scholarly journals The Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) in the Ukrainian Polissia: state of population and conservation issues

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 (21) ◽  
pp. 91-108
Author(s):  
Sergiy Zhyla ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Dynamic Equilibrium ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Lynx Lynx ◽  
Eurasian Lynx ◽  
Census Methods ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
High Level ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Short Time

The issue of survey, monitoring, and protection of the lynx in the Ukrainian Polissia based on the results of research carried out in 2013–2021 is considered. European census methods do not include the identification of traces of territorial individuals and of those that disperse. Lynx family groups living along the border or at the border of land users should be accounted for 50 % of the established number, so that there is no double counting. The use of photo traps to identify lynx individuals in the wild and then to establish the total lynx population is less effective and more costly than traditional trace-based techniques. Even in the absence of snow, repeated surveys on trails (five visits to the territory with intervals of at least a week), it is possible to establish the presence of almost all individuals of the lynx in the selected area. The reasons for the decline in the number of species in 2015–2017 from 80–100 to 40 individuals and the prospects for effective management of the Polissia population in the future are considered. The number of lynx in 2015–2017 in the Ukrainian Polissia decreased significantly and was at a minimum level for a short time. Since 2018, there has been a gradual increase in the number, especially rapid in the period 2019–2021. The decline in the number of the species in 2015–2017 indicates the need to create a national lynx action plan in Ukraine. The presence of a strong Baltic lynx population north of the Ukrainian Polissia, specifics of territorial distribution of forests, river network, forestless territories, including the Ovruch-Slovenian ridge, create clear eco-corridors in the Ukrainian Polissia for such forest-dwelling species as the lynx. As of 2021, fluctuations in predator-prey systems (wolf, lynx vs deer, wild boar, beaver) have apparently stopped and a new dynamic equilibrium has been established between these species. The lynx has recently proved that it is able to survive even in an anthropogenically altered landscape with a relatively high level of economic activity, which allows the well-being of the population of this species to be predicted in Ukraine.

Perceptions paysannes sur les services écosystémiques d’approvisionnement, la vulnérabilité et les stratégies de conservation de Diospyros mespiliformis Hochst en zone soudanienne du Tchad

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 35-42
Author(s):  
Nya Christelle Mbakop ◽  
Gabriel Kanmegne ◽  
Théophile Fonkou
Keyword(s):  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Poor Seed ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Multipurpose Tree Species ◽  
Leaf Stripping ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Cultivation Practice ◽  
Agro Forestry

