Search Results (188)

This study aimed to re-evaluate a historical war supply route within the context of cultural tourism, to revitalize its natural, historical, and cultural values, and to integrate it with existing hiking and trekking routes. Remote sensing (RS) and geographic information system (GIS) technologies were utilized, and land surveys were conducted to support the analysis and validate the existing data. Data for slope, one of the most critical factors for hiking route selection, were generated, and the optimal route between the starting and destination points was identified using least cost path analysis (LCPA). Historical, touristic, and recreational rest stops along the route were mapped with precise coordinates, and both the existing and the newly generated routes were assessed in terms of their accessibility to these points. Field validation was carried out based on the experiences of expert hikers. According to the results, the length of the existing hiking route was determined to be 15.72 km, while the newly developed trekking route measured 17.36 km. These two routes overlap for 7.75 km, with 9.78 km following separate paths in a round-trip scenario. It was concluded that the existing route is more suitable for hiking, whereas the newly developed route is better suited for trekking. Full article

In vitro tissue models offer a flexible complementary study system for use alongside in vivo human tissue samples. Achieving accurate in vitro models relies on combining appropriate scaffolds, growth factors and cell populations to recreate human tissue complexity. Balancing a consistent cell supply with the creation of healthy tissue models can be challenging; established cell lines are often cancerous, with altered cellular function compared to healthy populations, and primary cells require repeated isolation, with associated batch-to-batch variation. Pluripotent stem cell-derived populations offer a consistent supply, as well as the ability to model disease phenotypes through cell reprogramming using patient-derived cells. In this study, we have used an induced pluripotent stem cell-derived fibroblast population to develop a dermal equivalent model. These cells form a consistent tissue construct with a structure and composition similar to primary fibroblast controls, which are able to support an overlying epidermis. The resultant full-thickness skin model demonstrates the expression of various key skin-related markers, correctly localised within the organised epidermis, notably improving on previous models of a similar nature. Providing proof of concept using an established in vitro protocol, this study paves the way for future work developing consistent, customised, full-thickness human skin equivalents using iPSC-derived populations. Full article

The gray triggerfish Balistes capriscus has a wide geographical distribution and is used for commercial and recreational fishing worldwide. In this study, we aimed to provide technical knowledge for developing strategies for the sustainable production of gray triggerfish in aquaculture systems by characterizing the capture procedures for broodstock acquisition and developing a protocol for species maintenance in captivity. Broodstock maintenance data were collected over six months (April to September) each year, whereas breeder data were collected over three months each year (November to January). The number of shipments, capture, and survival of B. capriscus was 100%. The animals grew on average by 9.99 ± 0.11 cm over 9 months and increased their average weight by 1.658 ± 0.1 kg, representing a specific growth rate of 0.62% and an average daily weight gain of 6.14 g/day. The species were fed by alternating the supply of fresh food (minced fish, fish fillets, shrimp, squid, minced octopus and crab), divided into two times, 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., and offered until the animals were satiated. Regarding the structures used to maintain the breeding stock, 15,000 L tanks are recommended to keep up to 30 breeding individuals. Full article

Cultural ecosystem services (CES) in urban parks, as a vital component of urban ecosystem services (ES), are increasingly recognized as an important tool for advancing urban sustainability and implementing nature-based solutions (NbS). The supply–demand relationship of CES in urban parks is strongly shaped by sociocultural and spatial geographic factors, playing a crucial role in optimizing urban landscape structures and enhancing residents’ well-being. However, current research generally lacks adaptive evaluation frameworks and quantitative methods, particularly for cities with significant spatial and cultural diversity. To address this gap, this study examines the central district of Lhasa as a case study to develop a CES supply–demand evaluation framework suitable for plateau river valley cities. The study adopts the spatial integration analysis method to establish an indicator system centered on “recreational potential–recreational opportunities” and “social needs–material needs,” mapping the spatial distribution and matching characteristics of supply and demand at the community scale. The results reveal that: (1) in terms of supply–demand balance, 25.67% of communities experience undersupply, predominantly in the old city cluster, while 16.22% experience oversupply, mainly in key development zones, indicating a notable supply–demand imbalance; (2) in terms of supply–demand coupling coordination, 55.11% and 38.14% of communities are in declining and transitional stages, respectively. These communities are primarily distributed in near-mountainous and peripheral urban areas. Based on these findings, four urban landscape optimization strategies are proposed: culturally driven urban park development, demand-oriented park planning, expanding countryside parks along mountain ridges, and revitalizing existing parks. These results provide theoretical support and decision-making guidance for optimizing urban park green space systems in plateau river valley cities. Full article

