Biotic Elements Research Articles

Environmental Mental Models of Primary School Students: Are They Related to Gender and Grade Level?

The purpose of this study is to determine the mental models of primary school students about the concept of environment. The research group consisted of 400 students, 219 girls and 181 boys, enrolling to the 3rd and 4th grade in a primary school located in İstanbul. The students were asked to draw the environment and explain the items they draw. Students’ drawings were converted into quantitative data and scored with Draw an Environment Test-Rubric. When the drawings were examined, it was found that there are 110 different items related to the concept of environment. These items include biotic elements such as humans, different kinds of animals and plants, as well as abiotic elements such as sun, cloud, rain and sea. It was seen that there are also elements of artificial environment such as houses, cars, schools, factories and roads. Mann-Whitney U Test was used in statistical comparisons to determine the difference between the total scores obtained from the drawings according to grade level and gender. While there was a significant difference between the scores of the 3rd and 4th grade students (MD3rd grade=189,46 n=200, MD4th grade =211,54 n=200, U=17792, p=.04), no significant difference was found in the comparisons made according to the gender (MDgirls=205,92 n=219, MDboys=193,94 n=181, U=18632,50, p=.29). The drawings showed that the majority of the students do not see humans as a part of the environment and they have unscientific and missing mental models about the environment.

An overview of the impacts of feral cattle, water buffalo and pigs on the savannas, wetlands and biota of northern Australia

AbstractSince the extinction of the megafauna some 45 000 to 50 000 years ago, grazing pressure on Australian savannas has been relatively low compared to that on savannas in other continents. However, the introduction of several species of ungulate, primarily during the 1800s, and the establishment of large feral populations in northern Australia has resulted in an increase in grazing pressure compared to pre‐colonial times when soft‐footed macropods were the largest extant grazers. Here, we provide an overview of the introduction of three key ungulates to northern Australia: cattle (Bos taurus, B. indicus), Asian water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) and pigs (Sus scrofa), and the impact of these populations on both abiotic and biotic elements of savanna habitats in northern Australia. Feral ungulate populations have considerable impacts on soil, water quality, waterhole hydrology, vegetation, fire regimes and the spread of exotic plants, and resulting changes to habitat have flow‐on effects for native wildlife. Ungulate impacts on vegetation communities and associated changes in fire regimes are particularly concerning given that sustained grazing can lead to the permanent removal of key grass species and changes in fire intensity and frequency can result in the conversion of grassland to woodland. Native wildlife can be affected by ungulate disturbance in a multitude of ways, but overwhelmingly, habitat loss or degradation is the main driver for declines in biodiversity. Based on current knowledge gaps, we discuss potential directions for future research about how feral ungulate activity affects Australian native species and their impact on savanna habitats.

The influence of selenium additives in compound feed on the chemical composition, energy and biological value of ducklings meat

According to modern classification of trace elements, which is based on their biological significance for living organisms, selenium is classified as a group of vital or biogenic elements. As a biotic element, it has unique physico-chemical and biochemical properties and, with adequate intake into the body of farm animals and poultry has a positive effect on a number of physiological processes. The discovery of biological properties of selenium became the basis for its use first in the prevention and treatment of many diseases associated with a deficiency of this trace element, and later – as a stimulator of growth and development of young animals, as well as in order to increase egg production, poultry safety, improve the incubation characteristics of eggs and several other productive qualities. Scientists who have studied the effects of selenium on poultry have paid relatively little attention to meat quality. The effect of additives of different selenium doses in compound feed on the chemical composition, energy and biological value of Ukrainian white breed ducklings’ meat was studied in the scientific and economic experiment. Four groups of ducklings with 100 heads in each groups were formed to conduct the scientific and economic experiment. The duration of the experiment was 56 days and corresponded to the period of raising ducklings for meat. The ducklings of the first control group did not receive selenium supplementation. Selenium was additionally introduced into compound feed for poultry of the experimental groups in the following amount, mg/kg: the second group – 0.2; the third – 0.4 and the fourth – 0.6. It was established that the introduction of selenium into compound feed in the studied dose did not significantly affect to the quality of ducklings’ meat, although it had a positive effect on some indicators that characterize its chemical composition, nutritional and biological value. Among the experimental groups, ducklings of the third and fourth groups, which were injected with selenium into compound feed at the rate of 0.4 and 0.6 mg/kg, stood out in terms of meat quality.

