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Electromagnetic fields are present in the everyday life. Monitoring of electromagnetic fields in the environment, plays a fundamental role in sustainable development of urban areas especially designated for housing. Many years of experience of the author of this paper points to the need for systematic informing and educating the population.
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Sredinom svibnja 2014. godine bili smo svjedoci nezapamćenih bujanja rijeka diljem naše zemlje kao posljedica višednevnih kiša koje su zahvatile Jugoistočnu Europu. Područje niskog tlaka pod nazivom “Yvette” donijelo je toliko padalina koje su promijenile prirodu na mjestima i do neprepoznatljivosti. Prema statističkim podacima zavoda, ovolika količina padalina nije zabilježena u proteklih 120 godina. Stotine tisuća ljudi bilo je prisiljeno napustiti svoja kućanstva. Enormne količine padalina pokrenule su zatim brojna klizišta i odrone, u kojima su pojedine kuće iz temelja pokrenute, a ponegdje su nastradala i pokrenuta čitava sela (Svrakino Naselje, Željezno polje). Kiša, bujice i klizišta uzrokovala su podizanje riječnih vodostaja zbog kojih dolazi do silnih poplava.
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The paper represents an overview of the developmental line of J. Bronfenbrenner’s bioecological theory and its key characteristics in each developmental phase. It took three decades from the first integral representation of this theory to its mature form. That line is marked by an essential shift from the ecological to bioecological concept of human development. If we pretend to conduct a biecological valid research, it is very important to learn about teh development of this theory, even more since it is very often conceptualized as only ecological, without using its revised and complete version in research. The analysts of the Bronfenbrenner theory recognized only a few researche, among all that are declarative based on bioecological theory, that really uses bioecological “PPCT“ model as the research design. The need for this kind of overview of this “theory in development“ is highlighted more by the fact that in our region is available the very first, ecological version of the Bronfenbrenner's theory (1997, Екологија људског развоја).
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The article looks at the nuclear security, i.e. prevention of malicious acts involving nuclear or other radioactive materials and their associated facilities. The article is a translation of ‘Nuclear security’ report published by the UK Parliamentary Office of Science & Technology (POSTnote No. 540, October 2016).
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The radicalism of ecological thinking lies in the novelty of what it asserts not about Nature but about the role of Man and his duty. Nature itself is defenceless and even unworthy of moral defence by its definition, regarded as an object appropriate to the presuppositions of scientific investigation. Thus, the experiment of establishing ecophilosophy demands the destruction of the dualistic tradition with its concepts of “human” (the knower) and “nature” (the one to be known). The encounter with Heidegger’s thoughts was the most decisive inspiration in this regard. According to Heidegger, man cannot be conceived of as a special kind of living being among others, considering that his presence is the precondition for the revelation of Being as such. As he writes: “Does man not exist in such a way that the more primordially he is himself, he is precisely not only and not primarily himself? ...man is experienced in what drives him beyond himself...”
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The article describes the ecology and distribution of the species Eu. finlandicus Oudemans, 1915 (Parasitiformes, Phytoseiidae) in the garden phytocenoses of Transcarpathian region. In Ukraine, such studies were conducted for the Forest-Steppe zone. The mites were collected during the period of 2012–2014. In total, nine settlements of Transcarpathian region were studied. On the researched territory Eu. finlandicus inhabits at least 26 species of plants. For the first time, the status of the species Eu. finlandicus is determined in acaro-complexes of the family Phytoseiidae in garden phytocenoses of Transcarpathian region. The indices of occurrence and dominance for this species are calculated. Species of plants on which Eu. finlandicus is present in garden phytocenoses of Transcarpathian region are described. Results of the study suggest that Eu. finlandicus is a common species in garden phytocenoses of Transcarpathian region. The results can become the theoretical basis for development of schemes aimed at enhancing the protective function of useful mites in phytocenoses of the Uzhgorod district.
