Southern Islands Research Articles

An occupational health risk index: definition, description and mapping at municipality level.

to develop an occupational health risk index that can help to introduce the occupational risk component into epidemiological studies and assess the level of occupational risk in Italian municipalities useful for supporting prevention measures. defi nition of a municipal index as a combination of occupational and territorial indicators derived from national registers of occupational data and environmental archives. the index composition is based on data on work injuries, occupational diseases and workers exposed to carcinogens in the years 2015-2019 available at the municipal level, as well as data on municipalities hosting sites of national interest for environmental remediation (SIN) and those in which big industrial facilities (GIE), registered as pollutant emitters, are located. standardized rates of occupational injuries and occupational diseases occurred in Italian municipalities were calculated from data collected by the Italian National Institute for Insurance against Accidents at Work (Inail) in relation to the working-age population (15-69 and 15+ for injuries and occupational diseases, respectively), estimated by the Italian National Statistical Institute (Istat) in 2018. In addition, data from the National Information System on Occupational Exposure to carcinogens (SIREP) were included, from which raw rates were calculated at municipal level. Finally, two other indicators were included, describing the presence/absence of a SIN and the number of GIEs industrial facilities in each municipality. The index of occupational health risk (INDORS) is calculated by summing standardised values of the above fi ve indicators as a continuous variable and it was also classifi ed by quintiles of population as a categorical variable. The association between cause-specific mortality and INDORS levels was evaluated using data on mortality occurring in 2015. during the observation period 2,011,457, 131,353 and 140,183 events were recorded for injuries, occupational diseases and workers exposed to carcinogens, mainly among male workers. A municipal map of INDORS levels (1-5) shows a strong South-North gradient, in line with the Italian industrial geographical context. The contributions of the SIN and GIE indicators are higher in the hot spot municipalities located in the Southern regions and islands. Among the municipalities analysed 1,099 were classifi ed in the lowest risk level, 1,331 in the low-medium level, 1,619 in the medium level, 2,621 in the medium-high level and 1,284 in the highest risk level. The index shows a direct correlation with accidental mortality and an inverse correlation with all-cause and malignant neoplasm mortality. the proposed index can be useful to introduce the occupational risk dimension in ecological studies and results as a flexible tool to rank Italian municipalities in terms of occupational risk.

Land Subsidence Assessment of an Archipelago Based on the InSAR Time Series Analysis Method

The lack of resources on islands leads to their extremely rapid development, and this can result in frequent geological disasters involving island subsidence. These disasters not only destroy the ecological environment and landscape of islands but also pose massive threats to the safety of residents’ lives and property and can even affect the country’s maritime rights and interests. To meet the demands of island stability and safety monitoring, in this study, we propose a large-area, full-coverage deformation monitoring method using InSAR technology to assess island subsidence based on a comprehensive analysis of conventional monitoring techniques. The working principle and unique advantages of InSAR data are introduced, and the SBAS InSAR key interpretation processing flow are described in detail. The GPU-assisted InSAR processing method is used to improve the processing efficiency. The monitoring results showed that the southern island group of the Miaodao Archipelago was relatively stable overall, with an annual average deformation rate of 3 mm. Only a few areas experienced large-magnitude surface deformation, and the maximum annual deformation magnitude was 45 mm. The time series deformation results of the characteristic points of the five inhabited islands in the southern island group showed that the subsidence trends of the two selected points on Beichangshan Island (P1 and P2) were slowly declining. The P3 point on Nanchangshan Island experienced a large deformation, while the P4 point experienced a relatively small deformation. The selected points (P5, P6 and P7) on Miaodao Island, Xiaoheishan Island and Daheishan Island were stable during the monitoring period. InSAR data can be used to accurately identify the millimetre-scale microdeformations experienced by island groups, thus demonstrating the high-precision deformation monitoring capability of these data. In addition, the accuracy of these data can meet the needs of island and archipelago subsidence monitoring, and the proposed method is an effective means to monitor the spatial deformation of island targets. This study is conducive to further enriching and improving island stability and safety monitoring technology systems in China and to providing data and technical support for identifying and mastering potential island risks, protecting and utilizing islands and preventing and reducing disasters.

