Olive oil, a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet, is renowned for its high content of phenolic compounds and its protective effects on human health. However, variations in production methods and raw material quality can significantly influence its chemical composition and biological activity. Kara yağ, a traditionally produced, unrefined olive oil unique to Northern Cyprus, is obtained through ancient artisanal extraction techniques and is rich in bioactive phenolics. This study aimed to investigate and compare the effects of Kara yağ and extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) on proliferation, viability, and apoptosis in HCT-116 human colon cancer cells. Samples of Kara yağ and EVOO were obtained from local producers in Northern Cyprus. Their physicochemical parameters, including free acidity, peroxide value, moisture content, and water activity, were analyzed in accordance with the Turkish Food Codex standards. Total phenolic content was determined using the Folin–Ciocalteu method, and antioxidant capacity was assessed spectrophotometrically. The high peroxide value (121.35 meq/kg) of Kara yağ is very high, which means that it was heavily oxidized throughout its conventional manufacturing process, and that heat treatment enhanced the chemical breakdown. Ochratoxin A (2.6 µg/kg) and aflatoxin B1 (0.8 µg/kg) were found in low levels of Kara yağ and therefore, the study is one of the first in the literature to analyze the toxin profile of the Kara yağ. The sensory analysis revealed that EVOO had distinct positive flavor qualities, but Kara yağ did not have them and high concentration of defects. HCT-116 cells were treated with different concentrations (1:1, 1:2, and 1:4) of each oil for 24, 48, and 72 hours. Cell viability was assessed by MTT assay, while morphological and apoptotic changes were evaluated by microscopy and immunocytochemical staining for Ki-67, Caspase-3, and c-Myc. Kara yağ exhibited significantly higher total phenolic content (278.95 mg GAE/kg) and antioxidant activity compared to EVOO. Treatment with Kara yağ led to a marked reduction in cell viability and proliferation in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Enhanced apoptotic activity, characterized by increased caspase-3 expression and decreased Bcl-2 levels, was observed following Kara yağ exposure. Both oils showed comparable c-Myc staining patterns. The findings suggest that Kara yağ, due to its superior phenolic composition and antioxidant potential, exerts stronger cytotoxic and pro-apoptotic effects on HCT-116 colon cancer cells than extra virgin olive oil. These results highlight the potential of traditionally produced Kara yağ as a natural source of bioactive compounds with promising chemopreventive and therapeutic properties against colon cancer. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms and confirm its safety and efficacy in vivo.

Pinguicula (Lentibulariaceae, Lamiales) is a monophyletic genus consisting of ca. 80–100 carnivorous species distributed across subarctic, temperate, and tropical regions. To date, phylogenetic relationships within the genus remain insufficiently resolved, and with the exception of P. balcanica, no samples from Türkiye have been included in such studies. Moreover, Türkiye’s role in the evolutionary history of the genus has been entirely overlooked. Neither the recently described P. habilii, endemic to Muğla in southwestern Anatolia, nor other taxonomically problematic taxa (i.e., P. crystallina, P. megaspilaea, and P. hirtiflora) from Anatolia, Cyprus, and Greece have been comprehensively included in phylogenetic studies. Although these taxa have occasionally appeared in earlier works, they have never been analyzed within a focused and integrative phylogenetic framework. Furthermore, key questions regarding the timing and geographic origin of the Türkiye and Cypriot lineages, the historical dispersal routes leading to their present-day distributions, and the historical biogeographic processes that have shaped these patterns have remained unexplored. To address these gaps and to establish a comprehensive phylogenetic framework for the genus, we conducted a molecular phylogenetic study of Pinguicula. This study incorporated newly generated DNA sequences together with publicly available sequences retrieved from GenBank, including nuclear DNA (ITS region) and plastid DNA regions (trnH-psbA and rpL32-trnL). Our Maximum Likelihood (ML) and Bayesian Inference (BI) analyses revealed that, although the genus is monophyletic, the Pinguicula crystallina/hirtiflora complex is still undergoing speciation, likely due to its relatively recent origin. Within this complex, only P. megaspilaea was recovered as strongly monophyletic, whereas its phylogenetic placement differed substantially between the nuclear and plastid datasets. Similarly, P. balcanica was recovered as two well-supported clades in the nuclear phylogeny, but as a single clade in the rpL32-trnL plastid phylogeny, representing an additional case of cytonuclear discordance within the genus. Taken together, these results indicate a complex and dynamic evolutionary history within Pinguicula, in which reticulate evolution and geographic isolation appear to have played significant roles. On the other hand, our molecular dating and ancestral biogeographic analyses indicated that the genus Pinguicula most likely originated in Europe approximately 24.69 million years ago, that the Pinguicula crystallina/hirtiflora complex evolved in Greece around 6.46 million years ago, subsequently expanded into Anatolia, and later dispersed from Anatolia to Cyprus.

