Natural Connection Research Articles

Learning with place: exploring nature connection practices on the Earth Kids programme

AbstractThis study investigates nature connection practices in a nonformal place-responsive programme for primary school-aged children in Brisbane, Australia. The practices are explored in terms of their role in making visible the interconnectedness of humans, place and the more-than-human, drawing on posthuman educational theories and practice, in particular common worlds approaches, as well as place pedagogies. The project explores the practices of sit spot, solo wander, journalling, gathering, story-sharing and nature names with a group of children participating in an outdoor homeschool programme. Children’s representations of their experiences in place through story, writing, drawing and the collection of items from nature are analysed to create narrative summaries, which are reflected on and presented with some of the children’s journal entries. The study finds that when integrated together, the nature connection practices: foster embodied and generative place encounters; enable relationships with place and the more-than-human to emerge; cultivate learning with place and (re)story place relations. The paper recommends the use of these nature connection practices in programmes that focus on or integrate outdoor learning in order to generate new understandings about place that recognise the entanglement of humans, place and the more-than-human world.

Effect of microbial network complexity and stability on nitrogen and sulfur pollutant removal during sediment remediation in rivers affected by combined sewer overflows

Discovering the complexity and improving the stability of microbial networks in urban rivers affected by combined sewer overflows (CSOs) is essential for restoring the ecological functions of urban rivers, especially to improve their ability to resist CSO impacts. In this study, the effects of sediment remediation on the complexity and stability of microbial networks was investigated. The results revealed that the restored microbial community structure using different approaches in the river sediments differed significantly, and random matrix theory showed that sediment remediation significantly affected microbial networks and topological properties; the average path distance, average clustering coefficient, connectedness, and other network topological properties positively correlated with remediation time and weakened the small-world characteristics of the original microbial networks. Compared with other sediment remediation methods, regulating low dissolved oxygen (DO) shifts the microbial network module hubs from Actinobacteria and Bacteroidetes to Chloroflexi and Proteobacteria. This decreases the positive association of networks by 17%–18%, which intensifies the competitiveness among microorganisms, further weakening the influence and transmission of external pressure across the entire microbial network. Compared with that of the original sediment, the vulnerability of the restored network was reduced by more than 36%, while the compositional stability was improved by more than 12%, with reduced fluctuation in natural connectivity. This microbial network succession substantially increased the number of key enzyme-producing genes involved in nitrogen and sulfur metabolism, enhancing nitrification, denitrification, and assimilatory sulfate reduction, thereby increasing the removal rates of ammonia, nitrate, and acid volatile sulfide by 43.42%, 250.68% and 2.66%, respectively. This study comprehensively analyzed the succession patterns of microbial networks in urban rivers affected by CSOs before and after sediment remediation, which may provide a reference for reducing the impact of CSO pollution on urban rivers in the subsequent stages.

Kin selection in interactions between gametes: Gamete competition, gamete limitation, and sex allocation

Kin selection on one hand, and gamete interactions in post-ejaculatory sexual selection on the other are two major research themes that have risen to prominence over the past half century and have simultaneously developed into central fields of research in evolutionary biology. There is a natural connection between the two: when gametes interact with each other, very commonly many of them originate from the same parent and are thus siblings. For example, sperm competition will almost always involve competition between sibling gametes even if the interacting parents are not related to each other. If parents are related to each other, the relatedness between gametes increases further. Here we discuss the relation between kin selection on one hand, and gamete competition, gamete limitation, local gamete competition, and the evolution of sex allocation on the other. To illustrate these topics, we present a novel model on sex allocation in simultaneous hermaphrodites under sperm limitation and limited, costly dispersal. We find that sperm limitation can significantly increase allocation into male function, but limited dispersal (and thus increased relatedness) does not alter sex allocation regardless of the presence of sperm limitation.

