Natural Conditions Research Articles

POSITIONING OF HIGH SCHOOL / VOCATIONAL STUDENTS IN THE SELECTION OF UNIVERSITIES IN BANDAR LAMPUNG

This study investigated the problem of student positioning in choosing a college. Focused on factors such as, economic factors with indicators of parental income and education costs, social factors with indicators of family environment and friendship environment, interest factors with indicators of desire to continue to college, and motivation to continue to college. This study investigated the problem of student positioning in choosing a college. Focused on factors such as, economic factors with indicators of parental income and education costs, social factors with indicators of family environment and friendship environment, interest factors with indicators of desire to continue to college, and motivation to continue to college. The purpose of this study was to determine the positioning of high school / vocational students in choosing universities. From the results of the study showed that the positioning of students in Bandar Lampung tends to have a strong desire to continue their education to university, the majority of students tend to choose to live in Bandar Lampung probably because they want to stay close to their families and home environment, and it was found that many students still have the desire to study at state university. This research uses a qualitative approach, which is a research method used to examine the natural condition of objects. In this study, the data collection technique used the distribution of questionnaires to several respondents of SMA/SMK in Bandar Lampung. By analyzing data using descriptive statistics, the presentation of data in this study is with narrative text. Furthermore, presenting data in addition to narrative text, also using diagrams and tables.

The Effectiveness of Tannin on the Amount of Damage to Forest Trees and Stands Caused by Red Deer in the Western Carpathians

Damage caused by cloven-hoofed game and wild animals is a serious problem in Slovakia and neighboring countries. In 2022, the damage to forests in Slovakia was estimated at a level of almost EUR 2.9 million. Despite several implemented measures, the situation is so severe that successfully restoring some trees in some heavily attacked stands is impossible. This paper deals with the preventive elimination of damage caused by red deer in forest stands by the biological method of applying tannin-based mineral licks. Specifically, licks containing tannin obtained from the edible chestnut were used for testing. Several positive effects are attributed to tannins in developing livestock and animal fitness status. To date, however, the question of using tannins as biological agents for the possible protection of forest stands has not been addressed. Therefore, red deer damage was assessed at two localities with similar natural conditions in the central part of the Western Carpathians to explore such a possibility. After the initial sample measurement of the bark-stripping damage caused by the red deer in the autumn, mineral licks with tannin were placed in one selected study area over the winter. The levels of and differences in forest damage by deer between areas with the application of licks with tannin and without tannin were detected in spring of the following year. In the location treated with tannin, the number of damaged sample plots decreased, and the mean plot damage did not increase (no statistically significant differences were registered in mean plot damage between autumn and spring). Meanwhile, in the control location, the total amount of bark-stripped area doubled, mainly due to a statistically significant increase in mean plot damage between autumn and spring. Based on this, we conclude that tannin had a significant preventive effect and considerably reduced the extent of bark stripping. Such promising results indicate that tannin licks can effectively mitigate the problem of bark-stripping damage in areas heavily attacked by red deer.

Slit in a Nest Site Influences the Nest Site Selection in Cavity Nesting Ant Colonies.

For ants, nests provide a refuge against predators and protection from environmental factors. Thus, choosing a good nest site is important for an ant colony, but nest sites are limited resources. Ants of the genus Temnothorax inhabit small cavities in, e.g., acorns, twigs and under rocks. Earlier, it was shown that the ants are able to choose a superior site. In this study, using binary choice tests, we studied the nest site selection by Temnothorax crassispinus ant colonies that typically inhabit empty acorns. For this purpose, we used artificial nest sites without and with an additional slit in the nest wall, mimicking the cracks in potential nest sites under natural conditions. We found that the ant colonies preferred artificial nest sites without these slits. However, no difference in the number of colonies inhabited nest sites with a slit vs. those without a slit was found when the slits were closed using transparent food foil, which prevented the air flow while keeping an inflow of light. What is more, additional light through the hole in the red filter covering the artificial nest sites had no influence on the nest site selection. The results of this study suggest that the air flow through a slit in the nest site wall, rather than additional light, influences the nest site selection. The absence of cracks, e.g., in acorns, could be an indication of the durability of potential nest sites. Thus, choosing a cavity without such damage could be beneficial for the ant colonies.

