Search Results (1,174)

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

Alkyd resins are among the most common coatings used for exterior wood joinery. In Romania, solvent-borne alkyd coatings are widely used to finish wood. The study aims to compare the performance after 7 years of outdoor exposure of two types of alkyd coatings, a semi-transparent brown stain with micronized pigments (Alk1) and an opaque white enamel (Alk2), applied directly on wood or wood pre-treated with three types of resins: acryl-polyurethane (R1), epoxy (R2), and alkyd-polyurethane (R3). Fir (Abies alba) wood served as the substrate. Cracking, coating adhesion, and biological degradation were periodically assessed through visual inspection and microscopy. Additionally, a cross-cut test was performed, and the loss of coating on the directly exposed upper faces was measured using ImageJ. The results indicated that resin pretreatments somewhat reduced cracking but negatively affected coating adhesion after long-term exposure. All samples pretreated with resins and coated with Alk1 lost more than 50% (up to 78%) of the original finishing film by the end of the test. In comparison, coated control samples lost less than 50%. The Alk2 coating exhibited a film loss between 2% and 12%, compared to an average loss of 9% for the coated control. Overall, samples pretreated with alkyd-polyurethane resin (R3) and coated with alkyd enamel (Alk2) demonstrated the best performance in terms of cracking, adhesion, and discoloration. Full article

This study investigates indoor and outdoor air quality monitoring in a student dormitory located in northern Milan (Italy) using low-cost sensors. This research compares two monitoring periods in June and October 2024 to examine common PM_2.5 vertical patterns and differences at the building level, as well as their influence on the indoor spaces at the corresponding positions. In each period, around 30 sensors were installed at various heights and orientations across indoor and outdoor spots for 2 weeks to capture spatial variations around the building. Meanwhile, qualitative surveys on occupation presence, satisfaction, and well-being were distributed in selected rooms. The analysis of PM_2.5 data reveals that the building’s lower floors tended to have slightly higher outdoor PM_2.5 concentrations, while the upper floors generally had lower PM_2.5 indoor/outdoor (I/O) ratios, with the top-floor rooms often below 1. High outdoor humidity reduced PM infiltration, but when outdoor PM fell below 20 µg/m³ in these two periods, indoor sources became dominant, especially on the lower floors. Air pressure I/O differences had minimal impact on PM_2.5 I/O ratios, though slightly positive indoor pressure might help prevent indoor PM infiltration. Lower ventilation in Period-2 possibly contributed to more reported symptoms, especially in rooms with higher PM from shared kitchens. While outdoor air quality affects IAQ, occupant behavior—especially window opening and ventilation management—remains crucial in minimizing indoor pollutants. Users can also manage exposure by ventilating at night based on comfort and avoiding periods of high outdoor PM. Full article

This study investigated the nuanced influence of urban morphology on the thermal performance of nine mass housing blocks (21–26, 28–30) in New Belgrade’s Central Zone. These blocks, showcasing diverse structures, provided a robust basis for evaluating the design parameters. ENVI-met simulations were used to assess two scenarios: an “asphalt-only” environment, isolating the urban structure’s impact, and a “real-world” scenario, including green infrastructure (GI). Overall, the findings emphasize that while GI offers mitigation, the inherent urban built structure fundamentally determines thermal outcomes. An urban block’s thermal performance, it turns out, is a complex interplay between morphological factors and local climate. Crucially, simple metrics like Green Area Percentage (GAP) and Building Coverage Ratio (BCR) proved unreliable predictors of thermal performance. This highlights the critical need for urban planning regulations to evolve beyond basic surface indicators and embrace sophisticated, context-sensitive design principles for effective heat mitigation. Optimal performance arises from morphologies that actively manage heat accumulation and facilitate its dissipation, a characteristic exemplified by Block 22’s integrated design. However, even the best-performing Block 22 remains warmer compared to denser central areas, suggesting that urban densification can be a strategy for heat mitigation. Given New Belgrade’s blocks are protected heritage, targeted GI reinforcements remain the only viable approach for improving the outdoor thermal comfort. Full article

