Place In Nature Research Articles

Nature Inspired Metaheuristic based Optimization

This paper is a comprehensive study on nature inspired Hyperparameter optimization, with a distinct focus on Honey Badger Algorithm, along with Aquila Optimizer algorithm. The study involves in-depth analysis of the above algorithms, their weaknesses and strengths and comparing them with the theoretical advantages. The implementation of these algorithms, This paper demonstrate the promise of these algorithms on optimization of Hyperparameters like learning rate, number of hidden layers for our various datasets. The findings of this paper show that HBA and Aquila Optimization algorithms offer potential alternatives to the existing approaches, providing more effective and efficient solutions for hyperparameter optimization. This paper contributes to ongoing discourse on the place of nature inspired algorithms and their place in solutions to unconventional places

Modelling and analysis of nuclear reactor system coupled with a liquid metal battery

AbstractTraditionally, nuclear power plants in the U.S. provide baseload power to the power grid because they have less flexibility for ramping their output power than natural gas peaking plants. However, achieving climate goals to reduce the consumption of fossil‐based natural gas places pressure on nuclear power plants and other power generators to ramp up their power output to balance grid generation with demand. This paper presents the modelling and performance analysis of a nuclear reactor system (NRS) coupled to a liquid‐metal battery (LMB) to improve its dynamic response and enable its black start capability. The NRS and LMB thermal behaviour are modelled in Dymola, while the electrical dynamics of the LMB and power grid are modelled in RTDS‐RSCAD. Both simulation platforms are coupled and share their thermal and electrical data using a Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) communication protocol. The dynamic performance of the NRS‐LMB integration is tested on the IEEE 9 bus, which demonstrates its ability to respond and provide frequency and voltage regulation. The black start capability of the NRS‐LMB is also evaluated by simulating a grid outage and using the LMB to supply the auxiliary loads required to bring the NRS back online as soon as possible. The results show that coupling an NRS to an LMB improves the system dynamic performance and enables it to black start after being disconnected from the grid for several days.

Ethiopian ecotourism potentials/nature-based tourism

One of the economic sectors that generates significant cash and ensures the maintenance of protected areas is ecotourism, which is environmentally conscious travel to natural places. Ecotourism is a potential example of an off-farm activity that generates revenue in a different way and benefits the community while also conserving natural resources. By providing local people with cash while protected areas fulfil their conservation aims, ecotourism may serve as a bridge between them and nearby communities. Therefore, the main objective of this paper was to review the Ecotourism potentials of Ethiopia. Ethiopia's tourist sector is now expanding quickly in pace with the growth of tourism globally. There is definitely a lot of room for growth in Ethiopia's tourist sector. There are a lot of wonderful natural, historical, and cultural tourism areas in Ethiopia, One of the most significant tourist locations on earth. Ethiopia occasionally saw an increase in foreign visitors. The environmental impacts of tourism are often minimal, and it also aids in the management and conservation of natural, historical, and cultural resources. The establishment and management of protected areas, the re-greening of landscapes, the conservation and restoration of historical and cultural resources, and the promotion of environmental awareness among the local people (both residents and visitors) can all be done with a certain amount of the revenue made from tourism.

APLINKOSAUGINIŲ VERTYBINIŲ NUOSTATŲ RAIŠKA ANTROS KLASĖS MOKINIŲ PIEŠINIUOSE

This article stresses the importance of trying to uncover and understand students' value attitudes. Since we cannot see the values themselves, observing students' behaviour, asking the right questions and encouraging them to share their thoughts can give us insight into their attitudes. This knowledge could be used to personalise the content of learning and to choose which teaching methods to use. By creating learning situations with direct experience, we allow connections to be made between knowledge and concrete experiences. Equally important is the experience that learners already have. This paper describes a methodology that was used to identify students' expression of environmental values through their favourite places. A 3-step activity was carried out with 22 second grade learners. The results of the activity show that the majority of the students chose their favourite places in nature, some of them specific locations, others nature in a non-literal sense. Keywords: educational activities, environmental attitudes, teaching methods, value attitudes

