Search Results (423)

Medieval Islamic bustān gardens in the western Mediterranean played a crucial role in preserving and enriching rose diversity through the cultivation of species from the eastern Mediterranean and western Asia. These gardens, particularly in Al-Andalus, maintained distinctive rose varieties characterized by diverse flower morphology—ranging from white to deep crimson and near-black hues, including various yellow shades—and complex fragrance profiles with multiple olfactory nuances. The botanical heritage from these medieval Islamic gardens demonstrates remarkable persistence, with several of these cultivated rose species still found today in abandoned cortijos and aldeas throughout the mountains of eastern Spain. This study examines the transmission of rose culture through medieval Islamic bustān gardens, analyzing how these gardens served as repositories for ancient cultivars while introducing new varieties from eastern regions. Through examination of historical texts, iconographic evidence, and field documentation of surviving populations, we trace the continuity of medieval Islamic rose cultivation practices and their lasting impact on the rural landscape of eastern Spain. Flower scent is prominent as the leading factor determining preferences for medieval heritage rose cultivars, together with color and shape. The survival of these roses in abandoned settlements provides unique insight into the durability of medieval horticultural systems and the adaptation of cultivated species to semi-wild conditions over centuries. Full article

Understanding population connectivity and genetic structure is crucial for the effective management of exploited marine species. This study investigates the population genetics of the common European squid (Loligo vulgaris) across the Mediterranean Sea, focusing on samples from the Aegean Sea and comparative sequences from Western Mediterranean, Eastern Mediterranean, and Atlantic coasts. A total of 67 COI mitochondrial sequences were analyzed, identifying 12 haplotypes and 27 polymorphic sites. Population-level genetic diversity, pairwise F_ST values, and haplotype network analyses revealed pronounced genetic differentiation in the eastern Mediterranean contrasting with the genetic homogeneity observed among Western populations. The low haplotype diversity observed in the Greek populations of L. vulgaris may be influenced by a combination of ecological and historical factors, as the Aegean region is recognized as a hotspot of endemism and historical population fragmentation. The results indicate the existence of at least two genetically differentiated clusters within the Mediterranean basin. This study advances current knowledge of the genetic structure of Loligo vulgaris by providing novel genetic data on populations from the eastern Mediterranean, offering valuable insights for future conservation and management strategies for the species. Full article

Background/Objectives: The Plague of Justinian marked the beginning of the First Pandemic (541–750 CE), yet no genomic evidence of Yersinia pestis has previously been recovered from the Eastern Mediterranean, where the outbreak was first recorded. This study aimed to determine whether Y. pestis was present in a mid-6th to early 7th century mass grave in Jerash, Jordan, and to characterize its genome within the broader context of First Pandemic strains. Methods: We analyzed samples from multiple individuals recovered from the Jerash mass grave. Initial screening for potential pathogen presence was conducted using proteomics. Select samples were subjected to ancient DNA extraction and whole genome sequencing. Comparative genomic and phylogenetic analyses were conducted to assess strain identity and evolutionary placement. Results: Genomic sequencing recovered Y. pestis DNA from five individuals, revealing highly similar genomes. All strains clustered tightly with other First Pandemic lineages but were notably recovered from a region geographically close to the pandemic’s historical epicenter for the first time. The near-identical genomes across diverse individuals suggest an outbreak of a single circulating lineage at the time of this outbreak. Conclusions: This study provides the first genomic evidence of Y. pestis in the Eastern Mediterranean during the First Pandemic, linking archaeological findings with pathogen genomics near the origin point of the Plague of Justinian. Summary Sentence: Genomic evidence links Y. pestis to the First Pandemic in an ancient city. Full article

