Search Results (101)

Rangelands form the ecological and economic backbone of Namibia, yet the woody plant dynamics that sustain these landscapes remain sporadically quantified across the semi-arid interior. We investigated the characteristics (stand structure, regeneration, richness, diversity, composition, ecological importance, and indicator species) of woody communities along a pronounced south-to-north rainfall gradient (85–346 mm yr⁻¹) at five representative sites: Warmbad, Gibeon, Otjimbingwe, Ovitoto, and Sesfontein. Field sampling combined point-centered quarter surveys (10 points site⁻¹) and belt transects (15 plots site⁻¹). The basal area increased almost ten-fold along the gradient (0.4–3.4 m² ha⁻¹). Principal Coordinates Analysis (PCoA) arranged plots in near-perfect rainfall order, and Permutational Multivariate Analysis of Variance (PERMANOVA) confirmed significant site differences (F_3,56 = 9.1, p < 0.001). Nanophanerophytes dominated hyper-arid zones, while microphanerophytes appeared progressively with increasing rainfall. Mean annual precipitation explained 45% of the variance in mean height and 34% of Shannon diversity but only 5% of stem density. Indicator value analysis highlighted Montinia caryophyllacea for Warmbad (IndVal = 100), Rhigozum trichotomum (75.8) for Gibeon, Senegalia senegal (72.6) for Otjimbingwe, and Senegalia mellifera (97.3) for Ovitoto. Rainfall significantly influences woody structure and diversity; however, other factors also modulate density and regeneration dynamics. This quantitative baseline can serve as a practical toolkit for designing site-specific management strategies across Namibia’s aridity gradient. Full article

Blue–green infrastructure is widely recognized for mitigating the urban heat island effect. However, most existing ENVI-met 5.6.1 studies focus on average thermal conditions and overlook fine-scale spatial gradients. This study investigates the urban park in Luoyang City by integrating high-resolution 3D ENVI-met simulations, multi-source data, and field measurements to quantify thermal gradients between park interiors and surrounding built-up areas. A midline cut-off approach was applied to extract horizontal and vertical thermal profiles. The results show that (1) temperature and physiological equivalent temperature (PET) differences are most pronounced at park edges and transition zones, where vegetation and water bodies serve as natural cooling buffers; (2) urban form indicators, especially the building coverage and open space ratio, significantly impact wind speed and the PET, with greenery improving thermal comfort via shading and evapotranspiration, while impervious surfaces intensify heat stress; (3) the park exhibits a distinct cold island effect, with the average PET in the core area up to 12.3 °C lower than in adjacent built-up zones. The effective cooling distance, which is identified through buffer-based zonal statistics, rapidly attenuates within approximately 200 m from the park boundary. These findings offer a novel spatial perspective on thermal regulation mechanisms of urban landscapes and provide quantitative evidence to guide the design of climate-resilient green infrastructure. Full article

The need to promote proximity tourism in natural areas has made the destinations in the interior of the Iberian Peninsula a benchmark in the development of tourism in traditionally rural and depressed areas. In Ciudad Real province, a sustainable territorial management project was developed based on the uniqueness of its volcanic geoheritage, leading to its designation as the UNESCO Global Geopark “Volcanes de Calatrava, Ciudad Real”. Geoparks promote sustainable activities such as geotourism; thus, an urban geotourism itinerary was proposed in Piedrabuena (Ciudad Real, Castilla-La Mancha) in order to make the natural and cultural geoheritage of a part of the geopark known, which is also a part of the Campo de Calatrava Volcanic Region. For this purpose, 12 natural and cultural resources of the geoheritage of the Piedrabuena volcano, on which the urban centre is located, were identified, inventoried, characterized, and valorised as sites of geotouristic interest, and they were connected along a geotourism itinerary. This itinerary has a 4 km route and up to eight interpretive stops, which allows visitors and tourists to enjoy a geotourism experience based on the volcanic landscape of the geopark, laying the foundations for the creation of other similar experiences. Full article

