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Jin Y, Yu Z, Yang G, Yao X, Hu M, Remme RP, Schrama M BPV, Morpurgo J, Huang Y, Wang J, Cui S. Quantifying physiological health efficiency and benefit threshold of greenspace exposure in typical urban landscapes. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024:124726. [PMID: 39173868 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 08/11/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
Although greenspace exposure has physiological health benefits, there is insufficient research on the threshold effect of health benefits in typical urban landscapes. Here we selected five typical urban landscapes (open greenspace, semi-closed greenspace, closed greenspace, bluespace, grey space) in 15 urban parks in Xiamen, China, and applied the physiological health threshold model to calculate the efficiency threshold and benefit threshold of greenspace exposure by continuously monitoring the changes of two physiological indicators-electroencephalography (EEG) and heart rate (HR). (1) The EEG threshold results show that compared with greenspace exposure, bluespace exposure can reach the physiological health efficiency threshold faster (4-5 min) but does not show an advantage in terms of benefit threshold. The more open the greenspace, the faster it can reach the efficiency threshold (5-6 min), but the higher the canopy density of the (closed) greenspace, the shorter the time to reach the efficiency threshold (8-9 min). (2) The HR threshold shows that bluespace and open greenspace are the fastest to reach the efficiency threshold (1 min), with the remaining greenspace reaching it after 6-7 min. The benefit threshold was reached faster in the bluespace (11 min) than in the greenspace (18-21 min), and the degree of openness of the greenspace has no significant effect on the speed of benefit thresholds. (3) Combining the results of EEG and HR thresholds, it can be seen that bluespace is better at reducing stress, while open greenspace can reach efficiency thresholds more quickly. This study confirms the physiological health threshold model, offering a reference for urban greenspace planning to enhance residents' stress management and health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuenan Jin
- Xiamen Key Lab of Urban Metabolism, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinses Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, China; College of JunCao Science and Ecology (College of Carbon Neutrality), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350002, P. R. China
| | - Zhaowu Yu
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China.
| | - Gaoyuan Yang
- School of Environmental and Geographical Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai 200234, China
| | - Xihan Yao
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Mingming Hu
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - R P Remme
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | | | - Joeri Morpurgo
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Yunfeng Huang
- Environmental Engineering Department, Jimei University, Xiamen, 36102, China
| | - Jingyi Wang
- Xiamen Key Lab of Urban Metabolism, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinses Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Shenghui Cui
- Xiamen Key Lab of Urban Metabolism, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinses Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, China.
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Dan-Rakedzon N, Fleming W, Lissovsky N, Clayton S, Shwartz A. A framework for understanding the human experience of nature through cognitive mapping. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2024; 38:e14283. [PMID: 38660931 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.14283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Human behavior is a key driver of the biodiversity crisis, and addressing it requires changing individual choices and actions. Yet, the same processes that imperil biodiversity (e.g., urbanization) also alienate people from the experience of nature, eroding care for the natural world. Although averting this extinction of experience is increasingly recognized as a major contemporary conservation challenge, understanding of what constitutes nature experience remains elusive and few empirical studies have explored it directly. Most researchers have used nature interactions as a stand-in for experience, even though experience extends beyond interactions. We aimed to determine what constitutes the experience of nature and to propose a holistic, empirically derived framework that incorporates the multiple dimensions and components of the experience of nature. Using a mixed-method approach across 3 countries (the United States, Switzerland, and Israel), we conducted a multistage, conceptual content, cognitive mapping (3CM) exercise with 106 participants. This methodology included developing a prompt to capture participants' perceptions of nature experiences and subsequently refining and organizing their input into distinct components and underlying dimensions through an iterative engagement process. Beyond multisensory interactions with nature, experience of nature consisted of 2 dimensions: the circumstances in which interactions occur and the internal responses that encompass various cognitive, affective, and restorative benefits associated with nature interactions. These 3 dimensions had 33 components that occurred consistently across participants in the 3 countries. Frequently mentioned components included seeing animals, landscapes, or scenery; lack of human influence; weather conditions; relaxing, recharging; feeling good; and awe for nature. Fear and nature experienced at home were the least mentioned components. Together, our results showed that nature experience is a combination of nature interactions, circumstances, and internal responses. The emphasized components underscore the significance of offering access to extensive, less human-influenced natural spaces. This in turn can foster a profound nature experience, cultivating feelings of connectedness and care for nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nitzan Dan-Rakedzon
- Faculty of Architecture and Town Planning, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Whitney Fleming
- Geography Department, School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, UK
| | - Nurit Lissovsky
- Faculty of Architecture and Town Planning, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Susan Clayton
- Department of Psychology, The College of Wooster, Wooster, Ohio, USA
| | - Assaf Shwartz
- Faculty of Architecture and Town Planning, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
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Ordóñez C, Kendal D, Davern M, Conway T. Having a tree in front of one's home is associated with GREATER subjective wellbeing in adult residents in Melbourne, Australia, and Toronto, Canada. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 250:118445. [PMID: 38360163 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
While urban trees can be important determinants of human health and wellbeing in world cities, the specific influence of nearby urban trees upon human wellbeing has not been adequately explored. While many studies have associated urban greenery abundance with wellbeing scores, many measures of urban greenery do not specify the type of vegetation or the impact of co-location. Here we fill this gap by associating self-reported measures of the presence of nearby trees (tree in front of one's home) with validated subjective wellbeing (SWB) scores. We also tested for the mediating role of what people thought about trees and nature, with a focus on the values people associate with urban trees and nature relatedness (NR). We used electronic panel survey data based on a demographic and geographical representative sample of more than 3400 residents living in Toronto, Canada, and Melbourne, Australia. We analysed these data using regression-based mediation and path analyses. We found that having a tree in front of one's home was strongly and positively associated with SWB scores in both cities with similar results (Melbourne, β = 0.17, p < 0.05; Toronto, β = 0.18, p < 0.05), while accounting for NR, values associated with urban trees, and demographics (e.g., age, education, home ownership). The mediating role of NR and values was small. The specific pathways of association between tree in front of one's home, SWB, NR, and values, varied by city, when accounting for demographics. We discuss how increasing the abundance of nearby urban trees in cities may also increase human wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilo Ordóñez
- Department of Geography, Geomatics and Environment, University of Toronto at Mississauga, 3359 Mississauga Road, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada; School of Ecosystem and Forest Science, Burnley campus, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, 500 Yarra Boulevard, Richmond, Victoria, 3121, Australia.
| | - Dave Kendal
- Future in Nature Pty Ltd, Australia; Melbourne School of Design, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Melanie Davern
- Health Place and Society, Centre for Urban Research, RMIT University, 124 La Trobe Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Tenley Conway
- Department of Geography, Geomatics and Environment, University of Toronto at Mississauga, 3359 Mississauga Road, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada
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Wang Y, Shi X, Hong H, Chang Q. How does multiscale greenspace exposure affect human health? Evidence from urban parks in the central city of Beijing. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 353:120253. [PMID: 38335596 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.120253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
While the health benefits of exposure to urban greenspace have been widely discussed at different spatial scales, the comprehensive health effects of multiscale greenspace exposure are far from understood. There is a lack of quantified evidence when conducting cost-effective greenspace management practices for promoting human health and well-being. This study proposed a conceptual model that links objective and subjective greenspace exposure metrics at different spatial scales with self-rated health of residents. The model attempted to deconstruct and explore the associations between multiscale greenspace exposure and human health, and a cross-sectional study was conducted to examine the model. Taking urban parks in the central city of Beijing as case study area, the objective greenspace exposure metrics at both the site and subdistrict scales were spatial explicitly assessed, and the subjective exposure metrics and self-rated health status of 1017 respondents were obtained through questionnaire survey and spatial positioning. The results of multiple regression analyses and path analyses suggested that greenspace exposure metrics at both site and subdistrict scales were significantly associated with the respondents' self-rated health status, with the exposure metrics at the site scale being more important than those at the subdistrict scale in affecting human health. The contribution of urban parks to self-rated physical and mental health of respondents varied across spatial scales. Specifically, the aesthetic value of urban parks at site scale contributed the most to mental health by promoting respondents' resting behaviors in urban parks, and the density of urban parks at subdistrict scale had the most significant effects on self-rated physical health by increasing the usage frequency of urban parks. Findings of this study can contribute to understanding the complex associations between urban greenspace and human health from a multiscale perspective, and are also expected to provide quantified information for health-oriented urban greenspace planning and management practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Wang
- School of Architecture, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, China; Department of Landscape Architecture, College of Horticulture, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Shi
- Department of Landscape Architecture, College of Horticulture, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Hailin Hong
- Department of Landscape Architecture, College of Horticulture, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Qing Chang
- Department of Landscape Architecture, College of Horticulture, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.
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5
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Kang J, Choi J, Lee K. Development of an Evaluation Index for Forest Therapy Environments. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:136. [PMID: 38397627 PMCID: PMC10888330 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21020136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Most research on forest therapy has examined the therapeutic effects of forest activity development. There has been insufficient research identifying and evaluating the forest therapy environment. This study aimed to derive a representative forest therapy environment from each of the four evaluation sites, comprising national luxury forests; Scopus, PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, RISS, and DBpia were searched, and 13 studies evaluating forest therapy environments were analyzed and synthesized. After conducting a Conformity Evaluation, one layer of items, comprising anions with low conformity scores, was excluded, and six field measurements, phytoncide, oxygen, illuminance, UV-rays, sound, and anion, were added to increase objectivity. Finally, five forest therapy environment categories and 25 detailed items were derived. Analytic Hierarchy Process-based importance was evaluated to calculate the weight between the final evaluation items. According to the site evaluations, the categories of landscape, forest air, sunlight, sound, and anions appeared, in that order. This study is significant as it developed evaluation items and rating criteria for forest therapy environments, applied these in the field, and derived representative forest therapy environments for each location. This study developed indicators, provided basic data for establishing a therapy environment management plan, and there recommendations were made for an environment suitable for visitors and customizing forest welfare and therapy services.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kyoungmin Lee
- Forest Welfare Research Center, Korea Forest Welfare Institute, Yeongju-si 36043, Republic of Korea; (J.K.); (J.C.)
