Landscape Evaluation Research Articles

Research on the Application of Multidimensional Collaborative Landscape Design Course Teaching in Revolutionary Historical and Cultural Landscape Design--Taking Zhuhai as an Example

Abstract This study explores a multidimensional collaborative landscape design course, detailing its unique collaborative teaching framework within the context of Zhuhai’s transformative historical and cultural landscape. It employs a comprehensive set of metrics, including teaching objectives and methodologies, to assess the course’s effectiveness. The relevance of variations among elements was evaluated through statistical analyses, including T-tests, F-tests, and correlation studies. Further, the study examined participant satisfaction, visual appeal, and aesthetic impact of the “red cultural” landscape design. Results indicated that the average teaching evaluation scores surpassed 4 points, and satisfaction levels with the red cultural landscape design approached 80%, reflecting a beneficial influence on educational outcomes. This research contributes novel insights to the development of landscape evaluation systems in cultural tourism settings and offers theoretical advancements for implementing multidimensional collaborative teaching strategies in landscape design.

A landscape evaluation of caffeine citrate availability and use in newborn care across five low- and middle-income countries.

Apnoea of prematurity (AOP) is a common complication among preterm infants (< 37 weeks gestation), globally. However, access to caffeine citrate (CC) that is a proven safe and effective treatment in high-income countries is largely unavailable in low- and-middle income countries, where most preterm infants are born. Therefore, the overall aim of this study was to describe the demand, policies, and supply factors affecting the availability and clinical use of CC in LMICs. A mixed methods approach was used to collect data from diverse settings in LMICs including Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and India. Qualitative semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with 107 different health care providers, and 21 policymakers and other stakeholders from industry. Additional data was collected using standard questionnaires. A thematic framework approach was used to analyze the qualitative data and descriptive statistics were used to summarize the quantitative data. The findings indicate that there is variation in in-country policies on the use of CC in the prevention and treatment of AOP and its availability across the LMICs. As a result, the knowledge and experience of using CC also varied with clinicians in Ethiopia having no experience of using it while those in India have greater knowledge and experience of using it. This, in turn, influenced the demand, and our findings show that only 29% of eligible preterm infants are receiving CC in these countries. There is an urgent need to address the multilevel barriers to accessing CC for managing AOP in Africa. These include cost, lack of national policies, and, therefore, lack of demand stemming from its clinical equivalency with aminophylline. Practical ways to reduce the cost of CC in LMICs could potentially increase its availability and use.

Exploring the impact of urban development on mountain view visualization using a GIS-based landscape assessment model: a case study in Lishui, China

Amid China’s high-speed urbanization, the lack of urban landscape and homogenization of urban image are becoming increasingly serious, prompting discussion on how to preserve the natural urban landscape. This study extends the existing landscape assessment model to evaluate the urban hillscape of the Lishui urban area of Nanjing over the past 50 years. First, a landscape quality analysis is conducted based on raster images, and a landscape quality map of the study area is drawn. Then, a visibility analysis of the site is conducted, key observation points (KOPs) are screened using a digital surface model, and the visual magnitude of each KOP is quantitatively calculated. Finally, the visual impact scores of the mountains in the site are synthesized. The results show that the model can accurately quantify the visual impact of historical mountain views. The following conclusions are drawn (1) The visual quality of the landscape in the area has improved as the urban area has spreads out. (2) The viewshed and magnitude of the area are trending downward over time. (3) The Chengnan area’s visual impact score increased by 25.7%, but that of the Tuanshan and Chengzhong areas decreased by 48% and 26.9%, respectively. This study presents a spatial decision support system that can obtain better landscape assessment results with more accessible open-source data, and can be used for historical landscape evaluation. By comparing the characteristics and trends of urban hillscapes in different historical periods, this study’s landscape assessment model can help managers better understand the impact of development on urban intentions and make better decisions.