Genomic Intelligence as Über Bio-Cybersecurity: The Gödel Sentence in Immuno-Cognitive Systems

This paper gives formal foundations and evidence from gene science in the post Barbara McClintock era that the Gödel Sentence, far from being an esoteric construction in mathematical logic, is ubiquitous in genomic intelligence that evolved with multi-cellular life. Conditions uniquely found in the Adaptive Immune System (AIS) and Mirror Neuron System (MNS), termed the genomic immuno-cognitive system, coincide with three building blocks in computation theory of Gödel, Turing and Post (G-T-P). (i) Biotic elements have unique digital identifiers with gene codes executing 3D self-assembly for morphology and regulation of the organism using the recursive operation of Self-Ref (Self-Reference) with the other being a self-referential projection of self. (ii) A parallel offline simulation meta/mirror environment in 1–1 relation to online machine executions of self-codes gives G-T-P Self-Rep (Self-Representation). (iii) This permits a digital biotic entity to self-report that it is under attack by a biotic malware or non-self antigen in the format of the Gödel sentence, resulting in the “smarts” for contextual novelty production. The proposed unitary G-T-P recursive machinery in AIS and in MNS for social cognition yields a new explanation that the Interferon Gamma factor, known for friend-foe identification in AIS, is also integral to social behaviors. New G-T-P bio-informatics of AIS and novel anti-body production is given with interesting testable implications for COVID-19 pathology.

Pattern of tree diversity in lowland tropical forest in Nikiwar, West Papua, Indonesia

Trees are significant components of ecosystems built by several widespread species. For instance, Papua forest is known to comprise abiotic and biotic elements. Also, certain plants have grown in popularity to a point where they are discovered almost everywhere. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to investigate tree diversity, distribution, and the importance of conservation. Data were collected in four locations using a total of 24 sample plots spread across Idoor, Karst, Persemaian, and Torembi, where seven, four, seven, and five plots were allocated, respectively. These forests formed a mixed natural plantation comprising 76 species from 35 families. Furthermore, Idoor and Karst generated the highest species diversity and varied significantly compared to Persemaian, while Torembi showed similarities with the other three locations. This condition formed three ecosystem communities across Persemaian, Karst, Idoor, and Torembi. Also, the composition of the dominant species showed variations at the seedling and sapling levels believed to structure the understory, while the pole and tree levels characterized the overstory. The total species status was described as critically endangered (CR) of two species, vulnerable (VU) of six species, least concern (LC) of 28 species, and data deficient (DD) species. Therefore, location management is advised to not only pay significant attention in terms of economic benefits but also ecological, including the provisions for ex-situ and in-situ conservation to support sustainable forest management.

Land snail biogeography and endemism in south-eastern Africa: Implications for the Maputaland-Pondoland-Albany biodiversity hotspot.

Invertebrates in general have long been underrepresented in studies on biodiversity, biogeography and conservation. Boundaries of biodiversity hotspots are often delimited intuitively based on floristic endemism and have seldom been empirically tested using actual species distributions, and especially invertebrates. Here we analyse the zoogeography of terrestrial malacofauna from south-eastern Africa (SEA), proposing the first mollusc-based numerical regionalisation for the area. We also discuss patterns and centres of land snail endemism, thence assessing the importance and the delimitation of the Maputaland-Pondoland-Albany (MPA) biodiversity hotspot for their conservation. An incidence matrix compiled for relatively well-collected lineages of land snails and slugs (73 taxa in twelve genera) in 40 a priori operational geographic units was subjected to (a) phenetic agglomerative hierarchical clustering using unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic means (UPGMA), (b) parsimony analysis of endemicity (PAE) and biotic element analysis (BEA). Fulfilling the primary objective of our study, the UPGMA dendrogram provided a hierarchical regionalisation and identified five centres of molluscan endemism for SEA, while the PAE confirmed six areas of endemism, also supported by the BEA. The regionalisation recovers a zoogeographic province similar to the MPA hotspot, but with a conspicuous westward extension into Knysna (towards the Cape). The MPA province, centres and areas of endemism, biotic elements as well as the spatial patterns of species richness and endemism, support the MPA hotspot, but suggest further extensions resulting in a greater MPA region of land snail endemism (also with a northward extension into sky islands—Soutpansberg and Wolkberg), similar to that noted for vertebrates. The greater MPA region provides a more robustly defined region of conservation concern, with centres of endemism serving as local conservation priorities.