The Paratethyan South Caspian and Mediterranean Levant basins relate to the significant hydrocarbon provinces of Eurasia. The giant hydrocarbon reserves of the SCB are well-known. Within the LB, so far, only a few commercial gas fields have been found. Both the LB and SCB contain some geological peculiarities. These basins are highly complex tectonically and structurally, requiring a careful, multi-component geological–geophysical analysis. These basins are primarily composed of oceanic crust. The oceanic crust of both the South Caspian and Levant basins formed within the complex Neotethys ocean structure. However, this crust is allochthonous in the Levant Basin (LB) and autochthonous in the South Caspian Basin (SCB). This study presents a comprehensive comparison of numerous tectonic, geodynamic, morphological, sedimentary, and geophysical aspects of these basins. The Levant Basin is located directly above the middle part of the massive, counterclockwise-rotating mantle structure and rotates accordingly in the same direction. To the north of this basin is located the critical latitude 35° of the Earth, with the vast Cyprus Bouguer gravity anomaly. The LB contains the most ancient block of oceanic crust on Earth, which is related to the Kiama paleomagnetic hyperzone. On the western boundary of the SCB, approximately 35% of the world’s mud volcanoes are located; the geological reasons for this are still unclear. The low heat flow values and thick sedimentary layers in both basins provide opportunities to discover commercial hydrocarbon deposits at great depths. The counterclockwise-rotating mantle structure creates an indirect geodynamic influence on the SCB. The lithospheric blocks situated above the eastern branch of the mantle structure trigger a north–northeastward movement of the western segment of the Iranian Plate, which exhibits a complex geometric configuration. Conversely, the movement of the Iranian Plate induced a clockwise rotation of the South Caspian Basin, which lies to the east of the plate. This geodynamic ensemble creates an unstable geodynamic situation in the region. Full article

Air pollution monitoring in ungauged zones presents unique challenges yet remains critical for understanding environmental health impacts and socioeconomic dynamics in the Eastern Mediterranean region. This study investigates air pollution patterns in northwestern Syria during 2019–2024, analyzing NO₂ and CO concentrations using Sentinel-5P TROPOMI satellite data processed through Google Earth Engine. Monthly concentration averages were examined across eight key locations using linear regression analysis to determine temporal trends, with Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients calculated between pollutant levels and five meteorological parameters (temperature, humidity, wind speed, atmospheric pressure, and precipitation) to determine the influence of political governance, economic conditions, and environmental sustainability factors on pollution dynamics. Quality assurance filtering retained only measurements with values ≥ 0.75, and statistical significance was assessed at a p < 0.05 level. The findings reveal distinctive spatiotemporal patterns that reflect the region’s complex political-economic landscape. NO₂ concentrations exhibited clear political signatures, with opposition-controlled territories showing upward trends (Al-Rai: 6.18 × 10⁻⁸ mol/m²) and weak correlations with climatic variables (<0.20), indicating consistent industrial operations. In contrast, government-controlled areas demonstrated significant downward trends (Hessia: −2.6 × 10⁻⁷ mol/m²) with stronger climate–pollutant correlations (0.30–0.45), reflecting the impact of economic sanctions on industrial activities. CO concentrations showed uniform downward trends across all locations regardless of political control. This study contributes significantly to multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), providing critical baseline data for SDG 3 (Health and Well-being), mapping urban pollution hotspots for SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities), demonstrating climate–pollution correlations for SDG 13 (Climate Action), revealing governance impacts on environmental patterns for SDG 16 (Peace and Justice), and developing transferable methodologies for SDG 17 (Partnerships). These findings underscore the importance of incorporating environmental safeguards into post-conflict reconstruction planning to ensure sustainable development. Full article

Tetragonia tetragonioides, or New Zealand spinach, is a widespread halophyte native to eastern Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, and naturalized in some Mediterranean regions. This underutilized vegetable is consumed for its leaves, raw or cooked. For the first time, we investigated the feasibility of using whole baby plants (including stems and leaves) as raw material for ready-to-eat (RTE) vegetable production. Our study assessed Tetragonia’s suitability for hydroponic cultivation over two cycles (autumn–winter and spring). We investigated the impact of increasing nutrient rates (only water, half-strength, and full-strength nutrient solutions) and plant densities (365, 497, and 615 plants m⁻² in the first trial and 615 and 947 plants m⁻² in the second) on baby plant production. We also analyzed the plants’ morphological and biochemical characteristics, and their viability for cold storage (21 days at 4 °C) as a minimally processed product. Tetragonia adapted well to hydroponic cultivation across both growing periods. Nevertheless, climatic conditions, plant density, and nutrient supply significantly influenced plant growth, yield, nutritional quality, and post-harvest storage. The highest plant density combined with the full-strength nutrient solution resulted in the highest yield, especially during spring (1.8 kg m⁻²), and favorable nutritional characteristics (β-carotene, Vitamin C, Fe, Cu, Mn, and Zn). Furthermore, Tetragonia baby plants proved suitable for minimal processing, maintaining good quality retention for a minimum of 14 days, thus resulting in a viable option for the RTE vegetable market. Full article

