Theories and concepts: linking landscapes and health.

Author(s):  
Alan W. Ewert ◽  
Denise S. Mitten ◽  
Jillisa R. Overholt

Abstract This book chapter provides an introduction and background information for many of these theories, concluding with practical applications, focusing on evolutionary-based theories (e.g. biophilia hypothesis, naturalistic intelligence, other evolutionary-grounded theories), restorative environment theories (stress reduction theory, attention restoration theory), identity theories, and other psychological theories and concepts. The ideas presented in this chapter arise from different ways of thinking about or explaining this phenomenon, using a particular language and worldview. A strength of the research paradigm is that it enables scientists and researchers to communicate about this engrained bodily knowledge and integrate it into ongoing theory and practice in disciplines such as medicine, public health, planning, and education that impact our day-to-day lives. Slowly but surely, Western scientific research has begun to accept other worldviews and ideas, and this diversity of thought provides greater understanding of the world around us. Much of the research presented in the next chapter builds on the foundation of the theories presented here.

Nature Rx ◽  
2019 ◽  
pp. 17-30
Author(s):  
Rakow Donald

The chapter focus is the science behind the mental health benefits of spending more time in nature, specifically the ways in which such time improves concentration and reduces stress. Models include Attention Restoration Theory and Stress-Reduction Theory, and practices include Forest Bathing, Wilderness Adventure Experiences and gardening. The potential of each approach to reduce stress and build resilience is described.


2020 ◽  
pp. 001391652094711 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bin Jiang ◽  
Jibo He ◽  
Jielin Chen ◽  
Linda Larsen ◽  
Huaqing Wang

Few studies have investigated the impact of landscapes on humans’ mental status while they are moving at high speeds, such as driving on the freeway. This study used a simulation system to measure drivers’ mental responses to six different freeway landscapes. Each of the 33 participants completed six different 90-minute simulated driving tasks in a randomly assigned sequence. The six landscape conditions consisted of an identical freeway infrastructure, with different roadside landscapes. Results show significant differences between landscape conditions and drivers’ mental responses. Landscape conditions with greater greenness, in general, had a greater positive impact on drivers’ mental status. The barren and tree regular landscapes yielded the worst and best results, respectively. Further, higher complexity was associated with a higher level of negative mental status. We argue that the speed of human’s active movement should be considered as an essential factor in the Attention Restoration Theory and Stress Reduction Theory.


1989 ◽  
Vol 21 (8-9) ◽  
pp. 1057-1064 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vijay Joshi ◽  
Prasad Modak

Waste load allocation for rivers has been a topic of growing interest. Dynamic programming based algorithms are particularly attractive in this context and are widely reported in the literature. Codes developed for dynamic programming are however complex, require substantial computer resources and importantly do not allow interactions of the user. Further, there is always resistance to utilizing mathematical programming based algorithms for practical applications. There has been therefore always a gap between theory and practice in systems analysis in water quality management. This paper presents various heuristic algorithms to bridge this gap with supporting comparisons with dynamic programming based algorithms. These heuristics make a good use of the insight gained in the system's behaviour through experience, a process akin to the one adopted by field personnel and therefore can readily be understood by a user familiar with the system. Also they allow user preferences in decision making via on-line interaction. Experience has shown that these heuristics are indeed well founded and compare very favourably with the sophisticated dynamic programming algorithms. Two examples have been included which demonstrate such a success of the heuristic algorithms.


Author(s):  
Philippe Lorino

A key idea of pragmatism is the inseparability of theory and practice, thought and action. Pragmatism is said to have had few contacts with the organizational world, and few direct practical applications, except in the domain of education. In particular, the pragmatist direct influence on the managerial world is often undervalued. However, pragmatist ideas have had a significant impact on managerial doctrines and can be traced in today’s debates amongst organization practitioners. This chapter studies three of those channels: Follett’s direct or indirect (for example through Chester Barnard’s work) influence on the corporate world as well as the management of public institutions; the stream of action research and reflection-in-action, in particular Donald Schön’s work; and the development of the quality movement as an anti-Taylorian revolution, deeply influenced by pragmatist thinkers (exploratory inquiry, community of inquiry, instrumental mediations, process perspective), more recently distorted into a Taylorian revival under the “lean management” label.


2015 ◽  
pp. 399-412
Author(s):  
Robert J. Werner ◽  
Yu Kobayashi

This paper discusses theory and practice related to self-access and metacognitive awareness in young learners. While still an emerging field, the paper presents several studies that describe young learners’ self-access through playing online multi-player digital games, watching TV/films, and reading various types of texts. The teaching of metacognitive awareness, or ‘learning how to learn’, is also discussed, and examples illustrate how this knowledge is applied to learning both in class and beyond. The latter part of this paper describes elementary English instruction in Japan and includes practical applications of learning how to learn through examples from a Japanese sixth grade English class. The students discuss motivating factors beyond the classroom, how they access metacognitive knowledge, and strategies they apply to better learn English.


Author(s):  
Adam G Gavarkovs

Recent research has suggested that physical activity in natural areas may provide benefits that exceed those in other settings. Additional benefits include increased self-esteem and enjoyment of the activity, and decreased negative mood states and blood pressure. Therefore, encouraging nature-based physical activities may play an important role in the promotion of health and wellness. Advertising has been cited as an important component of a health promotion campaign; although to date no study has recommended strategies for designing advertising specific to nature-based physical activities. The purpose of this article is to review two prominent human-nature interaction frameworks, Attention Restoration Theory (ART) and Psychoevolutionary Theory (PET), and based on their tenets, recommend strategies for message design. The two recommendations proposed are: (1) to include natural images that meet the restorative criteria outlined in both theories; and (2) to explicitly feature the additional benefits of exercising in natural spaces in advertisements. Adhering to these recommendations in the advertisement design process may increase the effectiveness of the message.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 438-458
Author(s):  
Margarita F. SAFONOVA ◽  
Yuliya V. MARCHENKO

Subject. This article discusses the issues of reflection of information on settlements with equity construction investors both on off-balance and balance sheet accounts of the developer. Objectives. The article aims to determine the extent of the transition to project financing of housing construction using escrow accounts, explore options for accounting for incoming funds of equity construction investors, and develop a methodology that helps avoid tampering with the balance sheet total of developers. Methods. For the study, we used induction, deduction, analysis, synthesis, and the calculation and graphic, monographic, and accounting and analytical methods. Results. In some cases, the findings have revealed significant discrepancies the way funds available to escrow accounts get accounted for. An analysis of the causes of these deviations confirms the need to develop an off-balance sheet accounting methodology. Conclusions and Relevance. The updated methodology is structured in such a way that the investors' funds are accounted by the developer in one account, another account is used for settlements with the equity construction investors, and the funds placed by the bank on the escrow accounts are reflected in the off-balance sheet of the developer, without misrepresenting the balance sheet total. The results can be used in the theory and practice of construction companies in the process of accounting and reporting by business entities of various forms of ownership, as well as for further scientific developments and practical applications.


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