scholarly journals A Visitor Assistance System Based on LoRa for Nature Forest Parks

Electronics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 696
Author(s):  
Ana Elisa Ferreira ◽  
Fernando Molano Ortiz ◽  
Thales Teixeira de Almeida ◽  
Luís Henrique M. K. Costa
Keyword(s):  
Natural Disasters ◽  
National Forest ◽  
Mobile Nodes ◽  
Mobile Terminals ◽  
Natural Parks ◽  
Raising Awareness ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Disruption Tolerant Network ◽  
Getting Lost ◽  
Forest Parks

Ecotourism activities are attracting more people each day, including national forest parks. Unfortunately, the number of incidents involving visitors to natural parks grows at the same pace. Among the most prevalent risks inside forests are getting lost and the occurrence of natural disasters. In this work, we propose a system for monitoring and assisting visitors of forest parks, based on a low power wide range wireless network, LoRa. The proposed visitor assisting system is composed of mobile terminals that communicate between them and with fixed infrastructure, using a protocol designed for exchanging visitor locations data. The infrastructure consists of wireless gateways distributed on the trails, the totems. User terminals, the mobile nodes, work collaboratively through a Delay and Disruption Tolerant Network (DTN), to cope with the possibility that the gateway infrastructure does not cover the whole trail. In addition to improvements and gains for minimizing risks, the proposal also brings contributions to the preservation of the environment, raising awareness of the influence of human presence in the natural environment and to the development of environmental education actions.

Assessing forest resource damage following natural disasters using national forest inventory plots

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tom Brandeis ◽  
Jeffery Turner ◽  
Andrés Baeza Motes ◽  
Mark Brown ◽  
Samuel Lambert
Keyword(s):  
Natural Disasters ◽  
Forest Inventory ◽  
National Forest Inventory ◽  
National Forest ◽  
Forest Resource

scholarly journals TRAUMA THROUGH THE LIFE CYCLE IN AN IMMIGRANT POPULATION

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S937-S938
Author(s):  
Gabriella Dong ◽  
Stephanie M Bergren
Keyword(s):  
Natural Disasters ◽  
Vietnam War ◽  
Traumatic Events ◽  
Chinese Americans ◽  
Cumulative Exposure ◽  
Physical Assault ◽  
Historical Events ◽  
Older Immigrants ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Great Leap Forward

Abstract The majority of studies on traumatic events have focused on either children or younger adults, while traumatic events in older adults have not been sufficiently investigated. Older immigrants encountered a wide range of traumatic events across the life span, before and after immigration, in the origin and host countries. This study aims to provide a descriptive epidemiology of lifetime traumatic events in older Chinese Americans. The data were drawn from the Population Study of Chinese Elderly in Chicago (PINE) in 2017-2019, with a sample size of 3,126. Traumatic events were evaluated by natural disasters, personal and historical events. After examining the lifetime prevalence of natural disasters, we found typhoon (64.46%) has the highest prevalence, followed by earthquake (39.81%) and tornado (7.25%). In terms of personal events, death of a loved one (69.78%) was the most prevalent, followed by robbery (12.57%), physical assault (5.36%), fire (5.29%), divorce (5.16%), cancer (5.10%), falsely accused (2.15%), homeless (1.57%), sexual assault (0.99%), and imprisonment (0.74%). In addition, 18.91% of women experienced abortion and 11.25% of women experienced miscarriage,. With respect to historical events, most participants experienced the Cultural Revolution (73.27%), the Great Leap Forward (62.71%), and famine (60.01%). A small proportion experienced the Japanese invasion of China (27.14%), Tiananmen Square protests (7.86%), and the Vietnam war (4.78%). In our sample, women were more likely than men to encounter traumatic life events. Further studies could examine the influence of cumulative exposure to natural disasters, personal events and historical events on health outcomes of older immigrants.