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6
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Korpisaari M, Puhakka S, Farrahi V, Niemelä M, Tulppo MP, Ikäheimo T, Korpelainen R, Lankila T. Physical activity, residential greenness, and cardiac autonomic function. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2024; 34:e14505. [PMID: 37767772 DOI: 10.1111/sms.14505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This population-based study examines the associations between physical activity (PA), residential environmental greenness, and cardiac health measured by resting short-term heart rate variability (HRV). METHODS Residential greenness of a birth cohort sample (n = 5433) at 46 years was measured with normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) by fixing a 1 km buffer around each participant's home. Daily light PA (LPA), moderate PA (MPA), vigorous PA (VPA), and the combination of both (MVPA) were measured using a wrist-worn accelerometer for 14 days. Resting HRV was measured with a heart rate monitor, and generalized additive modeling (GAM) was used to examine the association between PA, NDVI, and resting HRV. RESULTS In nongreen areas, men had less PA at all intensity levels compared to men in green areas. Women had more LPA and total PA and less MPA, MVPA, and VPA in green residential areas compared to nongreen areas. In green residential areas, men had more MPA, MVPA, and VPA than women, whereas women had more LPA than men. GAM showed positive linear associations between LPA, MVPA and HRV in all models. CONCLUSIONS Higher LPA and MVPA were significantly associated with increased HRV, irrespective of residential greenness. Greenness was positively associated with PA at all intensity levels in men, whereas in women, a positive association was found for LPA and total PA. A positive relationship of PA with resting HRV and greenness with PA was found. Residential greenness for promoting PA and heart health in adults should be considered in city planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maija Korpisaari
- Department of Sports and Exercise Medicine, Oulu Deaconess Institute Foundation sr., Oulu, Finland
- Research Unit of Population Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Geography Research Unit, Faculty of Science, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Research Unit of Health Sciences and Technology, University of Oulu, Finland
| | - Soile Puhakka
- Department of Sports and Exercise Medicine, Oulu Deaconess Institute Foundation sr., Oulu, Finland
- Research Unit of Population Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Geography Research Unit, Faculty of Science, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Vahid Farrahi
- Research Unit of Health Sciences and Technology, University of Oulu, Finland
- Institute for Sport and Sport Sciences, TU Dortmund University, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Maisa Niemelä
- Research Unit of Health Sciences and Technology, University of Oulu, Finland
- Centre for Wireless Communications, University of Oulu, Finland
| | - Mikko P Tulppo
- Medical Research Center, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Research Unit of Biomedicine and Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Tiina Ikäheimo
- Research Unit of Population Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Raija Korpelainen
- Department of Sports and Exercise Medicine, Oulu Deaconess Institute Foundation sr., Oulu, Finland
- Research Unit of Population Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Medical Research Center, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Tiina Lankila
- Department of Sports and Exercise Medicine, Oulu Deaconess Institute Foundation sr., Oulu, Finland
- Geography Research Unit, Faculty of Science, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
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7
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Zhao H, Mailloux BJ, Cook EM, Culligan PJ. Change of urban park usage as a response to the COVID-19 global pandemic. Sci Rep 2023; 13:19324. [PMID: 37935778 PMCID: PMC10630328 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46745-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Urban parks became critical for maintaining the well-being of urban residents during the COVID-19 global pandemic. To examine the impact of COVID-19 on urban park usage, we selected New York City (NYC) and used SafeGraph mobility data, which was collected from a large sample of mobile phone users, to assess the change in park visits and travel distance to a park based on 1) park type, 2) the income level of the visitor census block group (visitor CBG) and 3) that of the park census block group (park CBG). All analyses were adjusted for the impact of temperature on park visitation, and we focused primarily on visits made by NYC residents. Overall, for the eight most popular park types in NYC, visits dropped by 49.2% from 2019 to 2020. The peak reduction in visits occurred in April 2020. Visits to all park types, excluding Nature Areas, decreased from March to December 2020 as compared to 2019. Parks located in higher-income CBGs tended to have lower reductions in visits, with this pattern being primarily driven by large parks, including Flagship Parks, Community Parks and Nature Areas. All types of parks saw significant decreases in distance traveled to visit them, with the exception of the Jointly Operated Playground, Playground, and Nature Area park types. Visitors originating from lower-income CBGs traveled shorter distances to parks and had less reduction in travel distances compared to those from higher-income CBGs. Furthermore, both before and during the pandemic, people tended to travel a greater distance to parks located in high-income CBGs compared to those in low-income CBGs. Finally, multiple types of parks proved crucial destinations for NYC residents during the pandemic. This included Nature Areas to which the visits remained stable, along with Recreation Field/Courts which had relatively small decreases in visits, especially for lower-income communities. Results from this study can support future park planning by shedding light on the different uses of certain park types before and during a global crisis, when access to these facilities can help alleviate the human well-being consequences of "lockdown" policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haokai Zhao
- Department of Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Brian J Mailloux
- Department of Environmental Science, Barnard College, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Elizabeth M Cook
- Department of Environmental Science, Barnard College, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Patricia J Culligan
- College of Engineering, Univerisity of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA.
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8
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Ríos-Rodríguez ML, Testa Moreno M, Moreno-Jiménez P. Nature in the Office: A Systematic Review of Nature Elements and Their Effects on Worker Stress Response. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2838. [PMID: 37957983 PMCID: PMC10650689 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11212838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Work-related stress is a significant problem in many work environments and can have negative consequences for both employees and organisations. This review aimed to identify which elements of biophilic design in the workplace affect workers' stress response. To enable this, a literature search was conducted using PsycINFO, Scopus, and Medline. The search was limited to articles published from 2012 to June 2023. This review only integrated quantitative data, incorporating twelve records for qualitative synthesis. The selected studies suggest that strategies such as access to outdoor environments or the creation of outdoor areas are effective in reducing stress in the workplace. If these are not feasible, the examined research advocates the use of virtual means to recreate such relaxation or break spaces. Furthermore, aspects of interest for future research were identified, such as multisensory stimulation, including the sense of smell, the exploration of views with natural elements, the creation of shelters, or the study of biomorphic forms.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Luisa Ríos-Rodríguez
- Department of Social Psychology, Social Work, Social Services and Social Anthropology, University of Málaga, 29016 Málaga, Spain; (M.T.M.); (P.M.-J.)
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9
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Ng HKS, Chow SY. On the relationship between green space and civic engagement: The roles of well-being, outgroup trust, and activity level. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY 2023; 72:170-186. [PMID: 37434440 DOI: 10.1002/ajcp.12692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
Much research has been devoted to the positive effect of green space on prosociality, but little is known about its impact on civic engagement. It is also unclear how the effect takes place. This research fills the voids by regressing 2440 US citizen's civic engagement on the vegetation density and park area in their neighborhoods. It further examines if the effect is due to changes in well-being, interpersonal trust, or activity level. Park area predicts higher civic engagement, which is mediated by higher trust in outgroups. However, the data is inconclusive about the effect of vegetation density and the well-being mechanism. In contrast to the activity hypothesis, the effect of parks on civic engagement is stronger in unsafe neighborhoods, suggesting that they are valuable resources to combat neighborhood problems. The results bring insights into how individuals and communities can benefit the most from green spaces in the neighborhood.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sin Yau Chow
- Department of Urban Planning and Design, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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10
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Doremus J, Li L, Jones D. Covid-related surge in global wild bird feeding: Implications for biodiversity and human-nature interaction. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0287116. [PMID: 37531331 PMCID: PMC10395953 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The global extent of supplementary bird feeding is unknown but has consequences for bird conservation and human well-being. Using a measure of search intensity for words related to bird feeding from Google, we document a surge of interest in bird feeding that occurred around the world after Covid-19 led to lockdowns where people stayed home: 115 countries saw an increase in bird feeding search interest. We test whether the existence of interest in bird feeding is associated with greater species richness of bird species, our proxy for biodiversity, and find the relationship is highly significant. Covid-19 lockdowns may have persistent influences on global bird populations and humans' connection to nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Doremus
- Economics Department, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, California, United States of America
| | - Liqing Li
- Department of Agricultural Economics, Texas A&M University College Station, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Darryl Jones
- Centre for Planetary Health & Food Security and School of Environment & Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
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11
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Navarrete-Hernandez P, Laffan K. The impact of small-scale green infrastructure on the affective wellbeing associated with urban sites. Sci Rep 2023; 13:9687. [PMID: 37322222 PMCID: PMC10272133 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35804-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The largest public space in any city is its streets. Investments which incorporate small-scale green infrastructure into streetscapes can bring more nature into the lives of urban residents worldwide, including those living in even the most economically and spatially constraint places. However, little is known about the impact of such small-scale investments on urban residents' affective perceptions of their local environments and how to design these investments to maximise their positive impacts. In the current study, we use photo simulation techniques and an adapted form of the Positive and Negative Affective Schedule to examine the impact of small-scale green infrastructure interventions on the affective perceptions of low, middle and high-income sites in Santiago Chile. Our results, based on 62,478 reports of affective perceptions from 3,472 people, indicate that green infrastructure investments can both promote positive affect and, to a lesser, but still substantial extent reduce negative affect. The magnitudes of these relationships vary across discrete affective measures and for many of these measures, both positive and negative, a minimum of 16% increase in green coverage is required to see an impact. Finally, we find people associated lower affect with low, compared to middle and high, income sites but that these affective inequalities can be addressed, at least in part, through green infrastructure interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Navarrete-Hernandez
- Department of Landscape Architecture, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK.
| | - Kate Laffan
- Department of Psychological and Behavioural Science, The London School of Economics, Houghton Street, London, WC2A 2AE, UK
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12
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Gebhard U. [Nature experience and mental health in children-theoretical approaches and selected empirical findings]. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 2023:10.1007/s00103-023-03729-w. [PMID: 37280441 DOI: 10.1007/s00103-023-03729-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The widely documented beneficial effects of children's experiences with nature make it plausible to assume that an environment close to nature also has a positive effect on health in childhood, that is, that it can also contribute to health maintenance and prevention. The findings on health-promoting effects of nature are remarkable and are accentuated and theoretically substantiated here with a focus on mental health.The basis is a so-called three-dimensional personality model, according to which mental development is not only a function of the subject's relationship to other people, but also to the world of things, including nature. In addition, three explanatory approaches for the health effects of nature experiences are outlined: (1) the anthropologically based "Stress Recovery Theory," (2) the "Attention Restoration Theory," and (3) the assumption that nature as a symbolic storehouse for self- and world interpretations can accompany the meaning constitution of the subjects ("Therapeutic Landscapes").The health effects of accessible open spaces close to nature are discussed, whereby the state of research for adults is much richer than for children. With regard to mental health or its influencing variables, the following dimensions are elaborated with empirical results: stress reduction, antidepressant and mood enhancing effects, prosocial behavior, attention and ADHD, cognitive development, self-esteem and self-regulation, nature experience, and exercise. From a salutogenetic perspective, nature does not have a deterministic effect on health, but rather, in a sense, an incidental effect when open spaces close to nature are accessible and used. This casualness of the effect of nature experiences has to be considered in possible therapeutic or educational interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich Gebhard
- Fakultät für Erziehungswissenschaft, AG 4, Universität Bielefeld, Postfach 10 01 31, 33501, Bielefeld, Deutschland.
