Wetland Environments Research Articles

Variation of surface water extent in the great Sebkha of Oran (NW of Algeria), using Landsat data 1987–2019: Interaction of natural factors and anthropogenic impacts

The rapid and precise extraction of water information through satellite remote sensing has become a crucial technology in the study of water resources due to its ability to provide substantial and repeatable coverage instantly. This technology is particularly useful in monitoring wetlands, among other applications. It in this perceptive, this research aims to study the surface water extent (SWE) variation of the Great Sebkha of Oran (GSO). A wetland area classified as Ramsar, bordering Oran city. Extended over nearly 40,000 ha, the water extent is influenced by climatic, geological, and hydrological factors, which are typical of endorheic regions in semi-arid and arid climates. However, over the last decade, these natural effects have been overtaxed by anthropogenic impacts caused by the strong urban expansion of the city of Oran. This is particularly evident with the commissioning of the large El Kerma sewage wastewater treatment plant (WWTPK) in 2009. Located at NE edge of the GSO. The function of this plant is to treat a large proportion of the wastewater volume generated by the city of Oran. Nevertheless, for various reasons, a lag in the implantation of the various execution phases of a development project extended to the entire GSO basin has led to nearly a decade; the WWTPK has discharged partially treated wastewater directly into GSO. This had a major impact on the mode of surface water extent change of the sebkha and led to major pollution of the latter. To better understand the (SWE) dynamics, post and pre-discharges from the WWTPK in the sebkha were monitored monthly over 33 years (1987–2019). A consistent database of Landsat sensor images (TM, ETM+, and OLI) was collected and processed in the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform to extract the SWE in the GSO, which was achieved using spectral indices: Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI1 and NDWI2), Modified Normalized Difference Water Index (MNDWI) and Dryness/Wetness index (DWI). Subsequently, the SWE, correlated with precipitation over the entire GSO watershed, was analyzed and discussed at different time steps: monthly, annual, and seasonal. Before 2009, the precipitation regime study concerning the SWE shows the complexity of the functional dynamics of the endorheic system of the GSO watershed. After 2009, the commissioning of WWTPK had disrupted the SWE variation of the GSO. The maximum average of the SWE during the 2009–2019 sub-period was 169 km2, while it was 122 km2 during the undisturbed sub-period (1987–2008). The use of remote sensing data analysis contributes effectively to this work, representing proven results to protect this sensitive natural environment. They remain necessary to help decision-makers to ensure and preserve the sustainable ecological viability of the GSO and the natural environment of wetlands of the entire Oran sublittoral furrow of Gdyel-Arzew: Daiet Morcelly, Telamine Lake, Sebkha golf Arzew.

Development of Pancasila Educational Teaching Materials and Environment Based Citizenship Wetland

This study aims to determine the validity, effectiveness and practicality of teaching materials on Pancasila Education and Citizenship on the subject of Archipelagic Insight based on wetlands. The research was conducted at Sungai Tabuk 1 Public High School, Banjar Regency, South Kalimantan for the 2021/2022 academic year. This research is a development research using the Tessmer model. Data collection was carried out by means of questionnaires, interviews and observations. Data analysis was carried out in a quantitative descriptive manner. The results of this study indicate that the teaching materials for Pancasila Education and Archipelagic Citizenship Based on Wetland Environment are declared valid. This is based on the results of expert reviews on the suitability of the material, the composition of the material, the consistency of writing, the display of photos/images, the display of tables, the shape and size of letters, conformity with the writing of Indonesian language rules, and suitability of the images with the material. Teaching materials are also stated to be practical to use. This is known from the results of individual trials and small group trials. Some of the things asked for by students' opinions were about the ease of understanding the content of the material, clarity in understanding instructions in doing group assignments, and clarity in understanding individual assignments. In addition, teaching materials are also declared effective. This is known from field or large-scale trials conducted on intact classes. From the results of the effectiveness test of teaching materials, it is known that they are in the good and very good categories.

