Natural Landscape Research Articles

On the road to losing connectivity: Faecal samples provide genome-wide insights into anthropogenic impacts on two large herbivore species in central India.

Humans have impacted most of the planet, and the ensuing fragmentation results in small, isolated habitat patches posing a risk of genetic diversity loss, inbreeding, and genetic load. Understanding how natural and anthropogenic landscape features affect gene flow among habitat patches is critical for maintaining connectivity. Genome-wide data are required to comprehend the impacts of recent fragmentation, which can be challenging when only non-invasive samples are available. Here, we build upon advancements in conservation genomics to address connectivity of two large herbivores, gaur (Bos gaurus) and sambar (Rusa unicolor) in central India. Given their habitat associations, we expected these species to respond similarly to habitat fragmentation. We used faecal-DNA and methylation-based host-DNA enrichment with modified ddRAD protocol to generate genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data for 124 gaur and 99 sambar individuals. Our findings reveal that gaur populations in central India are fragmented, displaying high genetic differentiation, with drift significantly affecting small populations like Umred Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary. Although sambar shows low genetic structure, another small population, Bor Tiger Reserve is genetically differentiated. Our results suggest that although land cover change and roads restrict animal movement, the extent of this impact varies across the two species. We show that different species respond differently to landscape features, even with similar habitat associations. We highlight small and isolated populations requiring urgent conservation intervention. Such multi-species approaches enhance our understanding of cross-species connectivity patterns. We suggest shifting from single-species to multi-species holistic conservation approach in rapidly developing landscapes to better manage co-occurring endangered species.

Revisiting history and nature: comparative preservation for Chinese historic gardens

Liu Dunzhen, Chen Congzhou, and Tong Jun are three of the most prominent scholars of historic garden preservation in China. Drawing on the historical context of gardens, these scholars present distinct approaches that reflect varying priorities for preserving cultural gems. Liu concentrates on re-establishing authentic fabric in successive phases, whereas Chen aims to reconstruct the garden’s heyday fabric through cross-sectioning of significant artistic values. While Liu and Chen seek to revive original condition, Tong values the garden’s existing condition. In addition to attitudes towards preserving history, these scholars’ nuanced understandings of nature’s enduring essence also make contributions. Liu interprets nature in gardens through intertwining painting techniques with natural landscapes. Chen explains the spiritual essence of nature as genuine feelings for an envisioned setting. By contrast, Tong delves into a mindful contemplation of ‘not with distinction’, fostering a human-nature connection via empathic taste deriving from Daoist context. In conclusion, these three scholars’ efforts, rooted in Chinese culture, aim to benefit the poetical dwelling of human beings, from visual pleasure to sensory invocations, to philosophical allusions. This comparative study not only critically reassesses their practices and theories, but also showcases a promising outlook for garden heritage study in the future.

Debate on Addressing Income and Wealth Inequality among the Australian People

In Australia, the issue of income and wealth inequality has steadily intensified over the past few decades, posing a concerning trend in this developed nation. This rising economic disparity not only impacts the financial well-being of citizens but also affects the national economy and political landscape. John Passant, who is committed to investigating ways to alleviate inequality in Australia, has put forth a tax reform proposal encompassing two distinct approaches--Buffet Rule for both individuals and companies and wealth taxes. However, it is essential to note that two other papers present contrasting viewpoints, casting doubt on the effectiveness of Passant's proposals. These two papers raise specific points of contention, prompting a nuanced and skeptical examination of Passant's suggestions, considering the diverse perspectives and empirical evidence presented. In evaluate, mitigating the income and wealth inequality in Australia necessitates a comprehensive and well-informed approach that takes into account the broader economic and social context.