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The problem of natural forests conservation is relevant in the Ukrainian steppe zone where the forest ecosystems develop in the unfavorable conditions of geographic mismatch; therefore, they suffer as a result of any environmental changes. The hypothesis of susceptibility of tree leaves’ metabolism even to slight changes of climatic parameters was tested. The study was conducted in more than 75 years-old natural mixed forest located on the right bank of the Samara river. The chlorophyll (Chl) content, and catalase (CAT), benzidine-peroxidase (BPOD) and guaiacol-peroxidase (GPOD) activities in leaves of autochthonous maple species (Acer platanoides L.) and adventive acacia species (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) were investigated on the lower (52 m above see level, a.s.l.), middle (74 m a.s.l.) and upper (96 m a.s.l.) coastal slope altitude. In maple leaves decreasing chlorophyll amount on the middle and upper plots (8.8% and 19.5% compared with the lower plot) together with Chla/Chlb ratio decrease (from 4.7 on the lower to 4.4 on the middle and 4.0 on the upper plots) was found. Chlorophyll content in acacia leaves decreased only on the upper plot (by 8.5% compared to the lower one), and Chla/Chlb ratio on the lower and upper plots reached 5.1. In maple leaves the increase in altitude was accompanied by the decrease in BPOD activity (by 26% and 63% on the middle and upper plots, accordingly), and GPOD and CAT (accordingly, by 31% and 37% on the upper plots compared to the lower plots). High correlation coefficients of light, temperature and humidity with activity of CAT (respectively, r = –0.98; r = –0.85; r = 0.83), BPOD (r = –0.96; r = –0.93; r = 0.90) and GPOD (r = –0.98; r = –0.82; r = 0.82) were estimated in A. platanoides leaves. Sharp decline in GPOD activity in R. pseudoacacia leaves was revealed on the upper plot (by 95% compared to the lower one), whereas BPOD activity increased by 47% on the middle plot but decreased by 74% on the upper one compared to the lower plot, and CAT activity on the middle and upper plots exceeded 4.3-fold and 1.8-fold the activity on the lower plot. In R. pseudoacacia leaves high correlation of light, temperature and humidity was found with GPOD activity (respectively, r = –0.99; r = –0.82; r = 0.82), whereas correlation with the light level was significant only for BPOD (r = –0.84), and no significant correlation was recorded for CAT activity. Results of the study confirm high sensibility of photosynthetic and antioxidant processes in leaves of both tree species to microclimate changes, which is defined as a conventional enhancement of aridity traits when moving upwards on the slope. It is suggested that the level of correlation between enzyme activity and microclimate and lighting parameters can serve as a marker of tree species adaptation to the slope altitude-associated changes of the local environmental factors in the natural forest.
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We conducted a comparative analysis of the absolute and relative fecundity of round goby (Neogobius melanostomus (Pallas, 1984)) females in the Kakhovskyy Reservoir and the Azov Sea. We analysed the indicators of salinity, pH and oxygen levels in the waterbodies investigated. We determined the dependence of fertility of round gobies on body weight, length and age. This article presents the results of a comparative analysis with the works of other authors, including the results of a similar study conducted 40-years ago. We conducted cameral processing of the results by standard methodology. We counted the oocytes at varying stages of maturity. All oocytes were grouped by their diameter. We visually identified four groups of oocytes: 1700–2500 mkm – the large, mature oocytes (ІV stage of maturity); 400–1200 mkm – light yellow oocytes, which are ripening (ІІІ stage); 100–300 mkm (ІІ stage) whitish eggs, and the smallest (I stage) – up to 100 mkm. Stages II–IV were subjected to statistical processing. The differences between the indicators of fertility of fishes from saltwater and freshwater waterbodies show an increase in the relative and the absolute fecundity of fishes from the sea (saltwater) and decrease in the fecundity of the fishes in freshwater. The correlation analysis between the waterbodies and the length of the fishes showed 0.81 at the Kahovskyy Reservoir and 0.62 in the Azov Sea. The correlation analysis between the same waterbodies and the weight of the fishes was 0.63 and 0.74 respectively. This could indicate that conditions for the fishes’ existence were more favourable in the sea. The comparison analysis between our data and the 40-year old data for the Azov Sea depending on length and weight show a significant increase in oocyte numbers. This increase was noted for all size groups of fish. Nevertheless, the greatest differences were between fish in the Azov Sea (all data) and those in the Kahovskyy Reservoir. These results should be studied in the context of the nutrition spectrum and calorific objects of the round goby in these water bodies. It would be interesting to analyse data on gobies of the Azov Sea according to gradation in salinity levels.