Physical activity, particularly when practiced in natural settings, has well-established benefits for overall health, sleep, and body composition. These effects are especially important for postmenopausal women, although research specifically targeting this population remains limited. The study evaluated a 16-week multicomponent outdoor exercise program (cardiorespiratory, strength, balance, coordination, and flexibility training) in postmenopausal women, consisting of three 60 min sessions per week. Participants were non-randomly assigned to an experimental group (EG, n = 55) and a control group (CG, n = 20). Measurements were taken at baseline and after 16 weeks, including body composition, sleep (duration and quality), and connection with nature. No significant differences were observed between groups at baseline. After the intervention, the EG and CG presented significant differences (p ≤ 0.01) in the rates of change in body mass, fat mass (FM; −9.26% and −1.21%, respectively), and visceral fat level (VFL; −13.46 points and −3.80 points). These differences were also observed for the sleep fragmentation index (p ≤ 0.01), but not for connection with nature. A significant interaction effect (p < 0.01) of time × group was observed for %FM, VFL, and appendicular skeletal muscle mass. Exercise duration had an effect (p = 0.043) on participants’ personal and affective identification with nature, and the time × group × medication interaction significantly influenced sleep efficiency (p = 0.034). The exercise program proved effective in reducing total and central adiposity levels; however, it did not lead to improvements in sleep duration, sleep quality, or connection with nature. Full article

The problem of protecting 7075 Al alloy trekking poles from corrosion in complex outdoor environments was addressed using a composite conversion coating system. This system comprised Na₂MoO₄, NaF, CoSO₄·7H₂O, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid-2Na, and H₂(TiF₆). The influences of this system on the properties of the coating layer were systematically studied by adjusting the pH of the coating solution. The conversion temperature and pH were the pivotal parameters influencing the formation of the conversion coating. The pH substantially influenced the compactness of the coating layer, acting as a regulatory agent of the coating kinetics. When the conversion temperature and pH were set to 40 °C and 3.8, respectively, the prepared coating layer displayed optimal performance in terms of compactness and protective properties. Therefore, this parameter combination favours the synthesis of high-performance conversion coatings. Microscopy confirmed the formation of a continuous, dense composite oxide film structure under these conditions, effectively blocking erosion in corrosive media. Furthermore, the optimised process led to substantial enhancements in the environmental adaptabilities and service lives of the components of trekking poles, thus establishing a theoretical foundation and technical reference for use in the surface protection of outdoor equipment. Full article

Traditional Chinese villages, which have long supported villagers’ comfort level of daily activities, are increasingly affected by global climate change and rural reconstruction, prompting growing research interest in their outdoor microclimate design. This systematic review aims to synthesize and evaluate the outdoor microclimate spatial design mechanism studies in traditional Chinese villages noted for their uniqueness and complexity. Following the PRISMA method, this study was carried out on November 27, 2024, by retrieving studies from the Scopus and CNKI databases and applying predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria; 42 empirical studies were systematically reviewed. It identifies current research trends, summarizes concepts, frameworks, indicators, and methodologies with a focus on the design mechanisms considering scales, contexts, and user groups, and outlines directions for future research. The findings reveal a growing number of publications, with case studies predominantly concentrated on three concepts: physical microclimates, human comfort, and behavioral responses, characterized as distributed in south-east areas. Based on these concepts and their correlations, this study proposes a classification framework based on multiple scales, contexts, and user groups. Within this framework, the study found that relative humidity and PET (physiological equivalent temperature) emerge as the most commonly used indicators, while field measurements, simulations, surveys, and observations are identified as the primary methods. The review further reveals that unique outdoor spatial design characteristics shape physical microclimates, human comfort, and behavior indicators influenced by contexts and users from the macro to the micro scale. Future research should advance existing studies by enriching the current contextual framework and explore more microclimatic factors. This review offers a comprehensive overview and actionable insights for outdoor microclimate design, policymaking, and the promotion of climate adaptation and villagers’ public health in different traditional rural settings. Full article