Estimation of phytoextraction potential of selected halophytes for accumulation of heavy metals from wetland saline soil

The phytoremediation is a significant natural clean-up process for removal of heavy metals from wetland saline soils (WS) for the sustainable environmental pollution control. Therefore, the phytoremediation potential of Typha domingensis (southern cattail) and Phragmites australis (common reed) has been evaluated for absorption and accumulation of salts and heavy metals growing at two sites of WS samples coded as BS1 and BS2 (“BS” the soil that is not adjoining to root of plants) in Hyderabad Sindh, Pakistan. The three parts (root, stems, and leaves) of both Plants were obtained from several of locations oxidized the matrices of each part of plants and the corresponding soil samples using acid mixture. A variety of techniques were used to identify the metals by atomic absorption spectrometry. The average values of heavy metals, Co, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn in BS1 and BS2 were found to be (8.53, 14.4, 8.88, 64.3, 13.3, and 142) and (12.4, 18.2, 13.6, 89.4, 14.4, and 124) µg/g, respectively. The data of bioconcentration (BCF) and translocation factors (TF) of the research showed that the studied halophytes showed a high accumulation potential (> 1) for heavy metals from WS. The metal content in plants and rhizospheric soil have a strong relationship (p < 0.01). The screening data based on classical methods and GC–MS indicated that the studied phyto extractants have many phytochemicals. These phytochemicals may have the capability to accumulate heavy metals from contaminated soils. The roots and their rhizospheric soil (RS1 and RS2) have a highly significant relationship of accumulation potential with the selected heavy metals (RS is soil adjoining to roots of plants) (p < 0.01). These halophytes are able to remove heavy metals directly from salty metal-contaminated soil in wetland environments.

Monitoring and Analyzing the Seasonal Wetland Inundation Dynamics in the Everglades from 2002 to 2021 Using Google Earth Engine

Inundation dynamics coupled with seasonal information is critical to study the wetland environment. Analyses based on remotely sensed data are the most effective means to monitor and investigate wetland inundation dynamics. For the first time, this study deployed an automated thresholding method to quantify and compare the annual inundation characteristics in dry and wet seasons in the Everglades, using Landsat imagery in Google Earth Engine (GEE). This research presents the long-term time series maps from 2002 to 2021, with a comprehensive spatiotemporal depiction of inundation. In this paper, we bridged the research gap of space-time analysis for multi-season inundation dynamics, which is urgently needed for the Everglades wetland. Within a GIS-based framework, we integrated statistical models, such as Mann–Kendall and Sen’s Slope tests, to track the evolutionary trend of seasonal inundation dynamics. The spatiotemporal analyses highlight the significant differences in wet and dry seasons through time and space. The stationary or permanent inundation is more likely to be distributed along the coastal regions (Gulf of Mexico and Florida Bay) of the Everglades, presenting a warning regarding their vulnerability to sea level rise.

Differences of Moss Mites Communities at Different Vegetation Succession Stages in Subalpine Wetland (Jiulongchi, Fanjing Mountain), Southwest China

