Landscape Values Research Articles

Landscape and digital nomads in Spanish rural areas. The case of Valverde de Burguillos

The article examines the opportunities and challenges of peripheral rural areas with high landscape values in the context of digital nomads, who combine remote work with leisure. The problem addressed concerns the protection and development of such areas under the pressure of digital nomadism on the sample of the Spanish town Valverde de Burguillos. The literature review has shown that the nomadic lifestyle is becoming popular globally. The impact of digital nomads on rural landscapes has not yet been sufficiently investigated in the literature. The method employed was a case study, including an on-site study visit and a students’ idea for the town of Valverde de Burguillos in the form of a simulation. The analysed case study of an idea for Valverde de Burguillos presents a development centre and a digital nomad village. It focuses on integrating digital nomads into the local community and on their impact on the urban structure of the town and the adjacent landscape. On the one hand, it introduces new architecture and infrastructure into the rural landscape, transforming it. On the other hand, it enables conservation, protection, and access to the Water Culture heritage. The research highlights the importance of landscape values in social identity, branding, and sustainable development. Relationships were explored between the need to protect and develop valuable rural landscapes and the emerging tourism and residential trends related to digital nomads. At the same time, attention was given to the increasing prevalence of remote work and its impact on spatial structures, architecture, and landscapes. Emphasis was put on the adaptation and potential impact on local communities and surrounding landscapes, which can be considered a revision of design and housing paradigms.

Sustainable development of geological resources: the Characteristics of Red Karst Landscape and Tourism Development in Tongren, Guizhou

<abstract> <p>China is rich in karst resources and famous for its karst landscape. As a part of karst, the popularity of red karst is obviously low and has received little attention; moreover, the related scientific research and tourism development are relatively immature. Therefore, this paper takes the red karst in Tongren, Guizhou as the research object, analyzes the characteristics and causes of the red karst, comprehensively evaluates its landscape value, and puts forward development strategies and protection suggestions. Through the above research, the following three research results are obtained. (1) On the basis of a field investigation and a literature review, the geographical situation, background, and landscape characteristics of the red karst landform and its surrounding areas in Tongren City were investigated in detail. It forms isolated peaks, rock walls, protruding rocks, stone pillars, and other forms. The most prominent features of the red karst landscape in Tongren City are that the color is red and white, and the shape is concave and convex in order. (2) Geochemical test and structural data collection and analyses of the collected samples were performed. The obtain concave layer rock is dolomitic limestone, and that convex lay rock is argillaceous dolomitic limestone. Because the convex layer rock sample is high in silicon element content, the convex layer rock sample is not easy to be weathered, is rich in clay mineral, and is not easy to be corrode; the convex layer rock sample gradually protrudes with the passage of time to form an uneven shape. The red karst landform is developed in either the rock stratum or tectonic zone with moderate tectonic deformation intensity. First, the formation of a single-layer honeycomb morphology requires that the rock stratum is subjected to a sufficient horizontal compressive stress at a certain burial depth. Second, it is necessary to widely exist in areas with relatively gentle rock formation occurrence; too strong of a structural deformation will make the rock formation occurrence steep, which is not conducive to the occurrence of differential dissolution between adjacent strata. (3) Through the construction of an evaluation index system, the red karst in Tongren City is evaluated, and it is concluded that the geological heritage value is high, and the development and utilization conditions are weak. The conclusion of this article is a supplement to the geological and geomorphological system characteristics of southern karst. From the perspective of world natural heritage, the study enriches the academic evidence of red karst and enables its exemplary role to be well played. From the perspective of the tourism development value, more people should be made aware of the diverse types of karst landforms, which provide experience and suggestions for the value of landforms, tourism resources, and tourism development in similar areas.</p> </abstract>

Research on Evaluation Index System of Urban Landscape Design Driven by Information Integration Technology

