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Urban Science
Number of Followers: 0  Open Access journalISSN (Online) 2413-8851 Published by MDPI  [258 journals]
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- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 73: Psychological Impacts of Urban
Environmental Settings: A Micro-Scale Study on a University Campus
Authors: Feng Qi, Andres Ospina Parra, Jennifer Block-Lerner, Jonah McManus
First page: 73
Abstract: The environment’s psychological impacts on humans have been long studied, but many questions remain unanswered. We conducted a micro-scale study to examine the relationships among the objective characteristics of urban environmental settings, people’s subjective perception of such settings, and the related psychological responses. We employed a geo-enabled survey tool to gather data on individuals’ perceptions of the immediate environment within their daily activity space. The psychological processes assessed included emotional and affective states such as perceived stress and happiness. The data points were mapped on a high-resolution aerial image, which was classified to derive quantitative properties to examine the dose-response relationship between environmental exposure and psychological responses. Our results showed negative correlations between the momentary stress level and the amount of environmental elements such as water, trees, and grass. Positive correlations were detected between stress level and the amount of parking lot and barren land, as well as the distance to buildings. In terms of perceived happiness, positive environmental factors included water, trees, and artificial surfaces, with all other elements having negative correlations. Most of the correlations examined were not strong correlations. This could be due to the significant differences in how individuals respond to environmental stimuli.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-06-24
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8030073
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 3 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 74: Investigating the Effects of Tropical
Plant Community Structures on Energy Exchange in Urban Green Areas for
Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation
Authors: Rutsawadee Ruckchue, Parkpoom Choomanee, Surat Bualert, Thitima Rungratanaubon, Yossakorn Fungkeit, Parkin Maskulrath
First page: 74
Abstract: Urban green spaces are crucial for the exchange of energy fluxes, particularly sensible heat (QH) and latent heat (QE) fluxes. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the characteristics of plant communities in urban green areas that affect turbulent fluxes, specifically QH and QE. The energy balance was measured using an eddy covariance system tower set up in three green areas at Kasetsart University: the Varunawan Garden (S1), the 100-Year Garden of Luang Suwan Vajokkasikit (S2), and the Phaholyothin Garden (S3). The results show that the canopy coverages of trees in S1, S2, and S3 were 526.23, 895.81, and 756.70 m2, respectively. The Bowen ratios (QH/QE) during the daytime in S1, S2, and S3 were 1.75, 1.09, and 1.43, respectively. These relationships suggest that dense trees, a dense canopy layer top, and the presence of water sources within the green areas resulted in a higher latent heat flux and a lower proportion of sensible heat flux. The findings of this study can be used as a guideline for the development and improvement of plant community structures in green areas within urban climate change adaptation.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-06-25
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8030074
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 3 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 75: The Carbon Emission Implications of
Intensive Urban Land Use in Emerging Regions: Insights from Chinese Cities
Authors: Ping He, Qian-Cheng Wang, Geoffrey Qiping Shen
First page: 75
Abstract: Intensive urban land use is a strategy to enhance productivity and mitigate environmental challenges in emerging regions, but its relationship with carbon emissions needs further city-level investigation. This study investigates the impact of intensive urban land use on carbon emissions across 153 cities in China, thus employing the STIRPAT model with the ordinary least square (OLS) and geographical weighted regression (GWR) methods. The findings underscore the heterogenous influence of intensive urban land use on carbon emissions across China’s urban landscapes: (1) R&D investment intensity and population density show significant negative association with carbon emissions in general. (2) Capital investment intensity positively affects carbon emissions in low-income cities, R&D investment intensity shows negative effects on carbon emissions in middle-income cities, and population density emerges as a substantial factor in reducing carbon emissions in both middle- and low-income cities. (3) Capital intensity, labor intensity, and R&D investment intensity exert positive effects on emissions in middle China and negative influences in northeastern and southern China, whereas population density shows converse spatial effects. Based on the study’s results, tailored policy implications are provided for urban planning authorities in emerging regions.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-06-26
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8030075
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 3 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 76: Sustainable Construction: The Embodied
Carbon Impact of Infrastructures and Landscaping
Authors: Chris Butters, Ali Cheshmehzangi, Reza Bakhshoodeh
First page: 76
Abstract: The climatic and environmental impact of construction works is well recognized, and in particular, the energy use and carbon emissions associated with both their production (embodied energy/carbon) and their lifetime operation (operational energy/carbon). However, the impact of site works, infrastructures, and landscaping has yet to be explored; most of the focus has been on the buildings rather than what is around and underneath them. Yet, these, especially in city contexts, are extensive. They are also both costly and carbon-intensive, involving mainly concrete and steel. Through intentionally simple examples, the carbon impact of the buildings themselves was compared to that of site works both on and below the surface, such as underground parking. These also represent major land use interventions often impacting the whole project site area. It is shown that these can constitute a considerable fraction of the total carbon footprint of construction projects. Further, this fraction is likely to increase as future buildings achieve much lower operational as well as embodied energy/carbon. This paper employs life cycle analysis tools to calculate the embodied carbon in specific case studies, with comparative evidence from the literature and a discussion of pertinent issues. Some broader issues were noted relating to building typologies, materials, and the varying significance of the infrastructures and site works in different climates. The carbon impacts of the site work need to be addressed more sustainably, irrespective of varying contexts. This perspective has implications for sustainable design as well as for urban planning.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-06-28
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8030076
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 3 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 77: Leveraging Life Cycle Assessment and
System Dynamics Model Analysis for an Integrated Household E-Waste
Management System in Yaoundé, Cameroon
Authors: Esopere, Yabar, Mizunoya, Richards
First page: 77
Abstract: Electronic waste (E-waste) is a global environmental issue and a contemporary challenge in developing countries, where implementing sustainable E-waste management policies is required to mitigate the adverse impacts of inappropriate treatment and disposal. This study assesses the environmental and human health impacts of the current E-waste management system in Yaoundé. The study then proposes an integrated E-waste management system (IEMS) with policy instruments for increased formal E-waste collection and reduced environmental impacts from informal E-waste treatment. Life cycle assessment (LCA) was utilized to identify high-impact contributing processes within the current E-waste management system (EMS) and to determine the optimum scenario for an integrated system. The system dynamics model (SDM) analysis ascertained the efficiency of the E-waste policy under the IEMS. Results show that the IEMS can reduce global warming potential, fine particulate matter formation, and human carcinogenic toxicity from one ton of E-waste treatment by 27%, 16.3%, and 34%, respectively. Regarding the policy efficiency simulation for the IEMS, the policy instrument (Policy 1), with levies on electronic appliance producers, proved environmentally efficient in reducing the quantity of informal recycling. It was also more economically viable for the recycling fund to increase formal E-waste collection and subsidize formal treatment within the context of the IEMS. The study outcome is informative for E-waste management policy planning in developing economies.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-07-04
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8030077
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 3 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 78: Student Attendance Patterns as Actionable
Early Warning Indicators of High School Graduation Outcomes: Findings from
an Urban Alternative Charter School
Authors: David T. Marshall
First page: 78
Abstract: Background: Students who fail to complete high school, on average, have less earnings, pay fewer taxes, and require increased government expenditures compared to those who do reach this milestone. Especially in urban jurisdictions, this can lead to reduced municipal fiscal health. Alternative high schools have been one intervention employed to improve the outcomes of students who have previously dropped out. Also, in recent decades, early warning indicator (EWI) systems have been put in place to flag students who are at risk for not completing school. However, the current EWI metrics for student attendance are insufficient for the population that attends alternative high schools. Methods: Administrative data were obtained from an alternative charter high school in a large urban city in the northeast United States (n = 224). Logistic regression analyses were conducted to test the utility of traditional EWI operationalizations of student attendance against more targeted measures, with student graduation serving as a dichotomous outcome variable. Results: Of the models tested, the model that flagged student non-attendance as missing consecutive days three or more times during the first 12 weeks of school had the greatest explanatory power (McFadden’s R2 = 0.301) and best overall model fit. Conclusions: Traditional definitions of attendance are less useful in schools doing re-engagement work, and more targeted indicators serve as more effective EWIs in these settings.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-07-05
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8030078
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 3 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 79: Green Corridors and Social Connectivity
with a Sustainable Approach in the City of Cuzco in Peru
Authors: Diego Mancilla, Sayny Robledo, Doris Esenarro, Vanessa Raymundo, Violeta Vega
First page: 79
Abstract: The present research aims to propose the design of a green corridor with a systemic/sustainable approach to function as an ecological lung for the city of Cuzco. A lack of planning has resulted in uncontrolled urban development, with a shortage of green areas, negatively affecting the quality of life. Green corridors stand out as solutions that encourage social interaction and improve public health. This approach recognizes the need for balanced resource management and institutional, economic and social organization. In the specific case of Cusco, the lack of social interaction highlights the importance of addressing these challenges to improve the quality of life for both residents and visitors. The methods developed were an extensive literature review, urban analysis and climate analysis, applying sustainability strategies supported by digital tools (Google Earth, Climate Consultant 6.0, Autocad, SketchUp and 3d Sun Path). As a result, this proposal presents green areas covering 69.96% of the total area, aimed at providing recreational spaces and connecting residents and visitors with nature. Additionally, biolakes were designed, accounting for 3.18% of the area, serving as ornamental elements and contributing to the environmental quality of the urban environment. The botanical zone, encompassing 18.14% of the project, was designed to accommodate a diverse range of plant species, providing an educational and aesthetic environment. The convention area, representing 9.7% of the total area, was designed to host events and community activities, promoting social and cultural interaction. Finally, 0.98% of the space was allocated to the cultural zone, where artistic exhibitions, cultural events, and related activities can be planned, enriching the cultural and social life of the community. These percentages reflect careful consideration of the needs and aspirations of the population, as well as a comprehensive approach to sustainable urban design and the creation of multifunctional spaces. In conclusion, through a green corridor, the aim is to counteract uncontrolled urban expansion and environmental degradation by generating a green lung in the city of Cuzco, naturally regulating the climate and contributing to air and water purification. The absence of green corridors and sustainable approaches to social connectivity in Cusco could reduce the quality of life of residents, affecting their physical and mental health. The lack of green and recreational spaces could increase segregation and alienation in the community, weakening social cohesion. Without green corridors, the city would also face environmental and biodiversity challenges, as well as a reduced ability to respond to extreme weather events. The lack of implementation of these strategies could compromise comprehensive development and quality of life in Cuzco.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-07-06
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8030079
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 3 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 80: Innovative Strategies for Bio-Waste
Collection in Major Cities during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Comprehensive
Model for Sustainable Cities—The City of Athens Experience
Authors: Anastasios Sepetis, Konstantinos Georgantas, Ioannis Nikolaou
First page: 80
Abstract: This paper introduces an innovative model for the organization and management of municipal bio-waste collection networks in major cities, particularly relevant in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Embracing circular economy principles and sustainable city practices, the proposed model addresses the urgent need for sustainable urban bio-waste management systems. Delving into the dynamic urban landscape, with a focus on the city of Athens, the study highlights the necessity of a robust decision-making methodology, the implementation of resilient processes, and the evaluation of their efficacy, especially during challenging times. The model centers on the effective collection, transportation, and monitoring of bio-waste, with a strategic aim to moderate environmental impacts, limit greenhouse gas emissions, and advance sustainable development goals. Utilizing the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method, this paper thoroughly examines critical components of an innovative bio-waste collection network, including infrastructure, technology, and human resources. By merging best practices from global urban centers and accounting for the unique characteristics of Athens, the model envisions a transition toward a circular economy. Notably, the proposed municipal bio-waste collection network at the source anticipates substantial contributions to achieving Sustainable Development Goals in major cities. The study concludes by showcasing the successful application of these methodologies in the Municipality of Athens, providing tangible evidence of their positive impact.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-07-08
