Search Results (233)

To address ecological security challenges in karst urban agglomerations, this study proposes a green infrastructure network (GIN) optimization framework that integrates geological characteristics with complex network theory. A fracture-modified minimum cumulative resistance (FM-MCR) model, coupled with an ant colony algorithm, was developed to enhance GIN extraction accuracy. Using a cascade failure model, the structural response of the GIN under simulated attack scenarios was systematically evaluated across four edge enhancement strategies, enabling spatial layout optimization. Network clustering and node centrality assessments were further applied to identify critical corridors and strategic nodes. Results identified 108 ecological sources, with Qiannan contributing the largest area (3141.97 km², 23.96% of the total), and 162 corridors in the original GIN. Among the four edge enhancement strategies, the low-degree-first (LDF) strategy significantly improved network robustness, decreasing percolation thresholds by 20.9%, 22.98%, and 16.99% under random, degree, and betweenness attacks, respectively. Network cluster analysis further delineated 45 GIN clusters, 19 critical corridors, and 11 strategic nodes, revealing cross-scale ecological hubs linking the Wumengshan–Daloushan corridor with Guiyang’s urban green wedge. This framework, characterized by geological correction, dynamic edge enhancement, and cluster-based management, offers a scientific basis for improving GIN resilience in karst regions. Full article

Anthropogenic pressures increasingly threaten ecological connectivity and basin-scale ecological sustainability in peri-urban landscapes. This study proposes a Hybrid Ecological Typology framework for the Büyükçekmece Lake Basin (Istanbul, Türkiye), integrating Morphological Spatial Pattern Analysis (MSPA), Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), and Minimum Cumulative Resistance (MCR) analysis within a unified spatial decision-support system. The framework is applied to a 67,627.06 ha basin area, including a 25,976.99 ha terrestrial focus area. The results indicate a structurally heterogeneous landscape dominated by interior habitat zones (85.94%) distributed across 93 core patches. Despite this dominance, ecological connectivity is maintained through a highly fragmented network of 484 landscape elements, where limited bridge (0.08%) and branch (0.62%) structures highlight structural vulnerability. Edge-dominated zones (12.87%) further reflect strong anthropogenic fragmentation pressures. Connectivity analysis identifies 10 key habitat patches with dPC (Probability of Connectivity index) values exceeding 5% and 12 strategic ecological corridors supporting basin-scale ecological flows. The proposed hybrid typology delineates five functional planning categories: conservation areas (22.72%), ecological corridors (1.91%), restoration areas (1.63%), sustainable use areas (0.51%), and controlled development areas (8.11%). Although high-quality habitat cores dominate the basin, ecological connectivity remains spatially constrained, with bottleneck zones (0.89%) concentrated along transportation corridors that significantly reduce landscape permeability. Overall, the findings demonstrate that basin-scale ecological sustainability in peri-urban environments is governed not only by habitat quantity but also by the interaction between spatial configuration and resistance structures. The framework provides a transferable decision-support tool that bridges landscape ecology theory with spatial planning practice for basin management and ecological network design. Full article

The construction and optimization of ecological corridors (ECs) are essential for enhancing landscape connectivity and safeguarding biodiversity, among other goals. However, existing studies focus on regional areas within a nation, with limited attention to a transboundary basin perspective for ecological conservation. In this study, core areas were identified using morphological spatial pattern analysis (MSPA). Ecological sources (ESs) were extracted through the minimum area threshold method and landscape connectivity indices. An integrated resistance surface was established based on six resistance factors. Potential ECs were constructed through the minimum cumulative resistance (MCR) model and further classified by the gravity model. Based on complex network theory and the greedy algorithm (GA), this study designed corresponding fitness functions for three independent objectives—maximizing network connectivity and robustness against random and targeted edge attacks, thus generating three optimal networks. The results indicated that 10 ecological source areas were identified, covering approximately 19,939.63 km², with the majority located in China. In total, 45 potential ECs were constructed, comprising 8 primary corridors, 14 secondary corridors, and 23 tertiary corridors, showing a general north–south pattern. Ecological network optimization improved connectivity by 31.05%, and robustness against random and targeted edge attacks by 17.65% and 24.72%, respectively. This study can facilitate transboundary conservation planning. Full article

