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Context: In the last 30 years, the number of golf courses has increased dramatically worldwide. Since no other sport occupies and manages such large areas of green space, landscape context is crucial for determining their impacts or benefits. Objectives: (1) Examine how they affect the main landscape socio-environmental landscape components; (2) analyze the knowledge network structure characterizing the research focused on golf courses; (3) discuss the most common best management practices to mitigate their environmental impacts; and (4) suggest new research perspectives. Methods: This paper has reviewed 239 papers from academic library databases through a literature review and co-word network analysis. Results: Golf courses have impacted negatively on water and soil components, while positively on biodiversity, ecosystem services, and tourism, mainly in urban contexts. The best management practices have focused on soil, biodiversity and ecosystem services, water quality and quantity, and have given specific indications for amphibians, birds, turtles, and bee species. Few articles have considered the landscape perspective, despite the potential impact on natural or semi-natural landscapes. Conclusions: New clusters of research and management issues, in order to link biodiversity conservation with landscape perspective, have emerged: the need to increase (1) studies focused on the effects of golf courses on the ecological processes behind the functioning of the landscape, taking into account its composition and spatial configuration; (2) the proportion of native vegetation in the landscape composition, and density and complexity of vegetation in the landscape configuration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interest and demands of people for ornamental plants in our country grows more and more, due to the expansion of urban areas, and especially of big cities. Noise or high acoustic pollution from vehicle movements, noise and other obstacles and the physical and chemical pollution of the earth has removed man from nature by worsening his health and emotional and emotional state. Noise or high acoustic pollution from vehicle movements, noise and other obstacles and the physical and chemical pollution of the earth has removed man from nature by worsening his health and emotional and emotional state. Greening can not meet all human needs for aesthetic, health, etc. requirements, but it is always preferable to plant as many ornamental flowers as possible. In the last decade, the regulation of gardens in Kosovo also took an important step, and as a result, their role increased, especially in big cities such as: Prizren, Peja, Prishtina, etc. From our research we conclude that the impact of ornamental plants in the urban environment architecture in Kosovo is important, as 68% of the respondents stated with positive opinion and positive response, and 71% said that the architecture of the surfaces is very important in Kosovo, with regard to the survey of which cities of Kosovo devote most importance to ornamental flowers are citizens of Prizren, with 28% of respondents, with 44% of respondents think that landscape architecture is important for human health while 56% think it has an impact on the architecture of green urban environments. In our research 34% of respondents think that maintenance of gardens in green urban environments is difficult. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Golf is a popular and traditional sport in countries like Scotland, UK, USA, Canada, Japan, Australia, Germany, Denmark, etc. Over the last decades, it has gained increasing popularity in many countries around the world, established as tourist, spa recreation and sports destinations. Interest in the sport under discussion has progressively increased over the years. In this article, we only discuss golf courses and their impact on the environment. We will not comment on whether a given golf course is appropriate from a community perspective - a very important issue. This requires the construction of golf courses in accordance with environmental norms and policies, as well as with the development of the ecological culture of society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Linear towed arrays are one of the principal methods of underwater target detection, especially at low frequencies. A typical towed array contains many hydrophones in a flexible tube towed several hundred meters behind the ship. A practical problem in towed arrays is hydrophone or channel failures. Failed channels impact the side lobe levels and increase the leakage from tow-ship noise. This significantly affects the achievable figure of merit of the system. It is necessary to achieve quantitative assessments of the performance degradation to decide on the future course of action for maintenance or repair. In this paper, we propose a method to quantitatively assess the performance degradation of the sonar due to element failures. This method is capable of suggesting the operational envelopes of the platform which will still give acceptable performance under failed conditions. Simulation results and an online performance monitoring scheme are proposed, which will give in situ information on the performance degradation and sonar health. The experimental results with a linear array towed at different speeds and the corresponding degradation experienced due to element failures are also evaluated and found to match with the predicted results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taking Dianchi Lakeview Golf Course in Kunming, Yunnan, China as the object of landscape evaluation, this paper constructed an evaluation index system with the functionality, beauty and ecology of the golf course as the