Influence Of Ecological Factors Research Articles

Gender differences in Chinese Adolescents’ school refusal: A network analysis to test the contribution of individual, family, and school factors

To better guide school practitioners in identifying and intervening with instances of school refusal, this study employs network analysis to investigate the core manifestations among adolescents of different genders and explores the impact of various ecological factors on these characteristics. In this study, 910 middle school students in China (Mage ± SDage = 13.55 ± 1.06, 48.13 % boys) were recruited to complete a paper-and-pencil survey on school refusal and its related factors. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) method was used to examine the network characteristics of school refusal and the potential influence of ecological factors on the core characteristics of school refusal. Results revealed that: (1) the core features of Chinese students’ school refusal were “I consider studying a burden”, “I often try to find ways to avoid studying”, and “Studying often makes me feel inwardly tense and anxious”, demonstrating gender consistency; and (2) there were significant gender differences in the underlying ecological factors that influence the core characteristics of Chinese students’ school refusal. Specifically, boys’ school refusal is more related to their parental academic involvement and teacher expectations. The higher the parents’ academic involvement and teacher expectations, the lower the boys’ school refusal. Girls’ school refusal is more related to personal educational values ​​(the value of academic success and the future utility of education). The more girls identify with the value of education, the lower their school refusal. This study utilized network analysis to reveal unique gender differences in school refusal among Chinese adolescents. It also explored the complex interrelationships between individual, familial, and school factors and school refusal, demonstrating how these factors contribute differently in boys and girls. These findings indicated potential theoretical directions for future interventions for school refusal among Chinese students of different genders.

Ecological factors impacting genetic characteristics and metabolite accumulations of Gastrodia elata

ObjectiveThe investigation of the correlation between ecological factors and the genetic characteristics or metabolites of plants offers valuable insights into the regional causes of genetic and metabolic diversity. Here, Gastrodia elata, a medicinal plant, is employed as a model to explore the environmental factors that influence its genetic characteristics and metabolic accumulations. MethodsA total of 23 G. elata populations from six cultispecies and 11 cultivated regions were selected based on the predictions of the global geographic information system. The genetic characteristics of these populations were evaluated using highly polymorphic simple sequence repeat markers. Additionally, the metabolic accumulations and antioxidant capacity of mature tubers were measured employing colorimetry and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Ecological data of each region were obtained from the WorldClim-global climate database and harmonized world soil database. To assess the influence of ecological factors on the genetic characteristics and metabolic profiles of G. elata, Pearson’s correlation analysis was conducted. ResultsGenetic variation among G. elata populations exceeded that within populations. Genetic diverisity, distance and structure manifested regional and species-specific patterns. Metabolic profiling and antioxidant capacity exhibited regional variations. Notably, the Lueyang region demonstrated that a content range of total polysaccharide, total protein, and phenolic glycosides was 9.34 %−189.67 % higher than the average. Similarly, in the Hubei region, total phenolic content, p-hydroxybenzyl alcohol content, and antioxidant indicators were observed to be higher than the average levels, by 106.57 %, 136.47 % and 12.50 %−91.14 %, respectively. Furthermore, ecological factors had a significant comprehensive impact on G. elata genetic characteristics (r > 0.256 and P<0.05). Multivariate metabolite accumulations in G. elata were influenced by dominant ecological factors. Temperature notably impacted the accumulation of total protein (|r| > 0.528 and P<0.05). Moisture, encompassing precipitation and soil content, significantly affected the production of phenolic glycosides (|r| > 0.503 and P<0.05). ConclusionThe genetic characteristics of G. elata manifested regional and species-specific patterns, with the metabolic accumulations and antioxidant capacity of mature tubers exhibited regional variations. Specifically, multivariate ecological factors comprehensively influenced genetic characteristics. Temperature and moisture played pivotal roles in regulating the accumulations of proteins and phenolic glycosides, respectively. These findings underscore the significant impact of ecological factors on the shaping of G. elata, highlighting their crucial role in enhancing the quality of Chinese medicinal materials.

