scholarly journals Early Exposure to Water Turbidity Affects Visual Capacities in Cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis)

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alice Goerger ◽  
Anne-Sophie Darmaillacq ◽  
Nadav Shashar ◽  
Ludovic Dickel
Keyword(s):  
Sensory System ◽  
Marine Species ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Polarization Sensitivity ◽  
Sepia Officinalis ◽  
Turbid Water ◽  
Clear Water ◽  
Artificial Rearing ◽  
Water Turbidity

In La Manche (English Channel) the level of turbidity changes, not only seasonally and daily in seawater but also along the coast. As a consequence, vision in marine species is limited when based only on contrast-intensity. It is hypothesized that polarization sensitivity (PS) may help individuals detect preys and predators in turbid environments. In the cuttlefish, Sepia officinalis, to date, all behavioral studies have been conducted on animals reared in clear water. But the cuttlefish sensory system is adapted to a range of turbid environments. Our hypothesis was that rearing cuttlefish in clear water may affect the development of their visual system, and potentially affect their visually guided behaviors. To test this, newly-hatched cuttlefish, from eggs laid by females brought in from the wild, were reared for 1 month under three different conditions: clear water (C group), low turbidity (0.1 g / l of clay, 50–80 NTU, LT group) and high turbidity (0.5 g / l of clay, 300–400 NTU, HT group). The visual capacities of cuttlefish were tested with an optomotor apparatus at 7 days and at 1 month post-hatching. Optomotor responses of juveniles were measured by using three screen patterns (black and white stripes, linearly polarized stripes set at different orientations, and a uniform gray screen). Optomotor responses of juveniles suggest that exposure to turbid water improves the development of their PS when tested in clear water (especially in LT group) but not when tested in turbid water. We suggest that the use of slightly turbid water in rearing systems may improve the development of vision in young cuttlefish with no detrimental effect to their survival rate. Future research will consider water turbidity as a possible factor for the improvement of cuttlefish well-being in artificial rearing systems.

Mate choice and visibility in the expression of a sexually dimorphic trait in a goodeid fish (Xenotoca variatus)

2004 ◽  
Vol 82 (12) ◽  
pp. 1917-1922 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alejandro Moyaho ◽  
Constantino Macías Garcia ◽  
Edgar Ávila-Luna
Keyword(s):  
Mate Choice ◽  
Geographical Variation ◽  
Female Mate Choice ◽  
Factorial Analysis ◽  
Sexually Dimorphic ◽  
Turbid Water ◽  
Population Differences ◽  
Clear Water ◽  
Water Turbidity ◽  
Female Mate

Male Xenotoca variatus (Bean, 1887) have shiny scales ("speckles") on their flanks, the number of which varies within and among populations. Using fish from two localities with turbid water and two with transparent water, we tested whether differences in the number of speckles were associated with differences either in water turbidity or with the expression of female mate choice. We also tested whether female mate choice was influenced by water turbidity. In our sample the number of speckles and water turbidity were not associated. A test including all the populations in a combined (factorial) analysis showed that in clear water females exhibit a preference for visiting the male with the largest number of speckles of a pair, though no population differences were detected. When tested in clear water, females spent more time close to a male with more speckles; in this instance, males were from a clear-water locality and possessed many speckles. Our findings suggest that female mate choice might not contribute to the geographical variation in speckle number, but may instead be constrained by the transmissibility of the signal.

scholarly journals Water turbidity constrains male mating success in a marine fish

2019 ◽  
Vol 73 (10) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marja Järvenpää ◽  
Beatriz Diaz Pauli ◽  
Kai Lindström
Keyword(s):  
Mating Success ◽  
Aquatic Systems ◽  
Male Mating ◽  
Female Size ◽  
Turbid Water ◽  
Male Mating Success ◽  
Clear Water ◽  
Sand Goby ◽  
Water Turbidity ◽  
Water Conditions

