Search Results (342)

Contemporary muralism has gained increasing cultural and social relevance in recent years, becoming a prominent form of urban artistic expression. However, its outdoor exposure makes it highly vulnerable to environmental degradation, raising significant challenges for long-term preservation. While solar radiation is widely recognized as a main agent of deterioration, the impact of rainfall has received comparatively little attention. This study addresses this gap by evaluating the durability of commercial protective coatings applied to modern paints (alkyd, acrylic, and styrene-acrylic) under simulated rain exposure. The ageing protocol replicates approximately 10 years of cumulative rainfall in Central-Southern Europe. A key innovation of this research is the use of a custom-built rain chamber, uniquely designed to expose a large number of samples simultaneously under highly uniform and controlled rain conditions. The system ensures reproducible exposure through a precision-controlled moving platform and programmable rain delivery. A comprehensive set of analytical techniques was employed to assess morphological, chemical, and functional changes in the coatings and paints before and after ageing. Results highlight the limited performance of current protective materials and the need for more effective solutions for the conservation of contemporary outdoor artworks. Full article

Most research on domestic dog (Canis familiaris) behavior has focused on pets with restricted movement. However, free-ranging dogs exist in diverse cultural contexts globally, and their interactions with humans are less understood. Tourists can facilitate unrestricted dog movement into wilderness areas, where they may negatively impact wildlife. This study investigated which stimuli—namely, voice, touch, or food—along with inherent factors (age, sex, sociability) motivate free-ranging dogs to follow a human stranger. We measured the distance (up to 600 m) of 129 free-ranging owned and stray dogs from three villages in southern Chile as they followed an experimenter who presented them one of the above stimuli or none (control). To evaluate the effect of dog sociability (i.e., positive versus stress-related or passive behaviors), we performed a 30 s socialization test (standing near the dog without interacting) before presenting a 10 s stimulus twice. We also tracked whether the dog was in the company of other dogs. Each focus dog was video-recorded and tested up to three times over five days. Generalized linear mixed-effects models revealed that the food stimulus significantly influenced dogs’ motivation to follow a stranger, as well as a high proportion of sociable behaviors directed towards humans and the company of other dogs present during the experiment. Juveniles tended to follow a stranger more than adults or seniors, but no effects were found for the dog’s sex, whether an owner was present, the repetition of trials, the location where the study was performed, or for individuals as a random variable. This research highlights that sociability as an inherent factor shapes dog–stranger interactions in free-ranging dogs when food is given. In the context of wildlife conservation, we recommend that managers promote awareness among local communities and tourists to avoid feeding dogs, especially in the context of outdoor activities close to wilderness. Full article

This study investigates the viability of a native Scenedesmus sp. strain for use in a 50 L bubble column photobioreactor designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions under simulated spring, extreme summer, and winter conditions. The experiments were conducted by placing the reactor in a controlled climatic chamber, which allowed us to regulate the temperature, light intensity, and day–night cycles throughout the entire experiment. The results showed that under simulated spring conditions (a maximum temperature of 22 °C), the algal culture grew continuously for 61 days. Under extreme summer conditions (a maximum temperature of 39 °C), an initial drop in cell density was followed by recovery and continued growth over 75 days, although biomass production was 35% lower. Under winter conditions (a maximum temperature of 10 °C), the culture failed, indicating the need to prevent temperatures below 10 °C. In terms of biomass production, the culture densities achieved were 1.04 g L⁻¹ and 0.68 g L⁻¹ in the spring and summer trials, respectively. The Scenedesmus sp. strain demonstrated high carbon capture efficiency, tolerance to extreme heat, and sustained growth without the need for fresh medium or pH adjustments for over 60 days during spring and extreme summer conditions, confirming its potential for outdoor applications. Full article

Winery wastewater (WWW), if released untreated, poses a serious environmental threat due to its high organic load. In this study, Chlorella vulgaris was cultivated in diluted WWW to assess its suitability as a culture medium. Two outdoor cultivation systems—a 270 L raceway and a 40 L bubble column—were operated over 33 days using synthetic medium (control) and WWW. A flow cytometry (FC) protocol was implemented to monitor key physiological parameters in near-real time, including cell concentration, membrane integrity, chlorophyll content, cell size, and internal complexity. At the end of cultivation, the bubble column yielded the highest cell concentrations: 2.85 × 10⁶ cells/mL (control) and 2.30 × 10⁶ cells/mL (WWW), though with lower proportions of intact cells (25% and 31%, respectively). Raceway cultures showed lower cell concentrations: 1.64 × 10⁶ (control) and 1.54 × 10⁶ cells/mL (WWW), but higher membrane integrity (76% and 36% for control and WWW cultures, respectively). On average, cells grown in the bubble column had a 22% larger radius than those in the raceway, favouring sedimentation. Heterotrophic cells were more abundant in WWW cultures, due to the presence of organic carbon, indicating its potential for use as animal feed. This study demonstrates that FC is a powerful, real-time tool for monitoring microalgae physiology and optimising cultivation in complex effluents like WWW. Full article