Digital competence in social work education: readiness for practice

ABSTRACT In line with the digital turn in service provision, social work students should acquire relevant knowledge and skills, preparing them for work within digitalized welfare services. In Norway, these expectations are articulated in a national learning outcome (LOC) that addresses digital competence and the ability to assist in developing and using technology. Previous research has revealed digital knowledge gaps between education and practice . Here, we explore how social work educators perceive of and engage with digital competence as expressed in the LOC. Through focus group interviews with social work educators in Norway, we discovered that the knowledge gap is linked to five key findings: (a) uncertainty about the content of the LOC, (b) unfamiliar technical language, (c) the rapid development of digitalization, (d) the distribution of responsibility and (e) critical reflection. Critical reflection is expressed as a solution to the challenges. We argue that there must be knowledge about the subject matter (digital competency) that provides a foundation for such critical reflection (digital literacy). More conceptual clarity is needed regarding the LOC and what digitalization means in an educational context, in order for both digital competency and digital literacy to take their natural place in education.

Paving the Way for Pandemics: Proximate and Remote Causes of COVID-19

This paper investigates how the historians Donald Worster and Dipesh Chakrabarty, independently, employ the concept of remote causes in their assessment of causes of the COVID-19 pandemic. After introducing these two categories within the sphere of the evolutionary theory, we will try to show that both historians argue that evolutionary theory is necessary, but certainly not sufficient, to understand how humans interact with other species, especially animals (wild and domesticated), which is related to the spillover of pathogenic species. They note that the human impulse to control and manipulate natural phenomena for our own benefit is an evolutionary adaptation that has gotten out of control and was one of the fundamental remote causes of the pandemic. We conclude with a call for closer ties between medicine informed by evolutionary theory and the social sciences in an attempt to combine proximate and remote causes and better understand humankind's place in nature, along with the politic e societal risks of utilizing natural resources without taking this into account.

‘It Feels Really Vulnerable and a Little Dangerous’: When Words Are Not Enough

ABSTRACT Imagine being given the immense responsibility and gift as a researcher to deliver a person’s final nature experience. People living with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are often sheltered from nature experiences due to their disease status; however, they have rich memories of past nature experiences. The goals of this overall journey of co-creation were two-fold: (1) co-create personalized nature-based utilizing immersive 360-degree virtual reality (VR) experiences based on participants’ experiences in outdoor spaces; (2) utilize a narrative approach to explore the lived realities of people living with severe COPD. Throughout this collaborative research process, I made home visits, phone calls, and many trips to four people’s personalized outdoor places in the Upstate of South Carolina. In doing so, I lived the experience of person-centered research. This essay focuses specifically on one participant, David, his wife and caregiver, Anne, and the co-creation of David’s last virtual trip to his most cherished places in nature. Re-gifting David’s last nature experience in his favorite outdoor places profoundly changed my research approach. This essay considers how I reconciled the disconnect between the “scientific” language used in health research and the lived experience of being a researcher during end-of-life processes, specifically attending to the terms: attrition, participant, and researcher.

Functional Typology Structure of Ethnicity and Culture Toward Regional Language Learning in Aceh Singkil District

Aceh Singkil is an economically successful area with many enticing tourist attractions, such as natural, ethnic, and maritime. This region, which is bordered by the sea and split by a major river known as the Lae Souraya, is home to several historical and cultural attractions. The existence of natural resources and cultural attractions persuades the local government to formulate the culture as an interesting package for the visitor. This article examines the role and resources of Aceh Singkil’s natural and cultural heritage that are currently, but not properly, used. According to this typology, Aceh Singkil has phenomenal tourism and cultural attraction spots, which include natural tourist attractions, art and cultural performances, artificial natural (engineering) and important cultural places, royal historical heritage sites, important spiritual sites, spiritual values, local genius, and traditional culinary delights. Following a field investigation, researchers found issues such as how to operate and exploit these cultural sites for sustainable tourist growth. What typology may be used to depict tourism and cultural attractions in Aceh Singkil? This study seeks to identify and deconstruct examples of operating and exploiting these resources for the development of sustainable cultural tourism, as well as to build a typology capable of representing Aceh Singkil’s tourist attractions. Theoretical and practical issues that indicate the uniqueness of regional ethno-cultural tourism are examined. Based on this data, experts believe that an ethno-historically based ethnocultural tourism model is required. Moreover, these findings and field investigations are critical to create an ethnocultural tourism model that pays special attention to the cultural traits of the Aceh Singkil people and national nature for both locals and visitors from other countries. The objective of establishing this model is to assist in the development and introduction of sustainable cultural attraction for visitors, the creation of new employment for people, the rise in sales of tourism and cultural products, and, of course, the improvement of tourism and art cultural infrastructure in the region.
 Keywords: ethnocultural, ethno-historically, tourism, cultural heritage, characteristics of Aceh Singkil

