Recreational Functions Research Articles

Agroforestry-Silvopastoral Systems Suitability for the Plateau Landforms: Devrekani Plateau (Northern Turkiye)

The Devrekani Plateau, located in the Kure Mountains massif (Kastamonu-Türkiye), is a geomorphological unit with flat areas ranging between 1000 and 1300 meters in altitude. Agriculture, animal husbandry, and forestry activities are standard on the plateau. Due to environmental constraints, versatile, holistic, and sustainable land use plans are needed in such high areas. This study examines land use patterns compatible with natural environmental conditions for the Plateau Landforms. Agroforestry-silvopastoral systems where agriculture, pasture, forest lands, and recreational functions are applied together have been evaluated in the study area. Criteria that have a high relationship with land use have been identified. Using Geographic Information Systems, weighted overlay analysis was carried out with factor maps regarding Lithology, Slope, Elevation, and Actual Land Use. The model output reveals that the regions between agriculture and forest are the most suitable for the agroforestry-silvopastoral systems (outside urban areas) and recreation. The most suitable areas for mixed land use plans on the plateau are generally karst areas with sparse vegetation, located above 1200 meters, and having a 6-12% slope. The lower border of these areas is agricultural areas with flat or nearly flat slopes, commonly formed by alluviums. The upper limit consists of forest areas with steep slopes surrounded by high hills. Implementing agroforestry-silvopastoral land use models on plateau landforms can be an effective strategy for sustainable environmental management and land use.

Agroforestry-Silvopastoral Systems Suitability for the Plateau Landforms: Devrekani Plateau (Northern Turkiye)

The Devrekani Plateau, located in the Kure Mountains massif (Kastamonu-Türkiye), is a geomorphological unit with flat areas ranging between 1000 and 1300 meters in altitude. Agriculture, animal husbandry, and forestry activities are standard on the plateau. Due to environmental constraints, versatile, holistic, and sustainable land use plans are needed in such high areas. This study examines land use patterns compatible with natural environmental conditions for the Plateau Landforms. Agroforestry-silvopastoral systems where agriculture, pasture, forest lands, and recreational functions are applied together have been evaluated in the study area. Criteria that have a high relationship with land use have been identified. Using Geographic Information Systems, weighted overlay analysis was carried out with factor maps regarding Lithology, Slope, Elevation, and Actual Land Use. The model output reveals that the regions between agriculture and forest are the most suitable for the agroforestry-silvopastoral systems (outside urban areas) and recreation. The most suitable areas for mixed land use plans on the plateau are generally karst areas with sparse vegetation, located above 1200 meters, and having a 6-12% slope. The lower border of these areas is agricultural areas with flat or nearly flat slopes, commonly formed by alluviums. The upper limit consists of forest areas with steep slopes surrounded by high hills. Implementing agroforestry-silvopastoral land use models on plateau landforms can be an effective strategy for sustainable environmental management and land use.

Project of functional zoning of the territory of Lianozovsky park in Moscow

Classifying the factors that cause anthropogenic impact on natural complexes and their consequences, three main types can be identified: mechanical, physico-chemical, and biological. One of the applied approaches in the work is to ensure compliance with the maximum recreational loads on the projected tourist routes of the “Lianozovsky Park” Park of Culture and Recreation. The work pays attention to the condition of management and organization of the recreational function, which is aimed at regulating the potential number of visitors based on the proposed regulations on the use of appropriate functional subzones calculated by the authors. The number of visitors to the natural and anthropogenic tourist complex (NATC) was determined, a comparative analysis of the recreational load for compliance with the normative value was carried out, a functional zoning project was proposed, including the design of three subzones of various functional purposes and a mode of their use was proposed.