An innovative and attractive comic to transmit the message of soil importance to the Society: Living in the soil

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Montserrat Díaz-Raviña ◽  
Maria Teresa Barral-Silva ◽  
Manuel Arias-Estévez ◽  
Jorge Mataix-Solera
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
Renewable Resource ◽  
Soil Science ◽  
Santiago De Compostela ◽  
The Public ◽  
Science City ◽  
Natural Parks ◽  
Raising Awareness ◽  
Spanish Research ◽  
The University

<p>To commemorate the<em> 2015 International Year of Soil</em>, the Spanish Society of Soil Science (SECS-Territorial Delegation of Galicia) and the University of Santiago de Compostela published the comic<em> Living in the soil</em>, with the aim of raising awareness amongst young people the importance of soil and the need to protect it. The initial version<em>, Vivir no solo</em>, published by the Galician Culture Council, was modified and adapted  to the current  specific scenarios of the countries where it was edited, and translated  to Spanish, English and Italian as well as other languages (Galician, Catalan) for broadcasting it both at nationally at international level. In 2018 and 2019, the Spanish, Italian and Catalan versions were re-edited to commemorate the Decade International of Soils 2015-2024. All comic versions, including the English one, were edited in both paper (a total of 80.000 copies) and web format, the latter are available in the SECS web page (www.secs.com.es/publicaciones/).</p><p>Since 2015 up to now, the comic has been successful used in many projects/activities carried out in various institutions (Educational Centers, Natural Parks, Museums, Nature Associations, soil-related Institutions). The soil is a hidden resource very little known to the public. It is under our feet, but we can´t see it because it is covered by vegetation. However, agricultural or forest soil is a living systems, it is the home to a huge diversity of organisms of different sizes that perform important ecological functions and others linked to human activities. The protagonists of the comic are a snail, an earthworm and a mole that inhabit the soil as well as a group of young people who, trying to solve a problem of soil use management that occurs in a little village, show us several important soil aspects (concept, components, functions, threats, degradation, protection and restoration). Events, etc). Some examples of these events are: Science City Project: Living in the soil, 2015, Spanish Research Council  (CSIC), 2015; Would life on the planet be possible without the soil,  SECS, CSIC, 2019; Vivere nel Suolo: Giornata di Legalitá Ambientale; Vivere nel Suolo and Giornata Mondiale  del suolo,  SECS, Italian Society of Soil Science, Parco dei Nebrodi, European Soil Science Conservation, 2018-2019. Considering the success of all these events, it seems that the comic “Living in the soil” has a great potential as an innovative and attractive publication of great interest to disseminate and raise awareness worldwide about the importance of this non-renewable resource for maintaining life on the planet.</p><p><strong> </strong><strong>Acknowlegments. </strong>All persons and organizations that participate in this initiative of the edition (2015) and re-edition (2018, 2019) of the comic in the different languages.<strong>  </strong></p><p> </p>

Special Issue on “What can We do for Developing Search and Rescue Robot?”

2014 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 435-435
Author(s):  
Koichi Osuka
Keyword(s):  
Research And Development ◽  
Natural Disasters ◽  
Disaster Response ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Special Issue ◽  
Practical Applications ◽  
Response System ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Response Systems ◽  
Rescue Robots

As a disaster-prone country, Japan has endured many earthquake disasters. The latest cases include the 1995 Great Hanshin-Awaji earthquake disaster, the 2004 Niigata Chuetsu earthquake, and the 2011 Great East Japan earthquake. Since the 1995 Great Hanshin-Awaji earthquake in particular, many robot researchers have started undertaking the research and development of rescue robots. Their practical applications have a long way to go, so to continue ongoing robot research and development, we should also be aware that comparatively few researchers and engineers are actually engaged in such research and development. Great earthquakes (or tsunami) are both rare and unpredictable, which makes it very difficult to establish research policies for rescue robots intended for specialized use in disaster response. We should also realize that Japan is almost constantly hit by one or another every year – e.g., the typhoons that hit Japan directly every year and themselves triggering other disasters caused by landslides or avalanches due to heavy rainfall. The Japanese populace is so accustomed to such happenings but, nevertheless, few actions have been taken unlike those against large-scale earthquakes. It is often said that an effective disaster response system can only be developed after we have experienced many actual disasters. It then occurs to us that we must first construct disaster response systems – rescue robots, etc. – directly targeting daily natural disasters. Any large-scale disaster response system can be built on such constant efforts. On the other hand, any disaster response system against daily natural disasters could only be developed by locally domiciled researchers and engineers. This makes us feel that it is possible to increase the number of personnel who become involved in disaster response research and development. Based on the above context, this special issue provides a wide range of articles on region-specific disasters and disaster response actions, focusing on their localities and specialties. We sincerely hope that this special issue will help in promoting research and development on rescue robots and putting them to practical use.