Hopf bifurcation and patterns formation in a diffusive two prey-one predator system with fear in preys and help

Recognizing the relationship between the spatial patterns in species concentrations and ecological heterogeneity is crucial for understanding demographics and species governance in a given domain, as ecological patterning processes are believed to be imitated in real ecosystems. In this present article, we have considered a two-prey-one-predator system with Holling type-II functional response where both the preys have fear of predator and compete in the absence of predator. Additionally, we have assumed that both the prey help each other when the predator attacks them. We have incorporated self-diffusion in this system under Neumann boundary conditions. The existence and stability conditions of different equilibria are discussed. We have studied the Hopf bifurcation around positive offset and derived the stability and direction of periodic solution. We have done a series of numerical simulations to ensure our theoretical finding. Diffusion-driven instability conditions are obtained. Different instability regions and fascinating patterns, such as spots, mixtures, and stripes, are depicted. Spatiotemporal dynamics also reflects that prey populations are located in isolated areas of low population concentration with increasing level of fear, whereas an increase in handling time forms lower-density stripes. But with increasing help, prey becomes more concentrated in some stripe regions. In the Hopf-Turing region, it is observed that the diffusion coefficient of predators can stabilize the system. Overall, pattern creation in predator-prey systems can help anticipate long-term system behaviour and analyze the influence of ecological factors on system dynamics.

Correlation between ecological factors and effective component content, flower, and leaf traits of Epimedium pubescens

No systematic research has been reported on the correlation between different ecological factors and the effective component content, flower, and leaf traits of Epimedium pubescens. In this study, 21 kinds of E. pubescens in different regions were investigated, and the content of two effective components of icariin(I) and Epimedin C(C), as well as six leaf traits and 12 flower traits were determined. The correlation between 11 ecological factors and the above traits in different regions for five consecutive years was explored. The results showed that no significant correlation was observed between the ecological factors and the total content of two effective components(I+C) of E. pubescens. Latitude and temperature(including annual average temperature, annual average minimum temperature, and soil temperature of each soil layer) were significantly positively and negatively correlated with the ratio of the content of the two effective components(C/I)(P&lt;0.01), respectively. There was a significant correlation between ecological factors and flower traits, and the annual average soil temperature of each soil layer, annual average temperature, and annual average minimum temperature were significantly correlated with most flower traits in multiple years(P&lt;0.01). However, a weak correlation between ecological factors and leaf traits was detected. A significant positive correlation of the annual average soil temperature of each soil layer and annual average humidity(P&lt;0.01) with the width of nutrient leaf in only a few years was detected. Therefore, it was concluded that the total content of effective components of E. pubescens was determined by genetics, with a slight influence of ecological factors. The annual average temperature, annual average minimum temperature, and soil temperature of each soil layer were the ecological factors that had the most significant impact on flower traits, which showed significant differences in different regions, and similar results were not found in leaf traits. Overall, this study systematically conducted a correlation analysis between ecological factors and the effective components, as well as flower and leaf traits, providing guidance for the quality improvement, introduction, and domestication of E. pubescens.

Intraspecific Variation in Mercury Contamination of Alligator Snapping Turtles (Macrochelys temminckii).

Macrochelys temminckii (alligator snapping turtle) is an aquatic turtle endemic to the southeastern United States that was proposed for listing under the Endangered Species Act in 2021. In the present study we analyzed total mercury (THg) concentrations in skeletal muscle, tail clips, and nail tissue of 93 M. temminckii sampled from 14 waterbodies in eastern Texas (USA). Our objectives were to assess (1) the degree of correlation between internal tissue (skeletal muscle and tail clip samples) and keratin (nail samples), (2) the influence of ecological factors (turtle size and waterbody/sampling site) on THg concentrations, and (3) whether THg concentrations were high enough to pose a risk to human consumers. The mean (±SE) THg concentrations of muscle and nail were 1.16 ± 0.08 μg/g dry weight and 4.21 ± 0.24 μg/g dry weight, respectively, and THg concentrations were highly dependent on the sampling site. The THg concentrations of nails were correlated with muscle concentrations (R2 = 0.56, p < 0.001). The effect of body size on THg concentrations varied by sampling site, indicating that size is not a good predictor of Hg concentration across sites. Finally, THg concentrations in M. temminckii of eastern Texas were high enough to pose a potential risk to human health based on US Environmental Protection Agency dietary guidelines. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:1903-1913. © 2024 SETAC. This article has been contributed to by U.S. Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.