This study investigates the knowledge, perception and trust in Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) among drivers in Eastern Sicily, a Mediterranean region characterized by infrastructural and socio-economic differences. A structured survey (N = 961) was conducted to assess user attitudes towards eight key ADAS technologies using two validated indices: the Knowledge Index (KI) and the Importance Index (II). To capture user consistency, a normalized product (z(KI) × z(II)) was calculated for each technology. This composite metric enabled the identification of three latent dimensions through exploratory factor analysis: Emergency-Triggered Systems, Adaptive and Reactive Systems and Driver Vigilance and Stability Systems. The results show a clear discrepancy between perceived importance (56.6%) and actual knowledge (35.1%). Multivariate analyses show that direct experience with ADAS-equipped vehicles significantly increases both awareness and confidence. Age is inversely correlated with knowledge, while gender has only a marginal influence. The results are consistent with established acceptance models such as TAM and UTAUT, which emphasize the role of perceived usefulness and trust. The study presents an innovative integration of psychometric metrics and behavioral theory that provides a robust and scalable framework for assessing user readiness in evolving mobility contexts, particularly in regions facing infrastructural heterogeneity and cultural changes in travel behavior. Full article

The Eastern Mediterranean region is experiencing accelerated climate warming, yet localized patterns remain poorly understood, particularly in areas with complex topography. This study examines long-term air temperature trends from 1992 to 2024 at two sites in Lebanon: Beirut Airport (urban–coastal) and Houch Al Oumaraa station in Zahlé (inland–valley). Using homogeneity testing, linear regression, and the Mann–Kendall trend test, we assess trends in minimum, maximum, and mean temperatures. The results show a strong and statistically significant warming trend in Beirut, with mean temperatures rising by +0.536 °C per decade and minimum temperatures showing the steepest increase (+0.575 °C/decade). In Zahlé, the warming trend is less pronounced, particularly for maximum temperatures (+0.369 °C/decade), while minimum temperatures increased by +0.528 °C/decade. Data from fixed stations and drone-based vertical profiling in Zahlé confirmed the presence of cold-air pooling and thermal inversions, which moderate air temperatures and may contribute to a subdued warming trend. The strongest inversion recorded in 2022 reached 6.7 °C between ground level and an altitude of 500 m. In contrast, the urban heat island (UHI) effect in Beirut and Zahlé appear to drive nighttime warming, particularly in summer and early autumn months. These findings highlight the roles of topography and urbanization in shaping local climate trends. Full article

Mediterranean countries represent a dynamic hub of cultural exchange, where wild plants play a significant role in culinary traditions. A substantial number of these plants belong to the Asteraceae family. The climate similarities across the region contribute to the common distribution ranges of the plants. While many species are widely distributed, others are confined to specific subregions, such as the western Mediterranean, eastern Mediterranean, or North Africa. Only six taxa of the traditionally consumed wild Asteraceae plants are endemic to just one country. This review focuses on wild plants from the Asteraceae family traditionally used as food across 13 study sites, comprising 11 countries in the Mediterranean and adjacent territories, including both mainland areas and three islands. The objective is to identify and analyze patterns of native distribution in relation to actual consumption. As a result, 167 edible wild plants from the Asteraceae family were identified. Their patterns of distribution and consumption are described and analyzed. The highest number of these edible wild plants from the Asteraceae family is consumed in Spain (n = 65), followed by southern Italy (n = 44) and Morocco (n = 32). A similar pattern of consumption is seen in Turkey (n = 24), Sicily (n = 23), Jordan and Palestine (n = 21), and Bulgaria (n = 21). It is notable that 106 plants are used as food in one particular country only, although most of them are distributed in several other countries. Many of the species consumed in certain countries are not used by neighboring populations, highlighting a limited cross-border transmission of ethnobotanical knowledge. The findings from a Jaccard index statistical analysis are discussed. Full article

