Natural World Research Articles

The Verdant Canvas: An Investigation into the Significance of Nature in Romantic Poetry

This paper delves into the profound significance of nature in the works of prominent Romantic poets, including William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Percy Bysshe Shelley, and John Keats. It argues that nature transcends mere backdrop to become a primary character, shaping poetic themes, influencing language, and offering a canvas for exploring philosophical inquiries, spiritual connections, and emotional expression. Analysing key poems through the lens of pantheism, the role of imagination, and the symbolic potential of landscape, the paper illuminates how Romantic poets utilize nature to challenge societal norms, express personal anxieties and aspirations, and ultimately, reveal a nuanced understanding of the human condition in relation to the natural world.

Alterity, Kinship, and Repair: When Psychoanalysis Attends to the Natural World

ABSTRACT This commentary engages with Lisa Koshkarian and Chris Larrald’s proposal for a “kinship object” to theorize the human- nonhuman connectedness in psychoanalysis. The authors suggest that early experiences with the maternal environment augments the need for companionship, reciprocity, and the capacity for concern paving way for an inclination toward responsibility, reparation, and recognition of the alterity of the other. It is suggested that tolerating subjective otherness not only connects us with members of one’s own species but a consolidating kinship with all others. It is argued that the authors ecological standpoint heralds an ecopoetics of extinction-survival toward possibilities of non-hierarchical entanglements of the human and the non-human elements in the natural world.

Subjugation and Survival: Animal and Nature Narratives in the Himalayas

Abstract: This article examines both vernacular and establishment narratives about animals and nature in Tibet and the Himalayas. Close readings of documents from the Tibetan Imperial Period and major works of Tibetan literature will be juxtaposed with community narratives collected during fieldwork in the Spiti region of India’s Northwest Himalayas. This article suggests that the historical tendency to emphasize the subjugation of nature has been challenged by recent vernacular and establishment accounts. We shall see that narratives in Spiti have stressed that the relationship between humans and the natural world is a reciprocal one, rather than one of subjugation.

Environmental Degradation and its Metaphors in Cormac McCarthy's 'The Road’: A comparative study with other prominent Narratives

This research provides a comparative literary analysis focusing on Cormac McCarthy's "The Road" within the context of post-apocalyptic literature, emphasizing the novel's unique use of environmental degradation as a central theme. By contrasting McCarthy's work with other prominent narratives in the genre, the study explores the nuanced ways post-apocalyptic literature reflects and influences societal views on environmental issues. "The Road" is distinguished by its stark depiction of a desolate, ash-covered world and its profound exploration of survival's psychological and moral dimensions in the aftermath of an unspecified cataclysm. The analysis reveals McCarthy's subtle yet impactful use of environmental metaphors to delve into themes of hope, despair, human resilience, and the ethical dilemmas survivors face. Through this comparative approach, the research highlights McCarthy's contribution to the broader literary and cultural discourse on environmental degradation, positioning "The Road" as a pivotal work that enriches the genre by emphasizing the interplay between humanity and the natural world. The study underscores the importance of literature in fostering a deeper understanding of environmental stewardship and the urgent need for collective action in the face of ecological crises.

Appreciative Axiology: The Lens Through Which We Value the Appreciative Paradigm

The Appreciative Paradigm, as any paradigm in social sciences, has an original and distinctive way of valuing (Axiology) what is most important in human beings and the social and natural world in which we live.

Christianity and reverential naturalism engage a world in peril: A dialogue between disciplines.

Christian theologians and ostensibly secular sociologists of religion rely on different resources to respond to personal, local, or global problems. The environmental crises we see around the world reflect a strict hierarchy between human beings and the natural world. In both the theological and social scientific arenas of the last few decades, however, we see an 'animal turn' that exposes the hubris of anthropocentrism and creates opportunities for new ways of writing and teaching about the natural environment. Using the Pacific Northwest's 'reverential naturalism' as a touchstone, the authors reflect on the extent to which their respective fields prepare secular scholars and theologians to address the crises all animals - including humans - now face. Using a dialogue format, they explore whether theological and social scientific regimes of truth and knowledge are incommensurable. What might this mean for the region and the two fields out of which they authors emerge?

Geology of the Tour de France: taking a sports audience by surprise

Every year, tens of millions of cycling enthusiasts watch and read about the Tour de France, one of the largest sports events of the year. For hours on end, they wait in anticipation of the climax of the race, and these hours are filled by commentators and journalists with background information about riders, the course, history, cuisine, culture and architecture. Little do they realize that every day the peloton is actually setting out on a beautiful excursion through what is one of the most geologically and geographically diverse regions in the world. The Geo‐Sports project provides journalists, readers, and viewers with accessible excursion guides, in written and video format, on websites and social media. In this article, we explain the rationale and background of the project, and we hope you will join us in lifting the veil to expose the beauty of the natural world and its role in our society.