Methodological foundations of the philosophical content of the system concepts “ecological state” and “ecological safety” in the use of water resources

The purpose of this article is to assess the philosophical categorical meaning of the concepts “ecological state” and “ecological safety” in the space and time of the water management object influence zones, hereinafter referred to as the “Activity Object” as a part of the natural-technical system “Natural environment - Activity Object - Population”, associated with the use of water resources in a particular branch of economic activity. It should be noted that the “ecological state” concept in the considered space and time of the river basin geosystem, where the quantitative and qualitative indicators of water resources are formed, determines the most important factor of the life activity of the “Population” living in the zones of influence of the “Activity Object” - “Ecological Geological Safety”. In the formation of scientific thinking in the field of water resources use in various sectors of economic activity, it determined the class of natural and technical systems’ creation and development, in which the central technogenic component is various types of hydraulic structures, making certain changes in the natural processes of interconnection, interaction and relationship of biotic and abiotic elements among themselves in the composition of the “Natural Environment” and the life of the “Population”, which form the “ecological state” as a factor of “ecological safety”. The system concepts “ecological state” and “ecological safety” are the most important basis in the scientific assessment of the anthropogenic impact level of the “Activity Object” on “Natural Environment” within the spatial limits of basin geosystems when making practical decisions.

Vicariance and regionalization patterns in snakes of the South American Atlantic Forest megadiverse hotspot

AbstractAimVicariance has often been invoked to explain bioregionalization patterns in the Neotropics. Using a revised point locality data for endemic species, we aimed to test for the first time the predictions of the vicariance model in shaping biogeographical regions for endemic snakes in the Atlantic Forest (AF) megadiverse hotspot.LocationSouth American Atlantic Forest.TaxonSnakes (Reptilia, Serpentes).MethodsTo identify the non‐random groups of co‐distributed species, we mapped 21,101 point locality records in a grid cell of 0.5° × 0.5° across the AF, and constructed a presence–absence matrix of endemic species. The two major predictions of vicariance model were tested by Biotic Elements (BE) analysis, searching for groups of significantly co‐distributed species (Biotic Elements) by comparing distances between observed and artificial random ranges, produced under null models from Monte Carlo simulations. We also tested for the occurrence of sister species in different Biotic Elements, and compared our results with previous bioregionalization schemes revealed by other organisms in the AF.ResultsWe recorded 252 species of snakes in the Atlantic Forest, of which 79 (31%) are endemic to this domain. Biotic Elements analysis with endemic species revealed seven clusters of co‐distributed species (BEs) corresponding to biogeographical regions. The significant non‐random clusters of geographical ranges revealed in BE analysis, and the distribution of sister species in different BEs, validated both central predictions of the vicariance model.Main conclusionsSnakes defined non‐random biogeographical regions in the Atlantic Forest, and these were congruent with previously identified areas based on other groups of organisms, indicating that general processes influenced geographical ranges across the region. Both central predictions of the vicariance model were valid, indicating that vicariant events must have been important in shaping non‐random clusters of co‐distributed snakes in this biodiversity hotspot, harbouring some of the richest snake faunas on the planet.

Las concepciones sobre el paisaje en la formación inicial del profesorado

El presente trabajo aborda una investigación sobre educación en el paisaje, la cual se ha desarrollado ampliamente a partir del Convenio de Paisaje (2000). Se presenta un estudio de caso, cuyo objetivo ha sido analizar las concepciones sobre el paisaje del alumnado de los Grados de Educación Primaria e Infantil y del Máster Universitario de Formación del Profesorado. Para ello, se ha realizado una prueba inicial en la que el alumnado ha trabajado sobre sus espacios vitales. El análisis se basa en la categorización de los elementos bióticos, abióticos y antrópicos, de esos paisajes. Algunos de los resultados evidencian que los alumnos identifican los paisajes desde su experiencia, y utilizan un vocabulario no especializado del ámbito geográfico; no relacionan, por tanto, esa realidad vivida con los contenidos académicos aprendidos.

