Showing 23 results for Ecology
Volume 3, Issue 1 (3-2015)
Abstract
Soil, a 3-dimensional component of the landscape, or simply a natural body in a soilscape with a given geopedological setting, was modeled by Jenny as S = f (Climate, Organism, Relief, Parent material, Time). To map such a complex body, the concept ‗pedon’ –the smallest volume that can be recognized as a soil had to be defined. Classically, soil is known to function as provider, controller, regulator, mechanical support, and as a filter to protect the quality of water, air, and other resources. The intention of this paper is to argue, with the help of several examples of soilscape, in (semi-) arid regions of Tunisia, Morocco and Iran, some other functions of the soils, namely those of being an archive (‗history book of the landscape‘), a guide (in soil management), and a ‗predictor‘ (sensing soil health), in other words, soilscape speaks out: an account of the past, present and future.
Volume 3, Issue 4 (12-2015)
Abstract
The purpose of the present research was to study the properties of natural habitats and growth status of the genus Tamarix in Miankangi, Sistan Province, South-eastern Iran. Selective sampling was used to examine the natural stands structure. Then, the one ha-rectangular sample plots were stablished in the stands and surrounding bare lands as control plots. Quantitative variables of stands viz. collar diameter, total height, canopy surface and density in the plots were recorded. In each plot, the soil sampling was carried out from 0-30 and 31-60 cm depths, and some physicochemical parameters of the soil including soil texture, pH, EC, SP, OC, total N, available P, K, Na, Ca and Mg were measured. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA. The Duncan's test was used to compare the means. The soil texture of the region was loamy-silty and clay-sandy-loamy. The soil of Tamarix habitats was saline and alkaline. The results showed that the growth variables were different among the habitats. In addition, the soil clay and silt, pH, potassium and sodium absorption ratio (SAR) were significantly different among the habitats and the control. Correlation between vegetation and soil properties also showed that the diameter of Tamarix trees had positively correlated with the soil SP at also the first depth and with the clay viriable at the second depth.
Volume 4, Issue 3 (9-2018)
Abstract
The paper presents a compilation of the documented occurrence of the date stone beetle Coccotrypes dactyliperda across the globe. The data presented here have been compiled based on an exhaustive search of academic journal databases, collections presented in research portals and digitised holdings of national libraries. A visualisation of the global distribution shows that the presence of Coccotrypes dactyliperda is circumscribed by climatic factors.
Volume 4, Issue 4 (12-2013)
Abstract
The process of learning never happens in vacuum, and the final product encompasses the various interactions between the language learner and the surrounding world. Most often, the language learner is assessed in a two-way relationship and in this respect, the academic environment and the classroom are the first and the last destinations, which are considered. Considering the importance of ecological and environmental factors in learning a foreign language, the present article tries to investigate the parents’ role in learning English language qualitatively. The amount of effective interaction between the parents and the child, the amount of accessibility to cultural goods such as computer and the Internet and that the effects of these goods on learning, as well as the parents` values with respect to learning English language were included as the purpose of this study. The study was conducted based on the following assumptions: (a) Intelligence and aptitude are not the only way toward success or failure in learning English language, and (b) there may be some discrepancies between the set of values advocated by schools and institutes with those of the parents. Thirty-five families participated in this study whose children were instructed in English language institutes in Mashhad. We interviewed all of these families as well as their children. The results revealed that families in both more-proficient and less-proficient learners use various strategies. At the end, some recommendations were given to improve the quality of education within families.
Volume 4, Issue 4 (12-2022)
Abstract
Peace ecology is a new emergent scientific concept which is formed due to the scientific discourses on environmental security and environmental peacemaking, and it is philosophically seeks peace with the environment which is challenged and threatened by human interventions. This concept has attracted scholars' attention and regarding environmental threats in local, national and regional levels it is necessary to be considered in Iran. So, this article using descriptive-analytic method and based on library data gathering procedure tries to explain peace ecology, conceptually. Also, it tries to provide some suggestions to peace-building and peacemaking in some regions such as the Middle East and Caspian Sea based on peace ecology indicators. The research findings show that regarding the urgency of environmental threats, these threats can provide some opportunities for peace-building and peacemaking.