Abstract Human-induced eutrophication, resulting in increased algal growth and water turbidity, is an alarming problem in aquatic systems. Many studies have focused on the effects of algal turbidity on mate choice and sexual selection in fish, but little emphasis has been given to the ways it can constrain mating success. Here we experimentally investigated the effects of algal turbidity on maximum male mating success and parental care in the sand goby, Pomatoschistus minutus, a fish with a resource-defence mating system and male parental care. For this purpose, we introduced to 1 nest-holding male 5 random-sized ripe females in either clear or in turbid water. After spawning, we observed how many mates and eggs the male received and followed his parental behaviour and egg survival for 6 days under turbid or clear water conditions. When spawning took place in clear water, the number of eggs the male received into his nest increased with the total weight of five females in his tank. However, when spawning took place in turbid water, there was no relationship between female size and the number of eggs laid, although the number of females that spawned was the same as in clear water. The results indicate that females adjust the number of eggs they lay according to water turbidity. This could explain previous findings that mating success is more evenly distributed among males in turbid than clear water conditions. Significance statement The first responses of animals to human-induced changes in the environment are behavioural. Subtle changes in the behaviour of individuals can have profound consequences for populations and communities. Human-induced eutrophication, leading to algal blooms and water turbidity, is a major environmental problem in aquatic systems worldwide. Our results on the sand goby suggest a new mechanism by which water turbidity may affect fish mating systems and weaken sexual selection. When spawning takes place in clear water, the number of eggs accumulated in a males’ nest is an increasing function of the fecundity of the females. However, when spawning in turbid water, this positive relationship between female size and egg numbers disappears. We believe this is because females do not perceive the competition from other females in turbid water and therefore invest less in present reproduction.

Temple Food As a Sustainable Tourism Attraction: Ecogastronomic Buddhist Heritage and Regional Development in South Korea

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 209-222
Author(s):  
Anne H.J. Lee ◽  
Geoffrey Wall
Keyword(s):  
South Korea ◽  
Regional Development ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Sustainable Tourism ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Rich Description ◽  
Food Programs ◽  
Ongoing Development ◽  
Narrative Interpretation

This research explores Buddhist heritage-based tourism in South Korea. It examines temple food experiences provided in tandem with templestay programs that emphasize the Buddhist cooking tradition and share aspects of traditional Buddhist culture with visitors. Based primarily on participant observation, this ecologically friendly form of tourism is described and the ongoing development of temple food programs is documented. A "person-centric" perception is adopted from two perspectives: an emphasis on the holistic well-being of individual visitors, and the importance of a specific person in the provision of tourism experiences. Rich description and narrative interpretation are used to explain the phenomenon and provide a foundation on which future research can be grounded.

Computer-Mediated Communication and Mental Health

2020 ◽  
pp. 78-110
Author(s):  
Adrian Meier ◽  
Emese Domahidi ◽  
Elisabeth Günther
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Computer Mediated Communication ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Mediated Communication ◽  
Disciplinary Boundaries ◽  
Emerging Trends ◽  
Computer Mediated ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Systematic Database

The relationship between computer-mediated communication (e.g., Internet or social media use) and mental health has been a long-standing issue of debate. Various disciplines (e.g., communication, psychology, sociology, medicine) investigate computer-mediated communication in relation to a great variety of negative (i.e., psychopathology) and positive (i.e., well-being) markers of mental health. We aim at charting this vast, highly fragmented, and fast growing literature by means of a scoping review. Using methods of computational content analysis in conjunction with qualitative analyses, we map 20 years of research based on 1,780 study abstracts retrieved through a systematic database search. Results reveal the most common topics investigated in the field, as well as its disciplinary boundaries. Our review further highlights emerging trends in the literature and points to unique implications for how future research should address the various relationships between computer-mediated communication and mental health.

New Territories of Positive Life-Span Development: Wisdom and Life Longings

2009 ◽  
pp. 170-184
Author(s):  
Susanne Scheibe ◽  
Ute Kunzmann ◽  
Paul B. Baltes
Keyword(s):  
Life Span ◽  
Personal Growth ◽  
Expert Knowledge ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Positive Development ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Life Span Development ◽  
Life Orientation ◽  
New Concepts ◽  
The Life Course