Sustainable micro renewal and renovation of arts town in China: Intermingling design of contemporary art and Chinese classical garden

<p>The gardening philosophy of Chinese classical gardens is an integral part of China’s rich traditional culture, reflecting ancient scholars’ understanding of nature and humanity and embodying aesthetic and philosophical values. With the progression of time, integrating the principles of Chinese classical garden gardening into contemporary space design has emerged as a critical issue in contemporary public space design. This study uses the Butong Arts Town in Qinhuangdao as a case study, focusing on applying Chinese classical garden gardening concepts in public space design and regional micro-renovation. Special attention is given to nodes that simultaneously serve interactive and recreational functions. In the micro-renovation of the Butong Arts Town area, Chinese classical garden gardening principles can be employed through greening, landscaping, and other means to enhance the quality of the space. Additionally, by integrating local cultural characteristics, it is possible to create public spaces with distinct regional features, providing a comfortable and pleasant environment for artists, designers, planners, and tourists. The design methods used in this study explore the behavioral characteristics and usage needs of various groups from multiple perspectives, aiming to optimize activity spaces. This research identifies the main issues within the target areas and proposes corresponding improvement measures to enhance the functionality and aesthetic quality of the space. The aim is to integrate people’s growing spiritual pursuits with public activity spaces, providing new references and ideas for future sustainable space design.</p>

Assessing the Recreational Resource Value of National Park Based on Visitor Perception—A Case of Three-River-Source National Park in China

National parks serve as critical practical sites for advancing the concept of “harmonious coexistence between humans and nature” and hold a strategic role in establishing global ecological security barriers. Scholars and decision-makers have expressed significant interest in rigorous assessments of the recreational resource value in national parks. This paper focuses on the Three-River-Source National Park, examining the characteristics and components of its recreational resource value through the lens of human–environment relationship theory. Analysis spans dimensions of geological and geomorphological value, ecological service value, historical and cultural value, and aesthetic landscape value. By extracting visitor comments rich in vocabulary related to their perceptions, this study compares variations in resource values and the “resource value–visitor perception” synergy within Three-River-Source National Park, employing text analysis, semantic network analysis, and coordination analysis methods. The findings reveal that (1) Visitor perceptions of recreational resource value display a clear hierarchy, with aesthetic landscape value (43.6%) ranking highest, followed by geological and geomorphological value (26.7%), historical and cultural value (19.3%), and ecological service value (10.4%), showing significant variation among categories; the vocabulary across these value types exhibits a pronounced long-tail distribution. (2) The recreational resource value in the park forms a distinct core centered on prominent attractions, accompanied by patterns of vocabulary aggregation and dispersion. (3) Visitors demonstrate strong synergy in their perception of geological and aesthetic value, weaker perception regarding historical and cultural value, and a relatively narrow understanding of ecological service value. This research enhances public comprehension of the recreational resource value of national parks and provides a scientific foundation for the conservation and sustainable use of recreational resources in national parks, advancing the realization of their recreational functions.

Investigating the effect of Iaraj Fiqra capsule and dry cupping on knee osteoarthritis: A clinical trial study

Background: Knee arthritis is a joint disease caused by the destruction of the underlying cartilage and bone. Common symptoms of this disease are stiffness and pain. Dry cupping and Iaraj Fiqra capsules are used in Persian medicine to treat knee arthritis. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the effect of the Iaraj Fiqra capsule and dry cupping on arthritis and compare their effects. Materials and Methods: This randomized, single-blind trial was conducted on 61 subjects aged 60 to 69 years old with knee osteoarthritis after obtaining informed consent. Patients were randomly assigned to two groups. One group received 500 mg/day of Iaraj Fiqra capsules for four weeks (n=31), and the other group received dry cupping on the knee for 10 min twice a week for four weeks (n=30). Patients completed the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score questionnaire, which assessed five areas: pain, symptoms, daily activities, sports and recreation function, and knee-related quality of life, both before and after the study. Independent and paired t-tests, Fisher's exact test, and the Chi-square test were used to evaluate the data in GraphPad software (version 8). Results: The results demonstrated that Iaraj Fiqra capsules and dry cupping for four weeks improved pain (Iaraj Fiqra capsule: before: 92.1±1.3 and after: 73.1±1.4, p=0.002, dry cupping: before: 96.6±2.3 and after: 83.0±3.1; P=0.02), symptoms (Iaraj Fiqra capsule: before: 84.12±3.1 and after: 73.23±1.5; P=0.005, dry cupping: before: 82.11±1.2 and after: 67.31±1.1; P=0.001), daily activities (Iaraj Fiqra capsule: before: 32.22±2.5 and after: 76.21±0.6; P=0.002, dry cupping: before: 34.15±1.4 and after: 72.12±1.2; P=0.001), sports performance (Iaraj Fiqra capsule: before: 92.1±1.3 and after: 73.1±1.4; P=0.002, dry cupping: before: 96.6±2.3 and after: 83.0±3.1; P=0.001,) and recreational (Iaraj Fiqra capsule: before: 24.21±1.2 and after: 68.11±0.5; P=0.002, dry cupping: before: 28.95±1.2 and after: 62.25±2.7; P=0.001), and knee-related quality of life scores (Iaraj Fiqra capsule: before: 31.11±0.6 and after: 82.32±11.4; P=0.002, dry cupping: before: 11.6±33.11 and after: 81.21±1.4; P=0.002). Furthermore, the results demonstrated that the pain score of patients improved significantly compared to the dry cupping group (P<0.05). Conclusion: As evidenced by the obtained results, Iaraj Fiqra capsules and dry cupping can be used to improve the pain, symptoms, daily activities, sports and recreation function, and knee-related quality of life of individuals with knee osteoarthritis.

