Search Results (592)

Urban recreational spaces (URSs) are pivotal for enhancing resident well-being, making the accurate assessment of public perceptions crucial for quality optimization. Compared to traditional surveys, social media data provide a scalable means for multi-dimensional perception assessment. However, existing studies predominantly rely on single-modal data, which limits the comprehensive capturing of complex perceptions and lacks interpretability. To address these gaps, this study employs cutting-edge large vision–language models (LVLMs) and develops an interpretable model, Qwen2.5-VL-7B-SFT, through supervised fine-tuning on a manually annotated dataset. The model integrates visual-linguistic features to assess four perceptual dimensions of URSs: esthetics, attractiveness, cultural significance, and restorativeness. Crucially, we generate textual evidence for our judgments by identifying the key spatial elements and emotional characteristics associated with specific perceptions. By integrating multi-source built environment data with Optuna-optimized machine learning and SHAP analysis, we further decipher the nonlinear relationships between built environment variables and perceptual outcomes. The results are as follows: (1) Interpretable LVLMs are highly effective for urban spatial perception research. (2) URSs within Beijing’s Third Ring Road fall into four typologies, historical heritage, commercial entertainment, ecological-natural, and cultural spaces, with significant correlations observed between physical elements and emotional responses. (3) Historical heritage accessibility and POI density are identified as key predictors of public perception. Positive perception significantly improves when a block’s POI functional density exceeds 4000 units/km² or when its 500 m radius encompasses more than four historical heritage sites. Our methodology enables precise quantification of multidimensional URS perceptions, links built environment elements to perceptual mechanisms, and provides actionable insights for urban planning. Full article

As an important part of the urban ecological environment, urban green space plays a crucial and irreplaceable role in improving air quality, promoting sustainable development, and enhancing residents’ quality of life. This study takes Beijing’s urban green space as the research object. Based on Landsat series satellite remote sensing images, the land use distribution of Beijing is obtained through supervised classification. Combined with data such as PM_2.5 concentration and wind speed, the dry deposition efficiency of PM_2.5 is quantitatively analyzed. The results show that: (1) Beijing’s urban green space has significant advantages in PM_2.5 dry deposition. In terms of dry deposition flux, the order of annual average deposition of different land types is: forest land > farm land > grassland > impervious surface > water body = unutilized land. Among them, forest land has the best dry deposition effect, with an annual average dry deposition of 1.13 g/m², which is 188.41 times that of impervious surface; cultivated land and grassland are 0.22 g/m² and 0.19 g/m² respectively, which are 37.13 times and 32.34 times that of impervious surface. (2) From 2000 to 2020, the PM_2.5 removal rate of green space continued to rise, but the reduction amount showed a trend of first increasing and then decreasing. There are significant seasonal differences. The reduction amount is the highest in autumn (reaching 449.90 tons in October), followed by summer, spring, and winter (the lowest in August, at 190.27 tons). (3) In terms of spatial distribution, the high-value areas of dry deposition are concentrated in the suburbs, showing a “southwest-northeast” axial distribution, while the low-value areas are mainly located in the outer suburbs, reflecting the imbalance of green space layout and the regional differences in PM_2.5 reduction. Combined with the current situation of green space in Beijing, the study puts forward targeted optimization suggestions, providing theoretical support and scientific basis for the construction of Beijing as a “garden city”. Full article

This study proposes a scenario-based conceptual model for transforming underground parking structures into sustainable interior green spaces, directly addressing two core research dimensions: energy efficiency and user experience. The originality of the research lies in repositioning subterranean spaces—often overlooked in urban planning—as climate-responsive, multi-functional public environments. Using a site-specific case in downtown Rize, Türkiye, three design scenarios—passive green walls, active modular systems, and experimental micro-farming—were comparatively analyzed. These scenarios were assessed through AI-assisted simulations and climate-based performance evaluations in terms of environmental benefits, thermal regulation, carbon reduction, and experiential quality. Underground space leads to green design interventions, which in turn generate environmental, energy, and social benefits. The results demonstrate that passive systems provide cost-effective improvements, active modular systems achieve balanced performance, and experimental micro-farming yields the highest ecological and social benefits. The study uniquely contributes to urban sustainable design by integrating climate-adaptive strategies, biophilic design principles, and AI-supported visualization into the transformation of underground structures. This research not only advances academic discourse but also provides policy-relevant insights for local governments, developers, and communities in the context of urban renewal. Full article

