Outdoor Behavior Research Articles

Photoantioxidant versus photodegradant: Action of nanoparticle inorganic fillers in outdoor aging of PP

AbstractOwing to the widespread use of polypropylene (PP) nanocomposites, their stability in the environment is becoming increasingly relevant. Accordingly, a systematic study of the relationship between the characteristics of inorganic nanofillers and the environmental aging behavior of PP is necessary to determine the service life of PP nanocomposites in outdoor environments. Therefore, in this study, we systematically investigated the effects of the chemical composition, particle size, crystalline form, and amount of inorganic filler (CaCO3, Al2O3, SiO2, and ZnO) on the outdoor aging behavior of PP. The results of outdoor aging experiments showed that the filler composition affects the aging behavior of PP. It was found that SiO2 and ZnO nanoparticles accelerate and retard the outdoor aging of PP, respectively. In addition, PP composites containing inorganic fillers with relatively large particles or more stable crystalline forms exhibit relatively slow aging. In the case of the fillers other than ZnO nanoparticles, increasing the filler content accelerates the outdoor aging of PP. The evolution of cracks in the exposed surfaces of PP composites during outdoor aging was observed by scanning electron microscopy. The CO2 generated by PP composites during in situ gaseous degradation product detection corresponds well with the results of the outdoor aging experiments. This study elucidates the effects of inorganic fillers on the outdoor aging behavior of PP.

Older Adults' Choice of Patterns of Outdoor Physical Activity Duration: A Mixed Multinomial Logit Model.

Outdoor physical activity duration is a key component of outdoor physical activity behavior of older adults, and therefore, an important determinant of their total physical activity levels. In order to develop a successful outdoor physical activity program, it is important to identify any heterogeneity in preferences for outdoor physical activity duration patterns among older adults. In addition, more insight is needed in the influence of environmental characteristics on duration choice for creating supportive neighborhood environments matching individuals’ preferences. To this end, a mixed multinomial logit model is estimated based on one-week data collected among 336 respondents aged 60 or over in 2017 in Dalian, China. The present model formulation accounts for heterogeneity in individuals’ preferences and allows for the analysis of substitution and complementary relationships between the different patterns of outdoor physical activity duration. Results indicate that older adults vary significantly in their preferences for each outdoor physical activity duration pattern. Moreover, short walking duration, short exercise duration and medium exercise duration are substitutes for medium walking duration while short walking duration and short exercise duration are complements for medium exercise duration in terms of individuals’ outdoor physical activity duration preferences. In addition, we find that distance to the nearest park, footpath conditions and neighborhood aesthetics are associated with older adults’ outdoor physical activity duration choice.

Bio-inspired evaporation from shaped interfaces: an experimental study

Evaporative interfaces help process heat and substances in a variety of technical realms, from electronic to architectural applications. Because geometry affects the hydraulics, thermal properties and aerodynamics of evaporative devices, their performance can be tuned through design. While non-smooth interfaces are widely exploited to enhance transfer passively, surface area extension in packed volumes is a predominant line of research. This leaves aerodynamic structure-transfer relations and the impact of geometry itself unclear. Meanwhile, protrusions in leaves such as lobes and toothed margins have been associated with enhanced vapor dissipation. This experimental study explores the design space of leaf-inspired structures with evaporating protrusions. Three sets of water-absorbing models with fixed evaporating surface area and unlimited hydraulic supply were tested: (1) paper strips with dimension-equivalent protrusions of varied shape and degree of elongation; (2) cellulose sponges with the same designs as their cross-sectional profile, extruded three-dimensionally; (3) ceramic tiles with grooves of varied cross-section, conceived as building elements for evaporative cooling. Overall, results demonstrate that protrusions affect mass transfer rate and surface temperatures and can be integrated in the design of evaporative exchangers with non-smooth geometries. For the paper models, evaporation rate correlated with protrusion aspect ratio, supporting a functional interpretation of leaf design and its utilization in low-wind plate-fin exchangers. However, the same transfer enhancement was not regained from simply extruding an effective design into three-dimensions. For the ceramic tiles, geometry-driven differences in evaporation depended on the aerodynamic roughness and size of the grooved pattern, and on ventilation. Their outdoor thermal behavior was complex due to a multifaceted interaction with the environment and geometry-related factors such as self-shading and thermal mass. Ultimately, this design effort illustrates the potential of structured interfaces for evaporative exchange and thermoregulating the built environment.