Taking refuge in melancholy amidst natural landscapes: Zhang Dai’s idle life in the Ming-Qing transition

During the middle to late periods of the Ming Dynasty, the commercial economy experienced striking development, yet political corruption and congestion of the imperial civil service examination system deprived many scholars of a pathway for elevation. Many people therefore opened up new avenues, preparing for the examinations while simultaneously exploring different ways of life, expanding new fields of activity so as to realize value in life. Zhang Dai 張岱, who originated from a great clan in Shaoxing, was one such person. Whilst reading, assembling scholars, critiquing theater, and engaging in other activities, he gradually created considerable renown and achievements for himself. In reviewing Zhang Dai’s life, his inability to enact change in the face of the incoherent society of the late Ming Dynasty was the first great tragedy of his life. He endured by leading a life of pleasure, realizing his ambition of accomplishing great things in a roundabout fashion. After the fall of the Ming Dynasty, he experienced the second tragedy in his life, which caused him to nostalgically ponder the events of the past and, in his extreme grief, he resorted to the writing brush to express his thoughts and emotions, including writing history to pass on what was left of his life. Throughout his life, Zhang Dai produced many written works, perennially relying upon his writing to make a living, and leisure, extravagance, comfort, sorrow, lamentations and grief for the world all became subjects of his writing, ultimately allowing him to find a different path in life and achieve longevity in academic and cultural history.

Human activities are intensifying the spatial variation of landslides in the Yellow River Basin

Human activities are a triggering factor for landslides in the Yellow River Basin (YRB, China). However, the extent to which the spatial distribution of landslides is affected by human activities is unclear. We constructed a human activity intensity index (HAII) based on nighttime light data and land cover data. Regression and dominance analyses were used to compare the effects of the HAII, precipitation, distance to river, distance to fault, topographic relief and slope on the landslides spatial density (LSD). The results showed that in the YRB, the HAII, as a dominance influencing factor, had a significant positive influence on the LSD. Moreover, regional differences in the human disturbance of nature intensify the spatial variation of LSD. To quantify the intensity of human disturbance to nature, a human-nature conflict index (HNCI) is constructed by quantifying the difference between the slope distributions of artificial and natural landscapes. The results show that in the middle section of the YRB, humans are developing more steep mountainous areas, leading to more dense landslides. This study provides a reference for landslide risk management and land use planning in the YRB.

Coastal processes and dune stability: Insights from wave transmission and runup modeling

Dunes not only serve as natural landscapes but also act as crucial natural barriers protecting coastlines from storm surges. However, the stability of coastlines and dunes is further affected by climate change-induced sea level rise and increased storm activity. An effective evaluation of dune stability necessitates the collection of parameters such as wave height, changes in dune crest elevation, and dune erosion rates. This research employs wave flumes and high-speed camera technology in laboratory settings to observe and simulate coastal dynamics under overwash and collision regimes. The study investigates wave propagation under both regimes using the XBeach model. In the overwash regime, the model slightly overestimates the values of infragravity waves, whereas its accuracy improved under the collision regime. Moreover, in the overwash regime, higher wave skewness results in more sediment transport to the shore, exhibiting a linear relationship between sediment erosion volume and shoreline retreat distance. Through comparison with time series wave runup data obtained by cameras and traditional predictive formulas, the study validates the applicability of the formula proposed by Stockdon as a predictive tool for wave runup in this experiment. To evaluate dune stability, the study introduces the dimensionless overwash threshold parameter Cs, which is based on wave runup and dune crest elevation, to distinguish between dunes in a collision regime or an overwash regime. These findings help identify dune stability patterns, aiding in early detection of coastal erosion and assisting authorities in ecosystem management.

Redes de productores-consumidores como impulsores de la transición hacia la sostenibilidad en contextos rurales. Dos casos de Costa Rica

Successful sustainability transitions are crucial to answer to ongoing crises. Focusing strongly on biocultural heritage, local customs, and traditions, as well as the natural environment and landscape aesthetics, rural regions have great potential to promote sustainable development and growth. This sustainable development of rural regions further contributes not only to local, but also to national and supranational development by strengthening sustainable economic growth, alleviating unemployment, and poverty, and improving living conditions. Local entrepreneurs are continuously included in discussions on sustainability transitions in rural regions as an important driver through their innovative entrepreneurial activities. By comparing two example regions within rural areas of Costa Rica - the Dota and Turrialba region - the role of these entrepreneurial endeavors is illustrated. For this purpose, we exemplify how both regions contribute to rural, sustainable development based on their geographical, entrepreneurial, and collective characteristics. Specifically, the role of entrepreneurs’ specific mind- and skillset, their embeddedness in producer-consumer-networks and the encompassing geographical context is investigated. Implications on the different levels of analysis are drawn in terms of learning opportunities for both, the respective included regions, as well as supra-regional development in a broader sense. The sCoRe project is presented as an exemplary initiative designed to foster collaboration between rural entrepreneurs and academic initiatives to enhance local producer-consumer-networks, and thus contribute to the establishment of sustainable communities.