Fanjing Mountain, China, is a World Man and Biosphere Reserve, a World Natural Heritage Property, and a Nature Reserve in China. Mites communities have been reported from the Fanjing Mountain. Wetland moss microhabitats provide a unique habitat for mites, and our objective is to document moss mites communities in the subalpine wetlands of Fanjing Mountain (Jiulongchi), with a particular focus on trends in moss mites at different stages of vegetation succession in the wetlands, which have rarely been described, and the research will provide fundamental data for biodiversity conservation in the face of global climate change. The succession sequence from bryophyte (hygrophyte) to shrub (mesophyte or xerophyte) in the open area of Jiulongchi wetland successively includes Polytrichum commune Hedw. (PC), Eleocharis yokoscensis (Franch. et Sav.) Tang et-Cypers sp. (EY-C), Senecio faberii Hemsl (SF), and Indocalamus longiauritus Hand.-Mazz. (IL) four typical communities. In April 2016, we collected moss samples under the four typical communities mentioned above, and analyzed the difference of moss mite communities using PCA, Kruskal–Wallis nonparametric test, and ANOVA. The results showed the following: (1) A total of 9058 moss mites belonging to 49 genera in 3 orders and 69 families were captured in the four plant communities, with the moss mites Parachipteria, Fuscozetes, and Tectocepheus being the dominant taxa of moss mites in Jiulongchi wetland. The core taxa of moss mites at different successional stages were 12 genera, with IL having the largest number of exclusive taxa (20 genera). (2) The abundance of moss mites showed an overall increasing trend from PC to IL habitats, with the number of families and genera showing a pattern of IL &gt; EY-C &gt; SF &gt; PC. The diversity index SF habitat possessed the maximum value, followed by IL, both of which were significantly different from PC. (3) The results of PCA analysis of moss mites showed that the mite community composition of PC habitats differed more from SF and IL, respectively, and less from EY-C. (4) There existed differences in the ecological taxa of predatory moss mites at different successional stages, with the Poronota group dominating the ecological taxa of oribatida. The research indicated that moss mites communities in subalpine wetlands were rich in species composition, and with the succession of vegetation from hygrophyte to mesophyte or xerophyte, the moss mites group as a whole develops in a direction favorable to its diversity, and the differences in moss mites ecological taxa also demonstrated the variability and complexity of the Jiulongchi wetland environment. This research presents the distribution pattern of moss mites in different vegetation succession stages in subtropical subalpine herbaceous wetlands. The moss mites evolution trend in response to climate-change-induced plant community succession needs further investigation.

Development of accounting learning media based on wetland environment for high school students in South Kalimantan

This study aims to develop a wetland-based accounting learning media for high school students in South Kalimantan. This study measures the feasibility of learning media developed with the validation of media experts and practitioners. The form of research and development uses model ADDIE which consists of five stages, namely analysis (analysis), design (design), development (development), implementation (implementation), and evaluation (evaluation). The instruments used are validation sheets and student response questionnaires. The method used in data collection is interviews for initial research data and validation. The research step of the learning media development process starts from stage (1) Analysis, The analysis stage is the stage of analyzing the need for the development of new learning models/methods and analyzing the feasibility and requirements of developing new learning models/methods. The analysis phase includes curriculum analysis and student characteristics analysis. (2) Design, At this stage, the design of learning media development is carried out in the form of an initial design that is in accordance with the analysis that has been done previously. (3) Development, the development stage is the stage of product realization that is ready to be implemented. (4) Implementation, at this stage, the implementation is carried out in a limited manner at the designated school as the research site. (5) Evaluation, at this stage, researchers make revisions to the developed media based on criticism and suggestions obtained from the response questionnaire or field notes.

Mobile Learning Based Electronic Worksheet to Introduce the Wetland Environment to Early Children

The rapid advancement of science and technology has an impact on human activities, the majority of which are governed by technology-based media. However, traditional learning media continue to dominate learning in early childhood education. This makes learning less interesting and monotonous. As a result, researchers are interested in developing a valid and effective electronic worksheet based on Mobile Learning on Introducing Wetland Environments using the analysis, design, development, implementation, evaluation (ADDIE) research and development (R&amp;D) model. Data was gathered using techniques such as interviews, questionnaires, observation, and documentation. This study's data analysis techniques included quantitative and qualitative analysis. Based on the results of the initial product test, mobile learning-based electronic worksheet products were declared valid and effective. This electronic worksheet product can be used by teachers as an Android-based learning media to support interactive and interesting learning activities in early childhood education.

Project-Based and Flipped Learning in the Classroom: A Strategy for Enhancing Students’ Scientific Literacy

&lt;p style="text-align:justify"&gt;Scientific literacy is a critical competency for people to take an essential role in science, technology, and social advancement. It is important to note that this competence is still a problem for most students worldwide. Therefore, this study analysed students' scientific literacy differences between a project-based learning flipped classroom (PjBL-FC) and a project-based learning (PjBL) class assisted by learning resources in wetlands environments. This quasi-experimental study used a non-equivalent control group design involving Class X Senior High School as the sample. The data were inferentially analysed by t-test. The results showed that the scientific literacy of students in the class that applied the PjBL-FC was better than those who applied only PjBL. Furthermore, all the indicators reach the high to very high category except the ability to propose a hypothesis, which is in the medium category. It was concluded that flipped classroom makes the PjBL take place more efficiently and effectively. Further studies can be carried out to determine how students use the learning materials, how teachers design the PjBL strategy in an online platform, their effect on scientific literacy, and how to combine PjBL with other approaches.&lt;/p&gt;