criteria, carried out the landscape evaluation of Dianchi Lakeview Golf Course using the semantic differential (SD), the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation and other methods, and discussed the methods, indicators and models of landscape evaluation of urban golf courses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to prioritize the vital tools/techniques for the effective implementation of the last planner system (LPS) in the cross-cultural setting of a developing country, i.e. Gaza Strip. Besides, the potential benefits of implementing LPS are prioritized. Design/methodology/approach: The significant techniques and likely benefits of LPS implementations were identified through comprehensive literature, followed by their verification through a pilot study. The quantitative data were collected using a questionnaire survey from 89 companies, operating in the Gaza Strip construction industry. The relative important index was calculated for prioritizing the significant tools/techniques (16) which support the effective LPS implementation, and highlighting the potential benefits (10) achieved through LPS implementation. Findings: The results showed that the "use of visual devices to spread information in the construction site," "attendance of key actors" and "look ahead plan" are the most important tools/techniques supporting LPS implementation. The top three potential benefits of implementing LPS include: "allows a better understanding of the program control," "maximizes the co-operation and confidence among team members" and "allows the manager to better visualize the work program." To prevent any waste in project time and to ensure the material supply and continuity of works, the study recommends advance supply and storage of demand materials, and early availability of the shop-drawings for acceptance by the superintendent. Practical implications: The study's findings are expected to guide the key construction stakeholders to prioritize their energies toward effective LPS implementation in the Gaza Strip. Originality/value: Though this study pertains to Palestine, its methodology can be generalized in other countries and regions, having a similar work environment, after making necessary cultural adjustments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the club industry comprising of different types of clubs, a more in-depth analysis separating clubs with and without golf operations would be beneficial. Financial performance can be summarized via financial ratios. This study surveyed 115 clubs regarding their financial performance and calculated 24 financial ratios for 2014. The median profit margin of all clubs was at 1.65%. Clubs with golf operations reported a median profit margin at 1.73%, doubling that of the nongolf operations at 0.83%. T-tests using means of financial ratios showed a statistically significantly difference in only the food inventory turnover by days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The efficacy of emotional and motivational regulation can determine athletic performance. Giving the short duration and fast changing nature of emotions experienced by athletes in competition, it is important to examine the temporal dynamics of emotional and motivational regulation. The aim of this study was to investigate emotional and motivational regulation as measured by frontal alpha asymmetry in skilled golfers during putting performance after a performance failure. Methods. Twenty skilled university golfers were recruited and requested to perform 40 putts at an individualized difficulty level of 40-60% successful putting rate. Trials immediately after a failed putt were selected for analysis. Successful performances were those trials where a hole was and unsuccessful performances were those that failed. The frontal alpha asymmetry index of LnF4-LnF3 was derived for statistical analysis. Results. (1) Successful performance was preceded by a larger frontal alpha asymmetry index at T2 than that of T1, and (2) a larger frontal alpha asymmetry index was observed for unsuccessful performance than for successful performance at T1. Discussion. The results suggest that successful emotional and motivational regulation was characterized by a progressive increase of frontal alpha asymmetry, which led to subsequent putting success when facing an emotionally provocative putting failure. These findings shed light on the application of frontal alpha asymmetry for the understanding and enhancement of emotional and motivational regulation during sport performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water distribution networks and irrigation systems consume high energy quantities that need to be recovered if the water managers want to meet sustainable systems. A sustainability optimization is proposed in this research in order to replace the energy consumption in a golf-course system by renewable solutions joining energy recovery, sustainable urban drainage systems and hybrid solutions (solar panels and wind turbine). Different sustainable approaches were considered in which energy (using PATs), economic and environmental factors were analysed. Both scenarios and analyses showed interesting values related to economic indicators and environmental reductions of CO2 emissions. The possibility to supply the daily electric consumption in the pumping stations was checked using only renewable systems. Net present value was calculated in different solutions, obtaining positive values as well as the payback period was lower than 6 years. The CO2 emissions were reduced from 257,000 to 11,500 kgCO2/year in the most unfavourable scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this work was to evaluate the performance of a drip irrigation system with photovoltaic energy without the use of energy storage