Effects of ecological factors on the pollination biology and seed production of Salvia daiguii: A critically endangered ornamental species from China

Salvia constitutes one of the largest genera in the Lamiaceae, with approximately 1,000 species found worldwide, and is recognized for its high ornamental and medicinal value. Salvia daiguii is a multipurpose perennial herb that grows on cliffs in the Zhangjiajie City, Hunan Province, China. Nevertheless, the pollination biology of vulnerable plants on cliffs, specifically the effects of abiotic factors on flower visitation and seed set, remains poorly understood. In this study, we observed the effects of biotic factors: flowering phenology and flower characteristics, flower longevity, nectar volume and concentration, pollen viability and stigma receptivity, pollinator visitation frequency, pollen remaining and deposition, and breeding systems, as well as abiotic factors: habitat fountain, temperature, and humidity, on the pollination and seed production of S. daiguii in two populations in Zhangjiajie City. The pollination biology results reveal that S. daiguii has a mixed mating system that depends on pollinators. The flower visitation and seed set of S. daiguii in the absence of natural fountain areas in Tianmenshan National Forest Park was scarcely affected by biotic factors. However, we observed a significant reduction in pollinator types, visitation frequency, and natural seed set of this population owing to abiotic factors, including the presence of a fountain habitat and increased humidity. Further, seed set in the Zhangjiaxi Ecological Forest Reserve was affected by both biotic (serious pollen limitation) and abiotic (higher population temperature) factors. We considered that pollinators types, flower visitation frequency, and natural seed set are vulnerable to the influence of ecological factors in fragmented habitats. Our results reveal the mechanisms contributing to the endangerment of species exemplified by S. daiguii and underscore the significance of conservation efforts for the sustainable use of other endangered species.

Ecological Existentialism in Echoes: Existence of Human Life and Nature

This research article delves into the philosophical foundations of the novel, Echoes, which centers on the central character’s pursuit, as a teacher, of goodness over greatness and his existential quest for meaning. With the objective of examining the novel’s themes and narrative structure from eco-existential point of view, the study investigates the principles of ecological existentialism and the interplay between human existence and the natural world. Central to this exploration, as the research questions, are the concepts of solitude, freedom, and Karma, which the author employs to advocate for existentialism within an ecological framework. By employing ecocriticism and existentialism as theoretical lenses, the article elucidates how the novel portrays the co-existential relationship between humanity and ecology, emphasizing human responsibility and the freedom to imbue life with meaning. This analysis is significant in fostering environmental values and highlighting the interconnectedness of human existence and the natural environment. The study underscores the novel’s potential to illuminate paths towards ecological harmony and deepen understanding of existential philosophy, particularly as it pertains to questions of individuality, freedom, and the search for meaning in the context of environmental ethics. Ultimately, it advocates for a holistic approach to existence that acknowledges the profound influence of ecological factors on human life and underscores the importance of aligning existential values with environmental stewardship.

Sex drives colonic mucin sialylation in wild mice

Mucin protein glycosylation is important in determining biological properties of mucus gels, which form protective barriers at mucosal surfaces of the body such as the intestine. Ecological factors including: age, sex, and diet can change mucus barrier properties by modulating mucin glycosylation. However, as our understanding stems from controlled laboratory studies in house mice, the combined influence of ecological factors on mucin glycosylation in real-world contexts remains limited. In this study, we used histological staining with ‘Alcian Blue, Periodic Acid, Schiff’s’ and ‘High-Iron diamine’ to assess the acidic nature of mucins stored within goblet cells of the intestine, in a wild mouse population (Mus musculus). Using statistical models, we identified sex as among the most influential ecological factors determining the acidity of intestinal mucin glycans in wild mice. Our data from wild mice and experiments using laboratory mice suggest estrogen signalling associates with an increase in the relative abundance of sialylated mucins. Thus, estrogen signalling may underpin sex differences observed in the colonic mucus of wild and laboratory mice. These findings highlight the significant influence of ecological parameters on mucosal barrier sites and the complementary role of wild populations in augmenting standard laboratory studies in the advancement of mucus biology.

