Contemporary villages of the mountain region are subject to uncontrolled structural and spatial transformations,which cause deformation of centuries-old spatial systems of high cultural and natural value.The aim of th...Contemporary villages of the mountain region are subject to uncontrolled structural and spatial transformations,which cause deformation of centuries-old spatial systems of high cultural and natural value.The aim of the study is to confront the opinions of the inhabitants and experts regarding the condition of the cultural landscape of the villages in south-eastern Poland.This area belongs to the Carpathian region of Central Europe.The historical and economic conditions of the studied region,related to the functioning in the post-war period,and then its breakdown and the development of the free market economy,constitute an interesting background for the proposed research.Local communities still remembering the period of difficulties related to the period of systemic transformations,are currently experiencing a relative prosperity,many difficulties related to the period of systemic transformations,are currently experiencing a relative prosperity,which is also expressed in a completely new,previously unknown way of managing the landscape.Investments implemented in villages are associated by the inhabitants with the improvement of the standards and quality of life.They assess them rather positively.An expert assessment of these landscape transformations indicates their negative dimension and the risk of losing timeless values.The discrepancy in the assessment of experts and local residents creates difficulties in the protection of the rural landscape.Therefore,high-quality visual landscape features among rural residents is necessary from the point of view of its multi-faceted and effective protection.Local initiatives and actions in the field of industry policy should play a significant role in this respect by consolidating the images of a harmonious landscape in the public awareness.展开更多
Natural, protected areas offer many possibili- ties for recreation in rural areas such as camping, one of the most popular activities. The system established for pro- tected areas in Turkey aims to provide a foundatio...Natural, protected areas offer many possibili- ties for recreation in rural areas such as camping, one of the most popular activities. The system established for pro- tected areas in Turkey aims to provide a foundation for conserving areas for recreation. One such area, Abant Natural Park, is convenient for visits from Turkey＇s two most populated metropolitan areas, Istanbul and Ankara. It also attracts tourists from other regions and countries. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the vegetation loss and land cover changes due to picnic/camping, transhu- mance, and construction over 40 years （1966-2004） in the park using data on visitor numbers, vegetation patches, corridors and connectivity. For evaluating landscape vari- ables, remote sensing data and aerial photos were used. When aerial photos were imported into the ERDAS Imagine program, ground control points identified, and individual images orthorectified, land degradation was not found in the use of camping areas. Moreover, manmade areas （road, car park and hotel） observably increased, thus decreasing the forest lands. The findings show that the land use types that have had the greatest ecological impact are transhumance and construction of hotels, which also require infrastructure development. The intensity of the ecological effects mandates precautions to lessen the impacts and the need for continuing assessment to ensure sustainable use of the area.展开更多
This research provides an exploration of a biomimetic approach in the process of designing a candelabra model using linear shaped leaves of a Bell flower.The design process described in this research contains two step...This research provides an exploration of a biomimetic approach in the process of designing a candelabra model using linear shaped leaves of a Bell flower.The design process described in this research contains two steps:biological and geometrical.In the first biological step,a proper model for the creation of an urban element was found from nature in a Bell flower(Campanula persicifolia L.).The upper leaves of the selected plant,which are small with a linear spear and sharpening at the top,were chosen for the modeling process.The second step included applying two geometrical methods,i.e.,Voronoi diagrams and Delaunay triangulation.A geometrical leaf form of the selected plant species and the modeling process were obtained using aparametric modeling software,Blender.Using different Blender plug-ins and modifiers,Delaunay triangulation and Voronoi diagram were implemented by marking the starting points on the leaf form in the image data source,adjusting the Delaunay triangulation parameters,and creating Voronoi diagrams in which the Voronoi points were located at the shortest distance from the edges of the Voronoi polygon.Consequently,a three dimensional model of a candelabra was developed through this study.展开更多
Evaluating the transition of landscape can understand that ecosystem processes are being influenced by disturbance.For this reason,it is essential that using appropriate mapping techniques and quantitative methods to ...Evaluating the transition of landscape can understand that ecosystem processes are being influenced by disturbance.For this reason,it is essential that using appropriate mapping techniques and quantitative methods to assess landscape condition within different disturbance regimes.Landscape metrics were calculated for segmented areas of homogeneous land use in watershed to allow understanding and characterization of ecosystem.Chen-yu-lan watershed,located in the central of Taiwan,is a sensitivity area for disaster such as earthquakes and typhoons.In this study we focus on how the natural disaster affect landscape pattern.The study shows that landscape metrics can measure the effect of typhoon and earthquake disturbance regime.The analysis shows that evaluating landscape transition can contribute more detailed information for managing ecosystem.展开更多
Compared to burn interiors, edges exhibit distinct biotic and abiotic conditions that include microclimate, wind speed, sunlight levels, soil composition, moisture content, nutrient availability, population density, a...Compared to burn interiors, edges exhibit distinct biotic and abiotic conditions that include microclimate, wind speed, sunlight levels, soil composition, moisture content, nutrient availability, population density, and species diversity. This study characterized the landscapes in which burned forest edges formed in Samcheok, Korea. Over the study area, 500-m2 grid cells were generated to capture landscape characteristics. Grid cells intersecting burn boundary lines were designated as edge, while cells without these lines were classified as the interior of burned areas. Topographic variables including slope, elevation, topographic wetness index, solar radiation index, and proportions of fuel and land use types within grid cells were computed in a geographical information system(GIS). Correlation analysis with modified t-test and regression tree analysis were performed to explore the influences of landscape variables on edge formation with avoiding spatial autocorrelation problems. The results indicated that edges formed at low elevations with mild slopes, high topographic wetness, and low solar radiation. Edges were unlikely to form in areas dominated by Japanese red pines at low elevations. Moreover, heterogeneous land use/cover types contributed significantly to edge formation. Different forest management strategies for different landscape conditions can be more effective for enhancing resilience of forests to fire. Reducing susceptible fuel types might be effective at low elevations, while enhancing forest heterogeneity might be more effective at high elevations.展开更多
