Recreational Habits Research Articles

Take a hike: Spatializing allemannsretten and transportation accessibility for outdoor recreation in the Greater Stavanger Region, Norway

ABSTRACT A special connection between people and their environment is legally recognized in Norway as Allemannsretten, the right to enjoy a large part of Norwegian nature. Scholarship on leisure mobility, spatial planning, and transport geography recognizes the intrinsic value of this spatial connection. As people travel for outdoor recreation, equitable access to recreation is a goal for just transport systems and must be achieved as these systems are digitalized and electrified for low-carbon transitions. The aim of the article is to identify the impact of transportation accessibility on outdoor recreation habits in the Greater Stavanger Region, Norway’s third-largest metropolitan region. With car-centric development since the 1970s and ambitious automobility-reduction targets, transportation accessibility for outdoor recreation is a key indicator of challenges to overcome in mobility transitions, yet features marginally in public debate. In focusing on popular outdoor day trips and based on multisited interviews with both car owners and non-owners, the authors identify oversights in accessibility, spatializing the issue of local destinations in relation to urban transport transition. They conclude that policymakers must address specific gaps to make transport systems desirable and inclusive, and that a spatial lens can be used to problematize and advance just low-carbon transitions.

The use of digital tools in forest tourism and recreation - Experiences from Warsaw agglomeration in Poland

Tourism and recreation in forest areas around large urban agglomerations are becoming increasingly important and pose major management challenges in terms of sustainability, environmental impact and balancing the needs of visitors with conservation efforts. Digital tools are critical to the planning and management of suburban forests as they improve data collection, enable efficient resource allocation and enhance the visitor experience through better navigation and information dissemination. The aim of our work was to find out whether people visiting urban and suburban forests in Warsaw consciously plan their visits to forest areas, what ICT tools they use during and after a forest visit, and whether they share their experiences related to forest recreation on social media after the visit. The research focused on urban and suburban forests in the Warsaw metropolitan area, Poland. Data on visitors’ characteristics, recreation habits and digital skills were collected in an online panel survey in November 2023 (n = 1413). The results showed that respondents most frequently visited forest areas around Warsaw 2–3 times a month and several times a year. The vast majority of respondents planned their visits directly on the day of the trip (34.96 %) and used their own knowledge and experience when planning their trip to the forest. More than half of respondents (69 %) stated that they use various types of digital tools when visiting forest areas, most commonly smartphones with GPS functionality. Most respondents stated that they had advanced (43.38 %) or at least advanced (32.06 %) knowledge of using digital tools. 39.49 % of respondents stated that they do not use the internet to share information about their forest visits. The research results presented in the sentence indicate the complexity of using digital tools in the management of outdoor recreation and tourism. On the one hand, our research clearly shows that digital tools are an integral part of modern outdoor recreation and tourism management and provide valuable insights, on the other hand, most respondents planned their visits directly on the day of departure, relying mainly on their own knowledge and experience, rather than on digital tools. This knowledge can be used to develop forest management strategies, environmental education, monitoring tourist flows and promoting responsible recreation worldwide. Further research is needed to analyse the use of digital tools in digital forest recreation.

α-Pyrrolidinohexanophenone (α-PHP) and α-Pyrrolidinoisohexanophenone (α-PiHP): A Review.