Aspects of Breeding Performance of Scopoli’s Shearwater (Calonectris diomedea): The Case of the Largest Colony in Greece

Here we report, for the first time, aspects of the breeding performance of Scopoli’s Shearwater (Calonectris diomedea) in one of its largest colonies in Europe, i.e., in the Strofades island group. We describe the chronology of the main events in the breeding cycle of this species on Stamfani Island, the largest island of this island group, including the evaluation of breeding performance and the influence of ecological factors (nesting habitat, nest type, nest-entrance orientation, and occupation rate per nest) on breeding success. The Scopoli’s Shearwater colony of Stamfani Island exhibited a high degree of breeding synchrony and nest site tenacity. The data obtained by monitoring 472 nests during five consecutive years (2008–2012), showed a breeding success (fledging per occupied nest per year) of up to 66.6%. In addition, hatching success (chick hatched successfully per egg laid) was 76.9%, and fledging success (fledging young per chick hatched successfully) was 86.8%. We also observed annual variations in breeding performance during that period. These results seemed to be influenced positively by the breeding experience of the pair. Furthermore, the type of nest site and the nest-entrance orientation were found to have an effect on breeding success rates, whereas the nesting habitat did not, indicating low predation risk by rats.

Cerrado bat community assembly is determined by both present‐day and historical factors

AbstractAimTo investigate the influence of ecological factors, geologic and climatic history on current diversity patterns of bat communities. We predicted that (i) our three different biodiversity dimensions (species richness, functional and phylogenetic diversity) will have a positive relationship with habitat heterogeneity; (ii) variation in phylogenetic diversity will be positively influenced by elevation; (iii) biodiversity dimensions will be influenced by climatic stability, with less diversity in regions with higher climatic instability.LocationNeotropical Savannah (Cerrado).MethodsWe calculated nine metrics: species richness, functional diversity, phylogenetic diversity, mean paired functional distance (MFD) and phylogenetic distances (MPD), richness‐corrected functional diversity (SES‐FD), richness‐corrected phylogenetic diversity (SES‐PD) and richness‐corrected mean functional and phylogenetic distances (SES.MFD and SES.MPD) using distribution records for 111 bat species. Habitat heterogeneity, climatic variables, elevation, floristic and climatic stability were used as independent variables. We used hierarchical Bayesian models to spatialise biodiversity dimensions based on the best predictors.ResultsCerrado habitat heterogeneity is important for phylogenetic diversity and mean functional and paired phylogenetic distances. Precipitation, temperature, elevation, habitat heterogeneity, and climatic stability were the most important predictors of Cerrado bat biodiversity. Species richness is inversely related to climatic instability, which is the best predictor of this metric. There is a decline in species richness in regions where the floristic composition has been more altered during the last 30,000 years, mainly in southern Cerrado.Main ConclusionsPresent‐day and historical factors simultaneously explain the biodiversity dimensions of bat communities in the Cerrado. Habitat heterogeneity is a major driver of phylogenetic diversity of Cerrado bats, and species of closely related lineages share habitats with homogeneous vegetation. Cerrado climatic changes and geologic history influenced the observed diversity metrics (PD and FD) and the ones corrected for species richness (SES‐PD and SES‐FD) in opposite ways. Species richness corrected metrics (SES‐PD and SES‐FD) indicate that species filtered by adaptive traits mainly occupied regions of climatic instability.

Influence of ecological factors on the phytochemical composition and bioactivity of Berberis tinctoria Lesch. wild edible fruits