Soil temperature and soil moisture are significant interactive parameters that influence many ecological and hydrological processes within forest ecosystems. Furthermore, they are affected by the above canopy characteristics, which determine the amount of sunlight penetration. These canopy characteristics spatially vary within isolated or narrowed forest patches, which include interior parts and edges. On the other hand, forest patches display different effects on the soil temperature and moisture than agricultural meadows within rural landscapes. This study aimed to analyze and evaluate the influences of interior–edge canopies and meadow cover on soil temperature and moisture. Hence, the mutual responses of canopy phenology and physiology, along with the soil temperature and moisture beneath, were analyzed and determined on a temporal basis throughout one year. For this purpose, the air–soil temperature and precipitation data of close meteorological stations were utilized. In addition, soil temperature and moisture parameters were analyzed using an on-site measuring device. Furthermore, canopy parameters—namely LAI, LT, CO, and GF—were determined using a hemispherical photographing procedure and image processing–analysis methodology. Moreover, the LAI of the meadow cover was determined using an on-site analysis device. The maximum LAI, with mean values of 3.69 m² m⁻² and 2.54 m² m⁻², occurred in late May (DOY: 142) within the forest canopies of the interior parts and the patch edge, respectively. On the other hand, the maximum LAI with a mean value of 2.77 m² m⁻² occurred again in late May within the meadow field. On the contrary, during the same period, the lowest percentages were observed for LT and CO, each at 5%, and for GF with 0.5% within the interior parts of the forest patch. However, their lowest percentages were 23% and 16%, respectively, within the forest patch edge. For that late May period, the mean soil temperatures were 17.2, 26.0, and 21.0 °C under the forest canopies of the interior parts, the patch edge, and the meadow field, respectively. Meanwhile, their mean soil moistures were 56.4%, 51.6%, and 32.9% when the mean air temperature was 16.2 °C. Definite correlation did not exist between the canopy–vegetation parameters and the soil temperature–moisture values for all the interior parts, for the edge of the multi-story grove forest patch, and for the meadow field. Based on the overall results of this study, there were apparent differences amongst the interior parts, the edge of the forest patch, and the meadow field in terms of both the canopy–vegetation parameters and the soil temperature–moisture values. The multi-story structure of the interior parts and the edge of the forest patch determined the temporal patterns of their canopy–vegetation parameters. This study elucidated ecology, hydrology, and therefore management of narrow forest patches between agricultural areas within rural landscapes. Full article

Wood–plastic composites (WPCs) are important materials used in interior architectural decorations and landscape construction products. Enhancing the cutting performance of WPCs is of great significance for improving both production efficiency and product quality in factories. This study aims to elucidate the impact of fluorine nano-coating technology on the cutting performance of cemented carbide tools during the milling of WPCs. The main results are given as follows. The cutting force and surface roughness showed similar trends with the varied parameters; both increased with increasing cutting depth and decreased with increasing cutting speed. The fluorine nano-coating technology exerts a positive influence on the cutting performance in terms of lower cutting forces and surface roughness. Meanwhile, based on the analysis of variance results, the experimental factors of cutting speed, depth, and surface treatment had a significant contribution to both cutting force and surface roughness, and cutting depth had the greatest impact on cutting force and surface roughness, followed by cutting speed and tool surface treatment. In general, the cutting performance of WPCs can be improved by higher cutting speed and lower depth, with the tool surface treated with fluorine nano-coating. Full article

