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The demand for alternative methods of providing informed consent is increasing, especially in research with marginalised (or illiterate) research participants. This article discusses the co-creation of a visual informed consent (VIC), in collaboration with an artist. The VIC was inspired by the experience of obtaining informed consent from a group of migrant women with limited English proficiency, in empirical research undertaken on agroecology and health in Coventry, UK. Reflecting further on its creation and wider utility, this article explores the inner values that might guide researchers and lead to the co-creation of care-full tools that meet the needs of research participants. Specifically, this includes, reflecting on the iterative process of developing a VIC and using an ethics of care as a primary conceptual framework. Findings reveal that participants' understanding of ethical issues is facilitated using visual illustrations. It is argued that the creation of a VIC requires the researcher to be attentive to the embodied nature of research practice and guided by an ethics of care. A conceptual framework that integrates care and embodiment is presented, with the intention that it may further support the development of care-full research by others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anemia presents a considerable public health challenge, standing as a leading contributor to elevated rates of mortality and morbidity. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence of anemia and related factors among Tabari cohort population. Methods: This study involved a cross-sectional investigation carried out during the enrollment phase of the Tabari cohort. The Tabari cohort is a subset of the larger nationwide cohort study known as the "Prospective Epidemiological Research Studies in IrAN" (PERSIAN) cohort. The collected data included general information, anthropometric measurements, medical history and blood samples. Anemia was defined as a hemoglobin level less than 13 mg/dL for men and less than 12 mg/dL for women. Data were analyzed using SPSS V.16. Results: Out of the 10,073 participants included in the analysis, 1,352 individuals (13.4%) were diagnosed with anemia. In the multiple regression analysis, the odds of anemia were significantly 2.31 times in females compared to males, 3.69 times in urban residents compared to rural residents, 1.41 times in social economic categories of IV and 1.35 in social economic categories of V compared to social economic categories of I, 1.70 times in drug abuse compared to non-drug abuse, 0.71 times in body mass index (BMI) categories of 25–29.9 kg/m² and 0.70 in BMI ≥ 30 kg/m² compared to BMI < 25, 0.77 times for triglycerides(TG) > 150 compared to below 150, 0.76 times for total cholesterol(TC) > 200 compared to below 200, 0.83 times for high waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) compared to low WHR, 1.33 times in low High-density Lipoprotein (HDL) compared to high HDL, 1.18 times in diabetics (DM) compared to non-DM, and 1.37 times in individuals with coronary heart diseases (CHD) compared to healthy individuals. Conclusion: Anemia was a prevalent condition among Tabari cohort population. Several conditions including female gender, urban residence, Social economic level of IV and V, drug abuse, low HDL, high WHR, DM, and CHD conditions were significantly associated with increased odds of anemia. Furthermore, BMI categories of 25–29.9 kg/m² and ≥ 30 kg/m², high TC and high TG were significantly associated with decreased odds of anemia among this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Diarrhoea is one of the deadliest diseases and causing death among children in India, but no systematic attempt is made to understand it especially its control using oral rehydration salts (ORS). It is well known that use of ORS and Zinc have been effective in containing diarrhoea among children. An attempt is made using large scale national data set in India to understand use of ORS and Zinc to control diarrhoea and their associated factors among diarrhoeal children under five in India. Methods: Publicly available most recent cross-sectional National Family Health Survey data in India was used for the study. The multi-stage cluster sampling design was used with 2011 Census of India as a sampling frame. Households were selected using a Systematic Random Sampling design from selected primary sampling units in rural and urban clusters. From the selected households, the eligible children were those who suffered from diarrhoea in the two weeks preceding the survey and were less than 5 years old. Using this criterion, out of 232,920 children in the survey of less than five years, 16,213 sample diarrheal children found to be available for the study. Both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques were used to analyse the data. Results: Across India, 61% and 31% of the children were given ORS and Zinc respectively. However, combined ORS + Zinc treatment was only around 24%. The treatment of ORS, Zinc, and combined ORS + Zinc supplementations were significantly higher among younger children, children of 24–35 age group mothers, children from rich wealth index groups, belong to Hindu religion and general caste compared to their counterparts. The logistic regression results showed that consumption of ORS among diarrhoeal children under five years of age depends upon size of a child at birth. For instance, diarrheal children who were very small size at birth compared to very large at birth, had 39% lower odds of consuming ORS (AOR = 0.61; CI 0.48, 0.78; p<0.001). Another important variable is place of first treatment sought for diarrheal children. That is children who first sought treatment in private hospital compared to government hospital had 52% lower odds of ORS consumption. The logistic regression adjusted AORs are similar with Zinc and ORS + Zinc supplementations. Conclusions: To improve the coverage and management of childhood diarrhoea in India, planning activities should focus not only on distribution, and increasing knowledge of ORS preparation especially for urban slum residents and rural disadvantaged groups through demonstration. There should be also proper focus on providing ongoing pathways to ensure proper supply chains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper foregrounds Khair’s two novels, The Bus Stopped and Filming: A Love Story, examining the concepts of home, representation, (dis)locations and its non-belongingness, focusing on the discourses of Indian nationalism and national identity. There is a massive gap between the living styles of rural and urban people in India. How people live in a country is vital to a modern nation and its nationalism. Khair says, ‘houses do not make homes’ because the concept of home varies according to the socio-economic conditions. Many poor people in India do not have a permanent home and constantly migrate from one place to another. They mostly make a temporary one-night stand for home, but unfortunately, their journey becomes a permanent home. That makes their existence neither inside nor outside society, creating a different kind of third space, but far more precarious than Bhabha’s notion of a third space. In Khair’s novels, the concept of third space is far less empowering than Bhabha’s notion of third space in postcolonial studies. Khair also shows that home is an illusion, not a permanent place that constantly changes like a dream and never gets concretised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study firstly examines the causal effect of environmental information disclosure on political trust and then provides a novel psychological mechanism through which the effect occurred. Exploiting the staggered rolled‐out implementation of a national program in China that provides real‐time air‐pollution information to the public, we find that air pollution adversely moderates the positive effect of information disclosure on political trust. Notably and surprisingly, this "adverse moderation" is concentrated in less polluted areas, where the lack of visible smog led citizens to remain unaware of the actual pollution levels until information is disclosed. Heterogeneity analysis shows that the adverse moderation is more pronounced among urban residents using Internet, an important source for pollution information. Furthermore, we establish that the causal effect operates through the channels of citizens' mental well‐being, demonstrated by a large and statistically significant increase in the risk of mild depression due to heightened concern over pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hypertension, a major non-communicable disease, is responsible for a significant number of global deaths, including approximately 17.9 million yearly. The Global Burden of Disease 2019 (GBD 2019) estimates that 19% of global deaths are attributed to elevated blood pressure. India, with a population of over 1.4 billion, is facing a serious challenge in combating this silent killer. This study aims to analyze the gender-based prevalence of hypertension in India and explore its associated risk factors using data from the fifth National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5). Methods: NFHS-5 collected data from 636,699 households across all states and union territories. The study includes standardized blood pressure measurements for 17,08,241 individuals aged 15 and above. The data were analyzed using Stata, employing descriptive statistics for the assessment of the prevalence and binary logistic