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13
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Marx W, Manger SH, Blencowe M, Murray G, Ho FYY, Lawn S, Blumenthal JA, Schuch F, Stubbs B, Ruusunen A, Desyibelew HD, Dinan TG, Jacka F, Ravindran A, Berk M, O'Neil A. Clinical guidelines for the use of lifestyle-based mental health care in major depressive disorder: World Federation of Societies for Biological Psychiatry (WFSBP) and Australasian Society of Lifestyle Medicine (ASLM) taskforce. World J Biol Psychiatry 2023; 24:333-386. [PMID: 36202135 PMCID: PMC10972571 DOI: 10.1080/15622975.2022.2112074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The primary objectives of these international guidelines were to provide a global audience of clinicians with (a) a series of evidence-based recommendations for the provision of lifestyle-based mental health care in clinical practice for adults with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and (b) a series of implementation considerations that may be applicable across a range of settings. METHODS Recommendations and associated evidence-based gradings were based on a series of systematic literature searches of published research as well as the clinical expertise of taskforce members. The focus of the guidelines was eight lifestyle domains: physical activity and exercise, smoking cessation, work-directed interventions, mindfulness-based and stress management therapies, diet, sleep, loneliness and social support, and green space interaction. The following electronic bibliographic databases were searched for articles published prior to June 2020: PubMed, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library (Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Cochrane Methodology Register), CINAHL, PsycINFO. Evidence grading was based on the level of evidence specific to MDD and risk of bias, in accordance with the World Federation of Societies for Biological Psychiatry criteria. RESULTS Nine recommendations were formed. The recommendations with the highest ratings to improve MDD were the use of physical activity and exercise, relaxation techniques, work-directed interventions, sleep, and mindfulness-based therapies (Grade 2). Interventions related to diet and green space were recommended, but with a lower strength of evidence (Grade 3). Recommendations regarding smoking cessation and loneliness and social support were based on expert opinion. Key implementation considerations included the need for input from allied health professionals and support networks to implement this type of approach, the importance of partnering such recommendations with behaviour change support, and the need to deliver interventions using a biopsychosocial-cultural framework. CONCLUSIONS Lifestyle-based interventions are recommended as a foundational component of mental health care in clinical practice for adults with Major Depressive Disorder, where other evidence-based therapies can be added or used in combination. The findings and recommendations of these guidelines support the need for further research to address existing gaps in efficacy and implementation research, especially for emerging lifestyle-based approaches (e.g. green space, loneliness and social support interventions) where data are limited. Further work is also needed to develop innovative approaches for delivery and models of care, and to support the training of health professionals regarding lifestyle-based mental health care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Marx
- Deakin University, Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation (IMPACT), Food & Mood Centre, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia
| | - Sam H Manger
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Queensland, Australia
- Australasian Society of Lifestyle Medicine, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Mark Blencowe
- Australasian Society of Lifestyle Medicine, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Greg Murray
- Centre for Mental Health, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Fiona Yan-Yee Ho
- Department of Psychology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Sharon Lawn
- Lived Experience Australia Ltd, Adelaide, Australia
- Flinders University, College of Medicine and Public Health, Adelaide, Australia
| | - James A. Blumenthal
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham NC 27710
| | - Felipe Schuch
- Department of Sports Methods and Techniques, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Brazil
| | - Brendon Stubbs
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, London, UK
| | - Anu Ruusunen
- Deakin University, Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation (IMPACT), Food & Mood Centre, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia
- Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Department of Psychiatry, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Hanna Demelash Desyibelew
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | | | - Felice Jacka
- Deakin University, Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation (IMPACT), Food & Mood Centre, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia
| | - Arun Ravindran
- Department of Psychiatry & Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto. Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada
| | - Michael Berk
- Deakin University, Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation (IMPACT), Food & Mood Centre, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia
| | - Adrienne O'Neil
- Deakin University, Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation (IMPACT), Food & Mood Centre, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia
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14
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Grigoletto A, Toselli S, Zijlema W, Marquez S, Triguero-Mas M, Gidlow C, Grazuleviciene R, Van de Berg M, Kruize H, Maas J, Nieuwenhuijsen MJ. Restoration in mental health after visiting urban green spaces, who is most affected? Comparison between good/poor mental health in four European cities. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 223:115397. [PMID: 36740152 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain the association between green space and health, and one of these is the restoration theory, based on the idea that it is possible to increase mental health and decrease stress visiting a natural environment. The aims of the present study were to understand what activities are most related to restoration and if these are the same for people with poorer and better mental health. A questionnaire was administered in four European cities and data about restoration outcomes, type of activity carried out in green spaces and mental health were collected and analyzed. A cross sectional design was used and total of 3134 respondents participated to the questionnaire. The restoration experience was measured with the restoration outcome score, and the mental health was evaluated with a subscale related to mental health of the Medical Outcome Short Form. Participants were divided in two groups according to mental health score. A multiple regression analysis was performed to investigate the association between mental health, type of activity and restoration. The cities showed a similar trend in the association between restoration and type of activity performed in green environment. People with poorer mental health seem to be more sensitive to the positive effect of visiting the green environment and restoration was more evident in these people than in those with better mental health. At the same time, the type of activity was less evident in people with better mental health, and they seemed to be less influenced by the visiting of green space. Green prescription is important for the entire population: people with poorer mental health could have important restorative effects and people with better mental health could continue to protect their well-being using green space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Grigoletto
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefania Toselli
- Department for Life Quality Studies, University of Bologna, 47921, Rimini, Italy.
| | - Wilma Zijlema
- Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), ISGlobal, Carrer del Dr.Aiguader, 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), 08002, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiologia y Salud Publica (CIBERESP), 08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sandra Marquez
- Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), ISGlobal, Carrer del Dr.Aiguader, 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), 08002, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiologia y Salud Publica (CIBERESP), 08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Margarita Triguero-Mas
- Mariana Arcaya's Research Lab, Department of Urban Studies and Planning, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Christopher Gidlow
- Centre for Health and Development, Staffordshire University, Leek Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 2DF, UK
| | - Regina Grazuleviciene
- Department of Environmental Science, Vytauto Didžiojo Universitetas, 44248, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Magdalena Van de Berg
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Centre (VUMC), 1007, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Hanneke Kruize
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, 3720 BA, Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Jolanda Maas
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Centre (VUMC), 1007, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Mark J Nieuwenhuijsen
- Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), ISGlobal, Carrer del Dr.Aiguader, 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
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15
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Soanes K, Taylor L, Ramalho CE, Maller C, Parris K, Bush J, Mata L, Williams NSG, Threlfall CG. Conserving urban biodiversity: Current practice, barriers, and enablers. Conserv Lett 2023. [DOI: 10.1111/conl.12946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kylie Soanes
- School of Ecosystem and Forest SciencesMelbourne Centre for CitiesThe University of Melbourne ParkvilleAustralia
| | - Lucy Taylor
- School of Ecosystem and Forest SciencesMelbourne Centre for CitiesThe University of Melbourne ParkvilleAustralia
| | - Cristina E. Ramalho
- School of Biological Sciences, M090The University of Western Australia PerthAustralia
| | - Cecily Maller
- Centre for Urban Research, School of Global, Urban and Social StudiesRMIT University MelbourneAustralia
| | - Kirsten Parris
- School of Ecosystem and Forest SciencesMelbourne Centre for CitiesThe University of Melbourne ParkvilleAustralia
| | - Judy Bush
- Faculty of Architecture, Building and PlanningThe University of Melbourne ParkvilleAustralia
| | - Luis Mata
- School of Ecosystem and Forest SciencesMelbourne Centre for CitiesThe University of Melbourne ParkvilleAustralia
- Cesar Australia BrunswickAustralia
| | - Nicholas S. G. Williams
- School of Ecosystem and Forest SciencesMelbourne Centre for CitiesThe University of Melbourne ParkvilleAustralia
| | - Caragh G. Threlfall
- School of Natural SciencesMacquarie UniversityNSWAustralia
- School of Life and Environmental SciencesThe University of SydneyNSWAustralia
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16
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Coroller S, Flinois C. Video games as a tool for ecological learning: the case of Animal Crossing. Ecosphere 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.4463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
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17
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Indigenous Knowledge and the Microbiome-Bridging the Disconnect between Colonized Places, Peoples, and the Unseen Influences That Shape Our Health and Well-Being. mSystems 2023; 8:e0087522. [PMID: 36695590 PMCID: PMC9948692 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00875-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Indigenous Peoples have a rich and long-standing connection with the environments that they descend from-a connection that has informed a deep and multifaceted understanding of the relationship between human well-being and the environment. Through cultural narratives and practices, much of this knowledge has endured despite the ongoing effects that colonization has had on many Indigenous peoples across the world. These narratives and practices, based on observation, experimentation, and practical application over many generations, have the potential to make compelling contributions to our understanding of the environmental microbiome and its relationship to health. Furthermore, the inclusion of Indigenous perspectives regarding the microbiome opens pathways to those who rarely engage with the field and its learnings. Within the scientific community, Indigenous perspectives have not always been acknowledged as valid contributions and are often seen as myth or lacking rigor. Thus, this paper aims to explore an Indigenous perspective of the microbiome as an unseen influence on health and well-being by framing the importance of the natural environment, Indigenous knowledge and leadership, and future research directions that can contribute to this domain. Although the Indigenous perspective in this article reflects the experiences, worldviews, and knowledge of two New Zealand Māori authors, it is hoped that the concepts discussed can relate to Indigenous peoples, and non-Indigenous advocates, globally.
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18
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Zhao X, Zhang H, Ren J, Guo J, Wang Q, Li C. City Health Examination and Evaluation of Territory Spatial Planning for SDG11 in China: A Case Study of Xining City in Qinghai Province. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3243. [PMID: 36833939 PMCID: PMC9958565 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20043243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
City health examination and evaluation of territorial spatial planning is a new policy tool in China. However, research on city health examination and evaluation of territorial spatial planning is still in the exploratory stage in China. Guided by sustainable cities and communities (SDG11), a reasonable city health examination and evaluation index system for Xining City in Qinghai Province is constructed in this paper. The improved technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) was used to quantify the evaluation results, and the city health index was visualized using the city health examination signals and warning panel. The results show that the city health index of Xining City continuously rose from 35.76 in 2018 to 69.76 in 2020. However, it is still necessary to address the shortcomings in innovation, coordination, openness and sharing and to improve the level of city space governance in a holistic way. This study is an exploration of the methodology used in city health examination and the evaluation of territorial spatial planning in China, which can provide a foundation for the sustainable development of Xining City and also provide a case reference for other cities seeking to carry out city health examinations and evaluations of territorial spatial planning in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangjuan Zhao
- School of Civil Engineering, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
| | - Hanxuan Zhang
- School of Civil Engineering, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
| | - Jun Ren
- School of Civil Engineering, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
- Graduate School of Qinghai University, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
| | - Jing Guo
- Institute of Eco-Environment, Qinghai Academy of Social Sciences, Xining 810016, China
| | - Quanxi Wang
- School of Grammar, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110169, China
| | - Chengying Li
- School of Civil Engineering, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
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19
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Tung YH, Hung SH, Chang CY, Tang HF. Onsite restorative effect of a rural ecological farm versus an urban public greenery space. LANDSCAPE AND ECOLOGICAL ENGINEERING 2023. [PMCID: PMC9923656 DOI: 10.1007/s11355-023-00546-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
Accessible urban greenery allows short breaks and leisure activities while experiencing nature. Studies have shown that contact with nature elicits psychological and physical health benefits. However, the immediate impact and influence of exposure to artificial versus rural ecological nature have yet to be examined. This study investigates their psychophysiological restorative effects onsite, specifically when individuals view a ubiquitous urban public greenery space or a more indigenous ecological forest-like nature area, to compare levels of restorativeness and relaxation. Participants were asked to sit and view a scene onsite for 6 min while their facial muscle tension was recorded. The data were used to evaluate the degree of facial relaxation for both scenes. In addition, participant self-reports measured perceived restorativeness after the 6-min period. The self-reported data showed that the ecological farm scene was rated significantly higher for perceived restorativeness (t [49.136] = 9.094, p < .001) after 6 min of viewing. The muscle tension analysis showed that facial tension significantly declined when participants viewed the farm scene compared to the urban greenery space. These results, especially those on the farm, show that nature with more forest-like and rural elements elicited more powerful restorative effects and significantly lowered facial muscle tension (t [65] = − 2.785, p < .05), thus verifying that a more ecological nature landscape provides immediate, significant health benefits through attention recovery and reduced facial muscle stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Hsin Tung
- grid.19188.390000 0004 0546 0241Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, National Taiwan University, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Han Hung
- grid.265231.10000 0004 0532 1428Department of Landscape Architecture, Tunghai University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Yen Chang
- grid.19188.390000 0004 0546 0241Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, National Taiwan University, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Hsing-Fen Tang
- grid.412146.40000 0004 0573 0416Department of Leisure Industry and Health Promotion, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taipei City, Taiwan
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20
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The Relationship Between Nature and Immigrants' Integration, Wellbeing and Physical Activity: A Scoping Review. J Immigr Minor Health 2023; 25:190-218. [PMID: 35201532 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-022-01339-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to nature has been suggested to promote immigrants' health and facilitate adaptation. This review summarizes previous research focusing on the relationship between nature and immigrants' integration, wellbeing and physical activity. A search strategy was developed and adapted to seven databases. After removing duplicates, 4861 records were screened, 81 met inclusion criteria. Community gardens and urban parks were the most studied environments. In these settings, embodied experiences (the interactive processes of sensing and cognition) can foster new memories that facilitate adaptation and attachment to new natural environments. Social interaction and reconnecting with pre-migration experiences through specific use patterns can promote cultural continuation, sense of belonging and wellbeing. Other health benefits such as physical activity, disease management and improved nutrition were less frequently studied. Barriers to participation and recommendations for research and practice were also identified. Use of stronger study designs and greater inclusion of immigrant groups in research, design and evaluation of nature-based initiatives is needed.