Personal dispositions explain differences in physical health benefits of nature exposure: the role of restorativeness and affect.

Urbanization processes are constantly increasing, and most of the European population currently live in urban areas. Nevertheless, evidence is consistent in highlighting the positive association between nature exposure and human wellbeing, although individual differences might affect this association. The present study aimed to investigate the association among nature connectedness, conceptualized as Love and Care for Nature, place identity, and physical wellbeing, via restorativeness and positive and negative affect. A total of 312 visitors of an urban green area (i.e., Milan's Parco Nord) participated in the study. They completed an anonymous questionnaire. Findings showed that nature connectedness and place identity positively affect physical wellbeing, via restorativeness and positive affect, but not through the negative ones. Results highlight the importance of the joint role of exposure to nature and individual differences in promoting wellbeing. This study offers implications for interventions aimed at enhancing individuals' health through exposure to nature. Limitations of the study and future research developments are discussed.

A Comparative Study of Chinese and Western Garden Culture: From the Perspective of Garden Elements

Gardens refer to natural environments and places where people play through certain artistic design methods. There are completely different concepts and expressions in gardening methods between China and the West. This article mainly conducts an in-depth comparative study of Chinese and Western garden culture from the perspective of garden elements. The article first outlines the development process of Chinese and Western garden culture and analyzes the influence of multiple factors such as historical development and ideological culture on its style formation. Then, by comparing and analyzing the landscape elements of Chinese and Western gardens, the article reveals the differences and characteristics between the two in design concepts, spatial layout, artistic decoration, and other aspects. Finally, based on existing literature, the article summarizes the phenomenon of the integration of Chinese and Western garden cultures and explores the trend of how Chinese and Western garden cultures can learn from each other, integrate, and innovate in the context of globalization.

Analysis of Paudyal’s “The Parrot in the Cage” and Sama’s “Don’t Cut down the Trees, Brother Woodcutter” from Ecological Perspectives

This paper analyzes the ecological reading of Paudyal’s “The Parrot in the Cage” and Sama’s “Don’t Cut down the Trees, Brother Woodcutter.” There are several factors of modernization responsible for the destruction of natural phenomena. The deterioration of flora and fauna has not been controlled though several government monitoring agencies have been actively working. There are limited research works on Nepali writers’ works regarding environmental issues. This study explores these two authors’ works to show how the deforestation and destruction of the wild lives take place. The findings of the study show that people are cutting down trees; hunters are hunting birds and animals; and the government is cutting down trees for constructing roads, airports, and city planning. Because of these causes, the ozone layer has been depleted; global warming has increased and people are suffering from skin cataracts; eye cataracts, and respiratory problems. The over-superiority complex of man has helped destroy the flora and fauna. Whatever change takes place in nature is irreversible. The study adopts the deep ecology theory that was propounded by Norwegian philosopher Arne Naess. This essay explains the causes and effects of deforestation. The study also analyses the related consequences of deforestation. This is explanatory research rather than exploratory. The main purpose of this paper is to minimize ecological degradation and environmental problems. The study also attempts to find necessary solutions like afforestation, reforestation, and alternative energy.

