and RTC has been registered as 40.1 sq km and 47.57 sq km and 39.67 sq km and 37.99 sq km, respectively, for the 65-year period. The key factors of confluence dynamics are regular flood events and channel avulsion, non-cohesive bank materials and huge channel bed sedimentation with multiple bars.

Model-data comparison of sound propagation in a glacierized fjord with a simulated brash ice surface.

Glacier ice loss impacts sound propagation within Arctic fjords. Regular calving events contribute to a collection of floating ice fragments, known as brash ice, at the ocean surface that obstruct the natural and anthropogenic acoustic signals, yet are difficult to characterize. Transmission loss measurements using a maximum length sequence (m-sequence) signal were conducted in September 2017 near Hansbreen glacier in Hornsund Fjord, Svalbard with dense brash ice present at the water surface. An acoustic model of the brash ice surface was inferred through consideration of the experimental geometry, arrival amplitude, and travel time difference between the direct and surface reflected arrivals from the source to two receivers. The inferred surface was then incorporated into a forward simulation of the environment using sound speed profiles measured during the experiment. BELLHOP ([Porter and Bucker (1987). J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 82(4), 1349-1359],), a ray tracing code available in the Acoustics Toolbox (HLS Inc., San Diego, CA), was used to track the time difference of arrivals and amplitudes of the modeled direct and surface reflected rays. Comparisons between the measured and simulated results provide insight into the geometric shape and reflection characteristics of the brash ice surface within this and similar environments.

Sperm-oviduct interaction: Differential gene expression of growth factors induced by sperm DNA fragmentation.

The present study investigated the effects of DNA fragmentation of spermatozoa on the growth factors expression by a human oviduct epithelial cell line (OE-E6/E7). Two separate groups were examined in this study. The cell line was cultured in the presence of spermatozoa with normal DNA fragmentation index (DFI) or abnormal DFI. Total RNA from the cell line in each group was isolated, and relative expression of objective genes was analysed using PCR array. Also, the concentration of VEGF, BMP-2, BMP-7 and MSTN in the supernatant of cell culture was analysed by the ELISA method. The PCR array analysis revealed that most of the growth factors had been upregulated in the abnormal group. However, the differences between groups were statistically significant (p<0.05) for five genes, including VEGF-A, BMP-2, BMP-6, BMP-7 and OSM. Furthermore, MSTN was the only gene that down-regulated significantly under the influence of the spermatozoa with abnormal DFI. Moreover, the results of ELISA analysis were in agreement with the data of the PCR array. It has been concluded that DNA fragmentation in human spermatozoa can probably change regular events throughout the oviducts. Consequently, the genes of interest may change sperm function and probably its fate in the female reproductive tract.

A community and functional comparison of coral and reef fish assemblages between four decades of coastal urbanisation and thermal stress.

Urbanized coral reefs experience anthropogenic disturbances caused by coastal development, pollution, and nutrient runoff, resulting in turbid, marginal conditions in which only certain species can persist. Mortality effects are exacerbated by increasingly regular thermal stress events, leading to shifts towards novel communities dominated by habitat generalists and species with low structural complexity.There is limited data on the turnover processes that occur due to this convergence of anthropogenic stressors, and how novel urban ecosystems are structured both at the community and functional levels. As such, it is unclear how they will respond to future disturbance events.Here, we examine the patterns of coral reef community change and determine whether ecosystem functions provided by specialist species are lost post‐disturbance. We present a comparison of community and functional trait‐based changes for scleractinian coral genera and reef fish species assemblages subject to coastal development, coastal modification, and mass bleaching between two time periods, 1975–1976 and 2018, in Nakagusuku Bay, Okinawa, Japan.We observed an increase in fish habitat generalists, a dominance shift from branching to massive/sub‐massive corals and increasing site‐based coral genera richness between years. Fish and coral communities significantly reassembled, but functional trait‐based multivariate space remained constant, indicating a turnover of species with similar traits. A compression of coral habitat occurred, with shallow (<5 m) and deep (>8 m) coral genera shifting towards the mid‐depths (5–8 m).We show that although reef species assemblages altered post disturbance, new communities retained similar ecosystem functions. This result could be linked to the stressors experienced by urban reefs, which reflect those that will occur at an increasing frequency globally in the near future. Yet, even after shifts to disturbed communities, these fully functioning reef systems may maintain high conservation value.