Volume 5, Issue 4 (11-2024)
Abstract
Aims: Recent advances in landscape ecology and satellite data have provided an opportunity to change approaches in sustainable urban planning and have created a high potential for enhancing resilience in the interactions of social-ecological systems. In this research, by using the concept of spatial resilience and measuring the critical components and relationships of the socio-ecological landscape over time, the thresholds related to identity were quantitatively extracted to provide a solution for linking concrete management objectives and the theory of resilience.
Methods: By evaluating the ecological landscape of Qom city using PLAND, CA, NP, AREA-MN metrics and satellite data, the changes in landscape resilience of this city during thirty years based on the theory of spatial resilience were analyzed.
Findings: By defining and extracting identity thresholds, identity changes in the city landscape were predicted concerning resilience in the coming years. Then, by identifying the spatial-identity patterns of the city in different periods and measuring them based on resilience dimensions, measurable suggestions were presented to policymakers and planners to place the urban landscape in a new, resilient, and sustainable balance.
Conclusion: The landscape of the city of Qom in 2009 and 2019 has crossed the first and second thresholds of identity, and with the continuation of the current trend, in the next 20 years, traveling the third threshold (complete transformation of landscape identity) will happen, and if the process of reducing the green area structures continues, the landscape will reach an irreparable stage in terms of resilience.
Volume 9, Issue 1 (3-2019)
Abstract
Environmental sustainability is one of the crucial issues considered by practitioners of environment conservation. One of the major factors which affect the environment is land use management. Consequently, adaptive reuse of industrial vacant buildings has achieved great acceptance among developing countries in recent years, whereas it can provide economic, sociocultural, and ecological benefits to the environment. This research aims to identify the significance of adaptive reuse in sustainability of the environment, especially in neglected industrial areas. The aim is achieved by means of a principle-based approach: defining the meaning of adaptive reuse and its significance in a sustainable environment; then, evaluating sustainability factors among those neglected industrial buildings conserved by adaptive reuse. To gain an understanding of the issue, a “historical interpretation” research method relying on analytical- description techniques was adopted and interviews through questionnaires were conducted with a variety of professors and students. The findings indicate that the concept of environmental sustainability is considered significantly in the adaptive reuse of industrial heritage of Iran. However, ecological aspects are neglected because of the buildings having low energy efficiency and not using renewable energies in the renovation process.
Volume 9, Issue 3 (7-2021)
Abstract
Aims: Nowadays, the importance of morning reports for discussing clinical cases and making the best-informed decision for a therapeutic process is undeniable. Therefore, this study aimed to improve clinical morning reports' information adequacy by developing a structured reporting model.
Participants & Methods: This qualitative research was conducted in three phases at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of three educational hospitals in northeastern Iran in 2018. After investigating the current status of MR sessions, the content of 120 reports was included and extracted. The items were assigned subject groups for primary structuring while their validation was getting confirmation using a two-round Delphi technique involving ten specialists. Then, the structured model of clinical MRs was developed in two formats: structured paper-based form and structured electronic format. The final evaluation was conducted comparing three practices of structured paper-based, structured electronic format, and conventional formats. Excel 2010 software was used for the analysis of the results.
Findings: All studied MR samples were found unstructured in content. From 120 collected samples, 58 items were extracted and categorized into four categories. During the first Delphi round, all existing information was preserved with varying weights. Nevertheless, the participating experts also suggested six additional items to be included. In the second round, 11 items with the lowest scores were removed. Results of the comparative evaluation showed that the SPF format scored highest on the preference of use, ease of archiving and retrieval, application in future research, and ease of reporting. The SEF format scored highest on the clear understanding of patient status and readability.
Conclusion: Using a standardized structured morning report based on the preference of local experts improves the quality of morning reports in various matters, including efficiency, adequacy, and ease.
Volume 9, Issue 4 (12-2023)
Abstract
The “jewel beetle” - Belionota prasina (Thunberg, 1789), is a polyphagous insect pest found throughout India and its neighboring countries. To develop semiochemical-based pest control strategies, we must first comprehend the entire morphological features of the insect’s antennal sensory structure. This is the first study report revealing the morphology and ultrastructure of antennal sensillae of male and female of B. prasine using light and scanning electron microscopy. Both antennae are serrated in appearance with 11 antennomers. In both sexes, Böhm sensilla, sensilla trichodea, sensilla basiconica, sensilla chaetica, and multiporous grooved peg sensilla are common. Sexual dimorphism is present in the case of length and width (basal and distal) of entire antenna as well as each antennomer. Male antennomeres are larger and more robust. The antenna of B. prasina shows a high degree of sexual dimorphism. The C4 type aporous serrated sensilla chaetica, which serves a tactile function, are highly specific to male antennae. The sensilla basiconica subtype 4 is found in female antennomeres while multigrooved are pegs present only in male antennomerers. The number and type of sensillae are greater in males than females. Apical fossae are present dorsally and ventrally on each male antennomere. The function and distribution of all types of sensilla are explained and illustrated in this paper.