Resilience and Survival in the Twentieth Century of a Chinese School in Iligan City, Philippines

Abstract This study explores the causal elements of resiliency and continuity in a Chinese school located on the southern island of the Philippines, Mindanao. Established by the Huaren community in Iligan City in the 1930s, the changing political, economic, and socio-cultural landscape of the country over the years since 1948 has brought about challenges and changes to the school. The presence of an “alien” minority whose: (1) commercial endeavors were perceived to be gaining control of the country’s economy, (2) strong cultural ties from their country of origin creates a degree of social separateness from the native population, and (3) political loyalty was questioned (as exemplified during the “Red Scare” Syndrome) were among the concerns that coincided with the resurgence of Filipino nationalism, particularly in the 1950s and 1960s. The passage of “nationalization” laws placed restrictions and curtailments on foreign control in the country, and the Chinese school in Iligan was not exempted from the measures instituted by the Philippine government. But despite such measures, the school has continued to serve its purpose as an academic institution that not only educates young minds with basic educational training but also contributes to the preservation of the Chinese language and culture in the community. It remains and continues to serve the community as the only foreign-language school in the city.

Two new temporary ectoparasitic isopods (Cymothoida: Cymothooidea) from Korean waters with a note on geographical distributions of Rocinela Leach, 1818 and Gnathia Leach, 1814.

Two new species of temporary ectoparasitic isopods, Rocinela excavata sp. nov. and Gnathia obtusispina sp. nov., are reported from the southern Islands of the Korean Peninsula. Rocinela excavata sp. nov. is distinguishable from its related species by the following characteristics: (1) laterally stepped rostrum; (2) separated eyes; (3) propodal blade having eight robust setae; and (4) merus having four or five blunt robust setae in pereopods 1-3. Gnathia obtusispina sp. nov. differs from its congeners by the combination of the following characteristics: (1) body covered with numerous tubercles and setae, (2) cephalon having tooth-like paraocular ornamentations; and (3) frontal border having two inferior frontolateral processes. These two new species are the 13th Rocinela species and 19th Gnathia species in the temperate Northern Pacific region, respectively. Discovery of these new species represents high species diversity of the genera Rocinela Leach, 1818 and Gnathia Leach, 1814 worldwide as well as in the Northern Pacific region. In addition, faunal diversity analysis on the members of both genera revealed that Rocinela species show high-latitude diversity whereas Gnathia species have low-latitude diversity.

Особенности формирования субфоссильных спорово-пыльцевых спектров острова Кетой (Центральные Курилы)

The composition and ratios of main components of pollen assemblages from the surface layer of peatlands, soils, lake sediments, and alluvial silts in different parts of the Ketoi Island were analyzed. The island, despite its small size, is distinguished by a complex organization of the landscapes. The pollen spectra represent well the local vegetation at the sampling sites, regardless of the genesis of sediments. Pollen brought from adjacent territories does not have a significant effect on the composition of pollen spectra. The spectra from soil deposits in the southeastern part of the island are represented by heather pollen; in the southwestern part, by tree pollen, mostly Siberian dwarf pine, alder, and birch pollen. Among nonarborescent pollen, Asteraceae and Ericaceae are dominant. The pollen spectra obtained from pioneer soil in the western part of the island consist of club moss spores (Lycopodium clavatum), which represent communities on overgrown rockfall deposits. The assemblages of the surface layer of peatlands contain large amounts of sedge and grass pollen. The pollen spectra from alluvial silts represent the vegetation of small valleys, where alder, dwarf pine, and Erman’s birch along the sides are common. The pollen spectra from the sediments of small lakes represent local biotic communities very well. Allochthonous pollen of dark coniferous and broad-leaved trees is present in the spectra in small quantities, except for two samples. This pollen was brought from the southern islands, including those of Japan. The data obtained can be used for paleogeographic reconstructions in the analysis of the formation of pollen spectra on small oceanic islands.

