Remote Regions Research Articles

Транспортная связанность регионов Европейского и Приуральского Севера России (водный транспорт)

Water transport traditionally plays an important role in the transport system of Russia, especially in remote and inaccessible regions such as the European and Cisural North of Russia. In the context of underdeveloped road infrastructure, rivers are key transport arteries that ensure the connection between settlements and access to socio-economic resources. Passenger and freight transportations along the basins of the Severnaya Dvina, Pechora, Vychegda, Ob rivers, as well as along the White Sea-Baltic and Volga-Baltic canals, are of particular importance for the life of the local population, as well as for the development of tourism and trade. However, inland water transport faces a number of challenges, such as outdated fleet, seasonality of navigation, reduction of guaranteed dimensions of the ship passage, forced landing and disembarkation of passengers from ships on an unequipped shore, underfunding, lack of investment, etc. The Northern Sea Route and the maritime approaches to it ensure the connection of water transport network of the European and Cisural North of Russia.

Mind the Gap in the Extended Kuiper Belt: Statistically Significant Results from New Data

Abstract Our understanding of the solar system beyond the Kuiper Cliff is changing rapidly as new trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs) keep being discovered by ground-based telescopes and direct measurements from NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft help in obtaining both qualitative and quantitative estimates of the physical properties of this remote region. Here, we make use of the latest data, and of the heliocentric range and range-rate of the known TNOs to identify structures beyond the Kuiper Cliff. Hartigan’s dip test applied to the data gives a p-value of 0.0027 for a gap in the distribution of heliocentric ranges at ∼72 au.

Ochrolechia raynori, a New Lichen Species from the Southern Rocky Mountains (Colorado, USA) and Key to Asexually Reproducing Ochrolechia in Western North America

Ochrolechia is a diverse and charismatic lineage of both sexually and asexually reproducing lichens, with centers of species richness in northern temperate areas of the world, including North America. As part of recent work to comprehensively inventory the lichens of the Indian Peaks Wilderness (Arapaho–Roosevelt National Forest, Front Range Mountains, Colorado), we discovered material of a sorediate member of the genus to which no existing names could be applied. This material was collected in very remote, extremely difficult-to-access mid-montane forests of the west slope of the Indian Peaks Wilderness, in a steep and jagged off-trail drainage (Hell Canyon). Subsequent study of this material along with review of pre-existing collections at the COLO Herbarium revealed it to represent a new scientific species. We here formally describe Ochrolechia raynori, in honor of Seth Raynor who led the Indian Peaks Wilderness lichen inventory. We additionally document the occurrence of Dactylospora parasitica on this new lichen species. Ochrolechia raynori is distinctive for its continuous, smooth, shiny thallus that bears discrete soralia and coarse soredia, its occurrence on mosses and other lichens that overgrow rocks, and its chemistry. We generated a molecular phylogeny of this and other members of Ochrolechia using the nrITS locus and show O. raynori to be sister to the widespread, sexually reproducing species O. upsaliensis. This occurrence of an asexual species that is sister to a sexual species is consistent with the “species pair” hypothesis in lichenology, which suggests an intimate role of reproductive mode divergence in the process of speciation. Examination of the phylogeny yielded evidence of four additional pairs in Ochrolechia, for a total of five species pairs, which indicates that this phenomenon may be a common occurrence in this lineage. IUCN Conservation Assessment of Ochrolechia raynori revealed the species to be best considered as Critically Endangered. However, we expect that continued efforts to inventory the lichens of the southern Rocky Mountains, especially in some of its wildest, most remote regions in similar habitats, will likely result in the discovery of additional populations of this remarkable new species.

