Environmental Elements Research Articles

Variability of trace elements in bodies of scrapers (Ephemeroptera) and predators (Plecoptera) from mountain rivers of Dzungarian Alatau (Kazakhstan) and Western Carpathians (Slovakia).

Bioaccumulation of trace elements in aquatic environments can be influenced by local environmental conditions such as temperature fluctuations, pH levels, sediment composition, dissolved organic matter content, and the presence of other chemical substances. We analyzed the differences in trace elements accumulation (S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Rb, Sr, Mo, Ba, and Pb) between two trophic guilds-scrapers (Ephemeroptera) and predators (Plecoptera)-of freshwater benthic macroinvertebrates collected from mountain streams in Kazakhstan and Slovakia. Trace elements in dried insect bodies were analyzed using an X-ray spectrometer, and physicochemical parameters of stream water were investigated at each sampling site. Our results showed significant differences in Fe, Ti, and Sr levels in predators from Kazakhstan and Cu levels in predators from Slovakia. Despite some trace elements showing higher concentrations in one group over another, the overall differences between regions were more pronounced. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that the primary factors influencing trace elements variability were associated with environmental conditions such as temperature, oxygen levels, and total dissolved solids (TDS). PCA components indicated a higher load of trace elements in the warmer, less oxygenated streams, particularly in Kazakhstan. These findings suggest that both biotic (feeding strategies) and abiotic (geographical and environmental conditions) factors significantly influence trace elements dynamics in freshwater ecosystems.

Comparative Analysis of Leadership Styles in Public vs. Private Secondary Schools

The study's goals were to determine how leadership styles—transformational, transactional, authoritarian, democratic, and laissez-faire—differ between public and private secondary schools. Leadership styles encompass various approaches that influence team dynamics and organizational effectiveness. Understanding these styles is essential for fostering employee engagement and achieving strategic goals. The population was drawn from every high school in the Kasur district. To gather the data, multistage sampling approaches were employed. Data was gathered via a questionnaire. SPSS was used to analyze the data. Inferential statistics (Independent sample t-test) were employed. With the exception of laissez-faire leadership, the study's results showed a highly significant difference in leadership styles. Future studies should examine how environmental and cultural elements affect the efficacy of different leadership philosophies in diverse organisational contexts. Longitudinal studies could also look at how leadership philosophies change over time and how they affect workers' performance and happiness over the long run.

Instability of porous FGM rectangular hollow section (RHS) beam element in a thermal environment.

Instability of porous FGM rectangular hollow section (RHS) beam element in a thermal environment.

Short-term organic fertilizer substitution increases sorghum yield by improving soil physicochemical characteristics and regulating microbial community structure