Berberis tinctoria Lesch. is an endemic wild plant with significant medicinal value in traditional ethnomedicine. Although its chemical composition has not yet been studied, tribal communities in Nilgiri-Hills (NH) and Palani-Hills (PH) use it as food and to cure various ailments. The present study aims to analyze the influence of ecological factors on the accumulation of active compounds and antioxidants in B. tinctoria fruits. The antiproliferative effect was also evaluated. Thus, two distinct geographic locations within the B. tinctoria cultivation area were selected. The contents of soil pH, organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and primary and secondary active metabolites in the fruits were measured. Bioactive compounds were tentatively identified by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screening revealed that major primary and secondary metabolites were more abundant in fruits from the NH region, especially in terms of total phenols and alkaloids. The data acquired highlight that soil physicochemical properties have a highly positive correlation with secondary metabolites content and bioactivity. In particular, NH ethyl acetate (NH-EAF) extracts showed higher antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activiy, as well as antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecium. Furthermore, NH-EAF extract showed cytotoxic effects with IC50 equal to 102.85 μg/mL and 123.39 μg/mL towards Raw 264.7 and Caco-2 cell lines, respectively. The results of this study confirmed that the fruit variability of phytochemicals and biological activities is due to geographical variation and ecological factors.

Using Unoccupied Aerial Systems (UASs) to Determine the Distribution Patterns of Tamanend’s Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops erebennus) across Varying Salinities in Charleston, South Carolina

The Charleston Estuarine System Stock (CESS) of Tamanend’s bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops erebennus) exhibit long-term site fidelity to the Charleston Harbor, and the Ashley, Cooper, and Wando Rivers in Charleston, South Carolina, USA. In the Cooper River, dolphins have been irregularly sighted in upper regions where salinity levels are below what is considered preferred dolphin habitat. We conducted unoccupied aerial system (UAS) surveys in high-salinity (&gt;15 parts per thousand) and low-salinity (&lt;15 parts per thousand) regions (n = 8 sites) of the Cooper River and surrounding waters to assess dolphin distribution in terms presence/absence, detection rate, abundance, and density. We also assessed the influence of ecological factors (salinity, water temperature, season, and prey availability) on dolphin distribution. Dolphins were detected at five sites, with higher salinity and water temperature being significant predictors of presence and abundance. Dolphins were detected year-round across high-salinity sites, and were infrequently detected in low-salinity sites during months with warmer water temperatures. The results from this study contribute to the overall understanding of dolphin distribution across various habitats within the Charleston Estuary System and the potential drivers for their movement into low-salinity waters.

성장혼합모형(GMM)을 적용한 장애인의 직업능력 유형과 영향요인

In this study, using data from the 1st year (2015) to the 6th year (2021) of the 2nd wave of the Korea Employment Agency for the Disabled's Panel Survey of Employment for the Disabled (PSED), In order to identify the categorization of the vocational ability of the disabled according to the classification and the influence of ecological factors that affect these categorization, a growth mixture model analysis was conducted. Analysis results, First, it was confirmed that individual differences were significant in the change trajectory of the disabled's vocational ability. Second, as a result of analyzing the growth mixture model for the trajectory of change in the vocational ability of the disabled, it was confirmed that there are three potential classes. The largest proportion of the disabled people's vocational ability was likely to belong to the 'high level maintenance type', followed by the 'low level continued type' and the 'high level reduced type'. Third, among the personal background factors of the disabled, the lower the 'age' and 'spouse', the higher the probability of belonging to the 'high level maintenance type' rather than the 'high level reduction type group' or 'low level continuing type' of vocational ability. . Among the disability characteristics factors, the more 'persons with physical disabilities' and 'mild disabilities', the higher the probability of belonging to the 'high level maintenance type' rather than the 'high level reduction type group' or 'low level continued type' of vocational ability. Among the occupational characteristics factors, the more 'jobs', the higher the 'education level', and the 'health status', the higher the 'high level maintenance type' rather than the 'high level reduction type group' or 'low level continuous type' of vocational ability. I'd say it's more likely to belong.

Systematic review of free and open source software (FOSS) employed in ecomorphological studies with recommendations for user-friendly developments