regression to identify predictors of hypertension. Results: The study found the overall prevalence of hypertension in India to be 22.6%, with men (24.1%) having a higher prevalence than women (21.2%). Prevalence increased with age, reaching 48.4% in individuals aged 60 and above. Urban residents had a slightly higher prevalence (25%) than rural residents (21.4%), indicating the rapid spread of hypertension across all populations. Regional variations were observed, with the highest prevalence in Sikkim (37.9%) and the lowest in Rajasthan (16.5%). Increasing age, urban residence, belonging to certain religions (Muslim and other than Hindu or Muslim), and being classified as Scheduled Tribes (ST) were associated with a higher likelihood of hypertension. Conversely, belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC) or Other Backward Classes (OBC), being currently unmarried, and having higher education were associated with a lower likelihood of hypertension. Wealth index analysis revealed that those in the richest quintile were more likely to have hypertension. Behavioural risk factors, such as alcohol consumption, overweight, obesity, increased waist circumference, and high blood glucose levels, are positively associated with hypertension. Conclusion: Hypertension is a significant health burden in India, affecting both men and women. Age is the strongest non-modifiable predictor for both men and women. However, ageing women have higher odds of hypertension than ageing men, and this distinction becomes much more evident in their older ages. Obese women, based on BMI, have higher odds of hypertension than men. However, hypertension prevalence is slightly higher among men who are overweight or obese compared to women. BMI, waist circumference, random glucose level, alcohol use, and education level emerged as major predictors. Health education and awareness campaigns are critical to control the growing burden of hypertension in India. Policymakers must focus on preventive measures, targeting lifestyle changes and improved healthcare access for both men and women. By addressing these risk factors, India can make significant progress in controlling hypertension and reducing its impact on public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urbanisation poses numerous challenges to fresh water biodiversity, and installation of above-ground rainwater tanks on private properties is one important tool for addressing these challenges. In this paper, we used an online survey targeting a representative sample of 1291 urban residents to investigate their underlying capabilities, opportunities, and motivations for installation of above-ground rainwater tanks on their properties. Only 221 (17%) of the 1,291 respondents already had an above-ground rainwater tank installed on their property. By segmenting on behavioural variables, we found that those urban residents who currently did not have a water tank on their property were not homogeneous. We identified three audience segments, 'Supportive' (19%), 'Receptive' (59%) and 'Reluctant' (22%), each with their own unique driver and barrier combination to rainwater tank installation. Suitable leverage points and behaviour change tools (e.g. education, enablement, incentivisation) and message framing (environmental, community, or functional benefits) are identified for each segment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AD) and psoriasis among indigenous people in Brazil. The researchers accessed a Brazilian national database to gather information on AD and psoriasis diagnoses between 2010 and 2022. They found varying rates of AD and psoriasis across different regions of Brazil. The study highlights the importance of understanding the epidemiology of these skin conditions in indigenous populations for effective healthcare planning and interventions. The study found that the prevalence of AD and psoriasis is lower among indigenous populations compared to urban populations, particularly in remote regions like the Yanomami territory. However, it is important to note that AD and psoriasis can still occur in indigenous communities, especially those located near or within urban areas. [Extracted from the article]

In this article, we scrutinise the concept of 'affective atmosphere' at the Breitscheidplatz in Berlin, Germany. By unpacking key moments and elements in the Breitscheidplatz's history, when measures of security and counterterrorism transformed, we investigate how the felt experience of city dwellers and users of the square altered. We argue that the concept of atmosphere, taking the affective dimension of urban life into account, offers an enriching layer of understanding the everyday life in European cities. By focusing on the spatial and affective securitisation that was implemented before and after the attack in 2016, this paper converges everyday urban geopolitics and the concept of affective atmospheres. Bringing together the engagement with experiences of everyday urban life and the atmospheric situation that security and counter-terrorism measure entail in European urban spaces. This paper approximates the felt experience and intangible elements with the help of sensory ethnographies. Shedding light on the aesthetic and sensorial paradoxes of securitisation and counterterrorism measures, hegemonic practices of affective politics and discriminatory spatial expulsion are unravelled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the years, ecologically sensitive areas in cities in the global south have deteriorated due to weak enforcement of development control regulations. The present study assesses the level of awareness of the buffer regulations and offers a critique of the regulations on ecologically sensitive areas in Ghana. The researchers obtained primary data from respondents whose houses were located within 200 feet of the buffers of River Wiwi, River Sisai and River Daaban in Kumasi. Secondary data was also obtained from documents from regulatory agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency. Overall, the results of the study point to disparities in the buffer regulations among agencies such as the Land Use and Spatial Planning Authority and Environmental Planning Agency. The differences in the buffer regulations among these regulatory institutions make the enforcement of the regulations complex and ineffective. The results further show that seven in ten of the residents of the Kumasi city who have located within the buffers of wetlands were unaware of the buffer regulations despite the policy's objective of ensuring public awareness of the policy. The authors suggest the need to consolidate the buffer regulations of the various regulatory agencies within the Ghanaian context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digitalization and the widespread adoption of novel Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) has transformed almost all aspects of society. Remote working, e-commerce and remote services have had a major impact on the lives of individuals, and they increasingly enable individuals to choose their place of residence regardless of geographical constraints. These trends also have a considerable impact on urban spatial structure and regional development. This study examines and compares the probability and desirability of how residents and decision-makers perceive the development trends influenced by ICT and digitalization in shrinking cities and regions. Based on the results the perceptions of residents and decision-makers regarding the desirability of analysed future scenarios are quite well in line, but there exists significant differences regarding the probability of these trends. The results and methodology provide valuable insights for policymakers and other decision-makers to make informed and more participatory decisions regarding future regional development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foraging increases predation risk. As such, prey frequently attend to potential predator cues when making decisions about foraging behaviour. Environmental cues, such as light levels, can impact predation risk, and populations from different environments may vary in how they respond to such cues. Here we experimentally manipulated foraging conditions for a frugivorous bat, the Jamaican fruit bat, to ask whether individuals rapidly alter their foraging behaviour based on potential predator cues and light levels. Specifically, we ran bats in multiple foraging trials across a night in which we varied the level of ambient light or predator cues (auditory or visual) and measured latencies to feed. We found that bats in a more urban population were most affected by simulated full moonlight, delaying their foraging behaviour. In contrast, bats from a rural population were sensitive to simulated urban light. Furthermore, rural bats were also more sensitive to potential predator cues and foraged more rapidly in the presence of novel objects and auditory predator cues. These results reveal variation across populations of the same species with respect to their response to potential predator cues, possibly indicating differences in their evaluations of foraging risks. • We tested responses to visual/auditory cues in urban vs rural Jamaican fruit bats. • Urban bats delayed foraging behaviour in simulated full moonlight. • Rural bats foraged more slowly in simulated urban light pollution. • Rural bats were more sensitive to potential predator cues than urban bats. • Rural bats also foraged more rapidly in the presence of various visual/auditory cues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cervical cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in women in Ethiopia. However, data are limited on the prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes. Self-sampled vaginal lavages were obtained consecutively from 783 women attending 7 health facilities across Ethiopia. Genotype prevalence was assessed by Multiplex- Papillomavirus-Genotyping which detects and individually identifies 51 genotypes and 3 subtypes. Genotype-specific prevalence was described and associations with known risk factors were analysed. The overall HPV prevalence (age range 18-45) was 33.1% (95% confidence interval (CI) 29.8-36.4). The prevalence of HPV was different in the rural and urban population with 17.6% (95%CI 11.6-23.7) and 36.8% (95%CI 33.1-40.6) (p < 0.001 chi-square test), respectively. The most common high-risk types were HPV 16 (6.6%), followed by HPV 52 (4.3%), 51 and 39 (both 2.9%). Urban women compared to rural women had a higher risk of being HPV positive (odds ratio 2.36 (95% CI 1.47-3.79; p < 0.001). Age at sexual debut ≤15 years and polygamous husband (in urban women) also increased the risk of being HPV positive nearly two-fold. The high prevalence of hr-HPV in Ethiopian women in the reproductive age group shows the need for screening programs. The nonavalent HPV vaccine covers the most prevalent hr-HPV genotypes as found in this study and can therefore be used effectively. Since antenatal care is the bestutilised health service, implementing self-sampled vaginal lavage could be an opportunity for screening in this age group. Screening algorithms and triage still need to be defined to avoid over-treatment in these women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ongoing urbanization trend has led to various challenges including environmental degradation, and decreased welfare among city dwellers. While economic factors have historically been the primary driver of urban migration, recent research suggests that unplanned urbanization and the problems it brings such as decreased green spaces, traffic congestion and air pollution are gaining significance. As a result, a group of people has been relocating from urban to suburban areas, seeking an improved standard of living. This shift reflects a complex interplay of factors including demographic, socioeconomic, and sociocultural shifts. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increased interest in suburban areas due to remote work opportunities and concerns about urban living conditions. This study examines motivations for suburban living in Izmir, Turkey, focusing on Villakent neighbourhood. Through surveys and interviews with residents, it explores demographic characteristics and reasons for choosing suburban life. The research is based on the results of a sample of 123 participants of a survey questionnaire and 15 in-depth interviews. Findings have indicated that the participants' desire for living in a house with a garden and the discomforting crowds in the city centers was the important factors in suburban relocation. In interviews, it was also revealed that the affordability of housing in the suburbs compared to city centers is also an important factor in choosing to settle in the suburbs. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on suburban relocation, and the earthquake risk in Izmir has also increased people's desire to move away from city centers. In the interviews, the preference for Villakent was discussed along with its positive and negative aspects in detail. Policymakers must consider these insights to address urban challenges and promote sustainable urban development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The CE-TCP relationship is nonlinear globally, with CE exhibiting an initial sharp decline followed by a gradual reduction as TCP rises. • The nonlinear CE-TCP relationship is more pronounced in tropical and arid climates compared to other regions. • There is a higher CE and cooling potential of mitigating urban population heat exposure in areas with fewer trees. Investigating the relationship between cooling efficiency (CE) and tree cover percentage (TCP) is critical for planning of green space within cities. However, the spatiotemporal complexities of the intra-city CE-TCP relationship worldwide with distinct climates, as well as the differing impacts of consistently increasing tree cover within urban regions on cooling potential, remain unclear. Here we used satellite-derived MODIS observations to investigate the CE-TCP relationship across 440 global cities during summertime from 2018 to 2020. We further investigated the impacts of enhancing tree cover by a consistent amount in different urban locales on the reduction of population heat exposure among specific age groups. Our results demonstrate a nonlinear CE-TCP relationship globally – CE exhibits an initial sharp decline followed by a gradual reduction as TCP rises, and this nonlinearity is more pronounced in tropical and arid climates than in other climate zones. We observe that 91.4% of cities experience a greater reduction in population heat exposure when introducing the same amount of TCP in areas with fewer trees than in those with denser canopies; and heat exposure mitigation is more prominent for laborers than for vulnerable groups. These insights are critical for developing strategies to minimize urban heat-related health risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The essay will explore new understandings of time in daily life coincident with the onset of urbanization and availability of medical treatment in urban areas in late sixteenth century Japan, focusing on the cities of Ōsaka and Kyoto. The primary source for the essay is a contemporary diary (Tokitsune kyōki) that provides a near-daily record of activity over a period of twenty years. The essay will explore such topics as: reporting of medical symptoms, keeping track of the progress of ailments, the keeping by patients of longer-term records of medicines and their use; times reported for physician – patient interactions, which shed light on activity time in daily life; references to, and speculation on the need to note, time of arrival and departure for trips or attendance at events; and the apparent new rhythms of time consciousness associated with regular medicinal ingestion as part of a long-term health maintenance regimen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the relationship between sidewalk space and pedestrians, as well as how the design and improvement of sidewalk visual landscapes can enhance pedestrians' psychological restoration. Sidewalk quality in China varies, making it challenging to meet the urban residents' expectations for sidewalk environments. In this research, psychological perception experiments were conducted on 60 sidewalks in the core functional area of Beijing. The visual landscape of the sidewalk was divided into four dimensions: canopy, ground plane, roadside plane, and building wall. In this study, a total of 52 spatial elements were extracted and evaluated based on the dimensions of fascination, being-away, coherence, and scope in relation to pedestrians' psychological perception. The findings confirm that urban greenery and street accessibility, among other spatial elements, significantly positively influence pedestrians' willingness to walk. Furthermore, a balanced distribution of elements within sidewalk space can better enhance pedestrians' psychological restoration capabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article "Energy Transitions: Insights from the Past, Solutions for the Future" discusses the importance of understanding historical energy transitions to effectively plan for future technological changes. It highlights the role of engineers in integrating new and renewable technologies to combat climate change. The article emphasizes the need for a multidisciplinary approach to address the socio-economic-cultural aspects of energy transitions. Historical case studies on personal transportation and housing illustrate the complex relationship between technological advancements and societal changes. The article concludes by advocating for collaborative efforts among researchers, engineers, and policymakers to facilitate a sustainable energy transition. [Extracted from the article]