Urban parks are vital public spaces that provide opportunities for recreation, relaxation, and social interaction. At night, their accessibility and functionality depend strongly on the quality of artificial lighting, which must balance user safety and comfort with ecological sustainability. This study investigates public perceptions of urban park lighting through a mixed-method approach combining participatory workshops and surveys. A workshop (n = 15), involving local residents recruited through community networks, included introductory presentations, group discussions, and open voting to map the related problems in the park activities. Data were collected through participant notes, visuals, and sketches. In parallel, an online and on-site survey (n = 144) was distributed via Google Forms during winter 2025. Results reveal three main themes. First, users consistently emphasized safety and orientation as the most critical functions of park lighting, though the 52.5% perception of safety remained moderate even in lit areas. Second, respondents and workshop participants expressed a preference for adaptive, functionally targeted lighting over uniform illumination. Third, ecological awareness was evident as more than half of the respondents recognized the negative effects of artificial lighting on the natural environment, with strong support for warm-spectrum lighting and light zoning to protect biodiversity. These findings highlight the potential of participatory methods to inform evidence-based, ecologically sensitive lighting strategies for urban parks. Full article

Nectar composition varies across plant species and environments, influencing pollinator interactions and honey quality. Reliable methods for nectar discrimination, however, remain limited. Here, we demonstrate the use of Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy combined with chemometric analysis to differentiate nectar samples of Echium vulgare (E. vulgare) and Hedera helix (H. helix) collected in urban locations. Among eight tested preprocessing strategies, simple approaches such as Savitzky–Golay smoothing or even raw spectra provided the best clustering results. The most discriminative spectral regions were consistently the carbohydrate fingerprint (1200–950 cm⁻¹) and the C–H stretching zone (2935–2885 cm⁻¹). Mean spectra and PCA confirmed that variability between locations arises mainly from carbohydrate-associated bands, while solvent type, biological matrix, and environmental exposure also affect spectral fingerprints. These results highlight FTIR spectroscopy as a rapid, non-destructive, and robust method for nectar discrimination, with potential applications in food authentication, ecological research, and pollinator–plant studies. Full article

In the rapid development process of cities, as important ecological corridors and landscape carriers, the water quality conditions of urban water bodies are not only related to the health of the ecological environment, but also closely linked to the quality of life of residents. The landscape pattern, as an important component of the urban ecosystem, has a potential impact on water quality. As a tropical coastal city, the unique water network pattern of Haikou City is facing the dual challenges of landscape fragmentation and water quality pollution in its rapid urban expansion. In order to study the impact of the landscape pattern of Haikou City on urban water bodies, this study takes the urban water bodies of Haikou City as the research object. By comprehensively applying landscape ecology methods and water quality monitoring techniques, and using landscape pattern indices (such as the number of patches, fragmentation degree, spread degree, etc.) and on-site investigation of water quality parameter data (such as chemical oxygen demand (COD), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), etc.), and by using correlation analysis and redundancy analysis, we explore the mechanism by which landscape patterns affect water quality. The results show that: (1) There are significant differences in water quality among water bodies. The concentrations of COD and TN in Hongcheng Lake are relatively high. The average values reached 86.603 mg/L and 13.368 mg/L, respectively, mainly affected by the high-intensity construction land around. Jinniu Lake has a high degree of landscape fragmentation and relatively high concentrations of NH3-N and TP. The average values are 2.086 mg/L and 0.154 mg/L, respectively. The Meishe River has a strong water purification capacity due to its good vegetation coverage. (2) The influence of landscape pattern on water quality has a scale effect. Hongcheng Lake, Jinniu Lake, and Meishe River all have the best interpretation rate of water quality in the 2000 m buffer zone landscape pattern. (3) The expansion of construction land has significantly exacerbated water pollution, while natural vegetation landscapes with high connectivity and low fragmentation can effectively improve water quality. The research reveals the correlation between urban landscape planning and water quality protection. It is suggested that by enhancing ecological connectivity, controlling non-point source pollution, and implementing differentiated seasonal management, the self-purification capacity of water bodies can be improved, providing a scientific basis for ecological restoration and sustainable development in Haikou City. Full article