New Psychoactive Substances are currently a serious and growing problem affecting public health worldwide. By 2022, 1184 of these substances had been identified over a period of 16 years. Within these, α-pyrrolidinohexanophenone (α-PHP) and α-pyrrolidinoisohexanophenone (α-PiHP) have emerged, two synthetic cathinones from the pyrovalerone derivates subgroup that are positional isomers of each other. Alpha-PHP appeared on the Japanese illicit drug market in 2014 and, two years later, α-PiHP was identified for the first time in China. They were placed in schedule II on the list of Psychotropic Substances under International Control in 2020 and in March 2023, respectively. Both cathinones have no therapeutic potential for medical use and therefore are abused for recreational habits, which can lead to fatalities. The most frequent adverse effects reported are cardiac, psychiatric, and neurologic, and fatal intoxications have already been described. In Portugal, their consumption and consequent seizures are more prevalent on the archipelagos, which has been aggravating the health situation. In conclusion, these types of substances are a challenge for forensic toxicology since they are easily synthesized, modified, and placed on the market. Therefore, more studies to develop analytical methods to detect them and more comprehensive legislation should be applied. Thus, this review aimed to address the legislative, physicochemical, toxicological, and analytical aspects of both substances.

Parenting desire among men who have sex with men in a heteronormative context.

The desire for parenthood in the LGBT+ community is still a matter of critical debate worldwide. We aimed to (i) analyse the prevalence of desire for fatherhood in a cohort of white-European sexually active men who have sex with men and (ii) explore the characteristics of men who have sex with men with respect to those without the desire for fatherhood. An anonymous self-compiled survey with 23 closed socio-demographic general questions, one section aimed to assess medical history and recreational habits and two sections devoted to investigate genital and sexual health, was provided to each participant. Likewise, all participants were invited to complete a number of questionnaires, including the Male Sexual Health Questionnaire and the Beck Inventory for Depression. Of 191 men who have sex with men white-European participants who eventually completed the survey, 112 (58.6%) clearly expressed their desire for fatherhood. Of all, the wish to become a parent was strong in 99 (51.8%) individuals and higher in younger participants (35 [28-46] vs. 43 [32-50] years, p=0.01). No other significant differences in terms of educational level and relational status were identified between the two groups. Of all, the wish to become a parent was strong in 99 (51.8%) individuals and higher in younger participants (35 [28-46] vs. 43 [32-50] years, p=0.01). Current preliminary findings highlight that more than one in two men who have sex with men has a desire for fatherhood, with almost 81% of all having a high desire for fathering, which is clearly more intense in younger men.

Alcohol and Drug Consumption among Drivers before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Observational Study

Restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic might have changed recreational habits. In this study, the results of toxicological tests for alcohol and drugs in blood were compared among drivers stopped at roadside checks in the periods before (1 January 2018 to 8 March 2020) and after the lockdown measures (9 March 2020 to 31 December 2021). A total of 123 (20.7%) subjects had a blood alcohol level above the legal limit for driving of 0.5 g/l, 21 (3.9%) subjects tested positive for cocaine, and 29 (5.4%) subjects positive for cannabis. In the COVID-19 period, the mean blood alcohol level was significantly higher than in the previous period. Cannabis use, which was more frequent among younger subjects, was statistically associated with cocaine use. There has also been a quantitative increase in alcohol levels in the population with values above the legal limits, indicative of greater use of alcohol in the population predisposed to its intake.

Outdoor Recreation Habits of People in Latvia: General Trends, and Changes during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Outdoor recreation opportunities are crucial for sustaining people’s physical and mental health, and forests are important recreational venues in Europe, especially in its northern part. Our study sought to characterise outdoor recreation patterns and their changes in Latvia due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted a representative population survey with public participatory GIS elements that allowed the respondents to map their favoured recreation destinations. Our results revealed increased visitor numbers to nature areas during COVID-19. The main stated psychosocial factors behind the increased frequency of nature visits are health benefits and lower perceived risks in the context of the pandemic. Forests as areas simultaneously providing multiple ecosystem services have significant importance in providing space for outdoor recreation. Outdoor recreation hotspots concentrate around major urban areas and in some of the largest and most popular nature areas.