Change in outdoor walking behavior during the coronavirus disease pandemic in Japan: A longitudinal study.

BackgroundDue to the high infectivity and seriousness of coronavirus disease, people’s daily activities were restricted in countries worldwide; governments implemented lockdown measures and advised individuals to perform self-restraint in terms of leaving the house. However, there have been few scientific reports on the effects of such behavioral restrictions on walking parameters.Research questionDid behavioral restrictions during the state of emergency in Japan effect walking parameters in daily life outdoor walking?MethodsIn this retrospective cohort study, four walking parameters, namely, the average number of steps taken, walking speed, step length, and cadence, were measured using a smartphone application among 3901 participants (mean age ± standard deviation: 60.3 ± 28.9 years) from March 2 to June 15 in both 2019 and 2020. Repeated-measures two-way analysis of variance was used to compare the walking parameters between the two years.ResultsThe number of steps significantly decreased (p < .001) in 2020 (∼3400 steps) compared to that in 2019 (∼4400 steps), indicating that the state of emergency greatly affected the amount of physical activity performed per individual. Conversely, walking speed increased (p < .001 during the period when the state of emergency was issued) in 2020 (∼1.25 m/s) compared to that in 2019 (∼1.23 m/s), attributable to an increased step length.SignificanceAlthough changes in walking speed and step length were small compared to those in the number of steps, those changes were consistently seen during the state of emergency, suggesting that people tried to walk faster in their outdoor walking. Such change in walking behavior may have protected further deterioration of health due to restricted activity.

Trophic Behavior and Species Diversity of the Anopheles barbirostris Complex (Diptera: Culicidae) in Thailand.

Species of the Anopheles barbirostris complex (Myzorhynchus Series of the subgenus Anopheles) are potential vectors of malaria and filariasis parasites. Owing to the lack of reliable identification methods, the biting activity and host preference of the species within this complex have not been previous described. In this study, the trophic behavior and host preferences of the species in the complex were determined in Thailand, and a map of their geographical distributions constructed. Adult female mosquitoes in Chanthaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan provinces were collected using human landings (indoor and outdoor) and cow-bait. Morphological characters were used to initially identify the mosquitoes, and then, species were further separated by multiplex PCR. Four species were identified in the An. barbirostris complex: An. wejchoochotei Taai & Harbach (Diptera: Culicidae), An. saeungae Taai & Harbach (Diptera: Culicidae), An. dissidens Taai & Harbach (Diptera: Culicidae), and An. campestris Reid (Diptera: Culicidae). The species showed exophagic and zoophilic behavior, except An. wejchoochotei in Chanthaburi, which displayed slight endophilic behavior. Indoor and outdoor blood feeding behavior of An. wejchoochotei and An. saeungae peaked at 2000 h. An updated distribution map of the An. barbirostris complex in Thailand is presented. With a better understanding of the sibling vector species and their spatial distributions, more specific and effective control strategies for vectors of malaria and filariasis in Thailand can be achieved.

The outdoor pedestrian thermal comfort and behavior in a traditional residential settlement – A case study of the cave dwellings in cold winter of China

Many Chinese are living in the traditional buildings, especially in rural regions. Cave dwelling settlement is a significant living residential form in China. Because of the special thermal adaptive behavior, residents in such regions will have a different thermal sensation in winter. In order to assess the local’s thermal behavior, we conduct the field measurement, numerical simulation and questionnaire survey in a caving dwelling settlement in winter, and the index-PET (physiological equivalent temperature) is evaluated for assessing the outdoor thermal conditions in the research site. The final results show that the neutral temperature of local traditional dweller is 16.5 °C PET, lower than existing standard, also proves that local residents are more tolerant than the residents in urban regions. At last, we strongly make an appeal to put forward the different assessing standard of thermal comfort in rural and urban zone, even the two different sites are in the same climate zone, thus help to improve energy efficiency in rural regions of China.

