Ecological Principles Research Articles

Nature, culture and well-being: Exploring the historical significance of Rosario de la Frontera thermal baths

<p>The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 marked a significant turning point in global politics and the recognition of pressing environmental issues. This period witnessed the emergence of conferences addressing climate change and the adoption of measures to promote sustainable development. Bruno Latour’s book “We have never been modern” (1991) reflects on this historical moment, questioning the prevailing capitalist system and emphasizing the urgent need for a paradigm shift towards ecological principles. In the present context, there is a growing consensus on the need for immediate action to protect the environment. Rising sea levels, soil degradation, melting ice caps, and the impending extinction of species highlight the gravity of the ecological crisis we face. Latour’s concept of “living in times of ecological crisis” underscores the role of culture and its pursuit of abundance and comfort in contributing to this crisis. This study focuses on the thermal baths of Rosario de la Frontera in Salta, Argentina, during two distinct periods, 1826 and 1888. By examining this specific geographical location, the research aims to explore the complex relationship between culture and nature and uncover the motivations that shaped the societal mindset of the time. The study seeks to gain insights into the perceptions of well-being that influenced the development of certain inventions and the transformation of collective lifestyles, with enduring implications for the present day.</p>

Sex-determining region complements traditionally used in phylogenetic studies nuclear and chloroplast sequences in investigation of Aigeiros Duby and Tacamahaca Spach poplars (genus Populus L., Salicaceae).

Members of the genus Populus L. play an important role in the formation of forests in the northern hemisphere and are used in urban landscaping and timber production. Populus species of closely related sections show extensive hybridization. Therefore, the systematics of the genus is rather complicated, especially for poplars of hybrid origin. We aimed to assess the efficiency of application of the sex-determining region (SDR) in addition to the nuclear and chloroplast genome loci traditionally used in phylogenetic studies of poplars to investigate relationships in sections Aigeiros Duby and Tacamahaca Spach. Targeted deep sequencing of NTS 5S rDNA, ITS, DSH 2, DSH 5, DSH 8, DSH 12, DSH 29, 6, 15, 16, X18, trnG-psbK-psbI, rps2-rpoC2, rpoC2-rpoC1, as well as SDR and ARR17 gene was performed for 379 poplars. The SDR and ARR17 gene together with traditionally used multicopy and single-copy loci of nuclear and chloroplast DNA allowed us to obtain a clustering that is most consistent with poplar systematics based on morphological data and to shed light on several controversial hypotheses about the origin of the studied taxa (for example, the inexpediency of separating P. koreana, P. maximowiczii, and P. suaveolens into different species). We present a scheme of relationships between species and hybrids of sections Aigeiros and Tacamahaca based on molecular genetic, morphological, and geographical data. The geographical proximity of species and, therefore, the possibility of hybridization between them appear to be more important than the affiliation of species to the same section. We speculate that sections Aigeiros and Tacamahaca are distinguished primarily on an ecological principle (plain and mountain poplars) rather than on a genetic basis. Joint analysis of sequencing data for the SDR and chloroplast genome loci allowed us to determine the ancestors of P. × petrovskoe - P. laurifolia (female tree) × P. × canadensis (male tree), and P. × rasumovskoe - P. nigra (female tree) × P. suaveolens (male tree). Thus, the efficiency of using the SDR for the study of poplars of sections Aigeiros and Tacamahaca and the prospects of its use for the investigation of species of the genus Populus were shown.

Экологический сетевой подход в приложении к биоэтическим организационным структурам

The term ‘bioethics’ (in the narrow sense) or ‘biomedical ethics’ denotes medical ethics at the modern stage of development. Bioethics is currently institutionalized and falls under the responsibility of specialized organizational structures (bioethics commissions, ‘divine committees’, etc.). The article expounds the prospects of applying network structures to institutions and organizations dealing with bioethical issues and tasks (ethical aspects of reproductive technologies, biomedical experiments, organ transplantation, and bioethical education). With the principles of decentralization (‘multiple authority’) and ecology (an integrative approach to issues under study and integrity of a bioethical expert team), network structures promote creative and effective functioning of bioethical organizations. Nonetheless, the centralized hierarchies of traditional educational and research institutions are also expected to perform essential functions. A reasonable combination of network structures and hierarchies provides the latter with a new role: the hierarchies assess the activity of emergent network structures using competent experts and provide selective support (including financing) to the most effective among them.