A growing number of research studies show that children spend less time in natural environments, which may have detrimental effects on children’s mental and physical health. This study explores changes in children’s (6–12 years) use of nearby nature and constraints on playing in nature between 2013 and 2023. We apply an ecological approach, including individual, social, and structural constraints on outdoor play. The study is based on national surveys of parents reporting child play behavior for eight activity categories and nineteen categories of constraints/motivation. Findings reveal a decreasing tendency for time spent on all activity categories and increasing constraints for 17 of 19 categories during the study period. Our ecological approach reveals that there is less time for children’s nature use in contemporary society, and activities are more common in built areas than in nature. The survey identifies some important socio-cultural differences regarding gender, age, and residential setting. In future research, the focus should be on how reduced connection to nature affects children’s mental and physical health, and beyond this, how it affects the understanding of and care for nature among future generations. Full article

Within museum depots, the largest part of all heritage collections is stored. Often, the preservation of highly sensitive objects is an ongoing challenge, as the materials are constantly subjected to and influenced by ever-present environmental factors—above all the surrounding climate and other physicochemical processes. Biological degradation is also a major risk for collections. Fungal infestation poses a particular threat, in many regions increasingly the result of climate change. Models for damage prediction and risk assessment are still underdeveloped and require a more substantial database. Approaching this need, nine museum depots and archives were selected in this study. Two years of monitoring the indoor microclimate with thermohygrometric sensors, investigating fungal abundance and diversity through culture-dependent and -independent (metagenomics) approaches, and the collection of relevant additional information resulted in a vast amount of diverse data. The main fungal genera identified through cultivation were Cladosporium, Penicillium, Aspergillus, Alternaria and Epicoccum. The cultivation-independent approach identified Aspergillus, Pyronema, Penicillium, Xenodidymella and Blumeria as the main taxa. Data analyses indicated that key drivers involved in similarities, patterns and differences between the locations were their geographic location, immediate outdoor surroundings and indoor (micro)climatic fluctuations. The study also sheds light on a possible shift in focus when developing strategies for preventing mold growth in collection depots beyond the prevailing path of tightest possible climate control. Full article

This mixed-methods study examined the influence of physical activity on mental health and sleep quality among 78 long-distance South Asian caregivers of older adults. As caregiving demands grow globally, long-distance caregivers face unique stressors intensified by cultural obligations and geographic separation. Quantitative analyses revealed a significant inverse relationship between depressive symptoms and sleep quality (p < 0.001), with caregivers experiencing frequent depressive feelings and reporting fewer hours of sleep. Although the relationship between physical activity and sleep did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.0903), a positive trend was observed: caregivers engaging in regular activity (≥5 days/week) reported better sleep. Depressive symptoms were also significantly associated with reduced physical activity (p = 0.0378). Qualitative findings enriched these results, illustrating how walking, yoga, and community sports were used to manage stress, enhance mood, and promote sleep. Participants emphasized the therapeutic value of outdoor environments and culturally familiar activities in coping with emotional strain. The findings suggest that physical activity plays an independent and protective role in caregiver well-being. Culturally responsive interventions that promote accessible physical activity may enhance mental health and sleep outcomes in this population, supporting sustainable caregiving and informing policy development for underrepresented caregiver groups. Full article

Outdoor experiences significantly enrich intangible cultural heritage tourism, yet limited interaction often restricts deep cultural learning. This research investigates how a mobile application, grounded in experiential learning theory, enhances tourists’ learning about Tang Sancai, a form of Chinese intangible cultural heritage, in the outdoor setting of Sancai Town, Luoyang. Employing a theory learning behavior design scenario framework, the application integrates activity-based exploration, reflective multimedia content, and immersive simulation scenarios to promote active participation, critical reflection, and context-rich outdoor learning experiences. Controlled experiments using pre- and post-tests and questionnaires revealed that participants using the application significantly outperformed those using conventional digital tools in knowledge retention, comprehension, and experiential learning outcomes. Technology acceptance analysis highlighted perceived usefulness as a critical driver of learning success. However, limited effects on behavioral progression suggest that short-term digital interactions may not sustain long-term behavioral change. This research offers a replicable mobile learning framework for outdoor cultural education, extends experiential learning theory to informal tourism contexts, and provides practical insights into using technology to enrich outdoor educational experiences, while supporting heritage preservation. Full article