高麗時代 중원지역 寺院 출토 茶器와 茶 文化

The Jungwon region currently centers around Chungcheongbuk-do, and includes parts of Gyeonggi-do and Gangwon-do around the Namhan River. At the heart of the Jungwon region is the Namhan River, which unites the area. Particularly during the Goryeo Dynasty, the Namhan River served as a major transportation and shipping route. Many temples were situated along the river and in its vicinity, which played various roles including religious, political, public, and recreational functions. As these temples performed these diverse roles, the tea culture in the Jungwon region naturally flourished alongside. However, the tea culture in the Jungwon region evolved more rapidly compared to other areas, due to its connection with the Namhan River as a transportation route and its close relationship with the Goryeo royal court. Initially, the Tang Dynasty’s “zha” tea preparation method was used, but from the mid-Goryeo period, the Song Dynasty’s “dian” tea preparation method was adopted, marking a significant shift in tea culture. This transition in tea culture can be confirmed through ceramics excavated from temples in the Jungwon region. The tea utensils founded in this region include celadon cups, celadon teapots, and celadon tea dishes, as well as numerous Chinese-made ceramics. Notably, the discovery of black-glazed bowls from the Jian kilns provides important evidence of the prevalence of the “dian” tea preparation method in the Jungwon region. The development and transformation of tea culture in the Jungwon region can be interpreted as a result of the swift influx of Chinese culture through the Namhan River and its close relationship with the Goryeo royal court.

Forest Enclave Potential Assessment for Nature Conservation and Recreation in City with Dysfunctional Natural System

Forests are an important component of the natural systems of large cities. Their deficiency limits the proper functioning of these systems and creates a shortage of recreational places for residents needing contact with nature. This can be encountered in Rzeszów, a city in southern Poland with 200,000 inhabitants, which is characterised by the smallest forest area (2.8%) of all province capitals in the country. The natural state of small forest enclaves in this city has not been fully investigated. This has led to incorrect management and nature conservation policies. Therefore, the aim of this research conducted since 2015 was to recognise the potential for conservation and recreational functions using the concept of ecosystem services (ES) and ecosystem disservices (EDS), and to develop recommendations for the optimal use of these areas. This article analyses and compares 14 indicators related to ES and EDS of three out of five larger forest patches in the city. The results of this analysis indicate that the current method for protecting these valuable elements of the natural system does not correspond with their actual conservation potential. The application of the ES and EDS concepts to assess the nature conservation potential allowed us to determine it as high in two forest enclaves where such potential had not been indicated so far, and to identify the highest recreational potential in one of the investigated sites.