Landscape design and greening quality of the median strip on multi-lane highway are the most important parts of the visual impact factor. Using ornamental plants to create a comfortable greening scene on the median st...Landscape design and greening quality of the median strip on multi-lane highway are the most important parts of the visual impact factor. Using ornamental plants to create a comfortable greening scene on the median strip, can effectively prevent glare and improve the road driving environment. The paper studied and analysed the median strip greening status and the driving environment problems of Suibei highway in north China. On the basis of local environmental conditions, the research selected suitable landscape species to form well-proportioned landscape scenes for this highway median strip. Three sets of reference landscape configuration modes were designed for improving the median strip of Suibei highway based on the recommended landscaping plants in this paper.展开更多
Chicago Millennium Park is a place where "post-modern architecture" concentrates, Cloud Gate, Crown Fountain and Jay Pritzker Music Pavilion are three representative post-modern architectures in the park. Mi...Chicago Millennium Park is a place where "post-modern architecture" concentrates, Cloud Gate, Crown Fountain and Jay Pritzker Music Pavilion are three representative post-modern architectures in the park. Millennium Park is an urban public space of Chicago City, its design concepts such as resource sharing and adaptation to local conditions are worth learning.展开更多
People inherently assess landscapes by creating spontaneous aesthetic liking judgments based on the surrounding stimuli.To understand these judgements objectively,use may be made of the fluency theory of aesthetic ple...People inherently assess landscapes by creating spontaneous aesthetic liking judgments based on the surrounding stimuli.To understand these judgements objectively,use may be made of the fluency theory of aesthetic pleasure(the psychological processes through which people experience beauty).This study aims to predict people’s visual aesthetic preferences based on fluency theory and to correlate these preferences with landscape types and features.An ordinary least squares(OLS)regression model was developed to predict visual aesthetic liking,using image statistics as explanatory variables.We determined types of landscape using Landscape Character Assessment(LCA)and applied viewshed analyses distinguishing between near,medium,and far zones.We identified landscape features by content analysis making use of machine learning-based image recognition supplied by Google Cloud Vision API.The results show that vegetation and geological forms were the most significant features for people’s visual aesthetic liking,followed by waterscapes and built structures/human settlements.The viewshed analyses indicated that‘medium-altitude,low-gradient artificial areas’were visible in photographs with high aesthetic visual liking in all zones(i.e.,at all distances).When the photographs showing this type of landscape are examined,the artificial areas in the photographs turn out to consist mostly of historical buildings or remains.This finding suggests that historical sites are not just important for their cultural value,but for their visual aesthetic value as well.展开更多
With the further deepening of rural revitalization strategies,rural construction and development has been attracting increasing attention,on this basis rural health-caring tourism has developed.This research,by follow...With the further deepening of rural revitalization strategies,rural construction and development has been attracting increasing attention,on this basis rural health-caring tourism has developed.This research,by following ecological and human-centered principles,adopted the renovation planning of Dacun Village,Fengcun Town in Deqing County,Zhaoqing City,tried to build Dacun Village into a rural healthcaring base that integrates the functions of serving for the aged,recreation,living,health care,tourism and vacation,and provided a new development mode uniting health care with rural tourism.展开更多
Open and green spaces are essential elements of cities.With the COVID epidemic,the importance of the need for open and green spaces in urban areas has become more understood.The aim of this study is to create a new an...Open and green spaces are essential elements of cities.With the COVID epidemic,the importance of the need for open and green spaces in urban areas has become more understood.The aim of this study is to create a new and contemporary square in the working area where the current use and traffic create chaos,to add a new square to the open and green areas in Ankara(Turkey)and to create a connection between this area and the existing open and green areas.At the same time,health workers are honoured through a memorial area integrated into the square.The importance of the location chosen as the study area is that it is surrounded by many public health facilities and is a point of intersection of Ankara’s existing open green space systems.Throughout the three-stage design process,brainstorming sessions were held,drawings and sketches were made,and urban analyses were carried out on transport,culture,art,education,health,open and green spaces.Solutions were proposed for both indoor and outdoor spaces,and the forms were transformed into functional design elements and reflected in the space.As a result,after the pandemic,a city square has been created where people can socialise again,with a monument,a square,water surfaces,an amphitheatre,viewing terraces,a market area,a bridge,sitting and walking areas that are appropriate to the capital.展开更多
Taking Hefei City as the research site,preliminary investigations were conducted into its aromatic plant resources to fill the gap in systematic research and establish a localized database in this study.Based on the a...Taking Hefei City as the research site,preliminary investigations were conducted into its aromatic plant resources to fill the gap in systematic research and establish a localized database in this study.Based on the analysis and organization of data on Hefei’s aromatic plant resources,the Analytic Hierarchy Process(AHP)was employed to quantitatively evaluate their comprehensive value(ecology,landscape,economy,etc.),so as to construct a comprehensive evaluation model for these resources and screen high-value plant species.Finally,based on the above objective investigation and analysis,recommendations were proposed for the landscape application of aromatic plant resources in Hefei,aiming to build an integrated ecological-landscape-economic value system.展开更多