Volume 11, Issue 0 (10-2009)
Abstract
Objective: Lymnaea palustris was previously found in Mazandaran province but there was not any report about its parasitologic aspects. This study was conducted to finding ecological and Parasitological aspects of snail in Mazandaran province, North of Iran.
Materials and Methods: In this descriptive study, more than 181 locations, were checked, in 36 locations, colonies of the snail were found and 490 snails were collected. After diagnosis of snails as Lymanea palustris, in laboratory, they were crushed and their probable cercaria was checked out by a dissecting microscope. Data were analyzed and processed by ArcGIS 9.2 and Microsoft Office 2003 for descriptive analysis.
Results: from 490 snails, 6 cases (1.22%) were infected with trematode larval stage. These cercariae were classified as echinostomaercaria. Optimum temperature for the snails was 15-19 degrees of celsius and optimum dissolved salt (TDS) was 200-400 ppm. Population of colonies were raised in autumn and winter but infected snails were seen in summer.
Conclusion: This study could show the ecological pattern, distribution, and population dynamic of the snail. Also the existence of echinostomaercaria which is cercaria, generally belong to the Echinostoma sp, indicates veterinary and parasitological importance of local snails. It is probable these parasite, infect man also. More studies on definitive host and exact species of parasite are proposed.
Shams Ol Sadat Zahedi,
Volume 11, Issue 1 (2-2004)
Abstract
Sustainable ecotourism is a nature oriented tourism that maintains a sound relationship with the natu-ral environment, and contributes to its conservation. Ecological understanding is a prerequisite of sus-tainable ecotourism. Nature conservation and ecotourism are interdependent. There should be a sym-biotic relationship between the two, in which, both derive sustainable benefits in a lengthy period of time. In order to decrease natural deterioration, the present ecotourism economic and financial assess-ment should be challenged. Sustainable ecotourism demands new managerial methods that can esti-mate both environmental inputs and outputs in every single ecotourism venture and meets the required criteria of both. Triple-bottom-line accounting approach provides a foundation for assessment of envi-ronmental, social, and financial costs and benefits of ecotourism ventures. Ecotourism companies can allocate some of their resources to the nature conservation and people education. This is how they can obtain a positive triple bottom line. Developing environmental management strategies, programs and procedures with measurable objectives, and allocating adequate funds for their effective implementa-tion is recommended in this article. Effective financial management system with capable accounting mechanisms would provide the ecotourism organizations with the necessary foundations for transition towards sustainability.
Volume 11, Issue 1 (3-2025)
Abstract
Odonata diversity of the Kuruva Islands in Wayanad, a part of the Western Ghats Biodiversity Hotspot in southern India, was studied for a year using transect counts. A total of 59 species were recorded of which 7 are endemic to the Western Ghats. Herb cover, shrub cover, open space, water pH, air temperature, and a composite water chemistry variable incorporating conductivity, TDS, and salinity emerged as the most important predictors of Odonata diversity. The distribution of the endemic and Vulnerable Disparoneura apicalis (Fraser, 1924) in the islands is influenced by particular species of plants that act as their perching posts and ovipositing sites. It is recommended that the tourists visiting the Kuruva Islands be sensitized about the importance of the place as an odonate habitat. The highly range-restricted D. apicalis can be made a flagship species for the conservation of this unique ecosystem.