Biomorphological features and antioxidant activity of mint species of non-hybrid origin growing in the North Caucasus region

Introduction. Modern researchers note the role of antioxidants in the correction of fat and carbohydrate metabolism, so the search for new raw materials for obtaining substances with antioxidant activity is relevant. Polyphenolic compounds are considered the most powerful natural antioxidants. Our attention was drawn to non-hybrid mint species growing in the North Caucasus region. Objective. Study of biomorphological features and economically valuable characteristics of the species Mentha L. (Lamiaceae), their phytochemical characteristics based on the content of essential oil and some phenolic compounds, determination of antioxidant activity to substantiate the prospects for use in medicine and pharmacy. Material and methods. The studies were carried out according to the methods of the State Pharmacopoeia (SP) XIV and XV editions. Samples of raw mint (M. arvensis L.), watermint (M. aquatica L.), longleaf mint (M. longifolia (L.) Huds.), flea mint (M. pulegium L.), m spicata (M. spicata L.), harvested in forest-steppe and steppe zones, as well as on mountain slopes, damp places, sometimes in wastelands, in North Ossetia – Alania, Karachay-Cherkessia, Kabardino-Balkaria and the Stavropol Territory in their natural places of growth (end of July–August 2021–2023). Objects were dried using the air-shadow method. Antioxidant activity was determined by amperometric and titrimetric methods. Results. Non-hybrid mint species growing in the North Caucasus contain essential oils, hydroxycinnamic and triterpene acids, flavonoids and polyphenolic compounds. The established antioxidant properties of hydroalcoholic extracts of mint species, in addition to the traditionally known choleretic and antispasmodic effects, can be considered significant for reducing body weight. Conclusion. The content of essential oil and polyphenolic compounds in various types of mint, as well as the established antioxidant properties of aqueous-alcoholic extracts, in addition to the traditionally known choleretic and antispasmodic effects, can be considered significant for weight loss.

Towards an integration of physical activity and environmental awareness: analysis of students’ activity in physical education

ABSTRACT Background The need for greater attention to Environmental Education (EE) is increasing as awareness of the environmental emergency grows. However, Physical Education (PE), through its physical dimension and the diversity of activities that can take place in nature, seems to provide a favourable context for creating a sense of belonging to the environment, while actively pursuing greater human awareness of our negative impact on it. Purpose With this focus, we were interested in the behaviour of students within programmes integrating PE and EE, in outdoor activities, like orienteering. Methods A Mixed Methods Research (MMR) approach was used to analyse the activity and experiences of 6th grade students during traditional orienteering lessons and during ‘environmental’ orienteering lessons. Accelerometric measurements of movements and audio recordings via dictaphone USB keys were undertaken to assess students’ levels of physical activity (PA) in both conditions and to evidence their communications. Findings Our results show a preservation of the active dimension of the lessons since the students’ PA levels are significantly higher during the ‘environmental’ condition compared to traditional lessons. Three student profiles emerge from analyses of audio recordings, highlighting heterogeneity of concerns between orienteering content, observation of the environment and off-task discussions. Conclusions These results demonstrate the usefulness of MMR for analysing students’ physical and cognitive activity in PE lessons. Data obtained show that it is possible to integrate environmental content into PE programmes, without compromising the active characteristic of the lesson.

Ultra sports as nature sports (proper)

ABSTRACT The term ‘nature sports’ can be understood in different ways, depending on how the words ‘sport’ and ‘nature’ are explained. Since ‘nature’ is usually understood as ‘ungroomed’, ‘nature sports’ may be interpreted either as non-competitive practices in ungroomed nature (as discussed by Krein), with examples such as backcountry skiing, climbing or surfing; or as competitive sports in ungroomed nature. This paper argues that those ultra sports that take place in ungroomed nature, such as ultra swimming and ultra running, are better candidates for being called ‘nature sports’ than those non-competitive ones suggested by Krein; and that this is also more in line with the contemporary common use of the term ‘sport’. This paper discusses these ‘ultra/nature’ sports, mainly from the point of view of their relationship to nature, the values that they offer to athletes, and their specific temporality.