IntroductionChemical fertilizer reduction combined with organic fertilizer (organic fertilizer substitution) has a positive impact on crop productivity and sustainable development. However, the effects of short-term organic fertilizer substitution on microbial community structure and functions of sorghum rhizosphere soil and on sorghum yield remain unclear. Herein, this study investigated the short-term effects of organic fertilizer substitution on sorghum soil physicochemical properties, microbial community structure and enzyme activities using Metagenomic sequencing technology.MethodsThe fertilization treatment included no fertilization (CK), pure chemical fertilizer N (CF), substitution of 25% chemical fertilizer N with organic N (NF25), substitution of 50% chemical fertilizer N with organic N (NF50), substitution of 75% chemical fertilizer N with organic N (NF75), and pure organic fertilizer N (NF100); soil samples were collected and analyzed in the flowering period of sorghum.Results and DiscussionThe results showed that the suitable organic fertilizer substitution rate of sorghum field was 50%, and its yield was the highest among all treatments (9789.9 kg/hm2). Compared with the CF treatment, a medium ratio (50%) of organic fertilizer substitution significantly reduced soil alkalization (by 3.05%), improved soil nutrients, enhanced soil enzyme activities, and increased sorghum yield (P < 0.05). After organic fertilizer substitution treatment, higher protein, fat, and total starch levels accumulated in sorghum grains, and the tannin content of grains decreased. The effect of organic fertilizer substitution on bacterial diversity was greater than that on fungal diversity. Among the dominant bacterial phyla, the medium ratio of organic substitution treatment significantly increased the relative abundances of Proteobacteria (by 3.57%) and Actinomycetes (by 14.94%), and decreased the relative abundances of Acidobacteria (by 5.18%) and Planctomycetes (by 7.76%) compared with no fertilization, while the dominant fungal phyla did not respond significantly to the addition of organic fertilizer. Organic fertilizer substitution also improved soil microbial metabolic pathways, biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, and carbon metabolism. The biomarkers enriched in inorganic fertilizer treatment and organic fertilizer substitution treatments had similar relevant environmental elements but reversed correlation trends. Moreover, soil Alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen and L-leucine aminopeptidase were important environmental factors influencing the structure of bacterial and fungal communities in sorghum soils, respectively. Soil nutrient levels and microbial communities together explained the variation in annual sorghum yield. The results of this study provide evidence that short-term organic fertilizer substitution increases sorghum yield by improving soil properties and regulating microbial community structure.

The Concept of Healing Waterscapes in Public Open Spaces to Construct the Positive Psychology of Visitors

Public open spaces contain various features that have psychological effects on human mental health. Water, as one of the key elements in landscape design, not only enhances aesthetics but also provides sensory stimulation, social interaction, and psychological benefits. It possesses therapeutic qualities that promote relaxation and reduce stress. Given the rising prevalence of mental health issues among adolescents in Bali, public open spaces incorporating waterscapes play a crucial role. The concept of a "healing waterscape" can be applied in such spaces, where environmental elements are strategically designed to improve mental well-being through psychological approaches. However, no clear criteria for healing waterscape design have been formulated, and it remains unclear whether such criteria are being applied in the waterscapes of public open spaces in Denpasar City and Klungkung Regency. This study aims to establish criteria for healing waterscape design in public open spaces and assess the extent to which these criteria are implemented in Denpasar City and Klungkung Regency. Using a mixed-methods data analysis with JMP software, the study identifies four key variables in healing waterscape design: social, behavioral, cognitive, and emotional factors. The design criteria that should be considered for public space waterscapes in Denpasar and Klungkung include activity diversity, site characteristics, spatial variety, acoustics, water shape, movement, flow, lighting and signage, and both biotic and abiotic components.

Ignoring the food route underestimated human health risk from potentially toxic elements in agricultural environments of Ziyang, Shaanxi, China.

Staple food is a crucial exposure route for the human intake of potentially toxic elements (PTEs), but it has been neglected in previous human health risk (HHR) studies. Lack of attention to this issue will lead to an underestimation of HHR caused by PTEs. This study establishes a comprehensive regional identification method for health risk assessment (HRA), namely, soil-maize health risk assessment (SMHRA) and applies it to Ziyang, Shaanxi, which is a typical agricultural county. SMHRA considered the exposure pathway of staple food and utilized Monte Carlo simulation to enhance the accuracy of HRA for PTEs. Results indicated the PTE spatial heterogeneity in a soil-maize system. Introducing staple food exposure pathway would increase HHR values and probabilities 1.57-2.80 and 1.53-5.63 times than that when food route was not considered. Overall, the HHR caused by a single PTE was low, which relatively safe. The introduction of food pathway contributed to accurate estimate the HHR of As and Ni, and the risk probabilities ranged from 0.04% to 12.46%. Few areas had high levels of Ni, which pose health risks: approximately 1.8% for children and higher than 0.5% for adults. Both As and Ni had the highest contribution to HHR among all PTEs, with 33.84%-41.56% TNCR caused by As, and 54.73%-56.90% TCR created by Ni, respectively. For human health risk routes, the staple food exhibited the highest contribution to HHR among all exposure routes, with TNCR of 36.15%-56.73% and the TCR of 44.96%-64.28%. Our research imply that dietary intake of PETs must be considered in the human health risk assessment in agricultural environment, which offers the foundation for subsequent environmental risk prevention and control.