Study on the environmental status of Shichigou Village, Rim yu, Qinling Mountains

Abstract The article illustrates and analyzes the environmental features of Rim Valley and Shifangou Village in the northern Qinling Mountains. Firstly, the ecological characteristics of Rim Valley in terms of elevation, slope, slope direction, river network, and land use classification were summarized through Arcgis mapping so as to overview the environment of Shifangou village as a sub-body of the Rim Valley; secondly, the environmental data of Shifangou village were obtained through field research, and the village landscape evaluation was conducted according to the local conditions, and the methods used were hierarchical analysis and villagers’ rating method, which were based on four dimensions of village environment: ecological elements, production elements, life elements, and feelings elements. The technique used is hierarchical analysis and villagers’ rating method, which mainly evaluates the rural environment in four dimensions, namely, rural ecological elements, rural production elements, rural life elements, and rural feeling elements, and expands on the basis of the “Three Lives” research method, focusing on people’s feelings towards the countryside, so as to arrive at the basic situation of the environment in Shifangou Village.

Landscape evaluation by using no-code machine-learning software

Landscape evaluation by using no-code machine-learning software

Establishment of a children's Drugs and Therapeutics Committee to ensure evidence-based and cost-effective medical treatment for children.

The prevalence of undocumented medical treatments among children is a significant issue, as well as many EU countries lack access to newly developed children-friendly medicines. Consequently, there is a pressing need for supplementary resources that can facilitate informed decision-making regarding children's medication. We therefore aim to describe the process of establishing a children's Drug and Therapeutics Committee (cDTC), as well as the preparing and implementation of recommendations for children in the capital region of Denmark. Following the guidelines outlined by the World Health Organization, we established a cDTC, and recommendations for paediatric medication practice were constructed from assessments of medication use patterns among children in the capital region between 2019 and 2021. The recommendations were meticulously crafted based on evaluation of the current marketing authorization landscape and existing best available evidence. In 2019, the capital region established the first cDTC supported by expert councils and an editorial board. A total of 2429 purchase item numbers covering 1 222 846 defined daily doses and 592 088 purchased packages covering 10 200 000 defined daily doses were identified in the secondary and primary sectors, respectively. Three comprehensive lists covering recommendations for newborns and children were published between 2021 and 2020 totaling 331 recommended pharmaceutical products. The recommendations primarily intended for use in the secondary healthcare sector were implemented through the revision of 38 paediatric- and six neonatal product ranges throughout capital region. In conclusion, recommendation lists for children governed by a cDTC provide a rational auxiliary tool that can be immediately implemented in the clinic.

Ecological Benefits and Plant Landscape Creation in Urban Parks: A Study of Nanhu Park, Hefei, China

Plant landscape creation in urban parks is an important aspect of urban ecological construction under the goal of “carbon neutrality”. In this study, the plant community of Nanhu Park in Hefei City was considered the research subject, and its tree species’ composition and diameter at breast height (DBH) were analyzed. The ecological benefits of the park’s green space were evaluated using the i-tree Eco model, and the carbon sequestration, runoff retention, air pollution removal, and oxygen production benefits were quantified as economic values and combined with the landscape effect evaluation method. The results show that Nanhu Park is rich in tree species types, with 5871 trees of 41 species in 23 families and 32 native species, among which three species of Sapindus mukorossi, Eucommia ulmoides, and Triadica sebifera accounted for 43.7% of the total number of trees. The dominant tree DBH was intermediate (7.6–15.2 cm). In Nanhu Park, the economic benefits were ordered as follows: carbon sequestration &gt; runoff retention &gt; air pollution removal &gt; oxygen production benefits. The dominant tree species strongly contributed to the total ecological benefit of urban park green space; the ecological benefit of individual trees was not positively correlated with the number of tree species; native tree species had better ecological and landscape effects, while plant communities with growth changes and hierarchical depth of landscape were more popular. The analysis of ecological benefits and landscape evaluation of urban park green space provide a theoretical basis for enhancing the plant landscape, thus providing a case reference for promoting the construction of park green space in Hefei.