Assessing the Contributions of Urban Green Space Indices and Spatial Structure in Mitigating Urban Thermal Environment

Urban green space takes a dominant role in alleviating the urban heat island (UHI) effect. Most investigations into the effects of cooling factors from urban green spaces on the UHI have evaluated the correlation between each factor and land surface temperature (LST) separately, and the contribution weights of various typical cooling factors in mitigating the thermal environment have rarely been analyzed. For this research, three periods of Landsat 8 data captured between 2014 and 2018 of Xuzhou during the summer and autumn seasons were selected along with corresponding meteorological and flux measurements. The mono-window method was employed to retrieve LST. Based on the characteristics of the vegetation and spatial features of the green space, eight factors related to green space were selected and computed, consisting of three indices that measure vegetation and five metrics that evaluate landscape patterns: vegetation density (VD), evapotranspiration (ET), green space shading degree (GSSD), patch area ratio (PLAND), largest patch index (LPI), patch natural connectivity (COHESION), patch aggregation (AI), and patch mean shape index distribution (SHPAE_MN). Linear regression and bivariate spatial autocorrelation analyses between each green space factor and LST showed that there were significant negative linear and spatial correlations between all factors and LST, which proved that the eight factors were all cooling factors. In addition, LST was strongly correlated with all factors (|r| > 0.5) except for SHPAE_MN, which was moderately correlated (0.3 < |r| < 0.5). Based on this, two principal components were extracted by applying principal component analysis with all standardized green space factors as the original variables. To determine the contribution weight of each green space factor in mitigating the urban heat island (UHI) effect, we multiplied the influence coefficient matrix of the initial variables with the standardized multiple linear regression coefficients between the two principal component variables and LST. The final results indicated that the vegetation indices of green space contribute more to the alleviation of the UHI than its landscape pattern metrics, and the contribution weights are ranked as VD ≥ ET > GSSD > PLAND ≈ LPI > COHESION > AI > SHAPE_MN. Our study suggests that increasing vegetation density is preferred in urban planning to mitigate urban thermal environment, and increasing broadleaf forests with high evapotranspiration and shade levels in urban greening is also an effective way to reduce ambient temperature. For urban green space planning, a priority is to multiply the regional green space proportion or the area of largest patches. Second, improving the connectivity or aggregation among patches of green space can enhance their ability to cool the surrounding environment. Altering the green space spatial shape is likely the least significant factor to consider.

Does Spiritual Leadership Influence Hotel Employees’ Voluntary Eco-Friendly Behavior? The Role of Harmonious Green Passion and Nature Connectedness

Abstract Purpose: The current paper investigates the role of spiritual leadership in increasing employees’ voluntary eco-friendly behavior. This research emphasizes the value of a harmonious green passion (HGP) and connectedness to nature (CTN) as a mediating factor between a spiritual leader (SL) and an employee’s voluntary eco-friendly behavior (VEB). Design/Methodology: The data was provided by a sample of 273 participants who worked as hotel employees in Yogyakarta’s four and five-star hotels. SPSS and AMOS 25 were used as statistical programs to analyze the data. Findings: Based on the discovery, the study presents strong theoretical and managerial implications that hospitality institutions can use to evaluate the importance of spiritual leaders on employees’ eco-friendly behavior among employees. We also discovered that indirect associations between spiritual leadership and employee voluntary eco-friendly behavior exist via connectedness to nature and harmonious green passion. Practical Implication: By shedding further light on how and when a spiritual leader influences employees’ voluntary eco-friendly behavioral intention in hotels, this research added to the body of knowledge on the hospitality industry in South East Asia. Originality: The study offers novelty by emphasizing the function of connectedness to nature and harmonious green passion in the relationship between spiritual leadership and employees’ eco-friendly behavior.

Understanding and managing psychological distress due to climate change.