Application of DRASTIC model for assessing groundwater vulnerability: a study on Birbhum district, West Bengal, India

Groundwater is one of the important necessary renewable resources of the world. Without water, no life can be possible on this earth. It is not only sustaining all biotic elements of the earth but also it helps to fulfill the requirement of various sectors like agriculture, industries, and other domestic purposes. Not all types of water but the mineral added purified water is safe for the human being. Unfortunately, in this age of development, it's very difficult to get naturally purified water because of the application of chemical fertilizer to get more production from agriculture, extensive industrialization pollutes groundwater resources badly. So, it’s high time to think about this most valuable resource. In this context, current research aims to identify the most polluted or vulnerable zones of groundwater in the Birbhum district. From several studies, it has been found that Birbhum district is one of the fluoride contaminated districts. Except, fluoride, another chemical component i.e. iron is also another harmful component in this district. Therefore, to assess the most vulnerable groundwater zones DRASTIC model has been applied here. DRASTIC is a widely used model for this purpose. This study deals with how the application of the DRASTIC model can help to extract the vulnerable zones of groundwater. To run the DRASTIC model various parameters viz. Depth to water level, Net recharge, Aquifer media, Soil media, Topography, Impact of the vadose zone, and Hydraulic conductivity have been used here. The final vulnerable map shows that the western part is more vulnerable than the eastern part because the western part consists of the plateau fringe area with basalt and granite and more weathering prone that’s why contamination of harmful minerals dissolve with groundwater most quickly. Moreover, the groundwater level is near to surface in the western part due to the presence of hard rocks near the surface than the eastern part. The applied DRASTIC model has been validated using the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) and this curve has been prepared based on some random points composed of various harmful chemical components. The result of the receiver operating characteristic curve depicts that this model is 73% valid in this concerned region.

Percepções sobre a Geodiversidade em trilhas de montanha

O conceito de Geodiversidade – que enfatiza uma visão integrada dos elementos e processos abióticos e bióticos, com características, funções e serviços ecossistêmicos associados – ainda é pouco conhecido e, consequentemente, pouco divulgado, apesar de ser apropriado na prática em inúmeras atividades, como por exemplo o montanhismo em unidades de conservação. O presente artigo tem como objetivo promover uma melhor compreensão da percepção dos visitantes sobre a Geodiversidade em trilhas, a partir do estudo de caso da Travessia Petrópolis-Teresópolis. Para isso, foi elaborado um questionário que, após divulgação em diversos meios, alcançou um diversificado público. Os resultados indicam a necessidade de se avançar no tema para se obter a elaboração de roteiros geoturísticos e geodidáticos com uma inserção mais adequada no território onde são propostos, além de reforçarem a necessidade de uma abordagem multi-escalar e geossistêmica para esses estudos, o que pode favorecer um entendimento mais amplo acerca da Geodiversidade.

Resilient livelihoods in an era of global transformation

Much as development’s understanding of livelihoods became intertwined with notions of sustainability in the late 1990s, today livelihoods analysis is taking up the rise of resilience in the development and climate change adaptation communities of practice. The emergent concept of resilient livelihoods risks perpetuating problematic framings of both socio-ecological and livelihoods dynamics that limit the effectiveness of development and adaptation interventions. In this paper, I connect recent contributions to the livelihoods and socio-ecological resilience literatures to define resilient livelihoods as projects aimed at the achievement of well-being in a manner that preserves existing systems of meaning, order, and privilege. These projects (re)produce socio-ecologies, deeply human assemblages of socio-cultural and biotic elements. So framed, the idea of resilient livelihoods centers meaning, power, difference, and agency in both livelihoods and socio-ecological dynamics. It opens up new understandings of the character, sources, and importance of resilience in livelihoods, allows for the identification of new indicators of livelihoods fragility, points to previously-overlooked sources of potential livelihoods transformation and change, and suggests sites of productive engagement between development and adaptation interventions and transformation and change.

Основні напрями досліджень і досягнення лабораторії екологічної фізіології та якості продукції у 2000–2020 рр.