Multiple Drivers Influencing Residents’ Perception of Ecotourism in a Biodiversity Rich Forest Protected Area of Bangladesh

Local people have both positive and negative attitudes towards ecotourism. It is because they are the beneficiaries of ecotourism, though they are sometimes the victims of its activities. Expression of the residents’ perception depends on multiple drivers. This study assesses the drivers influencing local peoples’ perception of the impacts of ecotourism in Satchari National Park (SNP) - a biodiversity rich forest protected area and famous ecotourism spot in Bangladesh. Interview surveys on local people of purposely selected four villages in and around SNP supplemented by the questionnaire were conducted from September to October 2022. This study reveals that socio-cultural aspects secured higher ranks by processing higher mean values, which follow economic and environmental elements. It was also found that local people’s attitudes towards ecotourism vary with the variation in education, occupation, and income. Policymakers and forest department officials should take the necessary actions to solve the negative impacts of ecotourism. The negative impacts of ecotourism were ‘increased noise pollution and waste’ and ‘overcrowding’.

Revealing the multiscale impact of external factors on dockless bike sharing and metro integration: Evidence from Shenzhen

Dockless bike sharing (DBS) and metro integration offer innovative solutions for the first-mile and last-mile challenges of urban transportation. However, accurately identifying transfer passenger volume, analyzing DBS and metro integration characteristics, and understanding the spatial heterogeneity of factors affecting this volume remain areas to explore. This study, using Shenzhen as a case, constructs a framework to identify transfer passenger volume by considering built environment elements around metro stations and applying a Thiessen polygon. Transfer passenger volumes are classified into six categories, and their spatio-temporal characteristics are analyzed. A multiscale geographically weighted regression (MGWR) model investigates the impacts of socio-economic attributes, built environment, and transportation-related factors on transfer passenger volume, revealing spatial heterogeneity. Results show that the demand for DBS and metro integration is higher in the morning peak than in the evening peak, with access transfer passenger volume peaks occurring earlier than egress peaks. Spatially, transfer passenger volume shows heterogeneity, with higher demand in the urban core than in the suburbs. Commercial and residential and enterprises have the most significant impact on various types of transfer passenger volume, showing the highest spatial heterogeneity in enterprises. In contrast, science education and culture positively influence evening peak access transfer volume and exhibit the weakest spatial heterogeneity. Population density, sports and leisure, shopping and entertainment, and tourist attractions display localized positive or negative impacts. These findings can guide operators and planners in optimizing public transportation resources to enhance DBS and metro integration.

Investigating spatial and temporal characteristics and elements influencing running among residents of Nanchang city in green open areas

Understanding the exercise behaviors of urban residents in green open spaces is crucial for optimizing future urban spatial planning and improving residents’ quality of life. This study provides an in-depth analysis of residents’ running behaviors across 87 green open spaces in Nanchang City. Running data collected from the exercise platform Keep, coupled with urban geographic data and field research, reveals the spatial distribution and temporal variations of running activities, including running flow, distance, time, and pace. A set of indicator systems, such as total area, landscape form index, surrounding residential land area, and road conditions, is used to analyze its relationship with the environmental elements of green open spaces. The research results show that the running flow, running distance, and running time in green open spaces in Nanchang City are significantly influenced by different objective elements, while running pace shows little correlation with these environmental elements. Specifically, the study highlights the significant impact of elements such as total area and road length, as well as the number of nearby bus stops and population density, on residents’ running behaviors in Nanchang City’s green open spaces.