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Velyky Lug is a unique natural complex which has a large biogeographical, ecological, environmental, historical and recreational value. The National Nature Park “Velyky Lug” was only created as recently as 2006.The park is located in Zaporizhzhya region, 15–18 km south of the city Zaporizhzhya, within the limits of floodplain area of the Dnepr river, which broadens to a width of over 20 kmbetween Bilen’ke and Vasilivka (north-eastern part of the Kakhovskoe reservoir). This enormous expansion of the floodplain (about 80,000 ha) which is situated between the Dnepr river and its tributary the Kins’ka was in historical times was called the Kin’ski Floodplain or Great Meadow. In modern times this territory is almost completely flooded by the waters of the Kakhovskoe reservoir. Remnants of natural habitats have been preserved along the river banks – in the form of little valleys and ravines which extend all the shore and also islands which appeared in 1956 when the reservoir was flooded. The overall area of the park “Velyky Lug” is 16,756 ha. Within the territory of the park “Velyky Lug” we have recorded 27 species of Lepidoptera which have various levels of conservation status. The taxonomical structure of the complex varies and included representatives of all basic families of moth and day butterflies which have species that are protected by law. In a taxonomical relation this complex is formed by the representatives of 11 families (Zygaenidae, Saturniidae, Sphingidae, Noctuidae, Arctiidae, Hesperiidae, Papilionidae, Pieridae, Nymphalidae, Satyridae, Lycaenidae). Zoogeographical analysis of the species that are protected in the territory of the park can be classified into 5 basic groups (Palearctic – 26%, Pontokazach – 26%, Mediterranean– 22%, Eurosiberian – 15%, European – 11%). Analysis of the biotopic advantages of the protected Lepidoptera species present in the territory of the park showed representatives from all 6 ecological groups which are included in the Lepidoptera fauna of Central Europe. The ecological structure appears highly interesting: xerothermophilous-1 – 46%, mesophilous-1 – 18%, xerothermophilous-2 – 15%, mesophilous-2 – 11%, hygrophilous – 4%, ubiquitous – 4%. Analysis of modern threats to the existence of Lepidoptera within park area reveals the following factors: erosion of the shores of Kakhovskoe reservoir, overgrazing by live-stock, recreational overload and artificial afforestation. Most species (45%) that are protected in the territory of the park and included in the IUCN Red List have status of vulnerable (VU). Hylis hyppophaes (Esper, [1793]) is the only species of conservation importance in the park which has expanded its range in Ukraine in the last 50 years. One of main terms of conditions for the survival of rare and vanishing species, including Lepidoptera, is creation of national red lists (for example, Red Book of Ukraine). 29% species of Lepidoptera, included in the Red Book of Ukraine have been recorded in the territory of the “Velyky Lug” park. Analysis of the categories of these species confirms that Zygaena laeta (Hübner, 1790) alone is classified as a vanishing species on the Ukrainian level, the others being classified as vulnerable (53%) and rare (41%). Among the species included in the Red Book of Ukraine, those for which the park has special significance on account of the stability and high numbers of their populations within the park are – Acherontia atropos (Linnaeus, 1758), Zerynthia polyxena ([Denis et Schiffermüller, 1775]) and Plebeius pylaon (Fisher von Waldheim, 1832).