scholarly journals ASSESSING THE ADAPTIVE CAPACITY OF HOUSEHOLDS TO CLIMATE CHANGE: A CASE STUDY IN QUANG DIEN DISTRICT, THUA THIEN HUE PROVINCE

2019 ◽  
Vol 128 (5C) ◽  
pp. 97 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tran Cong Dung ◽  
Đao Duy Minh
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Natural Disasters ◽  
Adaptive Capacity ◽  
Cold Weather ◽  
Adaptation Capacity ◽  
Raising Awareness ◽  
Infrastructure System ◽  
Adaptive Capacity Index ◽  
Capacity Index

<p class="MDPI17abstract"><strong>Abstract: </strong>This study aims to identify the adaptation capacity undertaken by households in response to natural disasters and climate changes (CC). A total of 100 households in two communes including Quang Phuoc and Quang Cong, Quang Dien district were interviewed. The findings indicate that in the last few years, these communes have been badly affected by various types of natural hazards, including typhoons, floods, droughts and, and extremely cold weather. The study demonstrates that the adaptive capacity index in Quang Cong is significantly lower than that in Quang Phuoc (0.50 and 0.52). Also, the current adaptation actions of local households in response to natural disasters and CC have focused on short-term actions only. On the basis of the findings, the study proposes key recommendations to local households in Quang Dien district to effectively mitigate and adapt to natural disasters and CC. The recommendations encompass three groups, namely (i) raising awareness and understanding about CC; (ii) improving the infrastructure system; and (iii) diversifying livelihood strategies to increase income.</p><p class="MDPI17abstract"><strong>Keywords:</strong> climate change, natural disasters, adaptive capacity, index</p>

scholarly journals MARKETING INSTRUMENTS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENT AGRICULTURAL TOURISM

2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (3(68)) ◽  
pp. 145-154
Author(s):  
E.L. MIHAILUK
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Tourism Development ◽  
State Regulation ◽  
Tourism Industry ◽  
Regional Level ◽  
Rural Tourism ◽  
Main Task ◽  
Investment Projects ◽  
Natural Parks ◽  
Wide Range

Topicality. The article covers the issues of implementation of marketing tools for the development of the ecological direction of rural tourism. Tourism development can become a "catalyst" for economic growth in rural areas: tourism activity is attractive to small start-up investments, because for peasants who have very limited funds, this is a practically crucial moment; tourism is a profitable branch of economy with a high level of profitability, with a minimum payback period, which is very important for the quick income generation. Aim and tasks. The only way to solve systemic problems in the field of tourism is a strategically oriented state policy, the main task of which is to define tourism as one of the main priorities of the state, the introduction of economic and legal mechanisms for the successful conduct of tourism business, investment mechanisms for the development of tourism infrastructure, information and marketing activities with formation of tourist image of Ukraine. Research results. Results For the successful development of rural tourism and tourism in general in Ukraine, it is necessary to ensure the integrated development of territories, in particular the creation of favorable conditions for attracting investment in the development of tourism infrastructure by: monitoring investment proposals for the development of tourism infrastructure in the regions; preparation of a cathlass of investment projects in the field of tourism and resorts to represent potential domestic and foreign investors; the involvement of investment projects in the field of tourism and resorts in international fairs of investment projects. �wner village (guest) houses can not independently provide a wide range of leisure activities for their guests. Therefore, they need to cooperate with other structures that serve the guests of the village. Usually such partners are: � objects of community food (taverns, bars, roadside cafes); � owners of means of transport (traditional, retro options); � centers of folk crafts and crafts production; � artistic and ethno-folk groups; � municipal and private museums; � the administration of natural parks. Supporting the region in resource support: - cartographic and advertising-cartographic support, as a rule, is necessary at the level of the region (the only tourist area); - Information and advertising resources of the region (TV and other mass media, regional specialized sites, etc.); - training for tourism industry: effective coordination at the regional level; - Information and advisory support: effective organization at the regional level (including, with the involvement of external expertise, including international). Conclusions. In order to achieve the goals within the specified priority areas, it is necessary to ensure effective interaction of legal, organizational, economic and financial mechanisms of state regulation of tourism and resorts development. Prospects for rural tourism development in Ukraine appear to be potentially favorable given the presence of significant natural resources. �he flowering of rural recreation should take place under active cooperation with nature conservation institutions of a certain region (according to Article 9 of the Law of Ukraine "On the Nature Reserve Fund of Ukraine", subject to compliance with the environmental protection regime established by this Law and other acts of Ukrainian legislation, provides use them for recreational and other recreational purposes). Ukraine has powerful natural and recreational opportunities, for example, five biosphere reserves, national natural parks: Carpathian, Hutsulshchyna, Vyzhnytsky, Yavorivsky.