Transcriptomic and genomic profiling of multiple primary colorectal cancers reveals intratumor heterogeneity and a distinct immune microenvironment

This study reported on the intratumor genomic and immunological heterogeneity of different tumor lesions from a single patient with multiple primary colorectal cancer (MPCC). The goal of this study was to explore the molecular and microenvironment characteristics of tumor lesions from different primary sites in a patient with MPCC.A total of three tumor lesions located in the hepatic flexure of the transverse colon, sigmoid colon, and rectum were collected from a 72-year-old male patient with MPCC. All three tumor samples were examined by using whole-exome sequencing (WES) and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). The transcriptome data of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) colon cancer (COAD) dataset were explored to characterize the biological impacts of certain immune cells. Only three nonsynonymous mutations were shared by all of the tumor lesions, whereas a number of single nucleotide variant (SNV) and copy number variation (CNV) mutations were shared by tumor samples from the sigmoid colon and rectum. Transcriptomic analysis showed that tumor lesions derived from the transverse colon had decreased levels of RTK, ERK, and AKT pathway activity, thus suggesting lower oncogenic properties in the transverse lesion compared to the other two samples. Further immune landscape evaluation by using single-cell transcriptomic analysis displayed significant intratumor heterogeneity in MPCC. Specifically, more abundant mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cell infiltration was found in transverse colon tumor lesions. Afterwards, we found that higher MAIT cell infiltration may correlate with a better prognosis of patients with colon cancer (immunohistochemical status was MSI-L/pMMR) by using a publicly available TCGA dataset.

Landscape evaluation of a residential plant community based on the scenic beauty estimation method

In Wenzhou City, located in Zhejiang Province, 100 plant communities were selected as evaluation samples, and the scenic beauty estimation (SBE) method was used to evaluate the degree of beauty. The semantic difference (SD) analysis method was selected to evaluate landscape characteristics. In the SBE method, plant growth, sense of hierarchy, landscape diversity and colour richness were used as the evaluation factors. A total of 140 professional and non-professional groups evaluated the 100 landscape samples. In the SD method, ten adjective pairs were selected as the evaluation criteria for the landscape features in the study. This research indicates that the SBE values of the professional and non-professional groups are strongly correlated. The non-professional group is more volatile and unstable. Professional evaluations of the plant community’s aesthetic value typically include considerations of elements such as plant growth, hierarchy, diversity of landscape and colour richness. In the evaluation of the landscape diversity, hierarchy, colour richness and plant growth, through the SD landscape analysis, the evaluators were able to conduct a correlation analysis of the landscape characteristics and quality of the green plant landscape. This is to find out what landscape features have the most significant impact on landscape quality.

Cultural ecosystem services of landscape elements and their contribution to landscape identity: The case of Slovenia

This paper shows a novel approach of assessing landscape elements and their contribution to CES using two methods of data collection. The paper attempts to bridge the identification gap between CES and structures providing them by introducing different methods of 1) field evaluation, allowing interaction in person and 2) through an online survey, which, although restrictive in terms of interaction, facilitates the processing of the collected data. A checklist of landscape elements important for CES is proposed and investigated – which elements are highly valued, where they are valued, and how they are valued across Slovenia as a case example. The sequence of methods includes literature review, field surveying in 18 test areas, and validation through an online questionnaire. The results indicate that identity is the common denominator of landscape elements' CES value, linked to both widespread and region-specific elements assessment. Vegetation and water elements are strongly associated with CES of aesthetic and health. The built elements and cultivated elements are associated with heritage and traditional knowledge.Both field research and online surveying have their strengths and limitations. However, conclusions can be drawn about landscape elements important for identity and other CES. The study highlights the complexity of individual perceptions and the need for different evaluation methods, including in-person and online surveys. The methodology used can be applied, with some adaptations, to specific sites depending on the planning problem, as well as a research approach for fundamental or detailed CES and landscape evaluation studies.

Evaluation of landscape qualities with development guidelines of the Fužine municipality

Abstract The landscape of the municipality of Fužine is characterized as a mountainous landscape of rural settlements. The area faces problems of depopulation and pressures of tourism development on the environment. Basic premise of this paper is derived from the assumption that the values of the landscape are not fully recognized and can become endangered due to implementation of development projects. The aim of the paper is to identify highly valuable areas of the municipality‘s landscape in order to create guidelines for the development of the area, along with the project program that will preserve important features. The analysis of spatial planning and strategic documentation provides an overview of developmental guidelines, the position of planned interventions, the goals and visions of the progress of the municipality. The landscape evaluation is carried out through analysing the factors of the landscape – natural, anthropogenic and structural – with the available literature and spatial data. The product of analysis and evaluation are models, created using the GIS tool of the QGIS application. Based on the analysis, landscape quality modelling was carried out with the ProVal2000 program, where the factors were grouped in order to evaluate the natural-ecological, social-cultural and visual-experiential qualities of the landscape, with combined quality model indicating where the most valuable spatial zones with high quality landscape features are.