The United Nation's Sustainable Development Goal 8 (SDG8) emphasizes decent work and the need to generate employment for vulnerable groups such as women, youth, and low-income rural and urban residents. Though extended retirement age policies to sustain workforce productivity are promulgated across OECD states, within SDG8 there is no evident focus on older citizens' need for decent work. We believe this goal lacks detail in addressing the specific needs of older and post-retirement workers and their equal vulnerability to inadequate decent work conditions, economic strain, and diminished well-being. We expand on this issue with particular focus on this older cohort's predictors and attainment of decent work and proffer the psychology of working theory as a foundation to redress the inadequacy of SDG8 and formulate recommendations for policy and research to recognize the needs of older and post-retirement workers. This approach is aligned with the Psychology of Sustainability and Sustainable Development framework in a lifelong perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The workers maintaining cleanliness in cities are popularly known as sanitation workers throughout India. Sanitation Worker refers to all sorts of workers engaged in cleaning jobs, who handle dry and wet waste, and those who sweep. They are exposed to a variety of chemicals which pose an occupational hazard by exposing them to a wide range of health problems. Therefore this study has been undertaken, to assess the sociodemographic profile and awareness among sanitation workers in Aligarh. Across-sectional study was conducted in Aligarh including Sanitation workers under Nagar Nigam. The study period was one year, i.e., from July 2018 to June 2019. A total of 450 Sanitation workers were studied in a cross sectional study using multistage sampling conducted on sanitation workers employed under Nagar Nigam, Aligarh using structured questionnaires. The Questionnaire used in the study included Socio-demographic characteristics, Standard of Living Index, Health Problems, Health Seeking Behaviour and Satisfaction from Health System, Quality of Life, Stigma and Discrimination, Occupational Health Hazards, Alcohol Consumption and General Awareness. Data was entered and analyzed in SPSS 20. Data entry and analysis were presented using descriptive statistics, which included percentages, means, and frequencies. In this study, males constituted most of the respondents, reflecting male dominance in urban municipal work. Urban residents accounted for 95.8%, likely due to employment-driven migration. Marital status was varied, with 80.9% married. As almost all of the Safai Karamchari were unaware of government schemes. The older age group of 41-50 years was found having higher health problems. On the analysis of health problems with the mean age of Sanitation workers, it was found to be significantly associated with a higher age. There is a need to acknowledge, improve and strengthen services, including improving the working environment and better health care to the sanitation workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Non Communicable Diseases have been identified among top ten global threats by WHO. The role of Screening in Ice berg disease is pre-established. In India, Community Based Assessment Checklist is used to identify high-risk people for Non-Communicable Diseases. Methods: A cross sectional study done among 265 participants from households situated in field practice area attached to Government Medical College, Surat. Data was collected using World Health Organization Stepwise approach to surveillance. Results: Out of total participants 83 (31.32%) were classified high risk (CBAC>4) for Non-Communicable Diseases. Mean age of participants was 43.79 ± 9.36 years. One-tenth 25 (9.4%) of participants were on treatment. Those classified high risk were significantly associated with age (p<0.05), education (p=0.03), occupation (p<0.01). Predictors for Non-Communicable Diseases identified were smoking (aOR=4.7, p=0.003), alcohol (aOR= 2.3, p<0.001), higher Body Mass Index (aOR= 3.8, p=0.03) and higher waist size (aOR= 4.3, p<0.001). Sensitivity, Specificity of tool and Area under Curve were found to be 73.3%, 75.8% and 0.72 respectively. Conclusion: To prevent and control Non-Communicable Diseases key behavioral risk factors to be targeted include smoking, alcohol, higher Body Mass Index and waist size which could be due to unhealthy diet & absence of exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context/Background: Worldwide total population of geriatric was 703 million (9%) in year 2019 according to United Nation report. The geriatric population is estimated to increase to 198 million by 2030 in India. With advancing years, the incidence of communicable and non-communicable disease (NCD) increases. Most of the available studies on morbidity in India are disease specific and fail to provide comprehensive knowledge about NCD. Aims/Objectives: 1. To estimate prevalence of non-communicable disease (NCD) in elderly. 2. To assess the risk factor associated with non-communicable disease. Methodology: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted among geriatric people in urban areas of Kalaburagi district, Karnataka. Study participants consisted of age ≥60 years were comprised in the study and a sample size of 185 was calculated. Pre-designed, pre-tested and semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect information on risk factor and morbidity status of study participants. Data was computed in excel sheets Microsoft 2013 and using SPSS version 25.0 for utilizing appropriate statistical method to calculate frequency and percentage. Results: Hypertension is the most prevalent morbidity NCD in the urban elderly population 26.49% of Kalaburagi CHC Rajapur. Then followed by diabetes 7.57% and myocardial infraction 1.62%. Chewing and Smoking tobacco found to be having significant association in disease causation in elderly population. Conclusions: Prevalence of NCD like Hypertension, Diabetes, MI etc can be prevented by reduction of the highrisk factor such as Life style changes, Diet Modification, Changing Habits of alcohol and tobacco. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We construct a theoretical model based on the task-based approach to study how industrial intelligence affects the residents' income gap through employment substitution and creation effect on different skilled labor, compensation effect on industries and industrial structure upgrading effect on industrial sectors. Subsequently, we present the benchmark regression analysis elucidating the impact of industrial intelligence on income inequality among urban residents in China. We employ a comprehensive set of control variables including economic development indicators, financial metrics, trade openness measures, government intervention variables, and other relevant factors to ensure the robustness of our findings. Furthermore, we explore heterogeneous effects to uncover how industrial intelligence affects income inequality differently across various demographic groups and regions. Based on our empirical analysis, we discover several key findings. Firstly, the advancement of industrial intelligence has notably exacerbated the income disparity among urban residents in China. This conclusion remains true even after conducting robustness test and endogenous treatment. Secondly, the impact of industrial intelligence on income inequality operates through distinct mechanisms. While it widens the income gap through employment substitution and creation effect as well as industrial upgrading effects, it also narrows the gap via the compensation effect. Lastly, industrial intelligence disproportionately affects certain demographic groups and regions. Specifically, it exacerbates income inequality among middle-aged and elderly individuals and in areas with weaker employment protection measures in China. The insights derived from our research can inform policymakers about striking a balance between economic growth and the well-being of the population, ultimately guiding the formulation of effective and inclusive policies in response to technological advancements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the writings and life of Helen Hunt Jackson, a 19th-century American writer, and her advocacy for Native American rights. It discusses her travels through Kansas, Colorado, and California, as well as her encounters with indigenous peoples. The article highlights Jackson's most famous work, the novel "Ramona," which aimed to bring attention to the mistreatment of Native Americans. It also examines the controversy and attempts to discredit Jackson's advocacy for Native rights. The article suggests that Jackson's vision of the West, which valued nature and defended indigenous peoples, may have contributed to her exclusion from the canon of western American literature. [Extracted from the article]

Rebecca Harding Davis' novella, "Life in the Iron Mills," is a significant work of American industrial fiction that explores the effects of industrial capitalism on moral, social, and environmental decay. The story depicts the harsh living conditions and physical hazards faced by millworkers, emphasizing the ecological rifts caused by industrial production. It also examines the negative impact of industrialization on public health, particularly for the urban poor, racial and ethnic minorities, and immigrants. The novella challenges assumptions about poverty and illness, critiques the prevailing medical model, and calls for a more holistic approach to healthcare that considers the broader socio-economic and environmental factors affecting health. [Extracted from the article]

