Search Results (81)

The future of marine sustainability depends on public understanding and trust in the policy recommendations that emerge from scientific research. For common pool marine resource decisions made by the people who depend on these resources for their food, employment, and economic future, understanding the current status of these marine systems and change is essential to ensure these resources will persist into the future. As such, the informal learning infrastructure is essential to increasing marine science literacy in a changing world. This mixed-methods research study analyzed the distribution and accessibility of marine science education and research across Alaska’s five geographic regions. Using the PRISMA framework, we synthesized data from 198 institutions and analyzed peer-reviewed literature on marine ecosystems to identify geographic and thematic gaps in access to informal science learning and research focus. In parallel, we undertook geospatial analysis and resource availability to describe the distribution of resources, types of informal learning infrastructure present across the state, regional presence, and resources to support informal marine science learning opportunities. Findings from this multifactor research revealed a concentration of resources in urban hubs and a lack of consistent access to learning resources for rural and Indigenous communities. The configurative literature review of 9549 publications identified topical underrepresentation of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands, as well as a lack of research on seabirds across all regions. Considered together, these results recommend targeted investments in rural engagement with marine science programming, culturally grounded partnerships, and research diversification. This review concludes that disparities in learning resource support and government-funded priorities in marine wildlife research have created conditions that undermine the local people’s participation in the sustainability of sensitive resources and are likely exacerbating declines driven by rapid change in Arctic and sub-Arctic waters. Full article

Objective: The purpose of this study is to explore the factors influencing access to healthcare services among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) patients enrolled in the PEKA B40 programme at a public health clinic in Melaka, Malaysia. It aims to examine how key dimensions—availability, accessibility, accommodation, and acceptance—affect patients’ experiences and the utilisation of diabetes-related healthcare services. This study also seeks to identify gaps and challenges within the current healthcare delivery system, particularly for low-income populations, to inform strategies for improving equitable and sustainable access to care. Methods: This study was conducted in a public health clinic in Melaka, Malaysia. Purposive sampling was used among T2DM patients under the “Health Care Scheme for Group B40” programme in a public health clinic in Melaka, Malaysia. The study included participants with at least a 6-month history of T2DM to ensure substantial experience in accessing healthcare services. Results: Fifteen patients participated in this study. Elderly individuals, retirees, and those with average incomes demonstrated higher healthcare service utilisation. Ethnic diversity was crucial, revealing its impact on health behaviours and healthcare-seeking patterns. Primary or secondary education levels among participants highlighted the necessity for targeted health literacy efforts. Conclusions: This study highlighted notable awareness and satisfaction among patients concerning the availability, accessibility, and accommodation of services, particularly emphasising the importance of geographical proximity in healthcare services. However, challenges faced by elderly individuals in accessing social support are also highlighted. The potential of enhancing the amenities of healthcare facilities to improve patient experiences is also reflected in our results. These insights provide evidence for the effectiveness of the Malaysian healthcare system in catering to a diverse demographic and can also be helpful in refining healthcare strategies and further optimising patient-centred care in Malaysia. Full article

Background/Objectives: Access to healthy and affordable food remains a challenge for under-resourced communities due to uneven food distribution and the need for reliable transportation. This study developed and evaluated an interactive Geographic Information System (GIS)-based food asset map for a low-income community in Windham, Connecticut to improve awareness of food resources and expand opportunities for fresh food access. Methods: Using the human-centered design (HCD) framework and the Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) model, the map integrates food locations, transportation routes, and assistance eligibility. Internal pilot testing (n = 8) identified usability issues, leading to updates such as mobile compatibility and user guides. Usability testing (n = 74) assessed navigation performance and user feedback through task-based evaluations and surveys. Categorical map usability, sociodemographic, diet, and health characteristics were tested for participants with food security (yes/no) or digital literacy (passed/failed). Results: Food-secure participants showed higher usability success than food-insecure individuals (p < 0.05), while those relying on food assistance faced greater challenges (p < 0.05). Individuals rating their diet as “very good/excellent” were most likely to pass the map usability testing (p < 0.05), whereas younger, college-educated, employed participants and those with vehicles trended toward passing (p < 0.1). Participants generally reported the map easy to navigate, especially those with food security. Conclusions: The asset map promotes food resource awareness and addresses barriers such as limited public transportation information. Additional efforts are needed to support food-insecure users in utilizing digital food access resources. This study contributes to initiatives to improve food access, digital inclusion, and community engagement in under-resourced communities. Full article