Many rare or endemic plant species survival in the world are at-risk by climate change and anthropogenic activities (agricultural and/or settlement developments). The habitats of rare plant species are decreasing and habitat fragmentation is increasing. One of the most important endemic plant species for the island of Cyprus is Tulipa cypria. To understand the ecology of T. cypria and its threats, field censuses were made in 17 different locations in 2015 and in 2023, and tests were conducted on the temperature-dependent germination biology of seeds collected from the field. The T. cypria population has declined dramatically in recent years, due to to agricultural intensification. Climate change, especially long, hot and dry seasons, is likely to harm germination and bulb development of remaining plants. This research highlights the need to take urgent, island-wide measures to conserve the remaining populations of T. cypria.

Buthus kunti Ya & gbreve;mur, Ko & ccedil; & Louren & ccedil;o was described based on a female holotype specimen from Cyprus. This species is redescribed based on the holotype and additional specimens collected from Cyprus, with the male description and variational information presented for the first time. Detailed illustrations and UV light images of the female holotype and male specimen are provided. The first ecological observations of B. kunti are presented here. We observed that B. kunti prefers sandy soil and is a burrowing species. Additionally, we observed that B. kunti is associated with the bushes of Cistus salviifolius. According to our observations, specimens sit under the branches of these bushes or climb them. Adults were observed under the bushes, whereas subadult specimens were observed on the branches. We also report the first recorded case of cannibalism in this species, documenting two instances.http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:CD725CC3-DD62-4759-89EE-881F64F93B0E

Trace elements are not essential in the same way as primary nutrients, as plants can survive and grow without them as long as they are provided with sufficient amounts of primary nutrients. Optimal growth and development may require the presence of trace elements in the appropriate amounts. Trace elements however possess their effects on the plants as well as animals. This study discusses the effects of trace elements on plants, animals and humans, with examples. Early research emphasis on the nutritional relevance of Si for plant development and growth, more recent research has switched its focus to silica's effect on human health. Yet, the vast majority of Si, or dietary silica, originates from plants. The presence of silicon in the majority of cells as well as in fundamental species such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi provide support for the idea that Si is necessary in mammals. Root growth suppression is the principal consequence of Pb poisoning in plants, most likely because cell division is suppressed at the root tip. Roots of the Lemma minor plant showed evidence of Pb's ability to impede cell division. Root dry mass and length were reduced in response to Pb poisoning in various plant species. On the other hand, too much zinc can damage the pancreas, interfere with protein metabolism, and cause arteriosclerosis. Respiratory issues may result from using zinc chloride for an extended period of time. While outbreak of zinc exposure at work may cause metal fever, a virus-like illness. Meanwhile, the amount of chromium that crops absorb can also be impacted by soil acidification. Plants often only absorb chromium (III). Following these examples, the chapter unfolds different aspects of benefits as well as harmfulness of trace elements.

The dataset aims to illustrate societal vulnerability to climatic conditions on the island of Cyprus between 1174 and 1913. It describes a dataset of events including epidemic and pest outbreaks, natural and social disasters. This dataset is unique for two reasons. Firstly, it is the most complete collection of events based mainly on secondary sources for the island, consisting of international and local historical sources dedicated to illustrating social vulnerability to climate. Secondly, it is a long time series (1174 to 1913) covering different periods of rule on the island. This study presents research material that contribute to better understand climate changes over time and build up a local long times series in a region where archives are scattered and less compiled in comparison with Western Europe.

One of the concepts emerged within the agenda of sustainable urbanism is ‘smart cities’. The smart urban systems have the potential to boost the resilience of the cities struggling with the consequences of the global warming and climate change. Open and green spaces are the common features of all related terms aiming to strengthen the sustainability of the cities. User perception, user satisfaction and citizen participation are also significant and valuable dynamics of sustainable urban planning. Within this research, a user survey was prepared about Belediye Boulevard at Yenikent, Gönyeli, Nicosia which recently experienced an urban design implementation. The research aim was to investigate citizens’ perception and suggestions about the topics including street trees, urban furniture and bike lanes etc. 60 participants were conducted via a questionnaire. The findings implicate that more than half of the users are generally satisfied with the urban design work. However, these findings also involve hints suggesting that environmental awareness and concern of the public must be raised in order to convince them about the urgency of solutions to improve the infrastructure of the city for tackling the ecological crisis both in local and global level. Further it can be argued that as a developing term, the ‘sustainability component’ of the smart city agenda needs to be more sufficiently fulfilled.