Selecting patients for penile doppler ultrasound in clinical practice

ABSTRACT Introduction The routine use of dynamic duplex ultrasound of the penis (DDUP) to detect vasculogenic erectile dysfunction (V-ED) has been questioned because of a related patient’ discomfort and costs issues. Objective to investigate clinical factors which could guide the physician in selecting candidates for DDUP in routine practice. Methods Data were collected for 119 patients with ED who underwent DDUP regardless of their clinical history, to rule out V-ED at a single centre. Baseline data included: age, comorbidities (as scored with the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI)), BMI, recreational habits and the International Index of Erectile Function–6 (IIEF-6). DDUP was performed after intracavernous injection of alprostadil 20 ug and self sexual stimulation. V-ED was defined as a peak systolic velocity (PSV)<30 cm/s ± end diastolic velocity (EDV) of >3 cm/s and a resistance index (RI)<0.8. Logistic regression analysis tested clinical predictors of V-ED. The accuracy of the predictive model was assessed and decision curve analyses (DCA) tested their clinical benefit. Results Median (IQR) age was 54(43-60) years and IIEF-6 was 15(8-21). Of 119, 44 (37%) patients had comorbidities (CCI≥1), with cardiovascular disease (CVDs) and diabetes in 13(11%) and 16(14%) patients. Of all, 18(15%) patients were current smokers and 58(49%) had no regular physical activity. At DDUP, median right and left PSV were 36.7(25.7-43.9) and 36.1(25.3-44.9) cm/s. V-ED was detected in 50(42%) patients. Age (OR:1.05;95%CI 1.01–1.08; p=0.004) and smoking history (OR:3.33; 95%CI 1.13–9.8; p=0.02) were associated with a higher risk of V-ED, while physical activity was a protective factor (OR:0.43; 95%CI:0.20-091; p=0.03). Conversely, BMI, IIEF-6, CVDs, diabetes and CCI were not associated with V-ED. The model including age, smoking and physical activity had a fine accuracy to predict V-ED (AUC:0.70;95%CI:0.60- 0.79). At DCA (fig 1), the use of those clinical factors to select candidates for DDUP would result in the best clinical strategy if a threshold risk of V-ED≥35% is considered as a reasonable value to trigger the investigation. Conclusions Clinical factors including age and lifestyle habits could be used in the everyday clinical practice to better select patients for DDUP, if the use of this test is considered clinically reasonable for patients with ≥35% risk of V-ED. Disclosure Work supported by industry: no.

Generational approaches to climate change with special regard to tourism and recreational habits - Results of a Hungarian survey

AbstractAlthough the issue of the coronavirus pandemic has temporarily overridden discussions on the impacts of climate change on tourism, they have not lost their relevance at all. The exposure of the tourism industry to these effects is indisputable. This study, conducted in 2019–2020, examined the perceptible impacts of climate change that generate further changes, and the issue of climate adaptation involving certain supply-side players in the tourism sector at the local and regional levels. In the questionnaire used to explore the topic, questions were asked about a number of perceptible phenomena and their effects on everyday life, recreational habits, and adaptation. The quantitative surveys involved 1,615 respondents from the Transdanubian region of Hungary (NUTS1/HU2). The results of the research clearly confirm that the problem of climate change is no longer a concern only for scientists, and although the different generations perceive and evaluate the phenomenon differently in many cases, it increasingly affects people’s everyday lives and recreational habits. The perceived effects experienced by the respondents clearly influence the enjoyment of certain tourism product groups (beach holidays, hiking, attending open-air events) and the comfort and satisfaction experienced by individuals.

COVID-19-INDUCED CHANGES IN OUTDOOR RECREATION HABITS IN LATVIA DURING WINTER HOLIDAY SEASON OF 2020/2021

In Latvia, with 53% of forest cover, many forest areas are favoured destinations for outdoor recreation in every season. Winter holiday season of 2020/2021 in Latvia coincided with strict lockdowns when normal everyday routines of most people were significantly disrupted due to COVID-19 pandemic, that likely changed outdoor recreation habits of people in scale, frequency and temporal distribution. Therefore, in the beginning of 2021, based on a representative sample of inhabitants of Latvia, we conducted a survey with questions pertaining to winter outdoor forest-related activities in general, as well as several traditional and popular activities that people often conduct specifically in Christmas and New Year holiday season, like collecting of Christmas trees in the forest, feeding wild animals, collecting materials for house decorations. These activities are often pursued together with friends and family, thus providing also socialization opportunities, an important aspect during lockdowns. The paper presents results concerning the frequency of forest visits, compared to pre-COVID-19 situation, the types of recreational areas favoured, as well as the observed changes in these areas.