Dampak Istri Sebagai Pencari Nafkah Utama Terhadap Penerapan Fungsi Keluarga di Kelurahan Cupak Tangah Kota Padang

This study aims to describe the impact of wives as the main breadwinners on the implementation of family functions in Cupak Tangah Village, Padang City. The theory used in this research is structural functionalism proposed by Robert K. Merton. This research uses a qualitative research approach with a descriptive type. Selection of informants in this study is using purposive sampling technique with a total of 24 informants. The types of data used are primary data and secondary data. Data collection methods are carried out in three events, namely observation, interviews, and document studies. The unit of analysis in this research is the individual. Data analysis used with the interactive analysis model proposed by Milles and Huberman, which consists of (1) data collection (2) data reduction (3) data presentation (4) conclusion drawing. The results of this study indicate that when the wife is the breadwinner in this family, it will have an impact on family functions, which can be seen in three aspects, namely: (1) the impact on the husband consists of a) economic function: work, income / income. b) affective function: providing affection, emotional bonds (communication). (2) the impact on children consists of a) affective function does not work: less attention given, lack of interaction with children b) educational socialization function: less time to guide learning c) recreational function: joint activities at home, activities outside the home d) educating children to be independent (3) the impact on the wife herself: domestic work becomes neglected, less time to rest.

The perception of urban green space during the COVID-19 pandemic: The case of Wrocław

Green spaces are integral to urban landscape, serving ecological, health, and recreational functions. During the pandemic, urban green spaces were crucial for enabling safe social distancing and enhancing well-being. This study delves into the perception, accessibilities, and qualities of urban green spaces in Wrocław during and after the pandemic. A survey was conducted to understand causes and effects of diverse usage of the urban green space, assessing changes in usage frequency before, during, and after lockdown, as well as public awareness of benefits associated with green spaces. Proximity to green spaces emerges as a key factor as people prefer easily and quick access to these areas. The study also noted a partial modification of social behaviour and increased social and ecological awareness. The results reveal evident development of new daily habits. Although the beginning of the pandemic led to discomfort, adaptive behaviours soon followed, changing daily routines and previous leisure activities. Given the findings on availability and adequacy of green spaces, it is advisable to rearrange these areas to meet the diverse needs of inhabitants.

Study on the Functions and Design Techniques of Urban Parks in the Context of Post-1949 Urban Development - Case Study of Xian, China

The urban park is an important part of the urban green space system and an essential factor in promoting sustainable development and urban transformation. The functions and corresponding design methods of urban parks also reflect the background and development requirements of different periods. In response to the requirements of urban development in different periods, parks in Xian have gradually changed from a single function of recreation to a function of cultural exchange and, in recent years, to a function of habitat protection. In order to better discuss and analyze characteristics and provide inspiration for further study, the article aims to divide the period from 1949 to 2020 into four stages according to the historical background, and make a comparative analysis according to the corresponding overall planning requirements and examples. The study will combine data with field visits to representative parks from four periods and analyze the relevance of their design and impact to the requirements of the times.The renovation of ancient gardens lays the foundation for the construction of parks, the protection and development of cultural heritage sites increases the role of parks in cultural construction, and the development and construction of ecological wetlands increases the function and role of parks in the construction of ecological civilisation. It can be concluded that the function of the park is also correspondingly related to its design approach.

Loss of body weight is dose-dependently associated with reductions in symptoms of hip osteoarthritis.

While weight loss is recommended for managing hip osteoarthritis (OA), most evidence comes from knee OA studies, limiting its applicability to hip OA. This study addresses this gap by examining the effects of weight loss on hip OA symptoms. A retrospective audit of routinely collected healthcare data from participants enrolled in the Osteoarthritis Healthy Weight for Life (OAHWFL) program, designed for individuals with knee or hip OA. In total, 1714 adults with hip OA were selected from the OAHWFL program; 1408 completed the initial 18-week weight loss phase, while 306 did not complete it. After 18 weeks, participants transitioned to an indefinite weight maintenance phase. Percentage change in body weight from baseline at 18 weeks. Changes in the five subscales of the Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS) (Pain, Activity Limitations in Daily Living, Stiffness and Range of Motion, Sports and Recreation Function, and Hip-related Quality of Life) from baseline to 18 weeks. Linear regression, adjusted for sex and baseline values of age, weight, and respective HOOS scores, assessed the relationship between percentage weight change (analyzed as both a continuous variable and in categories: ≤2.5%, >2.5-5.0%, >5.0-7.5%, >7.5-10%, and >10% of baseline weight) and changes in all five HOOS subscales. At baseline, participants had a mean age of 65.14 years, 70% were female, and 78% were individuals with obesity (Body Mass Index ≥30 kg/m2). A statistically significant dose-response relationship was observed between weight loss and improvements in all HOOS subscales, with the greatest improvement in the Hip-related Quality of Life subscale (14.42 points, 31.14%) for >10% weight loss. Our findings suggest that weight loss is associated with reduced symptoms of hip OA, supporting weight loss as an effective treatment strategy for hip OA.