In search for concepts that help understand how individuals strive for growth and perfection within the boundaries and constraints of human lives, we describe theory and research on the concepts of wisdom, or expert knowledge about human nature and the life course, and Sehnsucht (life longings), the recurring and strong desire for ideal (utopian), alternative states and expressions of life. Both represent relatively new concepts on the agenda of lifespan research, originating from an interest in identifying major topics of public and humanist discourse about the potentials and constraints of life-span development and finding ways to measure them with the methods of normative psychological science. Despite their complexity and multiple meanings, progress has been made in the theory-driven operationalization of wisdom and life longings, allowing new insights into their ontogenesis and role for positive development. Emerging research shows that wisdom and life longings do not directly promote a hedonic life orientation or happiness: neither the insight that life is incomplete (wisdom) nor the experience of this incompleteness (life longings) is compatible with feelings of unequivocal joy and pleasure. Yet, there is emerging evidence that they contribute to other aspects of positive development, emphasizing personal growth, meaning, and the aligning of one's own and other's well-being. We suggest that future research should focus on the links of wisdom and life longings with multiple developmental outcomes and the possible interplay of both concepts in promoting positive development.

Achieving Financial Inclusion for Persons With Disabilities: Exploring Preparedness and Accessibility of Financial Services for Persons With Disabilities in Malawi

2021 ◽  
pp. 104420732110275
Author(s):  
Alex Nester Jiya ◽  
Maxwell Peprah Opoku ◽  
William Nketsia ◽  
Joslin Alexei Dogbe ◽  
Josephine Nkrumah Adusei
Keyword(s):  
Financial Literacy ◽  
Financial Services ◽  
Commercial Banks ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Living Conditions ◽  
Inclusive Development ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Persons With Disabilities

Deplorable living conditions among persons with disabilities and the need to improve their living conditions cannot be overemphasized. This has triggered international discussion on the need for deliberate social policies to bridge the poverty gap between persons with and without disabilities. In Malawi, expansion of financial services has been identified as an essential tool to accelerate economic and inclusive development. However, empirical studies are yet to explore the preparedness of financial institutions to extend their services to persons with disabilities. In this qualitative study, semi-structured interviews were conducted with managers from commercial banks in Malawi to understand their perspectives on extending financial services to persons with disabilities. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and a descriptive thematic analysis was performed. Although participants reiterated the need to provide persons with disabilities with financial services to improve their well-being, few initiatives have been undertaken to improve their participation. Particularly, participants stated that barriers, such as a lack of financial literacy and adaptive technologies, communication barriers, and high rates of unemployment, explained the reluctance of commercial banks to extend financial services to persons with disabilities. The limitations, recommendations for future research, and implications of the study for policymaking have been highlighted.

scholarly journals Psychometric properties of the EQ-5D-5L for aboriginal Australians: a multi-method study

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pedro Henrique Ribeiro Santiago ◽  
Dandara Haag ◽  
Davi Manzini Macedo ◽  
Gail Garvey ◽  
Megan Smith ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Torres Strait Islander ◽  
Discriminant Validity ◽  
Reference Group ◽  
Characteristic Curve ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Two Dimensions ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Partial Credit Model ◽  
Validity And Reliability ◽  
Torres Strait

Abstract Introduction In Australia, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) instruments have been adopted in national population surveys to inform policy decisions that affect the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. However, Western-developed HRQoL instruments should not be assumed to capture Indigenous conceptualization of health and well-being. In our study, following recommendations for cultural adaptation, an Indigenous Reference Group indicated the EQ-5D-5L as a potentially valid instrument to measure aspects of HRQoL and endorsed further psychometric evaluation. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the construct validity and reliability of the EQ-5D-5L in an Aboriginal Australian population. Methods The EQ-5D-5L was applied in a sample of 1012 Aboriginal adults. Dimensionality was evaluated using Exploratory Graph Analysis. The Partial Credit Model was employed to evaluate item performance and adequacy of response categories. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) was used to investigate discriminant validity regarding chronic pain, general health and experiences of discrimination. Results The EQ-5D-5L comprised two dimensions, Physiological and Psychological, and reliability was adequate. Performance at an item level was excellent and the EQ-5D-5L individual items displayed good discriminant validity. Conclusions The EQ-5D-5L is a suitable instrument to measure five specific aspects (Mobility, Self-Care, Usual activities, Pain/Discomfort, Anxiety/Depression) of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander HRQoL. A future research agenda comprises the investigation of other domains of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander HRQoL and potential expansions to the instrument.

scholarly journals The Psychological Impact of Coronavirus Pandemic Restrictions in Italy. The Mediating Role of the Fear of COVID-19 in the Relationship between Positive and Negative Affect with Positive and Negative Outcomes