Abstract This study focuses on the urban landscape design of city A, and uses information fusion technology to evaluate. Through the analysis of the measured data by the entropy weighting method and the ensemble optimal weighting method, and compared with the established index system, the results reveal the weights of different landscape elements. Regarding ecological landscape, the CR value was 0.003, in which landscape diversity and green space rate were the leading indicators, and the weights were 0.2976. The weights of landscape dominance and uniformity were relatively medium, both of which were 0.1579. In the evaluation of aesthetic landscape, the CR value was 0.0309, and the highway alignment and urban landscape indicators in the urban landscape were the most important, with a weight of 0.2044, while the weight of the indication information was the lowest, only 0.0266. The CR value of the cultural landscape was 0.0518, of which the weight of scenic connectivity was the highest (0.5559), followed by the number and scale of scenic spots (0.3537), and the weight of historical and cultural elements was the lowest (0.0904). In the past few years, landscape design has accounted for the most significant proportion of landscape construction investment, especially reaching a peak of about 57,000 yuan in 2022. From 2018 to 2022, the cumulative investment in urban landscape design is about 246664 yuan.

Molecular Landscape and Prognostic Value in the Post-Translational Ubiquitination, SUMOylation and Neddylation in Osteosarcoma: A Transcriptome Study.

Post-translational modifications (PTM) significantly influence the pathogenesis and progression of diverse neoplastic conditions. Nevertheless, there has been limited research focusing on the potential of PTM-related genes (PTMRGs) as tumor biomarkers for predicting the survival of specific patients. The datasets utilized in this research were obtained from the TARGET and GEO repositories, respectively. The gene signature was constructed through the utilization of LASSO Cox regression method. GSEA and GO was used to identify hub pathways associated with risk genes. The functionality of risk genes in osteosarcoma (OS) cell lines was verified through the implementation of the CCK-8 assay, cell cycle analysis, and immunofluorescence assay. Two distinct PTM patterns and gene clusters were finally determined. Significant differences in the prognosis of patients were found among two different PTM patterns and gene clusters, so were in the function enrichment and the landscape of TME immune cell infiltration. Moreover, we examined two external immunotherapy cohorts and determining that patients in the low-risk group was more likely to profit from immunotherapy. In addition, we mapped the expression of the genes in the signature in distinct cells using single-cell analysis. Finally, CCK-8 assay, cell cycle analysis, and immunofluorescence assay were utilized to confirm that RAD21 was expressed and functioned in OS. In conclusion, this study elucidated the potential link between PTM and immune infiltration landscape of OS for the first time and provided a new assessment protocol for the precise selection of treatment strategies for patients with advanced OS.

Proposal for the “Monte Po-Vallone Acquicella Sub Urban Territorial Park” (Catania, Italy): an experience of participatory environmental democracy

The authors present the proposal for the establishment of the Monte Po-Vallone Acquicella Sub Urban Territorial Park covering a total area of about 220 ha from the Monte Po hill (north-west of Catania, Italy) to the mouth of the Acquicella river along its course. The objective of establishing the Park is the protection of the landscape, naturalistic and cultural values being part of its territory. At the same time, the park would consolidate the function of reconnecting the urban complex of the historic part of the city with the peripheral neighborhoods that arose over time to the west of the Acquicella river, contributing to resolve its marginality. Furthermore, the Park would represent a significant green lung available for sustainable fruition for the benefit of the Catania community and not only, given its contiguity and proximity to other important urban centres. The different aspects of the proposal are then illustrated.

Analysis of the suitability for ecotourism in Beira Baixa region using a spatial decision support system based on a geographical information system

Ecotourism can contribute to the conservation of environmental values, as well as to the development of positive synergies between agents in the tourism sector, tourists and the local population. The growing interest in tourism offers with low environmental impact, which support the local economy, translates into a competitive advantage for low‐density territories. On the basis of this principle, the scope of the present study is intended to evaluate the potential of the existing natural and rural features in the Beira Baixa region, located in the central interior of Portugal, which can anchor the creation of sustainable tourism products. Despite the undeniable interest in carrying out studies to determine an aggregate suitability index for the development of ecotourism using spatial multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA), there are still no studies carried out in Portugal. The identification of areas suitable for the development of ecotourism, and their constraints, was carried out on the basis of the integration of nine criteria using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) in a geographical information system (GIS) environment. The results obtained reveal that the region has high suitability for the practice of ecotourism activities, given its important natural heritage. This study was innovative as it shows the ecotourism potential based on a diversity of criteria as an aid to public administration agents with functions in planning, territorial management and management of support mechanisms for the tourist sector. The use of the landscape diversity criteria, which had not yet been tested in previous studies, proved to be important in determining the ecotourism potential of the region, together with the landscape value based in the importance of the Montado agrosystem, which supports a variety of sustainable tourist activities. The information produced in the study may be useful for the design of new policies for valuing natural resources through tourism.