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8030080
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 3 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 81: Uncovering Spatial Patterns of
Residential Settlements, Segregation, and Vulnerability of Urban Seniors
Using Geospatial Analytics and Modeling Techniques
Authors: Thi Hong Diep Dao, Khac An Dao, Gia Barboza-Salerno
First page: 81
Abstract: We harnessed the analytical power of geospatial analysis and modeling techniques, pioneering a novel approach to studying the spatial distribution of households with at least one senior aged 65 or over, known as senior households (SHHs). We developed and implemented a spatial modeling approach that disaggregates the senior household counts obtained from the U.S. Census block data to residential land parcels. This innovative method models the senior household count on each land parcel, generating a detailed, reliable synthetic microspatial dataset for urban senior studies. Robust spatial analysis techniques are then applied to examine senior household spatial distribution in the context of segregation and access vulnerability in the study area. Our research, conducted in the urban setting of Colorado Springs, provides a deeper understanding of the senior residential landscape and identifies vulnerability. Our research findings are not just academic but also practical tools for planners, policymakers, and community advocates in the city to understand senior residential settlements, segregation, and social inequality. Our adaptable approach can be applied using similar modeling and analysis techniques for different study areas. The synthetic data and its generation approach are valuable resources for future urban senior research, enabling further examinations of different senior residential neighborhood typologies beyond basic demographic and socioeconomic aggregated indicators. They can assist studies interested in analyzing the influence of local factors and neighborhood effects on active aging among individuals, as well as simulating individual senior choices and spatial behaviors. Furthermore, they serve as a comparison baseline for future attempts to develop synthetic senior population data with socioeconomic and health characteristics.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-07-09
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8030081
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 3 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 82: Unraveling the
Tourism–Environment–Equity Nexus: A Neighborhood-Scale
Analysis of Texas Urban Centers
Authors: Omid Mansourihanis, Ayda Zaroujtaghi, Moein Hemmati, Mohammad Javad Maghsoodi Tilaki, Mahdi Alipour
First page: 82
Abstract: This study explores the complex interplay between air pollution, the socioeconomic conditions, and the tourism density within Texas’s urban landscapes, focusing on Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and Austin. Despite extensive research on environmental justice and urban tourism separately, few studies have integrated these fields to examine how tourism development intersects with environmental and socioeconomic disparities at a neighborhood level. This research addresses this gap by employing advanced geospatial analyses and multi-criteria decision analysis to reveal the pronounced clustering of stressed communities on urban peripheries, often removed from tourism’s economic benefits. The study uniquely quantifies the spatial mismatches between tourist hotspots and areas of environmental stress, a dimension often overlooked in the environmental justice literature. Local spatial statistics and cumulative impact analysis uncover statistically significant correlations between high poverty levels and elevated air pollution in specific locales. The results show varying patterns across cities, with Austin presenting the lowest inequality levels and San Antonio exhibiting significant disparities. This granular, neighborhood-centric approach provides novel insights into the tourism–environment–equity nexus, addressing the lack of comprehensive studies linking these factors in rapidly growing Texan metropolitan areas. The findings underscore the critical need for targeted policy interventions and neighborhood-specific approaches in diagnosing urban environmental disparities and crafting equitable urban development policies that consider tourism’s impact on local communities.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-07-10
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8030082
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 3 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 83: The Impact of Short-Term Rental
Accommodation in Urban Tourism: A Comparative Analysis of Tourists’
and Residents’ Perspectives
Authors: Helena Albuquerque, Joana A. Quintela, Jorge Marques
First page: 83
Abstract: Urban tourism has witnessed significant growth in recent years, driven by various factors that foster the transformation of urban areas into tourist hotspots. These factors include a rising interest in culture and heritage, ongoing urban redevelopment and conversion processes, and the introduction of new experiences and activities. Two particularly influential factors contributing to this growth are low-cost travel, which facilitates more accessible access to urban destinations, and the emergence of new types of accommodation, such as short-term rental (also known as local accommodation or Airbnb-type accommodation). The sudden and continuous growth of this type of tourist accommodation brings new challenges to cities and local communities. On the positive side, it contributes to job opportunities, the dynamism of the local economy, and urban revitalization. On the other hand, it also represents more difficulty in retaining the local population in city centers, as more and more buildings are converted into hostels and tourist apartments. In this context, it becomes essential to conduct studies evaluating the impacts of these dynamics in urban areas and how they influence residents’ and visitors’ perspectives. Therefore, this study aims to identify the main transformations resulting from short-term rental (STR) development, focusing on the impacts felt by tourists and residents in Porto. A questionnaire was distributed to tourists and residents in Porto’s city center in June 2023. The results reveal differences in opinions between tourists and residents, particularly concerning historical heritage preservation, local population relocation, and reduced housing availability for residents. Nevertheless, there is a similarity in their opinions regarding the stimulus that local accommodation brings to the economy and the rehabilitation of buildings and urban areas. This study reinforces the need to pay more attention to the future development of tourist accommodation in city centers, especially regarding local policies and territorial planning, to balance better tourism development and local communities’ quality of life.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-07-11
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8030083
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 3 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 84: From Small to Mega: Evaluating Urban
Scale
Authors: Emily Talen
First page: 84
Abstract: Scale is a significant although understudied dimension of cities. To better understand scale and flesh out the range of issues and debates involved in its conception, we conducted thirty-three in-depth interviews with a wide range of urban actors: developers, planners, policymakers, leaders of non-profit community organizations, and scholars. We wanted to know how contemporary urban actors in the U.S. conceive of scale as a factor in development' How is “small-scale” vs. “large-” or “mega-scale” differentiated, and are they inter-related' What are the pros and cons of both small- vs. large-scale projects' Four themes emerged from our interviews: scale definition, barriers to small-scale development, scale evaluation, and solutions for overcoming barriers to small-scale development. The point of this survey was to better understand possible responses and attitudes about scale among those involved in the urban development process.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-07-11
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8030084
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 3 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 85: Actuated Signal Timing Optimization for a
No-Notice Evacuation with High Left-Turn Demands
Authors: Md Toushik Ahmed Niloy, Ryan N. Fries
First page: 85
Abstract: The determination of the appropriate traffic signal timing plans for no-notice evacuations in densely populated areas is a noteworthy challenge. The objective of this study was to evaluate alternatives that could optimize evacuee traffic flow in a no-notice evacuation of areas near an oil refinery. This simulation case study focused on a residential area in the City of Wood River, Illinois, and used Synchro 8.0 and VISSIM 7.0. This case study was different from existing evacuation literature because of the high left-turn demand from evacuating traffic. The study methods were unique because of the application of dynamic traffic assignment, a left-turn movement on the evacuation route, and the simulation of fully-actuated traffic signals. These scenarios evaluated the following: (1) existing traffic infrastructure; (2) flexible shelter choice; and (3) optimized traffic signal timing with flexible shelter choice. The results suggested that optimizing the signal timing and allowing drivers’ flexibility in choosing evacuation routes achieved the fastest evacuation. These findings indicated that a longer cycle length and an extended left-turn phase were important factors in reducing traffic delay in the network. Overall, these findings underscore the importance of operating intersections efficiently during no-notice evacuations.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-07-12
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8030085
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 3 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 86: Unlocking Trends: Socio-Demographic
Authors: Chia-Yuan Yu
First page: 86
Abstract: The implementation of bike-sharing systems represents a novel strategy aimed at enhancing urban mobility by offering shared bicycle services to improve accessibility and user convenience. Nevertheless, there has been a limited exploration into the user demographics of bike-sharing programs on a national scale. This study investigates the socio-demographic characteristics of bike-sharing system users, leveraging the 2017 National Household Travel Survey and negative binomial regression models. It finds that bike-sharing usage is more common among users than non-users, with African American and Hispanic individuals using the system more than other racial groups. Furthermore, low-income individuals (<USD 15,000) and residents of high-density areas (≥25,000 per square mile) show a higher tendency towards bike sharing. The research highlights the lack of national-level studies on bike-sharing user demographics and suggests that future policy and planning should address the needs of specific populations, aiming to enhance urban mobility and accessibility through bike-sharing services.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-07-16
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8030086
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 3 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 87: Strategies and Actions’ Definition
for the New Territorial Government Plan of Voghera, Italy: Towards a
Healthier City
Authors: Roberto De Lotto, Caterina Pietra, Matilde Sessi, Elisabetta Venco
First page: 87
Abstract: Cities require flexible and participatory planning methodologies to address complex and evolving urban challenges. In Italy, the legislative framework is defined at the regional level according to national laws and jurisprudence. The Lombardy region introduced the Planning Document (PD) in the Territorial Government Plan (PGT) as a strategic tool capable of adapting to changes. Based on a strategic vision, this document guides concrete actions for urban transformation, actively involving stakeholders, including citizens. The PD’s role is to translate the political program into an urban planning design, encompassing both technical and political dimensions. The political aspect is usually emphasized in the strategic component of the document. Following the formation process of the whole city plan, the authors define the key strategies in the PD for a healthier urban future for the city of Voghera. It emerges as a balanced urban development that combines economic growth, environmental preservation, and community well-being. In the paper, the authors synthesize Voghera’s PD as an example of strategic planning that interacts with practical planning actions and guides both public and private decisions about the city’s development toward a healthier city.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-07-17
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8030087
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 3 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 88: Regional Innovation Systems as a Remedy
for Structurally Affected Regions—Empirical Evidence from the Czech
Republic
Authors: Adam Janošec, Gabriela Chmelíková, Ivana Blažková, Kristina Somerlíková
First page: 88
Abstract: Structurally affected regions face a necessary economic transformation, for which the efficiency of public financial support is crucial. Regional innovation systems represent a modern approach to regional and urban development focusing on innovation and research activities. The aim of this study is to assess whether there is a difference in the effect of public R&D funding on the development of a region’s innovation environment between structurally affected and other regions. The beta convergence and the method of calculating the average efficiency of public funds were used to meet the objective of this research. The analysis was conducted on data from 2012 to 2022 in 14 regions of the Czech Republic. The results show that public support for R&D has a positive effect on development of the innovation environment in structurally affected regions in the Czech Republic and that there is a difference in the effect of this support regarding structurally affected regions versus developed regions. These affected regions on average respond better to public financial support for R&D than mature regions. In contrast, the efficiency of public financial support is lower in regions with a strongly developed innovation system.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-07-18
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8030088
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 3 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 89: Stormwater Management: An Integrated
Approach to Support Healthy, Livable, and Ecological Cities
Authors: Neil S. Grigg
First page: 89