The article presents the main directions of research and the most significant results of the laboratory of ecological physiology and product quality of the Institute of Animal Biology of NAAS for twenty years of its activity. The results of basic research and applied developments obtained during the implementation of tasks included in the scientific programs of NAAS and the Scientific and Methodological Center “Animal Physiology” are presented. The main characteristics of the physiological impact of new effective feed additives and BAS, tested in production and implemented on different species of animals — cattle, sheep, poultry, rabbits, bees, in pond fish, substantiated methods of their use. The relationship between the degree of man-made pollution and the intensity of physiological and biochemical processes in animals, their adaptive and reproductive capacity. The method of arterio-venous difference in the mammary gland revealed some mechanisms of physiological influence of Cd in the body of cows during lactation under conditions of experimental loading of its salts of different concentrations, the level of biotransformation into milk. The study of the biological action of new organic compounds Se in cows, calves and breeding bulls was started for the first time. The composition of the feed additive based on the drug “Sel-Pleks” was developed and tested, which increases the immunobiological, productive and reproductive ability of the body of cows in the conditions of intensive technogenic load. New scientific data on the biological action of the developed protein-mineral supplements in the body of rabbits with different methods of maintenance and feeding. Physiological and biochemical mechanisms of influence of terms of weaning of young rabbits on immunobiological reactivity of an organism are found out. A recipe for granular feed with high protein content has been developed and its effect on growth intensity and physiological and biochemical processes in rabbits has been studied. Possibilities of application of genetically modified feeds in animal feeding and their influence on physiological status, ecological safety and quality of production are substantiated. The influence of GMO soybeans and products of their processing on the formation of adaptive reactions and functioning of individual organs and systems in animals has been studied. The absence of a pronounced negative effect of transgenic soy on the growth and development of the organism and its reproductive ability in female animals has been proved. The effect of Ge in the form of germanium citrate, obtained by nanotechnological method and chemically synthesized, on the state of the immune, reproductive antioxidant and detoxification systems of the body in laboratory rats of two generations has been studied. The peculiarities of ontogenetic development of male F1 rats under the action of different doses of germanium citrate have been elucidated. The possibility of using small and medium doses of germanium citrate to stimulate the body’s immune and antioxidant systems, its reproductive capacity in females of multiple animals is substantiated. Changes in physiological and biochemical parameters of blood and detoxification ability of rats F0 and F1 under the action of different doses of germanium citrate were established. The effect of different doses of germanium citrate on the content of biotic mineral elements in tissues and organs of animals has been studied. Peculiarities of histological structure of tissues of immunocompetent organs of female F1 rats under the action of different doses of germanium citrate are noted. The role of the laboratory staff in the improvement of existing and development of new methods of physiological, biochemical and ecological research, State standards, the possibility of their adaptation and harmonization to modern conditions of science and production is shown.

Palaeosols and palaeoclimate reconstruction of the Maastrichtian Lameta Formation, Central India

Various geological studies have been done worldwide of Upper Cretaceous palaeosols, however similar extensive palaeosol studies are lacking in India. It is well established that palaeosols of any age are one of the best proxies for palaeoclimate reconstructions and for local to regional stratigraphic correlations of continental deposits. The Cretaceous deposits in Central India occur as isolated outcrops along the Narmada valley, known as the Lameta Formation. The Upper Cretaceous Lameta (~infratrappean) Formation of the Jabalpur area (Madhya Pradesh, Central India) preserves one of the most diverse Late Cretaceous reptilian assemblages (largely dominated by dinosaurs) and other significant biotic elements of the Indian subcontinent. The Lameta Formation in the Jabalpur region comprises excellent exposures, wherein the Mottled Nodular Bed (MNB) consists of sandy marl lithofacies together with palaeosol facies. Therefore, detailed pedofacies investigations on the basis of morphological, micromorphological and geochemical studies have been carried out in the MNB exposed at the Chui Hill (CH) and the Chhota Simla Hill (CSH) locations in Jabalpur city of Madhya Pradesh (Central India). These studies reveal the presence of various in-situ pedofeatures. For example, abundant bioturbation features, moderately developed blocky and granular microstructure, crystallitic and undifferentiated b-fabrics, Fe–Mn oxide/clay, silica to carbonate coatings, hypocoatings as well as quasicoatings, nodules/concretions and other textural as well as depletion pedofeatures. These palaeosols are interpreted as moderately to well-developed palaeosols that formed under tropical warm, humid climatic conditions rather than semi-arid conditions as deduced on the basis of diagnostic pedogenic characters. Tropical humid conditions are further supported by indices of base loss, salinization and hydrolysis in these palaeosols. The calculated mean annual precipitation (MAP) values range 779.44 ± 182 to1150.02 ± 235 mm/yr and CIA-K (Chemical Index of Alteration without potassium) values document significant chemical weathering. The present study will be important for future studies such as Upper Cretaceous palaeosol investigations along the east-west and central Narmada valley of peninsular India in order to utilize them as stratigraphic tools, taking into account worldwide reports of contemporaneous dinosaur-bearing Upper Cretaceous palaeosols in different parts of the world.