PRELIMINARY SCREENING OF SECONDARY METABOLITES FROM FIVE MEDICINAL FOOD PLANTS FROM CARIBBEAN DARIEN

<p><strong>Background:</strong> Remote regions of Colombia, particularly in areas such as the Darién region, lack adequate healthcare services for vulnerable populations. In response, these communities have developed strategies to identify and utilize therapeutic plants from their local environment. <strong>Objective:</strong> To document the traditional knowledge of medicinal food plants in San Francisco de Asís (Acandí, Chocó) and identify key secondary metabolites through phytochemical analysis, validating their therapeutic uses and potential applications in healthcare. <strong>Methods: </strong>This research was conducted in the village of San Francisco de Asís (Acandí, Chocó), situated at 7°25’ N latitude and 74°26’ W longitude. The study involved Black and inland communities who have historically relied on traditional knowledge for health and wellness. Ethnobotanical methods were employed to document the knowledge of local peasants regarding food plants with medicinal properties. Subsequently, phytochemical analyses were performed to identify the secondary metabolites responsible for these therapeutic effects. <strong>Results</strong>: Five food plant species with medicinal properties were identified: pepper (<em>Capsicum annuum</em>), flame of the woods (<em>Ixora coccinea</em>), jagua (<em>Genipa americana</em>), long coriander (<em>Eryngium foetidum L</em>), and achiote (<em>Bixa orellana L</em>). <strong>Implications:</strong> These findings underscore the importance of traditional knowledge in healthcare practices and highlight the potential of these plants for broader medicinal applications. <strong>Conclusions</strong>: The phytochemical analyses of the five species revealed significant groups of secondary metabolites that correlate with the medicinal uses reported by the inhabitants of Darién. </p>

Cytopathology in India: Past, Present, and Future

ABSTRACTCytopathology was apparent as a feasible and inexpensive screening and diagnostic technique incorporated in India during the 1950s and 1960s. The Indian Academy of Cytologists (IAC) was established to foster cytology research, standardize nomenclature, and advance cytology across India. Although cytopathology is a fundamental component of the postgraduate pathology curriculum, numerous challenges and limitations impede its practice in India, including a shortage of trained cytopathologists, uneven distribution of cytopathology services and their quality assurance, and financial constraints for advanced diagnostics in cytopathology samples. These obstacles hinder the efficient execution of cytopathology activities in India. This review outlines the historical evolution, expansion, institutional and academic advancements, cytology‐based screening programs and guidelines, quality assurance, research output, and contemporary developments in cytopathology reporting, as well as the challenges and limitations encountered by cytopathology practice in India. The review argues for intentional initiatives to augment the capability of cytopathology in remote and rural regions of India, facilitating early and improved cancer detection and patient outcomes.

Internal Migration in Fiji: Selectivity, Socio-economic Factors and Ethnic Patterns

Fiji, located in the Pacific Ocean, is classified as a Small Island Developing State and is characterised by a high rate of internal migration. This research explores the factors influencing mobility at the individual level in Fiji. Our study aims to uncover patterns of migrant selectivity and variations in migration tendencies among diverse groups within the Fijian population. The analysis considers variables such as age, gender, ethnicity and socio-economic indicators (including education and occupation). We analyse data from national censuses carried out between 1976 and 2007. The analysis reveals that individuals moving from remote or rural areas to urban centres tend to have higher socio-economic status. Youth aged 16–29 are the most mobile sub-group, and women tend to migrate more than men. This is likely explained by social norms around marriage and the greater educational and economic prospects available to women in cities. Additionally, migration patterns differ among ethnic groups: indigenous Fijians generally show a higher mobility rate than others. However, this pattern varies across time periods, and in the most recent data, Indo-Fijians from remote regions display the highest migration rates, which possibly reflect underlying ethnic divisions within the country.

Assessing the Proficiency and Utilization of Basic ICT Skills Among Students in Higher Education Institutions

In the digital era, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills are essential for academic and professional success. Despite increased access to digital tools, disparities in digital literacy persist, particularly in under- resourced and remote regions. This study investigates the ICT proficiency and utilization patterns among students at Far Western University and its constituent campuses in Nepal. Using a structured survey administered via Google Forms, data from 201 students were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results show high proficiency in MS Word (86.6%) and PowerPoint (78.0%), moderate in MS Excel (63.4%), and limited familiarity with research tools like Google Forms (49.1%). While 92.5% of students reported reliable internet access, only 75.9% were familiar with Zoom, 38.8% with Google Meet, and 22.0% with MS Teams. Training needs were significant: 69.7% of students required support in Excel, 59.7% in advanced Word features, 49.8% in Google Forms, and 44.8% in AI tools. These findings highlight the need for targeted ICT training, improved ICT infrastructure, and integration of digital ethics to bridge the digital divide and enhance technology integration in higher education across Nepal.