Over the last decade, the scientific community has increasingly focused on forest-based practices for human well-being (FBPW), a term that includes all forest activities (e.g., forest bathing, forest therapy, social outdoor initiatives) important for improving people’s health and emotional status. This paper aims to develop a quantitative literature review on FBPW based on big data analysis (text mining on Scopus title and abstract) and PRISMA evaluation. The two techniques facilitate investigations across different geographic areas (major areas and geographical regions) and allow a focus on various topics. The results of text mining highlight the prominence of publications on FBPW for the improvement of human health in East Asia (e.g., Japan and South Korea). Furthermore, some specific themes developed by the literature for each geographical area emerge: urban green areas, cities, and parks in Africa; sustainable forest management and planning in the Americas; empirical studies on physiological and psychological effects of FBPW in Asia; and forest management and FBPW in Europe. PRISMA indicates a gap in studies focused on the reciprocal influences of forest variables and well-being responses. An investigation of the main physiological indicators applied in the scientific literature for the theme is also developed. The main strengths and weaknesses of the method are discussed, with suggestions for potential future lines of research. Full article

The COVID-19 pandemic’s rapid shift to working from home has fundamentally challenged residential acoustic design, which traditionally prioritises rest and relaxation rather than sustained concentration. However, a clear gap exists in understanding how acoustic needs and the subjective evaluation of soundscape appropriateness (SA) differ between these conflicting activities within the same domestic space. Addressing this gap, this study reveals critical differences in how people experience and evaluate home soundscapes during work versus relaxation activities in the same residential spaces. Through an online survey of 247 Chinese participants during lockdown, we assessed soundscape perception attributes, the perceived saliencies of various sound types, and soundscape appropriateness (SA) ratings while working and relaxing at home. Our findings demonstrate that working at home creates a more demanding acoustic context: participants perceived indoor soundscapes as significantly less comfortable and less full of content when working compared to relaxing (p < 0.001), with natural sounds becoming less noticeable (−13.3%) and distracting household sounds more prominent (+7.5%). Structural equation modelling revealed distinct influence mechanisms: while comfort significantly mediates SA enhancement in both activities, the effect is stronger during relaxation (R² = 0.18). Critically, outdoor man-made noise, building-service noise, and neighbour sounds all negatively impact SA during work, with neighbour sounds showing the largest detrimental effect (total effect size = −0.17), whereas only neighbour sounds and outdoor man-made noise significantly disrupt relaxation activities. Additionally, natural sounds act as a positive factor during relaxation. These results expose a fundamental mismatch: existing residential acoustic environments, designed primarily for rest, fail to support the cognitive demands of work activities. This study provides evidence-based insights for acoustic design interventions, emphasising the need for activity-specific soundscape considerations in residential spaces. As hybrid work arrangements become the norm post-pandemic, our findings highlight the urgency of reimagining residential acoustic design to accommodate both focused work and restorative relaxation within the same home. Full article

Background: Considering the critical role of physical activity (PA) beginning in early childhood education and the demonstrated validity and reliability of contemporary technological measurement tools, this paper aimed to systematically review and analyze studies comparing PA levels in preschool-aged children during weekdays versus weekend days, using objective technological devices, and highlight what factors correlate with children’s PA. Methods: The search strategy was designed based on the PICOS framework. A systematic review was conducted using two databases (PubMed and Web of Science) to identify studies that included preschool children doing PA during weekdays, measured through technological devices, and compared to PA during weekend days. Study quality was evaluated using the MINORS scale. Results: From 1959 articles, 30 documents met the inclusion criteria, encompassing 32,251 preschool children. Conclusions: The results suggest that preschoolers were generally more active on weekdays than weekends, although it could depend more on contextual or individual factors than on the day of the week. In this sense, parental/maternal behavior (sedentary behavior, shared activities during weekend days, parents’ educational level, and parental/maternal screen time) influences children’s PA level, as well as other factors such as gender, morphology, motor competence level, the type of activity (indoor vs. outdoor), age, meeting PA guidelines, and the community transportation environment. Considering these factors, professionals working in preschools or kindergartens, as well as parents/mothers, should consider these factors to foster children’s PA level from early childhood, which could influence children’s lifespan. Full article