Volume 11, Issue 2 (6-2025)
Abstract
Data was collected from 45 monthly samples at three vegetation layers spanning from 1950 to 2500 meters above sea level in the Arjan Plain Biosphere Reserve, Fars Province, Iran. A total of 12,648 individuals were collected, leading to the identification of 89 species of oribatid mites from 39 families and 53 genera The data for the Shannon diversity index was analyzed using the permutation one-way analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) to understand the distribution of mites across the elevation gradients. Significant variations were observed in the distribution of oribatid mites at different elevational strata. Layer 2 exhibited the highest species richness and total abundance of oribatid mites, with 67 species and 6162 individuals, followed by layer 3 with 62 species and 4359 individuals, and layer 1 harbouring 59 species and 2140 individuals. Dominant species included Jacotella frondeus (Kulijev) and Oribatula pallida Banks in layer 1, Pilogalumna tenuiclava (Berlese), Aleurodamaeus sp.3, and J. frondeus in Layer 2, and Aleurodamaeus sp.3 and J. frondeus in layer 3. The Shannon index also revealed that species diversity of oribatid mites significantly increased with elevation increase. Furthermore, the analysis indicated a notable seasonal effect on oribatid mite biodiversity, demonstrating the lowest species richness and abundance observed in July and September.
Volume 11, Issue 2 (6-2025)
Abstract
Mosquitoes (Culicidae) are hematophagous insects that play a major role as vectors of diverse pathogens affecting human health. Understanding their distribution and diversity is essential for assessing pathogen risks and developing control strategies. This study investigated the Culicid fauna in the semi-humid region of northeastern Algeria (Annaba-El Tarf) over a period from October 2019 to July 2022. An entomological survey was conducted in natural and artificial larval habitats across rural and urban areas to account for factors influencing mosquito breeding capacity and distribution. Immature mosquitoes were collected and identified to assess species richness and abundance. A total of 5587 immature mosquitoes were collected from 111 positive larval habitats, representing four genera and nine species: Culex pipiens, Cx. theileri, Cx. hortensis, Culiseta longiareolata, Cs. annulata, Aedes caspius, Ae. geniculatus, Ae. albopictus, and Anopheles labranchiae. The genus Culex was the most prevalent, with Culex pipiens accounting for 63.25% of the total, followed by Culiseta longiareolata (23.41%). Species richness was lower in urban areas compared to rural areas, and natural larval habitats harboured more species than artificial ones. This study provides essential data on the distribution, abundance, and diversity of mosquito species in northeastern Algeria, contributing to understanding mosquito population dynamics and enabling better vector control and monitoring strategies, particularly in light of evolving human activities and climate change.
Volume 11, Issue 2 (6-2025)
Abstract
Megaselia Rondani, 1856 is a megadiverse genus of scuttle flies, commonly found worldwide. This article reports on the recent discovery of 31 species of Megaselia newly recorded in Morocco, collected in various regions, including the Rif Mountain, the Atlantic Plain and the Atlas Mountains, covering numerous habitats, such as forests, grasslands, agricultural fields, riverbanks, springs, ponds, peat bogs, and lake with the purpose of assessing a wide variety of habitats and understanding the ecological preferences of Megaselia species. These new findings have increased the total of Moroccan phorid fauna to 45 species so far. Of these, 43 are Megaselia species.
Volume 11, Issue 4 (12-2023)
Abstract
Aims: Haft Barm is a series of five small lakes in the southern Zagros region which has encountered recent rapid development of human settlement. This article reports a survey on its essential ecological attributes.
Methods: Water samples were taken from three locations in March and June 2020 and analyzed regarding physical and chemical factors and plankton communities. Trophic state and primary production were estimated.
Findings: Results showed water temperature 8.2–23.1 °C, dissolved oxygen 6.3–8.3 mg.L-1, salinity as electrical conductivity 739 – 971 µS.cm-1, total nitrogen 0.1–1.1 mg.L-1, and total phosphorus 0.4 and 3.8 mg.L-1. Algae of the lake consisted of 24 taxa, the highest density of which counted 23360 cells per liter in June, and the Chlorophyceae were the dominant group. The Zooplankton composition was of four taxa from Cladocera (Bosmina sp. and Daphnia sp.), Copepoda (Cyclops sp.), and Rotifera (Rotaria sp.), with the highest densities in Rotaria (35 individuals per liter). Phragmites sp., and Juncus sp. were the dominant species in the macrophyte community besides Polygonum amphbium, and Potamogeton pectiatus. The very high concentration of total phosphorus is a strong sign for predicting a eutrophic condition. The average trophic index is estimated at 88, which suggests a eutrophic to hyper-eutrophic state for the lake. The estimated primary production of the lake was 1114 gC.m-2.A-1.