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 697-710
Author(s):  
Andrea Zammitti ◽  
Chiara Imbrogliera ◽  
Angela Russo ◽  
Rita Zarbo ◽  
Paola Magnano
Keyword(s):  
Negative Affect ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Positive And Negative Affect ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Negative Outcomes ◽  
Event Scale ◽  
Spiritual Well Being ◽  
The Relationship

Italy was quickly hit hard by the coronavirus. ‘Lockdown’ has significantly impacted the psychological health, personal wellbeing and quality of life of the people. The study aims to explore the relationship between positive and negative affect, as well as positive (spiritual well-being and flourishing) and negative outcomes (psychological distress caused by a traumatic life event in terms of perception of PTSD symptoms) on Italian adults during the lockdown period. Data was collected between April and May 2020. The participants were 281 Italian adults aged between 18 and 73 years. The survey was composed of the following measures: Flourishing Scale, Jarel Spiritual Well-Being scale, Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, Impact of Event Scale—Revised, Fear of COVID-19. The mediational analysis shows that fear of COVID-19 fully mediates the relationship between negative affect and spiritual well-being and flourishing; fear of COVID-19 partially mediates the relationship between negative affect and PTSD symptoms; the positive affect shows only direct effects on positive outcomes. Therefore, fear of COVID-19 does not play any mediation role. Implications for psychological interventions and future research will be discussed.

scholarly journals The Congregational Character Questionnaire: An Initial Empirical Examination of the Significance of Collective Church Character Traits

2021 ◽  
pp. 009164712110219
Author(s):  
T. Ryan Byerly ◽  
Keith J. Edwards ◽  
Peter C. Hill
Keyword(s):  
Meaning In Life ◽  
Satisfaction With Life ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Character Traits ◽  
Academic Disciplines ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Religious Congregations ◽  
Empirical Examination ◽  
Christian Churches

Researchers in several academic disciplines have begun to take an interest in group character traits, including the character traits of religious congregations. This article reports the first empirical studies of congregational virtues. The Congregational Character Questionnaire was developed for measuring 12 different virtues of Christian churches: clinging to apostolic teaching, honoring teachers, prayerfulness, hopefulness, discipleship, emotional supportiveness, material supportiveness, spiritual equality, unity, submission, peace with the world, and spreading the faith. The instrument was then used with an online sample ( N = 530) to study how congregants’ perceptions of their congregation’s virtuousness related to congregants’ evaluations of their congregation, participation in their congregation, as well as congregants’ satisfaction with life, presence of meaning in life, and religious well-being. Results indicated that congregants’ overall perceptions of congregational virtuousness were significantly positively related to all of these dependent variables. These results help to reveal the important role that congregational character may play in the experience of congregants. Directions for future research in this area are outlined.

scholarly journals Defining a research agenda for youth sport specialisation in the USA: the AMSSM Youth Early Sport Specialization Summit

2021 ◽  
Vol 55 (3) ◽  
pp. 135-143
Author(s):  
Stephanie A Kliethermes ◽  
Stephen W Marshall ◽  
Cynthia R LaBella ◽  
Andrew M Watson ◽  
Joel S Brenner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Research Agenda ◽  
Sport Participation ◽  
Youth Sport ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Medical Society ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Usa

Sport specialisation is becoming increasingly common among youth and adolescent athletes in the USA and many have raised concern about this trend. Although research on sport specialisation has grown significantly, numerous pressing questions remain pertaining to short-term and long-term effects of specialisation on the health and well-being of youth, including the increased risk of overuse injury and burnout. Many current elite athletes did not specialise at an early age. Methodological and study design limitations impact the quality of current literature, and researchers need to prioritise pressing research questions to promote safe and healthy youth sport participation. The American Medical Society for Sports Medicine hosted a Youth Early Sport Specialization Summit in April 2019 with the goal of synthesising and reviewing current scientific knowledge and developing a research agenda to guide future research in the field based on the identified gaps in knowledge. This statement provides a broad summary of the existing literature, gaps and limitations in current evidence and identifies key research priorities to help guide researchers conducting research on youth sport specialisation. Our goals are to help improve the quality and relevance of research on youth sport specialisation and to ultimately assure that opportunities for healthy and safe sport participation continue for all youth.

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