In today’s society, stress is recognized as a major contributor to illness. It can be reduced through exercise, which lowers stress hormones, and exposure to daylight, which regulates hormones such as cortisol and melatonin. Furthermore, the design and perception of the environment can indicate danger or safety, influencing stress levels and mental health. This study examines the Tehran Oil Refinery’s impact on local residents’ perceptions of landscape values and mental health. Oil refineries, which use compounds derived from natural gas or crude oil, pose both short- and long-term environmental and health risks. Using a Geographic Information System for Public Participation (PPGIS), the study investigates how the industrial landscape surrounding the Tehran Oil Refinery influences residents’ emotional responses and stress levels. The study collects sociodemographic data, self-perceived health data, and landscape valuations before and after photography interventions. The findings indicate a complex relationship between the refinery’s presence and perceptions of landscape values. Manipulated photographs used in the study show how visual elements can influence emotional responses, highlighting a direct link between stress and environmental perception. This case study adds to larger discussions about the effects of industrialization on public mental health and the environment, emphasizing the importance of incorporating public perception into urban planning in order to achieve sustainable development. Full article

Evaluating the perceptions of social cohesion provides an elaborated understanding of the commemorative values of modern heritage. However, little attention has been paid to China’s modern historic parks (MHPs) due to the difficulty of capturing spatially explicit information. Utilizing a public participation GIS, we quantified four types of social cohesion in Shanghai’s existing MHPs, and analyzed their relationships with different types of activities and specific landscape features. The results show that the MHPs are rich in social cohesion, especially in belonging and place attachment. Social cohesion is spatially associated with leisure and sightseeing activities. The perception of different types of social cohesion varies across spaces with different landscape features. Our findings validate the composition of commemorative values of MHPs, and offer a reference for balancing the preservation and regeneration of modern heritage. Full article

Tourism development should be economically viable, environmentally responsible, and aligned with community goals. Participation in decision-making ensures that community values are reflected in sustainable tourism guidelines. Traditional methods of public engagement in tourism planning include public meetings, focus groups, and interviews, as outlined in the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) framework, which ranges from education to empowerment. However, the rise of information technology and digital platforms has brought about new participatory channels, such as Public Participation Geographic Information Systems (PPGISs), which use geospatial technologies to improve decision-making. This paper investigates the use of PPGISs in the tourism industry based on a thorough review of peer-reviewed literature from 2000 to 2024. By examining the use of PPGISs in tourism, the study identifies common characteristics and the scope of existing research, emphasizing how PPGISs can be applied across various tourism sectors. The study discovered that PPGIS is a credible alternative to traditional public participation methods and provides useful insights into residents’ perspectives on tourism-related issues. This study contributes to the tourism field by thoroughly understanding PPGIS applications, proposing future research strategies, and suggesting how these technologies can enhance public engagement and decision-making in tourism planning. Full article