A chemotaxis model of prey and predator of three species: Existence of unique global solutions

An intraguild predation model consisting of three species with densities s, u1, u2 in R2 is studied. Under certain natural conditions, namely the positivity of the initial values s0,u10 and u20, the solutions exist globally in time in the spaces of Lp∩H1, 1⩽p⩽∞. Our result, avoids the usual modifications on the chemotaxis term ∇⋅[u1∇u2].

Impacts of River Network Connectivity on Flood Signatures and Severity Regulated by Flood Control Projects

The operation of hydraulic projects within plain river networks to mitigate floods can alter river network connectivity patterns, subsequently affecting flood processes. This study employed the MIKE 11 model to simulate flood processes under three different river network connectivity scenarios. Based on the simulations, we propose a method to evaluate flood intensity severity by integrating three flood characteristic indices: Slope of the Flow Duration Curve (SFDC), Rising Climb Index (RCI), and Flashiness Index (FI). These indices assess the overall magnitude of change, the rate of rise, and process fluctuations, respectively. Results indicate that changes in river network connectivity significantly impact RCI and SFDC, more than FI. Compared to the natural river network connectivity mode, changes in urban or watershed river network connectivity resulted in a significant decrease in RCI values by 3–37% or 18–38% across various return periods, with the rate of change in RCI values increasing as the return period lengthened. The impact of urban river network connectivity changes on SFDC within the Changzhou urban area was more pronounced under high-magnitude storm conditions, causing a 61% reduction. Furthermore, changes in watershed river network connectivity had a larger effect on SFDC under low-magnitude storm conditions than under high-intensity storms. Over 80% of the rivers under natural connectivity conditions exhibited flood intensity severity of Level III or higher, particularly in the Chenshu–Qingyang area. The alterations in connectivity significantly decreased flood intensity severity, with 85% to 91% of rivers showing the lowest flood intensity severity of Level I. Under a 100-year rainstorm scenario, flood risk shifted from within the flood protection envelope to outside it in the Changzhou urban area. The results will provide an important scientific basis for regional flood management in plains with dense rivers.

Binder-enhanced reversible photochromic films by tungsten oxide hybrid composites for advanced applications

In this study, we developed binder-enhanced reversible photochromic tungsten oxide (WO3) films for advanced applications. Expanding on previous research, we used tungsten oxide hybrid composites as the base material and incorporated various binders, specifically polyethylene glycol (PEG), polysorbate 80 (PS 80), and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), to evaluate their effects on reversible photochromic reactions. Our experiments demonstrated that the inclusion of CMC significantly improved the photochromic properties and exhibited the fastest reversible reactions when compared to PEG and polysorbate 80. This enhancement is attributed to the high density of hydroxyl groups and the network structure of CMC, which facilitate efficient proton transfer and oxygen permeability, both crucial for the reoxidation process in WO3. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations supported these findings by indicating that CMC has a suitable bandgap and electron mobility, which enhance charge injection and transport. Additionally, the fabricated films showed consistent and stable performance under both heat treatment and natural ambient conditions. These results underscore the potential of CMC as an effective binder for developing high-performance, reversible photochromic films suitable for applications in smart windows, displays, and optoelectronic devices.

Phone-based virtual exploration of green space increases positive affect in students with test anxiety: a pre-post experimental study with qualitative insights

Nature confers a host of benefits including recovering from stress, replenishing attentional resources, improving mood, and decreasing negative thinking. Virtual nature, i.e. exposure to natural environments through technological means, has proven to also be efficacious in producing benefits, although more limitedly. Previous studies with immersive virtual reality with university students have shown that one bout of virtual nature can reduce negative affect in students with high test anxiety and can reduce feeling of worry and panic after several weeks of daily exposure. The present study aimed at replicating the effect of one bout of virtual nature on affect and extend it to cognition in a sample of university students with different levels of test anxiety. An inexpensive goggle + phone apparatus was utilized and the one bout of virtual nature was self-administered. 48 university students took part in the study, randomized between viewing a 360 degrees video of nature or of an urban environment. They completed the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule and the Cognitive Reflection Test before and after the exposure to the virtual environments and responded to open-ended questions about their experience of the intervention. Results showed improvements in positive affect in students with higher anxiety were obtained in the nature condition, no other effects were found. Qualitative appraisal indicated that participants in the nature condition felt more relaxed and focused, however the technical issues were detrimental to the benefits. In conclusion one bout of virtual nature could support students with higher test anxiety when confronted with examinations.