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21
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McDonald RI, Aronson MFJ, Beatley T, Beller E, Bazo M, Grossinger R, Jessup K, Mansur AV, Puppim de Oliveira JA, Panlasigui S, Burg J, Pevzner N, Shanahan D, Stoneburner L, Rudd A, Spotswood E. Denser and greener cities: Green interventions to achieve both urban density and nature. PEOPLE AND NATURE 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/pan3.10423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Robert I. McDonald
- Center for Sustainability Science, The Nature Conservancy in Europe Berlin Germany
- CUNY Institute for Demographic Research New York New York USA
- Humboldt University Berlin Germany
| | - Myla F. J. Aronson
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Natural Resources Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey New Brunswick New Jersey USA
| | - Timothy Beatley
- School of Architecture University of Virginia Charlottesville Virginia USA
| | - Erin Beller
- Real Estate & Workplace Services Sustainability Team Google Mountain View California USA
| | - Micaela Bazo
- Urban Nature Lab San Francisco Estuary Institute Richmond California USA
| | - Robin Grossinger
- Urban Nature Lab San Francisco Estuary Institute Richmond California USA
| | - Kelsey Jessup
- The Nature Conservancy in California San Francisco California USA
| | - Andressa V. Mansur
- Department of Anthropology University of Georgia Athens Georgia USA
- Institute for Resilient Infrastructure Systems University of Georgia Athens Georgia USA
| | | | | | - Joe Burg
- Urban Nature Lab San Francisco Estuary Institute Richmond California USA
| | - Nicholas Pevzner
- Department of Landscape Architecture, Weitzman School of Design University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia Pennsylvania USA
| | - Danielle Shanahan
- Zealandia Centre for People and Nature Wellington New Zealand
- Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington Wellington New Zealand
| | - Lauren Stoneburner
- Urban Nature Lab San Francisco Estuary Institute Richmond California USA
| | - Andrew Rudd
- UN‐Habitat, Two United Nations Plaza New York New York USA
| | - Erica Spotswood
- Urban Nature Lab San Francisco Estuary Institute Richmond California USA
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22
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Liu C, Li Y, Li J, Jin C, Zhong D. The Effect of Psychological Burden on Dyslipidemia Moderated by Greenness: A Nationwide Study from China. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:14287. [PMID: 36361165 PMCID: PMC9659001 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192114287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Globally, dyslipidemia is now become a leading risk factor for many adverse health outcomes, especially in the middle-aged and elderly. Recent evidence suggests that exposure to greenness and the relief of a psychological burden may decrease the prevalence of dyslipidemia. The objective of our study was to examine whether a green space can moderate the association between mental health status and dyslipidemia. Our study selected the datasets of depression symptoms, dyslipidemia from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), and the satellite-based normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) from the 30 m annual maximum NDVI dataset in China in 2018. Ultimately, a total of 10,022 middle-aged and elderly Chinese were involved in our study. Multilevel logistic regressions were performed to examine the association between symptoms of depression and dyslipidemia, as well as the moderate effect of greenness exposure on the association. Our research suggested that adults diagnosed with depression symptoms were more likely to suffer from dyslipidemia. In addition, the NDVI was shown to moderate the effect of depression on dyslipidemia significantly, though the effect was attenuated as depression increased. Regarding the moderate effect of the NDVI on the above association across age, gender, and residence, the findings presented that females, the elderly, and respondents living in urban areas were at a greater risk of having dyslipidemia, although the protective effect of the NDVI was considered. Likewise, the moderate effect of the NDVI gradually decreased as the level of depression increased in different groups. The current study conducted in China provides insights into the association between mental health, green space, and dyslipidemia. Hence, improving mental health and green spaces can be potential targets for medical interventions to decrease the prevalence of dyslipidemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengcheng Liu
- School of Social Development and Public Policy, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Yao Li
- School of Social Development and Public Policy, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Jing Li
- Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Chenggang Jin
- School of Social Development and Public Policy, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Deping Zhong
- National Institute of Natural Hazards, Ministry of Emergency Management of the People’s Republic of China, Beijing 100085, China
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23
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Noushad S, Ansari B, Ahmed S. Effect of nature-based physical activity on post-traumatic growth among healthcare providers with post-traumatic stress. Stress Health 2022; 38:813-826. [PMID: 35191173 DOI: 10.1002/smi.3135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this randomized control trial was to observe the effect of nature-based physical activity in achieving post traumatic growth and to estimate the combined effect of nature and physical activity on the psychophysiological outcomes. A 3-month therapy was provided to participants meeting eligibility criteria to receive the walk-in nature (experimental group) or sit-in nature (control group) in the 1:1 ratio. At baseline and 3-month follow-up, participants were assessed with Trauma Symptom Checklist 40, Traumatic Stress Scale, Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), Cortisol, C-Reactive Protein (CRP), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Brain-Derived Neurotropic Factor (BDNF) and heart rate variability. There was a significant effect of nature-based physical activity on traumatic stress and post-traumatic growth in comparison with the sit-in control. A significant post-interventional difference was observed in the mean PTGI score [F = 5.412, p = 0.022] between the experimental and control groups after 3 months of intervention. All the biochemical estimates, including CRP, BDNF, IL-6, and cortisol levels, were significantly altered in both post-intervention study groups (p < 0.01). Taken together, these results show that nature-based physical activity significantly improves psychophysiological outcomes induced as a result of post-traumatic growth and also reduces traumatic stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shamoon Noushad
- Department of Health, Physical Education and Sports Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan.,Department of Physiology, Psychophysiology Research Lab, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Basit Ansari
- Department of Health, Physical Education and Sports Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Sadaf Ahmed
- Department of Physiology, Psychophysiology Research Lab, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan
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24
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Marini S, Mauro M, Grigoletto A, Toselli S, Maietta Latessa P. The Effect of Physical Activity Interventions Carried Out in Outdoor Natural Blue and Green Spaces on Health Outcomes: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:12482. [PMID: 36231779 PMCID: PMC9566520 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
In the last few years, interest about the natural environment and its influences on health conditions has been growing. In particular, physical activity interventions carried out in blue and green environment are being investigated as a potential strategy to increase health outcomes in people with and without chronic conditions. Many recent studies reported positive results, but a high number of these studies were focused on people with mental or physical disorders. In this scenario, the present systematic review, conducted according to the PRISMA statement, was aimed at investigating the existing evidence regarding the effects of physical activity interventions carried out in green-blue space settings involving healthy people. A literature search was performed through PubMed, Cochrane, Cinahl, and Psychinfo, and the quality of each study was assessed. Out of 239 identified articles, 75 full texts were screened. Six eligible studies showed an improvement in health outcomes, such as well-being, mood, and physical performance, in the experimental group compared with the control group. No exhaustive conclusion can be drawn based on available evidence. However, this systematic review highlighted the need to extend this kind of intervention to reveal more robust evidence that green and blue exercises benefit health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Marini
- Department for Life Quality Studies, University of Bologna, 47921 Rimini, Italy
| | - Mario Mauro
- Department for Life Quality Studies, University of Bologna, 47921 Rimini, Italy
| | - Alessia Grigoletto
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefania Toselli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
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25
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Cruz-Piedrahita C, Roscoe CJ, Howe C, Fecht D, de Nazelle A. Holistic approach to assess the association between the synergistic effect of physical activity, exposure to greenspace, and fruits and vegetable intake on health and wellbeing: Cross-sectional analysis of UK Biobank. Front Public Health 2022; 10:886608. [PMID: 36249200 PMCID: PMC9561552 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.886608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Urban agriculture has been shown to contribute to healthy lifestyle behaviors, such as increased fruit and vegetable intake and greater exposure to greenspaces and there is plenty of evidence linking these lifestyle behaviors to better health and wellbeing. However, most evidence relates to assessing one behavior at a time despite available epidemiological research showing how the combined effects of multiple behaviors are associated with health and wellbeing. This research aims to examine the association of the interactions between various lifestyle behaviors and exposures related to urban agriculture and health and wellbeing. Methods We used data from the UK Biobank baseline questionnaire (N~500, 000) to assess the association of two lifestyle behaviors (fruit and vegetable intake and physical activity) and greenspace exposure, with four health and wellbeing markers (blood pressure, BMI, self-health assessment, and self-reported loneliness) independently, and in combination. Associations between lifestyle behaviors, greenspace exposure, and the possible interactions with health and wellbeing were explored using general linear models (GLMs), adjusted for socio-demographic confounders including age, sex, educational qualifications, index of multiple deprivation, and ethnicity, and a lifestyle confounder: smoking status. Results After removing missing data, as well as participants who did not meet the inclusion criteria, the final study sample was n = 204,478. The results indicate that meeting recommended levels of the World Health Organization (WHO) for fruits and vegetable intake, and the advice from the UK Chief Medical Officer for physical activity, is linked to better health and wellbeing markers. We found that UK Biobank participants who lived in greener areas and were physically active were more likely to feel alone and think their health was poor. Participants who were physically active and met the recommended intake of fruits and vegetables were more likely to have healthy blood pressure, feel less lonely, and rate their health as good. Evidence of three-way interactions was weak, and mostly was not associated with the health and wellbeing markers assessed here. Conclusion Taken in combination, healthy diets, physical activity and exposure to greenspaces are associated with health and wellbeing. In some cases, these effects are synergistic, indicating associations above and beyond the mere additive effect of the behaviors considered independently. Promoting such behaviors together, for example, through urban agriculture, is therefore more likely to generate greater public health changes than if they are promoted through independent policies and programs. Inter-relationships between these pathways and different health and wellbeing markers, however, are complex, and require further investigation to understand optimal environments and conditions for urban health promotion.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Charlotte J. Roscoe
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Caroline Howe
- Centre for Environmental Policy, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Daniela Fecht
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Audrey de Nazelle
