Search Results (1,175)

Obesity has emerged as one of the most significant public health challenges of the 21st century, with its prevalence increasing at an alarming rate globally. While individual factors such as diet and physical inactivity are well-known contributors, the built environment, particularly housing, plays a critical yet understudied role in shaping obesity-related behaviors. This study examines the multilayered relationship between housing and obesity, focusing on built and neighborhood environment, affordability, and the social environment. Poor housing quality, such as overcrowding and inadequate ventilation, can potentially lead to chronic stress and sedentary behaviors, while housing design influences physical activity through characteristics such as design features and outdoor spaces. Housing location affects access to amenities such as parks and healthy food options, with disparities in access contributing to obesity in low-income areas. Similarly, neighborhood walkability, influenced by infrastructure and land use, encourages active transportation and recreation. Housing affordability also impacts dietary choices and access to recreational facilities, particularly for low-income families. Moreover, the social environment within housing communities can foster or hinder healthy behaviors through social networks and community engagement. This study emphasizes the need for health-conscious urban planning and policies that address these housing-related factors to combat obesity and promote healthier lifestyles. By integrating these Obesity–Housing Nexus, policymakers can create environments that support physical activity, healthy eating, as well as overall health and well-being. Full article

The proximity of urban green spaces to residential areas has become a central principle in contemporary urban planning, with cities worldwide adopting “15-minute city” concepts that prioritize walking-distance access to parks. This study examined whether proximity to different types of parks influences park visitation, physical activity, and mental well-being in Bangkok, Thailand, where the government recently launched a 15-minute parks policy initiative to improve the proximity of urban residents to green spaces. Using a cross-sectional survey of 615 residents across Bangkok’s 50 districts, we measured proximity to six park types using GIS network analysis and assessed health outcomes through validated instruments (Global Physical Activity Questionnaire, GPAQ for physical activity GPAQ for physical activity, and WHO-5 for well-being). Our findings revealed that only proximity to community parks (5–20 ha) was significantly associated with park visitation, sufficient physical activity, and good well-being. Proximity to smaller parks, including the new 15-minute parks, pocket parks, and neighborhood parks, showed no significant associations with any health outcomes, despite being within walking distance. These results suggest a critical size threshold below which parks cannot generate health and well-being benefits in Bangkok’s environment. The findings challenge the argument commonly used in proximity-based green space policies that assume closer parks automatically improve park visitation and public health benefits, indicating that cities facing similar constraints should balance between providing small park networks and securing larger, functional parks to support meaningful recreational use or health improvements. Full article

Across the world, people are exploring fields where AI (Artificial Intelligence) and VR (Virtual Reality) can be harnessed to unlock new possibilities and drive innovation. The aim of this article was to review the potential and assess the feasibility of using virtual reality technology in soft skills training (including people management, stress management, communication, conflict resolution, and sales). A project was developed featuring an application that utilizes virtual reality and artificial intelligence to facilitate communication with a virtual coach. The application operates on Meta Quest 3 virtual reality goggles (Meta Platforms, Inc., Menlo Park, CA, USA). Tests of the presented solution confirm market trends, highlighting the potential for achieving positive training outcomes through immersive technologies. The conclusions outline opportunities for improvement and further development of such solutions. This study applied a quasi-experimental model with pretest, posttest, and four-week follow-up measurements. The effectiveness of VR training was evaluated using a knowledge test (0–100%), a self-assessment scale of soft skills (Likert 1–5), expert behavior observation (0–10 scale), and posttraining surveys. The VR group demonstrated significantly higher gains in knowledge, soft skills, and behavioral performance with knowledge retention reaching 89% after four weeks. These results confirm the effectiveness of immersive VR training and its alignment with current market trends in innovative professional development. Full article