Impact of sediment mobilization on trace elements release in Galician Rías (NW Iberian Peninsula): insights into aquaculture

In the latest years, the concentration levels of certain metals and metalloids in the sediments of the Galician Rías have shown an increasing trend (e.g., As, Zn, Cu, Pb, Hg). These areas are also characterized by their richness in nutrients and their great aquaculture or mariculture activity, with the presence of more than 3500 mussel rafts in the Rías Baixas. The inner areas of the Galician Rías are subjected to activities that resuspend the sediment such as high levels of maritime traffic and dredging or cleaning operations. It is likely that a transfer of these elements to the water column happens during the resuspension of sediments caused by natural events or anthropogenic activities. In this study, selected samples of surface sediments of the Ría de Pontevedra (NW Spain) were subjected to a procedure of aerobic oxidation to determine the concentration of some elements (Fe, Mn, Cu, Cr, Pb, Hg, and Zn) released from the sediment to the aqueous phase. The experiment was carried out within 5 days. Measurements of pH and total concentration were taken both in water and sediment samples. Furthermore, speciation of trace elements was carried out in the sediment samples. Trace element concentrations were lower in the sediments during aerobic oxidation, being released to the aqueous phase. From an environmental point of view, Cu was the only trace element released in quantities that may be toxic for the organisms in the area. This problem of sediment oxidation related to dredging activities or natural storm conditions should be considered in environmental impact studies and transferred to stakeholders.

Dual-mode electrochemical and SERS detection of PFAS using functional porous substrate

Human activity is the cause of the continuous and gradual grooving of environmental contaminants, where some released toxic and dangerous compounds cannot be degraded under natural conditions, resulting in a serious safety issue. Among them are the widely occurring water-soluble perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), sometimes called “forever chemicals” because of the impossibility of their natural degradation. Hence, a reliable, expressive, and simple method should be developed to monitor and eliminate the risks associated with these compounds. In this study, we propose a simple, express, and portable detection method for water-soluble fluoro-alkyl compounds (PFOA and GenX) using mutually complementary methods: electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). To implement our method, we developed special substrates based on porous silicon with a top-deposited plasmon-active Au layer by subsequently grafting –C6H4-NH2 chemical moieties to provide surface affinity toward negatively charged water-soluble PFAS. Subsequent EIS utilization allows us to perform semiquantitative detection of PFOA and GenX up to 10−10 M concentration because surface entrapping of PFAS leads to a significant increase in the electrode–electrolyte charge-transfer resistance. However, distinguishing by EIS whether even PFAS were entrapped was impossible, and thus the substrates were subsequently subjected to SERS measurements (allowed by surface plasmon activity due to the presence of a porous Au layer), clearly indicating the appearance of characteristic C–F vibration bands.

INNOVATION AND INVESTMENT PROVISION OF DEVELOPMENT OF AGRARIAN SECTOR OF ECONOMY OF UKRAINE

The article analyzes the problem of investment and innovation provision of the agrarian sector of the economy of Ukraine. Our country has a significant potential for the development of the agricultural sector due to the large areas of agricultural land and favourable natural and climatic conditions. Investments in modern technologies, high-quality seeds and agrochemicals improve and maximize this potential. The key aspects that contribute to the stimulation of investments and innovations in the country’s economy and contribute to the development of a favourable investment climate, the encouragement of innovative ideas, the study of priority areas for investments, the provision of financial support, etc. have been identified. The priority areas of investment support that will allow to ensure the development of innovation potential are highlighted and the main types of the effects from the application of innovations in the agricultural sphere are characterized. The basic components of investment support for the competitive development of the agrarian sector of the economy are defined, which indicate various sources of investment income of private, state, and international capital. The advantages and disadvantages of sources of investment income and ensuring the competitive development of branches of the agrarian sector of the economy are given. The costs of the scientific research and development by types of work and the dynamics of the number of innovatively active enterprises by types of economic activity in Ukraine were analyzed, the share of innovatively active enterprises in the total number was determined. The sources of financing innovative activity of enterprises of the agrarian sector of the economy of Ukraine are characterized. Innovation and investment mechanisms for ensuring socio-economic development, which affect the formation, development and effectiveness of the innovation and investment environment, are considered. The rating of the «Global Innovation Index» and the position of Ukraine in it, as well as the general principles of investment policy, are given. It was determined that innovative and investment support for the development of the agricultural sector of economy of Ukraine is not only relevant, but also an urgent task to ensure a sustainable and successful future.