Diospyros mespiliformis Hochst. est une espèce d’arbre à usage multiple des forêts tropicales sèches qui est encore exploitée à l’état sauvage et dont les pratiques sylviculturales ne sont pas documentées. La présente étude avait pour but d’appréhender les perceptions paysannes sur l’importance socio-économique, le niveau de vulnérabilité et la pratique de la culture de cette espèce dans la zone soudanienne du Tchad. L’approche méthodologique a consisté en des enquêtes réalisées auprès de 350 personnes réparties dans 10 villages, ainsi que des observations de terrain. Les résultats ont montré que D. mespiliformis est bien connu des populations locales (100 % des enquêtés) qui en font usage dans six catégories d’usage, avec un large consensus au niveau des utilisations médicinales (Cs = 0,96), alimentaires (Cs = 0,33), dans les constructions (Cs = 0,26) et comme bois d’énergie (Cs = 0,24). Par contre le consensus est resté faible pour l’utilisation dans l’artisanat (Cs = - 0,76) et comme bois d’œuvre (Cs = - 0,83). Selon 80,2 % des répondants, les revenus tirés de l’exploitation de cette ressource contribuent significativement à l’amélioration du bien-être des ménages. En dehors de la cueillette et du ramassage des fruits, toutes les autres méthodes de récolte citées par les répondants (écorçage, prélèvement des racines, effeuillage et abatage) sont destructives, mais seulement 17,7 % des répondants en sont conscients. Une tendance régressive de la dynamique du peuplement de l’espèce est perçue par la majorité (52 %) des répondants. Selon 83,5 % des enquêtés, les habitudes en matière de culture de cette espèce sont rares voire inexistantes, à cause des difficultés de germination des graines, de la rareté des graines et des conditions climatiques défavorables à la réussite du drageonnage. Les répondants dans la quasi-totalité (99 %) se sont déclarés prêts à adopter la pratique de la culture de la plante si les contraintes de régénération sont levées. Les résultats de cette étude indiquent clairement que D. mespiliformis serait une espèce propice à la domestication participative pour l’intensification du système agroforestier dans la zone soudanienne du Tchad.   Diospyros mespiliformis Hochst. is a multipurpose tree species from tropical dry forests that is still exploited in the wild and whose silvicultural practices are not documented. The aim of this study was to understand the peasants’ perceptions on the socio-economic importance, the level of vulnerability and the cultivation practice of this species in the Sudanese zone of Chad. The methodological approach consisted of surveys carried out among 350 people in 10 villages, as well as field observations. The results showed that D. mespiliformis is well known to local populations (100% of respondents) who use it in six categories of use, with a broad consensus for use in medicine (Cs = 0.96), food (Cs = 0.33), constructions (Cs = 0.26) and as fuelwood (Cs = 0.24). On the other hand, the consensus remained weak for use in crafts (Cs = - 0.76) and as lumber (Cs = - 0.83). According to 80.2 % of respondents, income from the exploitation of this resource significantly contributes to improving household well-being. Apart from picking and collecting fruit, all other harvesting methods cited by respondents (debarking, root picking, leaf stripping and felling) are destructive, but only 17.7 % of respondents are aware of this. A regressive trend in the population dynamics of the species is perceived by the majority (52 %) of respondents. According to 83.5 % of respondents, the cultivation habits of this species are rare or even non-existent, because of poor seed germination, the scarcity of seeds and climatic conditions unfavorable to the success of suckering. Almost all respondents (99 %) declared themselves ready to adopt the practice of growing the plant if the regeneration constraints are lifted. The results of this study clearly indicate that D. mespiliformis would be an interesting species for participatory domestication for the intensification of the agro-forestry system in the Sudanese zone of Chad.

scholarly journals Psychosocial Correlates of Mental Health and Well-Being During the COVID-19: The Spanish Case

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Esteban-Gonzalo ◽  
Juan Luis González-Pascual ◽  
María Caballero-Galilea ◽  
Laura Esteban-Gonzalo
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Negative Affect ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Number Of Children ◽  
High Level ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Social Demographic

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has hit almost all countries around the globe, seriously affecting the welfare of populations. Spain is especially hard-hit. In this context, the purpose of the present study is to analyze social, demographic, and economic correlates of mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic in the population residing in Spain.MethodThe sample of this cross-sectional study was comprised of 801 participants aged 18 or older and residing in Spain. Data collection was carried out during March and April 2020. Data of mental health (GHQ12) and well-being (Positive and Negative Affect Schedule) indicators, and those of a wide number of social, demographic, and economic variables were recorded. Linear regression models were built to value associations between mental health and social, demographic, and economic indicators.ResultsMental health morbidity was higher in women, younger people, individuals with medium studies, people with fewer children, singles, students, and unemployed individuals. Positive affect was higher among women, people with a high level of studies, those not co-living with dependent seniors, the self-employed, the employed, and those working outside home. Negative affect was negatively associated with age and number of children and was higher among women, people with basic studies, singles, individuals co-living with dependent seniors, homemakers, and students.ConclusionThe most vulnerable populations were found to be women, younger people, people with basic or medium studies, students and individuals with no remunerated activities, single populations, and those co-living with dependent seniors as well as those with a reduced number of children.