A comprehensive understanding of vegetation responses to climate extremes is essential for predicting ecological risks.The Tianshan Mountains,the world's largest arid mountain system,are ecologically vulnerable to...A comprehensive understanding of vegetation responses to climate extremes is essential for predicting ecological risks.The Tianshan Mountains,the world's largest arid mountain system,are ecologically vulnerable to climate extremes,yet the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of vegetation responses is not well understood.To address this,we assessed changes in vegetation phenophases using the green-up date(GUD)and the monthly maximum vegetation index(MVI).Their relationship with climate extremes across seasons and geographic units was analyzed using Classification and Regression Tree and Principal Component Analysis.Results indicate that GUD advanced by 0.276 days/year,with MVI increasing in spring and decreasing in summer.On a yearly scale,nighttime heatwaves advanced GUD in all vegetation types at lower altitudes with higher snow cover,whereas daytime heatwaves delayed GUD in grasslands.On a monthly scale,early spring heatwaves generally benefitted vegetation,with positive effects decreasing from forests to grasslands:forests benefitted from March to May,forest-grassland from March to April,and grasslands only in March.By late summer,heatwaves were negatively correlated with MVI across all vegetation types.This study highlights the complex responses of vegetation to climate extremes and underscores the vulnerability of high-altitude,low snow-covered grasslands,which is crucial for guiding restoration efforts.展开更多
Temperate forest ecosystems are important habitats for many bat species. However, these habitats are increasingly affected by anthropogenic disturbances, particularly urban development, leading to landscapes with vary...Temperate forest ecosystems are important habitats for many bat species. However, these habitats are increasingly affected by anthropogenic disturbances, particularly urban development, leading to landscapes with varying land cover composition and configuration. Limited research has examined how forest and urban landscape composition and configuration influence bat activity and diversity. Using a multi-year statewide bat acoustic monitoring dataset from North Carolina, USA, we investigated the effects of forest and urban composition and configuration at multiple spatial scales on bat activity and diversity. First, we constructed single-variable landscape index regression models and found that both the composition and configuration of forests and urban developments influenced bat activity and diversity in a species-specific manner. Next, we applied a hierarchical partitioning approach to compare the relative contributions of composition and configuration indices in explaining variance in bat activity. For big brown bats and hoary bats, evergreen forest and urban development composition indices contributed the most to explaining activity variance. In contrast, for eastern red bats, evening bats, and tricolored bats, deciduous forest fragmentation indices describing landscape configuration were the most influential factors. Silver-haired bat activity variance was primarily explained by an evergreen forest fragmentation index. Lastly, urban development configuration indices were the strongest predictors of Mexican free-tailed bat activity and total bat activity. These results suggest that forest and urban landscape configuration should be considered in conservation and management planning for North American temperate forest ecosystems, particularly in regions that have not experienced drastic deforestation in recent decades.展开更多
Sessile oak(Quercus petraea(Matt.)Liebl.)is widely distributed across most of Europe particularly the hills and lower mountain ranges,so is considered“the oak of the mountains”.This species grows on a wide variety o...Sessile oak(Quercus petraea(Matt.)Liebl.)is widely distributed across most of Europe particularly the hills and lower mountain ranges,so is considered“the oak of the mountains”.This species grows on a wide variety of soils and at altitudes ranging from sea level to 2200 m,especially in Atlantic and sub-Mediterranean climates,and it is sensitive to low winter temperatures,early and late frosts,as well as high summer temperatures.Sessile oak forms both pure and mixed stands especially with broadleaves such as European beech,European hornbeam,small-leaved lime and Acer spp.These form the understorey of sessile oak stands,promoting the natural shedding of lower branches of the oak and protecting the trunk against epicormic branches.Sessile oak is a long-lived,light-demanding and wind-firm species,owing to its taproot and heart-shaped root system.Its timber,one of the most valuable in Europe,is important for fur-niture-making(both solid wood and veneer),construction,barrels,railway sleepers,and is also used as fuelwood.It is one of the few major tree species in Europe that is regener-ated by seed(naturally or artificially)and by stump shoots in high forest,coppice-with-standards and coppice forests.Sessile oak forests are treated in both regular and irregular systems involving silvicultural techniques such as uniform shelterwood,group shelterwood,irregular shelterwood,irregular high forest,coppice-with-standards and simple coppice.Young naturally regenerated stands are managed by weeding,release cutting and cleaning-respacing,keeping the stands quite dense for good natural pruning.Plantations are based on(1)2-4-year old bare-root or container-grown seedlings produced in nurseries using seeds from genetic resources,seed stands and seed orchards.The density of sessile oak plantations(mostly in rows,but also in clusters)is usually between 4000 and 6000 ind.ha^(−1).Sessile oak silviculture of mature stands includes crown thinning,focus-ing on final crop trees(usually a maximum of 100 ind.ha^(−1))and targeting the production of large-diameter and high quality trees at long rotation ages(mostly over 120 years,sometimes 250-300 years).In different parts of Europe,conversion of simple coppices and coppice-with-standards to high forests is continuing.Even though manage-ment of sessile oak forests is very intensive and expensive,requiring active human intervention,the importance of this species in future European forests will increase in the con-text of climate change due to its high resistance to distur-bance,superior drought tolerance and heat stress resistance.展开更多
This study described the development and validation of an artificial neural network （ANN） for the purpose of analyzing the effects of climate change on nonpoint source （NPS） pollutant loads from agricultural small...This study described the development and validation of an artificial neural network （ANN） for the purpose of analyzing the effects of climate change on nonpoint source （NPS） pollutant loads from agricultural small watershed. The runoff discharge was estimated using ANN algorithm. The performance of ANN model was examined using observed data from study watershed. The simulation results agreed well with observed values during calibration and validation periods. NPS pollutant loads were calculated from load-discharge relationship driven by long-term monitoring data. LARS-WG （Long Ashton Research Station-Weather Generator） model was used to generate rainfall data. The calibrated ANN model and load-discharge relationship with the generated data from LARS-WG were applied to analyze the effects of climate change on NPS pollutant loads from the agricultural small watershed. The results showed that the ANN model provided valuable approach in estimating future runoff discharge, and the NPS pollutant loads.展开更多