Enhancing older adults’ social participation constitutes a critical strategy for actively addressing population aging. From a life course perspective, this study uses data from the 2023 China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey to analyze the impact of occupational characteristics of the pre-retirement of Chinese older adults on their social participation in later life through linear probability models and Logit regression analysis. Key findings reveal that the pre-retirement work sector, occupational roles, and job intensity significantly influence older adults’ social participation. Older adults who previously worked in the public sector are less likely to participate in labor and recreational activities than their non-public sector counterparts. Those who held managerial positions before retirement exhibit higher probabilities of volunteering and recreational activity participation than non-managerial retirees. Additionally, greater pre-retirement job intensity correlates with reduced likelihoods of volunteering and recreational activity participation. Thus, this study identifies inadequate social security provisions as the primary endogenous driver for labor participation in later life. In China’s current developmental phase, gradually delaying the legal retirement age could effectively boost labor supply. Ensuring comprehensive labor protections throughout occupational trajectories and developing tailored interventions based on pre-retirement occupational characteristics prove essential for advancing social participation among older adults. Furthermore, improving information accessibility and participation opportunities serves as crucial pathways for transforming older adults’ participation willingness into concrete behavioral outcomes. Full article

The management of power supply and distribution is becoming increasingly challenging because of the significant increase in energy demand brought on by global population growth. Buildings are estimated to be accountable for 40% of the worldwide use of energy, which underlines how important accurate demand estimation is for the design and construction of electrical infrastructure. In this respect, transmission and distribution network planning must be adjusted to ensure a smooth transition to the National Interconnected System (NIS). A technical and analytical scientific approach to a modern neighbourhood in Ecuador called “the Nuevo Samborondón” case study (NSCS) is laid out in this article. Collecting geo-referenced data, evaluating the current electrical infrastructure, and forecasting energy demand constitute the first stages in this research procedure. The sector’s energy behaviour is accurately modelled using advanced programs such as 3D design software for modelling and drawing urban architecture along with a whole building energy simulation program and geographical information systems (GIS). For the purpose of recreating several operational situations and building the distribution infrastructure while giving priority to the current urban planning, an electrical system model is subsequently developed using power system analysis software at both levels of transmission and distribution. Furthermore, seamless digital substations are suggested as a component of the nation’s electrical infrastructure upgrade to provide redundancy and zero downtime. According to our findings, installing a 69 kV ring is a crucial step in electrifying NSCS and aligning electrical network innovations with urban planning. The system’s capacity to adjust and optimize power distribution would be strengthened provided the algorithms were given the freedom to react dynamically to changes or disruptions brought about by distributed generation sources. Full article

Water plays a critical role in the growth and management of fresh produce, being a vital resource and a potential vector for pathogens. To address these concerns, guidelines for the microbiological quality of treated wastewater, recreational, irrigation, and drinking water have been established worldwide. With multiple outbreaks linked to Escherichia coli (E. coli) contamination, monitoring and improving water quality standards have become essential, especially for small-scale and limited-resource farmers. The Food Safety and Modernization Act (FSMA, 2014) in the United States was introduced to regulate microbiological safety of produce, focusing on irrigation water. Approximately 77% of farmers in Kentucky are small farmers, of which, 4.2% supply directly to consumers through various avenues, accounting for approximately USD 24 million a year. This study examined the microbial quality of irrigation water used in Kentucky, focusing on the presence and number of coliform bacteria and E. coli. The report covers findings from a year-long program providing free microbial water quality testing to producers (n = 90), analyzing groundwater and surface water samples (n = 296). Results indicate surface water showing a significantly higher risk of exceeding FSMA thresholds. The findings emphasize the need for continued outreach, education, and accessible testing resources to support compliance with evolving Produce Safety Rule regulations, especially among small-scale producers. Full article

Reservoirs and downstream rivers draining Oregon’s Cascade Range provide critical water supplies for over 1.5 million residents in dozens of communities. These waters also support planktonic and benthic cyanobacteria that produce cyanotoxins that may degrade water quality for drinking, recreation, aquatic life, and other beneficial uses. This 2016–2020 survey examined the sources and transport of four cyanotoxins—microcystins, cylindrospermopsins, anatoxins, and saxitoxins—in six river systems feeding 18 drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs) in northwestern Oregon. Benthic cyanobacteria, plankton net tows, and (or) Solid-Phase Adsorption Toxin Tracking (SPATT) samples were collected from 65 sites, including tributaries, reservoirs, main stems, and sites at or upstream from DWTPs. Concentrated extracts (320 samples) were analyzed with enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assays (ELISA), resulting in >90% detection. Benthic cyanobacteria (n = 80) mostly Nostoc, Phormidium, Microcoleus, and Oscillatoria, yielded microcystins (76% detection), cylindrospermopsins (41%), anatoxins (45%), and saxitoxins (39%). Plankton net tow samples from tributaries and main stems (n = 94) contained saxitoxins (84%), microcystins (77%), anatoxins (25%), and cylindrospermopsins (22%), revealing their transport in seston. SPATT sampler extracts (n = 146) yielded anatoxins (81%), microcystins (66%), saxitoxins (37%), and cylindrospermopsins (32%), indicating their presence dissolved in the water. Reservoir plankton net tow samples (n = 15), most often containing Dolichospermum, yielded microcystins (87%), cylindrospermopsins (73%), and anatoxins (47%), but no saxitoxins. The high detection frequencies of cyanotoxins at sites upstream from DWTP intakes, and at sites popular for recreation, where salmon and steelhead continue to exist, highlight the need for additional study on these cyanobacteria and the factors that promote production of cyanotoxins to minimize effects on humans, aquatic ecosystems, and economies. Full article