Australia has warmed by 1.4°C since pre-industrial times. This is greater than the global average and is predicted to exceed 1.5°C by 2030. This will have significant environmental effects that can threaten human wellbeing. Most Australians have direct experience ofclimate change-related events, with health, social, cultural and economic impacts already evident and wide-ranging implications for mental health. This article provides an overview of climate distress, which encompasses both 'climate anxiety' and other forms of distress related to climate change. It outlines thefeatures and prevalence of climate distress, as well asapproaches for assessment and management based oncurrent evidence and theory. Climate distress is common and can take many forms. These concerns may not be readily disclosed, but can besensitively elicited, and patients may benefit from the opportunity for empathic, non-judgemental exploration of their experiences. Care must be taken not to pathologise rational distress while identifying maladaptive coping strategies and serious mental illness. Management should focus on adaptive coping strategies, use evidence‑based psychological interventions and draw upon emerging evidence about behavioural engagement, nature connection and group processes.

The influence of Self-Guided and Guided Forest Therapy Program on Students’ Psychological Benefits

Background and objective: University students' mental health is threatened by various stressors. Forest therapy is considered an effective way to improve mental health. Many researchers have investigated the effectiveness of forest therapy programs operated by guides. Recently, although the concept of a self-guided forest therapy program has emerged without a guide, research is insufficient. Therefore, the present study aimed to explore the influence of self-guided and guided forest therapy program on students' psychological benefits.Methods: We employed a randomized 3 × 3 crossover study. Twenty-three university students were randomly assigned into three groups to eliminate the order effect. Twenty-three university students were randomly exposed to three conditions: a self-guided forest therapy program, a guided forest-therapy program, and routine activities. All participants participated in all interventions once a week for three weeks, and each intervention was conducted over a one-week washout period to eliminate the carryover effect of the intervention. Measures included the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale (RSES), and the Connectedness to Nature Scale (CNS).Results: As a result, self-guided and guided forest-therapy programs significantly improved participants' negative emotions and natural connectedness compared to routine activities. As for self-esteem, only a guided forest therapy program was higher than daily routine activities.Conclusion: This study shows that not only guided forest therapy programs but also self-guided forest therapy programs have a positive effect on psychological health. Therefore, these findings suggest that running guided forest therapy programs and self-guided forest therapy programs as university in-campus programs will significantly help university students' mental health.

The place of indigenous knowledge in environmental social work in Zimbabwe

Environmentalism has gained momentum in social work. Practitioners and educators now acknowledge that leaving out environmental issues in their teaching curriculum and practice short charges their clients. This paper brings to the fore the element of indigenous knowledge in environmental social work practice. It explores how traditional beliefs and practices, Ubuntu philosophy, and mythology help in the preservation of the environment and adapting to climate change. The paper takes an Afrocentric approach by arguing that if reconsidered, indigenous knowledge systems have the potential to promote environmental preservation. Social workers have come to the acknowledgment that it is critical for the person-in-environment to include the natural environment. They advocate for change and aspects of social justice including environmental issues. The robustness of social work, positions the helping profession as a natural connection to the environment, ecological preservation, and humanity. International bodies like the International Federation of Social Workers emphasize the need for social work interventions to be underpinned by theories that factor use of indigenous knowledge. Environmental social work is one of the emerging fields of social work education and practice that address developmental interventions. In this paper, the authors use their experiences as social work educators and practitioners on the place of the Indigenous knowledge in environmental social work in Zimbabwe.
 How to reference using ASWNet style:
 Mukurazhizha R., Muridzo N., Sunungurayi Charamba S. & Simbine S. (2023). The place of indigenous knowledge in environmental social work in Zimbabwe. African Journal of Social Work, 13(2), 110-117. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ajsw.v13i2.7
 Visit journal website: https://ajsw.africasocialwork.net

A Multi-Country Study Assessing the Mechanisms of Natural Elements and Sociodemographics behind the Impact of Forest Bathing on Well-Being