system. The experiment was conducted at the State University of the West Parana - UNIOESTE, Campus of Cascavel, in the laboratory CASA project, during six days, analyzing the coefficients of uniformity of Christiansen (CUC), coefficient of uniformity of distribution (CUD) for measurement of 16 drippers by sector (Keller method) and later the coefficient of variation (CV). In the energy part, the irradiance and the current generated by the panel were analyzed. The irrigation set was also classified according to the ASABE standard. The statistical quality control of the system was also performed in order to evaluate the quality of the set considered, with the means being compared by the Tukey test at 5%. The coefficients of each treatment reached an excellent level according to their classifications. The main results allowed to evaluate that the flow control by dripper showed a significant effect for the factors analyzed. The system obtained excellent processability according to the analyzes of distribution uniformities. It was also concluded that there was a significant relationship between the coefficients (CUC, CUD and CV) with the process capacity of the flow data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract With increasing competition and rising operational costs, golf course managers are focusing on innovative approaches that can help attract and retain visitors. Therefore, understanding economic rationale for landscape improvement can help managers to prioritize operational budget. The purpose of this study was to identify the determinants of golfers' repeated visitation to public golf courses and understand economic rationale for aesthetic quality improvement in public golf facilities. We surveyed golf course visitors at Lakeside Memorial Golf Course, a municipal facility in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Study results suggest that golfers' frequency to revisit was positively influenced by prestige of the facility and course design. The willingness to pay (WTP) estimates, which accounted for respondent's maximum propensity to pay above already paid green fees, for winter turfgrass enhancements were about two times higher than their estimated costs. Study results suggested landscape improvement strategies and provided several recommendations to golf course management. Highlights • Golf courses have witnessed financial problems due to higher operational expenses. • Prestige of the facility, course design, and golfer age increased visitation. • Results suggested that turfgrass enhancement could be a justifiable investment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The susceptibility of warm-season turfgrasses such as bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.) to winter injury in the transition zone is a major concern. Therefore, the objective of the study was to evaluate five golf course putting green-type experimental genotypes (OKC6318, OKC0805, OKC1609, OKC0920, and OKC3920) and three commercially available bermudagrasses ('Champion Dwarf', 'TifEagle', and 'Tahoma 31') for freeze tolerance by subjecting them to 11 freezing temperatures (-4 to -14 8C) under controlled environment conditions. The experiment was conducted in batches, with four genotypes per batch, and each batch was replicated in time. The mean lethal temperature to kill 50% of the population (LT50) for each genotype was determined. There were significant differences in LT50 values among the bermudagrass genotypes. 'Champion Dwarf' had an LT50 value ranging from -5.2 to -5.9 8C across all three batches. The experimental genotypes tested in this study had LT50 values ranging from -7.0 to -8.1 8C and were each lower than that of 'Champion Dwarf'. 'Tahoma 31', the top performing genotype, had an LT50 value ranging from -7.8 to -9.0 8C across all three batches. OKC 3920 was the only experimental genotype with an LT50 value in the same statistical group as 'Tahoma 31'. The information gained from this research would be useful for breeders to gauge the genetic gain in freeze tolerance in breeding golf course putting green-type bermudagrass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global freshwater resources are under ever-increasing pressure that is anticipated to be exacerbated by climate change. Increasing demands for water use will require tourism to improve and disclose its monitoring and reporting, particularly for water-intensive activities such as golf tourism. Using a sample of 129 courses from Ontario (Canada), this is the first study to examine golf course characteristics that influence water use variability (e.g. dominant soil type, ownership type, and age of course). By establishing “best in class” water use efficiency among common types of courses, potential water extraction savings of 35% are identified (or 6.75 billion litres annually). Importantly, the study also accounts for the influence of climate variability on water use by comparing a climatically normal season (for the 1981-2010 period) with an anomalously dry and warm season to examine the potential impact of future climate change on water use (i.e. reduced precipitation and higher temperatures). Average water use effectively almost doubles during an anomalously dry-warm season (increasing from 59.6 to 94.2 million litres), accentuating the importance of achieving potential water use efficiencies. In addition to best management practices, the need to reshape public perceptions of golf course aesthetics is also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research was conducted to determine the tolerance of multiple native and ornamental grass species and one ornamental sedge species to over-the-top applications of the postemergence herbicide topramezone at three locations in the southeastern United States in 2016 and 2017. Fully