The insufficient connectivity between human activity spaces and the natural environment impairs ecosystem connectivity and leads to the gradual compression of the natural environment by human activity spaces. In highly urbanized areas, human activity spaces and natural environments are often disconnected, yet few existing ecological network studies have actively incorporated human activity spaces into the an optimization framework to promote their integration with natural ecosystems. Taking Guangzhou as a case study, this research integrates MSPA-InVEST (the Morphological Spatial Pattern Analysis—Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Trade-offs model), landscape connectivity assessment, the MCR model (Minimum Cumulative Resistance model), and the gravity model to identify ecological sources and potential corridors. It innovatively introduces enterprise kernel density to add planned sources and planned corridors, thereby developing an ecological network optimization scheme that achieves spatial integration between human activity spaces and the natural environment. The results identified 38 ecological sources (total area ~2907.65 km², accounting for 39.07% of the study area) and 46 basic ecological corridors, showing a spatial pattern of “dense in the north, sparse in the central-south”. The addition of 7 planned sources and 22 planned corridors increased the network’s closure, connectivity, and linkage rate by 115.38%, 24.79%, and 23.26%, respectively, with the overall connectivity reaching 0.53. The spatial pattern shifted from an uneven distribution to a “north–south linkage and full coverage” layout. The optimized ecological network effectively connects the major ecological source areas in Guangzhou and, in combination with natural corridors such as rivers, forms a comprehensive ecological security pattern of “mountains–water–forests–city”, thereby constructing a comprehensive ecological network framework for highly urbanized areas. This method takes into account both ecological integrity and economic spatial demands, providing a scientific reference for the construction of ecological networks and the optimization of territorial space in high-density megacities, with the ultimate goal of integrating human activity spaces with natural ecosystems and fostering sustainable development. Full article

To address the insufficient representation of terrain constraints and surface resistance in traditional path planning for off-road environments, this study proposes an improved A* path planning method for unmanned ground vehicles. First, an off-road environment model is constructed using Digital Elevation Model (DEM) and land cover data, and environment–vehicle traversability is evaluated by integrating geometric and support-based traversability analyses. Geometric constraints are determined using slope thresholds, minimum ground clearance, and approach/departure angles, while support-based traversability is quantified through a surface velocity influence coefficient to reflect traversal-efficiency differences under various surface conditions. These terrain and surface constraints are incorporated into the actual cost function of the A* algorithm, and a direction-corrected heuristic function is designed to enhance goal-directed search. Experiments conducted in Jiancaoping District, Taiyuan, show that, compared with the traditional A* algorithm, the proposed method reduces cumulative travel time, maximum path slope, and expanded nodes by 15.3%, 22.9%, and 47.8%, respectively, with only a 2.4% increase in path length. The results demonstrate that the proposed method effectively avoids steep and high-resistance areas while achieving coordinated optimization of path length, traversal efficiency, and terrain safety. Full article

Rapid urbanisation has reshaped Shanghai’s ecological land base and intensified fragmentation of its green infrastructure (GI). This study evaluates the spatiotemporal evolution of Shanghai’s GI network from 2000 to 2020 using a resilience-informed patch-corridor-connectivity assessment. In this study, resilience is not just an explanatory label but a measurable structural criterion. Morphological Spatial Pattern Analysis (MSPA) was used to identify core patches; patch importance was evaluated using delta Probability of Connectivity (dPC); a Minimum Cumulative Resistance (MCR) model was used to derive potential corridors; and a gravity model was used to classify corridor importance. The results show that important ecological corridors increased from 22 in 2000 to 33 in 2010 and 68 in 2020, while the total area of the MSPA core class declined and north–south connectivity remained uneven. The key finding is not the growth of corridor number itself, but the mismatch between corridor densification and contraction of major source patches. This mismatch indicates a structural vulnerability that would be overlooked by a conventional network-optimisation reading. Therefore, based on the results of indicator-based resilience assessment, this study proposes a planning scheme that combines core-area conservation, corridor continuity, redundancy improvement, and cross-regional connectivity enhancement. Full article