The distribution range of Erica sicula Guss. sensu lato spans the central and eastern Mediterranean Basin, but shows a significantly fragmented pattern, and its populations are locally subject to multiple threats inducing continuous regression. The species is distributed across five countries, Italy, Libya, Cyprus, Türkiye and Lebanon, and includes two subspecies, subsp. sicula and subsp. bocquetii, currently represented by 31 and 8 stands, respectively. This study provides an updated overview of the distribution, ecology, and conservation status of both subspecies. New distribution data and ecological information were gathered through fieldwork, literature, and herbarium specimens. In Sicily (Italy), unmanned aerial systems and high-resolution digital elevation models were employed to perform a detailed census of the last extant stand, mapping its distribution and calculating its 3D occupation surface. Based on our analyses, Erica sicula is evaluated as Least Concern (LC) at the global level, even though each subspecies and subpopulation are nationally endangered. In fact, 19 locations of E. sicula subsp. sicula were not confirmed recently, and this subspecies should be considered as Critically Endangered (CR) in Italy and Vulnerable (VU) in Lebanon, Cyprus and Türkiye. In Libya, E. sicula subsp. sicula is VU due to severe habitat degradation. E. sicula subsp. bocquetii, formerly known from a few locations in the mountains of SW Anatolia, Türkiye, has been found at lower altitudes in several new locations and is also assessed as VU. Further fieldwork is recommended to better assess the demographic trends of the different subpopulations. Genetic analyses are needed to clarify the taxonomic value of infraspecific taxa previously described and to guide future conservation efforts of the most unique and genetically rich stands, both in-situ and ex-situ. Improving the conservation strategies for taxa like Erica sicula s. l. requires the collaboration of specialists from all involved countries, making it crucial to maintain networks of experts in the Mediterranean.

Middle East is considered to be the birthplace of beekeeping. The history dates back to 3000 years BC. Different types of hives have been produced from natural materials which are available in the region. The father of modern beekeeping Lorenzo Lorraine Langstroth (1810–1895), invented the movable frame hive around 1850’s. Since then, beekeepers have been using this design widely. Utilization of Langstroth hives started in 1970’s in Cyprus and became the dominant design. Although the environment, weather conditions and beekeeper attitudes are changing continuously, roughly about the last 50 years, the hive design stayed the same. Multiple factors such as temperature, moisture, weight and sound frequency influence the hive and bees’ sensors are able to detect these factors send data to distant locations with IoT this necessitates remote monitoring of the hives in Cyprus. Applying precision beekeeping strategies will allow timely control over these factors, in order to improve honey bee health and hive products production.

Global environmental and social change are pushing wildfire activity and impact beyond known trajectories. Here, we conducted a targeted review to distill five wildfire challenges that we argue form opportunities for their governance (research aim 1). We exemplified our arguments by drawing from the case of Cyprus (research aim 2), a small island country in the south-east European Mediterranean Basin at risk of extreme wildfire impact. Findings indicate that burning for social and ecological resource benefits, innovative management paradigms and anticipatory governance systems offer actionable solutions to the wildfire paradox and the limits of suppression. Local adaptive institutions and a reconceptualisation of wildfire as a risk and process beyond technocratic interpretations are necessary to account for broader social conditions shaping wildfire regimes and community impact. Governance systems that accommodate collective action have proven suitable to address multiple wildfire complexities linked with different socio-economic systems and values. A systematic literature review, policy review, and qualitative data collection on wildfire management in Cyprus track back to the initial framing. Our case study offers insights for tackling wildfires with actionable steps through overarching governance systems, and illustrates the potential for change in thinking of and acting on wildfire in flammable landscapes globally.

The degradation of Niger Delta ecosystem is due to activities such as crude oil exploitation, agricultural activities, urbanization among others that affects the socio-culture impact of its dwellers. The study's aim was to assess the Niger Delta residents' awareness on socioculture effect of wetlands loss. This paper engaged the exploration of literature reviews, the randomly selection of communities in three Niger Delta states which includes Rivers, Bayelsa and Delta state and a questionnaire was utilized with 150 participants. The findings demonstrated that less awareness on the effect of wetland loss has impacted the residents. Also industrial activities have affected the wetlands and the health status of the dwellers where the loss of these wetlands have caused destruction as in flooding which had displaced many dwellers. Effective monitoring and enforcement of existing and new policies on conservation of these wetlands should be prioritized. Consequently there should be increased sensitization and awareness in the communities on environmental protection and conservation.