Volume 12, Issue 46 (10-2019)
Abstract
Whenever the place and quality of life simultaneously cause formation of predicates created by transmission of one situation to the other, we face eco-semiotics. As the basic elements forming human’s ecology are place and quality related to the place, therefore each ecology can be known as the tranjective chain. Berque, calls this tranjective chain mesology. Ecology can be a process if we consider a situation relating to a pre-situation and also cooperating to the next situation. In this process each existentialism is ready to be transferred to a new existentialism in the case of being put in the tranjective chain. This process formation is based on the idea that no existence is independent of the other existence. The best achievement of this mesologic idea is the deletion of bipolar world. Each existence has the ability of transmission inside the place and movement to the other existence. That’s why considering the existed experiments shows the formation of predicated based on the figures and interactive situations that each existence is completed on the process of action based on discontinue that cause its completion and transmutation. Regarding the subject, existences are various and grow up gradually inside time and place which are capable of being transferred. Our main aim of this research is showing the quality of existence growth and our main approach on this paper is formed by concentrating on human semiotics and visibility of existence. Also we’ll try to render literal eco-semiotics theory based on Berque’s mesologic idea and tranjective chain.
Volume 16, Issue 64 (12-2023)
Abstract
In recent decades, due to the crises created in nature by humans, the review of the relationship between humans and nature has gained special importance. The existing gap between environmental damage and its reverberations has resulted in people’s lack of attention to the consequences of environmental destruction. By applying ecocriticism and relying on concepts such as anthropocentrism, biocentrism, deep ecology and shallow ecology, the present study, for the first time, compares the two novels, Ahle Ghargh (1989), by Moniro Ravanipour and Animal Dreaams (1990) by Barbara Kingsolver. While introducing deep ecology as postmodern environmental ethics, the research completely rejects the domination of anthropocentric ideology and considers self- realization and identification with nature to be the only way out of environmental crises. Ravanipour and Kingsolver suffer from eco-trauma caused by environmental destruction and they try to take an effective step in improving deficiencies in nature. Eco-trauma inspires both novelists to deal with the damage that humans, knowingly or unknowingly, cause to nature. The study aims to demonstrate the dominance of anthropocentric ideology, which brings a self-seeking and self-interested attitude, strongly causing the destruction of nature. By relying on biocentrism, deep ecology has no concern other than preserving the environment and its resources while it avoids damage to the environment with the aim of gaining profit.
Extended Abstract
1. Introduction
Industrialization and urbanization have led to the separation of man from nature and made a false impression related to the superiority of human beings. Based on such a paradigm, what follows, is solving environmental problems only for the benefit of human beings, according to the needs of their time. Such a limited view suggests that the environmental movement has generally operated on a case-by-case basis. As long as various issues are not considered as distinct predicaments, environmentalists will never be able to fully protect ecosystems from the destructive abuses of human development. By examining Moniro Ravanipour’s Ahle Ghargh (1989), and Barbara Kingsolver’s Animal Dreams (1990), considering how anthropocentrism has caused irreparable damage to the environment and ecosystem, the study considers the reconnection of man with nature by changing the pattern in his relationships as a solution. Ravanipour (1952- ), and Kingsolver (1955- ), have skillfully depicted the effects of environmental destruction on human life in their works.
The study indicates that there is a meaningful intimacy between nature and reasonable behavior towards the environment. Therefore, physical contact with nature is the necessary factor of procuring a sense of connection with it. Ahle Ghargh and Animal Dreams are in harmony with the specific geographical region of their authors’ hometowns and illustrate the deep connection of the authors with where they were raised. The research is a reflection of anthropocentrism in different climates that has achieved valuable results from the comparison of the two studied novels. Ravanipour and Kingsolver consider current environmental concerns as a major threat to human well-being. The present study is an argument of the consequences of anthropocentrism and a utilitarian attitude towards nature. Contemplating concepts such as anthropocentrism, biocentrism, deep ecology and shallow ecology, the researchers consider industrialization and the urban lifestyle to be the cause of the physical separation of man from nature and the deepening of this alienation. The article aims to investigate anthropocentrism and its reflection in the works of Ravanipour and Kingsolver in a comparative manner to clarify environmental worldviews through the application of biocentrism and deep ecology.
