There exist multiple models for pedestrian simulations. Cell based models are easy to understand, fast, but consume a lot of memory once the scenario becomes larger. In models based on continuous space, which need almost no memory at all, however, the CPU becomes the bottleneck soon. In our project “Planning with Virtual Alpine Landscapes and Autonomous Agents”, we simulate an area of 150 squar...

To address the lack of research on the pulmonary health effects of ozone and fine particulate matter (</= 2.5 microm in aerodynamic diameter; PM2.5) on individuals who recreate in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (USA) and to replicate a study performed at Mt. Washington, New Hampshire (USA) , we conducted an observational study of adult (18-82 years of age) day hikers of the Charlies Bu...

Objective To analyse the circumstances of fatal and non-fatal mountain hiking accidents caused by falls. Methods The study was designed as a retrospective analysis. Mountain hiking accidents caused by falls were documented during a 9-year period (2006-2014). After screening of all data for potential exclusion criteria the final sample size of 5368 accidents and 5665 victims was included into ...

Hiking is now one of the most popular activities amongst adventure travelers. Although recent studies have highlighted differences between Chinese tourists and their international counterparts, few comprehensively explored in hikers’ interests concerns for experience elements these two groups. Topic modeling adopted an analysis online reviews Mutianyu Great Wall to identify attributes influenci...

This ethnographic study uses a phenomenological approach to better understand how Appalachian Trail (AT) and Long (LT) thru-hikers create meaning make sense of their experiences while hiking. Drawing on participant observation in-depth interviews with 13 hikers, I analyze hikers’ initial reasons for hiking, reflections the trail, impacts thru-hiking had self-concepts social lives. Key findings ...

Technology use by long-distance hikers provide a fascinating glimpse of the future HCI research, as it intersects with technology isolation and (non)use. We can understand technology, explore opportunities for rural outdoor computing, work underrepresented communities in these spaces to amplify their stories. In this paper, we focus on thru-hikers Appalachian Trail stories they share Instagram....

Abstract Objectives The present longitudinal field study investigated whether hiking the Camino Francés strengthened self-compassion and tested covered distance, hikers’ motives, walking alone vs. with other hikers as predictors of increase. Method In prospective main 104 hikers, 67.3% female, M = 36.3 years ( SD 14.2), change was measured by difference between first measurement taken on way se...

Recently there has been a trend towards multiday sports walking (i.e. long-distance hiking or = LDH). This study aims to provide deeper insights into motivations as represented by competition, exhibitionism, playing the limit and sociability, well expectations, attitudes LDH examine correlation between these constructs. Based on results of qualitative approach (Study 1a: n 8; Study 1b: 78), inv...

BACKGROUND There is little data on hiking patterns in national parks to support hiking behavior as a vehicle to meet the joint YMCA, CDC, and National Park Service initiatives to encourage physical activity through public land use. METHODS The YMCA of the Rockies hiking program provided data from Hike Report forms completed after 343 supervised hikes for one summer season in Rocky Mountain Na...

This study evaluated the acute effects of ambient ozone (O3), fine particulate matter (PM2.5), and strong aerosol acidity on the pulmonary function of exercising adults. During the summers of 1991 and 1992, volunteers (18-64 years of age) were solicited from hikers on Mt. Washington, New Hampshire. Volunteer nonsmokers with complete covariates (n = 530) had pulmonary function measured before an...