The HIGH-PASM project studies the climate variability on the Island of Cyprus for the last millennium. We combine highly resolved speleothem records with archived weather data for the last 140 years in order to corroborate and understand climate signals recorded in speleothems over the last millennium. An active stalagmite of 8 cm length was collected from Hot cave in 2021 along with other secondary carbonate deposits from Lapithos Qanat, and Amiandos and Argaka Dam tunnels. U-Th dating and lamina counting were combined to produce an age model for Hot cave and Lapithos Qanat. 800 stable isotope measurements were conducted on the Hot cave stalagmite, 250 on the Lapithos sample and 45 on each of the Amiandos and Argaka deposits. Meteorological data collected since 1885 from four stations were consolidated and compared to the yearly resolved Hot cave and Lapithos records.The Hot cave stalagmite grew continuously from 1330 to 2021 AD, the Lapithos sample covers the last 150 years and both Amiandos and Argaka deposits provide a continuous record for the last ca. 50 years. There is a general correspondence between the ẟ18O signal and precipitation peaks over the last 140 years, showing more negative ẟ18O values corresponding to times of high precipitation. The ẟ13C signal co-varies in general with ẟ18O, except during ~1970-1980, ~1930, ~1680, ~1650, ~1490, ~1400-1410 and ~1360-1370 AD. During these periods an anti-correlation is observed. During the 20th century, periods of instrumental temperature rise are reflected by rising ẟ18O and ẟ13C values. A trend towards less negative ẟ18O values since 2000 AD is attributed to reduced rainfall amount and increased evapotranspiration as a consequence of steeply rising temperatures. During the instrumental period, the ẟ18O is a proxy of precipitation amount, and we assume that this relationship was valid for the last millennium. Strong temperature rises during certain intervals might also have affected the ẟ18O signal, reducing the sensitivity of this precipitation proxy.Comparing the Hot cave record with global and regional records, periods with less negative ẟ18O values correspond generally to intervals of a negative NAO index and high total solar irradiance. Wet periods with more negative ẟ18O values correspond to intervals of a positive NAO index and low solar irradiation. The Hot cave record shows that the Little Ice Age (1300-1870 AD) begun with long dry intervals lasting until 1520 AD, followed by wetter intervals from 1520 to 1800 AD, and later followed by again long dry intervals until the present-day. The climate variability trend recorded in Hot cave during the last 700 years agrees generally well with the dry index reconstructed from tree-ring records in Troodos (Cyprus) and stalagmite data from Kocain cave in Southern Turkey

The essential oil composition of aerial parts of Ruta chalepensis L. was analyzed with GC-MS. Seventy-nine compounds were detected representing 85.93 ± 1.08% (n = 3) of the essential oil. The major components of the essential oil were 2-undecanone 21.52 ± 0.21%, 2-nonanone 18.31 ± 0.27%, and 2-nonyl acetate 13.22%. The highest insecticidal contact toxicity of the oil was observed against Rhyzopertha dominica F. with 0.018 μl/insect LD50 and 0.039 μl/insect LD90 after 24h. Essential oil also produced considerably low 0.50 and 0.59 μl/insect LD50 values after 24h against Sitophilus oryzae L. and Sitophilus granarius L. respectively. The lowest contact toxicity was observed against Tribolium castaneum Herbst. and Tribolium confusum Jacquelin du Val. 0.138 and 0.078 μl/insect LD50 after 24h respectively. The highest fumigant toxicity was observed against S. granarius for the application concentration of 10 μl, 10% oil/acetone (v:v) in a 10 ml chamber which afforded 100.00 ± 0.00% mortality after 48h. The essential oil also produced high fumigant toxicity against S. oryzae, T. castaneum and R. dominica which were 95.47 ± 3.41%, 93.30 ± 5.54%, and 85.47 ± 3.41% mortality at 20 μl application concentration of the oil solution after 48h. The R. chalepensis essential oil produced low acetylcholinesterase enzyme 5.29 ± 1.20% (n=3) inhibition and mediocre butyrylcholinesterase enzyme inhibition 42.6 ± 0.71% (n=3). According to the insecticidal activity assays performed, the essential oil R. chalepensis seems to be a promising source that could yield natural compounds that could be employed in stored product pest management.