Ensuring access to clean water for drinking, agriculture, and recreational activities remains a global challenge. Groundwater, supplying approximately 50% of domestic water and 40% of agricultural irrigation, faces increasing threats from climate change, population growth, and unsustainable agricultural practices. These factors contribute to groundwater contamination, notably nitrate pollution resulting from excessive fertilizer use, which poses risks to water quality and public health. Addressing this issue demands innovative, efficient, and sustainable remediation technologies. Permeable reactive barriers (PRBs) have emerged as promising solutions for in situ groundwater treatment, using reactive media to transform contaminants into less toxic forms. PRBs offer advantages like low energy consumption and minimal maintenance. This study uses bibliometric analysis to explore the scientific production of PRBs for nitrate remediation, revealing research trends, key focus areas, and significant contributions. It included 141 articles published from 1975 to 2023. Early research focused on basic mechanisms and materials like zero-valent iron (ZVI), while recent studies emphasize sustainability and cost-effectiveness using low-cost materials such as agricultural byproducts. The findings highlight a growing focus on the circular economy and the need for more in situ studies to assess PRB performance under varying conditions. PRBs show significant potential for enhancing groundwater management and long-term water quality in agricultural contexts. Full article

Imbalanced supplies and demands of ecosystem services (ESSD) can negatively affect human well-being. Optimizing land use patterns in cities and regions is, in fact, essential to mitigate this challenge and ensure sustainable development. In this context, the present study aims to analyze the supply and demand of food production services (FPs), carbon sequestration services (CSs), and recreation services (RSs) in a typical coal resource-based city (Huainan) in China. In addition, the main influencing factors and their driving mechanisms were further explored using the geographical detector (Geo-Detector) and multi-scale geographic weighted regression (MGWR) models. Future land use changes were also predicted under traditional and constrained development scenarios using the GeoSOS-FLUS model. The obtained results indicated that: (1) the comprehensive ecosystem service (ES) supply index decreased from 1.42 to 0.84, while the comprehensive demand index increased from 0.74 to 0.95 during the 2010–2020 period; (2) the urban and rural areas had spatial disparities; (3) changes in the construction, ecological, and cultivated land strongly impacted ES; (4) implementing constrained development scenarios can effectively protect the ecological land, control urban expansion, and improve the ESSD relationships in Huainan City. This study provides a valuable theoretical foundation and a methodological framework for future urban and land use optimization efforts, as well as for enhancing the sustainability of ecosystem services and mitigating the imbalance between the supplies and demands of ecosystem services. Full article

Water problems extend beyond the watershed of local communities and single countries. A novel governance approach must comprise coordination and institutional arrangements at the global scale, and rely on a set of axioms that guide the decision-making and actions of various stakeholders involved in water-related issues. These principles must reflect the awareness of water paradigms across history and geography, as well as the economic, social, environmental, and ethical dimensions of water, aiming at ensuring its sustainable and equitable use, driving governance towards recognizing the value of water for public health and social cohesion, the link of landscape and identity values to water bodies, the social, aesthetic-recreational, and symbolic values of water across the world, and the functions of water in nature. The principles presented here include the human right to water, ecosystem centrality, the principles of shared integration, precautionary, responsibility, and subsidiarity, along with the concept of the common good. The assessment of principles of water governance is essential for implementing any guideline of water management aimed not only at efficiency and security, but at equity and sustainability of water supply and flood mitigation in a globalized and conflict-ridden world. Full article