Candida auris is a multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen associated with high mortality in healthcare settings. Although colonization is recognized as the harbinger of invasive infection, predicting which patients will develop bloodstream infection (BSI) and when this transition will occur remains a clinical challenge. In this study, patients aged ≥18 years with C. auris colonization identified at İzmir City Hospital between January 2023 and June 2025 were retrospectively analyzed. Colonization was confirmed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Of 71 colonized patients (median age 65 years; 69.0% male; 93.0% intensive care unit (ICU)-admitted), 31 (43.7%) developed bloodstream infection (BSI). In-hospital mortality was 62.0%, rising to 74.2% in the BSI group, though this difference did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.105). Competing risks analysis using the Aalen–Johansen method showed a cumulative BSI incidence of 38.2% (95% confidence interval (CI): 28–50%) by day 10 and 43.0% (95% CI: 32–54%) by day 30 following colonization detection. On multivariate logistic regression, diabetes mellitus was the sole variable independently associated with a lower risk of BSI development (adjusted odds ratio (OR): 0.19; 95% CI: 0.06–0.68; p = 0.010); this finding was directionally consistent but did not reach statistical significance in the multivariable Fine–Gray competing risks model (subdistribution hazard ratio (SHR): 0.334; 95% CI: 0.108–1.040; p = 0.057). All 40 tested isolates had high fluconazole minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values; micafungin susceptibility was 92.5%, while anidulafungin resistance was observed in 32.5% of isolates. Our findings demonstrate that nearly half of colonized patients developed BSI, with no identifiable safe window for intervention, underscoring the necessity of sustained infection control measures and susceptibility-guided antifungal therapy. Full article

Existing studies have paid limited attention to the spatial integration of cultural heritage resources in mountainous regions. To fill this gap, this study analyzes 1479 cultural heritage sites in the Qinling–Bashan Mountains. The kernel density analysis results reveal a spatial agglomeration pattern characterized by high-density clusters, medium- to low-density extensions, and scattered peripheral areas. This study integrates the cultural corridor spatial potential model (CCSPM), the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), and the minimum cumulative resistance (MCR) model to identify the potential diffusion range of cultural heritage and assess the suitability of cultural heritage corridor construction. On this basis, an integrated cultural heritage corridor pattern is proposed, featuring “one corridor, two belts, two cores, and six zones.” On this basis, this study proposes targeted conservation strategies for cultural heritage corridors from four perspectives: cultural–ecological synergistic protection, cross-regional collaborative governance, digital revitalization of rural cultural tourism, and socio-economic governance. Overall, this study contributes methodological support for the systematic conservation of mountainous cultural heritage and provides a practical reference for rural cultural revitalization and the sustainable utilization of heritage resources in China. Full article

Exploring the interaction relationship among multiple ecosystem services is vital for maintaining ecosystem function. However, traditional approaches are limited in their ability to: (i) characterize complex interactions and (ii) visualize the spatial connectivity of various ecosystem services delivered by social–ecological systems. To address these challenges, a framework for constructing spatial networks of multiple ecosystem services was proposed. The framework is implemented by: (i) estimating the spatial distribution of multiple ecosystem services using the InVEST model, and (ii) generating network nodes and edges with geographical attributes based on the minimum cumulative resistance model and a multiresolution segmentation method. We conducted a case study in the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area and examined the topological features of the spatial networks using complex network indicators. For each network, winding and multiple edges connected adjacent nodes and formed continuous linkages across the entire study area, indicating that the proposed framework is feasible for capturing the spatial connectivity of multiple ecosystem services. The different ecosystem service networks exhibited conspicuous spatial heterogeneity and generally maintained relatively high connectivity, as evidenced by their tree-like structure with winding pathways and the distribution of multi-edge nodes, indicating that each ES was predominantly connected with multiple other ecosystem services. Meanwhile, nodes with high values of degree centrality and clustering coefficient were mainly concentrated in coastal and mountainous regions. This study advances the representation of complex interactions among multiple ecosystem services from a spatial perspective, thereby facilitating a deeper understanding of the interaction mechanisms underlying ecosystem functioning. Full article