Population Characteristics and Habitat Management of the Useful Seaweed Silvetia siliquosa

We aimed to analyze the natural population characteristics and habitat growth conditions of the valuable seaweed Silvetia siliquosa. Its population characteristics and habitat conditions were assessed monthly from May 2022 to April 2023 and April to August 2022, respectively, on selected habitats. The average population density, coverage, and frequency of S. siliquosa were 579 ± 94.18 ind./m2, 27.82 ± 6.92%/m2, and 78.37 ± 5.98/m2, respectively. The average thallus length and width were 47.53 ± 4.35 and 46.33 ± 4.17 mm, respectively, while the branch width, thickness, and frequency were 2.35 ± 0.03 mm, 0.59 ± 0.12 mm, and 2.8 ± 0.2 times, with a receptacle length and width of 24.13 ± 2.07 and 2.81 ± 0.19 mm, respectively. Among the 40 previously known natural habitats of S. siliquosa, growth was confirmed only in Sepo, Sebang, and Bangpo. The causes for the declining S. siliquosa populations could be attributed to habitat changes due to construction, coastal road maintenance projects, habitat disturbances, and increased pollutants. Habitat substrate disturbances and changes were the main causes of the decrease in S. siliquosa growth. Studies on environmental factors and habitat degradation, growth related to environmental factors, mass cultivation, and the marine ecosystem restoration of S. siliquosa are needed.

Global synthesis indicates widespread occurrence of shifting baseline syndrome.

As environmental degradation continues at local, regional, and global levels, people's accepted norms for natural environmental conditions are likely to decline. This phenomenon, known as shifting baseline syndrome (SBS), is increasingly recognized as a likely major obstacle to addressing global environmental challenges. However, the prevalence of SBS remains uncertain. We conducted an extensive systematic review, synthesizing existing research on people's perceived environmental baselines. Our analysis, based on 73 case studies, suggests that SBS is a widespread global phenomenon, occurring across diverse socioeconomic, environmental, and cultural settings. We observed that younger individuals tend to hold lower environmental baselines across various environmental contexts, including climate change, natural resource depletion, biodiversity loss, and pollution. An upward shift in perceived environmental baselines among younger generations was rarely observed. These results underscore the challenge that SBS poses when policy and management responses to environmental degradation are influenced by perceived natural environmental norms.

Research on the relative threshold of sustainable development of the complex system in the Yellow River Basin

As a complex system, the sustainability of basins is crucial for the development and stability of human society. This study creatively combined Otsu algorithm with analytic hierarchy process to determine the relative threshold of sustainable development of the Yellow River basin system, aiming to provide a new perspective for the application of threshold theory to the study of sustainable development. The results showed that among the 24 sustainable development evaluation indicators, the Per Capita Cultivated Area (F24) had the greatest impact, while the Ecological Water use (F2) and Agricultural Water use (F19) indicators had the greatest impact range. For different subsystems, the sustainable development indices of the eco-environment subsystem in the upstream of the Yellow River exhibited more significant changes, while that of the socio-economic subsystem exhibited more prominent changes in the midstream. However, the sustainable development indices of the water-sand subsystems in the upstream, midstream, and downstream fluctuated greatly, with a maximum value occurring downstream. The sustainable development threshold was further determined to be 0.408 for the complex system in the Yellow River Basin. The sustainable development thresholds differed in upstream, midstream, and downstream, which ranged from 0.4201 to 0.4524. Based on the sustainable development threshold, the sustainable development status of the Yellow River Basin had continued to improve since 2017, and a high level of sustainability had been maintained. However, the sustainable status is a dynamic process of change, and changes in natural conditions or policies may affect the state of sustainable development.

Circadian and environmental signal integration in a natural population of Arabidopsis

Plants sense and respond to environmental cues during 24 h fluctuations in their environment. This requires the integration of internal cues such as circadian timing with environmental cues such as light and temperature to elicit cellular responses through signal transduction. However, the integration and transduction of circadian and environmental signals by plants growing in natural environments remains poorly understood. To gain insights into 24 h dynamics of environmental signaling in nature, we performed a field study of signal transduction from the nucleus to chloroplasts in a natural population of Arabidopsis halleri. Using several modeling approaches to interpret the data, we identified that the circadian clock and temperature are key regulators of this pathway under natural conditions. We identified potential time-delay steps between pathway components, and diel fluctuations in the response of the pathway to temperature cues that are reminiscent of the process of circadian gating. We found that our modeling framework can be extended to other signaling pathways that undergo diel oscillations and respond to environmental cues. This approach of combining studies of gene expression in the field with modeling allowed us to identify the dynamic integration and transduction of environmental cues, in plant cells, under naturally fluctuating diel cycles.