Redes de productores-consumidores como impulsores de la transición hacia la sostenibilidad en contextos rurales. Dos casos de Costa Rica

Successful sustainability transitions are crucial to answer to ongoing crises. Focusing strongly on biocultural heritage, local customs, and traditions, as well as the natural environment and landscape aesthetics, rural regions have great potential to promote sustainable development and growth. This sustainable development of rural regions further contributes not only to local, but also to national and supranational development by strengthening sustainable economic growth, alleviating unemployment, and poverty, and improving living conditions. Local entrepreneurs are continuously included in discussions on sustainability transitions in rural regions as an important driver through their innovative entrepreneurial activities. By comparing two example regions within rural areas of Costa Rica - the Dota and Turrialba region - the role of these entrepreneurial endeavors is illustrated. For this purpose, we exemplify how both regions contribute to rural, sustainable development based on their geographical, entrepreneurial, and collective characteristics. Specifically, the role of entrepreneurs’ specific mind- and skillset, their embeddedness in producer-consumer-networks and the encompassing geographical context is investigated. Implications on the different levels of analysis are drawn in terms of learning opportunities for both, the respective included regions, as well as supra-regional development in a broader sense. The sCoRe project is presented as an exemplary initiative designed to foster collaboration between rural entrepreneurs and academic initiatives to enhance local producer-consumer-networks, and thus contribute to the establishment of sustainable communities.

Advanced practice providers: An evolution of scope of practice and clinical integration across the surgical healthcare landscape

Advanced practice providers (APPs) have become an integral part of surgical practice over the past 50 years. Understanding the clinical roles of Physician Assistants (PAs) and Nurse Practitioners (NPs) provides insight into practice norms, collaborative opportunities, the nuances of APP independent practice trends, billing practices, and current practice challenges.Exploring the history, education, and current practice environment of APPs allows a sophisticated understanding of their roles in the inpatient/facility and outpatient/office settings. This article explores the impact of APPs on access to care, and their role across the overall healthcare landscape in the United States particularly as government and healthcare continue to intersect.The aim of this work is to provide the reader with a nuanced understanding of the factors influencing the current practice of APPs working in surgical fields in the United States and to foster an authentic appreciation of the existing complexities of APPs practicing in the field of surgery in the context of the current evolving national healthcare landscape.

Chapter 5. Finding and understanding ancient irrigated agricultural fields in southern Arizona

AbstractFor over a century, archaeologists have investigated the vast network of prehistoric Hohokam canal irrigation systems in the lower Salt River and middle Gila River valleys, as well as in other areas of southern Arizona. However, documentation of the agricultural fields in which prehistoric farmers irrigated their crops generally was lacking until the last 25 years. This is largely a result of the difficulty in identifying ancient fields, since they are not visible on the surface and have been obscured or destroyed by natural landscape processes as well as historic and modern disturbances. More recent archaeological investigations have revealed ancient irrigated fields through innovative methods and excavation techniques. The fields were constructed both by Hohokam irrigators (450–1450 CE) as well as by farmers from preceding cultural traditions during the Early Agricultural period (2100 BCE–50 CE). These discoveries occurred during projects conducted in compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act. In this chapter, I highlight these important studies that have expanded the view of ancient agricultural landscapes in southern Arizona.

Anti-Asian biases in federal grant reviews: Commentary on Yip et al. (2021).