Gelsari and Lentini marshes (Sicily, Italy), a wetland of extremely high biodiversity. Consequences on avifauna from the crossing of an overhead high-voltage power line

In the Gelsari and Lentini marshes (Sicily, Italy), which constitute a vast and historically well-known wetland on the central eastern coast of Sicily, the crossing of an overhead high-voltage power line surprisingly had been planned and approved. This choice was made despite the high landscape value that these marshes possess, the environmental protection constraints they enjoy, the interest they hold for the biodiversity conservation in Sicily, and their extraordinary ability to attract avifauna. At present, the work, which began in August 2021, has resulted in the placement of all supports. An estimate of the risk of mortality of avifauna that the presence of the power line will produce has been made, limiting the survey to species of high conservation interest, which are among those present in the marshes. It turned out that the risks of collision of avifauna and especially of species considered of high conservation interest, due largely to the characteristics of the power line and especially its route, are extremely high; the damage that is likely to occur does not, therefore, seem to have been properly assessed, neither at the design nor at the approval stages of the project. Given that the impact of the power line does not appear to be mitigable, neither with regard to the landscape nor with regard to avifauna, considering, in the latter case, especially the high mortality risks to which species of high conservation interest would be subjected, it is believed that the only solution to avoid such damage is to make a modification to the route of the power line in the section affecting the marshes.

Ecotourism branding in protected areas of Iran: Using an efficient hybrid multi‐criteria decision‐making method model

AbstractEcotourism, as a nature‐based sustainable tourism, raises awareness about the protection of natural and cultural landscape values. This study aims to determine the ecotourism criteria to develop strategies for a sustainable ecotourism branding in Golestan, located in the northeast of Iran. To reach this aim, Strengths‐Weaknesses‐Opportunities‐Threats (SWOT) analysis, multi‐criteria decision‐making methods consisting of Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), and Best and Worst Method (BWM) were integrated. The most appropriate ecotourism strategies for the branding of the study area were ranked according to their priorities. The results of this study reveal that among the 5 main and 20 sub ecotourism criteria, “having natural protected areas,” which is an opportunity, and “having ecological values,” which is a strength, were determined as the highest priority strategies for ecotourism branding. The methods and results of this quantitative‐based research present an exemplary hybrid model that prioritizes the strategies required for branding ecotourism in similar protected areas.

Feasibility of Landscape Value Trade between Landowners and Citizens in Reducing the Landscape Damage Caused by Wind Power

Feasibility of Landscape Value Trade between Landowners and Citizens in Reducing the Landscape Damage Caused by Wind Power

Effect of Elderly People's Perceived Value on their Adherence to Outdoor Exercise: The Intermediary Role of Motivation for Active Social Adaptation.

The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between the perceived value of outdoor activities and exercise persistence among elderly Chinese individuals. Specifically, the study aims to explore whether motivation for active social adaptation mediates this relationship. Three hundred twenty-five subjects were randomly chosen and invited to complete 3 questionnaires about the perceived value of outdoor activity, the motivation for active social adaptation, and the adherence to physical exercise. The results showed that older people's perception of the value of outdoor activity (function, landscape, and cost) has a statistically significant effect on their adherence to exercise. The mediating role of motivation for active social adaptation was also statistically significant, and the mediating role of active environmental adaptation motivation affected the perceived functional value, perceived landscape value of outdoor activities on adherence to exercise. Hence, it is concluded that older Chinese adults' perception of the value of outdoor activities promotes their adherence to exercise and reinforces it based on active social adaptation motivation.