Urban green spaces are essential for promoting human health and well-being, especially in cities facing increasing noise pollution and ecological stress. This study investigates the effects of audio-visual interaction on restorative outcomes across three soundscape types (park, residential, and street), focusing on the compensatory role of positive visual stimuli in low-quality soundscape environments. Thirty-two university students participated in a controlled evaluation using soundscapes and corresponding visual materials derived from 30 urban green spaces. A two-way repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant main effects of soundscape type and modality (auditory vs. audio-visual), as well as a significant interaction between these factors. Audio-visual conditions consistently outperformed auditory conditions, with the strongest restorative effects observed in noisy street soundscapes when paired with positive visual stimuli. Further analysis highlighted that visual cleanliness and structural clarity significantly enhanced restorative outcomes in challenging environments. These findings align with existing theories of sensory integration and extend their application to large-scale urban settings. This study shows that multi-sensory optimization can mitigate urban environmental stressors, supporting healthier, more resilient, and sustainable urban environments. Future research should explore long-term and cross-cultural applications to inform evidence-based urban planning and public health policies. Full article

Nitrogen eutrophication represents a significant environmental challenge in Chinese aquatic ecosystems, exacerbated by rapid agricultural intensification, industrial expansion, and urban development. This review consolidates existing knowledge on the drivers and impacts of nitrogen pollution in Chinese aquatic ecosystems, with a focus on environments such as lakes, rivers, and coastal waters. The primary sources of nitrogen enrichment are excessive fertilizer application, livestock manure discharge, industrial emissions, and untreated industrial and municipal wastewater. These inputs have led to severe ecological consequences, including harmful algal blooms, hypoxia, loss of biodiversity, and deteriorating water quality, threatening ecosystem health and human well-being. The review also examines mitigation strategies implemented in China, encompassing regulatory policies such as the “Zero Growth” fertilizer initiative, as well as technological advancements in wastewater treatment and sustainable farming practices. Case studies highlighting successful interventions, such as lake restoration projects and integrated watershed management, demonstrate the potential for effective nitrogen control. However, persistent challenges remain, including uneven policy enforcement, insufficient public awareness, and gaps in scientific understanding of nitrogen cycling dynamics. This review aims to inform future efforts toward achieving sustainable nitrogen management in China by synthesizing current research and identifying key knowledge gaps. Addressing these issues is crucial for safeguarding China’s aquatic ecosystems and promoting global nutrient stewardship. Full article

With the rapid development of urbanization and tourism in China, increasing attention has been paid to the protection and utilization of historical and cultural heritage, while tourists’ demands for travel experiences have gradually shifted towards in-depth cultural perception. This paper selects Beijing Fayuan Temple Historic and Cultural District as the research case, and adopts methods such as the LDA (Latent Dirichlet Allocation) topic model, collection and analysis of online text data, and field research to explore the current situation of pedestrian space in Fayuan Temple District and its optimization strategies from the perspective of tourists’ perception. The study found that the dimensions of tourists’ perception of the pedestrian space in Fayuan Temple District mainly include six aspects: historical buildings and relics, tour modes and transportation, natural landscapes and environment, historical figures and culture, residents’ life and activities, and tourists’ experiences and visits. By integrating online text data, questionnaire surveys, and on-site behavioral observations, the study constructed a “physical environment-cultural experience-behavioral network” three-dimensional IPA (Importance–Possession Analysis) evaluation model, and analyzed and evaluated the high-frequency perception elements in tourists’ spontaneous evaluations. Based on the current situation evaluation of the pedestrian space in Fayuan Temple District, this paper puts forward optimization strategies for the perception of pedestrian space from the aspects of block space, transportation usage, landscape ecology, digital technology, and cultural symbol translation. It aims to promote the high-quality development of historical blocks by improving and optimizing the pedestrian space, and achieve the dual goals of cultural inheritance and utilization of tourism resources. Full article