Was Agriculture Impossible during the Pleistocene but Mandatory during the Holocene? A Climate Change Hypothesis

2001 ◽  
Vol 66 (3) ◽  
pp. 387-411 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter J. Richerson ◽  
Robert Boyd ◽  
Robert L. Bettinger
Keyword(s):  
Dominant Strategy ◽  
Population Pressure ◽  
Human Populations ◽  
The Holocene ◽  
Last Glacial ◽  
Long Run ◽  
High Level ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Short Time ◽  
Climate Proxies

Several independent trajectories of subsistence intensification, often leading to agriculture, began during the Holocene. No plant-rich intensifications are known from the Pleistocene, even from the late Pleistocene when human populations were otherwise quite sophisticated. Recent data from ice and ocean-core climate proxies show that last glacial climates were extremely hostile to agriculture—dry, low in atmospheric CO2, and extremely variable on quite short time scales. We hypothesize that agriculture was impossible under last-glacial conditions. The quite abrupt final amelioration of the climate was followed immediately by the beginnings of plant-intensive resource-use strategies in some areas, although the turn to plants was much later elsewhere. Almost all trajectories of subsistence intensification in the Holocene are progressive, and eventually agriculture became the dominant strategy in all but marginal environments. We hypothesize that, in the Holocene, agriculture was, in the long run, compulsory. We use a mathematical analysis to argue that the rate-limiting process for intensification trajectories must generally be the rate of innovation of subsistence technology or subsistence-related social organization. At the observed rates of innovation, population growth will always be rapid enough to sustain a high level of population pressure. Several processes appear to retard rates of cultural evolution below the maxima we observe in the most favorable cases.

Economic and legal instruments for the realization of foreign direct investment in infrastructure sectors of the economy

2020 ◽  
pp. 47-55
Author(s):  
Orshanska Marіana
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Direct Investment ◽  
Direct Investment ◽  
High Growth ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Gradual Improvement ◽  
Fdi Inflows ◽  
Investment Projects ◽  
Analysis And Synthesis ◽  
High Level ◽  
Fdi Attraction

The purpose of the article is to determine the nature, characteristics and keyproblems of the main types of economic and legal instruments for the realizationof foreign direct investment (FDI). the methodological basis of the study is asystematic approach to the processing and compilation of statistics and indicators,as well as methods for their comparison, analysis and synthesis and a method offorecasting decisions on the use of investment potential to increase the attractivenessand volume of FDI attraction. The scientific novelty of the research lies in theanalysis of greenfield and brownfield strategies as the main forms of FDIimplementation, the disclosure of the content and interpretation of data on thereal state of FDI attraction, the search for opportunities to improve the investmentclimate and effective mechanisms for attracting foreign investors. conclusions. Itis confirmed that the investment attractiveness and rating of the country in theinternational market are the main factors for attracting investors. Inaccessibleinfrastructure, inefficient judicial system, high level of corruption and imperfectlegislation are the main obstacles that need to be overcome in order to attractforeign investors’ funds, providing a full package of assistance and support ateach stage of the implementation of investment projects. Greenfield and brownfield(M&A) are the most effective forms of FDI in order to achieve high growth ratesof the domestic economy, improve the level of population well-being andinternationally enter Ukraine. An analysis of the statistics on the effectiveness ofinnovative enterprise development projects, the characteristics of economic andlegal instruments indicate the gradual improvement of the investment climate andthe promotion of FDI inflows into the region’s economy through the implementationof greenfield and brownfield strategies. Examples of effective implementation ofthese strategies in the creation of new enterprises, companies of foreignrepresentation, which are expanding their capacity and entering new domesticmarkets are given. Examples of the brownfield strategy have been analyzed torestart existing and high-quality structural and organizational changes in inefficiententerprises, which have given impetus to improving the economic environment,investment attractiveness of the economy of the region and the country as a whole.