Because of the“foehn effect”,deeply incised gorges of major rivers in the Hengduan Mountains(commonly called dry valleys)have semiarid or arid climate.Harsh environment and difficult access have so far obstructed th...Because of the“foehn effect”,deeply incised gorges of major rivers in the Hengduan Mountains(commonly called dry valleys)have semiarid or arid climate.Harsh environment and difficult access have so far obstructed the systematic inventory and documentation of the flora of these dry valleys.This is particularly problematic for efforts towards the conservation of endemic and valuable plant species.Therefore,102 shrub-meadow community survey plots were set up along four dry valleys in Ganzi prefecture,located in the eastern Hengduan Mountains,China.The compositions,richness,diversity of these communities were calculated and assessed using sample plot survey and phytosociological approach.Overall,244 plant species were recorded,consisting of subtropical(48.77%)and temperate(38.83%)species,47.13%of which were endemic to southwest China.Obvious differences in species composition and structure along the altitude gradient were observed.The variations of richness,diversity,and evenness followed a bimodal-hump shaped pattern with increasing altitude,with peak occurring at mid-level altitude(3501–4000 m)and valley occurring at 2501–3000 m altitude.The regions at 2501–3000 m altitudes were more sensitive to global climate change and biological interference,and were found to have the highest protection value.The impacts of altitude gradients and climatic parameters on the features of this shrubmeadow community were also evaluated using principal component and multiple linear stepwise regression analysis methods.Altitude and temperature-related variables were the most important drivers of both species richness and cover.Speciesα-diversity here only depended on the precipitation frequency.This founding could help to understand the impact of the very harsh environment and altitude gradient on plant-plant interactions in a variety of natural systems.展开更多
Cropland elevation uplift(CLEU)has recently become a new challenge for agricultural modernization,food security,and sustainable cropland use in China.Uncovering the rules of CLEU is of great theoretical and practical ...Cropland elevation uplift(CLEU)has recently become a new challenge for agricultural modernization,food security,and sustainable cropland use in China.Uncovering the rules of CLEU is of great theoretical and practical significance for China’s sustainable agricultural development and rural revitalization strategy.However,existing studies lack in-depth disclosure of multi-scale CLEU evolution rules,making it difficult to support the formulation of specific cropland protection policies.We analyzed the spatio-temporal evolution and multiscale CLEU in China from 1980 to 2020 using the Lorenz curve,gravity center model,hotspot analysis,and cropland elevation spectrum.The results indicated that the center of gravity of cropland moved to the northeast from 1980 to 2000 and then shifted to the northwest.The spatial distribution of cropland became increasingly imbalanced from 1980 to 2000.The change hotspots clustered in the northwest and the northeast,whereas cold-spots were mainly in southeastern China.The average elevation of cropland increased by 17.38 m,and the elevation uplift rule in different regions differed evidently across scales.From 1980 to 2000,all provinces except Xinjiang,Inner Mongolia,Gansu,and Yunnan exhibited CLEU,with Qinghai,Xizang,Beijing,and Guangdong showing the most noticeable uplifting.The CLEU can alleviate the shortage of cropland to some extent.However,without a planning constraint,the CLEU will lead to the increase of ecological risk and food security risk.展开更多
The purpose of this study is to address the problem of ancient towns dying out in developing countries,particularly China.Intensifying conflicts between human settlements and the natural environment are described,and ...The purpose of this study is to address the problem of ancient towns dying out in developing countries,particularly China.Intensifying conflicts between human settlements and the natural environment are described,and guidelines are proposed for the development of waterside ancient towns in China’s southern Shaanxi Province in the interest of conserving cultural and natural heritage.The towns of Qingmuchuan,Fenghuang and Houliu were selected as representative examples due to their strong reputation among tourists.They have the characteristics of traditional southern Shaanxi towns,but each has a completely different layout,space and structure.The comparative findings of this research provide a point of reference for establishing guidelines to preserve the integrity of ancient towns worldwide.In this paper,we compare the geographical conditions with the layout and texture of the streets by Google Earth Pro.And we analyze the details of spaces along the river zones,architectural styles and building decorations in order to research the relationship between the natural environment and the human settlement conditions.We note the unfortunate common trend of commercial development steadily taking over the natural environment,particularly the rivers and unique elements of the old towns.Finally,we summarize the similarities and differences of the spatial forms among these towns and put forward proposals for the further development of ancient towns.This research is important for all regions which stand to lose their national treasures.Consequently,measures should be to taken to curtail hyper development before we lose our historicscenery.展开更多
Most animals have the ability to adapt, to some extends and in different ways, the variation or disturbance of environment. In our experiments, we forced a silkworm caterpillar to spin two, three or four thin cocoons ...Most animals have the ability to adapt, to some extends and in different ways, the variation or disturbance of environment. In our experiments, we forced a silkworm caterpillar to spin two, three or four thin cocoons by taking it out from the cocoon being constructed. The mechanical properties of these cocoons were studied by static tensile tests and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis. Though external disturbances may cause the decrease in the total weight of silk spun by the silkworm, a gradual enhancement was interestingly found in the mechanical properties of these thin cocoons. Scanning electron microscopy observations of the fractured specimens of the cocoons showed that there exist several different energy dissipation mechanisms occurred simultaneously at macro-, meso-, and micro-scales, yielding a superior capacity of cocoons to adsorb the energy of possible attacks from the outside and to protect efficiently its pupa against damage. Through evolution of millions of years, therefore, the silkworm Bombyx mori seems to have gained the ability to adapt external disturbances and to redesign a new cocoon with optimized protective function when its first cocoon has been damaged for some reasons.展开更多
Starch is the predominant compound in bulb scales,and previous studies have shown that bulblet development is closely associated with starch enrichment.However,how starch synthesis affects bulbification at the molecul...Starch is the predominant compound in bulb scales,and previous studies have shown that bulblet development is closely associated with starch enrichment.However,how starch synthesis affects bulbification at the molecular level is unclear.In this study,we demonstrate that Lilium brownii var.giganteum,a wild lily with a giant bulb in nature,and L.brownii,the native species,have different starch levels and characteristics according to cytological and ultra-structural observations.We cloned the complete sequence of three key gene-encoding enzymes(LbgAGPS,LbgGBSS,and LbgSSⅢ)during starch synthesis by rapid amplification of 5’and 3’complementary DNA(cDNA)ends(RACE)technology.Bioinformatics analysis revealed that the proteins deduced by these genes contain the canonical conserved domains.Constructed phylogenetic trees confirmed the evolutionary relationships with proteins from other species,including monocotyledons and dicotyledons.The transcript levels of various tissues and time course samples obtained during bulblet development uncovered relatively high expression levels in bulblets and gradual increase expression accompanying bulblet growth.Moreover,a set of single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)was discovered in the AGPS genes of four lily genotypes,and a purifying selection fashion was predicted according to the non-synonymous/synonymous(Ka/Ks)values.Taken together,our results suggested that key starch-synthesizing genes might play important roles in bulblet development and lead to distinctive phenotypes in bulblet size.展开更多