- Centre for Environmental Policy, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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Suppakittpaisarn P, Charoenlertthanakit N, Yaipimol E, Surinseng V, Wanitchayapaisit C, Kim G. Relationship between the Duration of Urban Nature and a Lower Waist-Hip Ratio. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:11606. [PMID: 36141879 PMCID: PMC9517536 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191811606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Obesity is a prevalent health issue. Evidence suggests that the availability of urban nature may reduce the risks of obesity. However, several knowledge gaps remain. This study explores the relationships between the dose (distance, duration and frequency) of urban nature and demographic factors towards obesity risks among people in Thailand. A total of 111 participants in three urban and peri-urban nature locations answered a survey regarding their distance from green spaces, frequency of visits, and duration of their typical stay, as well as their socio-demographics, and waist-hip ratio (WHR). The results suggested that at least 1-2 h per typical visit to nature predicted low-risk WHR in women. Male participants are more likely to have a high-risk WHR. Increasing age predicted low-risk WHR. Spending more time in green spaces predicted lower odds of high-risk WHR, while distance did not predict the odds. This research is one of the first to study the relationship between time spent in nature and obesity, and one of the first nature and health studies conducted in Thailand. Given that Thailand is one of the countries most affected by obesity in Southeast Asia, this study is relevant and essential. Future research should explore the quality factors of the park with longer duration of stay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pongsakorn Suppakittpaisarn
- Landscape Design and Environmental Management Studio, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Nadchawan Charoenlertthanakit
- Landscape Design and Environmental Management Studio, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Ekachai Yaipimol
- Landscape Design and Environmental Management Studio, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Vipavee Surinseng
- Landscape Design and Environmental Management Studio, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Chulalux Wanitchayapaisit
- Landscape Design and Environmental Management Studio, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chiang Mai University, Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Gunwoo Kim
- Graduate School of Urban Studies, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul 04763, Korea
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Zhang J, Cui J, Astell-Burt T, Shi W, Peng J, Lei L, Xin X, Zhang J, Feng X, Jiang Y, Ma J. Weekly green space visit duration is positively associated with favorable health outcomes in people with hypertension: Evidence from Shenzhen, China. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 212:113228. [PMID: 35398313 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies from high income 'western' countries indicate that green space visit duration is associated with better health. However, scant comparable research has been done in developing countries with rapid urbanization and on the potential health impacts of specific green infrastructure. OBJECTIVE Associations between green space visit duration, green infrastructure and various health outcomes were assessed in hypertensive patients. METHODS A stratified multi-stage cluster random sampling method was applied to select 1116 patients with hypertension aged 35 years or older in Shenzhen, China. Face-to-face survey, physical examination and laboratory biochemical tests were applied to obtain information. Binary logistic regressions with restricted cubic splines were used to explore the degree of linearity in associations between green space visit duration and the following health outcomes: central obesity; diabetes; blood pressure; dyslipidemia; poor physical health; poor mental health. Models were adjusted for age, sex, education, marital status, occupation, and socioeconomic status. Further analysis was made for presence of the following health promoting green infrastructure: health knowledge promotion areas; walking trails; fitness areas; group exercise venues. RESULTS Each additional 30 min green space visitation was linearly associated with lower odds of self-reported poor mental health [OR (95%CI): 0.937 (0.891-0.985)], self-reported poor physical health [OR (95%CI): 0.918 (0.872-0.966)], and central obesity [OR (95%CI): 0.951 (0.907-0.997)]. Odds of poor mental health [OR (95%CI): 0.886 (0.788-0.997)], poor physical health [OR (95%CI): 0.882 (0.782-0.996)] and central obesity [OR (95%CI): 0.855 (0.765-0.955)] were founded to decrease with a greater number of health promoting green infrastructure. CONCLUSION More time spent in green space and with more types of green infrastructure were favourably associated with central obesity, and physical and mental health in people with hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingwen Zhang
- School of Population Medicine and Public Health, Peking Union Medical College and the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; Shijiazhuang Municipal Bureau of Statistics, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, China
| | - Jia Cui
- School of Population Medicine and Public Health, Peking Union Medical College and the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Thomas Astell-Burt
- School of Population Medicine and Public Health, Peking Union Medical College and the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; Population Wellbeing and Environment Research Lab (PowerLab), School of Health and Society, Faculty of Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia; Menzies Centre for Health Policy, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Wenhui Shi
- Division of Non-communicable Disease and Aging Health Management, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Ji Peng
- Department of Chronic Non-communication Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen Center for Chronic Disease Control, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lin Lei
- Department of Chronic Non-communication Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen Center for Chronic Disease Control, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xin Xin
- Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Juan Zhang
- School of Population Medicine and Public Health, Peking Union Medical College and the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Xiaoqi Feng
- Population Wellbeing and Environment Research Lab (PowerLab), School of Health and Society, Faculty of Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia; Menzies Centre for Health Policy, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China; School of Population Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Yu Jiang
- School of Population Medicine and Public Health, Peking Union Medical College and the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jixiang Ma
- Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shandong, China
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Basak SM, Hossain MS, O'Mahony DT, Okarma H, Widera E, Wierzbowska IA. Public perceptions and attitudes toward urban wildlife encounters - A decade of change. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 834:155603. [PMID: 35523348 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Europe is currently undergoing dynamic land use changes causing the expansion of urban habitat, which is driving wildlife species to colonise conurbations, resulting in an increased likelihood of human-wildlife conflict (HWC). Understanding people's attitudes toward wildlife is essential to manage these conflicts. This study assessed people's attitudes toward urban wildlife, the types of conflicts that existed, preferences for managing conflict situations, and determined any changes in perceptions of urban wildlife over a decade. A questionnaire survey of residents of Krakow, the second-largest city in Poland, was conducted in 2010 (n = 721) and repeated in 2020 (n = 887). We found that encounters with certain urban wildlife such as wild boars, red squirrels, roe deer, brown hares, and red foxes had increased significantly in 2020 compared to 2010. Respondents reported that wild boar and beavers did not show fear when encountering humans. Stone martens were considered the most nuisance wildlife species in 2010, while in 2020 wild boar were the most conflictual wildlife species. There were additional reports of conflicts with roe deer and red foxes. The most frequent HWC responses were personal anxiety, intrusion into property and destruction of crops, which increased significantly over the decade, independent of respondents' gender. Respondents preferred nonlethal methods to mitigate conflicts. The study provides valuable information and knowledge on changes in people's attitudes toward urban wildlife that can help with wildlife management in urban areas. Incorporating perception and attitude data from the public, along with a multi-stakeholder approach that includes wildlife professionals, in the planning and design of future urban environments is critical to minimise HWC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayantani M Basak
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
| | - Md Sarwar Hossain
- Environmental Science and Sustainability, School of Interdisciplinary Studies, University of Glasgow, Dumfries, UK
| | - Declan T O'Mahony
- Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, 18a Newforge Lane, Belfast BT9 5PX, UK
| | - Henryk Okarma
- Institute of Nature Conservation, Polish Academy of Sciences, Mickiewicza 33, 31-120 Krakow, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Widera
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
| | - Izabela A Wierzbowska
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Krakow, Poland.
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The Impact of Low-Carbon City (LCC) on Elderly People’s Health: Evidence from a Natural Experiment in China. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19159424. [PMID: 35954783 PMCID: PMC9368215 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19159424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Rapid urbanization has increased haze pollution, affecting the health of elderly people. This study uses low-carbon city (LCC) data and examines the effects of LCCs on improving the health of elderly residents. Our main purpose is to explore the following question: Can the new urbanization model presented by the LCC alleviate haze pollution and enhance the health of middle-aged and elderly people? This study uses data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) and the 2012 LCC pilot to explore whether the LCC can alleviate haze pollution and improve elderly people’s health. The study found that the building of LCCs can reduce blood pressure, improve vital capacity, decrease obesity, and improve memory levels, including short-term and long-term memory. The building of LCCs also reduces the probability of being exposed to haze pollution by increasing the city’s green total factor productivity and the use of green technologies. The study concludes that elderly people received health dividends as a result of the enhancement of living conditions, transportation, and medical support in the LCCs.
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Grigoletto A, Loi A, Maietta Latessa P, Marini S, Rinaldo N, Gualdi-Russo E, Zaccagni L, Toselli S. Physical Activity Behavior, Motivation and Active Commuting: Relationships with the Use of Green Spaces in Italy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19159248. [PMID: 35954607 PMCID: PMC9367901 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19159248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Many benefits of physical activity (PA) are observed with weekly average volumes of 150–300 min at moderate intensity. Public parks may be an attraction for many people living in the city and could help to achieve the recommended dose of PA. The present study aims to understand the motivation that drives people to a park and evaluate the amount of PA practiced by park-goers. A questionnaire was anonymously administered to 383 voluntary visitors to the Arcoveggio park (Bologna), aged 18–70 years. Sixty-one percent of participants practiced outdoor PA. Differences in park use between sexes and age groups were found. PA was higher in men than in women and in the 18–30 age group than in other age groups. Most participants travelled to the park in an active way (86.4%), resulting in easier attainment of the recommended amount of PA (64.5%). The main motivations for using the park were related to relaxation, performing PA, or both. According to a multiple regression model, the time per week spent at the park, the method of getting there, and the kind of PA were significant explanatory variables of the amount of PA practiced. In particular, the highest number of minutes of PA was achieved by those who travelled to the park by running, while those using vehicles presented the lowest number. All initiatives to promote active commuting and activities in the urban park represent an important strategy to improve health, supporting adults to lead an active lifestyle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Grigoletto
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (A.G.); (S.T.)
| | - Alberto Loi
- School of Pharmacy, Biotechnology, and Sport Science, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
| | | | - Sofia Marini
- Department for Life Quality Studies, University of Bologna, 47921 Rimini, Italy; (P.M.L.); (S.M.)
| | - Natascia Rinaldo
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Prevention, University of Ferrara, Corso Ercole I d’Este 32, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (N.R.); (E.G.-R.)
| | - Emanuela Gualdi-Russo
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Prevention, University of Ferrara, Corso Ercole I d’Este 32, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (N.R.); (E.G.-R.)
| | - Luciana Zaccagni
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Prevention, University of Ferrara, Corso Ercole I d’Este 32, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (N.R.); (E.G.-R.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Stefania Toselli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (A.G.); (S.T.)