Advances in studies on the plant rhizosphere microorganisms in wetlands: A visualization analysis based on CiteSpace

Rhizosphere microorganisms and their interactions with plants in wetlands have recently attracted much attention due to their importance in enhancing plant environmental adaptation, removing wetland pollutants, and alleviating climate change. However, the fluctuating hydrological environment of wetlands leads to more complex dynamics in the rhizosphere environment. Research progress and hotspots concerning plant-rhizosphere microorganisms under special wetland environments are still kept unclear. To better understand the current research status, hotspots and trends of rhizosphere microorganisms in wetlands, we used CiteSpace bibliometric software to visualize and analyze 231 English-language publications from the Web of Science core collection database. Here, we reviewed the role played by various countries, institutions, and scholars in the studies of plant rhizosphere microorganisms in wetlands based on cooperation network analysis. We discussed the shift from bioremediation and nutrient removal to rhizosphere microbial community composition as a research hotspot for plant rhizosphere microorganisms in wetlands according to keyword co-occurrence and clustering analysis. Finally, we highlighted that more attention should be paid to the ecological functions of rhizosphere microorganisms in different wetland ecosystems, and the plant‒microbe microinterface processes and interaction patterns should be explored in depth to provide new indicators for the evaluation of wetland ecosystem functions.

Developing Picture Storybook in English with Wetlands Theme for Young Learners

Stories encourage young learners to understand concepts and vocabulary while expanding their background knowledge about their surroundings. Therefore, providing young learners with a variety of storybooks to develop their understanding of their environment is important to be done by considering their interests and the content of the books. Based on this view, this research aimed to design a picture storybook written in English and with a wetlands environment. Simultaneously this research and development (R&amp;D) referred to development procedures by Borg and Gall (2007) that simplified the process to only seven procedures: prelim approach methods data collection, research planning, early product development, expert validation, revision, field testing, and the last is disseminating and implementing the final product. The instruments used to collect data were a questionnaire, an interview with 15 kindergarten teachers on the need analysis stage and field testing stage, and two validation sheets validating the content and design stage. The results from data analysis showed that it is important to name some animals and plants that live specifically in South Kalimantan wetlands as the main characters of the storybook, such as timpakul, haruan, papuyu, bekantan, mangrove trees, and kasturi. Next, the developed picture storybook was feasible to be used as media for introducing English and wetlands since it was proven to be valid, practical, and effective.

School Partnership Management with the Community SDN in the District Wetlands North Banjarmasin

This research describes the management of school partnerships with the Banjarmasin City Elementary School community which is located in a wetland environment to improve student achievement, in line with the ULM Vision, namely the realization of a leading and competitive university in the wetland environment, especially in the field of education, with the dissemination of higher education science and technology. This research method is qualitative by exploring school and community partnership management data, including: (1) implementation of school and community partnership management, (2) the concept of the school partnership program, (3) obstacles to implementing the partnership program. The research setting was taken from two elementary schools in the wetland environment of North Banjarmasin, namely SDN Antasan Kecil Timur 1 and SDN Sungai Andai 4 Banjarmasin. These two schools have a number of advantages in the school partnership program. The research data source is the operationalization of management functions. The research results show that the implementation of school and community partnership management at SDN Banjarmasin Utara has been implemented by the principal together with the school community and has succeeded in overcoming obstacles that arise such as school funding, parent participation and the principal's managerial weaknesses. These obstacles are transformed into a superior school product, so that ultimately the quality of education can be improved by producing graduates who are superior and competitive. Principals of North Banjarmasin District Elementary Schools are expected to optimize the implementation of partnership management so that school goals can be achieved effectively and efficiently. Teachers can carry out tasks in line with the school's goals, making the school's vision, mission, goals and strategies the basis for action. It is hoped that future researchers will be able to research in more depth regarding partnership management in school institutions, so that schools gradually implement partnership management effectively and efficiently.