Currently, recreation has become an increasingly important need for urban residents who lead fast and busy lives. Daily recreational activities and spaces enable citizens living in the dynamics of urban life to regain their physical and psychological health with short-term opportunities. In this context, the research questions of the study are: (a) defining the urban dweller's perspectives on the concept of recreation in today's world, (b) investigation whether the dominant recreational preference of the urban population has evolved from nature-based activities to the theme of shopping in the new world order, and (c) the behavioral tendencies of the urban population toward nature-based and shopping-based spaces. The main material of the study is the city of İzmir, and as a method, a face-to-face survey was conducted with 278 people living in the central district of İzmir. As a result of the study, it has been determined that the users prefer the spaces in the metropolitan areas for daily recreation activities. Also, they prefer spaces where they can perform nature-based activities, despite all the consumption-based opportunities in today's conditions. In line with the data obtained from the study, the daily space usage profile of the city of İzmir and its immediate surroundings was revealed, and applicable and sustainable suggestions were developed for improving daily recreation spaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most cities in the world suffer from excessive population and unplanned urban growth. The objective of the present study was to investigate the spatiotemporal changes of built-up areas and their growth in the proposed Greater Silchar City (GSC) (Assam, India). The obtained LANDSAT satellite data from 1991 to 2021 for the GSC have divided into non-built-up and built-up land use categories, and recode tools in Erdas Imagine 2014 software have been used to improve the accuracy of the output. The study area has been classified into 8 spatial directions and 11 concentric circles with radial distances of 1 km and resulted from intersected areas consisting of 60 gradient zones. The study used Shannon entropy model for detailed urban sprawl study of every nook and corner. FRAGSTATS v4.2 tools have been used to analyse landscape metrics in respective spatial directions. The built-up area growth of the city was 15.18 km2 during the mentioned period. The landscape metrics and LU/LC results show the maximum built-up growth has taken place in South to South-West direction (3243.87 ha) and the area within a 2–3-km radius (221.85 ha) of the central business district, which is the periphery of the existing Silchar municipal limits. The entropy values indicated that the GSC has compacted infill growth form in the core area, while the dispersed urban sprawl trends followed with increasing distance from the city centre. Moreover, the research findings will provide a conceptual model for assessing urban growth trends for other cities as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Domestic trade flow in China is an indispensable factor affecting food availability to the public. The aim of this study is to focus on the cost of domestic trade within China and the dietary health of Chinese residents. Based on the China-regional input-output tables and the CHNS micro-database, we calculated China's domestic trade costs and Healthy Eating Index (HEI) of Chinese urban and rural residents. We find that domestic trade costs are negatively correlated with residents' whole grain and mixed beans, vegetables, fruits, beef, mutton, poultry, and aquatic products consumption, having a significant negative influence on residents' dietary quality score. Domestic trade costs can influence residents' food consumption structure by affecting income and traditional market scores. Domestic trade costs have a greater negative influence on the dietary quality of rural residents, low-income residents, and elderly residents. The results suggest that reducing domestic trade costs increased residents' food consumption and improved their dietary quality. Increasing the people's income and stimulating traditional markets can alleviate the decline in dietary quality of the population caused by an increase in domestic trade costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose is to understand the factors affecting Chinese diet selections and propose strategies for revolutionizing Chinese diets toward healthy ones. Design/methodology/approach: This study implemented an online discrete choice experiment to identify the factors affecting diet selections among urban Chinese consumers. Four different diet patterns were used to label each of the product alternatives in the experiment, which varied in taste and cost. Specifically, implying the healthiness and sustainability of a diet, the diet alternatives included the average diet, the Chinese Food Guide Pagoda diet, the EAT-Lancet diet and the Flexitarian diet. Using consumer data from six provincial capital cities, we used random parameter logit models to estimate their preferences. Findings: Diet type and diet cost were found to be more important in urban Chinese consumers' diet selections than the ability to customize taste. The average diet, although not healthy and sustainable, was preferred most by respondents, signaling the challenges of shifting the consumer diet in China. Increasing the cost of the average diet can significantly promote sustainable healthy diet choices among urban Chinese residents. In other words, improving the affordability of sustainable healthy diets would have the potential to fuel the diet revolution in China. Originality/value: Instead of choices of a single food item, this paper focused on the individual selection of a diet, where different food products can act as substitutes or as complements for one another. We also proposed a way to assess individual preferences and valuations for several different diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human activities often induce maladaptive effects in urban wildlife, such as increased inbreeding and decreased gene flow, consequently leading to a loss of biodiversity. Although maladaptive effects are commonly reported in urban wildlife, some wildlife species are not affected. Understanding the conditions and factors that affect the genetic structure of wildlife is crucial for its conservation in urban environments. Eurasian red squirrels Sciurus vulgaris in Obihiro City, Hokkaido, Japan, have settled in large residential lots with a high risk of vehicle collisions for approximately 30 years, raising the possibility that the urban population would be genetically isolated from nearby rural populations and may experience a rapid decrease in genetic diversity. In this study, we analysed the population structure, genetic distance, and nucleotide diversity of squirrels in the Obihiro area using genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Principal component analysis and ADMIXTURE showed that urban and rural squirrel populations formed distinct clusters with intermediate urban and rural boundary populations. Genetic distances between the urban populations were greater than that of other pairs. Nucleotide diversities were lower in urban populations than in other populations, suggesting limited gene flow between urban and other populations, possibly due to urbanisation. The change in the genetic characteristics of urban squirrel populations during this short period demonstrates the strong impact of urbanisation. Our findings suggest that a genome-wide approach to the genetic structure of wildlife contributes to its conservation in urban environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The reflection of solar radiation by pavements is crucial for managing urban heat, enhancing thermal comfort, and supporting sustainable development. Albedo pavements are a key component of modern urban planning. Despite extensive studies on the influence of pavement reflectivity on heat stress in street canyons, there is still a lack of exploration regarding its impact on pedestrian comfort in Thailand during the peak summer months. This study examines thirteen design scenarios and simulations utilizing a microclimate model, with a specific focus on the combined albedos of road surfaces, sidewalks, and plants in a deep street canyon within a residential townhouse project located in Bangkok. METHODS: The utilization of a microclimate simulation model enabled the calculation of climatic conditions within an east-west-oriented street canyon on April 26, which represents a typical summer day in Thailand. By utilizing the simulated microclimatic parameters, hourly physiologically equivalent temperature values were derived to assess human thermal comfort. This analysis helped identify the threshold for comfortable summer conditions in Thailand. Field data validation showed acceptable errors (R² = 0.91, normalized mean square error = 0.17). FINDINGS: For an east-west-oriented deep street canyon with direct overhead sunlight in summer, low-albedo materials for road and sidewalk surfaces are recommended to enhance thermal comfort. The implementation of these albedo strategies has the potential to enhance thermal comfort by 0.34-0.38 percent and alter the threshold values of the Physiologically Equivalent Temperature Index for thermal sensation, transitioning from hot to cold environments. While the percentage increase may seem small, it signifies a substantial advancement in improving thermal comfort for people in urban settings. This finding carries significant importance in densely populated areas with limited natural shade, where even slight improvements in thermal comfort can have a positive effect on public health and well-being. CONCLUSION: Albedo reduction alone may not significantly enhance outdoor comfort within the street canyons. Urban planners and designers should consider integrating additional strategies such as tree planting, Sidewalks facing different directions, exposed to sunlight, instead of pedestrian arcades and overhead shading structures. The thermal environments and comfort of sunlit north-facing sidewalks in an east-west-oriented deep street canyon during the summer, when the sun's path shifts northward, are greatly influenced by the solar tilt and azimuth angles. It is crucial to highlight the substantial impact of these angles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this article is to investigate attitudes and intentions towards consuming food products based on edible insects. Design/methodology/approach: In order to directly compare which statements (A. to F.) are more acceptable, a weighted average of the selected answers was calculated for each of them. The χ² statistic was used to examine whether there