Dynamic Asset Pricing in a Unified Bachelier–Black–Scholes–Merton Model

We present a unified, market-complete model that integrates both Bachelier and Black–Scholes–Merton frameworks for asset pricing. The model allows for the study, within a unified framework, of asset pricing in a natural world that experiences the possibility of negative security prices or riskless rates. Unlike the classical Black–Scholes–Merton, we show that option pricing in the unified model differs depending on whether the replicating, self-financing portfolio uses riskless bonds or a single riskless bank account. We derive option price formulas and extend our analysis to the term structure of interest rates by deriving the pricing of zero-coupon bonds, forward contracts, and futures contracts. We identify a necessary condition for the unified model to support a perpetual derivative. Discrete binomial pricing under the unified model is also developed. In every scenario analyzed, we show that the unified model simplifies to the standard Black–Scholes–Merton pricing under specific limits and provides pricing in the Bachelier model limit. We note that the Bachelier limit within the unified model allows for positive riskless rates. The unified model prompts us to speculate on the possibility of a mixed multiplicative and additive deflator model for risk-neutral option pricing.

Molecular interactions and genetic improvements of fungal entomopathogens

In the natural world, entomopathogenic fungi are crucial for maintaining the population balances of agricultural pests and disease-carrying organisms. It is impossible to fully address the limitations of mycoinsecticides for field pest management by enhancing a single fungal biocontrol property. Thus, it is desirable to use genetic engineering to increase the biocontrol capability of entomopathogenic fungi in numerous ways. By breaching the host's cuticle, they have the capability to propagate. When coupled with attempts to boost fungal virulence and stress resilience through genetic modifications, comprehending entomopathogenic fungi could improve the economic effectiveness of employing mycoinsecticides for pest control in agricultural environments. Additional research is necessary to elucidate the gene-for-gene connections in fungus-insect interaction models, given the advancing knowledge of fungal diseases in plants and humans.

Exploring the Relationship between Key Perceptual Elements of Urban Secondary Wilderness and Its Restorative Benefits

Urban secondary wilderness (USWs) is a near-natural place in cities and is an important link to reconnect humans with the natural world. Assessing the perceptual elements of USWs not only provides insight into public perceptions and preferences, but also helps to further explore its relevance to experiential values such as environmental restoration benefits. In this study, we selected three USWs cases located in Fuzhou, the capital city of Fujian Province, China, and constructed an evaluation system containing two types of dimensions and seventeen perceptual elements. Based on the public’s evaluation of the importance of and satisfaction with the perceived elements, we extracted the key perceived elements and analyzed their relationship with environmental restoration benefits. The results indicated that all three USWs cases scored over 4.9 on the Perceived Restoration Scale (PRS). Plants, Landscape color, Water, Landform, Climate, Freedom, and Naturalness are the key perceptual elements of the USWs, and the correlation coefficients between the satisfaction with the above seven perceptual elements and the scores of the PRS were all positive. In summary, USWs is an ideal place for residents to carry out restoration activities, and its key perceptual elements play a driving role.

Attitude in ecological evaluations of college English textbooks in China

Ecolinguistics, as an emerging paradigm in linguistic studies, provides an approach for analysing ecological constructions in texts. However, different contexts feature quite different ecological philosophical traditions. English textbooks, often including imported materials, raise consideration for its ecological suitability for different social contexts. This study examines the ecological evaluations of College English textbooks used in China to elucidate the underlying evaluations and assess them according to Chinese harmonious ecosophy. Adopting Martin and White's (2005) attitude system, this study analyses the selected textbooks from the aspects of affect, judgment and appreciation with the UAM Corpus Tool to annotate instantiations of natural resources. Semantic analyses suggest that the authorial construction of nature in textbooks propagate some inharmonious ecological worldviews. The study not only improves our understanding of stance of textbooks towards the natural world but also helps to explore the role textbooks play in ecological education.

Wujud Pelestarian Lingkungan Melalui Penyuluhan Pembuatan Produk Totebag Ecoprint pada Siswa Sekolah Dasar Negeri Kedung Peluk 1

Environmental education has become increasingly important in addressing global ecological challenges. This community service project aimed to cultivate environmental consciousness among elementary school students through the creative technique of ecoprinting. By using natural materials like leaves and flowers to create unique patterns on fabric, students were not only introduced to an artistic process but also gained a deeper appreciation for the natural world. A workshop was conducted at SDN Kedungpeluk 1 Candi Sidoarjo to teach students the basics of ecoprinting. Participants collected natural materials from their surroundings and experimented with various techniques to create personalized tote bags. The results were impressive, showcasing the students' creativity and their ability to transform natural elements into beautiful and functional objects. Beyond the artistic aspect, the project successfully fostered a sense of environmental stewardship among the students.