Saccobasis polita var. arctica (Scapaniaceae, Marchantiophyta) с архипелага Новая Земля (Европейская Российская Арктика)

Saccobasis polita var. arctica is firstly reported for Novaya Zemlya Archipelago, from its Yuzhny (southern) Island. It is the third record of this variety from Russia. This report is supported by comparison of ITS1-2 nrDNA and trnL-F cpDNA nucleotide sequences with known molecular data of Saccobasis polita var. arctica, and by morphological study. Distinctions from earlier described specimens and extended description of the variety supplied by photomicrographs of specimen from Novaya Zemlya are provided. The arctic plants of Saccobasis polita var. arctica have lophozioid appearance, which may results in its misidentification and distorted data on its distribution. Variation, differentiation and approaches to identification of critical specimens of S. polita var. arctica are discussed.

Changes In The Function Of Manimbong Music In The Rambu Tuka' Ceremony Of The Toraja People

Talking about traditional music, it is important to discuss the religious beliefs of the people around the music. This also applies to the Toraja tribe, which is located in the mountainous region of the southern island of Sulawesi. One of the arts that exist within the Toraja environment is Manimbong. Manimbong is a Torajan art form that combines two arts, music and dance, performed by a group of men at the Rambu Tuka' ceremony. This art is known as the art of Aluk Todolo (Toraja tribal religion). The introduction of Christianity in Toraja society has also affected some Toraja cultures. This research aims to see the changes in function that occur in Manimbong. In analyzing this research to see changes in the function of Manimbong using descriptive qualitative research methods. Primary and secondary data were obtained using observation, interview, and document study data collection techniques. Credibility criteria as a basis for conducting data validation techniques and data triangulation are in the standard of degrees of trust. The conclusion of this research is that Manimbong is not an art owned by Aluk Todolo or Christian, but belongs to all Toraja people. In addition, in the process of changing its function, Manimbong changes according to the context of several things, such as changes in the meaning of the poem of Manimbong itself in both Christianity and Aluk Todolo, as well as in the context in which Manimbong is performed or staged.

Diurnal Variation of Summer Monsoon Season Precipitation Over Southern Hainan Island, China: The Role of Boundary Layer Inertial Oscillations Over Indochina Peninsula

AbstractIn June after the onset of the East Asian summer monsoon season, rainfall on the south side of Hainan Island (HNI) of China exhibits a trimodal pattern with an unusual peak near noon. A typical case of 20 June 2017 is chosen to analyze the mechanisms through a convection‐permitting simulation together with rainfall observations. Clockwise rotation in low‐level winds is found at and off the coast of south HNI, leading to maximum onshore southwesterly winds in the late morning that is closely linked to the diurnal variation of rainfall. The offshore diurnal variations of low‐level winds are tracked upstream and attributed to boundary layer inertial oscillations over the inland plain of Indochina Peninsula. In addition, a short wide gap comprised mostly of hills lower than 700 m is located across the higher Annamite Range along the east coast of the Peninsula, right upstream of HNI. Nocturnal boundary layer low‐level jet (LLJ) forming over the plain passes through the gap with significant acceleration due to gap channeling and downslope flow effects, reaching peak intensity off the Peninsula coast at around 09 local standard time (LST). The enhanced LLJ propagates downstream towards HNI and impinges on the mountains at around 12 LST when rainfall reaches peak there. As the inertial‐oscillation‐indued perturbation winds approaching the Island weaken and eventually reverse direction, lifting weakens and low‐level stability increases as descending motion develops offshore. Rainfall on the southern Island therefore dissipates in late afternoon.