rooted liners of selected grass species were outplanted into research plots in Apopka, FL; Dallas, TX; and Knoxville, TN in late spring, allowed time to establish (≈1-2 months) and then treated with two applications of topramezone at either 0.05 or 0.10 kg a.i./ha at 6-8 weeks intervals. Results showed that species including Andropogon virginicus (broomsedge), Schizachyrium scoparium 'The Blues' (little bluestem), Tripsacum dactyloides (eastern gamagrass), and Tripsacum floridanum (florida gamagrass) exhibited the greatest tolerance to topramezone with <10% injury to no injury being evident after each application of both herbicide rates tested. Chasmanthium latifolium (wild oats), Eragrostis ettiottii 'Wind Dancer', Muhlenbergia capillaris (pink muhly), and Spartina bakeri (sandcord grass) were significantly injured (50% injury or greater) at both herbicide rates. Average injury observed onPanicum virgatum 'Shenandoah' (red switchgrass) (ranging from 39% to 100% injury) and Sorghastrum nutans (indian grass) (ranging from 0% to 40% injury) was higher in Florida than in Tennessee (injury ranging from 23% to 43% on red switchgrass and 0% to 10% on indian grass). Similarly, Pennisetum alopecuroides (dwarf fountain grass) showed higher tolerance in Texas (ranging from 0% to 34% injury) compared with those observed in Tennessee (ranging from 0% to 53% injury). Topramezone injury to Carex appalacltica (appalachian sedge) was ≤18% following two applications at both rates tested. Although no injury was observed in appalachian sedge following a single application up to 0.1 kg a.L in Florida, plants succumbed to heat stress and accurate ratings could not be taken following the second application. Because of variability observed, tolerance of red switchgrass, indian grass, dwarf fountain grass, and appalachian sedge to applications of topramezone deserves further investigation. There is potential for future use of topramezone for control of certain grass and broadleaf weeds growing in and around certain ornamental grass species. However, as there was significant variability in tolerance based on species and differences in cultivars, testing a small group of plants before large-scale application would be recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The detection of pesticides, associated with turfgrass management, in storm runoff and surface waters of urban watersheds has raised concerns regarding their source, potential environmental effects and a need for strategies to reduce their inputs. In previous research we discovered that hollow tine core cultivation (HTCC) was more effective than other management practices for reducing the off-site transport of pesticides with runoff from creeping bentgrass turf managed as a golf course fairway. This was primarily the result of enhanced infiltration and reduced runoff volumes associated with turf managed with hollow tines. In this study we evaluated the addition of verticutting (VC) to HTCC (HTCC + VC) in an attempt to further enhance infiltration and mitigate the off-site transport of pesticides with runoff from managed turf. Overall, greater or equal quantities of pesticides were transported with runoff from plots managed with HTCC + VC compared to HTCC or VC alone. For the pesticides evaluated HTCC < VC < HTCC + VC for the off-site transport of the high mobility pesticides while HTCC = VC = HTCC + VC for the low mobility pesticides. It is likely the addition of VC following HTCC further increased compaction and reduced availability of recently exposed soil sorptive sites produced from the HTCC. Results of this research provides guidance to golf course managers on selection of management practices that assure quality turf while minimizing off-site transport of pesticides, improving pesticide efficacy and the environmental stewardship of managed biological systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyzed the landscape components of the golf course from the perspectives of the functionality, beauty and ecology of the golf course, compared the differences between the golf course landscape and the urban garden space landscape in terms of functional requirements, artistic requirements, components, and plant landscaping, and discussed the application of landscape components of the golf course in the of the urban green space landscape design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is an occupational hazard for outdoor workers. Aims This descriptive study aimed to describe the solar UVR risk, and explore associations between demographic characteristics and sun-safety knowledge, risks and practices, in golf-course maintenance workers on the island of Ireland. Methods A survey, designed to collect demographic and occupational information, measures of skin cancer knowledge and sun protection practices, was completed by 154 male outdoor workers in the golf-course maintenance industry. Statistical analysis included tests of association and non-parametric tests. Results Less than 10% of this mainly male worker group had received education/training on solar UVR risks (sun safety) and two-thirds were more concerned about workplace injury. While a majority used routine precautionary measures, those with greater knowledge of skin cancer, senior grades and workers under 45 years were significantly more likely to use sunscreen and/or sunglasses. Conclusions Findings indicate that these workers were a high risk group for skin cancer, with good knowledge of the risk, but limited training or education in risk reduction. While the prevalence of sunscreen and sunglasses use is relatively good, it was better among younger workers and those in senior grades, and could be improved if they were routinely provided as a control measure by the employer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]