Soundscape in Times of Change: Case Study of a City Neighbourhood During the COVID-19 Lockdown.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown meant a greatly reduced social and economic activity. Sound is of major importance to people’s perception of the environment, and some remarked that the soundscape was changing for the better. But are these anecdotal reports based in truth? Has traffic noise from cars and airplanes really gone down, so that more birdsong can be heard? Have socially distanced people quietened down? This article presents a case study of the human perception of environmental sounds in an urban neighborhood in the Basque Country between 15 March and 25 May 2020. The social restrictions imposed through national legislation divided the 69-day period into three phases. We collected observations, field audio recordings, photography, and diary notes on 50 days. Experts in soundscape and architecture were presented with the recordings, in randomized order, and made two separate perceptual analyses. One group (N = 11) rated the recordings for pleasantness and eventfulness using an adapted version of the Swedish Soundscape Quality Protocol, and a partly overlapping group (N = 12) annotated perceived sound events with free-form semantic labels. The labels were systematically classified into a four-level Taxonomy of Sound Sources, allowing an estimation of the relative amounts of Natural, Human, and Technological sounds. Loudness and three descriptors developed for bioacoustics were extracted computationally. Analysis showed that Eventfulness, Acoustic Complexity, and Acoustic Richness increased significantly over the time period, while the amount of Technological sounds decreased. These observations were interpreted as reflecting changes in people’s outdoor activities and behavior over the whole 69-day period, evidenced in an increased presence of Human sounds of voices and walking, and a significant shift from motorized vehicles toward personal mobility devices, again evidenced by perceived sounds. Quantitative results provided a backdrop against which qualitative analyses of diary notes and observations were interpreted in relation to the restrictions and the architectural specifics of the site. An integrated analysis of all sources pointed at the temporary suspension of human outdoor activity as the main reason for such a change. In the third phase, the progressive return of street life and the usage of personal mobility vehicles seemed to be responsible for a clear increase in Eventfulness and Loudness even in the context of an overall decrease of Technological sounds. Indoor human activity shared through open windows and an increased presence of birdsong emerge as a novel characteristic element of the local urban soundscape. We discuss how such changes in the acoustic environment of the site, in acoustic measurements and as perceived by humans, point toward the soundscape being a crucial component of a comprehensive urban design strategy that aims to improve health and quality of life for increasingly large and dense populations in the future.

Utilizing Framing Theory to Design More Effective Health Messages about Tanning Behavior among College Women

ABSTRACT Rates of skin cancer among young women are increasing and most cases are associated with tanning behavior. In health communication, scholars and practitioners use framing as a strategy to design persuasive messages. In this experiment, we advance framing research by testing a serial model of framing theory in the context of outdoor tanning behavior among collegiate women. We designed two message frames, language difficulty, and message relevance, to target accessibility and applicability, two mechanisms within framing theory. We deployed these frames in a 2 × 2 experimental design and found that message frames that promoted accessibility and applicability significantly increased perceptions of severity, susceptibility, and reduced behavioral intentions to tan. Our results support framing theory and provide practical implications for message designers who use frames to inform and persuade.

Spectral impact on PV in low-latitude sites: The case of southeastern Brazil

The spectral impact on various PV materials –amorphous silicon (a-Si), CdTe, CIGS, single crystalline silicon (sc-Si) and multi crystalline (mc-Si)– in two nearby cities of Southeastern Brazil is presented. For every PV technology studied, the values of the spectral mismatch factor on instantaneous, monthly and annual basis were computed by means of spectra recorded over a 12-month experimental campaign carried out in São Paulo and São José dos Campos. A blue-biased however seasonal spectrum prevails in both cities, which leads to annual spectral gains of up to around 6% and 2% exhibited by a-Si and CdTe, respectively. On the other hand, CIGS, sc-Si and mc-Si show negligible annual gains that lie between around −1% and 0%. These results are well aligned with previous findings obtained using both experimental and modelled spectra in other low-latitude sites with tropical climate. Consequently, spectral effects cannot be ignored in such sites, especially when modelling the outdoor behavior of larger bandgap PV devices. Last, a quasi-linear relationship exists between the monthly average photon energy and the monthly spectral mismatch factor for all the PV materials under scrutiny. This conclusion is in good agreement with previous works carried out in mid-latitude sites.