scholarly journals Valuing Recreational Services of the National Forest Parks Using a Tourist Satisfaction Method

Forests ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 1688
Author(s):  
Nannan Kang ◽  
Erda Wang ◽  
Yang Yu ◽  
Zenghui Duan
Keyword(s):  
Willingness To Pay ◽  
Forest Ecosystems ◽  
Functional Relationship ◽  
Economic Value ◽  
National Forest ◽  
Tourist Satisfaction ◽  
Recreational Services ◽  
Novel Method ◽  
Forest Parks ◽  
Satisfaction Model

Estimating the economic value of ecosystem services has become one of the most fertile areas in ecological economics. In this paper, we propose a novel method of using a tourist satisfaction model to evaluate the recreational services being embedded in forest ecosystems. We establish a functional relationship between tourist satisfaction and recreational attributes based on the survey data of China National Forest Parks. The results indicate that each recreational attribute considered enables the generation of a significant amount of tourism welfare for tourists, whereas tourist congestion was found to be a negative contributor to tourists’ satisfaction. Reducing congestion from the current level is the most valued recreational attribute for tourists, and the willingness to pay for it is as high as CNY 623.18 (USD 92.29) per visitor per trip. Additionally, local and nonlocal tourists display a divergent degree of preference for the recreational attributes and their levels of willingness to pay.

Alcohol related brain damage – a case of neglect?

2014 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 129-136
Author(s):  
Charlie Place
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Brain Damage ◽  
Dual Diagnosis ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Past ◽  
Raising Awareness ◽  
Korsakoff Syndrome ◽  
Specialist Services ◽  
Wide Range

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to argue that alcohol-related brain damage (ARBD) is a neglected problem. ARBD is a term that has begun to be used over the past decade to describe prolonged cognitive impairment caused by alcohol use, including Wernicke's encephalopathy and Korsakoff syndrome, alcohol dementia and alcohol-related brain injury. Design/methodology/approach – The paper provides an overview of ARBD describing the research around its prevalence and prognosis. There is a consensus in the literature that there is little research and a lack of awareness of this condition. The author uses case studies from his own experience working with people with ARBD to describe the difficulties in accessing appropriate assessment and care for this group, and suggests that they are often excluded in a way that is familiar from the experience of the person with “dual diagnosis”. Findings – Recommendations are made including raising awareness, improving screening for cognitive impairment and developing specialist services. Originality/value – ARBD appears to have been neglected in the “dual diagnosis” world and this paper attempts to address this, and so should be of interest to a wide range of professionals working with substance use, mental health, homelessness and social work.

scholarly journals Use of the Washington Group Questions in Non-Government Programming

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (21) ◽  
pp. 11143
Author(s):  
Alex Robinson ◽  
Liem Nguyen ◽  
Fleur Smith
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Government Organizations ◽  
Raising Awareness ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Staged Approach ◽  
Purposive Sample

The Washington Group questions (WGQ) on functioning have been widely promoted as the go-to tool for disability data collection. Designed for use by government, the WGQ have been adopted by non-government organizations (NGOs) for use in programming. However, little is known about how the WGQs are being used by NGOs or how use may be contributing to disability inclusion. Method: This paper describes exploratory research on the use of the WGQ in NGO programming. An online survey provided an overview of adoption followed by semi-structured interviews from a purposive sample to explore data collection, analysis, and use. Results: Thematic analysis showed limited inclusion outcomes directly attributable to use of the WGQ, adoption driven by individual champions rather than systematically across organizations, and challenges in data collection resulting in a wide range of prevalence rates. What information the WGQ can realistically contribute to programs was also overestimated. However, the process of using the WGQ was raising awareness on disability inclusion within program teams and communities. Conclusion: Acknowledging differences in emerging use by NGOs beyond the WGQ’s intended purpose, alongside promoting a flexible and staged approach to adoption and use in programming, may improve utility and disability inclusion outcomes over time.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document