Prior to the 2021 American Psychologist special issue "Rendered Invisible: Are Asian Americans a Model or a Marginalized Minority?" (Yip et al., 2021), only seven articles on Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) populations were published in the journal in 3 decades. The special issue interrogated sources of invisibility and marginalization of AANHPIs not only in the field of psychology but also in the broader national landscape. The current commentary provides a deeper dive into one of the primary drivers of AANHPI invisibility, anti-Asian biases encountered during the federal grant review process, which contributes to low funding rates and insufficient research on AANHPI communities. Despite comprising over 6% of the U.S. population, less than 1% of the National Institutes of Health's funding portfolio supports science on AANHPI populations. This qualitative study revealed thematic barriers encountered during National Institutes of Health grant reviews. A one-time survey was circulated to professional scientific networks to obtain open-ended responses regarding applicants' and reviewers' experiences proposing research with AANHPI samples, resulting in data from N = 16 respondents. Respondents were asked to indicate their role in the review process (e.g., investigator, applicant, reviewer, other) and to provide open-ended responses detailing experiences of bias. Thematic coding revealed six principal themes: (1) invalidation, (2) limited reviewer knowledge, (3) oppression Olympics, (4) White comparison groups, (5) model minority myth, and (6) homogeneity of AANHPI groups. Building off these themes, this commentary concludes with five actionable policy and institutional recommendations aimed at achieving a more inclusive national research enterprise for AANHPI investigators and communities. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Typology and Development Orientation of Geotourism in the Dak Nong UNESCO Global Geopark, Vietnam

The Dak Nong UNESCO Global Geopark (DNAUGGp) is an area that still preserves many unique geological attributes, topography, and natural landscapes. This study evaluates the potential resources, current exploitation status, and conservation level of geological and cultural heritage values in the Dak Nong Global Geopark. Data was collected through direct surveys and questionnaires for tourists, local people, management officials, and experts in such related fields as geology, heritage, culture, and tourism. Based on the analysis and evaluation of the Dak Nong UNESCO Global Geopark’s tourism potential and attractiveness, the paper proposes two types of natural and cultural geotourism with seven sub-types which have potential for exploitation and development in the Dak Nong UNESCO Global Geopark. The survey results show that the appeal of different types of geotours and tourist in the geopark varies according to the age, gender, and profession of the surveyed group. The research findings contribute to guiding potential customer groups for each type of geotourism and directing the sustainable development of geological tourism in the Dak Nong UNESCO Global Geopark.

Anthropogenic effects on physical landscape: A case study of Purmandal and Uttar Behni in Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir UT

The study “ Anthropogenic effects on physical landscape” has been carried out in Purmandal and Uttar Behni area of Samba district in Jammu and Kashmir. The study area Purmandal is a tehsil in Samba district of the state Jammu and Kashmir and lies between 32.370N-32.440N latitude and 74.940E-750.00Elongitude. This area is about 37km away from Jammu in south eastern side and connected with NH 44A from Bari Brahamna. It is an empirical deductive study in which field tour of three days was conducted in order to assess the area i.e role of humans in shaping the physical landscape. Detailed study was done and photographs were taken as an evidence of Anthropogenic effects. This study has revealed that Purmandal and Uttar Behni have witnessed many types of anthropogenic activities. Anthropogenic influences in the area are clearly perceptible in agriculture, mining, transportation, construction, and deforestation activities. The study has revealed the relationship between level of modernization and contrasting influence of agricultural practices on natural landscape. The study focuses on various anthropogenic dimensions in the context of the study area which includes Purmandal and Uttar Behni. The Purmandal area is suffering from various effects which are caused or played by human. These effects are in term of agricultural practices, infrastructural development, cutting of forests for domestic fuel as well as for timber and also for clearing of land to make it good for agricultural practices. To prove the anthropogenic effects on the landscape, field observations have been the main source of information. Besides few prominent local persons as well revenue officer were interviewed to make assessment of the changes taken place in the area.