Using the Multi-Theory Model (MTM) of Health Behavior Change to Explain Intentional Outdoor Nature Contact Behavior among College Students.

Nature contact is an emerging health behavior and is defined as the interaction between human beings and animals, plants, natural scenic views, or outdoor activities. Studies have shown that exposure to the outdoors (as a means of contact with nature) reduces perceived stress and promotes health and wellbeing among varying populations in many settings. To date, however, there are few studies exploring the impact of nature contact among college students, especially in the United States. In addition, the determinants of nature contact behavior have not adequately been explored using behavioral theories. The purpose of this study was to use the multi-theory model (MTM) of health behavior change, a contemporary fourth-generation behavioral theory in explaining intentional outdoor nature contact behavior among college students. Using a cross-sectional design, 401 students completed the validated survey based on MTM. Of these, 281 met the inclusion criteria. The mean score for perceived stress based on the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) in the sample was 21.60 (7.08) units, with a possible minimum and maximum scores ranging from 0 to 40 units. Constructs of behavioral confidence (standardized coefficient = 0.591, p < 0.001) and changes in the physical environment (standardized coefficient = 0.271, p < 0.001) from MTM accounted for 57.5% of the variance in the initiation for intentional outdoor nature contact behavior. All the three constructs of MTM—namely, emotional transformation (standardized coefficient = 0.173, p = 0.021), practice for change (standardized coefficient = 0.317, p < 0.001), and changes in the social environment (standardized coefficient = 0.204, p = 0.002)—were statistically significant and contributed substantively toward the variance (31.0%) in sustenance. MTM provides a useful and pragmatic framework for designing interventions to promote intentional nature contact behavior among college students.

From yards to cities: a simple and generalizable probabilistic framework for upscaling outdoor water conservation behavior

Outdoor watering of lawns accounts for about half of single-family residential potable water demand in the arid southwest United States. Consequently, many water utilities in the region offer customers cash rebates to replace lawns with drought tolerant landscaping. Here we present a parcel-scale analysis of water savings achieved by a ‘cash-for-grass’ program offered to 60 000 homes in Southern California. The probability a resident will participate in the program, and the lawn area they replace with drought tolerant landscaping, both increase with a home’s outdoor area. The participation probability is also higher if a home is occupied by its owner. From these results we derive and test a simple and generalizable probabilistic framework for upscaling water conservation behavior at the parcel-scale to overall water savings at the city- or water provider-scale, accounting for the probability distribution of parcel outdoor areas across a utility’s service area, climate, cultural drivers of landscape choices, conservation behavior, equity concerns, and financial incentives.

Synthesis, molecular docking studies, and larvicidal activity evaluation of new fluorinated neonicotinoids against Anopheles darlingilarvae.