This study investigates vegetation dynamics in boreal forests of Interior Alaska, focusing on topography, fire history, and climate influences. The study area includes Bonanza Creek Experimental Forest (BCEF) and surrounding region, categorized by topography (upland, floodplain, lowland) and fire history. Using Mann–Kendall trend and Theil–Sen slope analyses on Landsat-derived spectral metrics: Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Normalized Burn Ratio (NBR), we observed a shift from browning to greening trends, particularly in historically burned areas. The photosynthetic activity in burned upland converged with unburned areas ~30 years post-fire, coincident with a shift towards deciduous dominance during post-fire succession. Normalized Difference Moisture Index (NDMI) trends revealed a significant increase in vegetation moisture content across all topographies. We introduce Effective Seasonal Precipitation Index (ESPI), which combines prior-year annual precipitation with current-year spring snow depth. Its positive correlation with NDMI highlights its potential for monitoring vegetation moisture dynamics at the landscape scale. Furthermore, by correlating dendrochronology-based climate indices, we found strong correlation between NDMI and normalized Supplemental Precipitation Index (nSPI), across topographies. Overall, this research provides critical insights into how climate and fire influence interior boreal vegetation, highlighting the effects of increased precipitation, and topography on shaping differential vegetation responses across the landscape. Full article

The villa of the Veneto is a complex that includes the manor house, the agricultural buildings, as well as the green spaces of the garden, the orchard and the fields. The research presented in this article focuses on the case of Villa Giusti-Puttini at Santa Maria in Stelle (Verona, Italy), with the aim of unravelling the history and state of conservation of the villa’s park, which has never been studied before. The research has been carried out by interconnecting the historical archival documentation (written documents and maps) with the current state, always considering the possible interpretations suggested by the specialised related bibliography. The result has been the identification of the elements of permanence and transformation of the territory and landscape of the villa. Elements such as its boundaries, interior paths, vegetation and watercourses make it possible to outline guidelines aimed at recovering the memory of this historic landscape which has been largely preserved over the centuries, and which constitutes one of the most significant heritage aspects of this area of Italy. In addition to providing in-depth knowledge of a specific object, this research can serve as an example for the study of other cultural landscapes. Full article

The natural environment plays a vital role in children’s health, influencing their physical, emotional, social, psychological, and spiritual well-being. Maintaining a continuous relationship with nature is essential for children and is a key consideration for professionals, such as architects, urban and interior designers, and landscape architects. School design should balance students’ abilities and environmental challenges and offer opportunities to alleviate mental fatigue, supporting sustained learning. The well-known architectural approach, biophilic, fostering a stronger connection between nature and humans, can significantly enhance students’ learning experiences and mental health in school settings. However, implementing this style in Iranian primary schools has largely been overlooked despite its potential to develop a more peaceful and dynamic environment. This research ranked several schools in northern Iran based on biophilic criteria to help authorities identify which schools require improvements. To this end, biophilic design elements in schools were identified through a literature review and provided to research experts. The most important criteria for evaluating and prioritizing options (schools) were selected based on their opinions. Subsequently, each criterion’s importance (weight) was determined using pairwise comparisons, and, finally, the schools were prioritized using the TOPSIS method. Full article

Private gardens during the Song Dynasty are an important component of classical Chinese garden design. However, existing research predominantly focuses on architectural forms and construction techniques, with insufficient systematic exploration of the overall spatial layout, the typological evolution of garden architecture, and the underlying driving forces behind these changes. Based on the 400 private garden records from the Complete Collection of Song, Song-era notes, poems, and paintings, this study employs methods from cliometrics and iconology to quantitatively analyse historical materials to systematically trace the evolution of spatial layouts, architectural types, architectural construction, and interior furnishings in Song private gardens while delving into the causes of these changes. The findings reveal a significant increase in the application of “elevated and terraced layouts” in Southern Song private gardens. The rise of unique architectural types, such as boat-shaped buildings, academies, and high buildings with a collection of books, is closely tied to the scholar-official culture, advancements in printing technology, the influence of Neo-Confucianism, and government support for private education. Southern Song architectural techniques saw significant advancements in response to climatic changes, featuring diversified roof forms, upturned eaves, detachable doors and windows, and elevated platforms. The invention of modular furniture, such as the Yanji table, exemplifies the ingenuity of Song designers in adapting to shrinking living spaces. This paper is the first to systematically reveal the evolution of private garden architecture in the Song Dynasty, particularly the emergence of unique architectural types. It offers a new perspective for understanding the influences of society, culture, and environment on landscape architecture in the Song Dynasty, providing valuable historical insights for the study of Ming–Qing garden architecture and contemporary landscape design practices. Full article