Abstract: The practice of stormwater management has evolved from a singular focus on drainage to a multifaceted approach to support the integrated urban development of healthy, livable, ecological, and water sensitive cities from neighborhood to metropolitan scales. A review of the knowledge base and practice by the professional stormwater management community shows attributes that favor an integrative approach to achieve co-benefits across sectors. Research into stormwater management addresses its functional areas of drainage, flood control, flood plain management, water quality control, urban ecology, recreation, and city beautification. Legacy path dependance affects the potential to reform land use practices, while stormwater management practice is affected by climate change, sea level rise, urbanization, inequality, and poor governance. This review shows a status where technical methods are well advanced but integrative frameworks to address social, ecological and infrastructure needs are more challenging. The sensitivity of ecological issues is most evident in cities in coastal zones. Organizational initiatives are needed to counter the neglect of essential maintenance and sustain flood risk reduction in cities. Stormwater management is related to other integrative tools, including IWRM, One Water, One Health, and Integrated Flood Management, as well as the broader concept of urban planning. This research review demonstrates the opportunities and needs for the advancement of an integrated approach to stormwater management to support urban development. Stormwater capture and rainfall harvesting offer major opportunities to augment scarce water supplies. Nature-based solutions like low-impact development and the sponge city concept show promise to transform cities. Major cities face challenges to sustain conveyance corridors for major flows and to store and treat combined sewer runoff. The neighborhood focus of stormwater management elevates the importance of participation and inclusion to advance environmental justice and strengthen social capital. Integrating organizational initiatives from local to city scales and funding improvements to stormwater systems are major challenges that require leadership from higher governance levels, although governments face resistance to change toward integration, especially in countries with poor land use and public works management systems. Finding solutions to neighborhood issues and the connectivity of water systems at larger scales requires complex approaches to urban planning and represent an important agenda for urban and water governance going forward.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-07-18
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8030089
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 3 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 90: Resilient Urban-Design Strategies for
Landslide Risk Mitigation in Huaraz, Peru
Authors: Doris Esenarro, John Manosalva, Lizeth Sanchez, Carlos Vargas, Vanessa Raymundo, Jimena Ccalla
First page: 90
Abstract: The present research aims to propose resilient urban-design strategies to mitigate the risk of landslides in Huaraz. This study addresses the growing challenge of climate change and its influence on the occurrence of avalanches in Huaraz, Peru. The methodology employed included a literature review, site analysis using digital tools, and the formulation of resilient urban-design strategies. As a result, a Master Plan for Urban Resilience is proposed, using a detailed literature review, climate studies, and topographic evaluation to design urban strategies that enhance the city’s sustainability and safety. The proposed interventions, including channel expansion, installation of gabions and containment meshes, reforestation, and strategic relocation of housing, demonstrate significant potential to reduce vulnerability to avalanches. This multidisciplinary approach underscores the necessity of integrating urban adaptations in response to extreme climate variations in the Andean regions. The proposal stands out for its innovation and resilience, precisely aligning with the unique characteristics of Huaraz. The comprehensive strategy not only focuses on urban regeneration and risk prevention but also aims to significantly improve the community’s quality of life.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-07-18
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8030090
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 3 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 91: Urban Gardening—How Safe Is
It'
Authors: Katalin Hubai, Nora Kováts, Bettina Eck-Varanka
First page: 91
Abstract: Urban gardening has become more and more popular in recent years, as people might prefer to grow their own vegetables from controlled sources. In addition, community building also plays a key role. However, air pollution in settlements is a serious hazard affecting the quality of home-grown vegetables. During the vegetation period, traffic is the main factor generating atmospheric particulate matter. These particles will, in turn, bind to potentially toxic compounds, of which heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are the most widely studied and discussed. In addition to their potential toxicity, both groups contain carcinogenic species. Heavy metals, as well as PAHs, are capable of bioaccumulation, depending on the element or compound’s characteristics and the vegetable species. Some leafy vegetables can accumulate these toxic materials in significant quantities. As dietary uptake is considered the major exposure route of both heavy metals and PAHs, the consumption of impacted vegetables might even pose human health risks. This recent review summarises available data reported on heavy metal and PAH accumulation in urban environments, specified by vegetable species. Also, the assessment of possible human impact is given.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-07-19
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8030091
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 3 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 92: Understanding Business Models in the
Brazilian Context of Electric Mobility: A Proposed Framework
Authors: Márcio Có, Flávia Consoni, Matheus Coelho Carneiro, Guilherme Fernandes, Reginaldo Barbosa Nunes, Clainer Donadel
First page: 92
Abstract: In the transition to electric mobility (EM), business model innovation plays a crucial role in expanding the use of electric vehicles and increasing acceptance of this technology. The transition pathways differ between countries in the largest economies and those in Latin America. Brazil presents a unique scenario, benefiting from an early start with biofuels, the production of flex-fuel vehicles, predominantly renewable electric energy generation (>80%), and the absence of a structured national policy aligned with local governments. This study introduces a framework that surveys and categorizes businesses in EM, relating them to sustainable development aspects and regulatory maturity. It builds a solid conceptual foundation, incorporating data from technical and commercial events, as well as interviews with Brazilian specialists for validation. The proposed framework aids in understanding the Brazilian context, identifying regulatory gaps, and developing a common language to advance studies on business model innovation, contributing to electromobility studies in Latin America. Additionally, it can guide the construction of regional and local public policies and help identify more sustainable projects.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-07-22
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8030092
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 3 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 93: Computational Optimisation of Urban
Design Models: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: JingZhi Tay, Frederick Peter Ortner, Thomas Wortmann, Elif Esra Aydin
First page: 93
Abstract: The densification of urban spaces globally has contributed to a need for design tools supporting the planning of more sustainable, efficient, and liveable cities. Urban Design Optimisation (UDO) responds to this challenge by providing a means to explore many design solutions for a district, evaluate multiple objectives, and make informed selections from many Pareto-efficient solutions. UDO distinguishes itself from other forms of design optimisation by addressing the challenges of incorporating a wide range of planning goals, managing the complex interactions among various urban datasets, and considering the social–technical aspects of urban planning involving multiple stakeholders. Previous reviews focusing on specific topics within UDO do not sufficiently address these challenges. This PRISMA systematic literature review provides an overview of research on topics related to UDO from 2012 to 2022, with articles analysed across seven descriptive categories. This paper presents a discussion on the state-of-the-art and identified gaps present in each of the seven categories. Finally, this paper argues that additional research to improve the socio-technical understanding and usability of UDO would require: (i) methods of optimisation across multiple models, (ii) interfaces that address a multiplicity of stakeholders, (iii) exploration of frameworks for scenario building and backcasting, and (iv) advancing AI applications for UDO, including generalizable surrogates and user preference learning.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-07-22
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8030093
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 3 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 94: Substantiation of the Monitoring Network
of Talik Zones in Urbanized Permafrost Areas Based on GPR Profiling Data
(Anadyr, Chukotka)
Authors: Oleg D. Tregubov, Konstantin K. Uyagansky
First page: 94
Abstract: Modern climatic changes have an impact on the bearing capacity of permafrost soils at the base of the foundations of buildings and structures in the urbanized territories of the Arctic and Subarctic. The activation of cryogenic processes leads to the destruction of infrastructure and to social, economic, and environmental consequences for the population. Based on the results for the geothermy of frozen and thawing soil, and on the georadar profiling of the city of Anadyr, it was concluded that the main risks of permafrost degradation are associated with the spread of hydrogenic melting zones. Maps of the soil temperature in imaginary cross-sections with depths of 3, 5, and 10 m were compiled, along with maps of the capacity of thawing soils, the permafrost aquifer, and the dangerous spread zones for exogenous cryogenic processes. The total area of talik zones with a depth of 6 m or more in the urban area was 2.34 km2, or 67% of the built-up area. The system of permafrost monitoring in the territory of Anadyr was substantiated, and is based on monitoring the boundaries of talik zones. It consists of an automated network of observations of the ground temperature in 35 wells at the boundary and in the center of 20 zones of the dangerous development of exogenous cryogenic processes, as well as 12 control GPR profiles at the intersection of linear hydrogenic taliks.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-07-23
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8030094
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 3 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 95: Using Spatial Analysis to Design a Solid
Waste Collection System
Authors: Juan Antonio Araiza-Aguilar, María Neftalí Rojas-Valencia, Hugo Alejandro Nájera-Aguilar, Rubén Fernando Gutiérrez-Hernández, Carlos Manuel García-Lara
First page: 95
Abstract: In this paper, a proposal was presented to improve the MSW collection service in the municipality of Reforma, in Chiapas, Mexico. Specific field work was developed and various spatial analysis techniques were applied in the GIS environment. The application of a multivariate analysis technique (Grouping Analysis) allowed the study area to be clustered into three waste collection sectors with common characteristics, which were the basis for generating three collection route scenarios. Scenario 1 corresponds to the current situation, where 478 waste collection points are served, with an average travel distance of 60.30 km and a collection time of 8.00 h. Scenario 2 was generated through the “maximize coverage” algorithm and vehicle route modeling in ArcGis 10.8. In this scenario, 1220 waste collection points are served, with an average travel distance of 143.21 km and an average collection time of 12.38 h. Scenario 3 was created using the “minimize facilities” algorithm, as well as collection modeling in ArcGis 10.8. Using this algorithm, impedances (distances) were automatically minimized so that 697 waste collection points could be served, with an average travel distance of 100.00 km and an average collection time of 9.66 h. In terms of improvement, scenario 3 gives the best results, because it minimizes distances and average travel times.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-07-23
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8030095
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 3 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 96: Derivation of a GIS-Based Flood Hazard
Map in Peri-Urban Areas of Greater Lomé, Togo (West Africa)
Authors: Têtou-Houyo Blakime, Kossi Komi, Kossi Adjonou, Atsu K. Dogbeda Hlovor, Kodjovi Senanou Gbafa, Peter B. Oyedele, Botolisam Polorigni, Kouami Kokou
First page: 96
Abstract: In Togo, and especially in the peri-urban areas of Greater Lomé, flood hazards and their effects on communities and ecosystems have increased in recent years due to global changes. This is predominantly due to increasing urbanization and the changing climate. This study explores the application of remote sensing, geographic information system (GIS) and analytical hierarchy processes (AHP) for flood hazard mapping in Greater Lomé. Maps of seven (7) drivers of flood hazards, namely flow accumulation, rainfall intensity, geology and soil, land use, slope, elevation and distance from the drainage network, were prepared by integrating remote sensing data into a GIS environment. The weight of each factor was estimated via the AHP method and used in the estimation of the flood hazard index (FHI). The results show that there is a high or very high susceptibility of flooding in 53.4% of the Greater Lomé suburbs, while there is a moderate to low susceptibility of flooding in about 46.59% of it, and 0.01% of the study area. The generated map is a useful tool for decision-makers and practitioners in charge of flood risk and disaster management when developing plans to reduce the risk of both current and future floods in the study area.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-07-25
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8030096
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 3 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 97: Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Land Use and
Community Perception in Peri-Urban Environments: The Case of the
Intermediate City in Indonesia
Authors: Ibnu Sasongko, Ardiyanto Maksimilianus Gai, Vidya Trisandini Azzizi
First page: 97
Abstract: The emergence of a peri-urban area is driven by a high degree of accessibility in the suburbs due to the development of housing and urban facilities. Such a phenomenon requires specialized planning approaches in accordance with the peri-urban dynamics, where there is no clear distinction between a wholly urban and a wholly rural area. The objectives of this research are to (1) identify land-use change of the peri-urban area; (2) analyze the zoning typology of peri-urban area span across 20 years; and (3) identify the settlement pattern and community perception of the peri-urban area. This research observes land-use change in an Indonesian peri-urban area using geographic information system (GIS) analysis in the urban frame zone, urban–rural frame zone, rural–urban frame zone, and rural frame zone during 2012–2022 and land-use change prediction for 2022–2032. Consequent community perception analysis was conducted to comprehend complex interactions in the urban–rural continuum. Results indicate that by 2032, urban characteristics shall become significantly more prominent in 50% of the peri-urban area compared to 2012, due to better accessibility and the presence of nationwide migrant attractors, such as universities. Spatial planning must address these varying dynamics to effectively manage the development of urban, peri-urban, and rural areas.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-07-25
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8030097
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 3 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 98: Mapping Urban Landscapes Prone to Hosting
Authors: Eric Daudé, Alexandre Cebeillac, Kanchana Nakhapakorn, Rick Paul
First page: 98