Materialistic Orientation and Psyhological Well Being in Adolescents from 11th-12th Grade

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 30-36
Author(s):  
Vera Todorova
Keyword(s):  
Personal Growth ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Psychological Wellbeing ◽  
Positive Interaction ◽  
Extrinsic Goals ◽  
12Th Grade ◽  
Community Contribution ◽  
High Level ◽  
11Th Grade ◽  
Intrinsic Aspirations

The aim of the current study is to look for theoretically and empirically grounded proof for the correlation between aspirations – extrinsic and intrinsic- determining the motivation – and the psychological wellbeing of adolescents in 11th grade. Materialistic orientation is expressed in the preferences of extrinsic goals such as fame, wealth and image, while the intrinsic aspirations are related to preferences of aspirations for personal growth, personal relationships and community contribution. High level of psychological wellbeing is measured through the six elements from K. Ryff’s definition: self-acceptance, positive interaction with others, autonomy, managing of environment, meaning and personal growth. The research includes a group of 50 students in two Bulgarian high schools.

DFT Benchmark Study of the O--O Bond Dissociation Energy in Peroxides Validated with High-Level Ab-Initio Calculations

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Danilo Carmona ◽  
Pablo Jaque ◽  
Esteban Vöhringer-Martinez
Keyword(s):  
Reference Value ◽  
Basis Set ◽  
Basis Sets ◽  
Mean Deviation ◽  
Bond Dissociation ◽  
Dissociation Energies ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Experimental Values ◽  
High Level ◽  
Almost All

<div><div><div><p>Peroxides play a central role in many chemical and biological pro- cesses such as the Fenton reaction. The relevance of these compounds lies in the low stability of the O–O bond which upon dissociation results in radical species able to initiate various chemical or biological processes. In this work, a set of 64 DFT functional-basis set combinations has been validated in terms of their capability to describe bond dissociation energies (BDE) for the O–O bond in a database of 14 ROOH peroxides for which experimental values ofBDE are available. Moreover, the electronic contributions to the BDE were obtained for four of the peroxides and the anion H2O2− at the CBS limit at CCSD(T) level with Dunning’s basis sets up to triple–ζ quality provid- ing a reference value for the hydrogen peroxide anion as a model. Almost all the functionals considered here yielded mean absolute deviations around 5.0 kcal mol−1. The smallest values were observed for the ωB97 family and the Minnesota M11 functional with a marked basis set dependence. Despite the mean deviation, order relations among BDE experimental values of peroxides were also considered. The ωB97 family was able to reproduce the relations correctly whereas other functionals presented a marked dependence on the chemical nature of the R group. Interestingly, M11 functional did not show a very good agreement with the established order despite its good performance in the mean error. The obtained results support the use of similar validation strategies for proper prediction of BDE or other molecular properties by DF Tmethods in subsequent related studies.</p></div></div></div>

Methyl mercury in the dutch rhine delta

1994 ◽  
Vol 30 (10) ◽  
pp. 213-219 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hendrik Pieters ◽  
Victor Geuke
Keyword(s):  
Suspended Matter ◽  
Methyl Mercury ◽  
Mercury Contamination ◽  
Benthic Organisms ◽  
Considerable Decrease ◽  
Continuous Sedimentation ◽  
Highly Correlated ◽  
High Level ◽  
Almost All

Samples of yellow eel from various locations in the Dutch Rhine area have been analyzed for trend monitoring of mercury since 1977. In the western Rhine delta mercury levels in eels have hardly changed since the seventies, whereas in the eastern part of the Dutch Rhine area a considerable decrease of mercury concentrations in eel has occurred. Because of continuous sedimentation of contaminated suspended matter transported from upstream regions, accumulation rates and concentrations of mercury in eel in the western Rhine delta remained at a relatively high level. Analyses of methyl mercury in biota have been performed to elucidate the role of methyl mercury in the mercury contamination of the Dutch Rhine ecosystem. Low percentages of methyl mercury were observed in zooplankton (3 to 35%). In benthic organisms (mussels) percentages of methyl mercury ranged from 30 to 57%, while in fish species and liver of aquatic top predator birds almost all the mercury was present in the form of methyl mercury (&gt; 80%). During the period 1970-1990 mercury concentrations of suspended matter in the eastern Rhine delta have drastically decreased. These concentrations seemed to be highly correlated with mercury concentrations of eel (R = 0.84). The consequences of this relation are discussed.