Sufferings of Elderly Rural Women Due to Covid-19 in Communities of a Remote Region: An Observational Study

Background: COVID-19 pandemic caused an unprecedented impact on society globally. Objective: Study was conducted to know about sufferings experienced by rural elderly women in a remote hilly region. Methodology: Community-based, cross-sectional, observational study included 4500 randomly selected tribal women of ≥50, who resided in 140 villages and consented to participate. Face-to-face interviews of participants were conducted, for 15-30 minutes, using a semi-structured questionnaire regarding sufferings of elderly women during COVID-19 pandemic. Results: Of 4500 women interviewed, majority (47.2%) were 50-59 years old, low educated (40.4%), agriculture labourers (44.1%) and of lower economic class (53.8%). Of all participants, 73.5% reported change in everyday life, 25.9% change in meals, 30.7% in work and working environment and 39.5% in health care. Of all the women interviewed, 45.9% reported physical violence (PV), majority (74.1%) by husbands, 0.4% suffered sexual violence (SV). Modes of PV were mostly slapping, hitting, or kicking. Of all the women, who suffered PV, SV, and majority informed their family members, but only 7.0% informed police, however 98.6% who suffered sought healthcare. Socio-demographic factors like age, education, economic class, and occupation had a significant relationship with sufferings of women during pandemic. Conclusion: Covid -19 Pandemic had significant impact on rural elderly women’s lives, 45.9% and 0.4% of women respectively reported having suffered PV and SV at home during pandemic. It is therefore necessary to generate awareness, formulate laws, policies for protection of elderly women during such pandemic.

An overview of biosorption, remediation, and desalination potential of algae to remove wastewater toxic pollutants for environmental safety.

Algae-based desalination, biosorption, and bioaccumulation of polluted water offer a low-cost, passive-energy alternative with ecological benefits. This review presents a comprehensive analysis of microalgae-based biodesalination for salt removal and environmental remediation. Results suggested that algae operate faster in salt removal for biosorption and remediation and depend on salt tolerance, adaptability with system configurations, water characteristics, harvesting methods, and reuse potential. Biosorption kinetics, zeta potential regulation, and abiotic factors (pH, light, and salinity) are important for optimum algal-dependent wastewater remediation. Strains like Dunaliella salina and Picochlorum exhibited optimum salt remediation potential and lipid accumulation and may emerge as sources of biofuel even under high saline conditions. Algal strains could be used as biosensor platforms with emerging hybrid technologies (nanoparticle-enhanced systems and microbial fuel cells) for efficient environmental monitoring. Integration of algal residue with conventional technologies like reverse osmosis could enhance cost-effectiveness and scalability in the desalination process. Overall, algae-based desalination represents a promising, environmentally sound solution to address reduced wastewater remediation, particularly in remote or resource-limited regions.

Inter-annual hydrographic changes in the Southern Ocean: analysis of Vendée Globe Race and Barcelona World Race data

Abstract The Southern Ocean remains one of the most data-deficient ocean basins despite its crucial role in global climate regulation. This study uses racing sailboats from the Barcelona World Race (2010/2011 and 2014/2015) and the Vendée Globe Race (2020/2021) as vessels of opportunity to collect sea-surface temperature and salinity measurements, offering a unique dataset for assessing oceanographic variability in this remote region. We conducted an inter-annual analysis of surface temperature and salinity anomalies relative to ARMOR-3D reanalysis and World Ocean Atlas 2023 climatological datasets, identifying regional patterns of change and variability. The results reveal a warming trend and general freshening of the Southern Ocean surface over the last decade, with the highest anomalies observed in the Indian and Atlantic sectors, whereas the Pacific sector showed the lowest anomalies in absolute terms. Notably, El Niño-Southern Oscillation (La Niña) and Southern Annular Mode phases played a significant role in modulating these temperature and salinity anomalies. This study underscores the scientific value of non-research vessels in monitoring climate-driven changes in Antarctic and sub-Antarctic waters, highlighting their potential to complement traditional observation networks in data-sparse regions.