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Brito H, Brymer E, Araújo D. An ecological dynamics perspective on designing urban nature environments for wellbeing and health-enhancing physical activity. Front Public Health 2022; 10:877208. [PMID: 35968417 PMCID: PMC9363900 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.877208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The latest World Health Organization report on green and blue space and mental health (2021) calls for greater, and better, urban nature environments, i. e., “wilder” urban parks, tree-laden sidewalks, and overall presence of nature in the urban environment. Evidence shows that living close to and interacting with nature promotes benefits to numerous health and well-being indicators. The present article narratively reviews what are the aspects of urban nature environments that enhance health and wellbeing markers, which aspects are preferred among users and visitors of urban nature environments, and how can the benefits for health and wellbeing be understood from a theoretical perspective. Finally, guided by the ecological dynamics framework, suggestions are put forward on how designers and planners of urban nature environments can consider affordances to promote physical activity behavior, health and wellbeing; and how exercise and health researchers and professionals may channel the interaction of individuals with the nature environment in their interventions and programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrique Brito
- CIPER, Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- *Correspondence: Henrique Brito
| | - Eric Brymer
- Faculty of Health, Southern Cross University, Lismore, NSW, Australia
| | - Duarte Araújo
- CIPER, Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
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Soga M, Gaston KJ. The dark side of nature experience: Typology, dynamics and implications of negative sensory interactions with nature. PEOPLE AND NATURE 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/pan3.10383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Masashi Soga
- Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences The University of Tokyo Bunkyo Tokyo Japan
| | - Kevin J. Gaston
- Environment and Sustainability Institute University of Exeter Penryn UK
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Contini P, Di Nuovo S, Sinatra M, Osmanaj E, Monacis L. Investigating the Buffering Effects of Greenery on the Adverse Emotional, Mental and Behavioral Health during the Pandemic Period. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:8749. [PMID: 35886601 PMCID: PMC9325294 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19148749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
In light of the adverse emotional, mental and behavioral outcomes caused by the pandemic period, this research analyzed the associations between emotional distress and poor health outcomes and the buffering effects of greenery on these outcomes. An online cross-sectional survey between June-November 2021 was distributed among 1314 young Italian adults. Bivariate associations and multivariate regression analyses were applied to the data. Findings showed that emotional distress was positively related to poor mental health outcomes and to some of the unhealthy behaviors. In addition, green pathways differently impacted on health: the indoor features confirmed buffering effects on adverse emotional and mental health responses, whereas the outdoor features played no salutogenic role. In conclusion, whereas the outbreak period of the pandemic has led to the rediscovering/reinforcement of the attachment to nature to cope with negative affective states, the successive waves characterized by selected limitations and new living rules of social adaptation may have brought about a reduced affinity toward nature. Target interventions in terms of biophilic design for indoor environmental sustainability are needed in order to increase the innate human-nature connection and thus to promote public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Contini
- Inter-University Centre of Research in Population, Environmental and Health (CIRPAS), University of Bari, 70121 Bari, Italy;
| | - Santo Di Nuovo
- Department of Education, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy;
| | | | - Elisabeta Osmanaj
- Faculty of Education Sciences, University of Elbasan “Aleksandër Xhuvani”, 3001 Elbasan, Albania;
| | - Lucia Monacis
- Department of Humanities, University of Foggia, 71121 Foggia, Italy
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Disconnected: What Can We Learn from Individuals with Very Low Nature Connection? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19138021. [PMID: 35805683 PMCID: PMC9266168 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19138021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
While nature connection, which describes a positive relationship between humans and the rest of the natural world, has been a focus of numerous research studies in the last few decades, relatively little attention has been paid to nature disconnection. While the majority of the populations reported in most studies tend to be highly connected, there is a small percentage of those who feel they have no connection to the natural world. In this paper, we examine this novel construct of nature disconnection through secondary analysis of existing data from the Monitor of Engagement with the Natural Environment survey (MENE) by Natural England. From our analysis of this disconnected population, we can see that they are more likely to be young (16–24 years old), male, not employed and living in rented accommodation. We also observe that they have lower levels of life satisfaction and pro-environmental behaviours. We go on to present an initial theoretical discussion as to the origins of disconnection and propose further research directions to tackle the under-theorisation of this construct.
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Han KT, Ruan LW, Liao LS. Effects of Indoor Plants on Human Functions: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analyses. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:7454. [PMID: 35742700 PMCID: PMC9224521 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19127454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The influences of indoor plants on people have been examined by only three systematic reviews and no meta-analyses. The objective of this study was therefore to investigate the effects of indoor plants on individuals' physiological, cognitive, health-related, and behavioral functions by conducting a systematic review with meta-analyses to fill the research gap. The eligibility criteria of this study were (1) any type of participants, (2) any type of indoor plants, (3) comparators without any plants or with other elements, (4) any type of objective human function outcomes, (5) any type of study design, and (6) publications in either English or Chinese. Records were extracted from the Web of Science (1990-), Scopus (1970-), WANFANG DATA (1980-), and Taiwan Periodical Literature (1970-). Therefore, at least two databases were searched in English and in Chinese-two of the most common languages in the world. The last search date of all four databases was on 18 February 2021. We used a quality appraisal system to evaluate the included records. A total of 42 records was included for the systematic review, which concluded that indoor plants affect participants' functions positively, particularly those of relaxed physiology and enhanced cognition. Separate meta-analyses were then conducted for the effects of the absence or presence of indoor plants on human functions. The meta-analyses comprised only 16 records. The evidence synthesis showed that indoor plants can significantly benefit participants' diastolic blood pressure (-2.526, 95% CI -4.142, -0.909) and academic achievement (0.534, 95% CI 0.167, 0.901), whereas indoor plants also affected participants' electroencephalography (EEG) α and β waves, attention, and response time, though not significantly. The major limitations of this study were that we did not include the grey literature and used only two or three records for the meta-analysis of each function. In brief, to achieve the healthy city for people's health and effective functioning, not only are green spaces needed in cities, but also plants are needed in buildings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke-Tsung Han
- Department of Landscape Architecture, National Chin-Yi University of Technology, Taichung 411030, Taiwan; (L.-W.R.); (L.-S.L.)
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Cirino DW, Tambosi LR, Mauad T, Freitas SR, Metzger JP. Balanced spatial distribution of green areas creates healthier urban landscapes. J Appl Ecol 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.14195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Thais Mauad
- Faculdade de Medicina Universidade de São Paulo (FMUSP)
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Effect of Urban Green Space in the Hilly Environment on Physical Activity and Health Outcomes: Mediation Analysis on Multiple Greenery Measures. LAND 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/land11050612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
Background: Green spaces reduce the risk of multiple adverse health outcomes by encouraging physical activity. This study examined correlations between urban green space and residents’ health outcomes in hilly neighborhoods: if they are mediated by social cohesion, visual aesthetics, and safety. Methods: We used multiple green space indicators, including normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) extracted from satellite imagery, green view index (GVI) obtained from street view data using deep learning methods, park availability, and perceived level of greenery. Hilly terrain was assessed by the standard deviation of the elevation to represent variations in slope. Resident health outcomes were quantified by their psychological and physiological health as well as physical activity. Communities were grouped by quartiles of slopes. Then a mediation model was applied, controlling for socio-demographic factors. Results: Residents who perceived higher quality greenery experienced stronger social cohesion, spent more time on physical activity and had better mental health outcomes. The objective greenery indicators were not always associated with physical activity and might have a negative influence with certain terrain. Conclusions: Perceived green space offers an alternative explanation of the effects on physical activity and mental health in hilly neighborhoods. In some circumstances, geographical environment features should be accounted for to determine the association of green space and resident health outcomes.