Marine Heat Waves over Natural and Urban Coastal Environments of South Florida

Marine Heat Wave (MHW) events are increasingly recognized as an important factor in the sustainability of coastal environments (both natural and urban), in the context of climate change. They are related to increasing trends of Sea Surface Temperature (SST) at the adjacent ocean waters. SST is an important parameter of the earth’s climate and increasing SST trends have been associated with adverse effects on coastal ecosystems, with important environmental and socioeconomic implications. This study focuses on the SST interannual variability over the coastal marine environment of South Florida, which contains several fragile ecosystems, and draws associate effects with adjacent large urban coastal settlements. The methodology is based on high-resolution satellite-derived SST data during a 40-year period (1982–2021), augmented by recent high-resolution model simulations (2012–2020). A generally increasing trend has been detected in the observations over the entire region (0.19 °C/decade). The unusual temperature levels have been associated with the formation of extensive MHW events, which showed interannual positive trends (0.75 events/decade) during the 40-year study period. Specifically, the six most recent years (2015–2021) were characterized by the strongest formation of MHWs with a peak in 2015, 2019 and 2020, with more than 8 events/year and approximately 70 to 110 days/year duration in total. The Florida Keys, especially along the Straits of Florida (southern island coasts), revealed very strong increasing trends. Miami Beach is also characterized by strong interannual trends (1.1 events/decade and 10 days/decade) compared to the enclosed basin of Biscayne Bay. In addition to the influence of atmospheric conditions over all regions around South Florida, the formation of MHWs near the eastern Florida coasts was also controlled by ocean dynamics, related to the warm Florida Current (FC). The evolution of the FC close to the eastern coasts (e.g., Miami Beach) was found to be a pre-condition of MHW formation. Several disastrous events on the biotic environment of South Florida near large urban settlements have been related to the formation of MHWs. The detected positive trends, and especially the recent high peaks of MHW events, may enhance the loss of specific heat-sensitive species, damaging the biodiversity of this tropical coastal environment and weakening the natural coastal protection against tropical storms. Urban planning for sustainable development in South Florida’s coastal cities must take into account MHW trends.

Outdoor ventilation evaluation and optimization based on spatial morphology analysis in Macau

Owing to Macau's high urban development intensity, outdoor ventilation is important to enhance human comfort. In this study, four morphological indices as frontal area index (FAI), site coverage (SC), building height (BH) and floor area ratio (FAR) were mapped and analyzed by establishing a refined three-dimensional urban digital model. Then indicator analysis, numerical simulation and LST retrieval were comprehensively used to assess the present outdoor ventilation conditions of Macau. The results showed that Macau's overall spatial morphology was not conducive to ventilation. In hot season, the cool sea breeze was obstructed by high-rise buildings in coastal area of the northern peninsula and difficult to infiltrate into the inner city. In cold season, the high pedestrian level wind speed of urban blocks in coastal areas of southern island was not good for wind protection. In Macau's northern peninsula, three potential wind corridors that connecting several existing open spaces are suggested. In southern island, a clustered urban development mode is proposed to create a wind corridor network. In addition, the existing heat islands in the windward side of wind corridors can be reduced by optimizing land surface. For pedestrian-level ventilation, the wind speed of traditional neighborhoods can be enhanced by reducing site coverage and introducing high-rise buildings during urban renewal. Wind protection methods should be considered in existing coastal urban areas, and low-rise high-density development mode is recommended for coastal new town planning in southern island. This research presents an opportunity to assist urban planners and researchers in developing a comprehensive understanding of Macau's ventilation condition, and provides theoretical support for planning practices for Macau and cities with comparable conditions.

Comparative Phylogeography in the Taiwan–Luzon Volcanic Belt Indicates Fast Diversification History of Pachyrhynchus Weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Abstract Geological isolation with limited gene flow can shape phenotypic diversification among different populations or species. From Luzon northward to Taiwan lies a series of isolated volcanic islands (the Taiwan–Luzon volcanic belt) where three Pachyrhynchus species [P. sarcitis (Behrens, 1887), P. nobilis (Heller, 1912) and P. semperi (Heller, 1912)] (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Entiminae: Pachyrhynchini) are sympatrically distributed. With intraspecific color variation across different islands, these three weevil species provide a unique opportunity to study genetic divergence associated with geographic isolation and/or phenotypic differences. In this study, genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data derived from ddRAD-seq was used to reconstruct the speciation history and to delimit species within each of the three species. Our results indicate all three species have ancient diversification histories in southern islands of the Taiwan–Luzon volcanic belt instead of more recent diversification histories in northern islands. Ancestral effective population size estimations also support a scenario of a series of founder colonization events from southern to northern islands in the volcanic belt. Most island populations are monophyletic, and early-divergent populations with deep genetic structures are supported statistically as distinct species. However, color variations could occur between populations with very recent diversification, indicating a fast-evolving rate in the change of coloration, possibly due to müllerian mimicry or founder effects across this region.