Developing ecological networks is essential for preserving regional ecosystem stability and for reducing risks associated with degraded landscape security and ecological health. However, regional ecological network studies in lake environments that combine long-term temporal comparison with location-specific optimization remain relatively limited. Taking the Chagan Lake region as the study area, this research examined landscape pattern changes in 2000, 2010, and 2020 by integrating Morphological Spatial Pattern Analysis (MSPA) with connectivity metrics to determine major ecological source areas. General and key ecological corridors were then identified and evaluated through the joint use of the Minimum Cumulative Resistance (MCR) model and the gravity model. Based on these results, the evolution of the regional ecological network during the past two decades was analyzed, and an optimization strategy was proposed. The results show that important ecological source areas became increasingly fragmented over time. Although corridor numbers continued to rise, connectivity between the eastern and western sectors and across parts of the central zone remained weak. In response, three supplementary ecological source areas, together with restoration nodes and stepping-stone patches, are proposed to reinforce structural linkage and improve the overall network configuration. The study offers a practical basis for ecological network refinement in the Chagan Lake region and provides methodological support for enhancing landscape connectivity and ecosystem resilience. Full article

Rapid urbanization and increasing landscape fragmentation pose significant threats to ecological connectivity, creating a need for integrative decision support approaches in sustainable spatial planning. This study presents a systematic review of ecological network optimization studies published between 2005 and 2025, following the PRISMA protocol. A total of 78 peer-reviewed studies were analyzed to identify methodological trends, recurring limitations, and research gaps in the assessment of structural and functional connectivity. Based on the gaps identified through the systematic review, this study proposes a conceptual Sustainable Spatial Decision Support System (S-SDSS) framework that integrates Morphological Spatial Pattern Analysis (MSPA), Multi-Criteria Evaluation (MCE/AHP), Minimum Cumulative Resistance (MCR), Least-Cost Path (LCP), and Gravity Modeling (GM) within a unified analytical structure. The review findings reveal a clear shift from single-method applications toward integrated multi-model approaches that better represent ecological processes and improve corridor prioritization. The proposed framework synthesizes the complementary strengths of these established methods to support evidence-based ecological network planning. The framework operates as a hybrid structure that combines a sequential analytical workflow with a unified typological classification system, generating Hybrid Ecological Typologies (T1–T5) as planning-oriented outputs that cannot be produced by any individual method alone. The proposed S-SDSS offers a transferable and policy-relevant conceptual basis for ecological network optimization, supporting green infrastructure planning, biodiversity conservation, and long-term landscape resilience across multiple spatial scales. Full article

Rapid urbanization has intensified wetland fragmentation and ecological connectivity degradation, threatening the structural stability and functional sustainability of urban wetland ecosystems. Constructing resilient wetland ecological networks is therefore essential for maintaining regional ecological security and supporting sustainable urban development. Taking Wuhan as a case study, multi-temporal land-use data from 2004, 2014, and 2024, together with land-use transition matrices, were used to analyze urban expansion and wetland landscape transformation. Morphological Spatial Pattern Analysis (MSPA), the Minimum Cumulative Resistance (MCR) model, and circuit theory were integrated to identify ecological sources, construct ecological corridors, and evaluate the structural connectivity of the wetland ecological network. Ecological source importance was quantified using the Probability of Connectivity (PC) and dPC indices. In addition, robustness analysis based on the sequential removal of high-dPC ecological source patches was conducted to assess network stability under disturbance scenarios. The results identified 20 core ecological source areas and 45 ecological corridors, forming a relatively interconnected wetland ecological network centered around major lake clusters and key ecological hubs. High-current corridors and pinch points were mainly distributed in ecologically sensitive transition zones and urban expansion boundaries. Robustness analysis showed that sequential removal of high-dPC ecological hubs resulted in continuous declines in EC(PC) and corridor number, while corridor length increased substantially. Although overall connectivity was maintained through alternative ecological pathways, ecological movement efficiency decreased significantly under disturbance scenarios, indicating increasing dispersal costs and reduced structural stability. These findings suggest that the wetland ecological network possesses moderate structural connectivity through pathway redundancy but remains highly dependent on several dominant ecological hubs. This study extends traditional static connectivity assessment by incorporating robustness and disturbance response analysis into wetland ecological network evaluation. The proposed framework provides scientific support for resilient wetland conservation, ecological restoration, and sustainable spatial planning in rapidly urbanizing metropolitan regions. Full article