Investigating altitudinal distribution patterns of species richness represents a fundamental research objective in biogeography and community ecology. Hainan Island has tropical rainforests ranging from sea level to >1800 m a.s.l., with various animal species, including reptiles such as geckos. Information on the altitudinal distribution patterns of animal diversity on Hainan Island is limited. Thus, from October 2020 to June 2023, we surveyed Gekkonidae species on Diaoluo Mountain and Jianfeng Ridge in the Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park using a line transect method. The two study sites were divided into seven altitudinal zones at intervals of 150 m from 31 to 1080 m a.s.l. We tested correlations between abundance and species diversity indices and altitude. Five gecko species were identified. The endemic Gekko similignum mainly occurred at high-altitude areas on both mountains, whereas Hemidactylus frenatus occupied low-altitude areas. Gehyra mutilata had the lowest abundance among all species at all altitudes. Diaoluo Mountain exhibited a higher species diversity and abundance than Jianfeng Ridge. Geckos on Diaoluo Mountain were mainly distributed between 31 and 920 m a.s.l., presenting a bimodal distribution, with peaks appearing in altitudinal zones II (181–330 m a.s.l.) and VI (781–930 m a.s.l.). The gecko distribution on Jianfeng Ridge ranged from 31 to 948 m a.s.l., presenting a unimodal distribution, with a peak in altitudinal zone V (631–780 m a.s.l.). Full article

The endangered plant Hopea hainanensis serves as both an indicator and keystone species in tropical rainforests, and its survival status is influenced by the interspecific relationships among coexisting tree species within the community. To explore these relationships, species resource utilization patterns, and community succession dynamics within the endangered plant community, this study utilized survey data from the Hopea hainanensis community in the Bawangling and Jianfengling branches of the National Park of Hainan Tropical Rainforest. Various analytical methods were employed, including the Variance Ratio (VR) method, test statistic (W), χ² test, Spearman’s rank correlation, and M. Godron’s stability analysis, to examine the interspecific associations among dominant tree species at different structural levels in the two regions and their effects on community stability. The results indicate that: (1) Hopea hainanensis is the dominant species in the medium tree layer in both study areas, while it functions as an associated species in other structural layers. (2) In communities where Hopea hainanensis is present in both Bawangling and Jianfengling, the dominant tree species across various structural layers generally show a non-significant positive association. (3) The results of the χ² test and Spearman’s rank correlation test reveal that the interspecific associations across different structural layers of the Hopea hainanensis communities in both regions are predominantly non-significant. This suggests weak interspecific relationships and a high degree of species independence. The communities at different structural levels in both Bawangling and Jianfengling are in an unstable state, with ongoing dynamic adjustments to their internal tree species composition and structure. In terms of stability, the community stability across structural levels in these two regions follows the order: middle shrub layer > middle arbor layer > small arbor layer > large shrub layer. This study reveals the interspecific relationships, community succession status, and stability of dominant tree species at different structural levels in slope barrier communities across regions. These findings provide a theoretical basis for developing scientifically sound and reasonable protection strategies for slope barrier populations, as well as for the restoration and sustainable development of tropical rainforest vegetation. Full article

Digital twins play a crucial role in linking data with practical solutions. They convert raw measurements into actionable insights, enabling spatial planning that addresses environmental challenges and meets the needs of local communities. This paper presents the development of a digital geospatial twin for a residential district in Burgas, the largest port city on Bulgaria’s southern Black Sea coast. The aim is to provide up-to-date geospatial data quickly and efficiently, and to merge available data into a single, accurate model. This model is used to test three scenarios for revitalizing coastal functions and improving a waterfront urban park in collaboration with stakeholders. The methodology combines aerial photogrammetry, ground-based mobile laser scanning (MLS), and airborne laser scanning (ALS), allowing for robust 3D modeling and terrain reconstruction across different land cover conditions. The current topography, areas at risk from geological hazards, and the vegetation structure with detailed attribute data for each tree are analyzed. These data are used to evaluate the strengths and limitations of the site concerning the desired functionality of the waterfront, considering urban priorities, community needs, and the necessity of addressing contemporary climate challenges. The carbon storage potential under various development scenarios is assessed. Through effective visualization and communication with residents and professional stakeholders, collaborative development processes have been facilitated through a series of workshops focused on coastal transformation. The results aim to support the design of climate-neutral urban solutions that mitigate natural risks without compromising the area’s essential functions, such as residential living and recreation. Full article