Sensing physical properties for subjective meanings: Putting Emergent Consumer Perceived Value (ECPV) into the marketers’ toolbox

AbstractMarketers need to understand consumers in both theory and practice to create offerings that are valuable to them. Hence, the marketing discipline has conceptualized consumers’ subjectively perceived value in various ways, using multiple paradigms. Nevertheless, its constituents remain unclear. We argue that this is because the ontological and epistemological premises are both vague and narrow. Consequently, consumers’ value perceptions are still difficult to study or manage. With the aim of making a conceptual leap, our paper is the first to apply a critical realist (CR) approach to the phenomenon. CR’s stratified ontology and subjectivist/pluralist epistemology reconcile the positivist and interpretivist/constructionist paradigms, allowing the simultaneous existence of external socio-natural and internal subjective realities. Using these premises, we examine, from a marketer’s perspective, how consumers perceive value, which is a subjective, phenomenological, and socially constructed act embedded in the natural world. Our CR theorizing deploys Bhaskar’s (2010) RRREIC schema and includes a review of the extant subjective value conceptualizations (consumer perceived value, value-in-use, value-in-experience) and retroduction of the key mechanisms generating the phenomenon: meaning-making and sensory perception. Finally, we propose a novel conceptualization for Emergent Consumer Perceived Value formation (ECPV) as an open system. As its integral component, we introduce the concept of Sensory Value Affordance, explaining how consumers transform physical properties into subjective meanings. These conceptual tools cater especially to B2C managers and account for both the phenomenological and sociocultural as well as the corporeal and perceptual. Finally, we present broader implications for value research, the field of marketing, and society.

From Learning Ecologies to a Social Ecosystem Model for Learning and Skills

The growing relevance of socio-ecological systems (SESs) thinking reflects both the challenges of an anthropogenic poly crisis and attempts to understand the complexities of societal development in an era of globalisation. The article begins by suggesting there are two related variants of SES thinking—relationships between the natural and human worlds (Variant 1) and whole social and human system analysis using metaphorical transfer and theorisation of natural ecological principles (Variant 2). This article elaborates Variant 2 through the development a social ecosystem model (SEM) applied to post-compulsory education and skills development. An exploration of the SEM is conducted through a review of the literatures on ‘Learning Ecologies’ to assess the strengths and limitations of this human ecological approach. Perceived limitations are addressed by the development of the SEM that adds a political economy dimension to the learning ecological model, which is then applied to the field of learning and skills in the English context in support of an inclusive and place-based approach to vocational education and training (VET). The article concludes by suggesting that the SEM can be further expanded by its application to transitioning to more sustainable futures, being developed by scholars of indigenous communities and populations of the Global South, that arguably brings Variant 2 of SESs thinking closer to Variant 1.

CHATGPT IN TEACHING PHYSICS HANDS-ON EXPERIMENTS IN PRIMARY SCHOOL

This study explores the incorporation of artificial intelligence, specifically ChatGPT, to enhance the teaching of physics to primary school students. Using AI-driven simulations and interactive learning activities, the research demonstrates how these tools can convert abstract physics concepts into concrete educational experiences. The results suggest that ChatGPT promotes student involvement, inquisitiveness, and analytical thinking by offering personalized feedback and encouraging practical learning tasks. ChatGPT also significantly contributes to nurturing a positive attitude towards learning physics. ChatGPT helps students overcome the perceived challenges of the subject by providing instant feedback and clarification on physics principles, fostering a more enjoyable learning experience. The investigation underscores the importance of connecting theoretical understanding with real-world application through AI-supported experiments, reinforcing comprehension and nurturing a deeper understanding of the natural world. Additionally, the paper emphasizes the necessity for continuous evaluation of student engagement and academic achievements to gauge the impact of AI in the educational field. This ongoing assessment is crucial for understanding AI's effectiveness in education and making informed decisions about its future use. The study also addresses moral considerations related to data privacy and algorithm biases, highlighting the crucial need for ethical AI deployment in educational contexts. By stressing the importance of ethical AI deployment, the study aims to reassure the audience about the responsible use of technology in education. In conclusion, the study asserts that when integrated thoughtfully, ChatGPT can greatly enhance the educational environment, making physics more accessible and enjoyable for young students while preparing them for future scientific pursuits.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0770/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