Although low-head dams in the USA provide water supply, irrigation, and recreation opportunities, many are unknown by regulators. Unfortunately, hundreds of drownings occur each decade at these dams from an entrapment current that can form immediately downstream. To explore the ability of deep learning to scan large areas of terrain to identify the locations of low-head dams, ArcGIS Pro and embedded deep learning models for object-based image analysis were investigated. The State of Indiana low-head dam dataset was selected for model training and validation. Aerial imagery (leaf-off conditions) captured from 2016 to 2018 for the nearly 94,000 km² area had a minimum resolution of 304.8 mm. A new Python code was developed that automated the generation of training images and searching was limited to 100 m wide river corridors. Due to bank vegetation, all low-head dams were assigned a visibility score to aid in training and performance analysis. A total of 19 backbone models were considered with single shot detection and options for RetinaNet, Faster R-CNN, and batch normalization. Additional identification classes were incorporated to overcome identification of visually similar objects. After four training iterations, the final trained model was a ResNet RetinaNet backbone model featuring 101 layers with an 83% recall rate for dams with high visibility and a 17% recall rate for those with moderate visibility. Full article

Owing to their capacity to conserve water and regulate streamflow, small reservoirs are useful for agriculture, domestic water supply, energy production, industry, flood control, recreation, fisheries, and ecosystem conservation. The presence of these small reservoirs often affects the natural water pathways, but the use of a hydrological model such as the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) can help to better apprehend these effects at the watershed scale. Indeed, the SWAT model allows modelers to represent and operate reservoirs by inputting the related parameters while setting the model. However, these reservoir parameters are not automatically generated by the SWAT model algorithms. Subsequently, SWAT users are left alone and must sort out the adequate approach to separately obtain or determine the reservoir parameters. Traditionally, reservoir parameters such as the volumes and surface areas are obtained through in situ hydrographic surveys which are costly and labor demanding. To help SWAT modelers retrieve the input parameters needed for modeling small reservoirs, this paper explicitly presents a spatial analysis procedure using the case study of a small watershed reservoir. In this procedure, the digital elevation model of the watershed is transformed into a triangulated irregular network and turned into contour lines which are used to identify the reservoir surface and volume at the principal and emergency spillways. The retrieved parameters were successfully used to calibrate and validate SWAT simulations of the watershed hydrological behavior. The spatial analysis procedure reported here is a cost-effective alternative to traditional in situ hydrographic surveys and it is useful for addressing watersheds with small reservoirs. The procedure eases the inclusion of reservoirs in SWAT and reduces the risk of model overfitting. Furthermore, the procedure could be useful for developing reservoir elevation–capacity–area curves. Full article

Coastal zones, which serve as transitional areas between land and sea, possess unique ecological values. Sandy coasts, celebrated for their distinctive natural beauty and ideal recreational settings, have garnered significant attention. However, uncontrolled human activities can exacerbate erosion or even trigger more severe erosion along these coasts. This study utilizes unmanned aerial photography and typical beach profile survey data collected from the main areas of Wanmi Beach over the past eight years to quantify annual changes in beach erosion and elucidate the erosion characteristics and their variations across different shore profiles. Additionally, the impact of various types of human activities in different regions is analyzed, revealing the erosion patterns prevalent in the main areas of Wanmi Beach. The findings indicate that the eastern research area (ERA) has been in a continuous state of erosion, primarily due to a reduction in sediment supply in the region, with severe erosion observed on the foreshore of Fengxiang Beach and Wanmi Bathing Beach (WBB). In contrast, the central research area (CRA), particularly around Yangjiao Bay, has experienced significant siltation in recent years, with the highest siltation volume recorded between 2021 and 2023, totaling 90,352.91 m³. Nevertheless, the foreshore areas at both ends of the research area, distant from Yangjiao Bay, have been subject to erosion. The western research area (WRA) is notably impacted by surrounding aquaculture activities, leading to alternating periods of erosion and siltation on the beach surface. Consequently, due to the influence of human activities on different shore profiles, most of Wanmi Beach, except for the area near Yangjiao Bay, is experiencing erosion. Full article

National parks not only protect natural resources but also provide a variety of cultural ecosystem services, with their rural areas serving as important locations for providing rural recreation services (RRS). Spatial quantification of RRS supply and demand will contribute to ensuring the protection and promotion of human well-being in national parks. In this study, we proposed an integrated framework to map and assess the spatial distribution of RRS supply and demand in Changhong Township, located within Qianjiangyuan National Park. We used a combination of spatial analysis and the MaxEnt model as tools, which played a positive role in saving time when modeling areas providing cultural ecosystem services. Based on the findings, the study area was divided into different zones to propose spatial planning measures. The results showed that (1) the MaxEnt model was robust in mapping RRS supply. RRS supply and demand distribution had high spatial heterogeneity. (2) The proportion of areas where RRS supply exceeded demand was 72.58%, primarily distributed in areas with a high level of naturalness at the periphery of the study area. (3) This study divided Changhong Township into four types of zones: developed recreation service area, potential recreation service area, recreation service demand area, and marginal recreation service area. We proposed suggestions for the scientific utilization and management of RRS in each zone. Overall, our findings provide a scientific basis for planning rural recreation spaces within national parks, promoting the comprehensive utilization of rural cultural ecosystem services. Full article