Avian haemosporidians are globally distributed protozoan parasites transmitted to birds by dipteran vectors. The effects of haemosporidian infections are wide-ranging and generally manifest as negative impacts on avian survival and fitness. The study of avian haemosporidians has grown considerably over the past 20 years, such that inter-regional and global effects can be explored. However, considerable gaps in intra-regional studies remain; such studies are critical to broader assessments. In this study, we conducted a community survey of avian haemosporidians found in birds in Cát Tiên National Park, Vietnam. We quantified relative parasite abundance and host associations, and compared our results to data from nearby countries. We also assessed the broader geographic distributions of previously described haemosporidian lineages that we identified in our sample. We screened 320 birds and detected infections in just 28 (8.8%). Infections were either Haemoproteus (12, 3.8%) or Plasmodium (16, 5.0%); we detected no Leucocytozoon infections. We recovered 23 haemosporidian lineages, of which 19 are new, suggesting a high degree of parasite endemism. While our positive detection rate is considerably lower than expected, the high proportion of new versus previously described lineages highlights the need for a continued focus on localized studies to broaden our knowledge of intra- and inter-regional distributions as the field seeks the mechanisms underlying generalized patterns of parasite distribution. Full article

This research proposes a green belt as a strategic response to urban expansion in Lomas del Paraíso, Villa María del Triunfo, Lima. Uncontrolled urban growth threatens the local ecosystem, exacerbates the lack of public spaces, and limits employment opportunities. The study employs an integrated methodology that includes urban, community, and especially environmental analysis. This involved the collection of climatic data, and the identification of local flora and fauna, supported by digital tools such as Google Earth, AutoCAD 2023, Revit, and 3D Sun-Path. The proposal incorporates urban, environmental, technological, and community-based design strategies grounded in permaculture principles, circular economy frameworks, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These approaches emphasize the symbiotic relationship between the community and the Lomas ecosystem. The feasibility and potential impact of the proposed green belt were compared with similar case studies, such as Medellín’s metropolitan green belt (Jardín Circunvalar) and the Arví Ecotourism Park. These benchmarks highlight the relevance of community involvement and user awareness in ecological preservation. In conclusion, implementing a green belt in Lomas del Paraíso would not only curb unregulated urban sprawl but also enhance community–nature connectivity and promote sustainable development through integrated environmental, social, and urban strategies. Full article

This study aims to critically assesses the application and limitations of Universal Design (UD) and Inclusive Design (ID) in Bangkok’s public parks and proposes a context-sensitive framework to enhance urban inclusivity. While UD has contributed significantly to improving physical accessibility—through standardized features such as ramps, tactile paving, and clear circulation paths—it often fails to address emotional comfort, cultural representation, and participatory engagement. In contrast, ID emphasizes co-creation, contextual adaptability, and symbolic inclusion, offering a more holistic and equity-driven approach. Using a five-dimensional comparative framework—philosophy, function, spatial logic, user engagement, and evaluation—this research analyzes three major public parks: Benjakitti Forest Park, Chatuchak (Railway) Park, and Chulalongkorn Centenary Park. Each site was evaluated through narrative critique, dimension scoring, and radar diagram visualizations. The findings reveal that while all three parks exhibit strong UD characteristics, they lack alignment with ID principles, particularly in the areas of community engagement and emotional resonance. These typologies highlight a broader trend in Thai public space planning, wherein accessibility is interpreted narrowly as compliance rather than inclusion. The study concludes by proposing policy and design recommendations for embedding ID into future park development, positioning ID not only as a design approach but as a paradigm for spatial justice, belonging, and cultural sustainability. Full article

Over the past 30 years, the City of Portland, Oregon, USA, has emerged as a national leader in green stormwater infrastructure (GSI). The initial impetus for implementing sustainable stormwater infrastructure in Portland stemmed from concerns about flooding and water quality in the city’s two major rivers, the Columbia and the Willamette. Heavy rainfall often led to combined sewer overflows, significantly polluting these waterways. A partial solution was the construction of “The Big Pipe” project, a large-scale stormwater containment system designed to filter and regulate overflow. However, Portland has taken a more comprehensive and long-term approach by integrating sustainable stormwater management into urban planning. Over the past three decades, the city has successfully implemented GSI to mitigate these challenges. Low-impact development strategies, such as bioswales, green streets, and permeable surfaces, have been widely adopted in streetscapes, pathways, and parking areas, enhancing both environmental resilience and urban livability. This perspective highlights the history of the implementation of Portland’s GSI programs, current design and performance standards, and challenges and lessons learned throughout Portland’s recent history. Innovative approaches to managing runoff have not only improved stormwater control but also enhanced green spaces and contributed to the city’s overall climate resilience while addressing economic well-being and social equity. Portland’s success is a result of strong policy support, effective integration of green and gray infrastructure, and active community involvement. As climate change intensifies, cities need holistic, adaptive, and community-centered approaches to urban stormwater management. Portland’s experience offers valuable insights for cities seeking to expand their GSI amid growing concerns about climate resilience, equity, and aging infrastructure. Full article