The paper contains new descriptions of Brachythele zonsteini sp.n. from Central Anatolia, Turkey, and Nemesia cypriatica sp.n. from Cyprus, as well as a redescripti on of B. varrialei (Dalmas, 1922), with the first description of the c onspecific female from Turkey. All descriptions are based on both sexes of each species and accompanied by images or diagnoses based on comparisons to related species.

A new harvestman species, Buresilia kibrisensis sp.n. (Opiliones: Phalangiidae), is described and illustrated based on males collected from Bewarmak Mountains Cyprus. Differences between the new species and other species of the genus Buresilia are compared.

One of the biggest world problems now is rural-urban migration, with about more than 50% of the total world's population living in urban centres. Looking at the world's virus pandemic of COVID-19 is spreading very fast;this is because of the congestion, unsanitary and high population in the urban centres. This paper highlights the problems of urbanisation in Kano State, and Nigeria as a whole. Relevant literatures were revised and conclusion and recommendation were deduced. Results show that migration problems resulted in the city over sprawl, deforestation, disturbance of wildlife, abandonment of cultural heritage, agricultural land, craftsmanship and loss of ancestral informal education and occupation. Therefore, it is recommended that rural areas of Kano State should be given special attention to reduce the rate of migration problem in urban centres around Kano State, Nigeria.

A new species Lachesana bayramgocmeni sp.n. is described based on both sexes from Cyprus. The new species is compared in detail with L. blackwalli (O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1872). New data on the distribution of L. blackwalli in Turkey and Cyprus are presented.

Mangrove is an evergreen, salt tolerant plant community, which grows in inter-tidal coastal zones of tropical and subtropical regions of the world. They are ecologically important for many fauna species and are rich in food resources and consist of many different vegetation structures. They serve as ideal foraging and nursery grounds for a wide array of species such as birds, mammals, reptiles, fishes and aquatic invertebrates. In spite of their crucial role, around 50% of mangrove habitats have been lost and degraded in the past two decades. The fauna diversity of mangrove habitat at Marudu Bay, Sabah, East Malaysia was examined using various methods: i.e. aquatic invertebrates by swap nets, fish by angling rods and cast nets, reptiles, birds, and mammals through direct sighting. The result showed that Marudu Bay mangrove habitats harbored a diversity of fauna species including 22 aquatic invertebrate species (encompassing 11 crustacean species, six mollusk species and four worm species), 36 fish species, 74 bird species, four reptile species, and four mammal species. The wide array of fauna species could be due to the availability of complex vegetation structures, sheltered beaches and tidal mudflats, which are rich in food resources and also offer safe foraging and breeding grounds for them. These heterogeneous habitats must be protected in a sustainable way in order to ensure the continued presence of aquatic and terrestrial fauna species for future generations.

Aim: To determine the present species composition and diversity in dry temperate forest ecosystem, especially trees, shrubs, ground cover, birds, reptiles and mammals. Methodology: The vegetation composition and diversity of dry-temperate forest in Kumrat valley was determined through employing the 20x20 m (0.4 ha) quadrant method. In addition, fauna species were detected through direct visual observations. A total of 100 quadrant plots were randomly selected to determine the vegetation composition and diversity from July, 2017 to August, 2018. Results: A total of 7 tree species, 3 shrubs, and 12 grass species were identified, which were attracted into the study area. The highest tree density was determined for P wallichiana (3.375 tree ha(-1) and the lowest one for J. regia (0.300 tree ha(-1)). CAP tests indicated that the diversity indices, i.e., Shannon-Winner's Diversity Index (H-1=2.908 +/- 0.161), Margalefs Richness Index (R-1=3.26 +/- 0.112) and McIntosh Evenness Index (E=0.9746 +/- 0.0206) occured in Kumrat valley. Further, diversity indices of trees varied from species to species, e.g., the highest tree species diversity (H-1=2.248) and species richness (R-1=2.730) was recorded in Picea smithiana and the lowest one (H-1=0.297) and richness (R-1=0.4024) in Juglans regia. Taxus baccata (E=0.9763) showed even distribution in the study area as compared to other tree species. The direct observation observed a total of 11 mammal species (6 endangered, 3 data deficient, and 2 species least concern), 41 bird species (mostly least concern), and 6 reptile species (4 least concern, one data deficient, and one vulnerable) simultaneously within the same area where plant cover was determined. Interpretation: The results of this study demonstrated that plant cover structure and composition of dry-temperate forest is the most prominent factor that had formed a wide array of different habitats to attract the higher diversity of fauna.