In urban areas, bicycles promote sustainable, efficient, and healthy mobility while reducing carbon emissions. Bicycle trips, especially those replacing car journeys, help reduce traffic congestion and lower emissions, contributing to decarbonising the transport sector. This study introduces a method for evaluating the bikeability of urban road networks through a multi-criteria analysis using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Five key criteria are considered: accessibility, infrastructure, road features, environmental surroundings, and safety factors. A case study in a Portuguese city revealed that over 95% of the urban network has a low to moderate bikeability index (0.3–0.5), with no segments exceeding 0.7, indicating a need for significant infrastructure improvements. The analysis revealed that safety strongly influences bikeability, while road features and the surrounding environment also show positive associations. In contrast, infrastructure and accessibility displayed weaker correlations due to limited infrastructure and integration with public transport. Despite the differences, all criteria can identify distinct bikeability levels. The findings underscore the urgent need for a comprehensive cycling infrastructure, including cycle paths and improved bicycle parking. Additionally, the study highlights the need for a more robust model with stakeholder participation in future evaluations. This adaptable methodology provides a robust tool for assessing and enhancing urban bikeability, contributing to more sustainable and cyclist-friendly cities. Full article

The aging of the population is not only a global challenge, but it is also a major concern in the research on environmental behaviors. Urban green spaces are regarded as crucial for the well-being of the elderly. However, there is still a lack of in-depth investigation into the effect of spatial factors on the public activities performed by the elderly in urban parks in cold weather. Therefore, this study is aimed at filling this gap, with Nankai Park in Tianjin as the research object. In order to achieve this purpose, the behavioral patterns of elderly park users are mapped in this paper, based on participatory observation in combination with the collection of spatial data through continuous photography. To begin with, the park space is divided into 23 areas for correlation analysis. UCL Depthmap software is then used for park space syntax analysis, with Tangent used to evaluate the sunshine (shadow) factors. Specific indexes are established to quantify the spatial factors in each area, such as the shortest distance to the exit, the green space ratio, and facility density. GIS (Geographic Information System) is applied for data integration, and SPSS is applied to reveal the correlation between the behavioral data and the selected spatial factors. The key findings are as follows. (1) There are four space syntax indexes closely correlated with the activities that the elderly participate in. (2) The solar (overshadowing) conditions play an important role in the distribution of elderly park users. (3) There is no definitive relationship exhibited by the pattern of activities performed by the elderly with various factors such as number and diversity of seating facilities as well as the quantity and diversity of seating facilities. Finally, this analysis aims to explore research methodology that extends from qualitative observation to quantitative analysis. Future research will focus on the shaping of aging-friendly urban communities, which is expected to deepen our understanding of public activities held within urban parks in cold weather across the northern cities of China. Full article

Public participation in architectural heritage protection is a crucial part of promoting the development of heritage conservation. However, even in the same country, different regions protect heritage at different levels. This study, taking national wooden arch corridor bridges as the research object, analyzes the public participation level in wooden arch corridor bridge protection in the last 5 years, studying the factors that influence public participation and the change in rules of public participation caused by geography, providing a theoretical reference for the sustainable development of the protection of wooden arch corridor bridges. The results indicate (1) public participation in the protection of wooden arch corridor bridges has been increasing annually under government guidance; (2) there is a positive correlation between the concentration of wooden arch corridor bridges and the level of public participation; (3) the better the planning is regarding wooden arch corridor bridges and their surrounding areas, the higher the level of public participation, while the lower the level of residents’ participation and willing; (4) the higher the development and better the transportation in the areas where wooden arch corridor bridges are located, the higher the level of public participation; and (5) increasing the popularity of wooden arch corridor bridges, as well as the areas they are located in, can enhance public participation. These conclusions and research methods also provide methodological guidance and theoretical support for other public participation in the study of architectural heritage. Full article

Petrochemical clusters are forms of industrialization that use compounds and polymers derived directly or indirectly from gas or crude oil for chemical applications. They pose a variety of short- and long-term risks to the environment and the people who live nearby. The aim of this study is to determine whether there is a correlation between the degree of perceived technological risk and the emotional value generated by the contemplation of the petrochemical industry landscape in order to try to establish strategic lines of action to mitigate the perception of risk and improve the emotional well-being of the population. This study uses manipulated pictures and a Public Participation Geographic Information System (PPGIS) survey to assess changes in perception and emotional response in residents in Teheran (Iran). Key findings show an insignificant relationship between technological risk and landscape value perception in both original and manipulated pictures. However, taking into account that, in general, in manipulated pictures, there is a more significant relationship, designing the landscape could help to mitigate the technological risk perception. This study contributes to the broader discussion about industrialization and its environmental and social consequences. It emphasizes the importance of considering public perception when planning and developing industrial areas, so as to balance industrial functionality and environmental and aesthetic considerations for long-term urban development. Full article