Anopheles darlingi is the main vector of malaria in Brazil, characterized by a high level of anthropophilia and endophagy. Imidacloprid, thiacloprid, and acetamiprid are the most widespread insecticides of the neonicotinoid group. However, they produce adverse effects on the non-target insects. Flupyradifurone has been marketed as an alternative to non-fluorinated neonicotinoids. Neonicotinoids containing trifluoroacethyl substituent reveal increased insecticidal activity due to higher hydrophobicity and metabolic stability.We synthesized novel neonicotinoid insecticides containing fluorinated acceptor groups and their interactions were estimated with the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) binding site by molecular docking studies, to evaluate their larvicidal activity against A. darlingi, and to assess their outdoor photodegradation behavior. New neonicotinoid analogues were prepared and characterized by NMR and mass-spectrometry. The synthesized molecules were modelled by time-dependent density functional theory and analyzed, their interaction with nAChR was investigated by molecular docking. Their insecticide activity was tested on Anopheles larvae collected in suburban area of Manaus, Brazil. Four new fluorinated neonicotinoid analogs were prepared and tested against 3rd instars larvae of A. darlingi showing high larvicidal activity. Docking studies reveal binding modes of the synthesized compounds and suggest that their insecticidal potency is governed by specific interactions with the receptor binding site and enhanced lipophilicity. 2-Chloro-5-(2-trifluoromethyl-pyrrolidin-1-ylmethyl)pyridine 5 showed fast degradation in water maintaining high larvicidal activity. All obtained substances possessed high larvicidal activity in low concentrations in 48 hours of exposure, compared to commercial flupyradifurone. Such activity is connected to a unique binding pattern of the synthesized compounds to insect’s nAChR and to their enhanced bioavailability owing to introduction of fluorinated amino-moieties. Therefore, the compounds in question have a high potential for application as control agents for insects transmitting tropical diseases, and they will be less persistent in the environment.

12 Community Dwelling Elderly’s Perception of the Environment is the Missing Link in Understanding the Dynamics of Outdoor Falls and FOF in Falls Prevention

Abstract Falls amongst elderly are common and with an ageing population fall numbers are steadily rising. Consequently, governments put increasing emphasis on prevention. At the same time, international concepts like “urban vitality” and “age friendly cities” are being implemented. As a result, there is an increasing need to make public space safe and accessible to elderly. We used a mixed methods approach within an interpretative framework to research how community dwelling elderly perceive their outdoor environment in relation to falls and fear of falling (FOF) in a neighborhood in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Second, we determined how this perception affects outdoor mobility, behavior, activities and participation in order to conclude on the relevance of environment in falls prevention. We show that the environment has the ability to either enable or to limit seniors and determined which perceived environmental factors pose the greatest problem. However, we also argue that the influence of biopsychosocial factors is key in elderly’s perception of their surroundings. Furthermore, we discovered, through a process of interpretative theme finding, that self-perception, independence, adaptation and avoidance are important themes. Overall, our study contributes to provide governments with insight into how elderly experience the outdoor environment, which helps them to revise and adjust public space and social policy accordingly. Furthermore, it provides the basis for further research on how environmental factors can be integrated in a multi-faceted approach to falls prevention in order to enable elderly to negotiate the city jungle.

Exploring the social position of tactile maps in Japan

Abstract. It seems that the aim of conventional studies on tactile maps for visually impaired people have been to improve their utility in terms of instrumentalism. However, given the recent progress of disability studies in social science and post-representational approach in recent map studies, it is necessary to examine how tactile maps work in the society and how they relate to “disability” as a social phenomenon. These are also important issues to think about how geospatial information technology for visually impaired people embed in the society. Hence, regarding the map as more-than-representation, this paper analysed various documents (e.g. newspaper articles, essays, instruction manuals for orientation and mobility specialist), and considered the social position of tactile maps in Japan. The results showed the following.The tactile map has a long history as a teaching material of geography. It was used for education for the blind in Western countries in the late 18th century. This situation was introduced to Japan by overseas memoir. For example, in the late Edo era, Namura Gohachirou who was a member of Japanese Embassy to the United States witnessed geography education using tactile maps at the blind school in New York. In his diary named Akou Nikki, Namura said that the education for blinds using tactile maps seemed to “translation” from the words of those who can see both eyes well to the words of visually impaired people. His statement clearly shows the material difference of tactile maps. Many tactile maps have acquired social status as “translated objects”. The material form of tactile maps is different from the “map” (visual map) known to the general public, so it makes awareness of physical differences between the body of visually impaired people and sighted people. In 1880, the first blind school in Japan, Kyoto Moua In had exhibited teaching materials and other instruments to the exposition, including a tactile map representing the city of Kyoto. Such a social event also had a role to attract the attention of sighted people to the material heterogeneity of the tactile map and visually impaired people.The 1960s-80s was the period of the situation of tactile maps changed significantly in Japan. In the 1960s, rehabilitation techniques for visual impairments was introduced to Japan from USA, and the concept of “orientation” which was lacking in conventional walking training diffused. In accordance with these movement, the teaching manual of orientation and mobility (O&amp;amp;M) training became write the methodologies to make and use the tactile map for the training. In 1964, Kazuo Honma, the founder of Japan Brail Library, visited all over the world and bought lots of tools for visually impaired people, including tactile maps, at the blind libraries in various places and brought them back to Japan. He held an exhibition to show those materials in the following year. Furthermore, as the International Year of Disabled Persons 1981 and the subsequent enforcement of various laws related to people with disability, it has been emphasized to create cities where physically impaired people can go out of their homes. Since that time the tactile maps began to be installed in public facilities, and were introduced in the assistive technology catalogs. In this way, the tactile map was incorporated into the context of “outdoor behavior” and “walking”. Not only the body of visually impaired people but also the tactile maps as material objects have increasingly been exposed to the “outside” spaces (e.g. city, road). As a result, the tactile map became understood from the viewpoint of “safety”, and it became involved with human and non-human actors (e.g. government offices, volunteer organizations, barrier-free laws, traffic guidelines) different from those of geography education.