Morphometrics is an important aspect of biological research that integrates in various ways with other branches of biology like genetics, ecology, and evolution to determine an organism's form and function. It is one of the most frequently used methods to study ecomorphology (the interaction of morphological features of organisms with environmental variables). In recent years, research in the field of morphometrics has achieved revolutionary developments from studying simple morphological variations to visualizing shape differences, thanks to free and open source software (FOSS). These FOSS not only incorporate various steps of morphometric methods such as image processing, digitization, data acquisition and statistical analyses but also help in determining the influence of ecological factors on an organism's morphology. In this article, we discussed the applications, benefits, and drawbacks of FOSS frequently employed in current ecomorphological studies. We observed that in many morphological studies, the integration of ecological data is completely missing, which is a prerequisite in determining the influential factors influencing an organism's morphology. We believe that the main reason behind the lack of integration of ecological information in these studies is the dearth of proper knowledge about the usage of presently available FOSS. To move forward, we, therefore, propose software developers to design user-friendly FOSS which will be compatible with all operating systems and can integrate all maneuvers of ecomorphological methods with common data file formats. This will help researchers to employ an ecomorphological approach to resolve various questions in biological research.

The Influence of Ecological Factors on the Phytochemical Characteristics of Pinus cembra L.

Pinus cembra L., also known as Swiss pine, is one of the lesser studied coniferous species, despite literature pointing out its great potential to be used for medical purposes due to its high contents in active phytochemicals. The aim of this study is to phytochemically assess rhytidome and periderm extracts obtained from Swiss pine from various locations and altitudes, so as to be able to deduce the best locations for harvesting samples with the highest biological activity. After the plant was analyzed histo-anatomically, hydroalcoholic extracts were obtained using ultrasounds, a rotary evaporator, and dry freezing. After determining the total polyphenolic content (TPC) in each sample, they were tested for antioxidant and enzymatic activity, while taking note of the influence of the varying altitudes and different harvesting regions on the intensity of each activity. The results from the TPC analysis show that rhytidome samples collected from the highest altitude (2429 m) displayed the highest content of polyphenols, with a general tendency for the amount of polyphenolic content to be directly correlated to altitude, this finding being further supported by the antioxidant activity also growing directly proportionally with the altitude. Enzymatic inhibition activity was found to be moderate for α-glucosidase and low for α-amylase. Following our findings, we can safely say that Pinus cembra L. extracts can be a great source of compounds with antioxidant activity; however, further studies are warranted to best determine the true potential of this species.

Parasitic and Ecological Factors Associated with Transmission of Urogenital Schistosomiasis in Owena Reservoir Area, Ondo State, Nigeria

Human urogenital schistosomiasis caused by infection of the trematode worm Schistosoma hematobium is a major source of morbidity and mortality in Ondo State especially in Owena Reservoir Area, Ondo East Local Government Area, Ondo State, Nigeria. The aim of this study was to investigate: (i) the seasonal and spatial distribution, infection and cercariae shedding patterns of identified local Schistosoma intermediate snail host(s); (ii) to determine the influence of ecological factors on the identified intermediate snail species in the transmission of urogenital schistosomiasis along the Owena Reservoir and river courses. All the snails collected were placed in pre-labeled plastic containers and were transported to a Malacology Laboratory at Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria. The snails were identified to species level, counted and recorded as number of snails, per site, per date. The snails were identified using standard identification keys. Examination of snails for Schistosoma infection was carried out by crushing method. Cercariae were identified to genus level. However, only snails shedding Schistosoma cercariae were recorded as infected. Each of the eight sites was sampled once monthly for twenty-four months. Eight stations (sites) of diverse ecological characteristics were selected along the Owena Reservoir and monitored for snails species’ diversity, distribution and infection patterns, physicochemical properties of H2O, macrophyte types and coverage in relation to the transmission of urogenital schistosomiasis. Seven snail species representing two sub-classes, three families and five genera were identified in Owena Reservoir Area. Bulinus globosus and Bulinus truncatus were the only established Schistosoma intermediate snail hosts in site 4 (KAJ 1) located in Kajola community. Out of the eight sites studied, site 4 in Kajola community had the highest infection rate while Embankment/Dam (site 8) had the least. Site 4 in Kajola community is therefore the major transmission site. All the snail species correlated positively with alkalinity conduction, negatively with air temperature. Bulinus globosus correlated significantly positive with Ludwiga erecta, Ludwiga decurrens, Commelina africana, and Berberis calamus (p&lt;0.05) but correlated significantly negative with Panicum maximus and Ervatomia hirta (p&gt;0.05). Bulinus truncatus correlated significantly positive with Aspillia africana, Ludwiga decurrens, Emilia occinina, and Crosus sativue (p&lt;0.05) but correlated significantly negative with Ludwiga erecta, Panicum maximus, and Commelina africana (p&gt;0.05). This study recommends environmental management and manipulation using water level regulations to render water contact sites environmentally unfriendly for both snail growth and human recreational activities during the period of high risk transmission since chemical control (the use of molluscicide) poses a risk to health, not only to the snail intermediate hosts but also to the inhabitants of the communities who commonly depend on reservoirs, streams, rivers, dams for their domestic water supply.