文摘Contemporary villages of the mountain region are subject to uncontrolled structural and spatial transformations,which cause deformation of centuries-old spatial systems of high cultural and natural value.The aim of the study is to confront the opinions of the inhabitants and experts regarding the condition of the cultural landscape of the villages in south-eastern Poland.This area belongs to the Carpathian region of Central Europe.The historical and economic conditions of the studied region,related to the functioning in the post-war period,and then its breakdown and the development of the free market economy,constitute an interesting background for the proposed research.Local communities still remembering the period of difficulties related to the period of systemic transformations,are currently experiencing a relative prosperity,many difficulties related to the period of systemic transformations,are currently experiencing a relative prosperity,which is also expressed in a completely new,previously unknown way of managing the landscape.Investments implemented in villages are associated by the inhabitants with the improvement of the standards and quality of life.They assess them rather positively.An expert assessment of these landscape transformations indicates their negative dimension and the risk of losing timeless values.The discrepancy in the assessment of experts and local residents creates difficulties in the protection of the rural landscape.Therefore,high-quality visual landscape features among rural residents is necessary from the point of view of its multi-faceted and effective protection.Local initiatives and actions in the field of industry policy should play a significant role in this respect by consolidating the images of a harmonious landscape in the public awareness.
文摘Natural, protected areas offer many possibili- ties for recreation in rural areas such as camping, one of the most popular activities. The system established for pro- tected areas in Turkey aims to provide a foundation for conserving areas for recreation. One such area, Abant Natural Park, is convenient for visits from Turkey＇s two most populated metropolitan areas, Istanbul and Ankara. It also attracts tourists from other regions and countries. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the vegetation loss and land cover changes due to picnic/camping, transhu- mance, and construction over 40 years （1966-2004） in the park using data on visitor numbers, vegetation patches, corridors and connectivity. For evaluating landscape vari- ables, remote sensing data and aerial photos were used. When aerial photos were imported into the ERDAS Imagine program, ground control points identified, and individual images orthorectified, land degradation was not found in the use of camping areas. Moreover, manmade areas （road, car park and hotel） observably increased, thus decreasing the forest lands. The findings show that the land use types that have had the greatest ecological impact are transhumance and construction of hotels, which also require infrastructure development. The intensity of the ecological effects mandates precautions to lessen the impacts and the need for continuing assessment to ensure sustainable use of the area.
基金The Ministry of Education,Science and Technological Development of the Republic of Serbia,No.TP 36008(451–02-68/2020/14/2000169).
文摘This research provides an exploration of a biomimetic approach in the process of designing a candelabra model using linear shaped leaves of a Bell flower.The design process described in this research contains two steps:biological and geometrical.In the first biological step,a proper model for the creation of an urban element was found from nature in a Bell flower(Campanula persicifolia L.).The upper leaves of the selected plant,which are small with a linear spear and sharpening at the top,were chosen for the modeling process.The second step included applying two geometrical methods,i.e.,Voronoi diagrams and Delaunay triangulation.A geometrical leaf form of the selected plant species and the modeling process were obtained using aparametric modeling software,Blender.Using different Blender plug-ins and modifiers,Delaunay triangulation and Voronoi diagram were implemented by marking the starting points on the leaf form in the image data source,adjusting the Delaunay triangulation parameters,and creating Voronoi diagrams in which the Voronoi points were located at the shortest distance from the edges of the Voronoi polygon.Consequently,a three dimensional model of a candelabra was developed through this study.
文摘Evaluating the transition of landscape can understand that ecosystem processes are being influenced by disturbance.For this reason,it is essential that using appropriate mapping techniques and quantitative methods to assess landscape condition within different disturbance regimes.Landscape metrics were calculated for segmented areas of homogeneous land use in watershed to allow understanding and characterization of ecosystem.Chen-yu-lan watershed,located in the central of Taiwan,is a sensitivity area for disaster such as earthquakes and typhoons.In this study we focus on how the natural disaster affect landscape pattern.The study shows that landscape metrics can measure the effect of typhoon and earthquake disturbance regime.The analysis shows that evaluating landscape transition can contribute more detailed information for managing ecosystem.
文摘Compared to burn interiors, edges exhibit distinct biotic and abiotic conditions that include microclimate, wind speed, sunlight levels, soil composition, moisture content, nutrient availability, population density, and species diversity. This study characterized the landscapes in which burned forest edges formed in Samcheok, Korea. Over the study area, 500-m2 grid cells were generated to capture landscape characteristics. Grid cells intersecting burn boundary lines were designated as edge, while cells without these lines were classified as the interior of burned areas. Topographic variables including slope, elevation, topographic wetness index, solar radiation index, and proportions of fuel and land use types within grid cells were computed in a geographical information system(GIS). Correlation analysis with modified t-test and regression tree analysis were performed to explore the influences of landscape variables on edge formation with avoiding spatial autocorrelation problems. The results indicated that edges formed at low elevations with mild slopes, high topographic wetness, and low solar radiation. Edges were unlikely to form in areas dominated by Japanese red pines at low elevations. Moreover, heterogeneous land use/cover types contributed significantly to edge formation. Different forest management strategies for different landscape conditions can be more effective for enhancing resilience of forests to fire. Reducing susceptible fuel types might be effective at low elevations, while enhancing forest heterogeneity might be more effective at high elevations.