The Embeddedness of Mind, Body and Spirit in Nature: An Exploration of Ecopsychological Tenets in The Lord of the Rings

Tolkien’s trilogy - The Fellowship of the Ring (1954), The Two Towers (1954), and The Return of the King (1955) - is among the most analysed and studied classics in the world. It contains various themes which can be explored from several perspectives and in different contexts. The way nature is represented with the attribution of strong agency and the significance of strong communication between the human psyche and nature are worth mentioning since the trilogy provides an opportunity to explore the ecopsychological cruciality of human-nature togetherness for tranquillity in the human soul and sanity in the human mind. Moreover, with fictional places like Mordor and Isengard, the trilogy brings the degradation and destruction of nature to attention. Elvish geographies and the Shire enable us to appreciate and celebrate reciprocal and affirmative relations with nature. The psychology, unity, and agency of Nature with spiritual and fantastic characters such as Ents are foregrounded in the novel. By focusing on the fictional characters, this article aims to explore the ecopsychological facets of the places in the trilogy and how the human psyche is affected depending on natural or greenless places.

PROFILE OF DEATHS OF PEDIATRIC PATIENTS WITH DILATED CARDIOMYOPATHY IN BRAZIL, FROM 2018 TO 2020

Introduction: Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a pathology that affects the left ventricle resulting in high morbidity and mortality. It is the most common clinical form of cardiomyopathy in the pediatric population, although it is difficult to diagnose due to late treatment. Objective: To identify the death profile of pediatric patients with IDCD in Brazil. Method: This is an epidemiological, observational, analytical, cross-sectional study with data from the Hospital Admission System (SIH-DATASUS) from 2018 to 2020. The study population consisted of 678 children, aged 0 to 19 years , with the variables used: sex, age group, nationality, ethnicity, type of hospitalization, place of hospitalization, legal nature, management, ICU stay, specialty, diagnosis and treatment. A bivariate analysis was performed using the Mantel-Haenszel chi-square method, considering the relative risk of death and its respective 95% confidence interval as a measure of association. in search. Results: The prevalence was female, over 5 years old, Brazilian, of brown ethnicity and had no comorbidities. We highlight the higher mortality rate in the specialty of pediatrics, in children younger than 5 years old, with comorbidities and who needed to be admitted to the ICU. Conclusion: Children under 5 years old, especially those with comorbidities, especially heart failure, should be analyzed with greater caution and that health service professionals can monitor them rigorously and intervene early, in order to avoid possible negative outcomes such as to evolve unfavorably and/or to death.

International regulation of tourist activities of China as a basis for the application of experience for the domestic economy

higher rate than the economy of the People's Republic of China in general is tourism. Thanks to the tourism industry, China has overcome poverty. Due to its geographical and geopolitical position and natural conditions, China has excellent opportunities to develop various types of tourism. International tourism is a critical mechanism for integrating China's economy into the world economy. Given China's scale of development, which is among the world leaders, domestic tourism plays an increasingly important role in the country's economy. All this makes studying specific features of tourism development in China very relevant. China sets domestic and international standards and regulations to regulate the tourism industry. The legislation includes safety and quality of service rules, visa requirements, and measures to preserve natural and cultural resources. China is a member of international tourism organizations such as the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), a component of sharing experiences and implementing international standards. Participation in such organizations allows China to interact with other countries, share experiences, and participate in defined international standards. China considers international standards and best practices in the field to raise the quality of services and ensure the safety and comfort of tourists. China is actively developing both domestic and international tourism. This gives the company the desire to develop its tourism resources and attract the attention of foreign visitors. China implements measures to control and standardize tourism activities through licensing and other mechanisms. This is aimed at ensuring the quality and safety of tourist services. China's tourism development strategy also promotes the inclusion of cultural exchange through tourism, which promotes mutual understanding and the development of diplomatic relations. Given the importance of environmental sustainability, China considers measures to preserve natural resources and places. China can regulate the visa regime for foreign tourists, changing the requirements and conditions of the visit according to its strategic and security interests. China actively offers its tourist attractions at the international level, helping to attract foreign tourists. In connection with global challenges such as the pandemic, China considers international standards for the safety and health of tourists by implementing appropriate measures and protocols. China can develop and maintain bilateral and multilateral ties with other countries to jointly implement tourism projects and exchange cultural experiences. In general, China's international tourism regulation emphasizes the country's desire to ensure stable, safe, and sustainable tourism development, promoting both domestic and international tourism. Considering these aspects, China is interested in cooperating with the international community and complying with international standards to improve the competitiveness of its tourism sector and ensure the satisfaction and safety of tourists. Keywords: tourism, China, international regulation, poverty alleviation, domestic and foreign tourism.