Interventions such as forest bathing (slow, mindful nature walks) have been shown to increase our connection to nature and be an effective intervention for improving health and well-being. However, there is variation in the activities delivered during forest bathing and the guidance given. Few researchers have evaluated which activities, elements of nature, and senses are responsible for improvements in well-being. The current evaluation addresses this gap and also monitors the emotional state and nature connection following guided forest bathing walks. Participants (N = 1142) across 35 countries completed post-walk evaluation surveys online. Results suggest that well-being and nature connection were rated very highly following forest bathing activities. Experiencing happy feelings and trusting emotions were especially highly rated. The natural elements perceived as contributing the most to well-being were sound-related elements. In terms of sociodemographics, women had higher well-being and nature connection ratings than men; ratings were higher in specialised nature resort areas, with little difference between natural and urban park areas; higher scores were seen in the southern hemisphere and during hot or long-day seasons. This has implications for forest bathing, forest therapy, and nature-based training organisations and their guides who want to improve their method of intervention delivery, maximise well-being, and enhance nature connection.

Practices of Gratitude and Outdoor Leisure

In this article, we approach outdoor leisure as a contingent, transforming cultural phenomenon and advocate for social practices that foster relationality, care, and responsibility across human and more-than-human domains. Our specific purpose is to illuminate how practices of gratitude are shaping and being shaped within the contexts of an adult nature connection apprenticeship program based in Ontario, Canada. Drawing on aspects of Bourdieu’s theory of practice and a participatory, narrative approach to inquiry, we attend to program participants’ storied experiences associated with gratitude. Our interpretations, which are reported as both dialogical representation and thematic description, show how practices of gratitude among program participants take shape through learnings and acquisitions, core routines, and senses of being and belonging. We engage these interpretations to begin mapping how gratitude unfolds and circulates in practices associated with outdoor leisure and to point out potential or necessary shifts within the habitus of outdoor leisure.

Evaluating the influence of nature connection and values on conservation attitudes at a tropical deforestation frontier.

Inner phenomena, such as personal motivations for pursuing sustainability, may be critical levers for improving conservation outcomes. Most conservation research and policies, however, focus on external phenomena (e.g., ecological change or economic processes). We explored the factors shaping 9 conservation attitudes toward forest and wildlife protection among colonist farmers around an Amazonian deforestation frontier. Our data comprised 241 face-to-face quantitative surveys, complemented with qualitative insights from open-ended questionnaire responses and opportunistic semistructured interviews. To account for the full spectrum of possible inner motivations, we employed measures of nature connection (indicating biospheric motivation) and personal values organized around the traditionalism (traditionalist through to high openness to change) and universalism dimensions (egoistic through to altruistic motivations). We used averaged beta-binomial generalized linear models to assess the role of external factors (socioeconomic, sociodemographic, and environmental) and personal (inner) motivations on the variation in attitudes. Each attitude was modeled separately. The relative importance of each predictor was judged by the proportion of models where it appeared as significant. Proconservation views were expressed by the majority (at least 65%) of the respondents in 7 out of the 9 attitude models. The most consistent predictors were emotional nature connection and personal values (significant in 4-6 out of 9 models), rather than external phenomena (significant in 0-5 models). However, the poorest farmers had lower scores on the agreement with prioritizing nature over development (𝛽=-0.52, 95% CI: -0.96 to -0.07). Qualitative data also indicated that economic barriers hinder forest conservation on farms. These results suggest that biospheric, traditionalistic, and altruistic motivations promote people's proconservation attitudes, but nurturing these latent motivations is unlikely to improve conservation outcomes if material poverty remains unaddressed. Integrating the inner-outer perspective into conservation thinking and practical interventions could foster environmental stewardship and increase human well-being.

Exposure to nature is associated with decreased functional connectivity within the distress network: A resting state EEG study.