文摘Landscape design and greening quality of the median strip on multi-lane highway are the most important parts of the visual impact factor. Using ornamental plants to create a comfortable greening scene on the median strip, can effectively prevent glare and improve the road driving environment. The paper studied and analysed the median strip greening status and the driving environment problems of Suibei highway in north China. On the basis of local environmental conditions, the research selected suitable landscape species to form well-proportioned landscape scenes for this highway median strip. Three sets of reference landscape configuration modes were designed for improving the median strip of Suibei highway based on the recommended landscaping plants in this paper.
文摘Chicago Millennium Park is a place where "post-modern architecture" concentrates, Cloud Gate, Crown Fountain and Jay Pritzker Music Pavilion are three representative post-modern architectures in the park. Millennium Park is an urban public space of Chicago City, its design concepts such as resource sharing and adaptation to local conditions are worth learning.
文摘People inherently assess landscapes by creating spontaneous aesthetic liking judgments based on the surrounding stimuli.To understand these judgements objectively,use may be made of the fluency theory of aesthetic pleasure(the psychological processes through which people experience beauty).This study aims to predict people’s visual aesthetic preferences based on fluency theory and to correlate these preferences with landscape types and features.An ordinary least squares(OLS)regression model was developed to predict visual aesthetic liking,using image statistics as explanatory variables.We determined types of landscape using Landscape Character Assessment(LCA)and applied viewshed analyses distinguishing between near,medium,and far zones.We identified landscape features by content analysis making use of machine learning-based image recognition supplied by Google Cloud Vision API.The results show that vegetation and geological forms were the most significant features for people’s visual aesthetic liking,followed by waterscapes and built structures/human settlements.The viewshed analyses indicated that‘medium-altitude,low-gradient artificial areas’were visible in photographs with high aesthetic visual liking in all zones(i.e.,at all distances).When the photographs showing this type of landscape are examined,the artificial areas in the photographs turn out to consist mostly of historical buildings or remains.This finding suggests that historical sites are not just important for their cultural value,but for their visual aesthetic value as well.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China(31600573)Provincial Undergraduates’Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training Program(S201910580058)+1 种基金Zhaoqing Scientific and Technological Instruction Program(201904031601)Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Health and Land Resource.
文摘With the further deepening of rural revitalization strategies,rural construction and development has been attracting increasing attention,on this basis rural health-caring tourism has developed.This research,by following ecological and human-centered principles,adopted the renovation planning of Dacun Village,Fengcun Town in Deqing County,Zhaoqing City,tried to build Dacun Village into a rural healthcaring base that integrates the functions of serving for the aged,recreation,living,health care,tourism and vacation,and provided a new development mode uniting health care with rural tourism.
文摘Open and green spaces are essential elements of cities.With the COVID epidemic,the importance of the need for open and green spaces in urban areas has become more understood.The aim of this study is to create a new and contemporary square in the working area where the current use and traffic create chaos,to add a new square to the open and green areas in Ankara(Turkey)and to create a connection between this area and the existing open and green areas.At the same time,health workers are honoured through a memorial area integrated into the square.The importance of the location chosen as the study area is that it is surrounded by many public health facilities and is a point of intersection of Ankara’s existing open green space systems.Throughout the three-stage design process,brainstorming sessions were held,drawings and sketches were made,and urban analyses were carried out on transport,culture,art,education,health,open and green spaces.Solutions were proposed for both indoor and outdoor spaces,and the forms were transformed into functional design elements and reflected in the space.As a result,after the pandemic,a city square has been created where people can socialise again,with a monument,a square,water surfaces,an amphitheatre,viewing terraces,a market area,a bridge,sitting and walking areas that are appropriate to the capital.
基金Sponsored by Provincial-level Undergraduate Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training Program of Anhui Xinhua University in 2023(S202312216045)Key Research Project of Natural Sciences in Colleges and Universities in Anhui Province(2023AH051816)General Teaching Research Project in Anhui Province(2022jyxm665).
文摘Taking Hefei City as the research site,preliminary investigations were conducted into its aromatic plant resources to fill the gap in systematic research and establish a localized database in this study.Based on the analysis and organization of data on Hefei’s aromatic plant resources,the Analytic Hierarchy Process(AHP)was employed to quantitatively evaluate their comprehensive value(ecology,landscape,economy,etc.),so as to construct a comprehensive evaluation model for these resources and screen high-value plant species.Finally,based on the above objective investigation and analysis,recommendations were proposed for the landscape application of aromatic plant resources in Hefei,aiming to build an integrated ecological-landscape-economic value system.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.41871025The Third Xinjiang Scientific Expedition Program,No.2022xjkk0100+1 种基金The Natural Science Foundation of Shanghai,No.24ZR1440400The Young Talent Development Program in the Humanities at Shanghai Jiao Tong University,No.2025QN034。
文摘A comprehensive understanding of vegetation responses to climate extremes is essential for predicting ecological risks.The Tianshan Mountains,the world's largest arid mountain system,are ecologically vulnerable to climate extremes,yet the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of vegetation responses is not well understood.To address this,we assessed changes in vegetation phenophases using the green-up date(GUD)and the monthly maximum vegetation index(MVI).Their relationship with climate extremes across seasons and geographic units was analyzed using Classification and Regression Tree and Principal Component Analysis.Results indicate that GUD advanced by 0.276 days/year,with MVI increasing in spring and decreasing in summer.On a yearly scale,nighttime heatwaves advanced GUD in all vegetation types at lower altitudes with higher snow cover,whereas daytime heatwaves delayed GUD in grasslands.On a monthly scale,early spring heatwaves generally benefitted vegetation,with positive effects decreasing from forests to grasslands:forests benefitted from March to May,forest-grassland from March to April,and grasslands only in March.By late summer,heatwaves were negatively correlated with MVI across all vegetation types.This study highlights the complex responses of vegetation to climate extremes and underscores the vulnerability of high-altitude,low snow-covered grasslands,which is crucial for guiding restoration efforts.