Is There a Relevant Clinical Impact in Differentiating Idiopathic versus Unexplained Male Infertility?

Overall, male factor infertility (MFI) accounts for up to 50% of etiologies of couple's infertility, with almost 30% of MFI cases being idiopathic in nature. Idiopathic MFI does not support a tailored treatment work-up in clinical practice. To investigate rates of and characteristics of men presenting for idiopathic versus unexplained primary infertility as compared with same-ethnicity, age-comparable fertile men. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data from 3,098 primary infertile men consecutively evaluated were analyzed and compared with those of 103 fertile controls. Idiopathic male infertility (IMI) was defined for abnormality at semen analysis with no previous history of diseases affecting fertility and normal findings on physical examination and genetic and laboratory testing. Unexplained male infertility (UMI) was defined as infertility of unknown origin with completely normal findings at semen analysis. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression models tested the association between clinical variables and idiopathic infertility status. Overall, 570 (18.5%) and 154 (5.0%) patients depicted criteria suggestive for either IMI or UMI, respectively. Groups were similar in terms of age, BMI, CCI, recreational habits, hormonal milieu, and sperm DNA fragmentation indexes. Conversely, testicular volume was lower in IMI (p<0.001). Vitamin D3 levels were lower in IMI vs. UMI vs. fertile controls (p=0.01). At multivariable logistic regression analysis only vitamin D3 deficiency (OR, 9.67; p=0.03) was associated with IMI. Characteristics suggestive for IMI versus UMI were observed in almost 20% and 5% of men, respectively. Overall, clinical differences between groups were slightly significant and certainly not supportive of a tailored management work-up. Current findings further support the urgent need of a more detailed and comprehensive assessment of infertile men to better tailoring their management work-up in the everyday clinical setting.

“Thief in the Name of Kidd”: Unscrupulous Opportunism and Cheap Print in Late Regency London

William Kidd saw himself as a struggling small publisher of illustrated books operating during the 1830s in a marketplace that favoured large scale firms. His response to his perceived disadvantages was twofold. In seeking to reach a rapidly expanding cohort of leisure-based readers, Kidd deployed aggressive marketing policies that frequently sailed close to the law and generated considerable controversy. He was also less than honest about just who had written or illustrated his books. At the same time, he initiated new genres of relatively cheap illustrated publications based on the recreational interest and habits of an emerging lower middle class and artisan reading public. In particular, he took advantage of the wood engraving as a cheap reprographic medium, and employed highly capable draughtsmen such as Robert Cruikshank, Robert Seymour and George Bonner to illustrate his books and pamphlets. His pocket guides to British seaside resorts, his development of the illustrated reprints known as jeu d’esprit or Facetiae and his packaging up of sayings, mottos and nuggets of information into small format gatherings all show a lively minded and innovative response to the rapidly changing literary marketplace. Kidd’s career suggests both the legally chaotic nature of the literary marketplace and the entrepreneurial opportunities offered to a shrewd if unscrupulous publisher in late Regency London.

Secondary polycythaemia with elevated carbon monoxide levels due to hookah pipe smoking: A public health concern.

Hookah pipe (HP) smoking is perceived as a harmless activity, enjoyed by young adults and high school-going children. Awareness of the health impact of recreational habits, and their intersection with new social norms in the COVID-era, requires critical review. We describe a case series of young HP smokers presenting with secondary polycythaemia with significant clinical sequelae necessitating extensive work-up. HP smoking may lead to acute and chronic carbon monoxide intoxication, with resultant secondary polycythaemia and complications including provoked thrombosis.