Despite the well-established evidence supporting the restorative potential of nature exposure, the neurophysiological underpinnings of the restorative cognitive/emotional effect of nature are not yet fully understood. The main purpose of the current study was to investigate the association between exposure to nature and electroencephalography (EEG) functional connectivity in the distress network. Fifty-three individuals (11 men and 42 women; mean age 21.38 ± 1.54 years) were randomly assigned to two groups: (i) a green group and (ii) a gray group. A slideshow consisting of images depicting natural and urban scenarios were, respectively, presented to the green and the gray group. Before and after the slideshow, 5 min resting state (RS) EEG recordings were performed. The exact low-resolution electromagnetic tomography (eLORETA) software was used to execute all EEG analyses. Compared to the gray group, the green group showed a significant increase in positive emotions (F 1; 50 = 9.50 p = 0.003) and in the subjective experience of being full of energy and alive (F 1; 50 = 4.72 p = 0.035). Furthermore, as compared to urban pictures, the exposure to natural images was associated with a decrease of delta functional connectivity in the distress network, specifically between the left insula and left subgenual anterior cingulate cortex (T = -3.70, p = 0.023). Our results would seem to be in accordance with previous neurophysiological studies suggesting that experiencing natural environments is associated with brain functional dynamics linked to emotional restorative processes.

Organic amendments alter microbiota assembly to stimulate soil metabolism for improving soil quality in wheat-maize rotation system

Straw retention (SR) and organic fertilizer (OF) application contribute to improve soil quality, but it is unclear how the soil microbial assemblage under organic amendments mediate soil biochemical metabolism pathways to perform it. This study collected soil samples from wheat field under different application of fertilizer (chemical fertilizer, as control; SR, and OF) in North China Plain, and systematically investigated the interlinkages among microbe assemblages, metabolites, and physicochemical properties. Results showed that the soil organic carbon (SOC) and permanganate oxidizable organic carbon (LOC) in soil samples followed the trend as OF > SR > control, and the activity of C-acquiring enzymes presented significantly positive correlation with SOC and LOC. In organic amendments, bacteria and fungi community were respectively dominated by deterministic and stochastic processes, while OF exerted more selective pressure on soil microbe. Compared with SR, OF had greater potential to boost the microbial community robustness through increasing the natural connectivity and stimulating fungal taxa activities in inter-kingdom microbial networks. Altogether 67 soil metabolites were significantly affected by organic amendments, most of them belonged to benzenoids (Ben), lipids and lipid-like molecules (LL), and organic acids and derivatives (OA). These metabolites were mainly derived from lipid and amino acid metabolism pathways. A list of keystone genera such as stachybotrys and phytohabitans were identified as important to soil metabolites, SOC, and C-acquiring enzyme activity. Structural equation modeling showed that soil quality properties were closely associated with LL, OA, and PP drove by microbial community assembly and keystone genera. Overall, these findings suggested that straw and organic fertilizer might drive keystone genera dominated by determinism to mediate soil lipid and amino acid metabolism for improving soil quality, which provided new insights into understanding the microbial-mediated biological process in amending soil quality.

Construction of Evaluation Index of Nature-Relatedness Effect of Public Art Landscape Under the Background of Sustainable Development of Environment

Purpose: From the two dimensions of aesthetic nature-relatedness and experience nature-relatedness, we systematically construct an evaluation index system of public art nature-relatedness effect composed of the attraction effect index, communication effect index, reflection effect index, and experience effect index. The construction of the evaluation index system has laid a perfect foundation for the nature-relatedness evaluation of public art landscape. Theoretical framework: 'Natural-relatedness' is a kind of relationship, which contains the individual's recognition, praise, tolerance, and understanding of the interconnection between man and nature. The content involved not only includes the individual's feeling of facing nature but also the self-concept contained in nature, as well as the individual's values of nature, self, and society. The natural-relatedness has a positive effect on people's green ecological view and healthy outlook on life. Design/methodology/approach: This study used literature analysis, field research, analytic hierarchy process, and case analysis. Through literature analysis, we sort out the current situation and problems in regional environmental planning at home and abroad. The evaluation index system of the natural coupling effect of the public art landscape is constructed by the analytic hierarchy process. The case analysis method is used to analyze the evaluation results. Findings: The evaluation index system includes four secondary evaluation indexes: 'the attraction effect, '' reflection effect, '' communication effect ' and ' the experience effect, 'and 13 tertiary indexes under the secondary indexes. The construction of the evaluation index of the nature-relatedness effect provides a theoretical basis for studying natural public connection in public art landscape design. Research, Practical & Social implications: This study combines theory with practice, takes the practical problems encountered in the sustainable development of the regional environment as the starting point, and explores the nature-relatedness mechanism from the public perspective. This research helps to improve the effectiveness of public art landscape design practice and has a significant role in promoting the negative emotions of the public in the city. Originality/value: The construction of the evaluation index of the natural connection effect of public art helps to narrow the intimacy and interaction between the public art landscape and the public. The study also provides a specific direction for the creation of the public art landscape.