Performance of mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis under variable environmental conditions and anthropogenic pressure: A survey of two distinct farming sites in the Adriatic Sea

Changes in natural conditions and anthropogenic pollutants, alone or in combination, pose a significant challenge to coastal bivalve populations. The susceptibility of economically important bivalves to potential stressors in their farming environment has not been sufficiently investigated, despite the increase in anthropogenic pressure along the coast and the remarkable warming of seawater in recent years. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis) from two important farming sites in the eastern Adriatic, namely Mali Ston Bay (MSB) and Lim Bay (LB), in relation to variations of seawater parameters, reproductive cycle dynamics and tissue content of potentially harmful pollutants. The complex seasonal and site-specific patterns of chemical pollutants were determined, with tissue levels of metals, As, PAHs and PCBs largely comparable to those previously reported for the Mediterranean region. Concentrations of organochlorinated pesticides were below the level of detection. Significantly higher Cd, As and Hg concentrations were detected in the tissues of the MSB mussels. The reproductive cycle was clearly associated with the bioaccumulation of pollutants. All biochemical response parameters varied to some extent across seasons and/or between farming sites. A very pronounced seasonality was recorded for acetylcholinesterase and glutathione S-transferase activity at both sites. Metallothionein concentration and superoxide dismutase activity were generally steady throughout the study period. The most striking difference between the two sites was recorded for lipid peroxides concentrations which were predominantly significantly higher in the MSB mussels, indicating expressed pro-oxidant conditions at this site. In particular, significant correlations were found between lipid peroxides and the potentially toxic metals (Cd, As, Hg) accumulated in the mussel tissue. Data reported here are valuable as baseline information for further studies related to stress in farmed bivalves caused by oscillations of environmental factors and increasing anthropogenic pressure along the coastline.

Occurrence, dissipation kinetics and environmental risk assessment of antibiotics and their metabolites in agricultural soils

Antibiotics are among the emerging contaminants of greatest concern to the scientific community. However, the occurrence and behaviour of their metabolites in soils have been scarcely studied. To address this research gap, this study investigates the occurrence, sorption, dissipation kinetics, and environmental risk of highly important antibiotics (sulfamethazine, sulfadiazine, sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim) and their main metabolites in Mediterranean agricultural soils. Batch experiments were conducted under natural conditions for 120 days. Five different dissipation kinetics models were applied to elucidate antibiotics degradation. The sorption isotherms were evaluated by three different models. Most of the antibiotics and metabolites tested showed a good fit with the Linear Isotherm model (R2 >0.96) and biphasic dissipation kinetic models (R2 >0.90). The dissipation and the endpoints values (DT50 and DT90) depended on the soil type properties. A Lixisol soil demonstrated reduced degradation of the investigated compounds. Trimethoprim showed the highest persistence, followed by sulfamethazine, sulfamethoxazole, and sulfadiazine. Parent compounds exhibited lower degradation rates than their metabolites. Remaining antibiotic concentrations were found to be below the predicted no-effect concentration in soil, suggesting that they may not pose a risk to terrestrial biota. This study provides valuable insights into the behaviour of these antibiotics and their metabolites in soil.

Artificial Intelligence Advancements for Accurate Groundwater Level Modelling: An Updated Synthesis and Review

Artificial Intelligence (AI) methods, including Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs), Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference Systems (ANFISs), Support Vector Machines (SVMs), Deep Learning (DL), Genetic Programming (GP) and Hybrid Algorithms, have proven to be important tools for accurate groundwater level (GWL) modelling. Through an analysis of the results obtained in numerous articles published in high-impact journals during 2001–2023, this comprehensive review examines each method’s capabilities, their combinations, and critical considerations about selecting appropriate input parameters, using optimisation algorithms, and considering the natural physical conditions of the territories under investigation to improve the models’ accuracy. For example, ANN takes advantage of its ability to recognise complex patterns and non-linear relationships between input and output variables. In addition, ANFIS shows potential in processing diverse environmental data and offers higher accuracy than alternative methods such as ANN, SVM, and GP. SVM excels at efficiently modelling complex relationships and heterogeneous data. Meanwhile, DL methods, such as Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) and Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), are crucial in improving prediction accuracy at different temporal and spatial scales. GP methods have also shown promise in modelling complex and nonlinear relationships in groundwater data, providing more accurate and reliable predictions when combined with optimisation techniques and uncertainty analysis. Therefore, integrating these methods and optimisation techniques (Hybrid Algorithms), tailored to specific hydrological and hydrogeological conditions, can significantly increase the predictive capability of GWL models and improve the planning and management of water resources. These findings emphasise the importance of thoroughly understanding (a priori) the functionalities and capabilities of each potentially beneficial AI-based methodology, along with the knowledge of the physical characteristics of the territory under investigation, to optimise GWL predictive models.