Morfo-anatomía e histoquímica de órganos vegetativos de Lycium humile (Solanaceae): rasgos adaptativos a humedales salinos de altura

Lycium humile Phil., is an extreme halophyte plant, endemic to Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile, which grows between 2000 and 4000 m a.s.l. in saline wetlands environments. The aim of this work is to identify morpho-anatomical and histochemical adaptive characteristics of the vegetative organs of L. humile linked to its tolerance to extreme environments of high altitude saline wetlands, in order to evaluate its potential as source of metabolites with commercial value or as source of resistance genes related to abiotic stress tolerance. To carry out the analysis, during the period of February 2018, samples were obtained from plants belonging to 4 populations of the species (5 individuals per population) located at the departments of Antofagasta de la Sierra, Santa María and Ambato, province of Catamarca, Argentina. Leaf and stems were studied using histochemical tests, conventional histological preparations and optical microscopy. Different foliar tissues were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy coupled to elemental X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (EDS). The leaves and stems of the analyzed populations showed uniform anatomical and histochemical features. It was stated for the first time that the succulence of the leaf is reached by the folding of the tissues evidenced in a tridimensional venation pattern. The presence of isolateral-radial mesophyll and aquifer parenchyma is highlighted as a unique feature characteristic for the species. The glandular trichomes and palisade parenchyma revealed complex contents of phenols, flavonoids, proteins, lipids, terpenes, and alkaloids; while the outer layer of the cuticles presented phenolic, terpenic and lipidic deposits. The EDS analysis showed crystalliferous idioblasts with high contents of Ca2+ and Na+. The stems exhibited hypodermis and air chambers formed in the cortical and medullary layers. These anatomical and histochemical characteristics of L. humile represent adaptive traits to saline high-altitude wetland environments. Its functionality in relation to the environment and its potential as source of resistance genes and metabolites interesting for the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries are discussed.

Risk Factor Analysis of Death due to COVID-19 with Comorbid Condition in the Community of the Wetland Environment in Banjar District.

The prevalence of confirmed cases of COVID-19 is high and tends to continue to increase in Indonesia. Based on data, the Province of South Kalimantan, Indonesia in early mid-2021 experienced a high spike in cases, resulting in a large number of deaths, especially in Banjar Regency. Active COVID-19 cases in South Kalimantan in July 2021 were recorded at 5,279 (12.41%) out of 42,527 positive cases. Data compiled from the COVID-19 Task Force (Satgas) showed that Banjar Regency was the third highest area of the cumulative number of deaths, with as many as 47 people dying in one day. The results of many research on risk factors for COVID-19 cases vary widely. People with comorbidities are a very vulnerable group. This study aims to identify the relationship between comorbid conditions and death based on data from COVID-19 admission in the Wetland Environment community in Banjar Regency, South Kalimantan, Indonesia in the years 2020-2021. This is a retrospective analytical observational study which used purposive sampling. The data were collected from the case form report (CFR). The dependent variable in this study was inpatients at Ratu Zaleha Hospital who died and were diagnosed as positive for COVID-19, while the independent variables were age (productive/non-productive), tuberculosis, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, asthma, pneumonia, heart disease, COPD (lung disease), HIV/AIDS, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and stroke (CVA). Data were analyzed by univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analyses with logistic regression method to obtain adjusted OR. Out of 700 patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection, 273 (39%) had no comorbidity while 427 (61%) had at least one comorbid condition. There were 330 (47.1%) male patients and 370 (52.9%) female patients. There were 565 (80.7%) patients who belong in the productive age and 135 (19.35%) in the non-productive age. Results showed that age (p=0.002), asthma (p=0.026), chronic kidney disease (p=0.000), and heart disease (p=0.002) are significant risk factors of COVID-19 death in Banjar Regency. Based on our analysis of COVID-19-related deaths in Banjar Regency in Ratu Zaleha Hospital on the year 2020-2021, diabetes, pneumonia, kidney failure, and COPD were associated with increased mortality.