Species and phylogenetic diversity play vital roles in sustaining the structure, function, and resilience of plant communities, particularly in tropical rainforests. However, the mechanisms according to which environmental filtering and competitive exclusion influence diversity across forest layers remain insufficiently understood. In this study, we investigated the species and phylogenetic diversity patterns in two representative tropical rainforest sites—Bawangling and Jianfengling—within Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park, China, focusing on communities associated with the endangered species Hopea hainanensis. We employed a one-way ANOVA and Pearson’s correlation analyses to examine the distribution characteristics and interrelationships among diversity indices and used Mantel tests to assess the correlations with environmental variables. Our results revealed that the plant community in Jianfengling exhibited a significantly higher species richness at the family, genus, and species levels (a total of 288 plant species have been recorded, belonging to 82 families and 183 genera) compared to that in Bawangling (a total of 212 plant species, belonging to 75 families and 162 genera). H. hainanensis held the highest importance value in the middle tree layer across both sites (IV(BWL) = 12.44; IV(JFL) = 5.73), while dominant species varied notably among other forest layers, indicating strong habitat specificity. Diversity indices, including the Simpson index, the Shannon–Wiener index, and Pielou’s evenness, were significantly higher in the large shrub layer of Jianfengling, whereas Bawangling showed a relatively higher Shannon–Wiener index in the middle shrub layer. Phylogenetic diversity (PD) and the phylogenetic structure indices (NRI and NTI) displayed distinct vertical stratification patterns between sites. Furthermore, the PD in Bawangling’s large shrub layer was positively correlated with total phosphorus in the soil, while community evenness was influenced by soil organic carbon and total nitrogen. In Jianfengling, species richness was significantly associated with soil bulk density, altitude, and pH. These findings enhance our understanding of the ecological and evolutionary processes shaping biodiversity in tropical rainforests and highlight the importance of incorporating both species and phylogenetic metrics into the conservation strategies for endangered species such as Hopea hainanensis. Full article

Ibisia marginata (Diptera, Athericidae) is an important species in macrozoobenthic communities in freshwater streams and rivers of Europe. It is a merolimnic insect whose larvae live in aquatic habitats and are predators. Pupation takes place out of water, mainly in moss, and adults live in terrestrial habitats in close proximity to water. The goals of this study were to determine the distributional patterns of I. marginata in Croatia, both as larvae and adults. Additionally, a goal was to recognize emergence patterns through the 16 years of research at Plitvice Lakes NP. The preference of larvae towards the different substrates represented at Plitvice Lakes NP was also analyzed. Samples of larvae and adults were collected at 50 sampling sites. Adults of I. marginata were collected monthly using pyramid-type emergence traps at four sampling sites in Plitvice Lakes National Park. At two of these sites, samples were collected from 2007 to 2008, while at the other two sites, sampling was conducted from 2007 to 2022. A total of 374 adult specimens were collected during the 16 years of the emergence study. Ibisia marginata is a univoltine species with a peak emergence in July and a flight period lasting from June to August, depending on the year. Preferred larval substrates were moss and gravel. Full article