How can GIS support the evaluation and design of biodiverse agroecosystems and landscapes? Applying the Main Agroecological Structure to European agroecosystems

Agrobiodiversity plays a critical role in fostering the stability, resilience, and sustainability of European farming systems. Nonetheless, there is currently a lack of comprehensive methods to describe its spatial distribution within farms, its connectivity with the surrounding landscape, and, most crucially, how the perceptions and actions of human communities affect it. The Main Agroecological Structure (MAS) has recently been proposed as an environmental index aiming to tackle such challenges by promoting a dialogue between landscape ecology and agroecology, encompassing criteria that focus on both landscape parameters and cultural variables. Geographic information systems (GIS) can play a key role in the measurement of the index by leveraging public geodata and engaging with the direct participation of communities to map the territories they inhabit and cultivate. Nevertheless, their use in this context has not yet been studied. We propose here a new GIS-based approach for estimating the Main Agroecological Structure: landscape criteria are assessed through the hybrid use of free and open-source GIS tools, field samplings, and participative mapping methods; cultural parameters are evaluated through semi-structured interviews. Contextually to the definition of such methodological foundations, the present study tests the relevance of the index to European agroecological contexts by applying the proposed workflow to three Italian farms characterized by different territorial and organizational forms. Along with a few modifications to the original proposal, we highlight the relevance of GIS in making agrobiodiversity visible at a landscape level within the context of the index. We also suggest some potential future applications related to local empowerment and agroecosystem mapping.

Terrain analysis and hydrogeomorphic investigation of the Sita-Swarna river basin, Udupi, SW India: Insights from remote sensing methods

Hydrogeomorphic characteristics of the Sita-Swarna river basin, Western Ghats, India, are investigated to understand the influence of lithology, structure and geological control on the channel morphology. For preliminary investigation, remote sensing, geomorphic and morphometric analysis was carried out, producing slope, aspect and lineament maps from a 30 m resolution Digital Elevation Model (DEM) with the help of GIS. Remote sensing analysis inferred a steep south-to-southwest slope with dominant lineaments trending NW and ENE to E in the middle reaches of the Sita-Swarna river basin. These lineaments are deduced to have possibly been instigated by faults, shear zones, dyke ridges, or subsurface structures that influence the surficial topography. Upland and pediment geomorphic zone were identified, inferring Western Ghats Escarpment (WGE) and gently coastward W-sloping dissected pediment surface. A comprehensive morphometric analysis is performed using various linear, areal, and relief parameters for basin characterization. The linear parameters infer that the basin is structurally controlled and shows moderate to high permeability and flood susceptible areas downstream. The calculated morphometric parameters for basin characterization reveals that the Sita-Swarna river basin is at the mature stage of development and highly asymmetrical with the westward tilt, which indicates a possible influence of paleo tectonism. Rapid runoff is observed due to the steep escarpment leading to less infiltration and flash flood possibility during heavy rainfall. The present study mainly establishes the potential application of remote sensing methods to quantify the hydrogeological aspects, basin morphometry and landscape evaluation in the tropical climatic zone.

Modeling the Visual Landscape: A Review on Approaches, Methods and Techniques.