A review of the avifauna visiting the wetland environments of the Martil plain (Tetouan region, northern Morocco): Preliminary results

The wetland environments of the plain of Martil are located in an urban area in the Tetouan region (Northern Morocco); they provide wildlife a place to live and are important for migratory birds as they travel from nesting to wintering sites. The objective of this study is to monitor the avifauna population that frequents these ecosystems. The study duration is from January 2021 to June 2022. The survey methods are the point count and visual identification, using appropriate visual equipment and according to an ornithological guide. The avifauna recorded encompasses a total of 93 bird species and 33 families. A variety of wintering, migratory, and breeding species were identified. The population includes several species of special conservation concern, such as endemic species, heritage species, species in decline, vulnerable species, endangered species and species at risk of extinction, in Morocco, in the Maghreb or in Europe. These ornithological findings underscore the significance of preserving and restoring these urban wetland environments. However, these ecosystems face a range of pressures, including urban development, climate change and anthropogenic activities.

Importance of urbanized wetlands environments in the reproduction of avifauna, city of Martil (Region of Tetouan) in Morocco

This study focused on the significance of urban and peri-urban wetlands in the Martil plain of Tetouan, Morocco, for bird reproduction. Conducted over a two-year period, the research employed fixed-site counting and weekly visits to assess reproductive indicators such as chicks, nests, courtship displays, and territorial defense. The findings demonstrated that these wetland environments play a vital role in the reproduction of 37 bird species from 15 families, including species of national importance, declining Mediterranean species, vulnerable species according to the IUCN, and rare breeding species. These results underscore the critical importance of conserving and sustainably managing these wetland areas. By prioritising the preservation of urban and peri-urban wetlands, Morocco can contribute to global biodiversity conservation efforts while addressing the challenges of urbanization and climate change

Man Invades Nature: Tracing the Dynamics and Trends of Anthropogenic Stressors Within a Coastal Wetland Environment

Man Invades Nature: Tracing the Dynamics and Trends of Anthropogenic Stressors Within a Coastal Wetland Environment

Baseline-Based Soil Salinity Index (BSSI): A Novel Remote Sensing Monitoring Method of Soil Salinization

Soil salinization leads to dehydration of plants, which seriously threatens ecologically sustainable development and food security guarantee. In the complex and diverse coastal wetland environment, the impervious surface and bare soil have similar spectral features with salinized soil, which make it difficult for traditional satellite data and algorithms to accurately and timely monitor the small surface features of salinization. This article presents a baseline-based soil salinity index (BSSI) for soil salinization monitoring using medium-resolution data. In BSSI, we construct a virtual salinization baseline by connecting the near-infrared (NIR) band and the short-wave infrared-2 (SWIR2) band to enhance the spectral feature of salinized soils which border on the impervious surface. In addition, we calculate the distance between the short-wave infrared-1 (SWIR1) band and the virtual salinization baseline as the BSSI, which can effectively improve the stability of salinity inversion for different soils. Through data comparison and model simulations, BSSI has shown advantages over a series of the traditional salinization spectral indices (SSIs). The results show that the saline soil extraction accuracy of BSSI exceeds 85% and the correlation coefficient of the BSSI and the degree of soil salinization exceeds 0.90. Since the related spectral bands, such as NIR, SWIR1, and SWIR2, are available on many existing satellite sensors such as Landsat TM/ETM+, OLI, and sentinel 2, the BSSI concept can be extended to establish long-term records for soil salinization monitoring.