基金funding support from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service,the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission,and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro,as part of a collective effort for the North American Bat Monitoring Program(NABat).
文摘Temperate forest ecosystems are important habitats for many bat species. However, these habitats are increasingly affected by anthropogenic disturbances, particularly urban development, leading to landscapes with varying land cover composition and configuration. Limited research has examined how forest and urban landscape composition and configuration influence bat activity and diversity. Using a multi-year statewide bat acoustic monitoring dataset from North Carolina, USA, we investigated the effects of forest and urban composition and configuration at multiple spatial scales on bat activity and diversity. First, we constructed single-variable landscape index regression models and found that both the composition and configuration of forests and urban developments influenced bat activity and diversity in a species-specific manner. Next, we applied a hierarchical partitioning approach to compare the relative contributions of composition and configuration indices in explaining variance in bat activity. For big brown bats and hoary bats, evergreen forest and urban development composition indices contributed the most to explaining activity variance. In contrast, for eastern red bats, evening bats, and tricolored bats, deciduous forest fragmentation indices describing landscape configuration were the most influential factors. Silver-haired bat activity variance was primarily explained by an evergreen forest fragmentation index. Lastly, urban development configuration indices were the strongest predictors of Mexican free-tailed bat activity and total bat activity. These results suggest that forest and urban landscape configuration should be considered in conservation and management planning for North American temperate forest ecosystems, particularly in regions that have not experienced drastic deforestation in recent decades.
文摘Sessile oak(Quercus petraea(Matt.)Liebl.)is widely distributed across most of Europe particularly the hills and lower mountain ranges,so is considered“the oak of the mountains”.This species grows on a wide variety of soils and at altitudes ranging from sea level to 2200 m,especially in Atlantic and sub-Mediterranean climates,and it is sensitive to low winter temperatures,early and late frosts,as well as high summer temperatures.Sessile oak forms both pure and mixed stands especially with broadleaves such as European beech,European hornbeam,small-leaved lime and Acer spp.These form the understorey of sessile oak stands,promoting the natural shedding of lower branches of the oak and protecting the trunk against epicormic branches.Sessile oak is a long-lived,light-demanding and wind-firm species,owing to its taproot and heart-shaped root system.Its timber,one of the most valuable in Europe,is important for fur-niture-making(both solid wood and veneer),construction,barrels,railway sleepers,and is also used as fuelwood.It is one of the few major tree species in Europe that is regener-ated by seed(naturally or artificially)and by stump shoots in high forest,coppice-with-standards and coppice forests.Sessile oak forests are treated in both regular and irregular systems involving silvicultural techniques such as uniform shelterwood,group shelterwood,irregular shelterwood,irregular high forest,coppice-with-standards and simple coppice.Young naturally regenerated stands are managed by weeding,release cutting and cleaning-respacing,keeping the stands quite dense for good natural pruning.Plantations are based on(1)2-4-year old bare-root or container-grown seedlings produced in nurseries using seeds from genetic resources,seed stands and seed orchards.The density of sessile oak plantations(mostly in rows,but also in clusters)is usually between 4000 and 6000 ind.ha^(−1).Sessile oak silviculture of mature stands includes crown thinning,focus-ing on final crop trees(usually a maximum of 100 ind.ha^(−1))and targeting the production of large-diameter and high quality trees at long rotation ages(mostly over 120 years,sometimes 250-300 years).In different parts of Europe,conversion of simple coppices and coppice-with-standards to high forests is continuing.Even though manage-ment of sessile oak forests is very intensive and expensive,requiring active human intervention,the importance of this species in future European forests will increase in the con-text of climate change due to its high resistance to distur-bance,superior drought tolerance and heat stress resistance.
基金supported by a grant (code number 4-5-3) from Sustainable Water Resources Research Center of 21st Century Frontier Research Program (50%)and Han River Basin Environmental Office and Han River Environment Research Center, Ministry of Environment(50%)
文摘This study described the development and validation of an artificial neural network （ANN） for the purpose of analyzing the effects of climate change on nonpoint source （NPS） pollutant loads from agricultural small watershed. The runoff discharge was estimated using ANN algorithm. The performance of ANN model was examined using observed data from study watershed. The simulation results agreed well with observed values during calibration and validation periods. NPS pollutant loads were calculated from load-discharge relationship driven by long-term monitoring data. LARS-WG （Long Ashton Research Station-Weather Generator） model was used to generate rainfall data. The calibrated ANN model and load-discharge relationship with the generated data from LARS-WG were applied to analyze the effects of climate change on NPS pollutant loads from the agricultural small watershed. The results showed that the ANN model provided valuable approach in estimating future runoff discharge, and the NPS pollutant loads.
基金funded by the Natural Science Foundation of China(Grants No.31971716,52178059)the 13th five-year plan of Social Sciences in Sichuan Province(Grants No.SC19B138)the Scientific and technological project in Chengdu(Grant No.2021-YF05-00033-SN)。
文摘Because of the“foehn effect”,deeply incised gorges of major rivers in the Hengduan Mountains(commonly called dry valleys)have semiarid or arid climate.Harsh environment and difficult access have so far obstructed the systematic inventory and documentation of the flora of these dry valleys.This is particularly problematic for efforts towards the conservation of endemic and valuable plant species.Therefore,102 shrub-meadow community survey plots were set up along four dry valleys in Ganzi prefecture,located in the eastern Hengduan Mountains,China.The compositions,richness,diversity of these communities were calculated and assessed using sample plot survey and phytosociological approach.Overall,244 plant species were recorded,consisting of subtropical(48.77%)and temperate(38.83%)species,47.13%of which were endemic to southwest China.Obvious differences in species composition and structure along the altitude gradient were observed.The variations of richness,diversity,and evenness followed a bimodal-hump shaped pattern with increasing altitude,with peak occurring at mid-level altitude(3501–4000 m)and valley occurring at 2501–3000 m altitude.The regions at 2501–3000 m altitudes were more sensitive to global climate change and biological interference,and were found to have the highest protection value.The impacts of altitude gradients and climatic parameters on the features of this shrubmeadow community were also evaluated using principal component and multiple linear stepwise regression analysis methods.Altitude and temperature-related variables were the most important drivers of both species richness and cover.Speciesα-diversity here only depended on the precipitation frequency.This founding could help to understand the impact of the very harsh environment and altitude gradient on plant-plant interactions in a variety of natural systems.