MP27-19 SELECTING PATIENTS FOR PENILE DOPPLER ULTRASOUND IN CLINICAL PRACTICE

You have accessJournal of UrologySexual Function/Dysfunction: Evaluation I (MP27)1 Sep 2021MP27-19 SELECTING PATIENTS FOR PENILE DOPPLER ULTRASOUND IN CLINICAL PRACTICE Paolo Capogrosso, Luigi Candela, Antonio Costa, Walter Cazzaniga, Giuseppe Fallara, Daniele Cignoli, Luca Boeri, Gianmarco Colandrea, Nicolò Schifano, Julian Cornelius, Costantino Abbate, Federico Dehò, Agostino Mattei, Francesco Montorsi, and Andrea Salonia Paolo CapogrossoPaolo Capogrosso More articles by this author , Luigi CandelaLuigi Candela More articles by this author , Antonio CostaAntonio Costa More articles by this author , Walter CazzanigaWalter Cazzaniga More articles by this author , Giuseppe FallaraGiuseppe Fallara More articles by this author , Daniele CignoliDaniele Cignoli More articles by this author , Luca BoeriLuca Boeri More articles by this author , Gianmarco ColandreaGianmarco Colandrea More articles by this author , Nicolò SchifanoNicolò Schifano More articles by this author , Julian CorneliusJulian Cornelius More articles by this author , Costantino AbbateCostantino Abbate More articles by this author , Federico DehòFederico Dehò More articles by this author , Agostino MatteiAgostino Mattei More articles by this author , Francesco MontorsiFrancesco Montorsi More articles by this author , and Andrea SaloniaAndrea Salonia More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000002024.19AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The routine use of dynamic duplex ultrasound of the penis (DDUP) to detect vasculogenic erectile dysfunction (V-ED) has been questioned because of a related patient’ discomfort and costs issues. We investigated clinical factors which could guide the physician in selecting candidates for DDUP in routine practice. METHODS: Data were collected for 119 patients with ED who underwent DDUP regardless of their clinical history, to rule out V-ED at a single centre. Baseline data included: age, comorbidities (as scored with the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI)), BMI, recreational habits and the International Index of Erectile Function–6 (IIEF-6). DDUP was performed after intracavernous injection of alprostadil 20 ug and self sexual stimulation. V-ED was defined as a peak systolic velocity (PSV)<30 cm/s ± end diastolic velocity (EDV) of >3 cm/s and a resistance index (RI)<0.8. Logistic regression analysis tested clinical predictors of V-ED. The accuracy of the predictive model was assessed and decision curve analyses (DCA) tested their clinical benefit. RESULTS: Median (IQR) age was 54 (43-60) years and IIEF-6 was 15(8-21). Of 119, 44 (37%) patients had comorbidities (CCI>=1), with cardiovascular disease (CVDs) and diabetes in 13(11%) and 16(14%) patients. Of all, 18(15%) patients were current smokers and 58(49%) had no regular physical activity. At DDUP, median right and left PSV were 36.7 (25.7-43.9) and 36.1 (25.3-44.9) cm/s. V-ED was detected in 50(42%) patients. Age (OR:1.05;95%CI 1.01–1.08; p=0.004) and smoking history (OR:3.33; 95%CI 1.13–9.8; p=0.02) were associated with a higher risk of V-ED, while physical activity was a protective factor (OR:0.43; 95%CI:0.20–091; p=0.03). Conversely, BMI, IIEF-6, CVDs, diabetes and CCI were not associated with V-ED. The model including age, smoking and physical activity had a fine accuracy to predict V-ED (AUC:0.70;95%CI:0.60–0.79). At DCA (fig. 1), the use of those clinical factors to select candidates for DDUP would result in the best clinical strategy if a threshold risk of V-ED>=35% is considered as a reasonable value to trigger the investigation. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical factors including age and lifestyle habits could be used in the everyday clinical practice to better select patients for DDUP, if the use of this test is considered clinically reasonable for patients with >=35% risk of V-ED. Source of Funding: None © 2021 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 206Issue Supplement 3September 2021Page: e479-e479 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2021 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Paolo Capogrosso More articles by this author Luigi Candela More articles by this author Antonio Costa More articles by this author Walter Cazzaniga More articles by this author Giuseppe Fallara More articles by this author Daniele Cignoli More articles by this author Luca Boeri More articles by this author Gianmarco Colandrea More articles by this author Nicolò Schifano More articles by this author Julian Cornelius More articles by this author Costantino Abbate More articles by this author Federico Dehò More articles by this author Agostino Mattei More articles by this author Francesco Montorsi More articles by this author Andrea Salonia More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Loading ...