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), indoor air quality (IAQ) is becoming a serious global concern due to its significant impact on human health. However, not all relevant health parameters are currently regulated. For example, particle number concentration (PNC) and its associated carbonaceous species, such as black carbon (BC), which are classified as carcinogenic by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), are not currently regulated. Compared with IAQ studies in other types of buildings, studies focusing on IAQ in hospitals or other healthcare facilities are scarce. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the impact of these outdoor pollutants, among others, on the indoor environment of a hospital under different atmospheric conditions. To identify the seasonal influence, two different periods of two consecutive seasons (summer 2020 and winter 2021) were selected for the measurements. Regulated pollutants (NO, NO₂, O₃, PM₁₀, and PM_2.5) and nonregulated pollutants (PM₁, PNC, and equivalent BC (eBC)) in outdoor air were simultaneously measured indoor and outdoor. This study also investigated the impact of indoor activities on indoor air quality. In the absence of indoor activities, outdoor sources significantly contribute to indoor traffic-related pollutants. Indoor and outdoor (I-O) measurements showed similar behavior, but indoor concentrations were lower, with peak levels delayed by up to two hours. Seasonal variations in indoor/outdoor ($\mathrm{I}/\mathrm{O}$) ratios were lower for particles than for associated gaseous pollutants. Particle infiltration depended on particle size, with it being higher the smaller the particle size. Indoor activities also significantly affected indoor pollutants. PM_x (especially PM₁₀ and PM_2.5) concentrations were mainly modulated by walking-induced particle resuspension. Vertical eBC profiles indicated a relatively well-mixed environment. Ventilation through open windows rapidly altered indoor air quality. Outdoor-dominant pollutants (PNC, eBC, and NO_X) had $\mathrm{I}/\mathrm{O}$ ratios ≥ 1. Staying in the room with an open window had a synergistic effect, increasing the $\mathrm{I}/\mathrm{O}$ ratios for all pollutants. Higher I/O ratios were associated with turbulent outdoor conditions in both unoccupied and occupied conditions. Statistically significant differences were observed between stable (TKE ≤ 1 m² s⁻²) and unstable (TKE > 1 m² s⁻²) conditions, except for NO₂ in summer. This finding was particularly significant when the wind direction was westerly or easterly during unstable conditions. The results of this study highlight the importance of understanding the behavior of indoor particulate matter and related pollutants. These pollutants are highly variable, and knowledge about them is crucial for determining their health effects, particularly in public buildings such as hospitals, where information on IAQ is often limited. More measurement data is particularly important for further research into I-O transport mechanisms, which are essential for developing preventive measures and improving IAQ. Full article

This study investigates the impact of teacher decisions and other contextual factors on indoor air quality (IAQ) in mechanically ventilated elementary school classrooms using low-cost air quality sensors. Four classrooms at a K–8 school in San Jose, California, were monitored for airborne particulate matter (PM), carbon dioxide (CO₂), temperature, and humidity over seven weeks. Each classroom was equipped with an HVAC system and a portable air cleaner (PAC), with teachers having full autonomy over PAC usage and ventilation practices. Results revealed that teacher behaviors, such as the frequency of door/window opening and PAC operation, significantly influenced both PM and CO₂ levels. Classrooms with more active ventilation had lower CO₂ but occasionally higher PM_2.5 due to outdoor air exchange, while classrooms with minimal ventilation showed the opposite pattern. An analysis of PAC filter material and PM morphology indicated distinct differences between indoor and outdoor particle sources, with indoor air showing higher fiber content from clothing and carpets. This study highlights the critical role of teacher behavior in shaping IAQ, even in mechanically ventilated environments, and underscores the potential of low-cost sensors to support informed decision-making for healthier classroom environments. Full article