Transforming food supply chains for sustainability

AbstractModern food supply chains—infused with scientific and engineering innovations—have made food increasingly more affordable and accessible. Yet there is growing concern about the long‐term sustainability of our food system. Over time, the inputs (e.g., water, fertile soil, fossil fuels, and chemicals) and working resources (e.g., land and labor) required for industrial food production and its associated supply chain structure have become more scarce and hence more expensive. At the same time, the by‐products of these farming and supply chain activities (e.g., farm runoff and greenhouse gas emissions) have often created negative externalities on the environment and human health. To improve the sustainability of food production, research from the life sciences recommends adoption of transformative farming methods that incorporate ecological principles in a sustainable approach to farming. Operationally, this approach leverages economies of scope. In order to maintain strategic alignment, changing food production methods should be complemented with appropriate changes in the rest of the supply chain, including consumption habits. We propose a research agenda informed by findings from the life sciences, which integrates approaches from supply chain management as well as food and agricultural economics, to align all food supply chain partners with sustainable food production.

Cultivating Ecological Understandings in Participatory Action Research - Insights from Dharma Yoga Metaphor

As a PhD researcher, I worked with Participatory Action Research (PAR). To this reference, this paper reflects upon my personal experiences and intellectual development in maintaining inner calm and balance when faced with the outcomes and reactions of practitioner research that follow. I achieved this by utilizing the metaphor of Dharma Yoga, derived from the Vedic tradition. In this reflective inquiry, my focus lies in the field of education, where the application of Dharma Yoga metaphor emphasizes ecological principles like authenticity, relationality, and ethical responsibility. Through this emphasis, I hypothesized that ecological PAR encourages individual growth and societal advancement through inner transformation and outer manifestation of those involved in PAR. My reflection, first, observed the prevalence of the procedural aspects of the PAR model prevalent in the Northern Hemisphere, which centers on organizational learning. Thereafter, my reflective observations shifted to the values of fairness, self-governance, and empowerment embodied in the Southern Hemisphere’s PAR paradigm. Mindful of the limitations in both forms of PAR, I began integrating the metaphor of Vedic Dharma Yoga, which eventually created an additional dimension of ecological epistemology. This framework involved reflective introspection, practical implementation, and collaborative involvement as means, through which practitioner researchers in the field of PAR can engage in selfless practical activities and maintaining inner calm and balance throughout the process. Also, it acknowledged the valuable attributes of both Northern and Southern PAR paradigms while enriching them with the intricate ethical connections between practitioner-researchers and their practical applications.

Natural restoration exhibits better soil bacterial network complexity and stability than artificial restoration on the Loess Plateau, China

Natural restoration (NR, e.g., secondary succession) and artificial restoration (AR, e.g., afforestation) are key approaches for rehabilitating degraded land; however, a comparative assessment of microbial network between these approaches is lacking. We compared bacterial networks under NR and AR in two different watersheds on the Loess Plateau. Our findings revealed significantly heightened network complexity under NR compared to AR, including metrics such as node, edge, modularity, degree, centrality, and keystone nodes. NR's network robustness exceeded AR by 19.45–35.9% and 7.79–17.74% in the two watersheds, aligning with the ecological principle that complexity begets stability. The significantly higher negative/positive cohesion and natural connectivity under NR also support its better network stability than AR. Integrated analysis of paired sequencing data from five Loess Plateau studies conducted on the Loess Plateau further confirmed the higher complexity and stability of bacterial networks under NR. Further analysis unveiled “biological interactions” as primary drivers of bacterial co-occurrence (on average 84.21% of links), surpassing the influence of environmental filtering (5.17%) or dispersal limitation (4.2%). Importantly, networked communities under NR exhibited generally stronger linkages with various ecosystem function than AR. Overall, our study provides insights into vegetation restoration strategies from the perspective of microbial network, underscoring natural regeneration's potential as a superior remedy for degraded-land restoration.