Ландшафтно-экологическое территориальное зонирование (на материалах Акмолинской области)

Introduction. Modern human activities in nature are subject to increasing regulation and restrictions, which should be reflected in systems for the use of natural resources, primarily in agricultural production. The problem under consideration is of particular relevance for the regions of Northern Kazakhstan, since the natural landscapes of the region have been radically changed and transformed into natural and agricultural complexes with a disturbed landscape-ecological balance.From the point of view of modern natural science, the organization of the rational use of rural areas should be solved by applying a concept based on the landscape-ecological approach. The purpose of the study. Territorial zoning of the agricultural landscape to optimize the use of agricultural land based on the landscape-ecological approach. Research methods. Cartographic materials used as the basis for the creation of diagrams and design developments, obtained on the basis of data from the virtual information system of the land cadastre of the Republic of Kazakhstan and processed using the ArcGIS program. Research results. Based on materials from the steppe zone of the Akmola region of the Republic of Kazakhstan, an analysis of landscape conditions and ecological stability of agricultural landscape systems was carried out. Analysis of territorial landscape zoning allowed us to conclude that the predominant part of the field landscapes of the steppe eons of this region is occupied by natural-territorial complexes of watershed spaces and watershed slopes, and the most common form of relief is slope surfaces. Ecological zoning of agricultural landscapes in the Akmola region revealed that the most common agricultural landscapes are characterized by weak stability and unstable agricultural landscapes. The article proposes a methodology for territorial zoning of agricultural lands on a landscape-ecological basis in the conditions of the Akmola region. It includes the following procedure: drawing up a landscape map. identification of homogeneous ecological zones; agrolandscape microzoning. As a result of research at the research object, a scheme of territorial landscape-ecological zoning for land use of agricultural formations was compiled, which is based on taking into account the paradynamic landscape structure of steppe landscapes and the degree of their anthropogenic transformation. At the same time, relatively homogeneous landscape-ecological microzones were identified, within which the elementary landscapes of the steppe catena were differentiated according to measures that stabilize the stability of the agricultural landscape. Conclusions. 1. On the territory of the Akmola region, natural landscapes have been transformed into agricultural production modifications. with a low degree of sustainability, requiring measures to maintain landscape-ecological balance. 2. The methodology for territorial zoning of steppe agricultural landscapes should be based on taking into account the paradynamic landscape structure of steppe landscapes, i.e. its catenary device. 3. Application of the results of territorial landscape-ecological zoning in design developments for the use and protection of land will allow the selection of optimal directions that ensure the sustainability of agricultural landscapes.

아파트 가격에 영향을 미치는 3가지 환경 요인 분석

The purpose and significance of this study is to analyze the impact of complex environmental factors on apartment prices across the country based on actual transaction prices. For this, based on the actual transaction prices of apartments in four complexes within △△ district in ○○-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, which are all affected by three environmental factors: exposure to open spaces (neighborhood parks and natural mountainous areas), exposure to Nimby facility (livestock barn), and exposure to traffic noise. The influence of each factor was estimated through three-pair two-apartment correlation analysis and hedonic modeling. Three pairs of two apartments were selected for correlation analysis, and they have the same or similar physical factors such as exclusive use area, construction year, construction company, and orientation. However, the first pair of two apartments differs only in exposure to open space. The second pair of two apartments differs only in exposure to Nimby facilities. and the final pair of two apartments differs in simultaneous exposure to both open space and traffic noise. In addition, the actual transaction prices of 300 apartments in 4 complexes were investigated to estimate the impact of exposure to open space, to Nimby facility, and to traffic noise through a hedonic model. As a result of correlation analysis, the impact due to exposure to avoided facilities was -6.7%, the impact due to exposure to open space was +5.0%, and the impact due to noise exposure was -11.2%. From the results of the hedonic modelling, the impacts due to exposure to open space, Nimby facility and traffic noise were estimated to be 182,357 won/m 2 , -170,437 won/m 2 , and -195,141 won/m 2 , respectively. Although it was confirmed that traffic noise has the greatest impact on apartment prices, there is a limit in that the size of the analysis of the impact due to exposure to open space and exposure to nimby facilities was derived differently from correlation analysis and hedonic model analysis. Future research should be conducted to analyze the impact of open spaces by further subdividing them into natural landscapes such as mountains and rivers and artificial landscapes such as neighborhood parks.