The Importance of Experience: Supporting Pupils’ Creative Writing About the Natural World

ABSTRACT The first part of this article considers the challenge of supporting pupils to write creatively about the natural world. It examines a text by a gifted young writer: Diary of a Young Naturalist by Dara McAnulty. It asks what the challenges might be for pupils who may be motivated to model their writing on McAnulty’s, but have limited experience of the natural world. Drawing on the scholarly work of John Dixon, Robert Eaglestone and others, the article highlights the importance of pupil experience in the formation of their writerly voice, thereby emphasising the need for writing pedagogies that deepen and enrich pupils’ experiences. In the second part, the authors present a series of interdisciplinary activities that are intended to enrich pupil experiences, and ultimately encourage creativity. The plan is aimed at pupils in Manchester in the north-west of England, but the activities can be adapted to work in other locations.

Ecocriticism and Environmental Awareness in Modern Poetry in Africa

Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the ecocriticism and environmental awareness in modern poetry in Africa. Materials and Methods: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: The study found that poetry aims to raise environmental awareness by depicting the beauty of natural landscapes and the destructive impact of human activity. Ecocritical poetry often incorporates imagery and symbolism that evoke a sense of urgency regarding climate change, pollution, and conservation efforts. By intertwining aesthetic appreciation with ecological consciousness, modern poets not only reflect the environmental crises of our time but also inspire readers to contemplate and engage with ecological issues. This growing trend underscores the vital role of literature in fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the natural world, thereby contributing to a broader cultural movement towards environmental sustainability. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Ecocritical theory, cultural ecology theory and reader-response theory may be used to anchor future studies on assessing the ecocriticism and environmental awareness in modern poetry in Africa. In practice, promoting ecocritical poetry involves integrating it into educational curricula and public discourse. Advocating for ecocritical poetry in policy involves influencing cultural and media practices to amplify environmental voices and perspectives.

Description of nature and ecological phenomena in William Faulkner's works

This article explores the depiction of nature and ecological phenomena in the works of William Faulkner, focusing on how his literary landscapes reflect the complex relationship between humanity and the environment. Through a detailed analysis of Faulkner’s portrayal of wild, untamed forests and the inherent struggle for survival, the study examines the philosophical underpinnings of his narratives. Faulkner’s works, particularly his stories "The Old Man" and "The Bear" from Go Down, Moses, illustrate the tension between civilization and the primal forces of nature. These stories highlight the existential challenges faced by humans as they navigate the boundaries between societal expectations and natural instincts. By employing various literary devices, Faulkner crafts a vivid ecological dialogue that underscores the inevitable clash between progress and the preservation of the natural world. This analysis contributes to the broader discourse on environmental literature, emphasizing Faulkner's relevance in contemporary discussions on ecological awareness and cultural identity.

MATHEMATICAL MODELING OF NATURAL PHENOMENA

The comprehension of the phenomena that pervade our world is a pursuit that extends beyond the confines of conventional disciplinary boundaries. In recent decades, mathematical modeling has emerged as a powerful tool for elucidating the enigmas of these intricate phenomena, irrespective of their provenance in the exact sciences, biology, geography, or other domains of human knowledge. In this sense, the objective of this study was to review and recover concepts inherent in modeling with a focus on interdisciplinarity. From this comprehensive review, it can be inferred that by exploring examples in various disciplines, the crucial role that mathematical modeling plays in understanding and predicting complex phenomena becomes evident. Through the analysis of the various techniques and approaches presented, it is notable how mathematical modeling transcends disciplinary boundaries, providing unique insights and powerful tools for exploring the natural world and the interactions that occur within it.

Commodities of Work Positions become Monopoly Behavior

The article aims to systematize buying and selling labor power under the condition of money as a measure, showing that job positions are just commodities bought, resold, and traded like any other commodity, making monopoly behavior popular. The article's content is approached from human and social philosophy to achieve the above purpose while simultaneously combining qualitative methods and synthetic analysis. The result is to clarify that all human attributes have the survival value of species; they become different commodities in production and business, measured by standards and money. Throughout the article, the natural world is diverse, with many species, and each species has unique survival characteristics. While animals live mainly in nature, humans create and live on the products of labor. The division of labor has created a complex society with many different occupations and social positions. Money, a tool of exchange, gradually becomes a measure of the value of everything, from labor and products to people. When money becomes the goal of life, people can lose higher spiritual values. This raises questions about the nature of happiness and the meaning of life in a society where money plays a significant role.