Recovery from Long COVID: How College Students Thrive During Lockdown

The Long COVID-19 Syndrome affected the lives of college students on lockdown for almost two years (2020-202), is the focus of this paper. Specifically, this study examined their stress, anxiety, depression levels, and psychosocial factors (socioeconomic status, adverse childhood experiences, and perceived social support) were related to these mental health issues. The impact of the Long COVID-19 on the students’ well- being and their coping mechanisms were explored. Using a cross- sectional survey research design, 600 students from different areas in Mindanao (southern islands of the Philippines) participated in this study. Results showed that the majority of the respondents reported no stress (78%), no anxiety (38%), and no depression (44.80%) during the lockdown. Moreover, a significant positive relationship appeared between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and levels of stress (p <0.001), anxiety (p <0.001), and depression (p <0.001). These findings suggest that adverse childhood experiences increase and the risk of other mental health issues increases. Results also suggest a significant negative relationship between perceived social support and levels of stress (p <0.05) and depression (p <0.05). The intersection of learning in higher education and mental health suggests the correlates of stress, ACE, and anxiety.

Population Genetics of California Gray Foxes Clarify Origins of the Island Fox.

We used mitochondrial sequences and nuclear microsatellites to investigate population structure of gray foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) and the evolutionary origins of the endemic island fox (Urocyon littoralis), which first appeared in the northern Channel Islands <13,000 years ago and in the southern Channel Islands <6000 years ago. It is unclear whether island foxes evolved directly from mainland gray foxes transported to the islands one or more times or from a now-extinct mainland population, already diverged from the gray fox. Our 345 mitochondrial sequences, combined with previous data, confirmed island foxes to be monophyletic, tracing to a most recent common ancestor approximately 85,000 years ago. Our rooted nuclear DNA tree additionally indicated genome-wide monophyly of island foxes relative to western gray foxes, although we detected admixture in northern island foxes from adjacent mainland gray foxes, consistent with some historical gene flow. Southern California gray foxes also bore a genetic signature of admixture and connectivity to a desert population, consistent with partial replacement by a late-Holocene range expansion. Using our outgroup analysis to root previous nuclear sequence-based trees indicated reciprocal monophyly of northern versus southern island foxes. Results were most consistent with island fox origins through multiple introductions from a now-extirpated mainland population.

Island area changes in the Sundarban region of the abandoned western Ganga–Brahmaputra–Meghna Delta, India and Bangladesh

Delta shapes are governed by relative dominance of wave, tidal, and fluvial processes, while their coastline changes primarily depend on activation and abandonment of distributary channels. The partly-reclaimed Sundarban Mangrove Wetlands occupy the fluvially abandoned western part of the macro-mesotidal Lower Ganga–Brahmaputra–Meghna Delta (GBMD) in India and Bangladesh. To ascertain the evolution of the planform of this 15,500-km2 region over a century, maps and images pertaining to 1904–24 (Survey of India topographical maps), 1967 (Corona space photographs), 2001 (IRS-1D LISS-3 + Pan merged images), and 2015–16 (Resourcesat-2 LISS-4 fmx images) were digitally compared for documenting the changes in the areas of ~250 mangrove-covered and reclaimed tidal islands above the spring high water level. Area change of the individual islands was also studied based on their relative north–south and west–east positions.The results indicated that while erosion of the estuary margins and the sea facing coastline —up to 40 m/yr—was continuing for decades in the southern islands, intervening channels between the northern islands were getting silted up, especially in the western sector, resulting in land gain. Area change in the central sector mostly tended to be small and erosional. Overall, the total island area & counts changed from 11,903 km2 & 253 (1904–24), respectively, through 11,663 km2 & 250 (1967), 11,506 km2 & 244 (2001), and 11,455 km2 & 251 (2015–16). The reduction rate of area, at −4.46 km2/yr, remained noticeably similar across all intervals of mapping / imaging years and projects that the region will lose 3.4 % of its present extent by 2100 if the observed tendencies continue. The trend of area reduction was 2.55-times higher in the western (Indian) segment of the region, than the eastern (Bangladeshi) section. At the level of individual islands, the trends of area change were classified into nine types involving linear and non-linear changes, with dominance of continuous (post-2001) erosion in 48.3 % (68.9 %) of the islands. Conversely, continuous (post-2001) accretion dominates in 15.8 % (31.1 %) of the islands.The retrogradation of the southern Sundarban can be ascribed to sediment starvation of the western GBMD due to abandonment of its deltaic distributaries and shelf bypassing of sediments through the Swatch of No Ground submarine canyon. On the other hand, the accretion of the northern interior areas, especially in the west, was mostly related to sediment reworking in a floodtide dominated environment, intervened by reclamation efforts. Factors like relative sea level rise, locational shifts in landfalls of cyclonic storms, and reclamation-related deforestation had little detectable influence on island area changes. As the observed tendencies of area change are likely to continue, planning for the region must integrate the transformations into management and development initiatives.