Analysis and Prediction of Land Use/Land Cover Changes in Korgalzhyn District, Kazakhstan

Changes occurring because of human activity in protected natural places require constant monitoring of land use (LU) structures. Therefore, Korgalzhyn District, which occupies part of the Korgalzhyn State Natural Reserve territory, is of considerable interest. The aim of these studies was to analyze changes in the composition of the land use/land cover (LULC) of Korgalzhyn District from 2010 to 2021 and predict LU transformation by 2030 and 2050. Landsat image classification was performed using Random Forest on the Google Earth Engine. The combined CA-ANN model was used to predict LULC changes by 2030 and 2050, and studies were carried out using the MOLUSCE plugin. The results of these studies showed that from 2010 to 2021, there was a steady increase in the share of ploughable land and an adequate reduction in grassland. It is established that, in 2030 and 2050, this trend will continue. At the same time, there will be no drastic changes in the composition of other land classes. The obtained results can be helpful for the development of land management plans and development policies for the Korgalzhyn District.

Theoretical and Experimental Investigation of Liquid and Gas Flow Pressure Drop through Different Sections of A Partially Closed Piping system

Multiphase flow is found in various places in nature and practice. However, multiphase flow is prevalent in the petroleum production industry. This phenomenon gives rise to a significant issue of pressure loss within piping systems, resulting in a loss in production. Multiphase flow has been studied for decades; however, with the increase in unconventional engineering methods, there is now a greater need for its study. This study investigates phenomena related to multiphase flow, such as flow regimes and pressure loss produced by friction, pipe orientation, and various fluid phase properties. An experimental system was designed, and different fluid phases were used to represent varying situations in piping systems. The system included sections of horizontal, inclined, and vertical pipe orientations experienced during hydrocarbon migration from the reservoir to the surface. To replicate industry multiphase flow in the experimental system, we used water to represent the oil and compressed air to represent gas. The pressure differences throughout the system were calculated using the Beggs and Brill Correlation, the Lockhart-Martinelli Parameter, and the Chisholm Equation. Experimental pressure differences and the effect of the choke valve positions were also recorded for the different sections of the system while observing the flow regimes produced by multiphase fluid interaction. Through the research methods, we found that most pressure losses occurred in the elbows, and most frictional pressure loss occurred in the vertical 3ft pipe, while the 45° and 90° downhill pipes experienced increased pressure.

Beauty and the Anthropocene: A Case for How Experiences of Beautiful Places in Nature Can Contribute to Emancipation from Instrumental Rationality

This article investigates, theoretically and empirically, the proposition that beauty—I consider experiences of beautiful places in the natural world in particular—can contribute to the emancipation of modern persons (and thereby developed societies) from instrumental rationality. The article begins by theorizing instrumental rationality as a major driver of the socioecological crises of the Anthropocene. After elucidating the effects of instrumental rationality through Horkheimer’s work, the article draws from Buber’s concept of the I–Thou relation to conceptualize ideal noninstrumental relations. It then draws from recent scholarship on beauty to claim that beauty is not merely an aesthetic experience, but also a relational one: When not conscripted into serving unscrupulous ends, beauty can produce profoundly mutual I–Thou relations between an individual, the beautiful entity, and all manner of more-than-human beings. Remote interviews and focus groups with thirty-five residents of Juneau, Alaska, suggest that experiences of beautiful places in the natural world do indeed possess the theorized emancipatory potential, precisely because they invite humans into meaning-making I–Thou relations of which many citizens of the modern world find themselves bereft. The article ends by discussing the findings in relation to contemporary, especially Indigenous, thought on the agency of place.