What's in a Hearth? Preliminary Findings from the Margal Hunter-Gatherer Habitation in the Eastern Mongolian Gobi Desert

abstract: Today's image of people inhabiting the vast steppe landscapes of Mongolia is inseparably linked to mobile animal herding. Indeed, archaeologists have confirmed that human-animal communities comprised of human herders and domestic livestock roamed across Mongolia's grassland environment and utilized semi-arid to arid regions such as the Gobi steppe desert for thousands of years. However, it is much rarer to catch a glimpse of the time before the advent of pastoralism in this part of the world. During the Neolithic (ca. 6000–1800 b.c.), the Gobi was much less of a desert than it is today. Sparsely scattered archaeological sites testify to the presence of hunter-gatherer groups that successfully exploited rich wetland environments. As a result of the pedestrian survey carried out by the Dornod Mongol Survey in the greater region of Delgerkhaan Uul, we discovered in situ remains of a Neolithic habitation site. Excavations at the Margal site uncovered a stratified hearth and a lithic assemblage embedded in a habitation layer and accompanied by a few faunal bone fragments. Our finds correspond with the Oasis 2 stage (ca. 6000–3000 b.c.) of the scheme established by Janz and colleagues dividing the Mongolian Neolithic into phases based on habitation, as well as subsistence patterns and technology. However, some typical Oasis 2 markers such as pottery and grinding tools are missing from the small assemblage uncovered from test excavations in 2017 and 2018. Margal likely belonged to a regional network of extended hunter-gatherer occupation relying on wild plant and faunal resources. The site represents the first of its kind in the region and has potential to shed light on hunter-gatherer subsistence and habitation decisions. In concert with adjacent archaeological surface scatters and contextualized in the supraregional network of hunter-gatherer habitation, it will contribute to refining current models of lifeways and transformations in Mongolian prehistory.

What’s in a Hearth?: Preliminary Findings from the Margal Hunter-gatherer Habitation in the Eastern Mongolian Gobi Desert

Today’s image of people inhabiting the vast steppe landscapes of Mongolia is inseparably linked to mobile animal herding. Indeed, archaeologists have confirmed that human-animal communities comprised of human herders and domestic livestock roamed across Mongolia’s grassland environment and utilized semiarid to arid regions such as the Gobi steppe desert for thousands of years. However, it is much rarer to catch a glimpse of the time before the advent of pastoralism in this part of the world. During the Neolithic (ca. 6000 – 1800 B.C.), the Gobi was much less of a desert than it is today. Sparsely scattered archaeological sites testify to the presence of hunter-gatherer groups that successfully exploited rich wetland environments. As a result of the pedestrian survey carried out by the Dornod-Mongol-Survey in the greater region of Delgerkhaan Uul, we discovered in situ remains of a Neolithic habitation site. Excavations at the Margal site uncovered a stratified hearth and a lithic assemblage embedded in a habitation layer and accompanied by a few faunal bone fragments. Our finds correspond with the Oasis 2 stage (ca. 6000 – 3000 B.C.) of the scheme established by Janz and colleagues dividing the Mongolian Neolithic into phases based on habitation and subsistence patterns and technology. However, some typical Oasis 2 markers such as pottery and grinding tools are missing from the small assemblage uncovered from test excavations in 2017 and 2018. Margal likely belonged to a regional network of extended hunter-gatherer occupation relying on wild plant and faunal resources. The site represents the first of its kind in the region and has potential to shed light on hunter-gatherer subsistence and habitation decisions. In concert with adjacent archaeological surface scatters and contextualized in the supraregional network of hunter gather habitation, it will contribute to refining current models of lifeways and transformations in Mongolian prehistory.

The effectiveness of wetland environment static fluid e-module to train learners' science literacy

This study aims to produce an electronic module (e-module) of static fluid material in a wetland environment that is effectively used to train students' science literacy. This research is a type of development using the ADDIE model (Analyze, Design, Develop, Implement, Evaluate). The trial project was ten students of class XI senior high school. Data are obtained through learners' science literacy test instruments. The data are analyzed in descriptive qualitative and quantitative. The results of data analysis show that e-modules are effective because of the high n-gain of science literacy. It was concluded that the e-module developed was effectively used to train students' science literacy on static fluid materials in wetland environments. The novelty of this research lies in the material associated with the wetland environment to introduce science literacy. The implications of this study serve as a reference for teachers and students in improving science literacy skills. Keywords: Electronic modules, physics learning, science literacy, static fluids, wetland environment;