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Ordóñez Barona C, Trammell TLE. Editorial: Urban Trees in a Changing Climate: Science and Practice to Enhance Resilience. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.882510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Elliot Noe E, Innes J, Barnes A, Joshi C, Clarkson BD. Habitat provision is a major driver of native bird communities in restored urban forests. J Anim Ecol 2022; 91:1444-1457. [PMID: 35396865 PMCID: PMC9541441 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.13700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Urbanization, and the drastic loss of habitat it entails, poses a major threat to global avian biodiversity. Ecological restoration of urban forests is therefore increasingly vital for native bird conservation, but control of invasive predators may also be needed to sustain native bird populations in cities where species invasions have been particularly severe. We evaluated restoration success by investigating changes in native bird communities along a restoration chronosequence of 25 restored urban forests representing 72 years of forest development, which we compared to two target reference systems and a control system. We hypothesized that total species richness and relative abundance of native forest birds would increase with the age of restoration planting. We further hypothesized that relative abundance of rats, possums and cats would negatively impact native birds, while amount of native forest in the surrounding landscape would have a positive effect. We used structural equation modelling (SEM) to investigate the relative influence of forest structure (complexity index, tree height, canopy openness, basal area, species richness and density), landscape attributes (patch area, perimeter length, landscape composition within three buffer zones, distance to the nearest road and water source) and invasive mammalian predator indices of relative abundance on total species richness and relative abundance of native forest birds. Species richness increased with age of restoration planting, with community composition progressing towards that found in target reference systems. SEM revealed that years restored was a direct driver of bird species richness but an indirect driver of abundance, which was directly driven by canopy openness. Contrary to our predictions, invasive mammals had no significant effect on native bird species richness or abundance. Our results demonstrate that provision and improvement of habitat quantity and quality through restoration is the vital first step to re‐establishing native forest bird communities in cities.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Elliot Noe
- University of Waikato, Private Bag 3105, Hamilton, 3240, New Zealand
| | - J Innes
- Manaaki Whenua-Landcare Research, Private Bag 3127, Hamilton 3240, New Zealand
| | - A Barnes
- University of Waikato, Private Bag 3105, Hamilton, 3240, New Zealand
| | - C Joshi
- University of Waikato, Private Bag 3105, Hamilton, 3240, New Zealand
| | - B D Clarkson
- University of Waikato, Private Bag 3105, Hamilton, 3240, New Zealand
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40
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Schwartz AJ, Dodds PS, O’Neil-Dunne JPM, Ricketts TH, Danforth CM. Gauging the happiness benefit of US urban parks through Twitter. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0261056. [PMID: 35353831 PMCID: PMC8967001 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0261056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The relationship between nature contact and mental well-being has received increasing attention in recent years. While a body of evidence has accumulated demonstrating a positive relationship between time in nature and mental well-being, there have been few studies comparing this relationship in different locations over long periods of time. In this study, we analyze over 1.5 million tweets to estimate a happiness benefit, the difference in expressed happiness between in- and out-of-park tweets, for the 25 largest cities in the US by population. People write happier words during park visits when compared with non-park user tweets collected around the same time. While the words people write are happier in parks on average and in most cities, we find considerable variation across cities. Tweets are happier in parks at all times of the day, week, and year, not just during the weekend or summer vacation. Across all cities, we find that the happiness benefit is highest in parks larger than 100 acres. Overall, our study suggests the happiness benefit associated with park visitation is on par with US holidays such as Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron J. Schwartz
- Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado, United States of America
- Gund Institute for Environment, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, United States of America
- Vermont Complex Systems Center, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, United States of America
- Computational Story Lab, MassMutual Center of Excellence for Complex Systems and Data Science, Vermont Advanced Computing Core, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, United States of America
- Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Peter Sheridan Dodds
- Vermont Complex Systems Center, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, United States of America
- Computational Story Lab, MassMutual Center of Excellence for Complex Systems and Data Science, Vermont Advanced Computing Core, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, United States of America
- Department of Computer Science, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, United States of America
| | - Jarlath P. M. O’Neil-Dunne
- Gund Institute for Environment, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, United States of America
- Vermont Complex Systems Center, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, United States of America
- Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, United States of America
| | - Taylor H. Ricketts
- Gund Institute for Environment, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, United States of America
- Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, United States of America
| | - Christopher M. Danforth
- Gund Institute for Environment, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, United States of America
- Vermont Complex Systems Center, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, United States of America
- Computational Story Lab, MassMutual Center of Excellence for Complex Systems and Data Science, Vermont Advanced Computing Core, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, United States of America
- Department of Mathematics & Statistics, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, United States of America
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41
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Swami V, Tran US, Stieger S, Voracek M. Developing a model linking self-reported nature exposure and positive body image: A study protocol for the body image in nature survey (BINS). Body Image 2022; 40:50-57. [PMID: 34844138 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2021.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to natural environments has been shown to be associated with more positive body image, but much of the existing research is limited to Western European nations and little is known about the robustness of these associations in other national contexts. In this protocol paper, we present a conceptual model of the direct and indirect associations (i.e., via self-compassion, connectedness to nature, and restorative experiences in nature) between nature exposure and body appreciation. This model brings together conceptualisations from existing research, but also extends it in a number of important ways. The model will be tested through the Body Image in Nature Survey (BINS), a researcher-crowdsourced project involving researchers in multiple nations worldwide. Data collection began in December 2020 and is expected to be completed in February 2022. Data will be analysed to examine the extent to which our conceptual model is robust across nations, as well as other sociodemographic characteristics. We will also determine the extent to which key variables included in our survey are invariant across nations and associated with cultural, socioeconomic, and gender-related factors. The BINS will likely have important implications for the development of nature-based interventions to promote healthier body appreciation in diverse national contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viren Swami
- School of Psychology and Sport Science, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, Malaysia; Centre for Psychological Medicine, Perdana University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Ulrich S Tran
- Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, School of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Stefan Stieger
- Department of Psychology and Psychodynamics, Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Krems an der Donau, Austria
| | - Martin Voracek
- Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, School of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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42
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Chen Z, Gan KK, Zhou T, Du Q, Zeng M. Using Structural Equation Modeling to Examine Pathways Between Environmental Characteristics and Perceived Restorativeness on Public Rooftop Gardens in China. Front Public Health 2022; 10:801453. [PMID: 35284385 PMCID: PMC8907599 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.801453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
As a kind of informal green space more closely related to the built environment, public rooftop gardens (PRGs) are novel green open space and important salutogenic resource for urban residents. It is one of the most easily accessible method for urban residents to be in contact with outdoor or natural elements from the context of high-altitude living. Given its potential health benefits to city dwellers, existing empirical studies are heavily focused on immediate recovery through visually accessing PRGs (through windows), neglecting the possibility of using PRGs physically as a place of interaction. This paper hypothesizes usage patterns will mediate the associations between the environmental characteristics of PRG and users' restoration. This is done through inputting data from 12 typical samples of PRG in Chengdu, China into structural equation model (SEM). Combining the concept of Perceived Sensory Dimensions (PSD) and Perceived Restorativeness Scales (PRS) with the usage patterns of the above samples, this study aims to examine the correlation of environmental characteristics, usage pattern and restoration, in which identify their relative importance in the context of PRGs. Through serials of numerical tests on the model, the study shows that out of the 20 theoretical pathways constructed by the environmental characteristics (x)–usage patterns (m)–restorative effect (y), only 14 forms a significant correlation. In addition, out of all PSDs, social, serene, refuge, space and nature dimensions are induced into restorative effects through four patterns of use: retreat, nature touch, interpersonal interaction and family-bonding activities. The findings also show that social and family-bonding are the most influential independent and mediating variables respectively in achieving restorative effects in the PRG. This study reveals important findings about how usage patterns mediate the association between the PSD and PRS of users. And it also has generated practical implications on how we can design public rooftop gardens from the perspective of restoration, which could potentially be the key to the future survival and development of PRGs in urban environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhanglei Chen
- School of Architecture and Urban Planning, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | | | - Tiejun Zhou
- School of Architecture and Urban Planning, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- *Correspondence: Tiejun Zhou
| | - Qingfeng Du
- Chinese Society for Urban Studies, Beijing, China
| | - Mingying Zeng
- School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, China
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43
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An C, Liu J, Liu Q, Liu Y, Fan X, Hu Y. How Perceived Sensory Dimensions of Forest Park Are Associated with Stress Restoration in Beijing? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19020883. [PMID: 35055704 PMCID: PMC8775768 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19020883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
A growing number of studies suggest that the perceived sensory dimensions (PSDs) of green space are associated with stress restoration offered by restorative environment. However, there is little known about PSDs and stress restoration as well as their relationship to forest park. To fill this gap, an on-site questionnaire survey was conducted in three forest parks in Beijing, as a result of which a total number of 432 completed responses were collected and analyzed. The mean values of PSDs were used to represent PSDs of forest park. Using independent sample t-test and ANOVA, this study analyzed the individual characteristics that affected PSDs and stress restoration. Linear mixed model was used to identify the relationship between PSDs and stress restoration of forest park, which took into account the interactions of stress level and PSDs. The results showed that: (1) the perceived degree of PSDs in forest park from strong to weak was Serene, Space, Nature, Rich in species, Prospect, Refuge, Social and Culture, which varied with visitors’ gender, age, level of stress, visit frequency, activity intensity, visit duration and commuting time; (2) in PSDs, Refuge, Serene, Social and Prospect had significantly positive effects on the stress restoration of forest parks (3) there was no significant difference in the effect of the eight PSDs on the stress restoration between different stress groups; (4) stress restoration was influenced by visitors’ gender, age, visit frequency and visit duration. These findings can offer references for managers to improve the health benefits of forest park for visitors, and can enrich the knowledge about PSDs and stress restoration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congying An
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China; (C.A.); (Y.L.); (X.F.); (Y.H.)
| | - Jinglan Liu
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China; (C.A.); (Y.L.); (X.F.); (Y.H.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-010-6233-6716
| | - Qiaohui Liu
- College of Forestry, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China;
| | - Yuqi Liu
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China; (C.A.); (Y.L.); (X.F.); (Y.H.)
| | - Xiaoli Fan
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China; (C.A.); (Y.L.); (X.F.); (Y.H.)
| | - Yishen Hu
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China; (C.A.); (Y.L.); (X.F.); (Y.H.)
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44
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Brito HS, Carraça EV, Palmeira AL, Ferreira JP, Vleck V, Araújo D. Benefits to Performance and Well-Being of Nature-Based Exercise: A Critical Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:62-77. [PMID: 34919375 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c05151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Prior reviews point to the superior benefits of exercising in nature vs in conventional indoor venues, particularly in terms of well-being. However, physical exercise performance, neither in terms of efficacy nor efficiency, has not been sufficiently addressed by past reviews of this topic. Therefore, we conducted both a systematic review and meta-analysis of the experimental literature that relates to differences in exercise performance and well-being between exercising in nature and in conventional indoor venues. Forty-nine relevant studies─the outcome data of which were used for the systematic review─were located within the Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus databases. The meta-analyses, using data from twenty-four of the relevant studies, revealed no significant overall environmental effect on task performance efficacy outcomes (p = 0.100). For nature-based exercise, however, marginally positive cognitive performance outcomes (p = 0.059), lower ratings of perceived exhaustion (p = 0.001), and higher levels of vigor (p = 0.017) were observed, indicating higher performance efficiency. As for the effects of environment on well-being, positive affect was significantly higher for nature-based exercise (p = 0.000), while perceived stress was significantly higher for indoor exercise (p = 0.032). These results must, however, be interpreted with caution. High levels of bias and between-study heterogeneity were observed. Nonetheless, given several noticeable trends in the results, it may be that exercising in nature enhances the efficiency of exercise task performance to a greater extent than does indoor exercise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrique S Brito
- CIPER, Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Cruz Quebrada - Dafundo, 1499-002, Lisbon Portugal
| | - Eliana V Carraça
- CIDEFES, Faculdade de Educação Física e Desporto, Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Campo Grande, 1749-024, Lisbon Portugal
| | - António L Palmeira
- CIDEFES, Faculdade de Educação Física e Desporto, Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Campo Grande, 1749-024, Lisbon Portugal
| | - José P Ferreira
- CIDAF, Faculdade de Ciências do Desporto e Educação Física, Universidade de Coimbra, Estádio Universitário de Coimbra, 3040-248, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Veronica Vleck
- CIPER, Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Cruz Quebrada - Dafundo, 1499-002, Lisbon Portugal
| | - Duarte Araújo
- CIPER, Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Cruz Quebrada - Dafundo, 1499-002, Lisbon Portugal
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45
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Douglas JWA, Evans KL. An experimental test of the impact of avian diversity on attentional benefits and enjoyment of people experiencing urban green‐space. PEOPLE AND NATURE 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/pan3.10279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph W. A. Douglas
- Animal and Plant Sciences Department University of Sheffield Western Bank Sheffield UK
| | - Karl L. Evans
- Animal and Plant Sciences Department University of Sheffield Western Bank Sheffield UK
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46
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Next-generation microbial drugs developed from microbiome's natural products. ADVANCES IN GENETICS 2021; 108:341-382. [PMID: 34844715 DOI: 10.1016/bs.adgen.2021.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Scientists working in natural products chemistry have been enticed by the current advancements being made in the discovery of novel "magic bullets" from microbes homed to all conceivable environments. Even though researchers continue to face challenges funneling the novel bioactive compounds in the global therapeutic industries, it seems most likely that the discovery of some "hit molecules" with significant biomedical applications is not that far. We applaud novel natural products for their ability to combat the spread of superbugs and aid in the prevention of currently observed antibiotic resistance. This in-depth investigation covers a wide range of microbiomes with a proclivity for synthesizing novel compounds to combat the spread of superbugs. Furthermore, we use this opportunity to explore various groups of secondary metabolites and their biosynthetic pathways in various microbiota found in mammals, insects, and humans. This systematic study, when taken as a whole, offers detail understanding on the biomedical fate of various groups of compounds originated from diverse microbiomes. For gathering all information that has been uncovered and released so far, we have also presented the huge diversity of microbes that are associated with humans and their metabolic products. To conclude, this concrete review suggests novel ideas that will prove immensely helpful in reducing the danger posed by superbugs while also improving the efficacy of antibiotics.