Organic agriculture in the function of sustainable development of rural areas of the Republic of Srpska

Organic agriculture in the function of sustainable development of rural areas of the Republic of Srpska

Moral and Institutional Foundations of Sustainable Technological Entrepreneurship

In this essay, we reflect on the conditions that allow firms to play a leading role in the ecological transition process. The essay starts with an analysis of the technological and economic features of eco-efficient technologies. We argue that they are weak levers for the ecological transition. As eco-efficiency is based on profit-maximising goals, the pace of the transition is unlikely to peak quickly. In fact, this profit motive restrains firms from fully embedding ecological principles in their choices. Some behavioural concerns arise, as rationally bounded firms are likely to pursue uncomplicated and effortless pathways so as to safeguard profits. For instance, firms may pretend to be sustainable, while chasing opportunistic practices such as greenwashing, wokening, and cost shifting. Hence, they cannot lead the ecological transition process. A few consequences derive. First, new moral values must become pivotal criteria in firms’ decision-making processes. Second, such a big challenge must become shared and widely accepted in social discourse, so as to involve all economic actors and trigger a general process of institutional change. These are necessary conditions for the ensuing economic and social provisioning to take care of the limits of the Earth. Finally, we suggest that the teaching of economics must also be concerned with making such a change in mindset successful.

Transforming sustainable aquaculture by applying circularity principles

AbstractA circular economy is considered one way to reduce environmental impacts of human activities, by more efficient use of resources and recovery, resulting in less waste and emissions compared to linear take‐make‐dispose systems. Muscat et al. developed five ecological principles to guide biomass use towards a circular economy. A few studies have demonstrated environmental benefits of applying these principles to land‐based food systems, but to date, these principles have not been explored in aquaculture. The current study expands on these principles and provides a narrative review to (i) translate them to aquaculture, while identifying implications for the main species and production systems, and (ii) identify the main pathways to make aquaculture more circular. We show that the underlying concepts of the ‘safeguard’, ‘entropy’, and ‘recycle’ principles have been well researched and sometimes well implemented. In contrast, the ‘avoid’ and ‘prioritise’ principles have been explored much less; doing so would provide an opportunity to decrease environmental impacts of aquaculture at the food‐system level. One example is prioritising the production of species that contribute to food and nutrition security, have low environmental impacts and thinking at wider food system scale to avoid feed‐food competition in aquaculture. We identified six priorities that could make aquaculture more circular: (i) increase production and demand for the most essential species, (ii) decrease food loss and waste at farm and post‐harvest stages, (iii) support nutrient recycling practices at multiple scales, (iv) adapt aquafeed formulations, (v) inform consumers about benefits of species of low trophic levels and other environmentally friendly aquatic foods, and (vi) address urgent research gaps.

Character Education Through the Application of Ecological Architecture: A Case Study of Vocational High School in South Tangerang

Schools with ecological architecture insight contribute to the surrounding environment, which has an impact on developing the character of students, such as increasing awareness of a sustainable environment. Therefore, the aim of this research is to examine whether the vocational high school in South Tangerang City, which is labelled as Adiwiyata (ideal environment) at the national level, has incorporated the principles of ecological architecture that take into account the surrounding environment, human movement, road circulation, drainage system, and noise level. In addition, this study also aims to explore whether the inculcation of character education has been implemented in habituation activities in schools. The research employed a case study research design, where the unit of analysis under study was one of the public schools in South Tangerang City, which had received a national-level Adiwiyata school award. Direct observation and interviews were used to gather the data. Interviews were conducted to the school principal, heads of study programs, teachers, and 24 students. This study revealed that the principles of ecological architecture principles were adhered in this school. In addition, the findings indicated that character development through character education is incorporated into all subjects as well as into well-executed routine activities, like the activity of “laskar hijau” (the green army), which teaches pupils to appreciate and maintain a beautiful school environment as a means of developing a sense of environmental responsibility.

Eco-Design of Polymer Matrix Composite Parts: A Review.

This research presents a series of analyses related to the eco-design of polymer matrix composite parts, addressing various aspects of it. The main objective was to clarify the definition of ecological design, the benefits of its implementation and its importance in all stages of obtaining a product (design, manufacturing, recycling). Global environmental issues are presented, emphasizing the importance of adopting sustainable approaches in product design and manufacturing. Special attention is paid to the analysis of waste recycling technologies for polymer matrix composite materials. The analysis carried out identifies specific ecological design principles applicable to these materials and presents recent trends in the field. Relevant case studies are highlighted, demonstrating the benefits of ecological design in order to obtain sustainable products. Additionally, the conducted research allowed for finding answers to the questions "what", "why", "when" and "how" it is necessary to apply the principles of eco-design in the case of composite materials with a polymer matrix. In general, the research promotes eco-design as an indispensable strategy for sustainable and responsible production, inspiring companies to adopt these principles for the benefit of the environment and their business performance.