Abstract: Dengue fever is an urban, tropical, and semi-tropical disease transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. One significant challenge lies in identifying reliable intra-urban indicators of their densities. Following standardized sampling protocols that adequately take into account the spatial heterogeneity of the geographical contexts which may influence mosquito habitats is therefore fundamental to compare studies and follow such relevant indicators. We develop a method for subdividing urban territory based on environmental factors which are susceptible to influence the density of potential mosquito-breeding containers. Indeed, the presence of these containers, most of which are produced by humans, is essential for the renewal of mosquito populations. Land-uses variables and their local variations are determinant in this analysis. Starting from each building and its immediate neighborhood described in terms of vegetation and open area, we computed the local landscape metrics of a million buildings in Bangkok. We then used segmentation and clustering techniques to generate homogeneous zones based on these components and physiognomy. Subsequently, a classification process was conducted to characterize these zones according to land-use and composition indicators. We applied this automatic clustering method within Bangkok’s urban area. This classification built from hypotheses on the existence of links between the types of urban landscape and the presence of outdoor containers must be evaluated and will serve as a foundation for the spatial sampling of field studies for vector surveillance in Bangkok. The choice of sampling zones, even if it must be based on an administrative division due to the decentralization of health agencies in Bangkok, can then be enriched by this new, more functional division. This method, due to the genericity of the factors used, could be tested in other cities prone to dengue vectors.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-07-25
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8030098
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 3 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 99: Urban Parks in Novi Sad
(Serbia)—Insights from Landscape Architecture Students
Authors: Milena Lakićević, Nebojša Dedović, Marco Marto, Keith M. Reynolds
First page: 99
Abstract: Urban parks are vital components of city ecosystems, enhancing biodiversity, climate resilience, air and water quality, health, socialization, and economic benefits for citizens in urban areas. This paper examines urban parks in Novi Sad by gathering opinions on their qualities and functions through a questionnaire. The respondents were students enrolled in the landscape architecture course at the University of Novi Sad. To analyze their responses, multivariate statistical analysis techniques, including ANOVA, MANOVA, and contingency tables, were applied. The results highlight the primary reasons for visiting urban parks in general, as well as specific parks in Novi Sad. The paper offers insights into visitor behavior, including the frequency and length of their stays, etc., and provides an assessment of the parks’ educational functions, which were expected to be highly relevant for the respondent group. The results can be relevant for further urban park development and serve as a starting point for applying multi-criteria (MC) analysis. Specifically, the results can be used to define a set of criteria, goals, and other essential elements necessary for conducting Analytic Hierarchy Processes or similar MC analysis methods.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-07-26
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8030099
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 3 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 100: Bibliometric Insights into Balancing
Efficiency and Security in Urban Supply Chains
Authors: Emmanuel Jinor, Raj Bridgelall
First page: 100
Abstract: This study examines the balance between urban transportation security and supply chain efficiency amid global disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic, attacks on maritime lanes, and geopolitical conflicts. The authors combine bibliometric network analysis and natural language processing (NLP) to review scholarly literature from 2017 to 2023. This approach identifies and visualizes evolving thematic trends. Findings reveal a shift towards integrating advanced technologies, such as blockchain, AI, and IoT, to enhance security without compromising efficiency. This study highlights the significance of integrating urban planning principles and sustainable practices to enhance transportation security and supply chain efficiency within urban environments. Actionable insights for policymakers and supply chain managers emphasize the adoption of integrated, technology-driven security solutions to foster resilient and sustainable supply chains. This research contributes to academic discourse by refining the understanding of evolving priorities in transportation security and supply chain management, offering both theoretical and practical implications for secure and efficient global supply chains.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-07-30
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8030100
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 3 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 101: Seasonal and Spatial Variations in
Particulate Matter, Black Carbon and Metals in Delhi, India’s
Megacity
Authors: Pramod Kumar, Anchal Garg, Khyati Sharma, Uzma Nadeem, Kiranmay Sarma, Naresh Chandra Gupta, Ashutosh Kumar, Alok Kumar Pandey
First page: 101
Abstract: This study explores the spatial patterns of particulate matter (PM) in the megacity of Delhi. A GRIMM aerosol spectrometer is used to analyze different aerodynamic diameters (PM10, PM2.5, PM1.0), inhalable, thoracic, and alveolic particles, and black carbon (BC) at six prominent locations in Delhi during summer and winter. Additionally, metals (Pb, Fe, Ca, Al, Zn), along with silicon and sulfur, are analyzed using an ED-XRF spectrometer over the sampling locations during the summer season. The sampling site data are interpolated using the Kriging method to generate spatial maps to explore the air pollution problem in Delhi. East Delhi is observed to be the most polluted site, while Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU) is the least polluted site. We further observe a high correlation between Al-Fe, Al-Ca, Zn-Pb, Ca-Fe, and S-Zn, indicating their common source of emission. Aerosols are also found to be highly enriched with metals like Al, S, Fe, Zn, and Pb, suggesting strong anthropogenic sources of these metals. Construction activities, resuspended dust, an increased number of vehicles, faulty agricultural practices, and soil could be recognized as major sources of the particulate concentration in an urban area like Delhi.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-07-31
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8030101
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 3 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 102: Resilient Urban Communities: A Case
Study of the Cvjetno Housing Estate, a Modern Period Predecessor in Urban
Planning in Croatia
Authors: Iva Kostešić
First page: 102
Abstract: The paper analyzes the concept of resilience in the context of the Cvjetno housing estate in Zagreb, Croatia, a recognized cultural and historical complex. While extensive literature exists on the estate’s architectural and historical significance, limited research explores its resilience. This study aims to fill this gap by examining the Cvjetno estate’s planned resilience to natural hazards and socioeconomic challenges. It investigates the estate’s design, historical context, and physical characteristics through archival documents, historical records, and field research. The analysis focuses on the estate’s planned resilience to natural disasters, particularly flooding from the nearby river Sava and seismic risks due to its location in a seismically active area. Based on the literature on resilient communities, the study draws on dimensions, characteristics, and qualities of resilience, and explores how the Cvjetno estate exemplifies these traits. Future research could explore and compare similar mid-20th century European settlements to enhance the understanding of urban resilience during the modern era.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-07-31
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8030102
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 3 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 103: Study into the Impact of the Pandemic on
Travel Patterns within the Metropolitan Area of Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Eunice Horácio de Souza de Barros Teixeira Rodrigues, Larissa Rodrigues Turini, Joyce Azevedo Caetano, Marina Leite de Barros Baltar, Cintia Machado de Oliveira, Glaydston Mattos Ribeiro, Rômulo Dante Orrico Filho
First page: 103
Abstract: Despite the ending of social distancing and post-pandemic return to normal activities, the impacts of COVID-19 on urban mobility persist, particularly with regard to public transport. Consequently, this study looks into the post-pandemic changes in travel patterns, seeking to comprehend the effects on the municipalities and suggest helpful measures geared to achieving more sustainable patterns following the lockdown isolation. The chosen case study is the Metropolitan Area of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The study was divided into four distinct phases, namely understanding the problems, choosing the study area, field research and making recommendations based not only on the literature but on consultation with operators and experts. The methodological process involves the analysis of data from the field research, to assess any changes in patterns that may have been identified. The results show the changes in the means of travel, with emphasis on a preference for app-based transport services, to the detriment of sustainable transport. The study also shows the challenges facing public transport and the relationship between the choice of travel means and the socioeconomic profile of the passenger.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-07-31
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8030103
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 3 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 104: AI Analytics for Carbon-Neutral City
Planning: A Systematic Review of Applications
Authors: Cong Cong, Jessica Page, Yoonshin Kwak, Brian Deal, Zahra Kalantari
First page: 104
Abstract: Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a transformative force across various disciplines, including urban planning. It has unprecedented potential to address complex challenges. An essential task is to facilitate informed decision making regarding the integration of constantly evolving AI analytics into planning research and practice. This paper presents a review of how AI methods are applied in urban studies, focusing particularly on carbon neutrality planning. We highlight how AI is already being used to generate new scientific knowledge on the interactions between human activities and nature. We consider the conditions in which the advantages of AI-enabled urban studies can positively influence decision-making outcomes. We also consider the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, responsible AI governance, and community engagement in guiding data-driven methods and suggest how AI can contribute to supporting carbon-neutrality goals.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-08-01
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8030104
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 3 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 105: Urban Outmigration and Student Mobility
towards Rural Schools: Are We in an Early Stage of Rural Revival'
Authors: Carmen Gloria Núñez, Víctor Salinas-Silva, Pablo Cáceres-Serrano, Bryan González-Niculcar
First page: 105
Abstract: Rural education is a strategic sector for rural revival projects. The presence and state of rural schools is an indicator on the sustainability of rural communities in its economic, social, and ecosystemic interactions. This study explores the Chilean case as it shows a movement in student mobility towards rural schools. Based on new data from the Ministry of Education, the study shows that primary school students indicate a shift in tutors and families’ preferences for rural schools, as rural schools’ enrolment has increased by 1% in the 2015–2020 period. In the context of a market-based education system, the data indicate a process in which rural systems are seen as viable alternatives for families. There is a clear landmark in rural mobility during the pandemic years; however, the study concludes that there is no indication of a catalyst for migration different from previous years or signs of rural revival yet. We suggest that further studies should be conducted to map how this trend may be replicating in different countries and geographies, as well as to ponder its implications for rural communities and its capacity to harbor urban out-migration.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-08-05
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8030105
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 3 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 106: Integrating Hyperspectral Reflectance
and Physiological Parameters to Detect Urban Tree Stress: A Study of
Drought and Simulated Acid Rain
Authors: Ukhan Jeong, Young Jo Yun, Eun Ju Cheong
First page: 106
Abstract: With urbanization and climate change worsening, urban trees are constantly exposed to environmental stress. To enhance the functionality and health of trees, it is crucial to rapidly and non-destructively detect and respond to tree stress. Research utilizing hyperspectral characteristics for detecting various stresses has recently been actively pursued. This study conducted comparative analysis using various leaf physiological parameters (chlorophyll content, chlorophyll fluorescence, leaf water, and gas exchange status) and hyperspectral data (VIS: visible ray; SWIR: short-wave infrared) to diagnose stress in Prunus yedoensis, commonly grown urban trees, by subjecting them simultaneously to different stresses (drought and simulated acid rain). The findings suggest that hyperspectral reflectance proved more responsive in identifying stress compared to the physiological parameters. Initially, VIS was more effective in detecting two stress responses than SWIR through a classification model (PLS-DA: partial least squares-discriminant analysis). Although SWIR initially faced challenges in simulated acid rain stress detection, spectral preprocessing (SNV: standard normal variate, + S.G 2nd: Savitzky–Golay 2nd derivative) enhanced its stress classification accuracy. Over time, the SWIR bands (1437 nm, 1667 nm, and 1949 nm) exhibited characteristics (such as moisture detection) more closely aligned with stress responses compared to VIS, as determined through PCA (principal component analysis). Hyperspectral reflectance also revealed the potential to measure chlorophyll fluorescence (Fo: minimum fluorescence). Building upon the foundational data of this study, the future potential of diagnosing urban tree stress using portable spectrometers is strong.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-08-05
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8030106
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 3 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 23: Urban Aquatic Scene Expansion for
Semantic Segmentation in Cityscapes
Authors: Zongcheng Yue, Chun-Yan Lo, Ran Wu, Longyu Ma, Chiu-Wing Sham
First page: 23