PD29-06 MALE LIFESTYLE AND PATHOLOGICAL CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH COUPLE INFERTILITY IN A REFERRAL CENTER IN ITALY: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY OF 13452 MALE PATIENTS

You have accessJournal of UrologyInfertility: Epidemiology & Evaluation II (PD29)1 Sep 2021PD29-06 MALE LIFESTYLE AND PATHOLOGICAL CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH COUPLE INFERTILITY IN A REFERRAL CENTER IN ITALY: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY OF 13452 MALE PATIENTS Serena Maruccia, Luca Boeri, Mario Mignini Renzini, Mariabeatrice Dal Canto, Josè Buratini, Lucia Maragno, Paolo Spiga, and Stefano Casellato Serena MarucciaSerena Maruccia More articles by this author , Luca BoeriLuca Boeri More articles by this author , Mario Mignini RenziniMario Mignini Renzini More articles by this author , Mariabeatrice Dal CantoMariabeatrice Dal Canto More articles by this author , Josè BuratiniJosè Buratini More articles by this author , Lucia MaragnoLucia Maragno More articles by this author , Paolo SpigaPaolo Spiga More articles by this author , and Stefano CasellatoStefano Casellato More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000002030.06AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Current literature suggests an association between male infertility and a wide range of other comorbid conditions, ranging from oncologic, cardiovascular, autoimmune, and metabolic disorders. The exact nature of this association remains somewhat unclear, although hypothesized mechanisms include genetic, developmental, and lifestyle-based factors. The purpose of the present study is to survey the data of a group of 13452 male patients who referred to an infertility clinic in Italy and to investigate the relationship between couple infertility and overall male health METHODS: We analysed data from 13452 male patients seeking medical help for couple infertility at a single referral center between 01/2013 and 12/2019. Sociodemographic data, lifestyle and recreational habits were collected. The WHO 2010 referral criteria were used to categorized semen parameters as pathological or normal. Descriptive statistics was applied to describe the whole cohort RESULTS: The median age was 41.5 years (95% CI ±0,09). Above all, 8209 (61.0%) men had pathological semen parameters (any type), while 5243 (39.0%) individuals reported normal semen parameters. Among patients with pathological semen analysis, 3666 (44.6%) men had a sperm concentration <15mln/ml, 3689 (44.9%) had a total sperm count <39 mln, 4695 (57.1%) had a motility <32% and 6764 (82,3%) men had a normal morphology <4%. In terms of health comorbidities, patient’s with abnormal semen parameters more frequently reported a history of hypertension [941 (11.4%) vs. 234 (4.4%)], diabetes mellitus [804 (9.7%) vs. 178 (3.3%)] and cardiovascular diseases [613 (7.4%) vs. 160 (3.0%)], than those with normal semen analysis (all p<0.001). Testis cancer was more frequently found in men with abnormal semen parameters [140 (1.7%) vs. 24 (0,4%), p<0.001]. Men with impaired semen parameters were more frequently active smokers [3336 (40.6%) vs. 764 (14.5%)] and alcohol consumers [208 (2.5%) vs. 15 (0.2%)] than those with normal semen parameters (all p<0.001) while the use of substances of abuse was similar among groups. A history of allergic diseases was more frequently found in men with impaired semen analysis [2031 (24.7%) vs. 477 (9.0%); p<0.001]. Overall, 1091 IUI, 7443 ICSI and 1348 FIVET were performed CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that oncologic, cardiovascular, metabolic and allergic diseases are more frequent in infertile men with impaired semen analysis than in those with normal semen parameters. Additional research is required to clarify the relationship between couple infertility and overall men’s health Source of Funding: none © 2021 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 206Issue Supplement 3September 2021Page: e528-e529 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2021 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Serena Maruccia More articles by this author Luca Boeri More articles by this author Mario Mignini Renzini More articles by this author Mariabeatrice Dal Canto More articles by this author Josè Buratini More articles by this author Lucia Maragno More articles by this author Paolo Spiga More articles by this author Stefano Casellato More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Loading ...