Comparative performances of different farming systems and associated influence of ecological factors on Gracilaria sp. seaweed at the south-east coast of the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh

The production performance and biochemical composition of agar-enriched Gracilaria sp. were evaluated under three farming systems (off-bottom net, floating long-line and off-bottom long-line) from October 2021 to April 2022. For this study, 25 off-bottom long-line (14 m × 5 m), 20 off-bottom net (1.8 m × 3.5 m), and 10 floating long-line (10 m × 3 m) were established and managed in a participatory farming approach with coastal communities at the south-east coast of the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh. While growing to a length of 30–40 cm, Gracilaria sp. was partially harvested every 15–30 days, depending on the culture months. The average biomass production in the floating long-line system was 135% and 67.2% higher than the off-bottom long line and off-bottom net culture systems, respectively. Harvested Gracilaria sp. from floating culture was very clean, mostly free from encrusting organisms and impurities, and had an attractive reddish coloration. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that the growth performances of Gracilaria sp. were positively influenced by high salinity, dissolved oxygen, and nutrient concentration and negatively influenced by high temperature, turbidity, and total suspended solids. Gracilaria sp. harvested from the floating long-line system had higher amount of protein and lipids compared to the off-bottom systems. The total essential amino acid content of Gracilaria sp. in the floating long-line system was 18.4% and 13.3% higher (p < 0.05) than in off-bottom long-line and off-bottom net culture systems, respectively. Among the 10 minerals analyzed, Ca, K, and Zn contents were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the floating long-line system. Among fatty acids, the n6-PUFA content of Gracilaria sp. in the floating long-line system was 11.2% higher (p < 0.05) than in the off-bottom long-line system. The Gracilaria sp. from the floating long-line culture system contained 18.8–21.3% higher agar than the off-bottom systems. The study also revealed that Gracilaria sp. obtained from the floating long-line system contained significantly lower heavy metals (Cr, Cd, Pb, and As) than the off-bottom systems. The findings of the present study demonstrated that raft-based floating long-line systems could be a promising culture technology for the production of agar-enriched Gracilaria sp. along the coastal areas of Bangladesh and elsewhere.

Integrating Environmentally Friendly Management of Water Resources toward Ecological and Socio-Economic Sustainability

In small-scale reservoir management, ecological factors must be a top priority, because the sustainability of the ecosystem in the reservoir is very important to maintain sustainable water availability. Efforts to maintain water quality, reduce pollution and maintain the balance of the ecosystem in the reservoir must be carried out consistently. In an effort to maintain the sustainability of small-scale reservoir management, collaboration between the government, local communities and other related parties is needed. By prioritizing ecological, social and economic aspects in a balanced way, it is hoped that the management of water resources in small-scale reservoirs can run in a sustainable manner, provide benefits to local communities, and preserve the surrounding environment. The research method used in this study is to use quantitative methods with a total sample of 137 respondents. Data collection techniques used observation and structured interview techniques to collect data on ecological, social and economic factors that affect the sustainability of small-scale reservoirs. The analysis technique used is the SEM (Structural Equation Modeling) statistical test with AMOS program. Based on the results of the research conducted, it can be concluded that the first hypothesis which states the influence of ecological factors on the sustainability of small-scale reservoirs cannot be accepted. Then the second and third hypotheses show that social and economic factors together have a significant influence on the sustainability of small-scale reservoirs. This shows that in the management of water resources in small-scale reservoirs, not only ecological factors need to be considered, but also social and economic factors.