Modeling the perception and evaluation of landscapes from the human perspective is a desirable goal for several scientific domains and applications. Human vision is the dominant sense, and human eyes are the sensors for apperceiving the environmental stimuli of our surroundings. Therefore, exploring the experimental recording and measurement of the visual landscape can reveal crucial aspects about human visual perception responses while viewing the natural or man-made landscapes. Landscape evaluation (or assessment) is another dimension that refers mainly to preferences of the visual landscape, involving human cognition as well, in ways that are often unpredictable. Yet, landscape can be approached by both egocentric (i.e., human view) and exocentric (i.e., bird's eye view) perspectives. The overarching approach of this review article lies in systematically presenting the different ways for modeling and quantifying the two 'modalities' of human perception and evaluation, under the two geometric perspectives, suggesting integrative approaches on these two 'diverging' dualities. To this end, several pertinent traditions/approaches, sensor-based experimental methods and techniques (e.g., eye tracking, fMRI, and EEG), and metrics are adduced and described. Essentially, this review article acts as a 'guide-map' for the delineation of the different activities related to landscape experience and/or management and to the valid or potentially suitable types of stimuli, sensors techniques, and metrics for each activity. Throughout our work, two main research directions are identified: (1) one that attempts to transfer the visual landscape experience/management from the one perspective to the other (and vice versa); (2) another one that aims to anticipate the visual perception of different landscapes and establish connections between perceptual processes and landscape preferences. As it appears, the research in the field is rapidly growing. In our opinion, it can be greatly advanced and enriched using integrative, interdisciplinary approaches in order to better understand the concepts and the mechanisms by which the visual landscape, as a complex set of stimuli, influences visual perception, potentially leading to more elaborate outcomes such as the anticipation of landscape preferences. As an effect, such approaches can support a rigorous, evidence-based, and socially just framework towards landscape management, protection, and decision making, based on a wide spectrum of well-suited and advanced sensor-based technologies.

Key Area Recognition and Evaluation of Audio-Visual Landscape for Global Geoparks: A Case Study of Koktokay in China

A comprehensive and scientific recognition and evaluation of landscape resources is an important prerequisite for the sustainable development of global geoparks, but the existing research lacks specific means and methods. In the case of the Koktokay Global Geopark (GGp), for example, in this study, we used GIS spatial analysis, SBE, and a questionnaire survey method to construct a comprehensive evaluation path and method for an audio-visual landscape for global geoparks and further built an audio-visual preference matrix. The research results show the following: (1) The Shenzhong Canyon scenic area has the best visual evaluation effect, whereas the Golden Triangle has the worst evaluation effect. (2) Tourists are generally satisfied with the soundscapes of the ten scenic locations in the Koktokay GGp. In addition, tourists do not think that a higher or lower volume of a soundscape would make their experience more comfortable or pleasant, so an increase in the threshold value of the sound level to a level that tourists can bear while traveling is possible. (3) The Shenzhong Canyon area is located in the key landscape area; the Aiguzi Mine and Cocosuri are located in the landscape natural development area; the No. 3 Mine Pit, Eremu Lakes, the Golden Triangle, and the Karadrola Falls are located in the landscape subpriority improvement area; and the Waterfall Fossil, Betula Forest, and Karashanger Earthquake Fault Zone are located in the landscape priority improvement area. The comprehensive audio-visual landscape evaluation method constructed in this study provides a methodological tool for evaluating other similar landscapes and provides professional guidance for the protection and development of geoparks.

Evaluation of the molecular landscape of pediatric thyroid nodules and use of a multigene genomic classifier in children

Evaluation of the molecular landscape of pediatric thyroid nodules and use of a multigene genomic classifier in children

Targeting BRF2: insights from in silico screening and molecular dynamic simulations

The Transcription factor II B (TFIIB)‑related factor 2 (BRF2) containing TFIIIB complex recruits RNA polymerase III multi-subunit complex to selective gene promoters that altogether are responsible for synthesizing a variety of small non-coding RNAs, including a special type of selenocysteine tRNA (tRNASec), micro-RNA (miRNA), and other regulatory RNAs. BRF2 has been identified as a potential oncogene that promotes cancer cell survival under oxidative stress through its genetic activation. The structure of the BRF2 protein was modeled using the Robetta server, refined, and validated using the Ramachandran plot. A virtual approach utilizing molecular docking was used to screen a natural compound library to determine potential compounds that can interact with the molecular pin motif of the BRF2 protein using Maestro (Schrodinger). Subsequent molecular dynamics simulation studies of the top four ligands that exhibited low glide scores were performed using GROMACS. The findings derived from the simulations, in conjunction with the exploration of hydrogen bonding patterns, evaluation of the free energy landscape, and thorough analysis of residue decomposition, collectively converged to emphasize the robust interaction characteristics exhibited by Ligand 366 (Deacetyl lanatoside C) and ligand 336 (Neogitogenin)—with the BRF2 protein. These natural compounds may be potential inhibitors of BRF2, which could modulate the regulation of selenoprotein synthesis in cancer cells. Targeting BRF2 using these promising compounds may offer a new therapeutic approach to sensitize cancer cells to ferroptosis and apoptosis. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