Influence of Landscape Value on Urban Residents' Environmental Behavior in Henan, China: Mediating Role of Place Attachment

Influence of Landscape Value on Urban Residents' Environmental Behavior in Henan, China: Mediating Role of Place Attachment

Management Motivation and Landscape Interpretation of the <italic>Geumcheon-Ggugok</italic> in Jinju

Background and objective: This study aimed to identify the management motivation of <i>Geumcheon-Gugok</i>, located in Jinju, Gyeongsangnam-do, which distinguishes it from other Gugok Gardens, and examine what characteristics and meaning it has in terms of landscape.Methods: The research method was a combination of literature analysis and field survey. Through analyses of old maps and literature, the establishment background and landscape elements of <i>Geumcheon-Gugok</i> were determined, and the changes from the original landscape were comparatively examined through field surveys. These field surveys were conducted a total of four times, and the changes and status of the <i>Geumcheon-Gugok</i> landscape were recorded with drawings and and photographs. Based on these, the landscape composition and characteristics of each <i>Gok</i> (area around a bend of meandering streams) were determined. Moreover, historical landscape relics including related pavilions and seowons (Confucian academies) distributed around <i>Geumcheon-Gugok</i> were surveyed and reflected in the study.Results: Boosa Seong Yeo-sin set a total of nine Goks (<i>Gugok</i>) along the Geumcheon Stream by matching the scenery of <i>Geumcheon-Gugok</i> with that of Zhuzi's <i>Mui-Gugok</i>. Boosa recited the inspiration felt in each Gok as <i>Gugoksi</i> poems, which reveal the various landscape elements that make up the traditional landscape in the scenery of <i>Geumcheon-Gugok</i>. The total stream length of <i>Geumcheon-Gugok</i> is 14 km, making it one of the longest of the Gugok Gardens in Korea. The distance between each Gok is irregular, ranging from about 0.5-3.5 km, and the nine Goks were established in a top-down order according to the flow of the mountain streams. Boosa created Busajeongsa and Bangujeong Pavilions in Gok 7 and used them as a base for academic research. The original landscape of each Gok of <i>Geumcheon-Gugok</i> has been damaged over time and due to urbanization. By establishing and managing <i>Geumcheon-Gugok</i>, Boosa sought to soothe the hearts of the people in the devastated village after the wars, and create an ideal place for life.Conclusion: What makes the management of <i>Geumcheon-Gugok</i> notably different from that of other Gugok Gardens is that it contains the idea of coexistence, "helping each other and living in harmony." Boosa developed <i>Dongyak</i> (village codes) as an institutional device to create an ideal village, and managed <i>Geumcheon-Gugok</i> as a public framework to realize this. He also installed libraries next to pavilions in <i>Geumcheon-Gugok</i>, and operated an educational curriculum as a practical method to cultivate future talents. As such, Boosa's practice is the outcome of the idea of coexistence for everyone, not just one family or clan. <i>Geumcheon-Gugok</i> is a very valuable landscape relic as the only Gugok Garden managed by the orthodox Nammyeong School in the right region of Gyeongsang-do. However, since the original landscape is being damaged by rapid urbanization, a proper management plan should be sought.

Factors shaping Bitcoin's valuation and price formation

Our research examines the factors shaping Bitcoin's valuation and price formation. It highlights the role of scarcity, which, combined with demand, influences prices over the long term. Models such as the Stock-to-Flow (S2F), Network Value-to-Transaction (NVT), and Metcalf's Law provide valuable insights into Bitcoin's valuation dynamics. Bitcoin's predetermined monetary policy, including halving events, contributes to its scarcity and deflationary nature, affecting miner profitability and price dynamics. Network effects, evidenced by growing user base and adoption, also drive demand and valuation. While scarcity and network effects are primary drivers, other factors like technological advancements and regulatory developments also play a role. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for assessing Bitcoin's long-term value in the digital asset landscape.