Analysis of the features of the realization of the productive potential among heterosis hybrids of pumpkins (Cucūrbita māxima)

Aim. To create a late-ripening heterosis hybrid of pumpkin with high yield and quality traits; to investigate the level of the adaptive potential of promising hybrid combinations in terms of commercial yield. Methods. Field, breeding, visual, measuring and weighing, laboratory, mathematical and statistical. The research was carried out during 2011–2020 at the Dnipropetrovsk research station of the Institute of Vegetables and Melons Growing of NAAS (Oleksandrivka village, Dnipro district, Dnipropetrovsk region), according to generally accepted methods in melons growing. Results. A new high-yielding, high-quality hybrid of the pumpkin Korol was created for the Steppe and Forest-Steppe of Ukraine. Over the years of research, the new hybrid has shown significant advantages over analogues in productivity traits.The hybrid Korol provides a high level of total yield: 37.1 t/ha (+ 6.3–10.6 t/ha; + 20.5–40.0%). Due to the accelerated terms of ripening (123 days), the maximum marketability of the fruits was achieved (97%), with a yield of marketable products – 30.6 t/ha (+ 8.5–16.4 t/ha; + 30.9–83.6 %). The study of the influence of ecological factors on the realization of the productive potential of promising hybrid combinations made it possible to identify highly adapted (2), labile (2) and breeding-valuable (1) hybrids. The combination Yuvilei / Slavuta (Pharaon) guarantees the production of marketable pumpkin at the level of 36.8 t/ha. Conclusions. The expediency of using the phenomenon of heterosis to increase the marketable yield of pumpkin has been proven. The newly created hybrid Korol is characterized by high competitive heterosis for this trait, which makes it possible to recommend it for ensuring the high economic efficiency of pumpkin cultivation in the Steppe and Forest Steppe of Ukraine. Promising heheterotic hybrids of pumpkin were studied and the combination of Yuvilei / Slavuta (Pharaon) with the highest ability to stably form productive potential regardless of ecological features of the environment was selected.

Infl uence of ecological factors on the start date of the colorado potato beetle lLeptinotarsa decemlineata (Say) (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae) emergence from overwintering sites in the Central forest-steppe priobskii agro-landscape region

As a result of long-term studies, the complex e ect of the depth of soil freezing, depth of snow cover, the amount of precipitation, the temperature of air and of soil at a depth of 0-20 and 20-40 cm, the sum of e ective temperatures on the start date of the adult Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say) emergence from the soil in potato plantings was established in the Central Forest-Steppe Priobskii Agro-Landscape Region. The average values of these environmental factors for the period from September of the previous year to June of the current year by 27.2% determined the emergence date of the overwintered imago. The share of the conditions of the previous year in uence was 50.5, and the conditions of the current year, 31.1%. The appearance of the overwintered adults was delayed when they had gone for overwintering in moist and cool soil. In November, the emergence date begins to be a ected by the depth of snow cover and the depth of soil freezing (the in uence shares 86.8 and 79.5%, respectively), and their e ect together with the factors listed accounted for 35.3%. In December, the same trend was observed, but the air temperature was not considered. In January, the importance of the parameter of the soil temperature increased to 84.3%, and that of the complex of factors in 26.7% of cases. In February, the same trend was observed, and the share of the in uence all previously listed factors increased to 43.0%. From March, the impact of the depth of soil freezing and the depth of snow has decreased to 42.3%, and from April, the sum of rain precipitation and air temperature began to in uence in 81.8 and 65.8% of cases, respectively. In May, the start date of the pest appearance is a ected only by the soil temperature at a depth of 0-20 and 20-40 cm - 80.7 and 94.0%, respectively, and by photoperiod - 91.1%. In June, the main factors were the amount of rain precipitation and the soil temperature - 100%, while the impact of accumulated SET was 50.0%. Thus, in this region, on average, the beginning of the adults’ Exit from the soil starts on June 17 ± 12 days, when the average daily air temperature reaches +19.1 ± 5.8 °C, the sum of rain precipitation (at air temperature &gt; 10 °C) - 70.7 ± 39.1 mm, and the soil at a depth of 0-20 and 20-40 cm warms up to +17.6 ± 3.8 °C and +14.8 ± 2.5 °C, respectively. The SET in this period is 149.0 ± 64.1 degree days.