Urban soundscapes are increasingly recognized as fundamental for both ecological integrity and human well-being, yet the complex interplay between the vegetation structure, seasonal dynamics, and microclimatic factors in shaping these soundscapes remains poorly understood. This study tests the hypothesis that vegetation structure and seasonally driven biological activity mediate the balance and the quality of the urban acoustic environment. We investigated seasonal and spatial variations in five acoustic indices (NDSI, ACI, AEI, ADI, and BI) within a historical urban garden in Castelfranco Veneto, Italy. Using linear mixed-effects models, we analyzed the effects of season, microclimatic variables, and vegetation characteristics on soundscape composition. Non-parametric tests were used to assess spatial differences in vegetation metrics. Results revealed strong seasonal patterns, with spring showing increased NDSI (+0.17), ADI (+0.22), and BI (+1.15) values relative to winter, likely reflecting bird breeding phenology and enhanced biological productivity. Among microclimatic predictors, temperature (p < 0.001), humidity (p = 0.014), and solar radiation (p = 0.002) showed significant relationships with acoustic indices, confirming their influence on both animal behaviour and sound propagation. Spatial analyses showed significant differences in acoustic patterns across points (Kruskal–Wallis p < 0.01), with vegetation metrics such as tree density and evergreen proportion correlating with elevated biophonic activity. Although the canopy height model did not emerge as a significant predictor in the models, the observed spatial heterogeneity supports the role of vegetation in shaping urban sound environments. By integrating ecoacoustic indices, LiDAR-derived vegetation data, and microclimatic parameters, this study offers novel insights into how vegetational components should be considered to manage urban green areas to support biodiversity and foster acoustically restorative environments, advancing the evidence base for sound-informed urban planning. Full article

Rapid urbanization has resulted in widespread habitat loss and fragmentation, threatening global biodiversity. Urban parks serve as essential refuges for wildlife within cities, particularly for birds, which are sensitive indicators of ecosystem health and habitat quality. In recent years, numerous Chinese cities have begun integrating biodiversity-friendly design approaches into new park development. However, the effectiveness of these strategies remains insufficiently evaluated. This study assesses the ecological performance of newly built parks by examining 11 recently constructed parks (within the past decade) and 9 historical parks in Zhengzhou, China’s high-density urban area. Monthly bird surveys were conducted across all 20 parks from May to December 2020, covering breeding, post-breeding, and overwintering seasons. Our findings reveal that new parks significantly outperformed old parks in bird abundance, species richness, Shannon diversity index, and functional diversity. Analysis of environmental variables at both local (within-park) and landscape (1-km buffer) scales showed that habitat diversity and multi-layered vegetation structure were the most influential local factors promoting bird diversity, while green space connectivity was the primary landscape-scale contributor. Notably, neither park area nor age significantly predicted diversity patterns. Based on these results, we propose three key planning strategies: (1) enhancing habitat diversity within parks to support species from various ecological niches; (2) implementing multi-layered vegetation planting to provide diverse food resources and nesting opportunities; (3) improving green space connectivity to facilitate species movement and population persistence within urban environments. These findings provide valuable insights for designing more effective biodiversity-friendly urban green spaces. Full article

The acceleration of industrialization and urbanization have led to the increasingly serious problem of waste gas pollution. Pollutants such as sulfur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen oxides (NOx), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), ammonia (NH₃), formaldehyde (HCHO), and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) emitted from industrial production, transportation, and agricultural activities have posed a major threat to the ecological environment and public health. Although traditional physical and chemical treatment methods can partially reduce the concentration of pollutants, they face three core bottlenecks of high cost, high energy consumption, and secondary pollution, and it is urgent to develop sustainable alternative technologies. In this context, probiotic waste gas treatment technology has become an emerging research hotspot due to its environmental friendliness, low energy consumption characteristics, and resource conversion potential. Based on the databases of PubMed, Web of Science Core Collection, Scopus, Embase, and Cochrane Library, this paper systematically searched the literature published from 2014 to 2024 according to the predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria (such as research topic relevance, experimental data integrity, language in English, etc.). A total of 71 high-quality studies were selected from more than 600 studies for review. By integrating three perspectives (basic theory perspective, environmental application perspective, and waste gas treatment facility perspective), the metabolic mechanism, functional strain characteristics, engineering application status, and cost-effectiveness of probiotics in waste gas bioconversion were systematically analyzed. The main conclusions include the following: probiotics achieve efficient degradation and recycling of waste gas pollutants through specific enzyme catalysis, and compound flora and intelligent regulation can significantly improve the stability and adaptability of the system. This technology has shown good environmental and economic benefits in multi-industry waste gas treatment, but it still faces challenges such as complex waste gas adaptability and long-term operational stability. This review aims to provide useful theoretical support for the optimization and large-scale application of probiotic waste gas treatment technology, promote the transformation of waste gas treatment from ‘end treatment’ to ‘green transformation’, and ultimately serve the realization of sustainable development goals. Full article