This study aimed to examine whether managerial changes and their training methodology influence the physical attributes of soccer players and determine if these changes significantly impact the overall physical performance of the team. Twenty-seven male elite-level football players competing in the Eastern Mediterranean region (age: 28.12 ± 5.5 years, height: 179.3 ± 6.25 cm, body mass: 75.8 ± 6.6 kg) participated in this study. To analyze the impact of managerial changes on elite football players’ physical performance, this study evaluated and compared physical attributes during weekly microcycles and official games across three different coaching regimes over an entire season. Data were collected using a 10 Hz GPS tracking technology and included the following external load (EL) parameters: total distance, high metabolic load distance, high-speed running, sprint distance, accelerations, and decelerations. A one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was utilized to assess differences in physical performance across the three coaching methods. Significant differences were evident in high metabolic load distance during games [F(2,27) = 7.59, p < 0.05]. High-speed running distance also varied significantly across the three coaching regimes, both during training sessions [F(2,27) = 5.89, p < 0.05] and games [F(2,27) = 4.31, p < 0.05]. Furthermore, sprint distance showed significant differences during training [F(2,27) = 4.62, p < 0.05] and games [F(2,27) = 3.37, p < 0.05]. The findings of this study suggest that managerial changes can have a significant effect on the physical performance of soccer players. The results highlight the importance of aligning coaching strategies with physical conditioning techniques for optimizing performance. These findings provide a deeper understanding of the potential benefits and risks associated with managerial changes in professional soccer. Nevertheless, a limitation in this study is that all metrics of EL were interpreted as absolute values rather than relative-based threshold values, which may affect the interpretation of the players’ physical capacities. Full article

A multiproxy methodology has been employed to characterise two granite anchors discovered on the seabed near the island of Nueva Tabarca (Alicante, Southeast Spain). According to the significant archaeological context where they were found, the studied anchors can be dated from the Roman ages (late Republican period). One of the most interesting aspects is the absence of regional geological outcrops with rocks compatible with the granite used in the production of the anchor, which shows a foreign origin consistent with the connection of the anchor to maritime transport across the Mediterranean Sea. The lack of precise information about the artifact’s origin underscores the interest and need for the application of petrological techniques to determine its provenance. The methodology utilised encompasses five distinct techniques: (1) non-destructive textural analysis using X-ray microcomputed tomography; (2) K–Ar dating; (3) petrological characterisation through optical microscopy; (4) geochemical characterisation using X-ray fluorescence and atomic absorption spectrometry. The results allow for a comparison of the anchor rock’s characteristics with various granite outcrops along the Mediterranean coasts (Eastern, Central, and Western sectors), suggesting potential source areas based on petrological compatibility with the material under study. The findings point to the origin of the Nueva Tabarca granite anchor being granite outcrops in Southern Italy (Calabria), reinforcing the connection between the Spanish southeastern coasts and Southern Italy. These results highlight the utility and significance of multiproxy petrological methodologies in the geoarchaeological study of decontextualised artifacts. Full article

The Palearctic region is characterised by high endemism in the west and east, and a low endemism centre. The endemic lineages occurring at the two ends are largely distinct, and eastern endemics are typically associated with humid climates and forests, representing the start of a continuum from temperate to tropical forest groups and leading to Indo-Malay endemics. In contrast, western Palearctic endemics are typically associated with arid or seasonally dry (Mediterranean) climates and vegetation. Those lineages occurring in the central Palearctic are typically of western origin. Here, we use phylogenetic age (older than 34 million years (My)) to define a list of tetrapod and vascular plant lineages endemic to the western and central Palearctic, map their distributions at the ecoregion scale, and combine these maps to illustrate and understand lineage richness and endemism patterns. Sixty-three ancient lineages were recovered, approximately half of them reptiles, with several herbaceous and shrubby angiosperms, amphibians, and rodents, and single lineages of woody conifers, insectivores, and birds. Overall, we show high lineage richness in the western Mediterranean, eastern Mediterranean, and Iran, with the highest endemism values recorded in the western Mediterranean (southern Iberian Peninsula, southern France). This paints a picture of ancient lineage survival in areas of consistently dry climate since the Eocene, but also in association with persistent water availability (amphibians in the western Mediterranean). The almost complete absence of ancient endemic bird lineages is unusual and perhaps unique among the world’s biogeographic regions. The factors accounting for these patterns include climate since the end of the Eocene, micro-habitats and micro-climates (of mountain terrain), refugia, and patchiness and isolation (of forests). Despite their aridity adaptations, some of the lineages listed here may be tested under anthropogenic climatic change, although some may extend into the eastern Palearctic. We recommend using these lineages as flagships for conservation in the study region, where their uniqueness and antiquity deserve greater recognition. Full article