Abstract: In urban environments, semantic segmentation using computer vision plays a pivotal role in understanding and interpreting the diverse elements within urban imagery. The Cityscapes dataset, widely used for semantic segmentation in urban scenes, predominantly features urban elements like buildings and vehicles but lacks aquatic elements. Recognizing this limitation, our study introduces a method to enhance the Cityscapes dataset by incorporating aquatic classes, crucial for a comprehensive understanding of coastal urban environments. To achieve this, we employ a dual-model approach using two advanced neural networks. The first network is trained on the standard Cityscapes dataset, while the second focuses on aquatic scenes. We adeptly integrate aquatic features from the marine-focused model into the Cityscapes imagery. This integration is carefully executed to ensure a seamless blend of urban and aquatic elements, thereby creating an enriched dataset that reflects the realities of coastal cities more accurately. Our method is evaluated by comparing the enhanced Cityscapes model with the original on a set of diverse urban images, including aquatic views. The results demonstrate that our approach effectively maintains the high segmentation accuracy of the original Cityscapes dataset for urban elements while successfully integrating marine features. Importantly, this is achieved without necessitating additional training, which is a significant advantage in terms of resource efficiency.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-03-22
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8020023
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 2 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 24: The Impact of Urban Design on Utilitarian
and Leisure Walking—The Relative Influence of Street Network
Connectivity and Streetscape Features
Authors: Mauro F. Pereira, Paula Santana, David S. Vale
First page: 24
Abstract: Road network connectivity determines the accessibility of urban activities for pedestrians, while streetscape characteristics have an impact on route attractiveness. Methods used to measure the influence of connectivity and streetscape characteristics on walking behavior differ substantially, while trip purpose is a key factor. This paper explores the respective contributions of network connectivity and streetscape features to explain leisure walking and utilitarian trips on 740 street segments in Santarém (Portugal). The indicators cover the most commonly used factors in walkability indexes, such as density, diversity, design, and accessibility. The streetscape features measure imageability, enclosure, human scale, transparency, and complexity. The walking trip information was collected via survey. The results show that connectivity measures have a greater overall explanatory power for both trip motives. However, the findings highlight the need to consider a variety of design indicators to explain walking behavior due to the higher explanation power of the model with two types of indicators.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-03-22
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8020024
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 2 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 25: Municipal Territoriality: The Impact of
Centralized Mechanisms and Political and Structural Factors on Reducing
Spatial Inequality
Authors: Itai Beeri, Meirav Aharon Gutman, Jonathan Luzer
First page: 25
Abstract: We explore two complementary mechanisms that are designed to work together to reduce spatial inequality—redrawing municipal borders and the redistribution of tax resources. This study’s methodology is based on the empirical analysis of 376 decisions of boundary commissions and permanent geographic commissions that resulted in land transfers and redistributed tax resources in Israel. Our findings indicate that the impact on spatial inequality is mixed. Over time, the amount of land transferred to low socio-economic municipalities has increased, provided that these municipalities are located in the center of the country, or have a Jewish ethnic majority, are politically affiliated with the Minister of the Interior and the ultra-Orthodox right, are financially sound, and have a large population and a large area. In contrast, the redistribution of tax resources provides revenue increases for low socio-economic municipalities that are in the periphery, largely populated by Arabs, are unaffiliated with powerful politicians, are financially weak and small in size and population.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-03-25
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8020025
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 2 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 26: Cities’ Hands Are Tied: Short-Term
Economic Impacts of COVID-19 on Natural Population Growth in Metropolitan
Greece
Authors: Alessandro Muolo, Barbara Zagaglia, Alvaro Marucci, Francisco Escrivà Saneugenio, Adele Sateriano, Luca Salvati
First page: 26
Abstract: To delineate new directions of urban development in a context of demographic shrinkage in Southern Europe, the present study illustrates a comparative analysis of the demographic balance in metropolitan Athens, Greece (1956–2021). The analysis delineates short-term and long-term dynamics of the natural population balance, considering the impact of the Great Recession and COVID-19 pandemic, and assuming a contemporary increase in gross mortality rates and a marked fertility reduction associated with birth postponement. To address such objectives, we have compared the natural growth of population (the ratio of the total number of births to deaths) at ten year intervals (1956, 1960, 1970, 1980, 1990, 2000, 2009, 2019, 2020, 2021) in 115 municipalities of metropolitan Athens, controlling for the local context. The empirical results of descriptive statistics, spatial analysis, correlation statistics, non-parametric inference, and exploratory multivariate techniques outline the indirect impact of COVID-19 on population dynamics, being in some ways additive to the already observed effects of the Great Recession, reinforcing demographic shrinkage in specific local contexts. The COVID-19 pandemic and the Great Crisis likely accelerated the typical outcomes (population aging and low fertility) of the second demographic transition in Greece. These dynamics are associated with more volatile (and possibly reduced) immigration flows and with enhanced emigration, fueling urban shrinkage and a progressive economic decline of metropolitan regions, as our evidence suggests for Athens. Additional research should ascertain the aggregate, indirect role of pandemics in population dynamics as a proxy of urban and regional decline in European regions exposed to long-term aging.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-03-26
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8020026
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 2 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 27: Performance Metrics for Implementation of
Americans with Disabilities Act Transition Plans
Authors: Yochai Eisenberg, Mackenzie Hayes, Amy Hofstra, Delphine Labbé, Robert Gould, Robin Jones
First page: 27
Abstract: Safely walking or wheeling in a wheelchair in the community is a civil and human right. Some progress has been made in the US towards making walking/wheeling paths more accessible for people with disabilities through the construction of new curb ramps, fixing sidewalk barriers, and installing accessible pedestrian signals. However, pedestrians with disabilities continue to be limited by infrastructure barriers on sidewalks and streets. To encourage progress and government transparency, we developed a set of performance metrics for local governments to monitor and report their progress in implementing barrier removal plans, called Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) transition plans. We used the five-step Nominal Group Technique to systematically develop and prioritize a set of performance metrics with an expert panel of ADA coordinators, disability organizations, and state and federal Department of Transportation staff. The research resulted in obtaining 53 metrics across five goals and 14 objectives that can be used to measure all phases of implementation and are intended to be customized to fit different community contexts and capacities. The metrics could be used by federal and state transportation agencies, as well as internationally, with some adaptation to ensure that adequate progress in barrier removal is being made. Local governments can use the metrics to document and communicate their progress and effectively reduce ADA compliance litigation concerns.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-03-29
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8020027
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 2 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 28: Urban Sustainability Development in
Morocco, a Review
Authors: Lahouari Bounoua, Mohamed Amine Lachkham, Noura Ed-Dahmany, Souad Lagmiri, Hicham Bahi, Mohammed Messouli, Mohammed Yacoubi Khebiza, Joseph Nigro, Kurtis J. Thome
First page: 28
Abstract: During the last decades, Morocco has recorded substantial urbanization and faced challenges related to urban sprawl and encroachment on fertile lands. This paper reviews several studies assessing urban sustainability development in 27 Moroccan urban areas using the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) indicator 11.3.1, i.e., the ratio of Land Consumption Rate (LCR) to Population Growth Rate (PGR). Among the 27 urban areas reviewed, analysis of SDG 11.3.1 data revealed that only 7 exhibited trends towards sustainable urban development, while the remaining 20 showed a divergence from the sustainability objectives. We analyze the studies, conducted between 2020 and 2023, describing in depth the relationship between LCRs and PGRs, and provide a comprehensive summary of the SDG 11.3.1 outcome, discussing along the way methodological variations, and introducing a new concept for the evaluation of urban land consumption. The review reveals disparate regional urban development trends, emphasizing the need for local land tenure rules. Additionally, the study discusses how the SDG 11.3.1 reacts under the influence of several parameters such as land characteristics, climate, and geographic location. While the study acknowledges the limitations of SDG 11.3.1, it found that the indicator provides valuable insights into trends and comparisons, and should offer assistance to stakeholders, urban planners, and decision makers in their pursuit of sustainable development. However, these identified limitations underscore the need for a more comprehensive and multidimensional urban sustainability development indicator, capable of better addressing the complexities of the urban environment.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-04-01
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8020028
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 2 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 29: Review of Urban Access Regulations from
the Sustainability Viewpoint
Authors: Yunpeng Ma, Ferenc Mészáros
First page: 29
Abstract: This article reviewed the urban vehicle access control policies derived from disparate spatiotemporal dimensions that aim to eliminate the negative externalities of traffic caused by urbanization. Urban access regulations are important tools often required to achieve the sustainable mobility vision of cities. Employing a systematic literature review methodology, this review summarized and analyzed various urban access control policies to enlighten policymakers and future scientific research. The results indicate that combinations of multiple-dimensional restriction policies (including inter-policy and intra-policy) have more significant effects than implementing a single policy. Classified according to their objectives, control policies were discussed in terms of their benefits and limitations. The authors are inspired to propose and describe five paradoxes of urban access control policies.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-04-02
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8020029
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 2 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 30: A Framework for Integrating Freight
Transport, Urban Land Planning, and Infrastructure Management under
Economic Geography Principles
Authors: Humberto Barrera-Jiménez, Juan Pineda-Jaramillo
First page: 30
Abstract: This study presents a conceptual framework proposal for integrating urban freight initiatives (UFIs), or city logistics initiatives, into urban planning and urban management (UPUM) land use and infrastructure systems. As a novel approach, this framework integrates three components: Firstly, a conceptual basis on three economic geography theory principles—location, agglomeration, and urbanisation. Secondly, spatial analysis and subsequent clustering integrate companies’ spatial positions, their proximity to other companies, their freight intensity, and the characteristics of the zonal road infrastructure; these clusters are defined as freight traffic zones (FTZs). Thirdly, a functional yet strategic UFI clustering or grouping is proposed to work in an optimised and integrated manner with the FTZs’ opportunities for efficiency and reduced externalities. It is expected that the integrated result of these three components can serve to optimise freight initiatives and road infrastructure from a city governance perspective, reduce freight externalities, and function as a stakeholder cooperation tool from government-led, policy-driven perspectives. This research also identifies and characterises various variables influencing the emergence and existence (planned or organic) of FTZs and shows how these could be incorporated into high-level UPUM processes. Although it is deemed that the principles and methodological approach followed here could be common to urban areas, an example for the Metropolitan Area of the Aburra Valley (MAAV), in Colombia, is presented as an initial case study. Conclusively, this paper introduces a pioneering methodology for integrating UFIs into city or metropolitan governance, offering guidance for policymakers to promote sustainable freight systems.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-04-10
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8020030
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 2 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 31: The Impact of Pollution on Cultural
Heritage in the Historic Centre of Porto, Portugal
Authors: Fátima Matos Silva, Marta Arreiol, Ana Fragata
First page: 31
Abstract: Pollution is a constant threat to cultural heritage, mainly affecting its constituent materials, and it is urgent to implement mitigation and adaptation measures to prevent pollution. The city of Porto currently has several initiatives that aim to prepare this municipality for climate change adaptation. This article aims to study the impact of pollution on built heritage, as well as the initiatives that are being implemented in the Municipality of Porto (as part of the Portuguese Camino to Santiago) to protect heritage, based on three case studies, namely Carmelitas Church, São João Novo Church, and Vitória Church, contextualising them over time and understanding their structure and materials. The methodology is based on an anomalies survey through local and surrounding photographic records to assess the effects of pollution, following the model developed at Carmo Church in Olinda, Pernambuco. This study’s results showed that the stone facade of Carmelitas Church, which is in a busier area of the city, is much more deteriorated when compared with the other case studies due to the direct impact of pollution.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-04-11
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8020031
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 2 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 32: Do It Yourself! Collaborative Processes
for Inclusive Design and Capacity Building in Louisiana (USA)
Authors: Federica Paragliola, Gabriella Esposito De Vita, Brad Deal, Marina Rigillo, Pasquale De Paola, Carmelina Bevilacqua
First page: 32