The study tries to reconcile intellectual similarities and styles of Iranian and American female novelists. Although the presence of British colonialism in Ravanipour’s Ahle Ghargh is differentiated from Kingsolver’s Animal Dreams, the dominant theme in both novels is the rupture between man and nature and the mental and psychological problems which result from such separation. By choosing two female novelists from two different regions, Eastern and Western, while emphasizing the deep connection between women and nature, the article aims to portray their similar concerns about environmental issues resulting from its destruction. The present research introduces deep ecology as a solution for controlling and ending crises. The comparative analysis proves that the two novels Ahle Ghargh and Animal Dreams are a reflection of criticism on modernity and shallow ecology which has led nature into regression. In both novels, nature is the main background of the story and is the driving force behind the events which has an inevitable effect on the characters of the story. Ravanipour and Kingsolver believe that the world is on the edge of an ecological abyss, and the reason is anthropocentric thought which considers man to be the center and ruler of the universe, with regard to his materialistic and profit-seeking disposition.
The article is an example of the link between literature and environment which examines the similarities of Ahle Ghargh and Animal Dreams, for the first time, carrying out a comparative study of these two literary texts. In “What is Comparative Literature?” (2012) Alireza Anushirvani (1954- ), claims that comparative literature is an important field of literature and a branch of literary criticism that while regarding the interaction between the literature of various peoples, studies and analyzes their similarities and differences (37). This study aims to present a new reading of Ravanipour’s Ahle Ghargh and Kingsolver’s Animal Dreams by compiling the ideas of Arne Naess (1912-2009), Greg Garrard (1969), and using concepts such as anthropocentrism, biocentrism, deep ecology and shallow ecology. By analyzing two selected works, researchers noted the impact of biocentrism and deep ecology in restoring the discrete relationship between man and nature. Finally, in the concluding part, the findings of the study are summarized.
2. Methodology and Approach
What has been on the human mind for a long time is the importance of preserving nature, plant and animal species, which have a very fundamental and inevitable role in maintaining the health of the human soul and psyche. In recent decades, due to the crises created by man in nature, the review of the connection between human and nature has become of significant importance. Meantime, literature has had a distinctive status and an excessive contribution in this field. Today, many intellectuals and critics seek to study the confrontation between human and nature. For this reason, a new field of study has emerged from the link between the humanities, that is literature and the natural sciences which is ecology. The combination of these two disciplines has led to the emergence of a new science called ecocriticism in the field of literary criticism, which aims to find the connection between human and nature. Ecocriticism was formed in the second half of the twentieth century. The term was first coined in 1978 by William H. Rueckert (b.1926), the American literature educator and writer. Taking into account environmental concerns, it tried to get help from the literature to preserve and improve the environment. Through an environmental approach to literary works, it attempts to create a new attitude to nature that leads to the improvement of human relationship with it.
Ecocriticism is a recently developed critical approach which links the humanities, natural sciences, and environmental sciences. One of the notable recognized pioneers of ecocriticism is Cheryll Glotfelty (b.1958), the American professor of literature and environment at the University of Nevada, Reno. In The Ecocriticism Reader: Landmarks in Literary Ecology (1996), Glotfelty and Fromm define ecocriticism as ‘simply put, ecocriticism is the study of the relationship between literature and the physical environment” (xviii). They describe the environmental crisis and the various dimensions of the humanities, including anthropology. Glotfelty and Fromm study the aspects of ecology and predict the future of this branch of literary criticism due to the expansion of modern science. They believe that the main focus of discussion in ecocriticism is the correlation between literature and physical environment (Glotfelty & Fromm, 1996: 3). Greg Garrard in his outstanding book Ecocriticism (2004), examines the concepts of ecocriticism, such as dwelling, wilderness, pollution, animals, and the earth. He believed that “wilderness has an almost sacramental value: it holds out the promise of a renewed, authentic relation of humanity and the earth, a post-Christian covenant, found in a space of purity, founded in an attitude of reverence and humanity” (Garrard, 2004: 59). Ecocriticism aims to create an interactive approach between the language of nature and the literary language that it creates through environmental literary discourse.