This study reviews the role of Child-Friendly Green Spaces (CFGS) in supporting children’s psychological, physical, and educational recovery following natural disasters. The main research question guiding this review is the following: how do CFGS contribute to holistic child well-being and resilience in disaster-affected contexts, and what barriers and strategies influence their effective integration into recovery frameworks? Employing a rigorous literature review methodology, we synthesized interdisciplinary evidence from environmental psychology, urban planning, public health, and education, encompassing studies published between 2000 and 2024. Findings demonstrate that CFGS significantly reduce trauma-related symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress, promotes physical health through active play, and foster educational engagement by improving concentration, attendance, and informal learning opportunities. Furthermore, CFGS contribute directly to multiple Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). Despite these advantages, CFGS are often overlooked in formal disaster recovery planning due to prioritization of immediate relief, financial and logistical challenges, and socio-cultural factors. To address these challenges, this study proposes a participatory, culturally sensitive framework for CFGS implementation, which integrates inclusive design, multi-sector collaboration, and ongoing monitoring and evaluation. Grounded in theoretical perspectives such as the Biophilia Hypothesis, Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory, and restorative environments, CFGS are reframed as critical infrastructures for children’s holistic recovery and resilience. The findings underscore the urgent need to embed CFGS within disaster recovery and urban planning policies to promote child-centered, sustainable community development. Full article

Surface water resources are under growing pressure from urbanization, industrial activity, and agriculture, making effective monitoring essential for safeguarding ecological integrity and human use. Conventional monitoring methods, which rely on manual sampling and rigid Water Quality Index (WQI) categories, often provide delayed feedback and oversimplify conditions near classification thresholds, limiting their usefulness for timely management. To overcome these shortcomings, we have developed an interactive fuzzy logic-based water quality monitoring interface or dashboard that integrates the WQI developed by Malaysia’s Department of Environment with the National Water Quality Standards (NWQS) Class I–V framework. The interface combines conventional WQI computation with advanced visualization tools such as dynamic gauges, parameter tables, fuzzy membership graphs, scatter plots, heatmaps, and bar charts. Then, triangular membership functions map six key parameters to NWQS classes, providing smoother and more nuanced interpretation compared to rigid thresholds. In addition to that, the dashboard enables clearer communication of trends, supports timely decision-making, and demonstrates adaptability for broader applications since it is implemented on the Replit platform. Finally, evaluation results show that the fuzzy interface improves interpretability by resolving ambiguities in over 15% of cases near class boundaries and facilitates faster assessment of pollution trends compared to conventional reporting. Thus, these contributions highlight the necessity and value of the research on advancing Malaysia’s national water quality monitoring and providing a scalable framework for international contexts. Full article

Urban tree biodiversity represents a valuable natural resource. However, some fast-growing tree species with limited esthetic value play an important ecological role by colonizing degraded areas, such as closed landfills. Our observations indicate that trees like Betula pendula (Roth), Acer negundo (L.), and Populus tremula (L.) reached the size of adult trees in less than 30 years after the landfill’s closure in the 1990s, forming a nature area similar to a natural forest. A resident survey conducted among the inhabitants of Zgierz confirmed that the lack of space provides opportunities for various forms of recreation. The example analyzed indicates a trend that can be replicated in other cities with minimal human intervention and low financial costs for landfill reclamation. The case study presents an ecological approach to managing degraded sites, where nature determines the quality of the soil environment by eliminating pollutants from the residential surroundings. Furthermore, the research framework provides a basis for developing future models for cleaning up urban landfill sites and promoting placemaking. This pilot study shows a model for old landfills in Europe with well-developed spontaneous vegetation that can be transformed into recreation and sports facilities in the urban areas with industrial past times. Full article