The specialised development of the tea industry has driven the continuous expansion of tea plantations in characteristic tea-producing areas of China, resulting in drastic land use changes and ecological degradation, which hinder regional sustainable development. As vital linear landscape elements, ecological corridors play a pivotal role in optimising land use spatial patterns and improving regional ecological quality. Taking Anxi County, Fujian Province, China, as the research area, this study identifies ecological sources by integrating comprehensive ecosystem service (CES) assessment and morphological spatial pattern analysis (MSPA). The minimum cumulative resistance (MCR) model is adopted to construct regional ecological corridors. Based on corridor identification outcomes, this paper explores rational land use planning schemes for the study area. The results indicate that long-term tea plantation expansion has triggered the degradation and shrinkage of ecological sources and corridors, along with reduced ecological connectivity and landscape stability. Targeted land use zoning strategies and ecological corridor restoration and protection measures are proposed, providing a theoretical basis and practical reference for balancing industrial growth, land use optimisation, and ecological conservation in characteristic tea-growing regions. Full article

Mountainous cultural landscapes, characterized by fragmented heritage sites, present significant challenges for integrated conservation and regional planning. Taking the Mount Song Culture Circle in Dengfeng City, China—a World Heritage site embodying the core of Chinese ritual civilization—as a case study, this study proposes an adaptive minimum cumulative resistance (MCR) gravity model to optimize heritage corridor resilience against spatial fragmentation and development imbalances. Based on a spatial database of 294 cultural relic units, the adaptive model introduces a dynamic cultural value weight (CVIndex = 0.82) and a time decay function (λ = 0.05) to capture the interplay between cultural significance and ecological constraints—features absent in traditional static approaches. The model identifies three optimized heritage corridor networks—”Seeking Wisdom in the Mountains”, “Searching for Culture in the Landscape”, and “Exploring the City Along the River.” Compared with a traditional static MCR model (αindex = 0.42; core area node density = 0.74 nodes/km²), the adaptive approach improves network connectivity by 37% (α-index = 0.58, p < 0.01) and increases core area heritage node density to 1.12/km². Space syntax analysis further confirms that optimized network integration values strongly correlate with cultural dissemination efficiency (R² = 0.78, p < 0.01, n = 48). This research offers a methodological innovation for resilient conservation of complex cultural landscapes in World Heritage contexts. Full article

Hydro-cultural heritage is shaped by strong hydrological dependence and historical accessibility. To address insufficient identification of river-basin heritage linkages and their weak translation into graded protection, this study develops an analytical framework integrating heritage-site evaluation, cultural source identification, resistance-surface construction, potential corridor extraction, network grading, and protection guidance, and applies it to the Xiangjiang River Basin, China. Heritage sites were evaluated by protection level, historical continuity, spatial proximity, and hydro-cultural relevance. Cultural source areas were identified using weighted kernel density analysis, potential corridors were extracted using the minimum cumulative resistance model, and the graded corridor network was examined using network-structure indices. The results show river-oriented clustering, localized nucleation, and belt-like extension. Eight primary and fourteen supplementary cultural source areas were identified. Potential corridors are concentrated along the Xiangjiang main stem and major tributaries. In the resistance-surface construction, distance to the water system received the highest AHP-derived resistance weight, while GeoDetector showed that it had the highest, although modest, single-factor explanatory power among the tested variables for corridor spatial differentiation. The corridor network exhibits a primary–secondary–tertiary graded structure. This study reveals the spatial continuity and hierarchy of hydro-cultural heritage corridors and provides a methodological reference for river-basin conservation. Full article