scholarly journals Low dose oral ketamine treatment in chronic suicidality: An open-label pilot study

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Adem T. Can ◽  
Daniel F. Hermens ◽  
Megan Dutton ◽  
Cyrana C. Gallay ◽  
Emma Jensen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
Low Dose ◽  
Suicide Ideation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Primary Outcome Measure ◽  
Open Label ◽  
Oral Ketamine ◽  
High Level ◽  
Chronic Suicidality

AbstractRecently, low-dose ketamine has been proposed as a rapid-acting treatment option for suicidality. The majority of studies to date have utilised intravenous (IV) ketamine, however, this route of administration has limitations. On the other hand, oral ketamine can be administered in a range of settings, which is important in treating suicidality, although studies as to safety and feasibility are lacking. n = 32 adults (aged 22–72 years; 53% female) with chronic suicidal thoughts participated in the Oral Ketamine Trial on Suicidality (OKTOS), an open-label trial of sub-anaesthetic doses of oral ketamine over 6 weeks. Participants commenced with 0.5 mg/kg of ketamine, which was titrated to a maximum 3.0 mg/kg. Follow-up assessments occurred at 4 weeks after the final dose. The primary outcome measure was the Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation (BSS) and secondary measures included scales for suicidality and depressive symptoms, and measures of functioning and well-being. Mean BSS scores significantly reduced from a high level of suicidal ideation at the pre-ketamine (week 0) timepoint to below the clinical threshold at the post-ketamine (week 6) timepoint. The proportion of participants that achieved clinical improvement within the first 6 weeks was 69%, whereas 50% achieved a significant improvement by the follow-up (week 10) timepoint. Six weeks of oral ketamine treatment in participants with chronic suicidality led to significant reduction in suicidal ideation. The response observed in this study is consistent with IV ketamine trials, suggesting that oral administration is a feasible and tolerable alternative treatment for chronic suicidality.

scholarly journals Transcriptome Analysis Provides Insights into the Mechanism of Astaxanthin Enrichment in a Mutant of the Ridgetail White Prawn Exopalaemon carinicauda

Genes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 618
Author(s):  
Yue Jin ◽  
Shihao Li ◽  
Yang Yu ◽  
Chengsong Zhang ◽  
Xiaojun Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transcriptome Analysis ◽  
Underlying Mechanism ◽  
Biological Processes ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Expression Levels ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Cuticle Proteins ◽  
Apolipoprotein D ◽  
High Level ◽  
Lower Expression

A mutant of the ridgetail white prawn, which exhibited rare orange-red body color with a higher level of free astaxanthin (ASTX) concentration than that in the wild-type prawn, was obtained in our lab. In order to understand the underlying mechanism for the existence of a high level of free astaxanthin, transcriptome analysis was performed to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the mutant and wild-type prawns. A total of 78,224 unigenes were obtained, and 1863 were identified as DEGs, in which 902 unigenes showed higher expression levels, while 961 unigenes presented lower expression levels in the mutant in comparison with the wild-type prawns. Based on Gene Ontology analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis, as well as further investigation of annotated DEGs, we found that the biological processes related to astaxanthin binding, transport, and metabolism presented significant differences between the mutant and the wild-type prawns. Some genes related to these processes, including crustacyanin, apolipoprotein D (ApoD), cathepsin, and cuticle proteins, were identified as DEGs between the two types of prawns. These data may provide important information for us to understand the molecular mechanism of the existence of a high level of free astaxanthin in the prawn.

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