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the impact of climate change on health services as categorized by the WHO’s Building Blocks for creating Climate-Resilient Health Systems. Objective: The objective was to conduct a systematized review of the published literature concerning the impact of climate change, using a thematic analysis approach to address our aim and identify areas for further research. Design: A search was conducted on 8 February 2022 using the Embase and PubMed research databases. Peer-reviewed scientific studies that were published in English from 2012 to 2022, which described at least one report concerning the impact of climate change on health services in LMICs, were included. Studies were organized based on their key characteristics, which included the date of publication, objective, method, limitations, participants, and geographical focus. The Mixed-Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) was used to assess the risk of bias in the included studies. Results: Twenty-three studies were included in this review. Five areas of health services which align with the WHO building blocks framework were impacted by climate change. These health service areas included: (1) Service Delivery, (2) Human Resources, (3) Health Finance, (4) Healthcare Products and Technology, and (5) Leadership and Governance. However, research concerning the impact of climate change on health information systems, which is part of the WHO building blocks framework, did not feature in our study. The climatic effects were divided into three themes: meteorological effects, extreme weather events, and general. The research in this study found that climate change had a detrimental impact on a variety of health services, with service delivery being the most frequently reported. The risk of bias varied greatly between studies. Conclusions: Climate change has negatively impacted health services in a variety of different ways, and without further actions, this problem is likely to worsen. The WHO building blocks have provided a useful lens through which to review health services. We built an aligned framework to describe our findings and to support future climate change impact assessments in this area. We propose that further research concerning the impact of climate change on health information systems would be valuable, as well as further education and responsible policy changes to help build resilience in health services affected by climate change. Full article

Human impression plays a crucial role in effectively designing infrastructures that support active mobility such as walking and cycling. By involving users early in the design process, valuable insights can be gathered before physical environments are constructed. This proactive approach enhances the attractiveness and safety of designed spaces for users. This study conducts an experiment comparing real street observations with immersive virtual reality (VR) visits to evaluate user perceptions and assess the quality of public spaces. For this experiment, a high-resolution 3D city model of a large-scale neighborhood was created, utilizing Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Geographic Information System (GIS) data. The model incorporated dynamic elements representing various urban environments: a public area with a tramway station, a commercial street with a road, and a residential playground with green spaces. Participants were presented with identical views of existing urban scenes, both in reality and through reconstructed 3D scenes using a Head-Mounted Display (HMD). They were asked questions related to the quality of the streetscape, its walkability, and cyclability. From the questionnaire, algorithms for assessing public spaces were computed, namely Sustainable Mobility Indicators (SUMI) and Pedestrian Level of Service (PLOS). The study quantifies the relevance of these indicators in a VR setup and correlates them with critical factors influencing the experience of using and spending time on a street. This research contributes to understanding the suitability of these algorithms in a VR environment for predicting the quality of future spaces before occupancy. Full article