Exploring the Gaps and Potential for Strengthening Urban–Rural Linkages in Hoi An City, Vietnam

This study evaluates the gaps between urban and rural linkages within the corridor of Hoi An city and suggests potential solutions utilizing the circulating and ecological sphere principles for further strengthening these linkages and gradually promoting sustainable development of the city and surrounding area. A face-to-face interview method and an Origin 2018-based analysis were utilized to analyse the gaps between urban and rural linkages. Results were represented by ArcGIS 10.3 with a line diagram. The identified obstacles were (a) unequal distribution of human resources and income gaps, (b) poor basic and economic infrastructures, (c) a lack of interest in the agricultural sector and (d) the absence of corresponding policies. The suggested solutions were effective decentralization, raising investment for basic and economic infrastructures and sustainable agricultural systems, including tourism, value-added chain of network building and more focused and effective corresponding policies. This study also recommends optimizing synergies as well as reducing trade-offs between the proposed approach and the Sustainable Development Goals.

An Analysis on Ecological Communication of Positive Network Language

An Analysis on Ecological Communication of Positive Network Language

Научные идеи О. Б. Сиротининой и саратовская школа изучения единиц реальной коммуникации. К столетию со дня рождения ученого-педагога

The article is dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the outstanding Russian linguist, professor of Saratov State University Olga B. Sirotinina (born in 1923). The article presents and analyzes a number of scientific ideas of the scholar: the necessity to work out new approaches to syntactic units; the interaction of primary (factual) and secondary (organizational) levels of communication; attention of the author to the addressee as a leading principle of linguistic ecology; semantic diffusion as a dynamic process in the Russian discourse. In the late 20th century Olga B. Sirotinina in her research of the colloquial speech determined new approaches to communicative units: alongside the syntax of predicative units she developed the syntax of non-predicative ones. Her works prove that while studying real discourse a special focus should be put on the role of functional words as the effectiveness of communication is directly determined by the interaction of factual and organizational communication units. The author’s concern about the addressee is one of the main principles of linguistic ecology. It is the author who is primarily responsible for the success of communication, so they are supposed to make a number of reasonable efforts to facilitate for the addressee the perception of their message. The process of semantic diffusion is often connected nowadays with the violation of linguo-ecological principles. This problem is one of the main concerns of Olga B. Sirotinina: de to weakened and broadened meaning some words start to mean almost anything, are used widely and turn into fashionable words. Excessive use of diffused lexis leads to the language system impoverishment as well as to numerous social and professional risks. The ideas of Olga B. Sirotinina under discussion have organized the research of real communication units and determined the directions of the development of Saratov linguistic school in the late 20th – early 21st centuries. The article focuses on the tendencies in the development of these ideas by Saratov linguists.

Assessment of environmental sustainability using ecological footprint in urban ecosystems of North Western Himalayas

Rapid urbanization in cities is crafting major environmental problems, leading to degradation of urban ecosystems and is responsible for creating an imbalance between demand and supply of resources. Ecological Footprint Analysis (EFA) is a tool that can be used to assess this imbalance scientifically and determine the sustainability of a particular area. Our study aims to determine the urban sustainability of Kangra district in Himachal Pradesh, a hilly state in North Western Himalayas, India situated in North western Himalayas by using one of the Ecological Footprint Analysis (EFA) components, the built-up land footprint, as a pragmatic tool for analysis and planning of the urban region. The total built-up land footprint, total biocapacity and total ecological deficit are 18146.095 g ha,15968.564 g ha and 2177.531 g ha respectively whereas built-up land footprint per capita, built-up land biocapacity per capita and ecological deficit per capita are 1.371 g ha, 1.206 g ha, and 0.164 g ha respectively in different urban areas. Consequently, it is concluded that the built-up land results in an ecological deficit, and the system is considered unsustainable because its ecological footprint exceeds its bio capacity. It is suggested that urban sustainability should move and work on ecological principles so that the vision encompassing global goals and agenda 2030 for sustainable development can be achieved.