Examining burden among caregivers of community-dwelling older adults in Lebanon

Our study aims to describe the extent of caregiver burden and its associated factors among family caregivers of community-dwelling older adults in Lebanon in the context of multiple crises. During May–June 2024, a quantitative cross-sectional study was carried out in Lebanon involving 544 caregivers of older adults. Participants were recruited online via various social media platforms. Measures of the caregiving burden and related concepts were executed using validated scales and reports related to the care recipient’s situation. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were conducted to investigate factors associated with caregiver burden. The findings showed that most caregivers were females with lower education levels and facing financial difficulties. Among the participants, 28% reported a severe caregiving burden, 19% a moderate burden, and 24% a mild burden. The burden of caregiving was higher when the care recipient was financially dependent on the caregiver, had dementia or chronic musculoskeletal (reduced mobility) conditions, and was not able to socially integrate. The burden was also higher when the caregiver was older, lived in a remote region, was a part-time worker, had financial distress, provided care for a longer period, used maladaptive coping strategies, had no assistance, and received lower social support. This study showed that the financial difficulties of both the caregiver and the care recipient added to the usual burden of caregiving in the Lebanese context. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions and support systems to alleviate the burden on family caregivers in Lebanon, especially given the country’s rapidly aging population, the difficult multifaceted crisis, and the limited availability of formal care services.

Portable Incubator for Premature Infants

Premature infants require specialized neonatal care, often through incubators that maintain ideal environmental conditions. However, conventional hospital incubators are costly and not readily available in remote regions. This project presents a low-cost, IoT-based portable incubator for premature infants using edge computing with the Raspberry Pi Zero 2W. The system monitors physiological parameters such as body temperature, blood oxygen, and heart rate, along with cabin temperature and humidity. Actuators like a heater and fan are controlled to maintain optimal conditions. A multi-output neural network trained with sensor data enables prediction of medical needs and environmental adjustments. The system supports local decision-making, real-time control, and remote access via a Telegram chatbot, enhancing neonatal care in low-resource settings.

What explains the smoking prevalence disparity between Indigenous and non‐Indigenous Australians?

Abstract Persistent disparities in smoking prevalence between Indigenous and non‐Indigenous Australians have been widely attributed to systemic discrimination and the enduring impacts of colonisation. However, limited empirical evidence exists on the extent to which these structural and social determinants contribute to the observed gap. This study investigates the drivers of smoking prevalence disparities using nationally representative longitudinal data from Australia (2002–2022). Employing regression analysis and a modified two‐fold decomposition approach, we quantify the contributions of various explanatory factors. Our analysis identifies financial distress and alcohol consumption as primary contributors to the explained component of the disparity, with age and educational attainment also playing significant roles. These findings reflect broader socioeconomic inequalities that disproportionately affect Indigenous communities. Notably, a substantial portion of the disparity remains unexplained, suggesting the influence of unobserved factors such as systemic discrimination, cultural norms, colonisation, peer effects, and intergenerational trauma. Despite targeted tobacco control efforts, smoking rates remain markedly higher among Indigenous Australians, particularly in remote regions. Our study underscores the need for comprehensive, culturally responsive strategies to address both structural determinants and unobserved influences to reduce smoking prevalence disparities and achieve health and wellbeing equity for Indigenous Australians.