Investigating the interaction of uranium(VI) with diatoms and their bacterial community: A microscopic and spectroscopic study

Diatoms and bacteria play a vital role in investigating the ecological effects of heavy metals in the environment. Despite separate studies on metal interactions with diatoms and bacteria, there is a significant gap in research regarding heavy metal interactions within a diatom-bacterium system, which closely mirrors natural conditions. In this study, we aim to address this gap by examining the interaction of uranium(VI) (U(VI)) with Achnanthidium saprophilum freshwater diatoms and their natural bacterial community, primarily consisting of four successfully isolated bacterial strains (Acidovorax facilis, Agrobacterium fabrum, Brevundimonas mediterranea, and Pseudomonas peli) from the diatom culture. Uranium (U) bio-association experiments were performed both on the xenic A. saprophilum culture and on the four bacterial isolates. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy coupled with spectrum imaging analysis based on energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy revealed a clear co-localization of U and phosphorus both on the surface and inside A. saprophilum diatoms and the associated bacterial cells. Time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy with parallel factor analysis identified similar U(VI) binding motifs both on A. saprophilum diatoms and the four bacterial isolates. This is the first work providing valuable microscopic and spectroscopic data on U localization and speciation within a diatom-bacterium system, demonstrating the contribution of the co-occurring bacteria to the overall interaction with U, a factor non-negligible for future modeling and assessment of radiological effects on living microorganisms.

Thunderstorm climatology of Slovakia between 1984–2023

Thunderstorms are among the most extreme meteorological phenomena that can cause widespread destruction and loss of life. Their occurrence varies significantly across different regions and times of the year. Despite various studies on thunderstorm activity across Central Europe, direct analyses based on data from the Slovak territory still need to be made available. Given Slovakia’s diverse natural conditions, there is a need for detailed knowledge about the frequency and spatial distribution of thunderstorms in this region. To address this knowledge gap, we analysed the frequency and spatiotemporal distribution of days with thunderstorm occurrences in Slovakia between 1984 and 2023, utilising climatological data from the Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute. We limited our analysis to data of days with close thunderstorms (thunderstorms occurring within 3 km of the monitoring station). Our findings reveal a significant variation in thunderstorm occurrences across Slovakia, with peak activity in the summer, especially in June and July. However, the spatial distribution of thunderstorms differed significantly across the country, with the highest frequency observed in mountainous regions and the east-central part of Slovakia. We found significant deceasing signals of the thunderstorm activity trends during the studied period, including analyses during the colder part of the year. Furthermore, our results underscore the critical role of synoptic situations in shaping these trends, where changes in certain atmospheric patterns were closely aligned with variations in thunderstorm frequency. The interaction between these synoptic conditions and regional topography was particularly evident, reinforcing the notion that topographical and environmental complexities substantially contribute to the observed thunderstorm distribution.

TEACHERS' EFFORTS TO IMPROVE STUDENTS' CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS AT AL-IKHWAN IT JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL

Critical thinking is one of the key skills that need to be developed in 21st century education. Critical thinking not only helps students in understanding subject matter more deeply, but also equips them with the ability to analyze information, evaluate arguments, and solve problems effectively. The ability to think critically is needed in social life, therefore students must familiarize it from an early age, then develop it through education in schools. The development of critical thinking skills must be accompanied by the formation of better skills and attitudes. The purpose of this study was to determine the teacher's efforts to improve the critical thinking skills of students at Al-Ikhwan IT Junior High School. The method used is descriptive method often called naturalistic research method because it is done in natural conditions (natural setting). This method is based on the philosophy of postpositivism and is used to examine objects in natural conditions, where researchers act as key instruments. Data collection is done in triangulation (combined), data analysis is qualitative inductive, and research results emphasize meaning rather than generalization. This study collects information by using interview data to the principal and Civics teacher at Al-ikhwan IT Junior High School The results of this study are that the teacher has tried to improve the quality of the students' learning. Keywords: Teacher, Critical Thinking