Do greener childhoods mean fewer eating disorders? Using satellite imagery to uncover insights

Abstract. The benefits of natural environments on mental health have been documented in numerous studies. In spite of this, the underlying mechanisms by which different elements of natural environments affect mental health, and especially eating disorders, are still largely unknown. In this study, we use remote sensing time series from the Landsat missions to associate a degree of exposure to natural vs urban environment of 659 individuals with diagnosed eating disorders (ED), such as anorexia, bulimia, purging, binge (BED), who constitute our cases. We also obtain data from 39 individuals not affected by eating disorders that comprise our control group. We explore associations between growing up surrounded by areas with a higher NDVI to individuals affected by ED. A Cox regression model was used to estimate rates as relative risk ratios and then adjusted for potential confounding from other known risk factors. The results of the Cox regressions show that the relative risk of developing ED is lower for children growing up in environments with a higher NDVI. Rates did not notably change by adjustment for GDP (a proxy for socioeconomic status), elevation, CO2 and population. In conclusion, we found that growing up surrounded by greener settings may lower the risk of eating disorders by some 33%. According to our findings, ensuring access to natural environments is crucial for improving public health and creating not only more sustainable but also more livable cities.

Terraced landscapes: risk and liability

Terraced landscapes are preserved elements of the human-influenced environment, maintained by ongoing agricultural activities. Farmers are subject to the periodic collapse of terraces, which are repaired by means of traditional techniques. Unless it can be proven that the collapse was accidental, the owner is liable for the damage caused by the collapse of the terraces or landslides. This topic, applied to Minori (Amalfi Coast, Italy), is interesting for two reasons. First, with the advancement of scientific knowledge, the unpredictability of events diminishes and the liability increases. Second, the intensive construction at the base of the terraces and the economic value of the buildings, enhanced by the landscape context, expose the owners to claims for damages from third parties that are disproportionate to the agricultural income, including claims for amnestied illegal constructions. The result has been an increase in the renunciation of property rights by farmers in areas of high hydro-geological risk. However, the State, which becomes the owner, denies the validity of property relinquishments made by owners solely to transfer risk, cost, and liability to the state treasury. This paper discusses these issues, going beyond the Italian case study, and proposes a different risk allocation related to territorial governance. This study reveals a discrepancy in government decision making and suggests that the division of risk into multiple components could be a solution to this inconsistency.

Ten Simple Rules for Incorporating the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into Environmental and Natural Science Courses

In 2015, the United Nations (UN) established 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to combat poverty, inequality, and climate change. Recently, integrating these goals into higher education curricula has emerged as essential for fostering positive environmental and civic engagement. Challenges persist, particularly the prioritization of social and economic concerns over eco-centered principles and ecopedagogy. Education must emphasize the politics of environmental issues, advocating sustainable practices that benefit both humans and nonhuman species. This article proposes ten simple rules for incorporating the SDGs into undergraduate courses in ecology, evolution, and environmental science. We conducted a literature review, analyzing 940 publications from 2014 to 2024 using ISI Web of Science and Google Scholar. We focused on fields like Green Sustainable Science and Technology and Environmental Education to identify the best practices for integrating SDGs. Our findings link pedagogical successes to the SDGs, facilitating effective educational strategies. For practical sustainability education, students must grasp the interplay between the environment and societal elements such as diversity, justice, and resilience. Connecting course topics to the SDGs offers a powerful framework for teaching undergraduates about complex environmental challenges. Our research highlights a novel approach to embedding SDGs in environmental education, promoting critical thinking and literacy across various settings.