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Study results of the spatial organisation of urbozem mesofauna are presented. We used the OMI-analysis methods. Field research was made in June, 1st, 2011 in the Botanical Gardenof Dnipropetrovsk National University(DNU) (earlier – the territoryof Y. Gagarinpark, Dnipropetrovsk). The studied plot is situated at a distance of 220 m from the Building 1 of DNU and at a distance of 60 m from Y. Gagarin Avenue(the Southeast direction). The plot consists of 15 transects directed in a perpendicular manner in relation to the Avenue. Each transect is made of seven sample points. The distance between points is 2 m. The coordinates of lower left point have been taken as (0; 0). The plot represents artificial forest-park planting. The vegetation has typically wood mesotrophic mesophilic character (93.3% – silvants, 90.0% – mesotrophes, 81.7% – mesophiles). In each point the soil mesofauna was studied; temperature, electrical conductivity and soil penetration resistance, dead leaves layer and herbage height were measured. Soil-zoological test area had a size of 25 × 25 cm. We found that earthworms are numerous and saprohages are presented by 5 species. The Aporrectodea caliginosa trapezoides (Duges, 1828) is a dominant species. Along with that species an ecological group of endogeic earthworms is presented by A. rosea rosea (Savigny, 1826) and Octolasion lacteum (Oerley, 1885). An ecological diversity of earthworms is supplemented by epigeic Lumbricus rubellus Hoffmeister, 1843 and anecic Octodrilus transpadanus (Rosa, 1884). The hygromorphs of earthworms range from ultrahygrophiles to mesophiles. The coenomorphic spectrum of earthworms is also rather wide and presented by “pratants”, “stepants”, “palludants” and “silvants”. The complex of earthworms in studied area is taxonomically and ecologically diverse. The ecological structure of soil animal community is presented by such dominant ecological groups as saprohages, pratants, hygrophiles, mesotrophocoenomorphs, and endogeic topomorphs. The measured soil characteristics have been shown to play an important role in structuring an ecological niche of mesopedobionts community. The basic trends in structure transformation of the soil mesofauna community are ecotone effect and edaphic properties determined by a vegetation cover.
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The analysis and synthesis of the data on allozyme structure, polymorphism and degree of genogeographic differentiation of mountain populations of Scots pine isolated in the Ukrainian Carpathians showed considerable genetic variability of foothill and mountain populations of Pinus sylvestris L., as well as the average genetic distance between these groups of populations. The differentiation between these groups of populations isolated by the ridges corresponds to the rank of geographic groups of populations. On the basis of our results there are sufficient grounds to separate the Carpathian mountain geographical race of Pinus sylvestris L. – var. carpatica Klika.
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The system attributes are peculiar to agrophytocoenosis: an internal texture, structure, organization, and presence of subsystems, elements, ensembles, relations, properties, interactions and channels of connection. Specific system properties of agrophytocoenosis are the differentiation, isolation, interaction, integration, opposite connection, regulation and self-regulation. Certain forms of complexity and orderliness are inherent in an agrophytocoenosis, which is a system. System-forming and system-destructive factors in agrophytocoenoses are integrated in interactions of an anthropic control, in a regulation and spontaneous objective natural phenomena and processes of zonal character.
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The results of the mole’s information field investigations in south-east Ukraine steppe forests are presented. The aggregates quantity parameters of the mole vital activity traces and their spatial structure in various forest biogeocoenoses were estimated.
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The drying process is one of the most important stages in the production of building materials. The choice of the drying method affects the chemical and physical properties of the final product. The aim of this research isto measure and analyze the dynamic changes of internal pressure in non-shrinking, porous material during convective drying. In this work the problem will be discussed with special attention to the behavior of rewetted plaster. A commercial gypsum of company PIOTROWICE II (Alpol brand), typically used in construction and decorative plastering was applied. Gypsum was mixed with water in recommended proportion of 0.6water/gypsum and drying experiments were performed at 50°C. The changes in sample overall mass as well as pressure and material temperature on the midpoint of sample axis were monitored. On the basis of the obtained experimental data of axial pressure, it is possible to perform a more detailed analysis of mass and heat transfer mechanisms than based on the drying kinetics alone. The pressure trends in the sample allow one to determine the moment of transition from the first to the second drying period, without the need to determine the kinetics of drying. The element of novelty consists of using a direct internal pressure measurement to provide information on the variation of the actual drying rate and mass transfer mechanisms.