Changes in Knowledge, Behavior and Environmental Control for Filariasis Prevention with “MANDIRI” Pocket Book on Society in Pekalongan City: A Longitudinal Study

Mass Drug Administration (MDA) coverage for filariasis in Indonesia increased from 37.7% in 2011 to 73.9% in 2014. In contrast, filariasis case increased from 11,902 in 2012 to 14,932 in 2014. Pekalongan City has the highest number of filariasis cases in Central Java, Indonesia. The city has been implementing MDA but it has not decreased the filariasis case numbers. Pekalongan City society’s knowledge and participation in filariasis elimination efforts were still in the low level. Reading can increase knowledge and influence behavior. Changing certain behaviors is a complex matter that takes a long time. This study is aimed to assess the changes in knowledge, behavior, and environmental control in the filariasis prevention by implementing “MANDIRI” Pocket Book for three years (from 2015 to 2017). This research is a quasi-experiment one with randomized control group pretest-posttest design, done in 2 villages of Pekalongan City. “MANDIRI” Pocket Book Program was able to achieve proper results in 6 months (April-September 2016). This study proves that the proper results were persistent in the following 9 months (July 2017). Compared to that of the control group, the result of the experiment group shows an improvement in knowledge, repellent application behavior, night outdoor behavior, and indoor environmental control.

Modeling a Tropical Urban Context with Green Walls and Green Roofs as an Urban Heat Island Adaptation Strategy

Abstract Urban green infrastructure (UGI) has gained increasing attention as urban heat island (UHI) mitigation and resilience strategy recently. This preliminary study investigates the outdoor temperature behavior with different fractions of selected UGIs, in tropical Colombo, the commercial capital Sri Lanka with a computer based simulation for a hot, humid end–summer sunny climate conditions in August. Seven UGI scenarios were defined under real scale modeling by ENVI–met, as T1 (existing UHI), green roofs T2,T3,T4 and green walls T5,T6,T7 by considering vegetation percentage and existing geometry. Outdoor temperatures were measured in three different locations using receptors (R1, R2 and R3) by considering the positioning with building walls and asphalt roads in the sensible height of 1.5m. Software was validated with 0.9657 R2 for simulated versus real ground measurements for T1 in same location initially. Results have enlightened that different green infrastructures significantly reduced the temperature with the vegetative fraction and highest reduction of outdoor air temperature was recorded at 1500h in a typical day. R1 and R3 had given the best reductions of temperature by 2.03°C and 1.88°C, respectively at green wall for 100% in East–West direction while R2 temperature reduction was 1.64°C for green roof 100% compared to existing UHI scenario (T1).