Selenium in natural environment and food chains. A Review

The analytical review attempts to summarize the results of numerous scientific research conducted by scientists around the world on selenium scattering and accumulation in natural environment, with considerable attention paid to the concentration of this trace element in soils, natural waters and plants. It is shown that selenium content in agricultural products is caused by the processes of physico-chemical and biogenic migration of this element in the biogeochemical food chain. According to the modern classification of trace elements, which is based on their biological significance for living organisms, selenium belongs to the vital group or biogenic elements. As a biotic element, it has unique physicochemical and biochemical properties and with adequately absorbed into the human body has a positive effect on a number of physiological processes. Various research shows that the majority of the world population (except in some regions) today consumes less selenium with the food than necessary and its consumption decreases every year. Insufficient selenium intake in the human body (less than 15–30 μg/day) leads to the development one of the hypomicroelementosis – hyposelenosis. Selenium deficiency is considered as a possible etiological factor in some cardiovascular, cancer, osteoarticular and neurodegenerative diseases that threaten to human life. Providing the human body with selenium in optimal amounts is one of the important conditions of nutrition. A number of countries have developed recommended selenium intake standards for the adults, which range from 55 to 120 μg/day. We can calculate the physiological need for selenium in children and adolescents by extrapolation. The most safe and effective way to maintain the necessary level of selenium for the human body can be achieved only through the poultry and livestock products by mandatory introduction of premixes containing highly effective biologically available selenium forms into animal feed. This will ensure a relatively high level of trace element in meat, eggs, and milk and would eliminate the cases of toxicosis in human population due to buffer effect of animal tissues.

AMBIENTE, ANTROPOCENO E ENFERMIDADES: (RE)ABRINDO A CAIXA DE PANDORA

As atividades humanas têm provocado modificações ambientais em escala planetária, ainda não totalmente conhecidas pela Ciência, fazendo com que novas propostas de periodização temporal, estabelecimento e manutenção dos elementos bióticos sejam sugeridas como possibilidade de melhor representarem essas dinâmicas, em substituição aos conceitos ainda tradicionalmente utilizados. Esse artigo tem o objetivo de fazer uma reflexão teórica sobre o Meio Ambiente, a partir dessas propostas conceituais, aplicando-os a emergência da pandemia da COVID-19. Para tanto, foram consultados artigos nacionais e internacionais, sobre os quais realizamos uma análise crítica. Os resultados indicam o domínio de um mundo cada vez mais transformado pela Sociedade, onde também se estabeleceram crises que em muito ameaçam a humanidade, exigindo novas formas integradas de relacionamento, gestão e uso dos recursos do que tradicionalmente denominamos de Natureza, tanto nas áreas protegidas ambientalmente, como nas áreas produtivas da zona rural e nas cidades, onde cada vez mais a população mundial está concentrada, especialmente nos países subdesenvolvidos das zonas tropicais, onde as elevadas desigualdades sociais e a expansão das atividades econômicas para as áreas que concentram grande parte da biodiversidade do planeta, ainda em muito desconhecida, estabelecem uma situação que favorece o surgimento de novas enfermidades.

Clinical and hygienic assessment of bone mineral density in population of ecologically contrasting territories.

Disorder of the relationship between biotic and abiotic elements against the background of anthropogenic stress on the human body affects the course of bone remodeling. It is bone tissue in the human body that has the greatest cumulative properties with respect to many xenobiotics, lead in particular. The accumulation of lead in the bone leads to the replacement of calcium ions by ions of the abiotic element and causes further changes in the bone structure: inhibition of growth processes, decreased density, the development of osteopenia and osteoporosis. In the article, a comparative hygienic analysis of bone mineral density levels (according to T-score) in industrial (n=68) and control (n=70) areas was conducted. The T-score, calculated at the LI-LIV level obtained by the method of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used and was evaluated according to the recommendations of the WHO. The formation of a homogeneous sample of persons for the study was conducted according to the place of residence, age, sex, absence of diseases and regular intake of drugs leading to a decrease in bone mass. Summarizing the results, it should be noted that the population of Dniprо city has a more negative and significant decrease in the bone mineral density (according to the T-score) compared to the same values of the control areas – 2.15-4.6 times and Ukraine's – 1.39-4.21 times. According to WHO recommendations, T-score indices for residents of industrial territory indicate to the presence of osteopenia, while among residents of the control area, the norm for this indicator is noted. Consequently, there is an effect of man-made including lead, pollution of the environment on the level of bone mineral density in the industrial city this contributes to the development of osteoporotic changes in the population.

