The Orlik-Solomon algebra of a matroid M is the quotient of the exterior algebra on the points by the ideal I(M) generated by the boundaries of the circuits of the matroid. There is an isomorphism between the OrlikSolomon algebra of a complex matroid and the cohomology of the complement of a complex arrangement of hyperplanes. In this article a generalization of the Orlik-Solomon algebras, call...

Merremia peltata is a species with uncertain status in the island nations of the Pacific region. It has been designated introduced and invasive in some countries whereas it is considered native in others. Recent increase in its abundance across some island landscapes have led to calls for its designation as an invasive species of environmental concern with biological control being suggested as ...

We use multiple-ScS phases recorded at Pohnpei from a 1996 deep earthquake under the Solomon Islands to investigate the shear velocity and attenuation characteristics of the upper mantle under the Ontong-Java Plateau in the Western Equatorial Pacific. Cross-correlation results indicate a vertical one-way travel-time under the plateau 3 s slow with respect to PREM, in agreement with previously o...

Political analysts, policy makers, and aid agencies concerned with Melanesia have recently begun to pay attention to the role of Christian churches in governance. As Douglas notes, “churches, with their intensely local roots but broadly global reach,” are increasingly being seen “as alternative structures in the context of ineffective or even absent state institutions” (2007, p. 158). The impor...

Niveas Rota, new genus, and its two new species, N. agassizi Rota, new species, and N. kone Rota, new species, are described and illustrated. Niveas is assigned to the subfamily Choreutinae based on morphological and molecular data. Niveas agassizi is currently known only from Kenya and only from female specimens. Niveas kone has been found on the Solomon Islands and in Papua New Guinea (PNG). ...

Five pools containing immature stages of Anopheles punctulatus were treated with pyriproxyfen at 4 different dosages. Inhibition of adult emergence was observed in pupae collected from the test pools and/or those obtained by rearing of the 4th instar larvae. Adult emergence was inhibited completely for 2 months at a dosage of 0.1 ppm, for one month at 0.05 ppm and 0.01 ppm, and for 20 days at 0...

RECONSTRUCTION OF PREHISTORIC exchange systems in Island Melanesia is becoming increasingly possible as archaeological activity continues to expand our knowledge of areas formerly labeled terra incognita. The Solomon Islands represent such an area, although much of the archipelago remains little known or unknown archaeologically. The objective of this paper is to examine recent evidence for pas...

PURPOSE We sought to complete the baseline trachoma map of the Solomon Islands by establishing prevalences of active trachoma and trichiasis in the provinces of Choiseul, Western, Rennell-Bellona, and Temotu. METHODS Using the standardized methodology developed for the Global Trachoma Mapping Project, we conducted cross-sectional community-based surveys from September to November 2013. Choise...

AIM To determine the costs associated with diabetes to governments, people with diabetes and their carers, and its impact on quality of life in two Pacific Island countries--the Solomon Islands and Nauru. MATERIALS AND METHODS This cross-sectional cost of illness study was conducted on 330 people with type 2 diabetes (197 from the Solomon Islands and 133 from Nauru) using a structured cost of...

The land planarian Platydemus manokwari de Beauchamp, 1963 or "New Guinea flatworm" is a highly invasive species, mainly in the Pacific area, and recently in Europe (France). We report specimens from six additional countries and territories: New Caledonia (including mainland and two of the Loyalty Islands, Lifou and Maré), Wallis and Futuna Islands, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Puerto Rico, and ...