Comparing Indoor and Outdoor Soiling Experiments for Different Glass Coatings and Microstructural Analysis of Particle Caking Processes

Within the scope of this study, we present the results of outdoor and indoor soiling experiments with four differently coated glass samples. The outdoor experiments were conducted at the Solar Platform of the Atacama Desert (PSDA) over a duration of about five months. The samples showed large differences in soiling behavior and were characterized with respect to surface coverage of dust particles and transmission loss by light microscopy and optical transmission, respectively. Comparative indoor soiling experiments were performed in a soiling test chamber and reproduced the outdoor behavior of the different coating types. The mechanism of water interaction during dew events was found to be the key influencing factor for the soiling performance of the different coatings. To better understand fundamental soiling mechanisms in the Atacama Desert, soiled glass surfaces were investigated at a microstructural level using electron microscopy. It was found that the silt fraction of particles (>4 μ m) is caked by accumulation and compaction of small, platelet-shaped clay minerals during dew cycles. This caking process can be distinguished from particle cementation induced by water soluble salts and is regarded as an important soiling mechanism, which increases dust adhesion.

Current status survey of outdoor behavior monitoring services for seniors and proposal of new services

Current status survey of outdoor behavior monitoring services for seniors and proposal of new services

Outdoor recreation motivation and site preferences across diverse racial/ethnic groups: A case study of Georgia state parks

As the demographic composition of the United States changes, racial and ethnic minorities constitute a larger proportion of the overall population. Understanding the nature-based outdoor recreation behavior of these groups has therefore become increasingly important to public land managers. This study examined racial and ethnic differences in motivations and site preferences of diverse Georgia state park visitors. Data were collected via intercept surveys of visitors to three state parks in northern Georgia (n=1207). Analyses revealed four broad motivational categories: social interaction, physical health and fitness, relaxation and restoration, and nature interaction. Setting preferences focused on three types of park environments: natural areas, maintained outdoor areas, and developed outdoor areas and facilities. Visitors rated all motivation categories as important; however, social interaction motivations were most popular across all groups. Latinos were more socially motivated in their visitation than all other groups, highlighting the potential value of state park settings in meeting activity needs unique to the Latino community. African American and Asian visitors were generally less likely than other groups to rate nature interaction as an important motivation. Associations between specific motivations and site preferences were observed, with social interaction motivations strongly associated with developed and maintained areas, and physical health and fitness motivations more strongly associated with natural areas. All groups of state park users reported a stronger preference for developed and maintained outdoor areas relative to natural areas. Management implicationsEfforts to understand and capitalize on diverse recreation motivations and preferences can help park managers accommodate the needs and desires of constituents from different racial and ethnic groups. Results of this study highlight the strong link between motivations and site preferences, illustrating how park design and management can facilitate or impede different types of experiences for visitors from all cultural backgrounds.

Oregon’s Aging Population: Relationships Between Facilities, Services, Participation, and Sociodemographics in Outdoor Recreation Settings

The purpose of this study was to examine the outdoor recreation behavior of Oregon’s aging population regarding the effect facilities and services have on their outdoor recreation intentions. Several socio-demographic variables were used to develop a profile of the respondents. The influence of facilities and services on their outdoor recreation participation was measured through independent sample t -tests. In order to measure the effects of facilities and services on degree of participation, respondents were asked to rate 14 facilities and services items in regards to how they would impact their degree of participation in outdoor recreation. A stratified random sample was drawn of Oregon residents, and a mail-back questionnaire was chosen to sample those individuals. Of the 4,562 surveys mailed, 1,219 surveys were returned, revealing a 31% response rate. This study utilized only those cases that represented respondents that were 42 to 60 years of age, resulting in a total of 538 responses.Results showed that this population is inclined to participate more often if recreation opportunities are located closer to home, such as hiking trails and parks. Findings from this study also suggest that recreation managers will need to invest resources into the facilities and services demanded by this population. Whether they are younger or older, this cohort will likely be running, hiking, and biking on Oregon trails. Managers should ensure that an adequate inventory of recreation areas has been completed and funding for improving and building new facilities, and providing additional services should be considered. This information will be valuable to recreation managers as they make decisions about facility and services that meet the needs of this cohort. With continuous budget constraints and reductions for recreation facilities and services, managers must be prepared to make hard decisions about what facilities and services should be expanded or reduced in concert with future use. Subscribe to JPRA