Aneuploidy promotes intraspecific diversification of the endemic East Asian herb Lycoris aurea complex.

Polyploidy has received considerable interest in the past, but aneuploidy and partial rearrangements may also influence genomic divergence. In this study, we reported a comprehensive cytogeographic, morphological and genetic analysis of Lycoris aurea complex throughout its range and attempted to explore the association between aneuploidy and species diversification. The karyotypes of this complex presented aneuploidy variations mainly divided into four cytotypes: I (2n = 10m + 2T), II (2n = 8m + 6T), III (2n = 7m + 8T), and IV (2n = 6m + 10T). Cytotype distributions were highly structured geographically. Two main cytotypes, II and IV, are geographically allopatric. The populations with cytotype II are mainly distributed in central China and the southern islands of Japan. Cytotypes IV is disjunctly distributed in southwestern and southeastern China. The cytotypes with fewer chromosome numbers tend to occur at high latitudes. For analyzing the phylogeographic pattern and genetic structure of this complex, we sequenced four chloroplast DNA fragments (4,748 bp in total) of 241 individuals from 42 populations. Extremely high diversity of cpDNA haplotypes was found, with genetic diversity index (Hd) being 0.932 and 98.61% of the genetic variation occurring among populations, indicating that this complex has undergone strong intraspecific differentiation. The cytotype II had the highest haplotype diversity (Hd = 0.885), while cytotype IV harbored the highest nucleotide diversity (π = 4.09 × 10–3). We detected significant leaf morphological differences not only between cytotype II and IV but also between west lineage and east lineage within cytotype IV. These results illustrated that aneuploidy contributed to extensive morphological and genetic differentiation in L. aurea complex. It was suggested that L. aurea complex should comprise multiple independent evolutionary lineages, and accurate species delimitation needs to be established further in an integrative taxonomic approach.

Mosladadoensis (Lamiaceae), a new species from the southern islands of South Korea.

Mosladadoensis (Lamiaceae), a new species from the southern islands of South Korea, is described and illustrated. The new species is morphologically similar to M.chinensis, but is distinguished from the latter by having two types of hairs on its stems, wider leaf blades, longer corolla length, and ellipsoid nutlets with a narrowly U-shaped extended area of abscission scar. Mosladadoensis is also distinguished from the Chinese narrow endemic M.hangchouensis by having an included pistil to the corolla, smaller ellipsoid nutlets, and later flowering and fruiting season. Phylogenetic analyses, based on two nuclear ribosomal (ETS, ITS) and three chloroplast (rbcL, matK, trnL-F) DNA regions, confirmed that the new species was constructed as monophyletic, and that M.dadoensis and M.hangchouensis form a sister group with robust support. We hereby provide a detailed morphological description of M.dadoensis with its corresponding geographical distributions, and comparison tables of related taxa.