Balancing recreation and flood safety for integrated coastal management: Understanding beach visitors' types of attitude and behaviour in sandy anthropogenic shores

In the Netherlands, with its coastal lowlands, coastal management is performed through sand nourishment and dune utilisation. While policy aims for multifunctionality, coastal management studies predominantly emphasise flood safety, neglecting the recreational function and its interplay with flood safety measures. This study aims to investigate beach visitors' views and behaviour at two reinforced sandy shores in the Netherlands, namely Sand Motor and Hondsbossche Dunes. As the magnitude of the sand-based reinforcements completely changed the original beach landscape, we refer to these as sandy anthropogenic shores (SAS). We conducted surveys to assess SAS visitors' profiles, attitudes (visit motivations, landscape attractiveness), and recreational behaviour (facility preferences, activities, visitation patterns, spatial distribution). We examined differences between SAS and non-SAS beach visitors and compared their perspectives with management expectations. In our analysis, we categorised visitors into three types: local, one-day, and overnight visitors. Our analysis identified three distinct visitor motivation clusters: socialising, relaxation while appreciating beach landscapes, and engaging in sports activities. Natural landscape quality and quietness were the top attractions for SAS visitors. Despite significant human intervention in the design and alteration of the SAS landscape, visitors still appreciate its natural dynamics and beauty. Our analysis indicates that users perceive the SAS as either natural or semi-natural beaches, as intended by their designers and managers. We also developed a conceptual framework of the SAS recreation model based on survey data, forming the foundation for a quantitative model of SAS socio-environmental dynamics in the next phase of our research. Moreover, considering the similarities between SAS and natural shores, we anticipate that our findings will have broad applicability well beyond the specific SAS we have studied.

Microparticles of anthropogenic origin (microplastics and microfibers) in sandy sediments: A case study from calabria, italy

Microparticles of anthropogenic origin, such as microplastics and microfibers, are pervasive pollutants in the marine environment of the world. These microparticles pollute water and can be ingested by biota; however, while microplastics are often monitored, very few studies focus on microfibers. Coastal areas, such as beaches, are more vulnerable to pollution due to their location between terrestrial and marine environments and their recreational and touristic functions. In this study, microparticle occurrence frequency was investigated along the Calabria coast, Italy, in one touristic beach in comparison with an unpopular one. High amounts of microparticles of anthropogenic origin were found in all sediment samples, despite the evident different tourist exploitation of the two examined beaches. Sediments of the most touristic beach had values between 729.5 ± 212.3 and 1327 ± 125.8 items/kg, instead, the less popular beach between 606.3 ± 102.8 and 1116.5 ± 226.9 items/kg (average and st. dev). Microparticle abundance varied before and after the touristic summer season, increasing in the most popular beach and decreasing in the unpopular one. Differences in microparticle abundance between foreshore and backshore were present too; however, statistical analyses did not show evident relations between microparticle abundance and the distance from the see. Grain size influenced the abundance of microparticles in sediments. Our results improve knowledge on microparticle pollution in marine environments, highlighting information about micropollution in coastal areas. Future studies are needed to understand better microparticle dynamics and ecological impacts in marine and terrestrial systems, implementing new strategies to monitor pollution state, enhancing the natural intermediate environments, and providing useful and sustainable measure of conservation.

A methodological proposal for a social and multivariate analysis in peri-urban areas during the ‘golden age’ of suburbanisation in Andalusia (Spain)1

We apply social area analysis, traditionally used for intra-urban areas of cities, to a space in transformation: the peri-urban fringes of Andalusia (Spain). We also show that multivariate analysis (both exploratory factorial analysis and cluster analysis) is highly adaptable for use in peri-urban areas in the region. The suitability of exploratory factor analysis is confirmed, as it allows an optimal factorial structure for the spatial microanalysis of urban sections, which are the smallest units with official statistical information in Spain. This is done in order to reduce a large number of indicators to four factors: youth and recent urban expansion, traditional rural society, suburban society and residential recreational function. On the other hand, the last step, the cluster analysis, identifies that the phenomenon of suburbanisation was relevant in the region but was not the majority in the whole of the peri-urban fringes at the beginning of the millennium. From the factorial score of these clusters, it is possible to know the level of intensity of suburbanisation at one of the moments when suburbanisation was at its peak in Andalusia (Spain), just before the Great Recession.