Visual Effects of Structuring on Coastal Landscape: Evaluation from Çanakkale-Güzelyalı Case

Unregulated coastal development disrupts the ecological equilibrium, yielding a host of adverse consequences that are evident both visually and physically. The natural coastal structure's deterioration leads to damage to beaches, vegetation, and the overall landscape. Beyond impacting coastal tourism, this situation fosters negative ecological effects, with pollutants like waste, sewage, and chemicals from constructions contaminating sea water and groundwater. The uncontrolled construction also compromises the natural coastal structure, imperiling marine habitats. Despite coastal areas being hubs for recreation, unrestricted construction, failing to align with natural and cultural landscape values, subjects these regions to detrimental physical and visual repercussions. An example of this dynamic unfolds in Güzelyalı district, situated 15 km from Çanakkale Province, renowned for its tourism and recreational potential. This study assesses the visual impact of construction along the Güzelyalı coastline and proposes remedies to enhance building facades.

Construction of Language Landscape in Newly Built Ancient Cities: A Case of Yizhou Ancient City, China

Introduction: As China has increasingly ushered in the era of mass tourism, ancient city or town tourism has gained popularity across the country, and a significant number of new scenic spots in ancient towns have been constructed. However, these lovely spots typically rely on conventional tourist and catering. Many tourists focus more on the issue of how to study old cities’ cultural ambiance and internal features on a deeper level, as well as the depth of its connotations. This paper examined the language landscape creation of the Yizhou Ancient City in Linyi, China, to delve into the language landscape building of newly built ancient town tourist attractions. Methodology: The data collection stage was mainly completed through field investigation, using digital cameras to shoot various language signs in the scenic spot. The data statistics stage mainly included random interviews, research objective determination, and data statistical analysis. Results: The results showed that the language signs in the scenic spot were mainly monolingual, supplemented by bilingual signs. There were two languages, Chinese and English, in which Chinese was the priority code, while English was a marginalized code in the language landscape of the scenic spot. The management department of scenic spots played a decisive role in constructing language landscapes. However, the managers of scenic spots and shop operators had not yet realized the economic value of language landscapes. The language landscape of Yizhou ancient City has the following problems: insufficient construction of a diversified language landscape, weak design sense of language landscape, lack of cultural connotation of language landscape, lack of innovation of language landscape construction and so on. Conclusion: It is suggested that the scenic spot management department should pay attention to different aspects in the future. They should pay attention to the potential value of language landscape construction, the unique linguistic landscape brand of the scenic spot should be constructed, and the multi-language needs of tourists.

Methodological Support of Social and Natural-Resource Evaluation of Inclusive Tourist Objects in the Sustainable Development Context

"This research aims to form a scientifically grounded and usable methodological support of social and natural-resource evaluation of inclusive tourist objects for the effective formation of a sustainable inclusive tourism space. The author’s understanding of the social and natural-resource evaluation of inclusive tourist objects as a set of ecological, economic, social, inclusive, and rehabilitation approaches is suggested, which allows monitoring the natural-resource potential taking into account individual characteristics, the accessibility of the tourist object and its rehabilitation opportunities for people with disabilities of various nosologies. The research is based on an attempt to take into account subjective and objective conditions in the aesthetic landscape valuation. The results obtained during their interaction will make it possible to take into account the peculiarities of the landscape that affects a person, as well as the specifics of perception and the degree of susceptibility of a person. Compliance with the recommendations for social and natural-resource evaluation will make the socio-cultural space unhindered for all categories of the population, which will provide access to social services for each person for their integration, socialization, and adaptation. Methodological principles of quantitative evaluation of accessibility parameters and attractiveness factors of natural resources and tourist infrastructure objects for participants on the implementation of an inclusive rehabilitation and social tourism programme have been developed, which will provide access to social services for every person and promote their integration, socialization, and adaptation."