Saproxylic beetles are key bioindicators of forest ecosystem quality and play essential roles in deadwood decomposition and nutrient cycling. However, their populations are increasingly threatened by habitat fragmentation, deadwood removal, and climate-driven environmental changes. For this reason, an integrated sampling method can increase the detection of species with varying ecological traits. We evaluated the effectiveness of integrative sampling methodologies to assess saproxylic beetle diversity within Sila National Park, a Mediterranean forest ecosystem of high conservation value, specifically in two beech forests and four pine forests. The sampling methods tested included Pan Traps (PaTs), Malaise Traps (MTs), Pitfall Traps (PTs), Bait Bottle Traps (BBTs), and Visual Census (VC). All specimens were identified to the species level whenever possible, using specialized dichotomous keys and preserved in the Entomological Collection TB, Unical. Various trap types captured a different number of species: the PaT collected 32 species, followed by the PT with 24, the MT with 16, the VC with 7, and the BBT with 5 species. Interestingly, biodiversity analyses conducted using PAST software version 4.17 revealed that PaTs and MTs recorded the highest biodiversity indices. The GLMM analysis, performed using SPSS software 29.0.1.0, demonstrated that various traps attracted different species with different abundances. By combining multiple trapping techniques, we documented a more comprehensive community composition compared to single-method approaches. Moreover, PaTs, MTs, and PTs recorded 20%, 40%, and 33% of the Near Threatened species, respectively. We report new records for Sila National Park, including the LC species Pteryngium crenulatum (Curculionidae) and the NT species Grynocharis oblonga (Trogossitidae). For the first time in Calabria, the LC species Triplax rufipes (Erotylidae) and the NT species Oxypleurus nodieri (Cerambycidae) and Glischrochilus quadrisignatus (Nitidulidae) were collected. Our results emphasize the importance of method diversity in capturing species with distinct ecological requirements and highlight the relevance of saproxylic beetles as indicators of forest health. These findings support the adoption of multi-method sampling protocols in forest biodiversity monitoring and management programs, especially in biodiversity-rich and structurally heterogeneous landscapes. Full article

This paper investigates how governance frameworks shape sustainable tourism outcomes in protected areas by comparing Tara National Park (Serbia) and Triglav National Park (Slovenia). Both parks, established in 1981 and classified under IUCN Category II, exhibit rich biodiversity and mountainous terrain but differ markedly in governance structures, institutional integration, and local community engagement. Using a qualitative, indicator-based methodology, this research evaluates ecological, economic, and social dimensions of sustainability. The findings reveal that Triglav NP demonstrates higher levels of participatory governance, tourism integration, and educational outreach, while Tara NP maintains stricter ecological protection with less inclusive management. Triglav’s zoning model, community council, and economic alignment with regional development policies contribute to stronger sustainability outcomes. Conversely, Tara NP’s centralized governance and infrastructural gaps constrain its potential despite its significant conservation value. This study highlights the importance of adaptive, inclusive governance in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within protected areas. It concludes that hybrid approaches, combining legal rigor with participatory flexibility, can foster resilience and sustainability in ecologically sensitive regions. Full article

Carbon (C) sequestration and nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) accumulation in urban forest green spaces are significant for global climate regulation and alleviating nutrient pollution. However, the effects of management and conservation practices across different urban forest vegetation types on soil C, N, and P contents and stoichiometric ratios remain largely unexplored. We selected forest soils from Guangzhou, a major Metropolis in China, as our study area. Soil samples were collected from two urban secondary forests that naturally regenerated after disturbance (108 samples) and six urban forest parks primarily composed of artificially planted woody plant communities (72 samples). We employed mixed linear models and variance partitioning to analyze and compare soil C, N, and P contents and their stoichiometry and its main driving factors beneath suburban forests and urban park vegetation. These results exhibited that soil pH and bulk density in urban parks were higher than those in suburban forests, whereas soil water content, maximum storage capacity, and capillary porosity were higher in urban forests than in urban parks. Soil C, N, and P contents and their stoichiometry (except for N:P ratio) were significantly higher in suburban forests than in urban parks. Multiple analyzes showed that soil pH had the most pronounced negative influence on soil C, N, C:N, C:P, and N:P, but the strongest positive influence on soil P in urban parks. Soil water content had the strongest positive effect on soil C, N, P, C:N, and C:P, while soil N:P was primarily influenced by the positive effect of soil non-capillary porosity in suburban forests. Overall, our study emphasizes that suburban forests outperform urban parks in terms of carbon and nutrient accumulation, and urban green space management should focus particularly on the impact of soil pH and moisture content on soil C, N, and P contents and their stoichiometry. Full article