Microbial landscapes in Trinervitermes trinervoides termite colonies are affected by mound compartments and soil properties but not by symbiotic Podaxis fungi

Termites are important ecosystem engineers and play key roles in modulating microbial communities within and outside their mounds. Microbial diversity within termite mounds is generally lower than surrounding soils, due to termite-associated antimicrobial compounds and active sanitary behaviours. Microbial symbionts of termites can also influence the microbial landscape, by inhibiting or out-competing other microbes. Certain members of the arid habitat fungal genus Podaxis (Agaricomycetes; Agaricaceae) are symbiotic with savannah specialist grass-cutting termites, with the potential to influence mound-associated microbiomes. To test this, we characterized fungal (ITS2) and bacterial (16S rRNA) communities within and outside 49 Trinervitermes trinervoides mounds with and without Podaxis fruiting bodies across a 1000 km transect in South Africa. We predicted that Podaxis would be a dominant member of the fungal communities in mounds and negatively impact microbial diversity. Further, we explored how environmental variables shaped microbial communities, including whether soil elemental composition affected Podaxis presence. As expected, we observed less diverse fungal communities, but not bacterial communities, within than outside mounds, while microbial communities differed by sampling regions and mound compartments. Podaxis sequences were present in 48 out of 49 mounds in low relative abundances, and neither fruiting body presence nor sequence abundance were associated with microbial community diversity or composition. There was, however, an overall association between the presence of Podaxis fruiting bodies and elemental composition, with different elements displaying varying associations depending on geographic region. Both environmental variables and soil elements associated with fungal and bacterial taxa, indicating that they are key drivers of microbial community composition. Taken together, our findings suggest that microbial landscapes in termite mounds are not strongly influenced by Podaxis but mainly driven by termite filtering and regional abiotic variables and elemental compositions.

Systematical characterization of Rab7 gene family in Gossypium and potential functions of GhRab7B3-A gene in drought tolerance

BackgroundCotton serves as a primary source of natural fibers crucial for the textile industry. However, environmental elements such as drought have posed challenges to cotton cultivation, resulting in adverse impacts on both production and fiber quality. Improving cotton’s resilience to drought could mitigate yield losses and foster the expansion of cotton farming. Rab7 protein, widely present in organisms, controls the degradation and recycling of cargo, and has a potential role in biotic and abiotic tolerance. However, comprehensive exploration of the Rab7 gene family in Gossypium remains scarce.ResultsHerein, we identified a total of 10, 10, 20, and 20 Rab7 genes through genome-wide analysis in Gossypium arboreum, Gossypium raimondii, Gossypium hirsutum, and Gossypium barbadense, respectively. Collinearity analysis unveiled the pivotal role of whole genome or segmental duplication events in the expansion of GhRab7s. Study of gene architecture, conserved protein motifs, and domains suggested the conservation of structure and function throughout evolution. Exploration of cis-regulatory elements revealed the responsiveness of GhRab7 genes to abiotic stress, corroborated by transcriptome analysis under diverse environmental stresses. Notably, the greatly induced expression of GhRab7B3-A under drought treatment prompted us to investigate its function through virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) assays. Silencing GhRab7B3-A led to exacerbated dehydration and wilting compared with the control. Additionally, inhibition of stomatal closure, antioxidant enzyme activities and expression patterns of genes responsive to abiotic stress were observed in GhRab7B3-A silenced plants.ConclusionsThis study sheds light on Rab7 members in cotton, identifies a gene linked to drought stress, and paves the way for additional investigation of Rab7 genes associated with drought stress tolerance.

A study on environmental elements of residential open spaces for grandparent-child rearing based on a field survey in Tianjin, China

With the advent of an aging society, grandparents' involvement in childcare is becoming increasingly common, saving families and society huge nursing costs. Residential open space (ROS) is a common place for grandparents' outdoor childcare activities, influencing the health of grandparents and children. However, existing research on the ROS environmental needs of intergenerational users is still insufficient. This study regards grandparents and children as a cohesive entity, based on environment behavior theory, and constructs a research framework for the ROS environmental elements needs for grandparent-child rearing. Taking a residential area in Tianjin as an example, four types of grandparent-child rearing are identified based on the age of the children. Through interviews with grandparents and observation of outdoor activities involving grandparent-child rearing, significant differences in the needs of ROS environmental elements such as enclosure feeling, pet control, and adult fitness equipment among different types of grandparent-child rearing were found, stemming from different caregiving patterns. This study provides important implications for constructing supportive childcare environments and promoting physical activities and childcare education among intergenerational populations.