Molecular analyses of individual cells with high resolution, specificity, and sensitivity can not only reveal cellular heterogeneity but also provide a better understanding of diseases and accelerate drug discoveries. Single-cell endoscopy is an advanced live-cell technique that relies on a smart endoscope that allows minimally invasive probing of the interiors of individual cells. Compared with other single-cell analysis techniques, single-cell endoscopy has shown great promise in applications such as flexible single-cell manipulation, ultrasensitive sensing, and precise intracellular delivery. In this review, we aim to map out the landscape of recent advances in single-cell endoscopy techniques by focusing on both fundamental considerations and significant progress over the past decade. Specifically, we summarize the predominant live-cell endoscopes, including their fabrication and characterization. Furthermore, a series of valuable intracellular molecular sensing events, such as nucleic acids, proteins, ions, etc., are introduced with a main emphasis on how single-cell endoscopy can solve these issues and what merits single-cell endoscopy can provide. Finally, we briefly outline the remaining challenges and directions for the future development of single-cell endoscopy techniques. Full article

Wineries require a significant energy demand for cooling interior spaces. As a result, designing energy-efficient winery buildings has become a crucial concern for winemaking countries. The objective of this study was to evaluate six winery building models with bioclimatic designs, located in the Guadalupe Valley, Baja California, using data on thermal performances (indoor temperature and relative humidity) and energy consumption obtained through dynamic thermal simulation. A baseline winery building model was developed and then enhanced with bioclimatic strategies: a semi-buried building; an underground cellar; an underground cellar with the variants of a green roof, double roof, shaded walls, and polyurethane insulation. The last solution entailed the requirement of a reduction in cooling in the warm season by 98 MWh, followed by the one with a green roof, corresponding to 94 MWh. This study provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of different architectural approaches, offering guidelines for the design of functional buildings for wine production, besides presenting energy-efficient solutions for wineries tailored to the climatic conditions of the study region. These findings highlight the importance of a function-based and energy-efficient architectural design in the winemaking industry, which leads to the definition of buildings with a compact arrangement of the functional spaces and a fruitful integration of the landscape through a wise adoption of underground solutions. Full article

This study aims to develop a forest landscape stability assessment framework that integrates structure, function, and resilience to assess forest landscape stability under different landform types on the Loess Plateau, and to propose differentiated optimization strategies. Remote sensing images and ground survey data were combined to compare the effectiveness of different machine learning models in aboveground biomass (AGB) inversion. Meanwhile, forest fragmentation and landscape multifunctionality were assessed, and a Landscape Stability Index (LSI) was proposed to quantify regional forest landscape stability. The main findings are as follows: (1) between 2000 and 2022, the degree of forest fragmentation and multifunctionality in the hilly gully region improved significantly, and the Simpson’s Diversity Index (SDI) value showed an increasing trend; the plateau gully region showed a decreasing trend in the SDI value. The degree of forest fragmentation in the hilly gully region was higher and showed significant changes, while the plateau gully region was more stable, with the “Interior” and “Dominant” types dominating. (2) The eXtreme Gradient Boosting model outperformed other models in AGB estimation, with R² = 0.81 and RMSE = 24.67 ton ha⁻¹. (3) The LSI of the hilly gully region generally increased, especially in Yanchang, showing a significant increase in ecological stability; the LSI of the plateau gully region generally decreased, especially in Baishui, showing a trend of weakening stability. Based on the assessment results, optimization strategies for different stabilities were proposed, including the hierarchical management of fragmentation, multi-objective management to improve the SDI, and adaptive management for AGB. The forest landscape stability assessment framework proposed in this study can effectively assess the stability of forest landscapes, reveal the differences in ecological restoration in different regions, and provide new perspectives and strategies for forest landscape management and optimization in the Loess Plateau. Full article