The Futorical Society

The Futorical Society weaves together precious and curious objects, local wildlife, built and natural landscapes and the story of the little-known agricultural hero, Vera Molnar, who saved the local grain industry. Through the interplay between history and future, and fixed and ephemeral, The Futorical Society speculates on ways to reimagine the past, present and future of regional Australia.

The efficacy of field study in augmenting proficiency in mapping and comprehending natural and cultural landscapes

The efficacy of field study in augmenting proficiency in mapping and comprehending natural and cultural landscapes

From City to Lake: Flood Legends, Place-Making and Changing Landscapes

As displayed by several myths and legends, water is a powerful means of destruction and reconfiguration of natural and human landscapes. This is especially evident when a flood is sent by god(s) or supernatural beings to punish sinful people and corrupt cities. Generally, this kind of catastrophe brings about the disappearance of a whole human community and the resulting transformation of a certain place. However, it may also happen that one or few persons, because of their piety or righteousness, are spared by the divine anger, sometimes along with their houses or something else. The present work starts from a discovery on the field of a local legend concerning Lake Varano, a coastal body of water in the Gargano peninsula (Apulia, Italy). According to this legend, Lake Varano would be the outcome of an ancient flood, sent by God to punish a prosperous and corrupt city, Uria, once flourishing in the place of the lake. Just like other more famous floods, this local flood is meant to mark a transition between an evil past, embodied by the sunken Uria, and a good present, embodied by a little church, formerly the house of the only survivor, Nunzia, a pious woman. As part of the broader corpus of flood narratives, this legend and the other ones here considered distinguish themselves as featuring a lake, which physically and symbolically shapes and connotes the religious, historical and geographical identity of a local community. Starting from Lake Varano’s origin legend, a structural and thematic analysis is conducted on a number of similar legends, in order to identify, classify and understand a particular category of narrative folklore, characterized by a significant interplay between water (flood- and lake-lore), history (ancient cities vanished), religious beliefs (retributive gods) and moral principles (evil and good). Eventually, such a comparative work will lead back to Lake Varano’s legend, because of the peculiarity of its heroine; unlike all the other survivors, who are passively rescued from a flood, Nunzia plays indeed an active part in the drama, thus resulting a co-author, with the flood, of a local place-making, that is the main concern of these legends.

Exploring perceived naturalness and diverse landscape service appreciation a Q methodology study in Ansan city park

ABSTRACT This study aimed to explore Perceived Naturalness and diverse Landscape Appreciation based on landscape theory and to explore variations in naturalness perception among 25 users of Ansan city park using Q methodology. The results of the study identified six distinct groups representing different aspects of natural landscape appreciation, indicating significant variations in preferences for natural environments. The study found that while naturalness awareness had a common Processing model from an evolutionary perspective, it could be perceived differently based on individual experience and intimacy with nature. Overall, this study identified shared patterns in landscape perception related to perceived naturalness while highlighting individual differences in naturalness preferences.

Emotional Design and Validation Study of Human–Landscape Visual Interaction

The formal beauty of “objects” is the main focus of modern rural landscapes, ignoring human interaction with the environment and the emotional reflection in this behavioral process. It is unable to satisfy the emotional needs of younger people who aspire to a high-quality life in the rural environment. The research idea of this paper is ‘first assessment—then design—then validation’. First, A 5-point Likert scale was used to investigate differences in contemporary young people’s emotional perceptions of the four rural natural landscapes in terms of instinct, behavior, and reflection. Then, using architectural design methods, a visual attraction element (viewing platform) was added by selecting samples that varied in all three dimensions (visual richness, behavioral attraction, and depth of thought). After that, a desktop eye tracker was used to record the eyeball characteristics of participants viewing the current images of natural landscapes and images of modified natural landscapes (pupil diameter, fixation duration, gaze point, etc.), and these data were combined with the subjective psychological perception scale score to determine whether or not the subjects’ positive emotions are evoked by the modified natural environment. The findings indicate that placing visually attractive elements between people and the natural world can cause subjects to feel good, think deeply, and feel more a part of the surroundings. Furthermore, we confirmed that subjects’ emotions can be evoked by 2D natural environment pictures and that the length of time subjects gaze at a picture is unaffected by the size of any individual element.