Travel-cost method for assessing the monetary value of recreational services in the Ömerli Catchment

Urban catchments in Istanbul, such as the Ömerli Catchment, are expected to receive more visitors in the future due to an increase in population, long-term recreational habits, and an insufficient amount of urban green spaces in the metropolitan area. Therefore, estimating the recreation's monetary value is crucial for developing sustainable spatial strategies for urban catchments that take cultural services and provisionary services into account. Although the Ömerli Catchment is a popular location for inhabitants' recreational demands, the previous studies primarily focused on provisioning and regulating services in the catchment. This study investigates the recreational potential and monetary value of this catchment using the random utility travel-cost method. We found that recreational visits depended on three significant factors: visitors' recreational habits, satisfaction and experience with nature, and urban environment. We also found that the consumer surplus is eight times greater than the average travel cost per person per year. This result shows visitors gain greater benefits from recreational visits than their cost to visit the catchment. We hope that decision-makers and practitioners will benefit from the results while developing spatial planning policies by considering urban catchments' recreational potentials.

O-151 Detailed characterization of infertile men with idiopathic versus unexplained infertility: a single-center experience

Abstract Study question We aimed to investigate the rate of and the clinical characteristics of men with idiopathic versus unexplained infertility from a cohort of white-European men. Summary answer Approximately 20% and 5% of men evaluated for primary couple’s infertility depicted characteristics suggestive for idiopathic and unexplained infertility, respectively. What is known already Male factor infertility (MFI) can be associated with clinical, hormonal and genetic diseases, but MFI is idiopathic in almost 30% of cases. Study design, size, duration Data from 3098 infertile men (according to WHO definition) consecutively evaluated between 2003-2020 at a single academic centre were analysed and compared with those of 103 fertile controls. Health-significant comorbidities were scored with the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). Idiopathic infertility was defined for pathological semen analysis but normal physical examination and endocrine, genetic and biochemical laboratory testing. Unexplained infertility is defined as infertility of unknown origin with normal sperm parameters. Participants/materials, setting, methods Testicular volume (TV) was assessed with a Prader’s orchidometer. Serum hormones and sperm DNA fragmentation index (SDF) were measured in every patient. Vitamin D3 (VitD) deficiency was considered for vitD levels &amp;lt;20 ng/mL. Semen analyses were based on the 2010 WHO reference criteria. Health-significant comorbidities were scored with the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). Main results and the role of chance Overall, 570 (18.5%) and 154 (5.0%) patients depicted criteria suggestive for either idiopathic or unexplained primary infertility, respectively. Groups were similar in terms of age, BMI, CCI, recreational habits, circulating serum hormones and SDF. Testicular volume was lower in men with idiopathic vs. unexplained infertility [median (IQR) 20 (15-25) vs. 20 (17-25); p &amp;lt; 0.001]; more idiopathic than unexplained infertile men depicted TV &amp;lt; 15ml (23.4% vs. 12%; p &amp;lt; 0.01). Similarly, vitD levels were lower [22 (17-28) vs. 27 (21-42) ng/mL; p &amp;lt; 0.001] in idiopathic vs. unexplained infertile men, with a higher rate of pathologic VitD levels in the same group (42.1% vs. 10%; p = 0.04). When compared to fertile controls, groups were similar in terms of age, BMI, CCI and serum hormones values. TV was larger in fertile controls than idiopathic and unexplained infertile men (all p &amp;lt; 0.01). At multivariable logistic regression analysis only vitD deficiency (OR 8.1, p = 0.03) was found to be associated with idiopathic infertility after accounting for age, BMI, testosterone values and TV. Limitations, reasons for caution The small number of fertile controls may raise the possibility of biases. Wider implications of the findings Idiopathic and unexplained infertility were identified in approximately 20% and 5% of men evaluated, respectively. Idiopathic infertile men showed lower TV and lower vitD values compared to men with unexplained infertility. Future studies are needed to develop a more tailored management to these difficult MFI cases. Trial registration number .