Investigating the effects of built environment on coastal scenery Coastal scenic assessment of the Southern coastal belt of Sri Lanka

Haphazard development of built environment around coastal destinations, has become a thriving factor of scenic degradation; creating long term effects on coastal tourism. Sustainable tourism in coastal regions, must concern about sensitive factors like scenic management, in order to preserve unique coastal scenery and to extract long term benefits of coastal tourism. In a context, where the most scenic coastal sites in Sri Lanka, are rapidly degrading due to mass tourism, the Mediterranean born technique of Coastal Scenic Evaluation System (CSES) was used to evaluate the scenery of four selected sites along the Unawatuna-Rumassala coastline prioritizing the effect of built environment on coastal scenery. Results reveal the coastline portrays classes 4, 3 and 2 of CSES. Site A (Unawatuna beach) with the minimum D value of 0.169 presents Class 4 (Human touched unattractive sites with low landscape values). While, Site B (Cliffy shore) and site D (Jungle beach), belongs to Class 3 (Natural sites with few outstanding features). Site C (Unawatuna view point) which scored the highest D value of 0.708, falls to Class 2 (Attractive natural sites). Further analysis shows that; scenery of site A has been significantly declined due to lower scores obtained for parameters associated with built environment. This site was visually disturbed through built environment factors such as, infra-structural developments, direct and indirect exposure of buildings, contrasting exterior colours, unusual scales of new constructions and constructions in elevated locations. By applying strategic plans and development restrictions the coastal scenery of Site A can be enhanced. Hence, the study proposes far-reaching design implications to rectify coastal scenery of southern coast to promote sustainable coastal tourism.

METHODOLOGICAL APPROACH TO MEASURE THE CONTRIBUTION OF LANDSCAPE IN SERVICES PROVIDED BY RURAL TOURISM

In the last years the importance of landscape in supporting rural economy and the quality of life in rural areas has been increasingly recognized. Hence the interest of policy makers in identifying and designing suitable policy instruments for enhancing the potential benefits that the maintenance and valorization of landscapes may provide to the rural economy. In this context, this working paper provides a qualitative analysis of the specific functions of landscape, and of the mechanisms through which targeted rural development instruments could generate beneficial leverage effects on rural economies. Starting from the commonly agreed definition of "landscape" and its multifunctional nature, its economic value and the theoretical framework of landscape and regional development are then considered, in view of identifying the main potential socio-economic benefits for the rural economy attached to their provision. Further an overview of concrete examples (from literature review) of applied methods for assessing the socio-economic value of landscapes is provided, and also the effects of tourism practices and eco-systems on the value of landscape are considered in more details.

RESEARCH REGARDING THE RESURSELE VEGETALE DIN ZONA TISMANA AREA, GORJ COUNTY

Tismana region county Gorj represents part of the floristic and faunal treasure of Oltenia, but also of Romania.Biodiversity is very rich, here there are, in a very good state of conservation, habitats where we meet plant and animal species.Due to the rarity, naturalness and biodiversity of forest ecosystems, they are and will increasingly become bearers of inestimable scientific, landscape and social values.

Co-production of nature’s contributions to people in dry rivers: a case study in Murcia, Spain

ABSTRACT Dry rivers are non-perennial rivers with no surface water in their channels except after heavy rainfall or snowmelt. The lack of water flow is often associated with a low provision of Nature’s Contributions to People (NCP) and a poor quality of life. However, recent review studies have found evidence of human communities thriving in dry rivers through the co-production of multiple NCP, although no case studies have yet confirmed this evidence. We assessed the capacity of dry rivers and their associated social systems to provide NCP. We selected three dry rivers with high natural, cultural and landscape values in the most arid part of Murcia (Spain). We interviewed 37 representatives of the most influential social groups in the study area to explore the NCP of dry rivers, their synergies and trade-offs. Four material, three non-material and eight regulating NCP were identified, as well as one unique NCP: access to villages and fields through dry riverbeds. Fifty-two synergies were identified, especially between material and non-material NCP, and eight trade-offs. This wide range of NCP and synergies is a consequence of the co-production processes between dry rivers and the social system. NCP co-production seems to be underpinned by the indigenous and local knowledge acquired by the social system over generations about the management of floodwaters, biodiversity and geodiversity. Incorporating this knowledge into research and governance can help raise awareness of the NCP provided by dry rivers and help develop strategies for mitigating and adapting to global change.