Impact of military activities and hostilities on the ecosystem services of the North-Western Black Sea coastal zone

Satisfaction of human needs for living environment and food, as well as level and quality of life, depend on ecosystem services. The article studies the main methodological principles of ecosystem services assessment for the coastal zone of the North-Westen Black Sea region. Reduction of opportunities for using the ecosystem services negatively reflects the growing anthropogenic impact on environmental components due to urbanization processes, development of industry, energy sector, transport, agricultural sector of the economy, etc. and, since February 2022, - due to military activities and hostilities. The research presents the main indicators used to assess the ecosystem services. Prior to the outbreak of hostilities, the environment of Odesa Oblast was subject to the highest anthropogenic pressure across the whole NWBS region. The forecast indicators of anthropogenic pressure on the components of the NWBS's environment for the next 10 years showed that, within Odesa Oblast, there was a trend towards increasing level of anthropogenic pressure for almost all components. As for Mykolaiv Oblast, an increasing load was predicted for air basin and water bodies, and as for Kherson Oblast – for air basin and soil and geological environment. The article considers the groups of ecosystem services and the factors reducing the possibility of their use as a result of ongoing military operations. Affected by military activities and hostilities, the possibilities of using the resource component of the ecosystem services are brought to minimum. Military activities and hostilities practically stopped the recreational and health function within the coastal zone of the NWBS region. The primary task is to determine the needs of local communities in terms of use of ecosystem services, to collect and summarize information on their condition, agree on methods for assessment of services for the NWBS region, and conduct such assessment. It is necessary to identify the ways to transition to the models of natural resource management across the coastal zone of the NWBS region, taking into account the decline in delivery of the ecosystem services due to both anthropogenic load and military activities and hostilities affecting environmental components.

Pollinators respond positively to urban green space enhancements using wild and ornamental flowers

Abstract Pollinator diversity and abundance are under direct threat from human activities. Despite societal dependence on pollinators for crop production, humankind continues to drive pollinator declines through agricultural intensification and urbanisation. Urban environments can provide refuge to some pollinators. There is a need, however, to understand how pollinator communities can be supported in these areas while also considering human needs. Public green spaces provide a promising avenue to target plant–pollinator conservation measures in an urban setting due to their large area, high abundance and low plant–pollinator biodiversity. We used a paired design to compare the plant community, pollinator community and plant–pollinator interactions of (i) public urban green spaces enhanced with wildflower meadows and pollinator‐friendly ornamental plantings to (ii) control unenhanced urban green spaces. The planting types within enhanced sites were also separately compared. Our results show that not only was the diversity of the overall pollinator community higher in enhanced than control sites, but also the complexity of some wild Hymenoptera and the abundance of Diptera pollinator groups. The negative impact of urbanisation on some pollinator groups was reduced in enhanced sites compared with control sites. Planting both pollinator‐friendly ornamental plants and wildflower meadows significantly increased the visits from Diptera and the diversity in the plant–pollinator community compared with wildflower plantings alone. Our results suggest that enhancing public spaces for pollinators has positive effects on key groups and can help mitigate the impacts of urbanisation. Non‐native ornamental plants can also play a role in enhancing green spaces for pollinators while maintaining their recreational functions. This supports a mixed‐planting approach for improving public green spaces in urban areas for both people and nature.