Abstract: This paper delves into integrating technological and social innovations in design through a community-oriented, resilient approach, emphasizing care and sustainability. It explores resource management’s application to the local environment and education, focusing on adaptable spaces, active collaboration, and innovative solutions for environmental and social challenges. Developed within the EU Marie Curie-funded TREnD project, it combines ‘transition’ and ‘resilience-building’ processes, framing co-creation solutions and tailored innovation policies. The research group conducted theoretical and empirical research in the EU and USA, introducing a place-sensitive approach in managing transition through technological diversification. A case study in Ruston (LA, USA), Camp Alabama, exemplifies inclusive design through circular design and low-tech construction, creating adaptable pavilions for the community. Collaborating with MedCamps of Louisiana, the project designs a shared and inclusive space within budget constraints, emphasizing the pivotal role of architecture in advancing community well-being. Employing a bottom-up approach, the practice engages users, students, teachers, and local stakeholders in co-design, resulting in a people-based citadel of care. Outcomes feature high-design technological projects produced through a “low-tech” approach, allowing adaptability in urban regeneration. The 2023 project received awards, showcasing progress and the potential for replication through standardized methodology. Additional outcomes include educational benefits, training architects for societal needs, and regenerating urban areas by exploiting local resources.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-04-16
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8020032
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 2 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 33: Sustainable Urban Design Model for
Residential Neighborhoods Utilizing Sustainability Assessment-Based
Approach
Authors: Diana Enab, Zahraa Zawawi, Sameh Monna
First page: 33
Abstract: The sustainable urban design of residential neighborhoods plays an important role in the efforts to achieve the sustainable development goals and alleviate the effects of climate change. This paper aims to develop a model for the sustainable urban design of residential neighborhoods, taking into account the local condition in Palestinian territories. This model is built on various international neighborhood sustainability assessment (NSA) tools, based on the review of existing assessment tools, to study the sustainability status of Palestinian neighborhoods, and to develop a sustainable indicator model for local sustainable neighborhood assessment. Computer tools like Urbano and GIS tools as well as qualitative assessment methods are used. Results from the case study showed that the satisfaction of the preferred location indicator was not sufficient to maintain its sustainability. The assessment of measured indicators found that weaknesses were almost double the count of the satisfactory indicator. Moreover, some indicators from the (NSA) tools were partially or completely met, and some gaps appeared because of the lack of strengths in the selected indicators of the international tools when used for local social, ecological and governmental aspects, and there are issues in the inclusion of economic and environmental elements in current urban configurations. The proposed local model offers valuable insights for local governments, municipalities, and construction developers.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-04-16
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8020033
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 2 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 34: Assessment of the State of the
Landscaping System in the City of Aktobe, the Republic of Kazakhstan,
under Conditions of Man-Made Load Using Remote Sensing
Authors: Altynbek Khamit, Nurlygul Utarbayeva, Gulnur Shumakova, Murat Makhambetov, Akzhunus Abdullina, Aigul Sergeyeva
First page: 34
Abstract: The growth of a city causes a complex of problems related to the increase in the pollution of the urban environment and the shortcomings in its improvement. The territory of the modern city is characterized by the highest man-made loads on the natural environment. The main problems are the low level of green areas, as well as the reduction in trees in many areas, which does not allow the city residents to live comfortably. Currently, Earth remote sensing methods using the vegetation index (NDVI) are one of the dominant means of assessing the condition. In this regard, the purpose of this study is to assess the ecological condition of the green zone in the city of Aktobe. To solve this problem, complex assessment was carried out, including statistical data analysis and the processing of satellite images by calculation of the NDVI for green areas and their mapping. The article analysis lies in the field of development and landscaping of the urban environment of Aktobe. A description of the current state of the system of green areas in the city was provided. On the basis of the data of remote sensing of the earth, the spatial features of the separate classes of the total phytomass of green plants within the city of Aktobe and the spatial features of the territorial zones of the city were determined during the differentiation of green plantings. A study of the dynamics of changes in the vegetation cover index (NDVI) during 2010, 2016, and 2023 allowed us to identify trends in the development of green spaces and their changes over time due to city growth and other factors. The data obtained as a result of the research can be used in the justification of urban planning decisions, landscape planning of the ecological infrastructure of the city, and optimization of landscaping systems.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-04-17
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8020034
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 2 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 35: GIS-Based Model Parameter Enhancement for
Urban Water Utility Networks
Authors: Péter Orgoványi, Tamás Karches
First page: 35
Abstract: Water utilities are like arteries for the urban environment and, in order to satisfy water demand, extensive design and operation work applying modeling tools is required. An effective tool can be operated but only if the input, such as real-world consumption data, is built into the system. This study aims to present a GIS-based technique to align the consumption data to a simplified network topology. This study investigates four distinct methods, revealing noteworthy outcomes. The geocoding of consumption locations facilitates their seamless integration with model nodes through geospatial methods. Additionally, effective water consumption allocation is achieved by delineating influence ranges around each node. When comparing the zoning based on the street approach and the arithmetic average with the benchmark manual range of influence approach, substantial errors appear of approximately 190% and 230%, respectively. Addressing the impracticality of the manual method, especially for larger networks, this study advocates for the use of Thiessen polygons to delineate influence areas. In conclusion, this study presents a holistic approach to aligning consumption data with simplified network topologies for enhanced water utility modeling.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-04-17
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8020035
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 2 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 36: Transport Accessibility of Urban
Districts in Megapolis: Insights from Moscow
Authors: Tatiana Petrova, Andrey Grunin
First page: 36
Abstract: (1) Background: As global urbanization accelerates, effective mobility in metropolitan areas becomes crucial. City transportation systems, often congested, have diverse transit modes and numerous access points. Our study focuses on the transportation accessibility of the various districts within Moscow, a city with a population of over 12 million and covering approximately 900 square kilometers. (2) Methods: The city was divided into 2 km-by-2 km squares, and we used both personal and public transportation data. This allowed us to analyze spatiotemporal mobility patterns, calculating travel times and distances between these defined centroids. Our assessment not only considered transportation to key hubs, such as major train stations, airports, and the city center, but also weighed the integral interconnectedness of individual districts. Various time frames, including morning and evening peak hours and quieter weekend periods, were used. (3) Results: The study pinpointed the most and least convenient districts for various transit options across the city. Our findings underscore the intricacies of daily commuting patterns in Moscow, highlighting bottlenecks and areas for potential infrastructure enhancement. (4) Conclusions: Using Moscow’s case, we demonstrated the methodology to better understand and improve strategic urban planning and intelligent mobility solutions, aiming to bolster transportation accessibility.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-04-18
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8020036
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 2 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 37: Total Suspended Particulate Matter
(TSP)-Bound Carbonaceous Components in a Roadside Area in Eastern
Indonesia
Authors: Muhammad Amin, Andi Annisa Tenri Ramadhani, Rasdiana Zakaria, Zarah Arwieny Hanami, Rahmi Mulia Putri, Worradorn Phairuang, Mitsuhiko Hata, Masami Furuuchi
First page: 37
Abstract: To evaluate carbonaceous components in the ambient air in the eastern region of Indonesia, 35 Total Suspended Particulate Matter (TSP) samples were collected on four characteristic roadsides on Sultan Alauddin Street, in Makassar City, using a high-volume air sampler. The average TSP concentration was 279.7 μg/m3, which exceeded both the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) of Indonesia and the World Health Organization (WHO) standards. The highest concentration reached 838.6 μg/m3 in the GR (gravel) site, which had the highest number of vehicles and was near a U-turn. TSP concentration was higher during peak hours (morning and late afternoon) than off-peak hours (noon). The main component of the total carbon (TC) fraction was organic carbon (OC), which showed a strong correlation with elemental carbon (EC) (r values for the morning, noon, and late afternoon were 0.89, 0.87, and 0.97, respectively), indicating that the carbon components were derived from common sources. TSP had a strong correlation with carbon components, except for char-EC. OC vs. soot-EC and EC vs. soot-EC also correlated well, suggesting the dominant influence of vehicle exhaust emissions. Non-exhaust emissions had a slight influence during peak hours, particularly at the GR site.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-04-22
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8020037
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 2 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 38: The Ontology of Urban Governance: A
Framework for Pathways to Sustainable Urban Transition
Authors: Susanna Ghosh Mitra, Ajay Chandra, Arkalgud Ramaprasad
First page: 38
Abstract: Evidence on urban governance has expanded but is fragmented and inadequate. It fails to articulate the complexity of urban governance in a way that would facilitate effective urban transitions. Using a conceptual-cognitive lens, this article describes a method to move away from governance solutions based on functional silos to those based on multidimensional, sustainable systems. Based on a combination of concepts from public policy, governance, public administration, and urban service management, it frames the problem of urban governance as a comprehensive conceptual-cognitive map of the domain. The study validates the framework through expert feedback and the mapping of the literature on urban governance in India between 2018 and 2020. The monad map and theme map emphasise the ontology’s applicability as a methodological tool for evidence generation. The analysis reveals a need to reconfigure urban governance pathways to work towards a sustainable future. The article concludes by offering new conceptual constructs of governance pathways to enhance the policies and practices that shape such transitions.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-04-22
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8020038
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 2 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 39: Contribution of the Cultural and Creative
Industries to Regional Development and Revitalization: A European
Perspective
Authors: Dimitrios Kalfas, Stavros Kalogiannidis, Vasilios Ambas, Fotios Chatzitheodoridis
First page: 39
Abstract: Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs) have emerged as powerful drivers of regional development and revitalization in Europe in recent years. This study explores the impact of CCIs on European regions, focusing on their economic, social, and cultural contributions. Drawing on extensive literature review and empirical research, this study examines the role of CCIs in job creation, GDP growth, innovation, social cohesion, cultural identity, urban regeneration, and the revitalization of declining areas. Data were collected using questionnaires distributed to 345 key players in the Cultural and Creative Industry of Greece. The findings reveal that CCIs significantly enhance job opportunities in European regions, with 74.4% of participants acknowledging their role in reducing unemployment and underemployment. Moreover, 71.4% recognized the substantial contribution of CCIs to regional GDP, highlighting that their economic importance is comparable to traditional industries. CCIs are seen as catalysts for social cohesion and cultural identity, as 75.6% of respondents attested to their role in uniting diverse communities. These results emphasize the sensitivity of CCIs to the existing cultural and historical context of these areas. Furthermore, this study identifies outcomes of regional development and revitalization, including improved education facilities (21.7%), preservation of regional cultural heritage (14.6%), and enhanced business relations (26.7%). Regression analysis demonstrated a strong association between CCIs and regional development and revitalization. This study provides comprehensive insights into the contributions of CCIs to regional development and revitalization in Europe. Policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders can use these findings to harness the full potential of CCIs for sustainable and inclusive regional development.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-04-22
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8020039
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 2 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 40: Spatio–Temporal Dynamic
Characteristics and Driving Mechanisms of Urban Compactness in Central
China
Authors: Wenqin Ren, Linggui Wei, Xinhai Lu, Jinlong Xu, Yun Qin
First page: 40
Abstract: As a result of rapid urbanization in China, the spatial restructuring of towns and cities has significantly impacted urban compactness. The study of the spatio–temporal characteristics and driving mechanisms of urban compactness in central China is a strategic imperative and conducive to promoting regional sustainable development that is based on easing the contradiction between land resource supply and demand and reducing energy consumption. Therefore, this study focused on 80 prefecture-level cities in central China, utilizing barycenter model and GTWR model, among others, to analyze the spatio–temporal evolution pattern of urban compactness from 2006 to 2020 and its driving factors, with the aim of uncovering the intrinsic mechanisms behind enhancing urban compactness in the area. The results show the follows: (1) The urban compactness in central China has generally shown an upward trend, with a pronounced spatial clustering around provincial capital cities and the spatial changes in compactness predominantly concentrated in the north–south direction. (2) Various factors have influenced urban compactness, where government intervention and population aggregation present as bi-directional driving factors, while the effective use of land resources and high-quality industrial development, among others, present as positive driving factors. The spatio–temporal heterogeneity and agglomeration features of each driving factor are significant. (3) Further analysis indicates that the effective use of land resources is the primary factor in enhancing urban compactness, followed by technology. Therefore, we should adhere to the concept of compact cities and gradually promote the compactness of cities in central China based on the impact of the driving factors.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-04-24