Urban microclimates, which include phenomena such as urban heat islands (UHIs) as well as cooler environments created by shaded areas and green spaces, significantly affect social behavior and contribute to varying levels of social isolation in cities. UHIs, driven by heat-absorbing materials like concrete and asphalt, can increase urban temperatures by up to 12 °C, discouraging outdoor activities, especially among vulnerable populations like the elderly and those with chronic health conditions. In contrast, shaded areas and green spaces, where temperatures can be 2–5 °C cooler, encourage outdoor engagement and foster social interaction. This narrative review aims to synthesize current literature on the relationship between urban microclimates and social isolation, focusing on how UHIs and shaded areas influence social engagement. A comprehensive literature review was conducted, selecting sources based on their relevance to the effects of localized climate variations on social behavior, access to green spaces, and the impact of urban design interventions. A total of 142 articles were initially identified, with 103 included in the final review after applying inclusion/exclusion criteria. Key studies from diverse geographical and cultural contexts were analyzed to understand the interplay between environmental conditions and social cohesion. The review found that UHIs exacerbate social isolation by reducing outdoor activities, particularly for vulnerable groups such as the elderly and individuals with chronic health issues. In contrast, shaded areas and green spaces significantly mitigate isolation, with evidence showing that in specific study locations such as urban parks in Copenhagen and Melbourne, such areas increase outdoor social interactions by up to 25%, reduce stress, and enhance community cohesion. Urban planners and policymakers should prioritize integrating shaded areas and green spaces in city designs to mitigate the negative effects of UHIs. These interventions are critical for promoting social resilience, reducing isolation, and fostering connected, climate-adaptive communities. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies and the application of smart technologies such as IoT sensors and urban monitoring systems to track the social benefits of microclimate interventions. Full article

Global warming and the increasing frequency and intensity of heat waves are resulting in more frequent unfavourable weather conditions for outdoor activities, especially during the summer. The building environment can alter weather conditions, resulting in higher temperatures (urban heat island). Human towers are cultural activities that typically take place outdoors and were declared a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2010. The objectives of this study are (i) to analyse the weather conditions (i.e., temperature and relative humidity) during the human tower exhibitions, (ii) to determine discomfort during the exhibitions based on the heat index (HI) resulting from the combination of temperature and humidity, and (iii) to compare records from the square with those recorded in the nearest automatic meteorological station (AMS) belonging to the Catalan Meteorological Service network. To determine the weather conditions in the squares during the human tower exhibitions, a pair of sensors recorded temperature and relative humidity data in six exhibitions performed in the summer of 2024. The temperature exceeded 30 °C in five of the six human tower exhibitions analysed. In the cases of the Santa Anna exhibition (El Vendrell) and the Sant Fèlix exhibition (Vilafranca del Penedès), one of the sensors recorded temperatures above 30 °C throughout the entire duration of the exhibition. There was a predominance of HI values falling within the caution threshold in the two sensors of three exhibitions and within the extreme caution threshold in the two sensors of the other three exhibitions. The temperature is higher in urban squares than in the surrounding rural areas. The key factor is the urban heat island phenomenon, which poses health risks to both human tower builders and attendees. Adaptation measures are therefore necessary to guarantee the safety of the participants. Full article

This study presents an integrated approach for assessing the risk of damage to cultural heritage due to climate change, applied to five selected European cultural sites. Future changes in climate parameters and indices associated with climate pressure on cultural heritage sites are analyzed using a set of EURO-CORDEX high-resolution Regional Climate Model (RCM) simulations under three different future emission scenarios (RCP2.6, RCP4.5, and RCP8.5). Our results are reported for three different time periods, 1971–2000 (reference period), and two future periods, 2021–2050 and 2071–2100. The aim of this study is to apply the Heritage Outdoor Microclimate (HMR_out) and Predicted Risk of Damage (PRD) indices to quantify the risk of damage to inorganic materials resulting from future long-term changes in temperature and relative humidity (RH). Projections show a significant rise in temperature leading to increased HMR_out values and higher heat stress across CH sites. The projected temperature increase results in a rise in HMR_out index across all studied cultural heritage sites, with the rate of increase varying by period and scenario. Overall, as a result of the rising HMR_out index, the predicted risk of damage to monuments made from inorganic materials due to heat stress is expected to increase. The PRD index is projected to increase by up to 87% in certain CH sites by the end of the 21st century according to the RCP8.5 scenario. Conversely, as the climate becomes warmer, the RH and the associated risk are expected to decrease. This work highlights the necessity for continuous monitoring of future climate and the timely detection of the predicted risk of damage for monuments, to take immediate protective measures to preserve cultural heritage in the face of climate change. Full article