Urban residential design influences local microclimates and human thermal comfort. This study combines empirical microclimate data with remotely sensed data on tree canopy cover, housing lot size, surface permeability, and roof colour to examine thermal differences between three newly built and three established residential suburbs in Western Sydney, Australia. Established areas featured larger housing lots and mature street trees, while newly developed suburbs had smaller lots and limited vegetation cover. Microclimate data were collected during summer 2021 under both heatwave and non-heatwave conditions in full sun, measuring air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT) as an index of heat stress. Daily maximum air temperatures reached 42.7 °C in new suburbs, compared to 39.3 °C in established ones (p < 0.001). WBGT levels during heatwaves were in the “extreme caution” category in new suburbs, while remaining in the “caution” range in established ones. These findings highlight the benefits of larger green spaces, permeable surfaces, and lighter roof colours in the context of urban heat exposure. Maintaining mature trees and avoiding dark roofs can significantly reduce summer heat and improve outdoor thermal comfort across a range of conditions. Results of this work can inform bottom-up approaches to climate-responsive urban design where informed homeowners can influence development outcomes. Full article

This study aimed to compare cognitive, language, and motor development outcomes among children attending public and private Early Childcare Centers (ECCs), considering birth factors and family and daycare environments. Additionally, it examined the proximal and distal factors influencing children’s development. Cognitive, language, and motor skills were assessed in the children, along with evaluations of ECC quality, teacher practices, and knowledge of child development. Results indicated that children enrolled in public ECCs achieved higher scores in cognitive and language development, despite coming from families with lower socioeconomic status and having lower birth weights. They also benefited from longer periods of breastfeeding. Teachers in public ECCs demonstrated greater daily practices, providing enhanced movement opportunities for children. Private ECCs offered more suitable outdoor spaces, whereas public ECCs had better indoor spaces. Regression analysis revealed that daily practice, teachers’ experience, and the availability of gross motor toys explained 41% of the variance in motor development. The duration of breastfeeding explained 24% of the variance in cognitive development. Teachers’ knowledge about children’s development and attendance at public ECCs explained 31% of the variance in language development. These findings underscore the importance of prioritizing teacher education in both public and private ECCs to optimize children’s overall development. Full article

Universities in severely cold regions face the dual challenge of adapting to seasonal climate variations while enhancing outdoor thermal comfort in outdoor leisure plazas. This study takes a university in Hohhot as a case study. Through field investigations conducted in summer and winter, thermal benchmarks were established. Based on this, an orthogonal experimental design was developed considering greenery layout, plant types, and surface albedo. ENVI-met was used to simulate and analyze the seasonal regulatory effects of landscape elements on the microclimate. The results show that: (1) the lower limit of the neutral PET range in Hohhot in winter is −11.3 °C, and the upper limit in summer is 31.3 °C; (2) the seasonal contribution of landscape elements to PET ranks as follows: plant types > greenery layout > surface albedo; and (3) the proposed optimization plan achieved a weighted increase of 6.0% in the proportion of activity area within the neutral PET range in both summer and winter. This study is the first to construct outdoor thermal sensation categories for both summer and winter in Hohhot and to establish a thermal comfort optimization evaluation mechanism that considers both diurnal and seasonal weightings. It systematically reveals the comprehensive regulatory effects of landscape elements on the thermal environment in severely cold regions and provides a nature-based solution for the climate-responsive design of campus plazas in such areas. Full article