Consequences of Contemplating on a Conference Session: Assessment Professional as Mediator: Nixing the Mystery and Myth and Supporting Narration

The skills required of assessment professionals are wide and varied, but research over the past decade has brought a focus on interpersonal skills as a key component of the assessment professional’s toolkit. Relationship-building forms the basis of interpersonal communication with stakeholders at all levels and the assessment professional often plays a significant role in telling the story of assessment to a variety of audiences. Through the discussion of two case scenarios during our conference session, we anticipated delving into what it takes to build relationships with program faculty to encourage them to confidently tell the stories behind their assessment of learning data. What we observed occurring during the discussions was a focus on practical solutions to the assessment problems presented. This led us to question why our intended goals were not fully realized. Through further discussion, research, and evaluation of the assessment landscape of today, we came to the conclusion that a capacity-building toolkit is needed, both for individual assessment professionals to achieve personal growth and career progression, and for institutions to strategically build and develop effective assessment offices and institutional effectiveness units. This paper raises a call for action to address this need and we stand ready to play our part in achieving this goal.

Comprehensive evaluation of natural landscapes before and after earthquake based on GST-FAHP-GIS analytical method: A case study of Jiuzhaigou Nature Reserve, China

The Jiuzhaigou earthquake caused severe damage to its natural landscape. The seismic-induced changes in landscapes represent a complex and diverse process. In order to creatively assess the extent of earthquake-induced landscape destruction and study the focal points of landscape restoration, this study proposes a comprehensive framework system that integrates multiple indicators and methods to evaluate the impact of earthquakes on the Jiuzhaigou scenic area. In comparison to previous single-method studies, our framework system offers a more holistic explanation and predictive capacity regarding the trends and characteristics of post-earthquake landscape changes. Within this approach, we amalgamate Grey Statistical Technique (GST), Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP), Delphi Technique, and Geographic Information System (GIS). By selecting 24 landscape evaluation indicators, we establish five levels of landscape assessment, ranging from broad to fine-grained. Areas with higher visibility sensitivity are categorized as high visual sensitivity regions, indicating the need for focused restoration efforts. Based on the degree of landscape visual sensitivity, we introduce four visual sensitivity evaluation factors: slope gradient, slope aspect, relative distance, and vegetation coverage. The result demonstrates that the overall landscape grade of Jiuzhaigou decreased by 15% after the earthquake; the aesthetic indicator of the landscape within geological hazard experienced the greatest decline, decreasing by 73.3%, while the landscape's resilience indicator showed relatively minor changes. Notably, regions with high visual sensitivity exhibit a distinctive “Y”-shaped distribution pattern, with 56.8% of environmental hazard points possessing the highest visual sensitivity. The study also underscores the concentrated presence of geological hazard points and high visual sensitivity between the Nuorilang Waterfall and the scenic area entrance, necessitating prioritized restoration efforts in this zone. This research innovatively provides a method for assessing the damage caused by earthquakes to natural landscapes, and it holds significant guiding implications for relevant national decision-making bodies in policy formulation and implementation.

Perception of biogas plants: A public awareness and preference - A case study for the agricultural landscape

The energy transition and the EU's ambitious policies require member countries to find socially acceptable solutions. One possible solution is agricultural biogas plants. However, research on public acceptance of biogas plants has been a small part of the research on renewable energy sources. The aims of the article were to (I) examine the public awareness of agricultural biogas plants, (II) analyze the public opinion on the perception of biogas plants in a diverse landscape, and (III) perform visual assessment of the landscape with an existing biogas plant based on investments from Poland. A combination of methodological approaches was used to achieve the aims: survey research and visual assessment. Survey research was used to investigate the public awareness and perception of biogas plants in a diverse landscape. Visual assessment of operating biogas plant in the rural landscape was performed using the JAR-WAK landscape evaluation method. The conducted research showed that, according to the respondents, the biggest disadvantage of biogas plants is odors, and the greatest benefit is the production of energy and heat. The surveyed people also negatively perceived landscapes with biogas plants. However, the visual assessment for operating a biogas plant indicated no negative impact on the landscape.