3.Conclusion
Since decades ago, humans have had a special consideration for the environment. The reason for such attention was the concern about the protection of nature against industrial development, urbanization, pollution, and significant climate changes. Industrialization and urbanization have caused the separation of human from nature and presented a false representation related to the superiority of human beings. In Ahle Gharg (1989), and Animal Dreams (1990), Moniro Ravanipour (1952- ), and Barbara Kingsolver (1955- ), reflect their environmental sorrow, try to take an effective step in improving the nature by changing the attitude of man in the environment. Both artists consider the alienation of human populations from nature as a product of industrial modernization and the rise of urbanization. This detachment is the result of a world view that regards human and nature as fundamentally in isolation while reflecting on the value of nature only as a means of fulfilling human needs. Generally speaking, the urban lifestyle has created a marked schism between man and nature. Physical intimacy with nature is necessary in order to create a sense of connection.
Relying on an ecological narrative, Moniro Ravanipour and Barbara Kingsolver have managed to reveal the vulnerability of the environment and its impact on people’s lives since neither author has ever been a neutral observer in advocating the environment. In their works, Ravanipour and Kingsolver have taken effective steps to reveal the damage caused by anthropocentrism. By relying on what literature has given them, both novelists have skillfully dealt with problems and solutions. The environmental damage that humans purposefully or inadvertently cause to nature will return over time, although due to the deep gap between the damage and its consequences, effects may last for decades, or even centuries. Ravanipour and Kingsolver have clearly reflected this truth in their works by portraying the environmental despair which the protagonists of the novels face and the efforts they make to save nature. Both contemporary authors point out the seriousness of environmental issues while ruminating over the deep connection between human, nature, and the recognition of its damage, eventuating in environmental trauma. The misery following in the wake of environmental destruction drives the main characters of both novels towards experiencing trauma. Both novelists try to amplify people’s awareness of the environment.
Nature plays an essential role in healing the complications of the soul and psyche so that they can reduce their suffering by taking refuge in it. In fact, the manifestation and excellence found in nature reduces stress and anxiety. Researchers believe that a comprehensive and non-hierarchical perception of all life forms should replace the hegemonic conceptual framework in which nature is merely a means for humans to take advantage of. In fact, the widespread belief is that humans are intrinsically more valuable than other creatures and nature should be replaced by empathy with nature. Ravanipour and Kingsolver deal with current environmental concerns since they believe they are real threats to man’s well-being.
Volume 17, Issue 5 (9-2015)
Abstract
A two-year field study was conducted at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, India, to study the relative abundance of mustard/turnip aphid, Lipaphis erysimi (Kaltenbach) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) and the associated resident natural enemies on 10 different rapeseed-mustard genotypes which included: Brassica juncea: RH 7846, RH 9501, RK 9501, JMM 927, Purple Mutant; B. napus: Hyola PAC 401 (Hybrid); B. rapa ecotype yellow sarson cv. YST 151; B. rapa ecotype brown sarson cv. BSH 1; B. carinata: DLSC 2 and Eruca sativa: T 27. The objective was to study whether indigenous natural enemies can be used for biological control of mustard aphid. Population of turnip aphid and different natural enemies was recorded at weekly intervals. There was lack of synchronization in the peak activity of natural enemies with that of the aphids with a time lag of one to two weeks depending upon the genotype. For example, on B. juncea cv. RH 7846, the peak aphids’ population was recorded during the 10th Standard Meteorological Week (SMW) while that of predators’ was recorded during the 12th SMW in 2007-2008 crop season. Among the different natural enemies, coccinellids were the most abundant with grubs being dominant in the initial phase of population development and adults in the later one. There is a need to conserve the resident natural enemies in mustard ecosystem for effective early season suppression of the aphid population or release them early in the season to suppress aphid population in lag phase of its development.
Volume 17, Issue 69 (1-2021)
Abstract
There has been a growing tendency among contemporary Iranian authors to draw upon local customs and traditions as well as the geographic features of a specific area so that the audience would discover the setting of the fiction without much effort when reading it. Many studies have so far examined the ecological, and particularly rural, characteristics of northern Iran, southern Iran, Azerbaijan, Khorasan, and Kermanshah as manifested in contemporary literary works whereas the province of Kordestan and its writers have been largely neglected. Using a descriptive-analytical method, the present study first discusses the notion of ecological fiction and describes Ebrahim Younesi’s works of fiction. Then it attempts to analyze the ecological and local features of his works which are mainly represented by Kurdish vocabulary, using sentences in his native language, folkloric songs and proverbs, local place names, references to the historical events of the region, and the traditional beliefs and customs of Kordestan.