Penerapan Teknologi Multiplayer pada Sistem Pembelajaran Berbasis Virtual Reality

Virtual Reality is a technology that makes users seem to be interacting with their environment even though it is only a computer simulation. This research explores the application of multiplayer virtual reality (VR) technology in a learning system for assembling LAN cables. By combining elements of learning videos and accessible virtual environments together, this research aims to create a collaborative and immersive learning experience. By utilizing multiplayer technology, users can interact in real-time with fellow students, creating a collaborative and engaging learning experience. by paying attention to aspects of conceptual understanding, technical skills, and collaboration between students in a multiplayer virtual environment. This research also focuses on aspects of implementing virtual reality technology to create deeper and more immersive learning simulations. The main goal of this research is to increase interactivity and engagement of students in virtual learning environments.

User-centric electrical vehicle thermal conditioning strategy based on close comfort elements in cold environment: thermal manikin and human participants assessment.

User-centric electrical vehicle thermal conditioning strategy based on close comfort elements in cold environment: thermal manikin and human participants assessment.

Identifying risks for success in space tourism: A proactive approach for Türkiye

Effective planning is crucial for the success of any tourism endeavor, including space tourism. To ensure correct and proactive planning, it is essential to identify and address potential threats and weaknesses in advance. This research aims to reveal possible threats to Turkiye's success in the field of space tourism, employing a qualitative research approach with expert interviews. Building on this context, the research adopts a deductive approach, focusing on a qualitative “situation analysis” design, with Türkiye as the universe and sample. Expert opinions from professionals with technical knowledge of space commercialization and tourism were collected using a snowball sampling technique. Through in-depth interviews, the perceived risks were identified and analyzed. The data obtained were coded and categorized, resulting in main themes related to various elements of the external environment, including political, international, legal, economic, social-cultural, demographic, and technological risks, as well as ethical considerations.The findings highlight that space tourism activities, especially suborbital and extraorbital ventures, carry significant risks. To ensure Türkiye's success in space tourism, the study emphasizes the importance of conducting a comprehensive analysis of the external environment, considering the interrelatedness of the identified risk factors.

Analysis of External Environmental Design Factors on Mosquito Breeding in Sikka Regency, East Nusa Tenggara

Factors such as environmental temperature, rainfall, location of waste disposal sites, sunlight exposure, water flow, as well as chemical, biological, and socio-cultural conditions play a crucial role in the development of malaria cases. This study specifically aims to analyze the influence of environmental elements on the number of malaria and dengue fever (DF) cases in Sikka Regency, as well as to evaluate the physical design elements of the area that can reduce DF cases in the region. The research was conducted in several locations within Sikka Regency, taking into account the differences in location and the distance between buildings in relation to thermal characteristics. The results indicate that areas located more than 500 meters above sea level did not experience malaria or DF cases, which is also influenced by the outdoor environmental design, such as building density and vegetation size, affecting light intensity. Lower light intensity increases humidity, which accelerates mosquito breeding.

Incorporating Environmental Elements in Learning STEM: A Systematic Literature Review

Incorporating environmental elements in STEM learning can foster a deeper understanding of living world issues and promote sustainable solutions. The study's inclusion criteria consisted of empirical articles in English aligned with research questions published in a scholarly journal between 2007 and 2023. Participants included students and pre-service teachers. After quality assessment using PRISMA procedures, 18 eligible studies were identified in this systematic review. Thematic analysis was used to find themes within the STEM program data findings connected with environmental elements. The framework can be organised into three categories: problem-based learning, inquiry-based learning, and project-based learning. Practice recommendations include a quality curriculum that aligns with environmental education.