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8020040
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 2 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 41: From Block to City Scale:
Greenery’s Contribution to Cooling the Urban Environment
Authors: Jesús Abelardo Licón-Portillo, Karen Estrella Martínez-Torres, Peter Chung-Alonso, Eduardo Florencio Herrera Peraza
First page: 41
Abstract: Urban greenery is a strategy to improve the thermal environment in urban areas affected by heat islands and global warming. These phenomena can harm the citizens’ quality of life. Researchers have investigated the thermal benefits of urban vegetation, but only a few have explored its complexities across diverse urban scales. Understanding these variations is critical for precise analysis, customized solutions, efficient resource allocation, and enhancing urban living quality while promoting sustainability and climate resilience. This paper reviews 250 scientific articles about the relationship between greenspace and the urban thermal environment published between 2010 and 2023 through urban scales. It summarizes the parameters and findings of greenery’s contribution to cooling the urban environment. The data reveal that most studies concentrated on the block scale, public open spaces, neighborhoods, parks, grouped vegetation, mixed arrangements, high vegetation, spatial parameters, and the use of air temperature data to report their findings. The cooling-effect evidence shows that the block scale has an average mitigation range of 0.7–2.7 °C, the neighborhood scale of 1.1–2.9 °C, and the city scale of 0.5–2.2 °C. Furthermore, it is critical to define reliable research methods and perform thorough software validation to assess model performance and establish guidelines for urban-landscape design accurately.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-04-25
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8020041
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 2 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 42: Changing Conditions: Global
Warming-Related Hazards and Vulnerable Rural Populations in Mediterranean
Europe
Authors: Sandra Graus, Tiago Miguel Ferreira, Graça Vasconcelos, Javier Ortega
First page: 42
Abstract: Human-induced climate change has profound effects on extreme events, particularly those linked to global warming, such as heatwaves, droughts, and wildfires. These events disrupt ecosystems, emphasizing the imperative to understand the interactions among them to gauge the risks faced by vulnerable communities. Vulnerability levels vary primarily based on a community’s resources. Rural areas, especially in the Mediterranean region of Europe, are experiencing acute depopulation, creating a complex situation affecting various aspects of society, from economic declines to cultural heritage loss. Population decline in rural regions weakens resources, leading to the abandonment of built environments, fostering desertification, and elevating the risk of wildfires. Communities undergoing this deterioration process become exceptionally vulnerable, especially when dealing with and recovering from extreme natural phenomena. This review offers insights into the dynamics of these hazards and the predominant challenges in rural areas. By focusing on a topic that has received limited attention, the aim is to inform future research initiatives, ultimately improving risk assessment and mitigation strategies for these vulnerable communities.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-04-25
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8020042
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 2 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 43: Enhancing Urban Resilience: Strategic
Management and Action Plans for Cyclonic Events through Socially
Constructed Risk Processes
Authors: Raúl Pérez-Arévalo, Juan Jiménez-Caldera, José Luis Serrano-Montes, Jesús Rodrigo-Comino, Kevin Therán-Nieto, Andrés Caballero-Calvo
First page: 43
Abstract: Cities will face increasing challenges due to the impacts of global climate change, particularly in the form of cyclonic events, necessitating a deeper understanding and the establishment of effective response mechanisms at both institutional and citizen levels. In this research, we tested the efficiency of crowdsourcing in fostering participatory resilience and improving urban management. The main aim was to design novel and accurate proactive response strategies and mitigate the adverse effects of cyclonic wind events through volunteerism, citizen science, and urban science. To achieve this goal, as a case study, the municipality of Soledad, Colombia was used. This research employed a two-phase methodological approach: (i) initially evaluating the spatial distribution of emergency response resources, and (ii) developing a geo-referenced survey to map, systematize, and categorize data and outcomes. A total of three hundred and seventy-eight residents across five neighborhoods in Soledad, which have experienced a high frequency of atmospheric wind phenomena over the past two decades, were surveyed. The results indicate that the crowdsourcing mechanism effectively enhanced the empirical understanding of atmospheric wind events in Soledad, facilitating the establishment of a geo-referenced volunteer network for real-time responses. Additionally, this study shed light on previously undocumented challenges, in terms of reducing the number of people affected, and the actions that would lead to improved urban development to reduce the impacts of cyclonic events, emphasizing the significance of citizen science in the social construction of risk and disaster risk reduction (DDR) efforts.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-05-01
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8020043
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 2 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 44: Principles of Sustainable Development of
Georesources as a Way to Reduce Urban Vulnerability
Authors: Cheynesh Kongar-Syuryun, Roman Klyuev, Vladimir Golik, Armine Oganesyan, Danila Solovykh, Marat Khayrutdinov, Danila Adigamov
First page: 44
Abstract: Humanity development is associated with higher spiritual and social behaviour and financial shape, which is an undeniable factor of urbanisation. Previously, in areas of georesource concentration, cities and settlements were formed with people exploiting these georesources. However, imperfect technologies lead to rapid depletion of reserves and industrial and environmental disasters, which affect the vulnerability of cities and the people living in them. The analysis of applied technologies has demonstrated that potash extraction is accompanied by a low recovery ratio, high mine accidents, and environmental problems. The principles of sustainable development of geo-resources for the creation of mining technologies that ensure industrial safety, environmental sustainability, and extending the life of the mining enterprise to save working places will reduce the vulnerability of cities. This article proposes the use of the room-and-pillar mining method with the replacement of natural supports with artificial ones. Three-stage stoping with backfill is considered. Numerical modelling has shown stabilisation of mining and geomechanical processes, which confirms the prospectivity of the method with backfill. For these purposes, this research presents a new backfill composition based on local industrial waste. Schemes of backfill preparation and feeding into the mined-out space are proposed. The proposed technology, based on the principles of sustainable development of georesources, is the foundation for an economically profitable, environmentally friendly, and socially responsible mining enterprise. The implementation of the principles of sustainable development of georesources will allow for the preservation of cities and reduce their vulnerability.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-05-06
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8020044
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 2 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 45: Decoding Near Synonyms in
Pedestrianization Research: A Numerical Analysis and Summative Approach
Authors: Hisham Abusaada, Abeer Elshater
First page: 45
Abstract: Pedestrianization is a significant discourse focus within urban planning and design research. However, the need for more clarity from the inconsistent use of near-synonym concepts or terms necessitates attention. This review article addresses this issue through a comprehensive analysis of synonym proliferation in pedestrian research, culminating in developing a robust “near synonymous toolkit” and “synonym selection framework”. Employing a linear snowball sampling technique, numerical analysis, and a qualitative content analysis-based summative approach, we examined sixteen peer-reviewed articles from 11 scientific journals. Through systematic classification based on consistency and variability, the summative review identifies three primary groups of near synonyms: dominant and widely utilized conceptual or terminological near synonymy in pedestrianization in the urban planning and design literature, near synonyms directly associated with a pedestrian, pedestrianize, and those indirectly linked to another conceptual or terminological synonymy. Further analysis delves into the nature of near-synonym concepts or terms, revealing three discernible patterns: the use of distinct, precise concepts or terms with near-synonym meanings, similar concepts or terms conveying divergent meanings, and the juxtaposition of unrelated vocabulary lacking semantic resemblance. These insights illuminate semantic relationships within the studied vocabulary, underscoring the importance of addressing inconsistency for clarity, precision, and coherence in scientific discourse. By offering practical guidance through the proposed framework, this study empowers academic researchers to navigate synonym selection adeptly, thereby enhancing the caliber of scholarly writing in urban planning and design.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-05-06
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8020045
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 2 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 46: Functional or Neglected Border Regions'
Analysis of the Integrated Development Plans of Borderland Municipalities
in South Africa
Authors: Thato L. Maila, Klára Czimre
First page: 46
Abstract: The mainstream approach of regional integration impact assessments is mainly limited to assessing cross-border development projects/programmes. There is still a lack of critical assessment of how stakeholders at different institutional levels conceptualise the border. Local (municipal) strategic plans provide a reflection of the spatial imaginaries of stakeholders, perception planners, institutional power structures, and, to some extent meaning of the border to the local people. Integrated Development Plans (IDPs) in South Africa were adopted as an important development planning strategy in the post-apartheid era. IDPs of 49 borderland municipalities were systematically reviewed using the Key-Word-in-Context (KWIC) content analysis technique of the keyword ‘border’ to determine the importance of state borders in light of regional integration. Border security and management is one of the most common themes associated with the border. This suggested that borders were mainly perceived as threats and barely considered as a potential resource for cross-border cooperation or integration.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-05-07
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8020046
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 2 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 47: Exploring the Relationship between the
Dynamics of the Urban–Rural Interface and Regional Development in a
Post-Socialist Transition
Authors: Ioan Ianoș, Radu-Matei Cocheci, Alexandru-Ionuț Petrișor
First page: 47
Abstract: This study offers, by an empirical analysis, another perspective on post-socialist development, highlighting the role of the urban–rural interface in regional dynamics. The current literature on the relationships between both issues is not too rich and our paper analyzes the relationships between core cities, their peri-urban areas, and their regions, through a comparative overview of their growth over the last three decades. Romania, as a special case study for a contradictory transition, due to the great step from a drastic dictatorial regime to a democracy and a market economy, is a good example to test these complex relationships. Considering the new development trend at the urban–rural interfaces, our key idea was to depict their contribution to regional development (NUTS 3) compared to city cores. The second question was how this differentiated contribution can be measured, using the simplest tool. The starting point was the fact that population dynamics reflect all changes in the city core and at the urban–rural interface, and less so at a regional level. Consequently, we selected the dynamics of the number of inhabitants for the first two, as well as the dynamics of GDP per capita at the regional level. We found higher and significant correlations between GDP per capita and urban–rural interfaces, but no significant correlations in the case of city cores. Our conclusion is that, in the transition period, the dynamics of urban–rural interfaces influenced more regional development dynamics, than those of city cores. This means that urban–rural interfaces amplify the development coming from cities, adding their own contribution and then dissipating it regionally. Future research should identify what the urban–rural interface offers to regions, in addition to the city core.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-05-09
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8020047
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 2 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 48: Driving Domain Classification Based on
Kernel Density Estimation of Urban Land Use and Road Network Scaling
Models
Authors: Gerrit Brandes, Christian Sieg, Marcel Sander, Roman Henze
First page: 48
Abstract: Current research on automated driving systems focuses on Level 4 automated driving (AD) in specific operational design Domains (ODD). Measurement data from customer fleet operation are commonly used to extract scenarios and ODD features (road infrastructure, etc.) for the testing of AD functions. To ensure data relevance for the vehicle use case, driving domain classification of the data is required. Generally, classification into urban, extra-urban and highway domains provides data with similar ODD features. Highway classification can be implemented using global navigation satellite system coordinates of the driving route, map-matching algorithms, and road classes stored in digital maps. However, the distinction between urban and extra-urban driving domains is more complex, as settlement taxonomies and administrative-level hierarchies are not globally consistent. Therefore, this paper presents a map-based method for driving domain classification. First, potential urban areas (PUA) are identified based on urban land-use density, which is determined based on land-use categories from OpenStreetMap (OSM) and then spatially smoothed by kernel density estimation. Subsequently, two road network scaling models are used to distinguish between urban and extra-urban domains for the PUA. Finally, statistics of ODD feature distribution are analysed for the classified urban and extra-urban areas.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-05-09
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8020048
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 2 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 49: Evaluating the Environmental Impact of
Anthropogenic Activities on Human Health: A Systematic Review
Authors: Luigi Cofone, Marise Sabato, Enrico Di Rosa, Chiara Colombo, Lorenzo Paglione
First page: 49