Assessing the Impact of Virtual Health Counseling on Diabetes Management

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic, increasingly prevalent condition requiring continuous medical care and lifestyle management. Virtual health counselling has emerged as a promising digital solution to support diabetes management, particularly in underserved and remote regions. This study investigates how virtual counselling can enhance patient engagement, improve glycemic control, and foster adherence to treatment among patients with Type 2 diabetes. Methods and Materials: This project employed a structured virtual health counselling intervention conducted over 10 weeks, targeting adults with Type 2 diabetes. The intervention included bi-weekly telemedicine sessions covering diet, exercise, medication adherence, and mental health. Pre- and post-intervention surveys, expert interviews, and clinical data (e.g., HbA1c levels) were used to assess patient knowledge, engagement, and health outcomes. A mixed-methods approach incorporated both quantitative health metrics and qualitative feedback from healthcare professionals and patients. Results: The program achieved a 55% patient engagement rate. Survey responses revealed increased knowledge, confidence, and satisfaction with diabetes management post-intervention. Notably, 75% of participants showed improvements in blood glucose control, with average HbA1c reductions ranging from 5% to 12%. Despite some technological barriers and the need for more personalized care, the virtual counselling model proved effective in improving patient outcomes. Conclusion: Virtual health counselling significantly supports diabetes management by enhancing patient engagement, promoting better glycemic control, and offering accessible, flexible healthcare. Integrating telehealth into diabetes care pathways may reduce complications and improve quality of life. Future initiatives should address technical limitations and personalize care to maximize impact.

LCA of fishing vessels exporting fish from the Arctic.

LCA of fishing vessels exporting fish from the Arctic.

An optimal QuEChERS method for the determination of emerging contaminants by LC-MS/MS in the Antarctic bivalve Adamussium colbecki.

Emerging contaminants (ECs) are anthropogenic and naturally occurring chemicals detected in various environmental matrices, including remote regions such as Antarctica. Adamussium colbecki, an Antarctic bivalve, is an excellent bioindicator for assessing contamination in polar marine ecosystems. However, its high protein (10-18%) and lipid (2-10%) content require an effective sample pre-treatment to minimise matrix interferences during contaminant analysis. In this study, an optimised QuEChERS extraction method was developed and validated to determine ECs in A. colbecki using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). A multivariate experimental design approach was employed to improve analyte recovery (R%) and minimise matrix effect (ME%). Initially, a Plackett-Burman screening identified the most influential factors, which were subsequently optimised using a Doehlert design to construct quadratic models for response optimisation. The final method allowed to obtain acceptable recoveries (46-123%) and satisfactory matrix effects (62-103%) for 18ECs, confirming its suitability for complex biological matrices. The optimised protocol was then applied to A. colbecki specimens collected during Antarctic campaigns in 2001, 2005, 2018, and 2019. Triclosan (TCS) was quantified in two samples and detected below the quantification limit in two others, while perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and octyl-dimethyl p-aminobenzoic acid (OD-PABA) were identified at trace levels in 2005 samples. This study presents the first validated QuEChERS method for ECs analysis in A. colbecki, providing a reliable tool for long-term environmental monitoring and contamination assessment in the Antarctic marine ecosystem.

Identifying Support Needs of Families Navigating Childhood Rheumatic Disease in Rural and Remote Regions of Northern British Columbia

ObjectivesTo identify barriers and facilitators to receiving pediatric rheumatology care for families navigating juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and other childhood rheumatic diseases (CRD) in Northern British Columbia (BC).MethodsParents/Caregivers of children with CRD living in Northern BC and receiving care at the 2 BC Children’s Hospital Rheumatology Outreach clinics located in Prince George and Terrace BC were invited to participate in an online survey and a subsequent semi-structured interview. Survey and interview questions focused on health needs and gaps relating to rheumatology care and were developed based on previous community engagement work in these clinics. Through in vivo coding, data was thematically analyzed and summarized into actionable themes.ResultsNine families completed the survey, and 2 families participated in the interviews. Their children had a median age of 6 y. Distance to the rheumatology outreach clinic varied, with 45% of participants (n = 4) reported traveling less than 10 km, 10% (n = 1) traveling between 100 km-200 km, and 45% of respondents (n = 4) traveling more than 200 km. 70% of participants (n = 7) described: feeling that their child’s symptoms were initially dismissed by local health care providers, feeling that their child did not receive adequate medical attention from their general practitioners, feeling that their family’s case was overlooked multiple times, and ultimately resorting to emergency care. Helpful supports identified by participants following their child’s diagnosis included: 50% (n = 5) affirming that connection with other parents and families as helpful and 80% (n = 8) described or recommended examples of self-advocacy to support the journey to diagnosis. The thematic coding resulted in 4 actionable recommendations for the pediatric rheumatology health team and Cassie + Friends to take forward (Table 1).ConclusionOur findings demonstrate the emotional toll that children and families may experience while reaching a diagnosis and navigating CRD when living in Northern and rural BC. Connections to other local families, and encouragement for parental advocacy, were highlighted as positive actions for families. This community-based needs assessment allowed for the development of actionable solutions including disease-specific education for general practitioners, increased mental health services, regionally accessible supports, and local parent navigators which may promote a greater sense of support and well-being for Northern BC families impacted by CRD.