is a dependence between two nominal qualitative variables, and the Spearman's R rank correlation coefficients, which can be used for ordinal qualitative scales. Findings: The study revealed a low readiness to frequently consume food based on edible insects in the daily diet. Among respondents, curiosity turned out to be an important variable related to the decision to try a product based on edible insects. Interest in food containing an insect component due to additional health benefits was not a factor convincing the respondents to be more interested in this type of food. Taking into account the diversity of responses among respondents, the study revealed that women, people with secondary education, rural residents and people aged 18–24 mostly had a negative attitude towards the intention to consume edible insect-based food. People belonging to the groups: men, people with higher education, city residents and people over 24 years of age seem relatively open to the idea of trying and consuming food products containing edible insects. Research limitations/implications: There are some limitations to this study. The first is the use of a sample that is not representative and the results of the study cannot be generalized to the population. Another limitation is the fact that data was collected via the Internet, therefore, only users with access to the Internet and basic computer skills participated in the study. Practical implications: This study provides new insight into the acceptance and intention to consume novel foods based on edible insects before an unknown food product is introduced to the market. The results of this study contribute to the existing literature on the intention to consume innovative foods. Originality/value: The results of this study highlight the challenges associated with developing the edible insect market as well as the opportunity for education to help promote innovative edible insect-based products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the expansion of urban scale and the popularization of multi-modal transportation, transportation hubs, as the link of multi-modal travel, are becoming increasingly important in urban development and residents' lives. In situations of high parking demand, the increase in road traffic volume and parking search delays exacerbates the service pressure on hub parking lots and the traffic congestion on surrounding roads. Therefore, reasonable parking demand allocation is one of the key solutions to this problem. Based on the analysis of the vehicle parking search process, this paper constructs a model for estimating parking search delay on roads outside hub parking lots and proposes an optimization model for parking demand allocation aimed at minimizing the total parking search delay of vehicles. Finally, taking a major transportation hub in Nanjing as a case study, data were obtained through field investigations and simulation experiments to identify peak parking demand periods and calibrate the model parameters. The results show that the average vehicle delay was reduced by 4.5%, with a total reduction of 13,860 s in vehicle delay for parking demands at the hub within one hour. Therefore, by optimizing the allocation of parking demand, the average delay for vehicles searching for parking can be reduced to a certain extent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The editorial in the journal "Environment & Urbanization" discusses the need for a developmental approach to urban crises, particularly in situations of protracted displacement. It highlights the importance of recognizing the distinctions between refugees and internally displaced people (IDPs) living in urban areas and the challenges they face. The editorial also emphasizes the need for a more rights-based approach, economic inclusion, recognition of agency, and adopting a spatial lens in responding to forced displacement in cities. The discussion focuses on the shift towards an "urban first" strategy and a world without camps, advocating for local initiatives and municipal-led responses to support displaced people in urban settings. [Extracted from the article]

Environment & Urbanization is a journal that aims to promote social justice and environmental sustainability in urban areas, particularly in the global South. The journal encourages contributions from diverse voices, including those of disadvantaged and marginalized groups, to advance understanding of urban challenges and solutions. Future issues will focus on topics such as urban reform coalitions and socio-technical assistance for socially and environmentally just cities. The journal also offers discounted prices and electronic access to its content, as well as opportunities for engagement through blogs, social media, email newsletters, and book notes. [Extracted from the article]

We critically examine a multi-year initiative led by Cities Alliance with municipalities and civil society groups in Somaliland, Kenya, Uganda, and Ethiopia to respond to refugees and migration. Adapting Goffman's work, we posit that in ambiguous and resource-scarce political environments, network success rests on supporting two "frontstages" and a shared "backstage". On stage one, authorities "visibilize" refugees to attract funding and national support while shaping national-level norms. On stage two they make refugees "invisible" within their own development strategies, integrating displaced populations into urban planning through data collection, service investments, and inclusive strategies. In an experimental and collaborative backstage, municipal actors share resources and workshop varied scripts for their respective audiences. The initiative has lessened host–refugee tensions, strengthened municipal voices in national and regional policy fora, fostered local accountability, and created financial and bureaucratic resources better able to outlast the vagaries of humanitarian or emergency aid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Land use change has always been a significant factor affecting global carbon emissions. Dissecting the characteristics of territorial space evolution and its impact on carbon emissions is crucial for developing low-carbon-oriented territorial space optimization and governance strategies. This paper calculates the carbon emissions associated with territorial spaces in Qingdao from 2000 to 2020, utilizing land use data alongside various statistical data. Based on the accounting results, the evolution characteristics of territorial spaces and their corresponding carbon emissions, as well as the carbon transition dynamics resulting from space transfer, are analyzed. A carbon transition decomposition formula is then proposed to quantify the differential and spatially heterogeneous impacts of changes in space types and socio-economic development on emissions. The results indicate that: (1) the evolution of territorial spaces in Qingdao during 2000–2020 is characterized by an expansion of living space and a contraction of production and ecological spaces; (2) net carbon emissions rose from 313.98 × 104 tons to 1068.58 × 104 tons, with urban production space contributing the most (69.96% in 2020) due to its significantly high emission density. The spatial distribution of carbon emissions exhibited a stable "northwest–southeast" pattern, with increased dispersion and weakened directionality; (3) the transformation of territorial spaces promoted carbon emissions in Qingdao, with the conversion of urban production space to other uses yielding the most favorable carbon transitions, while the expropriation of agricultural production spaces for urban production and residents' living has resulted in the most detrimental carbon transitions; (4) socio-economic development shapes the overarching pattern of regional emission density changes, whereas space transfers account for local variations. This paper also identifies priorities for spatial optimization and key sectors for emission reduction. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the carbon emission consequences of territorial space transformation in Qingdao, thereby providing valuable insights for regional spatial planning and optimization aimed at promoting low-carbon development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 21st century, known as the "metropolitan century", saw urban populations exceed half the global populace. By 2035, emerging metropolises, particularly in Asia and Africa, highlight the urgent need for research on urban growth, demographics, and mobility's role in sustainable development. The objective of this study is to explore the key aspects of mobility essential for sustaining metropolitan regions, with a focus on the case of Greater London. The research aims to understand, through interview analysis and urban theories, how mobility contributes to socio-spatial equity, connectivity, and integrated governance, highlighting the importance of sustainability—such as decarbonization and the promotion of non-motorized transport—in the context of global sustainable development commitments. This research, through a convergent analysis of interviewees' responses, has identified thirty-one fundamental attributes to enhance our understanding of sustainable mobility. The results indicate that mobility is a key driver for socio-spatial equity, connectivity, and integrated governance within metropolitan regions; it also shows that successful infrastructure work necessarily calls for collaboration between different administrative levels. Finally, the imperative for sustainability in mobility—as exemplified by decarbonization and the encouragement of non-motorized transport—arises as an urgent element in ordering development at the urban scale vis-à-vis global sustainability commitments, such as SDG 11. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maintaining a balance between urban land (UL) expansion and urban population (UP) growth is one of the goals of sustainable development, and maintaining this balance requires more theoretical exploration and regional experience. This paper re-evaluated the imbalances in growth between urban land and urban population (IGULUP) from the perspective of allometric growth and explored its influencing mechanism, taking urban agglomerations (UAs) in China as a case. This paper reveals that the growth rate of UL in China is slightly higher than that of the UP. However, the IGULUP vary according to development stages. UAs in the primary stage and the early growth stage face the dilemma where UL grows faster than the UP. Conversely, for UAs in the later growth stage and the mature stage, the growth rate of the UP is higher than that of UL. Finally, an increase in economic development level, population agglomeration, fiscal expenditure, and urban compactness can help mitigate the gap between UL and UP. In contrast, industrial structure, urbanization level, and foreign direct investment may hinder the improvement of IGULUP by accelerating the rate of land expansion. These findings may make theoretical contributions to the formulation of more targeted land use control policies and urban population growth strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to investigate how urban residents interact with Urban Green Spaces (UGSs) in Nagpur, India, specifically focusing on the patterns of visitation and engagement. Data were collected via a face-to-face questionnaire survey using the Survey 123 app. The analysis included interaction (types of UGSs, visitation frequency, and UGS availability); engagement (activities); demographics (age, gender, and work status); and nature connection (self-reported) aspects. Using data from 2002 participants, the study employs statistical analyses using R software (4.3.2) to explore the correlations between these variables. The results revealed key factors influencing UGS usage, highlighting the interplay between environmental and social aspects. Neighborhood UGSs, proximity, and accessibility were found to be pivotal in promoting frequent visitation, while physical activity emerged as the most common activity among daily visitors. Older adults visited UGSs less frequently, suggesting potential barriers, while employed individuals visited more often. A strong association between nature connection and UGS interaction was highlighted, emphasizing the psychological and emotional aspects of UGS usage. For example, individuals who felt more connected to nature reported using UGSs for physical activities, mental relaxation, and socializing. These findings underscore the need for integrating UGSs within broader urban social-ecological systems, which means recognizing these spaces as vital components contributing to overall health and resilience and catering to the population's diverse needs, ensuring that these spaces are accessible and enjoyable for all community members, including those from different cultural, age, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Additionally, fostering nature connectedness through education and exposure to natural environments is recommended to enhance UGS usage, supporting broader urban planning strategies to create sustainable and healthy urban environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In modern urban development, utilizing the space under overpasses (SUO) contributes to connecting the cityscape and facilitating the transformation of SUO into a public urban space. However, existing studies sometimes fail to properly take into account user requirements, resulting in the neglect of the SUO by the population. The solutions proposed are based on the assumption that the SUO can be renewed, but there is no thorough evaluation methodology to determine if the current state of the SUO can be renewed and in which areas it needs renewal. In this research, all the overpasses within the Third Ring Road in Chengdu are taken as samples. Based on cultural ecosystem services (CES) and external spatial quality (ESQ), an evaluation system for the renewal potential of SUO was established and the overpass with the most potential for regeneration was selected: the Longtan Overpass. Further, the KANO model was used to explore the categories of residents' requirements for indicators of CES in the space under Longtan Overpass, so as to propose targeted renewal strategies. This study found a positive correlation between the satisfaction of residents living near Longtan Overpass and the natural aesthetics and facade landscape of the SUO. It also suggests that enhancing cultural service indicators such as sports, human aesthetics, customs and humanities, and geographical history can improve the attractiveness of the SUO. This study also found that quantitatively assessing the value of SUO through ecosystem cultural services is feasible, which provides new ideas and methods for updating SUO. These findings help urban designers understand how people feel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taking Xining City as an example, this article analyzes the mechanism by which industrial park construction drives the expansion of urban population size and built-up area, based on a review of the process of industrial park development and urban population growth. It also discusses future urban governance models in light of urban development trends. The research finds: (1) In the process of urban development, industrial park construction is often the initial factor in the cumulative and cyclical development of a city; (2) As the level of development improves and the mode of economic growth changes, the government should timely adjust its strategies, shifting from the expansion of industrial park construction towards structural optimization and quality improvement. The most significant difference from previous research is that this paper emphasizes the importance of government planning. This study can not only demonstrate the general process of industrial parks promoting urban expansion, but more importantly, it explains the fundamental reasons for the transition of urban expansion to adjustment from a mechanism perspective, thereby eliminating the drawbacks of simply predicting urban scale evolution through data models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although urban greenspace enhances ecological functioning and human well-being through ecosystem services (ES), it is oftentimes inequitably distributed. Environmental justice (EJ) encompasses aspects of distributive, procedural, and interactive justice related to accessibility and allocation of environmental benefits. Vacant land in shrinking cities has the potential to address greenspace inequalities and provide ES. This study investigated the perceptions of residents regarding urban ES and EJ in their communities in St. Louis (MO, USA)—a shrinking city that was undergoing green development, through semi-structured interviews. Altogether, 27 residents were selected from socio-economically disadvantaged neighborhoods characterized by high levels of vacancy due to legacies of redlining and systemic racism. Interview analysis revealed four themes: green benefits (including recreation opportunities), green costs (e.g., concerns for increased crime and nuisance animals), injustice issues (e.g., access to community greenspaces), and changes in the community (e.g., higher property taxes). Results revealed that residents perceived ES as closely connected with EJ when it comes to urban greening projects in their city. This study helps inform the process of urban greening projects, particularly in shrinking cities at risk of inequities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the emergence of human-centered urban development goals and the increasing pursuit of a better quality of life, the architectural façades of cities are receiving growing attention. However, during the process of urban development, architectural façades often experience physical disorder. This phenomenon tends to be overlooked in targeted urban management practices or lacks cohesive urban renewal planning at a macro scale. This oversight can negatively impact the livability and attractiveness of a region. This study aims to quantify the architectural façades encountered daily by urban residents by measuring the physical disorder of architectural façades to inform better urban renewal using deep learning and space syntax. First, streetscape images of architectural façades were collected using the Baidu Maps Street View service. Subsequently, an evaluation system for architectural façades was developed, and machine learning was employed to conduct high-resolution measurements and assessments of these façades. Simultaneously, street network data is extracted and analyzed using space syntax to quantify the accessibility of architecture on each street. Finally, by integrating the analysis of architectural façades and accessibility, the study identifies priority areas for building renewal, thus providing a decision-support tool for sustainable urban renewal planning. Overall, the paper presents an innovative method that combines image data, deep learning, and space syntax-derived architectural accessibility for a quadrant analysis. It offers designers and decision makers new perspectives and