Associations between changes in leg extensor muscle power and physical function after supervised exercise in patients with hip osteoarthritis. Secondary analysis from the hip booster trial

ObjectiveTo investigate associations between changes in leg extensor muscle power of the affected limb (ΔLEP) and changes in physical function after 12 weeks of progressive resistance training (PRT) or neuromuscular exercise (NEMEX) in patients with hip osteoarthritis. DesignSecondary analyses of a randomized controlled trial. From 160 participants enrolled in the clinical trial and cluster randomized to PRT (n ​= ​82) or NEMEX (n ​= ​78), a total of 147 (92%) had complete follow-up data and were included in the analyses. Simple linear and multivariate linear regression models estimated the crude and adjusted associations between ΔLEP normalized to body weight (watt/kg) and changes in performance-based and patient-reported measures of physical function. ResultsAdjusted estimates [95% confidence intervals] showed associations between ΔLEP (watt/kg) and changes in 30-s chair stand test (β: 2.34 [1.33; 3.35], R2: 0.13), 9-step timed stair climb test (β: −1.47 [-2.09; −0.85], R2: 0.38), 40-m fast paced walking test (β: −2.20 [-3.30; −1.11], R2: 0.09), Activities of Daily Life function (β: 8.63 [3.16; 14.10], R2: 0.23) and Sport and Recreation function (β: 10.57 [2.32; 18.82], R2: 0.21) subscales from the Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcomes Score. Group allocation to PRT did not lead to greater regression coefficients than in NEMEX. ConclusionsChanges in leg extensor muscle power after supervised exercise are consistently associated with changes in physical function across performance-based and patient-reported measures in patients with hip osteoarthritis. These associations seem to be independent of allocation to PRT or NEMEX.

Landscape organization of the theme square "Vyshyvanka day" in Chernivtsi

Objects of the nature reserve fund, including parks-landscape art landmarks are the subject of protection. Besides scientific, they perform aesthetic, recreational, and educational functions. They are valuable not only as architectural ensembles but also for plants that have remained since the creation of the parks and have a centuries-old history. Such plants are entered into databases and their condition is monitored for a better understanding of the features of their development in modern microclimatic conditions. For research, a plant inventory is carried out, according to which the phytosanitary condition, quantitative, and species structure of plant elements of greened areas is assessed. Individual indicators must comply with the standards specified in the State Building Regulations. Phenological observations give an idea of the decorative features of plants throughout the year and the aesthetic condition of plants under certain environmental conditions. To know the relative age of woody plants, formulas consider the trunk circumference and the empirical coefficient of plants of each species. Analysis of scientific sources of information showed that the square was created in 1871. After the reconstruction in 2023, it has 19 locations, 17 of which involve plant compositions. The main compositional accent is the solitaire Fagus sylvatica L. in the central area of ​​the landscape object, which symbolizes Bukovyna. This is the only location that corresponds to the thematic concept of the square. According to the results of a comparative analysis of the species structure of woody plants, it was found that the removal of Robinia pseudoacacia L. and Hibiscus syriacus L. plants led to a decrease in the number of plants with decorative flowering, and Cotoneaster horisontalis Decne. with decorative fruiting. The removal of Buxus sempervirens L. is natural for Chernivtsi, as a large part of it is affected by Cydalima perspectalis Walker. To improve the artistic and decorative design of the territory of the square during the reconstruction, the addition of Fagus sylvatica L. 'Purpurea', Fagus sylvatica 'Purpurea Pendula' plants was carried out. Acer palmatum Thunb. and Paulownia tomentosa Steud. with decorative leaves. To improve the artistic and decorative design of the territory of the square during the reconstruction, the addition of Fagus sylvatica L. 'Purpurea', Fagus sylvatica 'Purpurea Pendula', Acer palmatum Thunb and Paulownia tomentosa Steud. with decorative leaves was carried out. As a result of the research, plant species approaching the age limit and requiring more careful care, conservation, and protection measures were identified. The obtained results will be useful for further monitoring and making proposals for improving the landscape organization of the square following its thematic concept and the norms defined by law for individual components of the space of similar objects.

Visual pollution in urban parks areas: a case study of Vorobyovy gory nature reserve in Moscow

The problems of negative ecological changes of Vorobyovy Gory Nature Reserve associated with visual pollution of its territory, which simultaneously performs environmental and recreational functions, were considered. In particular, two of its aspects were distinguished: information and light pollution. Their implications for the environment and humans were analyzed. The methods of quantitative assessment of these implications were given, the issues of objectivity of information pollution assessments were discussed. Based on instrumental measurements of light pollution, a map of its distribution on the territory of the nature reserve was made. The risks of visual pollution of this territory associated with the loss of its natural and cultural heritage were indicated. Ways of regulating visual pollution were proposed.