Human Capital Accumulation and Entrepreneurial Spirit of Migrants Returns in Cilacap Regency, Central Java Province

Returning migrants generally have a high dependence on working abroad because remittances are used for consumptive and investment needs. Therefore, it is necessary to explore the accumulation of human capital and its entrepreneurial spirit. Because of that, the purpose of this study is to explain the influence of social demographic factors of returning migrants in improving their household welfare and to explain the use of human capital and entrepreneurial spirit of migrants return to improving household welfare. This study used survey and case studies design. The research was conducted in Cilacap Regency. The sample size was determined using the Krejcie and Morgan technique. Data collection used structured interviews, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions. Data analysis used descriptive statistical analysis, single frequency distribution table and qualitative descriptive analysis. The results of the study show that migrants return to accumulate human capital (knowledge, skills, and technology in agriculture and domestic work, skills in using foreign languages, use of free time for online business, and recreational habits on holidays. In general, returning migrants have a high entrepreneurial spirit, mainly in the form of innovation, the courage to take risks, perceptions of opportunities, and intuition related to entrepreneurship.

PNS5 Leisure Trends and Recreational Habits Among Undergraduate Students

PNS5 Leisure Trends and Recreational Habits Among Undergraduate Students

Organized recreational fishing in school, knowledge about nature and influence on outdoor recreation habits

In this study we have investigated the effectiveness of a one day school-based intervention with recreational fishing (in Swedish called Klassdraget) in increasing environmental awareness, interest in nature and recreational fishing in pupils aged between 8 and 12. Our results suggest a weak positive association between exposure to natural environments in a recreational fishing context and interest in nature and recreational fishing. We found the intervention to have no effect on the frequency of fishing, interest in fishing more, or number of visits in nature during spare time. Knowledge about nature and possibly also environmental awareness are positively affected and these effects can be traced as long as three years after the intervention. Our findings also reveal a low correlation between frequency of nature visits and self-reported interest in nature. The observed effects of Klassdraget are small but appear to be larger for girls, who are traditionally less interested in recreational fishing when compared with boys.

Una peseta para el teatro y en el pecho una flor para escuchar la retreta: entretenimientos de la sociedad griega en la primera mitad del siglo XX, Costa Rica

Este artículo analiza cómo ente 1920 y 1960 la comunidad griega disfrutó su tiempo libre a través de la música, los bailes, el teatro y los clubes sociales. Se explica de qué manera la conformación de un espacio social más urbanizado facilitó la apropiación de expresiones de ocio y hábitos de esparcimiento semejantes a las practicadas por la burguesía josefina. El estudio se basa en información del Archivo Nacional, actas municipales, periódicos, fuentes orales y documentación fotográfica.