River water is one of the most important natural resources for economic development and environmental sustainability. However, river water systems are vulnerable in some of the densely populated regions across the globe. Intense sand mining and waste disposal can lead to river changes, loose foundations, and biodiversity loss. This study aims to develop a web-based geographic information system (GIS) platform to monitor river channel changes and their impacts on river environments due to sand mining and waste burial. The system integrates open-source software, Windows Server 2012, a web server, and PostgreSQL with PostGIS plugins for efficient mapping and storage of geospatial data and volunteered reporting of location events. Interferometric methods, including SNAP2STAMPS Automated Algorithm, persistent scatterer interferometry (PSI), small baseline subset (SBAS), and Snap software, were used to analyze spatial changes of subsidence from Sentinel-1 satellite data from 2021 to 2023 in the Gadar River in Oshnavieh, Iran. The results showed that the maximum subsidence at the riverbank was −10.1 cm due to sand mining, and the maximum uplift was 8.2 cm due to waste landfilling. The average subsidence was reported to be −5.1 cm. The results emphasize spatial analysis, showcasing material mining’s impact on subsidence trends and underscoring the significance of public participation in monitoring river health. Three parameters—completeness, correctness, and quality—were used to validate the system. Validation results showed completeness, correctness, and quality rates of 94.15%, 92.48%, and 86.63%, respectively. Full article

Socio-cultural dimensions and values in maritime spatial planning (MSP) are gaining momentum worldwide and especially in the European Union (EU), since it is acknowledged that they are the “missing layer” of maritime spatial plans (MSPlans). These values are partly explored through cultural ecosystem services (CES). Coastal and marine CES refer to the benefits that humans derive from the coastal and marine environments in recreational, artistic, spiritual, and educational terms. They reflect the ways in which coastal and marine ecosystems contribute to human well-being, cultural identity, and interactions with nature. The research question is how to map and assess coastal/marine ecosystem services and to integrate them in the MSPlans. Thus, this systematic review sheds light on methodological and technical issues with CES mapping and assessment and provides guidance on how to incorporate CES in MSP for future research. Publications dealing with the spatial aspects of CES were examined with an extra focus on participatory mapping approaches. Initially, 199 articles were identified, and 50 articles were ultimately eligible for the analysis. Papers were concentrated in the European Atlantic, whilst their scope was either local or regional. A large number of articles consider the contribution of CES to efficient marine management rather than to achieving an integrated and coordinated MSP. Social and mixed mapping approaches were met with the most often, especially participatory mapping approaches. Also, non-monetary valuation was prevailing, and a multitude of techniques, tools, and statistical software were used. In most of the cases, the distribution of values in relation to environmental, socio-economic, and demographic factors was examined. This article concludes that an effective integration of CES into MSP is crucial for creating prospects of a more sustainable and inclusive approach to coastal/marine planning and for the well-being of ecosystems and communities both currently and for future generations. This knowledge should become “property” of the maritime spatial planners. Full article

The Landscape Character Assessment (LCA) method from the UK has proven effective in identifying landscape values and characteristics through a comprehensive mapping process. However, it is predominantly expert-led and lacks an evaluation of scenery, hindering the inclusion of the broader community’s preferences and visual attachment to their landscape. In Australia, the application of the Scenic Amenity Methodology (SAM) using Geographical Information System (GIS) mapping has engaged communities but has often overlooked the importance of landscape character. To overcome these limitations, this study presents an innovative scenic assessment methodology, referred to as modified Scenic Amenity Methodology (modified SAM). The methodology establishes landscape character types (LCTs) to map scenic preference ratings derived from community photo surveys. Simultaneously, it incorporates the visual exposure of the landscape from publicly accessible viewpoints, modelled using a Digital Elevation Model (DEM). The combination of scenic preferences and visual exposure enables mapping of the scenic amenity values held by the community. This methodology was first trialled in Bundaberg, then Cairns, the Whitsunday Islands, and, most recently, Toowoomba in Queensland, Australia. This paper presents the results of the Toowoomba study and reports on the challenges and limitations of informing landscape character type (LCT) values through a public photo survey, developing a scenic preference map from ratings of photos across a region, a map of the visual exposure of landscape elements from key public viewing locations, and, ultimately, a map of scenic amenity values across the Toowoomba Region. It indicates that integrating previous LCA approaches with public participation through community preferences is indeed feasible for regional landscape planning. Full article