Connectivity, Cooperatives and Capacity Building: 3C Approach for the Remotest Region of Lohai Malhar (Jammu) with National Security Issues

The security situation across the western Shivalik regions, south of the Pir Panjal Mountain range in the Jammu region has become volatile since mid-2024 when a terrorist attack on a tourist bus on June 9 killed nine people in Reasi. With that started a new phase of attacks and threats in the region particularly in the otherwise calm mountain ranges of Kathua where the Indian army was last stationed until mid-2000. With increasing threats the Indian government had to redeploy thousands of defense personnel in the Shivalik altitudes of Jammu after two decades. Moreover the remoteness of certain regions continues to add to the situation’s vulnerability, in particular those areas which have a long standing history of terrorist activities. If further neglected, these regions will continue to be a national security threat for India. Lohai Malhar is one such remote region of the Kathua district of Jammu with a unique history of terrorism. It continues to face multiple impediments to meeting the modern parameters of development. In this context this paper provides a pragmatic three-fold approach titled “3C Approach: Connectivity, Cooperatives and Capacity Building” to achieve sustainable development of regions like Lohai Malhar. It reinforces the need to promote inclusive development of remote regions in Jammu and Kashmir to deal with the geo-economic nature of terrorism.

Digital Transformation of Health Services in Indonesia Through the Utilization of Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, and Telemedicine: Systematic Literature Review-VOSviewer

Indonesia's healthcare system continues to face significant challenges in delivering equitable services across diverse and remote regions. The digital transformation of healthcare—through the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI), big data, and telemedicine—offers promising solutions to overcome disparities in access, infrastructure, and service delivery. This study aims to comprehensively analyze global and national research trends related to the digital transformation of healthcare using a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) approach, supported by bibliometric analysis through the VOSviewer software. Following the PRISMA protocol, a total of 30 relevant articles published between 2020 and 2025 were identified and analyzed. The network and overlay visualizations generated reveal four major thematic clusters: digital transformation and service quality, big data and pandemic response, AI and data privacy, and community engagement in digital health services. Overlay visualization also shows a clear shift in research focus—from early pandemic responses toward system optimization, ethical governance, and technological inclusivity in recent years. The study concludes that the integration of AI, big data, and telemedicine not only enhances healthcare efficiency but also requires strong regulatory frameworks, infrastructure readiness, and public engagement. Future research should incorporate co-citation and cross-country comparative analyses to enrich the understanding of digital health transformation in a global context.

Strategic Roadmap for AI-Driven Sustainable Tourism Development in Indonesia: An Expert-Based MCDM Approach

While rich in cultural and natural assets, Indonesia's tourism sector faces substantial challenges in adopting digital technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI). The persistent digital divide between more developed and remote regions within Indonesia and limited AI readiness among tourism micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) hampers the sector's inclusive and sustainable growth potential. This study aims to identify and prioritize strategic directions for AI-driven tourism development in Indonesia by employing an expert panel method integrated with the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). In 2025, this study was carried out in various provinces across Indonesia. Through structured pairwise comparisons, the research analyses expert judgments to rank five core strategies: strengthening digital infrastructure, enhancing AI literacy for MSMEs, developing an integrated national AI tourism platform, formulating ethical and data governance frameworks, and promoting sustainable AI utilization. The results revealed that digital infrastructure development is the most critical enabler, followed by capacity building for MSMEs. These two priorities form the foundational basis upon which other strategies depend. The study concludes that a phased and inclusive approach to AI integration is essential, supported by targeted investments, regulatory clarity, and cross-sector collaboration. It recommends a national policy roadmap that ensures AI technologies serve economic objectives and the goals of community empowerment and environmental preservation, positioning Indonesia as a regional leader in sustainable, AI-powered tourism development.