Landscape reading under “ethno” aspect: a bibliographic study

Heterogeneity of landscape mosaics associated with factors that lead to the categorization of a given environment is summarized in an important research theme of Landscape Ethnoecology. Consisting of a recent theme, which has been receiving notoriety, the goal was to present an overview about the referred subject, analyzing its Evolution between the years 2009 to 2019, in order to verify how it has been proposed and discussed by scholars around the world. This research was organized using bibliometric analysis, whose data were obtained on the basis of the Journals Portal by CAPES. Main subjects of the considered texts related to the use and classification of the landscape, conceptual studies, perception of the environment and soil categorization. Among researches performed worldwide, the American continent was the one with the largest number of studies (64.7%). 2016 was the year with the highest number of publications, highlighting Brazil for grouping a larger amount of works compared to other countries. Brazilian researches were developed in areas of Caatinga and Atlantic Forest, lacking studies in different vegetation groups in the country. Data showed that the authors focused on identifying broader environments. Biotic and abiotic landscape elements gave strong indications to differentiate landscape mosaics, especially when they were associated with vegetation and topography elements. Finally, deepening the understanding of how people are entwined to the environment provides important paths to understand and manage a particular territory.

Towards Sustainable Forest Management in Central America: Review of Southern Pine Beetle (Dendroctonus frontalis Zimmermann) Outbreaks, Their Causes, and Solutions

Outbreaks of the southern pine beetle (SPB) Dendroctonus frontalis Zimmermann in Central America have had a devastating impact on pine forests. It remains unclear to what extent these outbreaks are caused by the beetle’s ecology, climate, and historical management practices. Using research data and experience accumulated in northern latitudes to guide management of forests in Central America is associated with great uncertainty, given the many unique features of the conifer forests in this region. The main recommendation from this review is that Central American bark beetle outbreaks need to be studied locally, and the local climate, biotic elements, and silvicultural history need to be considered. The key to reducing the impacts of SPB in Central America are local research and implementation of proactive management, in order to facilitate the establishment of forests more resilient to increasing environmental and anthropogenic pressures.

River restoration is prone to failure unless pre-optimized within a mechanistic ecological framework | Insights from a model-based case study

River restoration with the use of in-stream structures has been widely implemented to maintain/improve physical habitats. However, the response of aquatic biota has often been too weak to justify the high costs of restoration projects. The ecological effectiveness of river restoration has thus been much debated over claims that large-scale environmental drivers often overshadow the potential positive ecological effects of locally placed in-stream structures. In this study, we used a two-dimensional hydrodynamic-habitat model to evaluate the ecological effectiveness of habitat restoration with the use of in-stream structures in various water discharges, ranging from near-dry to environmental flows. The habitat suitability of benthic macroinvertebrates and of three cyprinid fish species was simulated for six restoration schemes and at four discharge scenarios, and was compared with a reference model, without in-stream structures. We found that the ecological response to habitat restoration varied by species and life stages, it strongly depended on the reach-scale flow conditions, it was often negative at near-environmental flows, and when positive, mostly at near-dry flows, it was too low to justify the high costs of river restoration. Flow variation was the major environmental driver that our local habitat restoration schemes attempted -but mostly failed-to fine-tune. We conclude that traditional river restoration, based on trial and error, will likely fail and should be ecologically pre-optimized before field implementation. Widespread use of in-stream structures for ecological restoration is not recommended. However, at near-dry flows, the response of all biotic elements except for macroinvertebrates, was positive. In combination with the small habitat-suitability differences observed among structure types and densities, we suggest that sparse/moderate in-stream structure placement can be used for cost-effective river restoration, but it will only be ecologically effective -thus justifying the high implementation costs-when linked to very specific purposes: (i) to conserve endangered species and (ii) to increase/improve habitat availability/suitability during dry periods, thus proactively preventing/reducing the current and future ecological impacts of climate change.