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE METHOD OFGENERALIZATION IN THE METHOD OF TEACHING THE RUSSIAN LANGUAGE AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE

The article is devoted to the research of ways to implement the method of generalization in teaching Russian as a foreign language. Generalizing language material at the final stage of teaching students Russian as a non-native language is one of the most difficult methodological tasks. Its solution is associated with the task of systematizing language material enclosed in the space of the Russian language. However, it is not possible to thoroughly and fully describe this space. The implementation of the generalization method is shown on the example of the methodology of language material representing the state category. During the research, it was revealed that the generalization can be practical and theoretical in nature, which is why it can be presented in textbooks and textbooks in different ways. Among the most relevant ways to implement the generalization method, the following should be noted: 1) compiling a list of words that can act as statives in statements and be used in constructions expressing a state category, 2) representing the internal (categorical) and externalgrammar of words of a state category, 3) performing a theoretical comparison of a state category with words expressing other categories, 4) explaining the difference between the functioning of words of a state category and the functioning of words belonging to other categories. All this allows you to identify the same, common or repeating properties for statives, apply a grammatical algorithm for the use of statives in statements, identify the general genetic foundations of the category of state, determine the natural and significant connections of the particular manifestations of the category of state, represent the integral system of the category of state in the general system of the language, by detecting the genetic general basis of the category of a state analytically realistically and mentally transform its system, find a general principle of the correct approach to multiple homogeneous uses of words of the state category, create a detailed system of knowledge of the language. At the end of the research, it was concluded that a correct and competent generalization of knowledge about statives contributes to the successful, long-term and continuous language interiorization of the status category.

Nature relatedness scale: Validity and reliability in the Persian context, factors constructing and influencing it.

Psychologically unsustainability stems from the disconnection of humans from the natural environment. Signs of this disconnection have led to the creation of variables generally called "Nature Connectedness" (NC) to measure this relationship. This study is a type of quantitative research, and the method used was a survey. It aimed to investigate the construct validity and reliability of the Nature Relatedness (NR) scale, determine the factors and items constructing, and the variables influencing the NR scale in the Persian context. The NR scale is one of the most used measures in this field and is measured with three factors: Self, Perspective, and Experience. The subjects consisted of 296 students who studied at Shiraz University, School of Agriculture. Based on the construct validity and reliability analysis, the factors and items making up the NR scale were declared valid and reliable (Cronbach's alpha = 0.86, RMSEA = 0.05). Thus, in this study we deliver one scale for NR which according to validity and reliability indices is appropriate and could be used in future research. SMC values of the observed variables resulting from structural equation modeling showed considerable values. Overall, regression analysis could explain nearly fifty percent in changes of the NR scale through two variables of mindfulness and pro-environmental behaviors. The findings of this research can provide theoretical and practical implications for developing the NR construct. Our findings encourage policies that pay more attention to environmental plans and urban design that promote NC among communities.