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This paper represents anattempt to operationalise the broad concept of infrastructure in the field of socialsciences. The endeavour constitutes the subject of a PhD thesis (University of Bucharest)and a recently completed post-doctoral fellowship at the Romanian Academy.We propose a theoretical analysis comprising a typology of infrastructure byform and content, discerning between social infrastructure and material infrastructure,as well as a brief discussion focused on the interdependence of the two. Consequently,we propose a new type of social reality understanding, centred on the novel concept ofsocial infrastructure. Also, the paper contains a discussion concerning the social role ofpersonality, in order to understand the social mechanism and its contribution to thematerial and social infrastructure of a community.
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Introduction. The study aimed at judging the environmental awareness in young people from West Pomerania Province and their families by assessing their actions towards protecting the environment. Material and methods. The sample selection for the study was a non-random one as it involved a purposeful selection. The material consisted of the data obtained from the 3537 high school students. The research was carried out using diagnostic surveys. Results. The results of the research provide a basis for undertaking further education not only children and youth but also adults. Conclusions. Training to raise environmental awareness and environmental protection should be carried out by competent educators and take place at all levels of education. This process should be based on formal and informal activities and lead to the dissemination of an ecological culture model in which effective environmental protection conditions the society’s level of knowledge.
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Introduction. This article consists of two parts: the theoretical one, introducing several key terms, and the empirical part, presenting the analysis of sociological research. Explaining the concept of ‘education’ in the first part of the article allowed for formulating relevant hypotheses on students’ approach to the problems of environmental protection. Materials and methods. The proposed hypotheses were then verified with regard to the project executed in 2015, which investigated the position and role of environmental values in the value system of students from selected countries of Central Eastern Europe. The description of this research is presented in the second part of the article. Results. The conclusions from the analysis with regard to the country and faculty of studies are rather disturbing. The findings revealed that the level of environmental education in students is relatively low. The overall comparative analysis demonstrated that students from the Czech Republic represented the highest level of environmental awareness compared to those from Ukraine, Poland and Slovakia. Further, the analysis took into consideration the students’ faculty and showed that those studying natural sciences were only slightly better educated in environmental protection compared to students of humanities. This may indicate that even when young people receive environmental education, it does not help in creating a bond between them and the natural environment. Conclusion. Although the findings should be treated with some caution, they still deserve serious consideration, and should stimulate further research in this area.
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The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia has embarked decisively in mainstreaming the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development into the National Sustainable Development Planning in December 2015, with an objective to develop a SDGs Action Plan 2016‒2030, based on needs’ and potentials’ assessment and target setting relevant to the country’s context. UN has been involved into the overall action, from the early stage and has been making strong efforts to support country’s governance structures in developing contemporary government policy for sustainable development. WHO has been requested by the Ministry of Health to coordinate the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) technical support to the action related to SDG 3 and other health related SDGs. The Ministry of Health has endorsed a decision that has established a core technical working group SDG 3+ (CTWG SDG 3+) and has requested, by this decision, to coordinate its work closely with WHO (Country Office). Mainstreaming the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development into the National Sustainable Development Planning of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia is a complex endeavor which the Government has developed a very ambitious schedule for, and the WHO has been given a prominent role of a coordinator, convener and a global technical expert to support the process and outcome documents development, as well as their implementation, once being endorsed. This paper aims to present a snapshot of the process of mainstreaming the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development into the National Sustainable Development Planning of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, the role of WHO in this process related to SDG 3 and other health related goals and the challenges that the country will face.
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