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47
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Kaplan Mintz K, Ayalon O, Nathan O, Eshet T. See or Be? Contact with nature and well-being during COVID-19 lockdown. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY 2021; 78:101714. [PMID: 34728875 PMCID: PMC8555442 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvp.2021.101714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated how contact with nature benefitted well-being during a strict lockdown. The study took place in Israel during the last week of the first COVID-19 lockdown, when citizens were restricted to remain within 100 m of home. A survey company distributed questionnaires among 776 individuals. The questionnaires included demographic variables (gender, ethnic and cultural groups, age, income loss due to the pandemic), contact with nature variables (Nature near home, Nature viewed from home windows, and being in nature on the preceding day), and well-being measures (positive affect, negative affect, vitality, happiness, and stress). Before completing the well-being questionnaire, participants took part in an experiment that tested the effect of viewing nature images or urban images on well-being measures. The results showed that nature near home and nature viewed from the windows contributed to higher levels of well-being, and that being in nature on the preceding day was associated with higher levels of positive affect. These benefits emerged even among those who had been economically harmed by the pandemic. Viewing nature images was also associated with level of well-being, mainly to reduced level of stress and negative affect. The current findings extend the understanding of the benefits of access to nature during stressful times, particularly during emergencies when accessing remote nature is impossible. Furthermore, the findings highlight the dual effect of contact with nature on well-being: enhancement of positive affect together with reduction of negative affect and stress. The findings indicate that exposure to nature is much more valuable for women than for men. These findings are highly important in view of gender differences in pandemic's impact on people's well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keren Kaplan Mintz
- Shamir Research Institute, University of Haifa, Kazerin, Israel
- University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Ofira Ayalon
- University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- Samuel Neaman Institute, Haifa, Israel
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48
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Mygind L, Elsborg P, Schipperijn J, Boruff B, Lum JAG, Bølling M, Flensborg-Madsen T, Bentsen P, Enticott PG, Christian H. Is vegetation cover in key behaviour settings important for early childhood socioemotional function? A preregistered, cross-sectional study. Dev Sci 2021; 25:e13200. [PMID: 34841627 DOI: 10.1111/desc.13200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The environmental influences on early childhood development are understudied. The association between vegetation cover (i.e., trees, shrubs, grassed areas) in four key behaviour settings and socioemotional functioning was investigated in 1196 young children (2-5 years). Emotional difficulties were inversely associated with vegetation cover in the home yard (OR: 0.81 [0.69-0.96]) and neighbourhood (OR: 0.79 [0.67-0.94]), but not in early childhood education and care (ECEC) centre outdoor areas or the ECEC neighbourhood. The higher odds of emotional difficulties associated with lower levels of maternal education was reduced with higher percentages of home yard vegetation cover. There was no evidence of mediation of the relationship between emotional difficulties and vegetation cover by time spent playing outside the home, day or nighttime sleep duration, or physical activity. We found no associations between vegetation cover and conduct, hyperactivity and inattention, peer difficulties, or prosocial behaviours. A video abstract of this article can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3HeEiIjVZc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laerke Mygind
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia.,Unit of Medical Psychology, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Center for Clinical Research and Prevention, the Capital Region of Denmark, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Peter Elsborg
- Center for Clinical Research and Prevention, the Capital Region of Denmark, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Health Promotion Research, the Capital Region of Denmark, Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Gentofte, Denmark
| | - Jasper Schipperijn
- Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Bryan Boruff
- Department of Geography, Faculty of Arts, Business and Law, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.,School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Jarrad A G Lum
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Mads Bølling
- Health Promotion Research, the Capital Region of Denmark, Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Gentofte, Denmark
| | - Trine Flensborg-Madsen
- Unit of Medical Psychology, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Peter Bentsen
- Center for Clinical Research and Prevention, the Capital Region of Denmark, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Geoscience and Natural Resource Management, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Peter G Enticott
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Hayley Christian
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.,School of Population and Global Health, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
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49
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Morrison CA, Auniņš A, Benkő Z, Brotons L, Chodkiewicz T, Chylarecki P, Escandell V, Eskildsen DP, Gamero A, Herrando S, Jiguet F, Kålås JA, Kamp J, Klvaňová A, Kmecl P, Lehikoinen A, Lindström Å, Moshøj C, Noble DG, Øien IJ, Paquet JY, Reif J, Sattler T, Seaman BS, Teufelbauer N, Trautmann S, van Turnhout CAM, Vořišek P, Butler SJ. Bird population declines and species turnover are changing the acoustic properties of spring soundscapes. Nat Commun 2021; 12:6217. [PMID: 34728617 PMCID: PMC8564540 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26488-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural sounds, and bird song in particular, play a key role in building and maintaining our connection with nature, but widespread declines in bird populations mean that the acoustic properties of natural soundscapes may be changing. Using data-driven reconstructions of soundscapes in lieu of historical recordings, here we quantify changes in soundscape characteristics at more than 200,000 sites across North America and Europe. We integrate citizen science bird monitoring data with recordings of individual species to reveal a pervasive loss of acoustic diversity and intensity of soundscapes across both continents over the past 25 years, driven by changes in species richness and abundance. These results suggest that one of the fundamental pathways through which humans engage with nature is in chronic decline, with potentially widespread implications for human health and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- C A Morrison
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - A Auniņš
- Faculty of Biology, University of Latvia, Jelgavas iela 1, Riga, LV-1004, Latvia
- Latvian Ornithological Society, Skolas iela 3, Riga, LV-1010, Latvia
| | - Z Benkő
- Romanian Ornithological Society/BirdLife Romania, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Evolutionary Ecology Group, Hungarian Department of Biology and Ecology, Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - L Brotons
- InForest JRU (CTFC-CREAF), Solsona, 25280, Spain
- CREAF, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193, Barcelona, Spain
- CSIC, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193, Barcelona, Spain
| | - T Chodkiewicz
- Museum and Institute of Zoology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wilcza 64, 00-679, Warszawa, Poland
- Polish Society for the Protection of Birds (OTOP), ul. Odrowaza 24, 05-270, Marki, Poland
| | - P Chylarecki
- Museum and Institute of Zoology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wilcza 64, 00-679, Warszawa, Poland
| | - V Escandell
- Sociedad Española de Ornitología (SEO/BirdLife), Madrid, Spain
| | - D P Eskildsen
- Dansk Ornitologisk Forening, BirdLife Denmark, Vesterbrogade 138-140, DK-1620, København V, Denmark
| | - A Gamero
- European Bird Census Council-Czech Society for Ornithology, Na Bělidle 34, 15000, Prague 5, Czechia
| | - S Herrando
- CREAF, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193, Barcelona, Spain
- European Bird Census Council-Catalan Ornithological Institute, Natural History Museum of Barcelona, Plaça Leonardo da Vinci 4-5, 08019, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - F Jiguet
- Centre d'Ecologie et des Sciences de la Conservation, UMR7204 MNHN-CNRS-SU, Paris, France
| | - J A Kålås
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, P.O. Box 5685, Torgarden, NO-7485, Trondheim, Norway
| | - J Kamp
- University of Göttingen, Department of Conservation Science, Bürgerstr. 50, 37073, Göttingen, Germany
- Dachverband Deutscher Avifaunisten (DDA), An den Speichern 2, 48157, Münster, Germany
| | - A Klvaňová
- European Bird Census Council-Czech Society for Ornithology, Na Bělidle 34, 15000, Prague 5, Czechia
| | - P Kmecl
- DOPPS - BirdLife Slovenia, Tržaška cesta 2, SI-1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - A Lehikoinen
- Finnish Museum of Natural History, FI-00014 University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 17, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Å Lindström
- Biodiversity Unit, Department of Biology, Lund University, Ecology Building, S-223 62, Lund, Sweden
| | - C Moshøj
- Dansk Ornitologisk Forening, BirdLife Denmark, Vesterbrogade 138-140, DK-1620, København V, Denmark
| | - D G Noble
- British Trust for Ornithology, The Nunnery, Thetford, Norfolk, IP24 2PU, UK
| | - I J Øien
- NOF-BirdLife Norway, Sandgata 30 B, NO-7012, Trondheim, Norway
| | - J-Y Paquet
- Natagora, Département Études, Traverse des Muses 1, B-5000, Namur, Belgium
| | - J Reif
- Institute for Environmental Studies, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czechia
- Department of Zoology and Laboratory of Ornithology, Faculty of Science, Palacký University Olomouc, 17 Listopadu 50, 771 43, Olomouc, Czechia
| | - T Sattler
- Swiss Ornithological Institute, Seerose 1, 6204, Sempach, Switzerland
| | - B S Seaman
- BirdLife Österreich, Museumsplatz 1/10/8, A-1070, Wien, Austria
| | - N Teufelbauer
- BirdLife Österreich, Museumsplatz 1/10/8, A-1070, Wien, Austria
| | - S Trautmann
- Dachverband Deutscher Avifaunisten (DDA), An den Speichern 2, 48157, Münster, Germany
| | - C A M van Turnhout
- Sovon Dutch Centre for Field Ornithology, P.O. Box 6521, 6503 GA, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Department of Animal Ecology and Ecophysiology, Institute for Water and Wetland Research, Radboud University, P.O. Box 9010, 6500 GL, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - P Vořišek
- European Bird Census Council-Czech Society for Ornithology, Na Bělidle 34, 15000, Prague 5, Czechia
- Department of Zoology and Laboratory of Ornithology, Faculty of Science, Palacký University Olomouc, 17 Listopadu 50, 771 43, Olomouc, Czechia
| | - S J Butler
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK.
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Hynes S, Armstrong CW, Xuan BB, Ankamah-Yeboah I, Simpson K, Tinch R, Ressurreição A. Have environmental preferences and willingness to pay remained stable before and during the global Covid-19 shock? ECOLOGICAL ECONOMICS : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR ECOLOGICAL ECONOMICS 2021; 189:107142. [PMID: 36568476 PMCID: PMC9759666 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolecon.2021.107142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
This study tests the stability of environmental preferences and willingness to pay (WTP) values using a discrete choice experiment (DCE) across three countries pre and post the peak of the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. A DCE examining the public's preferences for alternative environmental management plans on the high seas, in the area of the Flemish Cap, was carried out in Canada, Scotland and Norway in late 2019 and was rerun in early May 2020 shortly after the Covid-19 pandemic had officially peaked in the three countries. The same choice set sequence is tested across the two periods, using different but nationally representative samples in each case. Entropy balancing, a multivariate reweighting method, is used to achieve covariate balance between the pre and post Covid samples in the analysis. The results suggest that both preferences and WTP remain relatively stable in the face of a major public health crisis and economic upheaval.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Hynes
- Socio-Economic Marine Research Unit (SEMRU), Whitaker Institute, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Claire W Armstrong
- Norwegian College of Fishery Science, UiT, The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Bui Bich Xuan
- Norwegian College of Fishery Science, UiT, The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Isaac Ankamah-Yeboah
- Socio-Economic Marine Research Unit (SEMRU), Whitaker Institute, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
- College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon-Accra' Ghana
| | - Katherine Simpson
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health & Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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