Microalgae-based wastewater treatment systems are an environmentally friendly technology for reuse of polluted water produced in livestock farming. Since pollution removal depends on light availability, the performance should be evaluated under different seasonal conditions, even in reduced lab scale systems. This study evaluates the treatment of livestock digestate in an experimental High-Rate Algae Pond (HRAP) that recreates outdoor conditions. Chemical and biological pollution removal were analyzed, as well as the response of photosynthetic activity of the culture. Pollutant removal varied between seasons, while summer was characterized by higher nitrogen and phosphorus removal (81 and 69%, respectively), on the other hand, winter presented higher elimination of organic matter (91%) and pathogens. In this sense, P. aeruginosa removal was notably higher in winter (100%) than in summer (50%). Higher light penetration and increased photosynthetic efficiency in winter, along with greater fluctuations in pH and dissolved oxygen concentrations, contributed to higher levels of pathogen decay. Photosynthetic response tests indicated higher oxygen production per unit biomass in winter, suggesting physiological adaptations to lesser light conditions. This adaptation was correlated with the relative high pH and dissolved oxygen values registered. The findings highlight the adaptation and robustness of algae cultures as a solution for wastewater treatment and reuse in the primary sector. Full article

Herbivorous protistan grazers are ubiquitous and abundant in marine and temperate freshwater environments. However, little is known about the algivorous ciliates and their feeding habits in outdoor mass algal cultures. In this study, we report on one hypotrich ciliate, identified as Sterkiella histriomuscorum, from the outdoor mass culture of Scenedesmus in Arizona, USA. A long-term field survey revealed that this species often occurs in Scenedesmus culture in spring and summer, and can graze very heavily on Scenedesmus cells. By isolating Sterkiella cells and then observing them via light microscopy and electron microscopy, detailed information about the morphology, ultrastructure, excystment process, and feeding characteristics of the ciliate was obtained. Specifically, it seems that S. histriomuscorum has a range of different strategies for excystment, and the sharp change in the ion concentration in the environment around the cyst results in osmotic shock, which likely facilitates the excystment. Feeding experiments revealed that S. histriomuscorum preferred to graze on chlorophytes as well as the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum and had no interaction with chrysophytes or cyanobacteria. Molecular phylogenetic analysis based on the SSU rRNA gene sequence indicated that both the genus Sterkiella and the species S. histriomuscorum are non-monophyletic. The information obtained from this study will help advance our understanding of the biodiversity and ecological function of S. histriomuscorum, and will also be very useful in the development of early warning systems and control measures for preventing or treating this contaminant in microalgal mass cultures. Full article

As urbanization rapidly increases, the design of outdoor spaces in high-density urban environments has become crucial for promoting public health. This study investigates the health impacts of architecture-dominated outdoor spaces, particularly focusing on small decentralized spaces around buildings. The research aims to develop a comprehensive health evaluation framework that quantifies the influence of various design factors such as comfort, safety, diversity, and ecology. Using a fuzzy Delphi method (FDM) and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), 31 key design indicators are identified and weighted based on expert opinions. A multi-level fuzzy comprehensive evaluation model is then applied to assess the outdoor space of Wuhan Citizen’s Home. The results show that the space performs well in promoting health, particularly in comfort, safety, and ecological design. However, there are areas for improvement, such as enhancing cultural representation and increasing the frequency of health-promoting activities. This study concludes that the proposed evaluation framework can provide valuable insights for optimizing the design of outdoor public spaces, supporting healthier urban environments, and improving residents’ physical and mental well-being, offering valuable reference for future urban space design. Full article

Enhancing the psychological well-being of college students through campus environment design is crucial, particularly in multi-ethnic regions where students’ restoration perceptions may be shaped by their cultural backgrounds. This study investigated the impact of four types of campus outdoor spaces on students’ restorative perceptions in Xinjiang, China’s multi-ethnic region, employing interviews and questionnaires. The results indicated that green and blue spaces had the highest restorative potential. Ethnicity significantly influenced perceived restoration, with Uyghur students exhibiting higher restorative perceptions in gray and green spaces compared to Han students. Uyghur students’ restoration perceptions were more closely associated with cultural displays and social support, and they were more sensitive to spatial types and environmental details. Furthermore, Uyghur students demonstrated higher restorative perceptions during social and reading activities, while Han students benefited more from contemplative activities. In conclusion, campus environment design should take into account ethnic cultural differences and behavioral habits to meet diverse psychological needs. This study offers targeted guidance for optimizing campus environments in Xinjiang, emphasizing the integration of ethnic cultural elements to create a multicultural and supportive campus landscape atmosphere. Full article