enhances the livability of residents by focusing on the physical condition of architectural façades, thereby making urban renewal practices more human-centered and better aligned with the actual needs of city dwellers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Daylight is one of the essential criteria for decent housing. However, in an urban kampung, access to daylight is limited due to the high-density population in urban Kampung Kota. This study aims to improve the visual and thermal conditions by modifying the aperture of the light pipe based on visual daylight distribution, illuminance level, and thermal conditions in multi-storey houses in hot-humid climates. Light pipe was developed experimentally through the simulation model to investigate the performance and impact on the visual and thermal conditions like operational temperature and RH in densely populated Kampung Kota without vertical apertures. According to the results, the two-aperture light pipe residential space enhanced the current situation but did not fulfill the standards. The two aperture light pipe visually improved daylight distribution by 1.05% -31.36% and illumination level by 8.4% - 14.8%. We also found that light pipe also impacts thermal conditions with a 10.92% RH reduction while at the same time increasing temperature up to 10.57%. Therefore, it can be concluded that a two-aperture light pipe has the potential to be applied to actual conditions in hot-humid climates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive alien species are considered a major contributor to biodiversity loss. Yet, many are favoured for particular ecosystem services that they provide. This is often so in urban environments experiencing rapid environmental and social change and land transformation. Public support is viewed as critical for invasive alien species prevention and management. Furthermore, it is assumed that local citizens are more likely to be willing and ready to engage if they are informed about the costs and benefits associated with invasive alien species. However, the use of, and attitudes towards, invasive alien species in urban areas is poorly understood, especially regarding urban gardens under private ownership and control. This lack of understanding is likely to compromise potential management interventions.Here, we report on a survey of 240 people across 12 small towns in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa to determine their knowledge and perceptions regarding woody invasive alien plants (IAPs), their willingness to engage in control and how these vary in relation to respondent attributes.The findings indicated that respondents have low levels of knowledge about woody IAPs despite 84% of them having at least one woody IAP species in their garden. Nineteen different woody IAPs were noted across the sample of 240 households. A wide range of ecosystem services and disservices from woody IAPs were mentioned. Because of the benefits provided, or the effort required to remove them, only 56% of respondents were willing to have the woody IAPs removed from their gardens, with most considering it the responsibility of government agencies to do so. There was a positive association between the levels of education, income, and the impression that woody IAPs pose a problem and being aware of the term, but not willingness to remove them.Synthesis and implications. These results reveal the complex relationship that urban citizens have with IAPs in garden settings, and for authorities to consider appropriate and targeted awareness campaigns if control strategies are to be successful. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wildlife in cities divides people, with some animals bringing positive benefits and others causing conflict, for example due to property damage.Urban wildlife professionals from municipal administration, nature conservation, and hunting associations have a crucial role in shaping human‐wildlife relationships in cities and fostering conflict‐free coexistence. While many studies on urban wildlife have focused on the views of citizens, few have investigated the perspectives of experts to date. To address this knowledge gap, we interviewed 36 urban wildlife professionals giving guidance in the context of urban wildlife management, either in one of the four largest German cities by population (Berlin, Hamburg, Munich and Cologne) or at the national level.Red foxes, wild boars, raccoons, stone martens and Eurasian beavers were the five mammal species most frequently highlighted in interviews to cause human‐wildlife conflicts. The interviewees saw wild boars and raccoons as the most controversial urban wild mammals but emphasized the need to create refuges for beavers and better inform the public about foxes.Management in terms of public outreach, urban planning and population control, as well as establishing official contact points and stricter fines of activities violating regulations were highlighted as important elements of a toolkit to manage urban wildlife conflicts. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Recent research has explored the spillover effects of retirement on spousal well-being, yet limited attention has been given to the short-term impact on spousal disability. This study explored the asymmetric spillover impact of retirement on spouses' disability severity among a national cohort of urban residents in China. Research Design and Methods: Utilizing 4 waves of data (2011–2018) from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Survey, we employ a nonparametric regression discontinuity design to estimate the short-term effect of retirement on spousal disability severity. Disability is assessed based on their ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). Furthermore, we conduct heterogeneity analysis stratified by factors such as the husband's retirement status, health conditions, lifestyle behaviors, and the wife's educational level. Additionally, we explore potential mechanisms including changes in health behaviors, emotions, and disease diagnoses. Results: Our findings indicate that wives' retirement has a significant favorable short-term effect on husbands' ADL scores, with a magnitude of −0.644 points (−9.78% relative to baseline). A significant beneficial effect of wives' retirement on the prevalence of husbands' difficulty in dressing, bathing, and eating was observed with substantial magnitudes of 0.075, 0.201, and 0.051 points, respectively. Various heterogeneity analyses and sensitivity tests confirmed the robustness of our results. The positive spillover effect of wives' retirement likely results from reduced negative emotions in husbands. In contrast, husbands' retirement does not affect the prevalence of ADL/IADL disability in their wives. Discussion and Implications: Underscoring the gender asymmetry in the effects of spousal retirement on disability, this study emphasizes the need for tailored policies considering men's and women's distinct disability experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Patients may use emergency departments (EDs) to meet their health needs when ambulatory care systems are not sufficient. We aim to describe contributing factors to the decision made by persons with inflammatory arthritis (IA) to present to the ED, as well as their experiences of ED care and postdischarge follow-up. Methods. An embedded mixed-methods approach was taken to contextualize quantitative data with associated free-text responses from an online survey distributed to residents of Alberta with a known IA condition and an ED visit. Results. Eighty-two persons (63% aged 16-55 years, 48% female, 50% urban residents) with rheumatoid arthritis (48%), psoriatic arthritis (12%), spondyloarthritis (6%), or gout (34%) completed the survey. Presenting concerns were arthritis flare (37%), chest pain (15%), injury (12%), and infection (11%). Of all visits, 29% proceeded directly to the ED, 35% attempted accessing ambulatory care first, and 32% arrived for a return visit. In presentations for arthritis flare, patients were aware of the rheumatology service being contacted by the ED provider for advice in just 9% of events. Challenges in healthcare system coordination and system pressures resulted in patients requiring ED attendance to assess their concern. The quality of communication and relationality developed between patients with IA and healthcare providers informed experiences of ED care. Conclusion. Modifying rheumatology ambulatory care models could better meet patient needs and ultimately reduce avoidable ED use by patients with IA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study sets out to analyze residents' support for sustainable tourism through perceived benefits and costs, community attachment and community participation, measuring the influence of the level of education of residents in a tourist destination where three tourism-related typologies coexist. We tested our conceptual model using survey data from 323 residents of the city of Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. The results based on PLS-SEM show that the perceived benefits, the perceived costs, community attachment and community participation are antecedents to the support for sustainable tourism development, although no significant differences were found between the residents' level of education (university or basic). This study opens an interesting debate, as previous research has found differences between residents and their support for tourism according to their level of education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]