Seasonal climate forecasts are an essential tool for providing early insight into weather-related impacts and supporting decision-making in sectors such as agriculture, energy, and disaster management. Accurate representation of atmospheric circulation at the seasonal scale is essential, especially in regions such as the Eastern Mediterranean, where complex synoptic patterns drive significant climate variability. The aim of this study is to perform a comparison of weather type classifications between ERA5 reanalysis and seasonal forecasts in order to assess the ability of seasonal data to capture the synoptic patterns over the Eastern Mediterranean. For this purpose, we introduce a regional seasonal forecasting framework based on the state-of-the-art Advanced Research WRF (WRF-ARW) model. A series of sensitivity experiments were also conducted to evaluate the robustness of the model’s performance under different configurations. Moreover, the ability of seasonal data to reproduce observed trends in weather types over the historical period is also examined. The classification results from both ERA5 and seasonal forecasts reveal a consistent dominance of anticyclonic weather types throughout most of the year, with a particularly strong signal during the summer months. Model evaluation indicates that seasonal forecasts achieve an accuracy of approximately 80% in predicting the daily synoptic condition (cyclonic or anticyclonic) up to three months in advance. These findings highlight the promising skill of seasonal datasets in capturing large-scale circulation features and their associated trends in the region. Full article

People in multilingual societies develop complex and interconnected food-making and food-discussing networks. On the basis of an experimental course titled “Food at Home, Food on the Move: Globalization and Regionalism in Modern Food Culture” taught at the University of Helsinki, we will show how the acquisition of culinary terminology puts forward the interconnectedness of languages and the dynamics between them in several sociolinguistic contexts. The lectures were grouped geographically: Eating with the Neighbors (Finnish cuisine and Swedish, Russian, Karelian and other influences); From the Baltic to Central Europe (Latvian, Lithuanian, Polish, German, and Hungarian food cultures); Formative Cuisines of the Mediterranean (French, Italian, Greek, Middle Eastern cuisine, etc.); and Eating Outside Europe (food culture influences from the US, Mexico, China, Japan, and India). The assignments included a critical lecture diary, an essay about eating experiences, or additional reading, a conversational analysis of a culinary show, or fieldwork in an ethnic restaurant. Raising awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity, motivating course participants to discuss the role and interaction of languages in their repertoire, makes them reflect on their multilingual identities. It allows educators to explore individuals’ DLCs in different contexts while navigating diverse global and local environments based on the principles of fairness and equality in education. Full article

The sustainable preservation of archeological heritage located in rural and coastal regions requires more than technical interventions; it necessitates the awareness and active participation of local communities. However, community involvement in heritage management in such areas remains limited. This study aims to analyze the levels of cultural heritage awareness, conservation tendencies, and tourism-related expectations among local residents and visitors in the Magarsus Archeological Area, located in the Karataş district on the eastern Mediterranean coast of Turkey. The study was conducted in three phases: a literature review, field observations, and a structured survey conducted between June and August 2022 with 510 participants (280 local residents and 230 domestic visitors from surrounding provinces). The data were analyzed using SPSS 25.0 through descriptive statistical methods, complemented by cross-tabulation and chi-square analysis to identify patterns across demographic variables. The survey results not only reflect general perceptions about heritage and tourism but also offer critical insights into how the rural and coastal character of the site shapes conservation attitudes and tourism behavior. The findings reveal nuanced perceptions, including strong symbolic appreciation for heritage and general openness to tourism, alongside concerns about cultural and environmental risks. While the local community prioritizes the potential for economic benefit, many participants also emphasized the importance of safeguarding local traditions, crafts, and culinary heritage. Nevertheless, concerns were expressed regarding the risks posed by uncontrolled tourism, including environmental degradation, erosion of cultural identity, and the commodification of heritage values. Based on these insights, the study introduces a governance approach built upon three interlinked pillars: community-based participation, environmental sustainability, and tourism practices aligned with cultural values. The proposed approach aims to support the inclusive and sustainable management of Magarsus and other rural and coastal archeological landscapes with similar characteristics. Full article