Adherence to Physical Distancing Guidelines on Urban Recreational Trails During a Pandemic

Use of urban trails and other green space during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic reached record highs around the world. Although the use of these resource amenities has been documented to have several physical and mental health benefits, the density of their use during the pandemic required managers to issue guidance and/or use-requirements to mitigate the spread of the virus. Hence, this investigation sought to document adherence to commonly suggested physical distancing guidelines at 14 trails across six states in the United States. Trained research team members unobtrusively observed over 10,000 encounters between trail visitors. Results indicated that over half of visitor groups failed to allow for enough physical distancing between themselves and another party, suggesting a need for trail and green space managers to consider additional messaging and trail design changes to encourage greater adherence to future public health guidelines.

A Research Map to Leverage Augmented Reality in K12 Science Education

This chapter presents a research map of designing an AR-integrated science trail for an inquiry-based curriculum for K12 science learning. Despite the potential advantages of using AR in education and its suitability for supporting science learning through simulation activities, AR's concrete uses are relatively not as well understood as that of other technologies. Prior studies have shown the value of inquiry-based learning complemented by computer technology in a scenario-based learning environment. To appropriate the potential of AR in education, this chapter aims at summarizing pedagogical affordances of AR in science education and exemplifying an AR-integrated science trail design. A comprehensive research map of designing an AR-enhanced science trail by integrating inquiry-based learning is elucidated in this chapter to provide insights for the design of AR-integrated subject learning and out-of-classroom learning.

Sustainable Trail Design, Not Hiker Permits, is Necessary for Environmental Preservation in New York State’s Adirondack Park High Peaks

The High Peaks of the Adirondack Park in New York is home to many of the state’s precious natural resources and is a favorite destination for hikers. Severe erosion on trails threatens the region’s environmental health. Most conservation groups advocate for reducing the number of hikers as the primary solution to combatting erosion; however, the scientific literature indicates that reduction of foot traffic is ineffective at combatting already deteriorating trails. Instead, we recommend the state legislature and Department of Environmental Conservation pursue a plan to rebuild these trails using sustainable design principles, which more effectively ensures their longevity. We outline the research and expertise required to successfully rebuild these trails as well as a mechanism to fund this expensive endeavor.

Thematic Tourist Trails: Sustainability Assessment Methodology. The Case of Land Flowing with Milk and Honey

The aim of the paper was to examine the sustainable character of a thematic tourist trail, using the example of the Land Flowing with Milk and Honey trail in south-western Poland, whose creators emphasize their commitment to the idea of sustainable development. The trail elements that determine its character were indicated. On the basis of the point grading method modified by the authors, tourist and sustainable attractiveness was analysed both for particular elements and the whole trail. For this purpose, several indices were applied: the product regionality index, thematic trail tourism index, and stay attractiveness index. The final effect was the determination of the thematic trail potential, expressed by the quality and uniqueness of products on the trail and by utilizing trail elements in creating a tourist product of trail character. The results clearly point at high sustainable value of the products that were the basis for the trail design. On the other hand, shortcomings are indicated in terms of translating these resources into an attractive tourist offer, which would keep tourists in the region of the trail for a longer time.

Cancer prevention

Introduces the reader to importance of clinical trials in cancer therapy. Describes the phases of development and some of the “traditional” guidelines for such studies. Focuses particularly on early phase trials of novel compounds. Also describes endpoints used in such trials. Section on quality of life which highlights the growing importance of this aspect of trail design and interpretation