Understanding the changes in ecosystem quality caused by land use changes is critical for sustainable urban development and environmental management. This study investigates the spatial-temporal evolution of ecosystem quality in Wuhan from 2000 to 2020 and forecasts future trends under multiple land use scenarios for 2030. Using a “foundation-function-structure” assessment framework, we integrate system dynamics (SD), the Patch-generating Land Use Simulation (PLUS) model, and a neural network-based ecosystem quality inversion model to analyze land use transitions and their ecological impacts. The results indicate that rapid urban expansion has significantly contributed to the decline of cropland and forest areas, while impervious surfaces have increased, leading to notable ecological degradation. Simulations for 2030 under three scenarios—ecological protection, natural development, and economic priority—demonstrate that the ecological protection scenario yields the highest ecosystem quality, preserving landscape connectivity and mitigating degradation risks. In contrast, the economic priority scenario results in extensive urban expansion, exacerbating ecological stress. Under the ecological protection scenario from 2020 to 2023, the decline in ecosystem quality was primarily due to the expansion of urban fringes and the erosion of forest and grassland areas. The increase in ecosystem quality was mainly attributed to the transformation of early urban edge conflict zones into stable urban edge interior areas and the integration of fragmented ecological land patches. These findings highlight the need for strategic land use planning to balance economic growth and environmental conservation. This study provides a robust methodological framework for assessing and predicting ecosystem quality changes, offering valuable insights for policymakers and urban planners striving for sustainable development. Full article

In the fire-prone tropical savanna landscapes of northern South America, forest edge effects significantly shape tree structural integrity and functional traits, with implications for ecosystem resilience, carbon storage, and biodiversity. This study examines how the edge effect, intensified by fire, affects species dominance, forest structure, and functional trait distributions in this region. Using non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) and generalized additive mixed models (GAMMs), we analyzed changes in species abundance and structural variables (biomass, basal area, tree height, and wood density), as well as leaf (leaf thickness, leaf moisture, leaf dry matter content (LDMC), and specific leaf area (SLA)) and stem (bark and stem thickness and stem-specific density) traits across edge-to-interior gradients. The key findings indicate significant reductions in tree height (F = 19.27, p < 0.01), basal area (F = 6.52, p < 0.01), and biomass (F = 5.44, p < 0.01) near the edges. Leaf moisture (F = 11.8, p < 0.01) and specific leaf area (SLA, F = 7.02, p < 0.01) increased at the edges, reflecting microenvironmental gradients, with heightened fire sensitivity seen in traits like bark thickness (F = 11.88, p < 0.01). Fire-affected areas displayed intensified adaptive trait shifts, suggesting a compounded resilience but potential functional convergence, limiting adaptive capacity under climate stressors. These findings emphasize the ecological significance of edge–fire interactions, advocating conservation strategies to enhance structural and trait diversity for ecosystem stability. Our study underscores the need for targeted management to bolster resilience and biodiversity within these dynamic landscapes as climate pressures intensify. Full article

Suburban areas are often used for large-scale developments such as hypermarkets, warehouses, and logistics zones, which lead to the fragmentation of natural areas and the visual degradation of the landscape. This study aimed to evaluate ways to reduce the negative impact of these developments by introducing green infrastructure (GI) elements. The analysis focused on warehouses in the inner ring of the planned green infrastructure system in the Wrocław Functional Area (GI WFA). This study involved three stages: (1) selecting a landscape-functional unit (LaFU) vulnerable to landscape degradation; (2) analyzing changes from the development of large-scale warehouses between 2004 and 2021; and (3) assessing the effect of new GI elements using the Sectoral Landscape Interior Analysis (SALI) method. Three models of GI implementation were proposed and evaluated both from a plan view and from a moving observer’s perspective. The results showed that large-scale developments reduce biologically active areas and disrupt landscape harmony. Model III, which includes green roofs, trees, and semi-permeable surfaces, significantly increased greenery and reduced visual degradation. It is recommended to apply the model and its variations in other similar developments for the benefit of the natural environment and landscape. Full article