Community ecological study on the reduction of soil antimony bioavailability by SRB-based remediation technologies

Sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) were effective in stabilizing Sb. However, the influence of electron donors and acceptors during SRB remediation, as well as the ecological principles involved, remained unclear. In this study, Desulfovibrio desulfuricans ATCC 7757 was utilized to stabilize soil Sb within microcosm. Humic acid (HA) or sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) were employed to enhance SRB capacity. The SRB+HA treatment exhibited the highest Sb stabilization rate, achieving 58.40%. Bacterial community analysis revealed that SRB altered soil bacterial diversity, community composition, and assembly processes, with homogeneous selection as the predominant assembly processes. When HA and Na2SO4 significantly modified the stimulated microbial community succession trajectories, shaped the taxonomic composition and interactions of the bacterial community, they showed converse effect in shaping bacterial community which were both helpful for promoting dissimilatory sulfate reduction. Na2SO4 facilitated SRB-mediated anaerobic reduction and promoted interactions between SRB and bacteria involved in nitrogen and sulfur cycling. The HA stimulated electron generation and storage, and enhanced the interactions between SRB and bacteria possessing heavy metal tolerance or carbohydrate degradation capabilities.

Ecological principles of fecal microbiota transplantation

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is a procedure used to treat diseases related to microbiome imbalances. We discuss how ecological principles can inform the design of FMT clinical trials and contribute to data interpretation. This effort will promote a better understanding of microbiome engraftment and assist the development of clinical protocols. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is a procedure used to treat diseases related to microbiome imbalances. We discuss how ecological principles can inform the design of FMT clinical trials and contribute to data interpretation. This effort will promote a better understanding of microbiome engraftment and assist the development of clinical protocols.

Pengembangan desa wisata zona B di Desa Gilangharjo, Kabupaten Bantul

The design of organic paddy fields and Gunung Cilik tourist areas is a part of Gilangharjo Village tourism development based on community empowerment (CBT). The tourist facilities provided in the area were designed to preserve local wisdom and ecological principles included as characteristics of CBT. The preservation of local wisdom was manifested through applying Bantul's distinctive architectural style and using local materials and vegetation. The ecological principles were applied through a temporary stage system, efficient material building design, high albedo materials, and porous paving. This design hopefully can empower the local community to the maximum extent, preserve local wisdom, and increase tourism visits without harming the environment.

Experimentally determined traits shape bacterial community composition one and five years following wildfire.

Wildfires represent major ecological disturbances, burning 2-3% of Earth's terrestrial area each year with sometimes drastic effects above- and belowground. Soil bacteria offer an ideal, yet understudied system within which to explore fundamental principles of fire ecology. To understand how wildfires restructure soil bacterial communities and alter their functioning, we sought to translate aboveground fire ecology to belowground systems by determining which microbial traits are important post-fire and whether changes in bacterial communities affect carbon cycling. We employed an uncommon approach to assigning bacterial traits, by first running three laboratory experiments to directly determine which microbes survive fires, grow quickly post-fire and/or thrive in the post-fire environment, while tracking CO2 emissions. We then quantified the abundance of taxa assigned to each trait in a large field dataset of soils one and five years after wildfires in the boreal forest of northern Canada. We found that fast-growing bacteria rapidly dominate post-fire soils but return to pre-burn relative abundances by five years post-fire. Although both fire survival and affinity for the post-fire environment were statistically significant predictors of post-fire community composition, neither are particularly influential. Our results from the incubation trials indicate that soil carbon fluxes post-wildfire are not likely limited by microbial communities, suggesting strong functional resilience. From these findings, we offer a traits-based framework of bacterial responses to wildfire.

Can we manage microbial systems to enhance carbon storage?

Climate change is an urgent environmental issue with wide-ranging impacts on ecosystems and society. Microbes are instrumental in maintaining the balance between carbon (C) accumulation and loss in the biosphere, actively regulating greenhouse gas fluxes from vast reservoirs of organic C stored in soils, sediments and oceans. Heterotrophic microbes exhibit varying capacities to access, degrade and metabolise organic C-leading to variations in remineralisation and turnover rates. The present challenge lies in effectively translating this accumulated knowledge into strategies that effectively steer the fate of organic C towards prolonged sequestration. In this article, we discuss three ecological scenarios that offer potential avenues for shaping C turnover rates in the environment. Specifically, we explore the promotion of slow-cycling microbial byproducts, the facilitation of higher carbon use efficiency, and the influence of biotic interactions. The ability to harness and control these processes relies on the integration of ecological principles and management practices, combined with advances in economically viable technologies to effectively manage microbial systems in the environment.