基金sponsored in part by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.42001187)Scientific Research Project of Education Department of Hubei Province(No.B2022262)。
文摘Cropland elevation uplift(CLEU)has recently become a new challenge for agricultural modernization,food security,and sustainable cropland use in China.Uncovering the rules of CLEU is of great theoretical and practical significance for China’s sustainable agricultural development and rural revitalization strategy.However,existing studies lack in-depth disclosure of multi-scale CLEU evolution rules,making it difficult to support the formulation of specific cropland protection policies.We analyzed the spatio-temporal evolution and multiscale CLEU in China from 1980 to 2020 using the Lorenz curve,gravity center model,hotspot analysis,and cropland elevation spectrum.The results indicated that the center of gravity of cropland moved to the northeast from 1980 to 2000 and then shifted to the northwest.The spatial distribution of cropland became increasingly imbalanced from 1980 to 2000.The change hotspots clustered in the northwest and the northeast,whereas cold-spots were mainly in southeastern China.The average elevation of cropland increased by 17.38 m,and the elevation uplift rule in different regions differed evidently across scales.From 1980 to 2000,all provinces except Xinjiang,Inner Mongolia,Gansu,and Yunnan exhibited CLEU,with Qinghai,Xizang,Beijing,and Guangdong showing the most noticeable uplifting.The CLEU can alleviate the shortage of cropland to some extent.However,without a planning constraint,the CLEU will lead to the increase of ecological risk and food security risk.
文摘The purpose of this study is to address the problem of ancient towns dying out in developing countries,particularly China.Intensifying conflicts between human settlements and the natural environment are described,and guidelines are proposed for the development of waterside ancient towns in China’s southern Shaanxi Province in the interest of conserving cultural and natural heritage.The towns of Qingmuchuan,Fenghuang and Houliu were selected as representative examples due to their strong reputation among tourists.They have the characteristics of traditional southern Shaanxi towns,but each has a completely different layout,space and structure.The comparative findings of this research provide a point of reference for establishing guidelines to preserve the integrity of ancient towns worldwide.In this paper,we compare the geographical conditions with the layout and texture of the streets by Google Earth Pro.And we analyze the details of spaces along the river zones,architectural styles and building decorations in order to research the relationship between the natural environment and the human settlement conditions.We note the unfortunate common trend of commercial development steadily taking over the natural environment,particularly the rivers and unique elements of the old towns.Finally,we summarize the similarities and differences of the spatial forms among these towns and put forward proposals for the further development of ancient towns.This research is important for all regions which stand to lose their national treasures.Consequently,measures should be to taken to curtail hyper development before we lose our historicscenery.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China (10402017,10732050,10525210,10121202)
文摘Most animals have the ability to adapt, to some extends and in different ways, the variation or disturbance of environment. In our experiments, we forced a silkworm caterpillar to spin two, three or four thin cocoons by taking it out from the cocoon being constructed. The mechanical properties of these cocoons were studied by static tensile tests and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis. Though external disturbances may cause the decrease in the total weight of silk spun by the silkworm, a gradual enhancement was interestingly found in the mechanical properties of these thin cocoons. Scanning electron microscopy observations of the fractured specimens of the cocoons showed that there exist several different energy dissipation mechanisms occurred simultaneously at macro-, meso-, and micro-scales, yielding a superior capacity of cocoons to adsorb the energy of possible attacks from the outside and to protect efficiently its pupa against damage. Through evolution of millions of years, therefore, the silkworm Bombyx mori seems to have gained the ability to adapt external disturbances and to redesign a new cocoon with optimized protective function when its first cocoon has been damaged for some reasons.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.31772337)the Lishui Research Fund(No.2020zdhz03)+1 种基金the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(No.2017M612005)the National Key Research and Development Program of China(No.2018YFD1000401)。
文摘Starch is the predominant compound in bulb scales,and previous studies have shown that bulblet development is closely associated with starch enrichment.However,how starch synthesis affects bulbification at the molecular level is unclear.In this study,we demonstrate that Lilium brownii var.giganteum,a wild lily with a giant bulb in nature,and L.brownii,the native species,have different starch levels and characteristics according to cytological and ultra-structural observations.We cloned the complete sequence of three key gene-encoding enzymes(LbgAGPS,LbgGBSS,and LbgSSⅢ)during starch synthesis by rapid amplification of 5’and 3’complementary DNA(cDNA)ends(RACE)technology.Bioinformatics analysis revealed that the proteins deduced by these genes contain the canonical conserved domains.Constructed phylogenetic trees confirmed the evolutionary relationships with proteins from other species,including monocotyledons and dicotyledons.The transcript levels of various tissues and time course samples obtained during bulblet development uncovered relatively high expression levels in bulblets and gradual increase expression accompanying bulblet growth.Moreover,a set of single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)was discovered in the AGPS genes of four lily genotypes,and a purifying selection fashion was predicted according to the non-synonymous/synonymous(Ka/Ks)values.Taken together,our results suggested that key starch-synthesizing genes might play important roles in bulblet development and lead to distinctive phenotypes in bulblet size.