Plant invasion mediates the regulation of topsoil organic carbon sequestration by the fungal community in coastal wetlands

Spartina alterniflora, which is native to the Atlantic coast, has extensively invaded mangroves/marshes and hence seriously altered coastal soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration along the Pacific coast. Fungi are directly engaged in the SOC cycle, but how the fungal community impacts coastal carbon sequestration in response to S. alterniflora invasion remains unclear. We explored the fungal community shifts in relation to SOC changes by comparing 6 pairs of independent sites (i.e., dominant native plants vs. S. alterniflora) along a 2,500 km coastal transect in southeastern China. Our results showed that the invasion reduced the fungal diversity and shifted the assemblage processes of the abundant subcommunity, not the rare subcommunity, from determinism (0.409) to stochasticity (0.556). The invasion decreased network topological properties (e.g., network size, centrality, natural connectivity, etc.), cohesion, robustness, and the relative abundance of keystone taxa but increased the vulnerability of the fungal community. Importantly, the Shannon index, total cohesion and keystone taxa of the fungal community were significantly positively correlated with SOC concentration, SOC storage and recalcitrant organic carbon (ROC) but not with labile organic carbon (LOC). The structural equation model further showed that the fungal community diversity, complexity and keystone taxa directly regulated SOC storage under S. alterniflora invasion. Overall, we provide new insights into fungal community shifts and cooccurrence patterns under S. alterniflora invasion, helping us better understand the impact of invasion on SOC cycling and its microbial mechanisms, which will benefit future restoration and optimal coastal management.

Being outdoorsy indoors: Nature connectedness through 360-degree images and video

Nature connectedness could be an important motivator for addressing environmental issues via pro-environmental behaviour. While people can connect with nature by spending time outdoors in natural settings, such places are not always accessible. Mediated portrayals of nature offer a promising alternative for connecting with nature. Media that evoke high levels of vividness and spatial presence may be particularly effective. This study uses an online experiment with a 3 (setting: coral reef vs. forest vs. urban) × 3 (media format: 360-degree image vs. 360-degree video vs. traditional video) between-subject design to examine the effects of media type and setting on vividness, presence, nature connectedness and public and private pro-environmental behaviour intentions. Vividness, presence and nature connectedness mediated the relationship between 360-degree images and intentions to engage in public behaviours. Additionally, scenery type was a more substantial contributor to nature connectedness than media format.

A closer look at the relationships between aspects of connectedness and flourishing.

Everyone strives for personal happiness or well-being. Flourishing is a broader concept of well-being. To better understand which factors are associated to people's flourishing, we took a closer look at the relationships of flourishing with three aspects of connectedness: Connectedness with oneself (self-love), with others (pro-socialness), and with the surrounding nature (nature connectedness). Participants were 138 adults between 18 and 71 years (M = 23.21, SD = 7.90, 98 women, 40 men). Significant positive correlations were found between flourishing and self-love and between flourishing and pro-socialness. Furthermore, nature connectedness correlated positively with self-love and with pro-socialness. A regression analysis revealed that all predictors explained 57.5% of the variance of the criterion flourishing. Self-love and pro-socialness were significant predictors of flourishing while nature connectedness was not. One explanation for the large correlations between self-love and flourishing could be overlapping aspects in both questionnaires. The fact that pro-socialness is a stronger predictor than nature connectedness could be due to a more reciprocal reinforcement of pro-social behavior. If a person treats another well, s/he is more likely treated well by that person which could reflect flourishing. Such a direct reciprocal relationship does not exist with nature.

Second Natural Connection on Riemannian Π-Manifolds

An object of investigation is the differential geometry of the Riemannian Π-manifolds; in particular, a natural connection, determined by a property of its torsion tensor, is defined, and it is called the second natural connection on Riemannian Π-manifold. The uniqueness of this connection is proved, and a necessary and sufficient condition for coincidence with the known first natural connection on the considered manifolds is found. The form of the torsion tensor of the second natural connection is obtained in the classes of the Riemannian Π-manifolds, in which it differs from the first natural connection. All of the main classes of considered manifolds are characterized with respect to the torsion of the second natural connection. An explicit example of dimension 5 is given in support of the proven assertions.