The invisible architecture of creative and cultural work: the relationship between miscategorisation and sector wellbeing during COVID-19

Tasmania, Australia’s southern island state, is known nationally and increasingly internationally for its arts and cultural sector. As is common elsewhere, the extent and nature of the sector has been poorly measured and documented, with its value remaining relatively opaque within a policy making framework. With the onset of COVID-19 in March 2020, serious consequences of this poor categorisation and articulation of the sector’s value emerged, with many creative and cultural workers missing out on crucial financial and other support. This article presents the findings of a study of the impacts of COVID-19 on Tasmania’s cultural and creative sector, including on financial sustainability, health and wellbeing, and future work. Using a combination of survey data and interviews, we problematise the reliance on industry and occupation categories when describing the economic understanding and measurement of the sector, and instead provide an analysis of the sector through an approach based on self-describing work, work identities and perceived contributions. We find that those who were financially supported during the pandemic were able to shift or adapt their creative practice and had a higher sense of health and wellbeing, whereas those who did not receive government or philanthropic funding experienced significant negative impacts on their health and creative practice. These findings reinforce the urgency of embedding new methods for describing and valuing the sector for policy makers, and in turn, the sector’s participants.

A study of the chromosome number and genome size of the rare species Rhododendron keiskei var. hypoglaucum in Korea

Rhododendron keiskei var. hypoglaucum (Ericaceae) was recently reported in Korea, with a disjunct distribution on the southern islands of the Korean Peninsula. Although chromosome numbers and ploidy variations are important traits in angiosperms, gaining a clear understanding the cytological features of Rhododendron has been hampered by the small size of its chromosomes. We herein report the chromosome number, karyotype structure, and genome size of R. keiskei var. hypoglaucum for the first time. The chromosome number of the investigated plants was 2n = 26 with x = 13 as the base chromosome number, which is the one of the frequently encountered base chromosome numbers in Rhododendron. The karyotype of R. keiskei var. hypoglaucum is composed of metacentric and submetacentric chromosomes similar in length, which ranged from 1.39 to 2.40 μm. The DNA 1C-value in all examined accessions was small, ranging from 0.63 to 0.65 pg, further supporting the stable genome size in Rhododendron. These comprehensive cytological results provide a framework for detailed molecular, cytogenetic, and phylogenomic analyses that can be used to interpret the slow species diversification rate in Rhododendron.

Governing Queer Histories and Futures: A Critical Place-Based Analysis of State Apology

The southern island of Tasmania is renowned for being the last Australian state to decriminalise homosexuality in 1997. Twenty years after the repeal of these laws, the state parliament of Tasmania passed legislation introducing an expungement scheme for historical homosexual convictions and delivered an apology for their harms. In this article, we draw upon theories of sexual citizenship to develop a critical place-based analysis of the Tasmanian apology that is attentive to the specificities of the region’s political, social, and cultural context. We argue that the parliament’s attempts to redefine the boundaries of sexual belonging through apology and expungement entail new forms of erasure, exclusion and policing. The limits of the apology’s liberal discourse of progress are foretold by several tendencies within its narration, including: the persistent impulse to erase both past records of the law’s violence and future LGBTQIA + identities; assumptions of sexual essentialism and biological determinism; and the uneasy demarcation of il/legal sexual practices, which reasserts the state’s authority to govern sexuality through recourse to the criminal law. Our analysis highlights the need for more place-based analysis of emergent modes of sexual governance within queer criminology and for further research into the material benefits, if any, that apologies and expungement schemes provide to those affected.

The unexpected gecko: A new cryptic species within Urocotyledon inexpectata (Stejneger, 1893) from the northern granitic Seychelles

Urocotyledon inexpectata, a small gecko endemic to the granitic islands of the Seychelles, has previously been demonstrated to comprise two highly distinct clades based on mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequences, with one lineage exclusive to a northern group of islands, and the second lineage exclusive to the more southerly islands. Here we complement the genetic data with additional analyses to determine if the clades should be considered distinct species. We present and analyse new morphological data, including skull and jaw osteology, and supplement the available genetic data with DNA sequences for individuals from the previously unsampled island of Felicit, which cluster with the other northern island samples. Despite the high morphological similarity between Urocotyledon populations from northern and southern islands, diagnostic characters were identified, with the northern lineage having a more completely ossified skull, more tooth loci on maxilla and dentary, shorter hindlimbs, relatively smaller eye diameter and relatively wider head. We therefore describe the northern lineage as a distinct species, Urocotyledon norzilensis sp. nov., and discuss the biological and conservation management implications of this taxonomic action.