Abstract: Due to major global urbanisation, a careful evaluation of plans (town planning and mobility) and projects (industrial and development) is required in order to measure their impact on health and environmental matrices. In Italy, Legislative Decree No 152/06 introduced two procedures: the EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) and SIA (Strategic Impact Assessment). Their focus, however, does not consider human health. Recently, the Integrated Environmental and Health Impact Assessment (IEHIA) was introduced; this defines the parameters necessary to provide an EIA that includes human health as a factor. This systematic review was conducted, including both the population impacted by new facilities and the method used to define their impact. Our database search produced 724 articles, of which 33 were eligible. Studies included landfill plans, manufacturing industries, mobility policies, energy production, and the environmental health of an area. All studies show how an approach encompassing multiple parameters can analyse the impact of a new facility in a comprehensive manner. This review shows that the use of health-related environmental impact parameters is essential for the integration of a project into a community, and can allow a wider understanding of the possible impacts on human health, both direct and indirect.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-05-11
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8020049
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 2 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 50: Multidimensional Evaluation Framework for
Assessing Cultural Heritage Adaptive Reuse Projects: The Case of the
Seminary in Sant’Agata de’ Goti (Italy)
Authors: Mariarosaria Angrisano, Francesca Nocca, Anna Scotto Di Santolo
First page: 50
Abstract: As climate change accelerates, urban areas are becoming increasingly inhospitable, with rising heat island effects and overall unhealthy environmental conditions. In this context, historic villages, due to their proximity to nature and lower population density, can represent a valuable alternative to unsustainable urban areas, providing better quality of life (i.e., through healthier environment, better work–life balance). They are “populated” by historic buildings characterized by high cultural value but are often in a state of abandonment. Nowadays, the adaptive reuse of cultural heritage represents an efficient strategy to adapt it to new needs/requirements and, at the same time, to preserve its historical and intrinsic values for present and future generations. In this framework, this study proposes a multidimensional evaluation framework for assessing cultural heritage adaptive reuse projects, covering all sustainability dimensions and capturing both tangible and intangible values. This framework, consisting of multiple criteria and multidimensional indicators, has been applied to evaluate alternative scenarios related to the regeneration of the abandoned Seminary in Sant’Agata de’ Goti (historic village), Benevento, Italy. In particular, three different scenarios have been evaluated by the SOCRATES (SOcial multi Criteria Assessment of European policies) method, a multicriteria decision method developed by the Joint Research Center (JRC) of the European Commission.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-05-13
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8020050
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 2 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 51: Research on Port Risk Assessment Based on
Various Meteorological Disasters
Authors: Tianni Wang, Zongjie Ding, Mark Ching-Pong Poo, Yui-Yip Lau
First page: 51
Abstract: Within the framework of economic globalisation, ports serve as critical junctures in international trade and play a vital role. However, as infrastructure is closely linked to the natural environment, ports are highly susceptible to the impacts of meteorological disasters. Therefore, a comprehensive assessment of the risks posed by meteorological hazards to ports, establishing corresponding early warning mechanisms, and adopting reasonable response and recovery strategies, is paramount in ensuring the safe operation of ports and maintaining the stability of international trade. This study has comprehensively analysed historical data and identified the pre-established loss stratification system, improving the theoretical construct of “expected loss”. Additionally, this research has innovatively integrated the idea of preventative factors aligned with risk indicators. A quantitative algorithm was used to factor in the preventative factors within the computational procedure, deriving the weights pertinent to each risk indicator. This research aimed to reduce the subjectivity inherent in the weighting assignment process through such an approach, thereby enhancing disaster risk assessment’s scientific rigour and reliability. Moreover, it underscores the critical role of adaptive urban planning in enhancing the resilience of crucial economic nodes like ports, thereby contributing to the broader objectives of sustainable urban development.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-05-14
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8020051
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 2 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 52: Assessment of Sustainable Mobility
Initiatives Developed in Montevideo, Uruguay
Authors: Sergio Nesmachnow, Silvina Hipogrosso
First page: 52
Abstract: This article presents an assessment of sustainable mobility initiatives developed in Montevideo, Uruguay, in the period from 2020 to 2023. The significance of sustainable mobility is underscored due to its far-reaching implications for the environment, energy efficiency, and the overall quality of life of citizens. This study focuses on crucial aspects of four initiatives deployed in Montevideo in 2020–2023: electric mobility solutions using scooters, the development of infrastructure and services for urban cycling, the development of electric public transportation, and private electric transportation. Important results are obtained and commented on for each of the studied initiatives, regarding efficiency, environmental impact, accessibility, the quality of the service, and other relevant indicators. Based on the analysis, valuable knowledge is acquired to guide the future development of efficient and sustainable transportation modes in Montevideo, Uruguay.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-05-15
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8020052
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 2 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 53: Building Urban Climate Resilience:
Assessing Awareness, Perception, and Willingness regarding Nature-Based
Solutions and Climate Change among Stakeholders in Iligan City,
Philippines
Authors: Audrey Rose A. Velayo, Peter D. Suson, Maricar M. Aguilos, Hernando P. Bacosa
First page: 53
Abstract: Iligan City has been the heart of major industries in steel, cement, and hydropower and is one of the highly urbanized coastal cities in Mindanao, Philippines. Due to its geological state, environmental challenges like flooding, natural disasters, and environmental degradation have been experienced by the city. With the climate crisis, these risks are being magnified. Recently, nature-based solutions (NBS) have gained significant attention worldwide, viewed as a key solution to the consequences of climate change. Yet implementation of strategies and policies regarding NBS, especially in developing countries, has received poor attention. Hence, this study aims to assess the awareness and perceptions of stakeholders in Iligan City regarding climate change, NBS, and willingness to engage in actions involving NBS. Stakeholder mapping and surveys were conducted through purposive sampling. A total of 187 respondents were interviewed from different sectors (LGUs, NGOs, the private sector, and academia) in Iligan City. Results revealed significant differences in awareness and perceptions across the distinct socio-economic backgrounds of stakeholders, where respondents with higher education and income have greater levels of awareness, perception, and willingness. The study recommends future targeted approaches and increased campaigns for climate change and sustainable solutions such as integrating NBS in adaptation strategies and mitigation plans to foster multi-level stakeholder collaboration.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-05-17
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8020053
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 2 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 54: New Year Fireworks Influence on Air
Quality in Case of Stagnant Foggy Conditions
Authors: Audrė Kalinauskaitė, Lina Davulienė, Julija Pauraite, Agnė Minderytė, Steigvilė Byčenkienė
First page: 54
Abstract: Urban science plays a pivotal role in understanding the complex interactions between fireworks, air quality, and urban environments. Dense firework smoke worsens air quality and poses a health hazard to the public. In this study, we show a situation where extremely foggy meteorological conditions coincided with intense anthropogenic emissions, including fireworks, in an urban area. For the first time, the chemical composition and sources of non-refractory submicron aerosol (NR-PM1) in outdoor and indoor air were characterized in Vilnius (Lithuania) using an aerosol chemical speciation monitor (ACSM) and Positive Matrix Factorization for the period before the fireworks, on New Year’s Eve, and after the fireworks in 2020/2021; thus, typical changes were assessed. Due to stagnant weather conditions and increased traffic, the highest concentrations of black carbon (BC) (13.8 μg/m3) were observed before the fireworks display. The contribution of organic (Org) fraction to the total NR-PM1 mass concentration, in the comparison of the values of a typical night and New Year’s Eve (from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.), increased from 43% to 70% and from 47% to 60% in outdoor and indoor air, respectively. Biomass-burning organic aerosol (BBOA, 48% (44%)) and hydrocarbon-like organic aerosol (HOA, 35% (21%)) dominated the organic fraction indoors and outdoors, respectively. HOA was likely linked to increased traffic during the event, while BBOA may have been related to domestic heating and fireworks.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-05-20
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8020054
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 2 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 55: Tackling Carbon Footprints:
Sustainability Challenges of Hosting the Final Four in Kaunas, Lithuania
Authors: Dalia Perkumienė, Ahmet Atalay, Gintautas Labanauskas
First page: 55
Abstract: The purpose of this study is to calculate the carbon footprint of the 2023 EuroLeague Men’s Final Four competition and identify the sources of the carbon footprint in sports. This study also aims to predict possible solutions to reduce this footprint. Mixed research methods were used in this study. Firstly, carbon footprint calculations related to the teams and fan travel were carried out. In the second step, interviews were conducted with the managers of the teams that won the basketball Final Four. The interviews were conducted using a semi-structured interview. The total carbon footprint of the four teams participating in the competitions was calculated as 4560.25 kg, and the average of the total carbon footprint of the teams per person was calculated as 189.74 kg. The total carbon footprint of the fans of the four teams was calculated as 4065.686 kg, and the average of the total carbon footprint per capita of the fans was calculated as 3.003 kg. According to the interview findings, the carbon footprint sources in sports were identified as traveling, energy consumption, and waste generation. Turning to renewable energy sources, waste management and sustainable transport alternatives were identified as effective solutions for reducing the carbon footprint. Analysis of the research results showed that the interest and participation in the Final Four and other international organizations are increasing. Due to increasing carbon footprint, these events and competitions should be planned and conducted in accordance with the goals of environmental sustainability. For this purpose, managers and policy makers should turn to clean energy sources, including waste management and recycling strategies, the preparation of sustainable transportation projects, and integrating all these processes into organization activities.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-05-24
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8020055
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 2 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 56: Assessment of Shared Mobility
Acceptability for Sustainable Transportation in Amman
Authors: Omar Albatayneh, Sherif M. Gaweesh, Mohammad Nadeem Akhtar
First page: 56
Abstract: Shared mobility services furnish convenient transportation alternatives for individuals without vehicle ownership or a preference against driving. Shared mobility could benefit developing countries by providing a cost-effective alternative, enhancing accessibility, reducing congestion, and creating multiple job opportunities. In this study, a comprehensive analysis to assess shared mobility options as an avenue to sustainable transportation in Amman, Jordan, is presented. The study employs a multifaceted methodology, including a survey questionnaire, preliminary analysis, Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), Confirmatory Factor Analysis, and Structural Equation Model (SEM). The data were collected from a diverse group of Amman residents using a survey composed of 29 questions. The survey included demographic information, travel behavior, willingness to adopt shared mobility, perceived benefits, and possible barriers. These data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), providing an in-depth understanding of the interrelationships among the variables studied. This study concludes by contributing to the ongoing discussion on sustainable urban transportation in Jordan and providing a road map for policymakers, urban planners, and transportation service providers. The presented findings provide an empirical basis for guiding future strategies and interventions toward sustainable urban development in Amman and potentially other urban contexts with comparable characteristics. Key findings reveal a significant potential for shared mobility to enhance urban transportation sustainability. Specifically, a notable positive perception among Amman residents was observed, with an average willingness to switch to shared mobility for daily commuting scoring 4.68 on a 7-point Likert scale. Moreover, a statistical analysis indicates that factors such as reduced costs, improved service reliability, and better environmental sustainability, notably influence the adoption of shared mobility services.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-05-27
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8020056
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 2 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 57: Measuring the Effects of an
Anti-Food-Waste Digital Application from the Operators’ Perspective
in Urban Contexts
Authors: Alexandra Lagorio, Giulio Mangano
First page: 57
Abstract: This paper presents an empirical study focused on the use of TooGoodToGo smartphone applications by urban food retailers and HoReCa sector owners, evaluating their satisfaction levels with using this app and identifying the most relevant business levers that might convince other operators to adopt anti-waste programs and more sustainable behaviors. To this end, a survey questionnaire is administered to a sample of respondents. Data are statistically analyzed using the Kruskal–Wallis test to consider the different perspectives of the identified subsamples. The results reveal that business operators claim to have a high level of satisfaction with exploiting the service provided by the app and that it is a lever for increasing the number of customers served, even if there is not a high positive effect on revenue. However, retailers with more years of operations, who can be considered more experienced, can better exploit the opportunities of the TGTG business. This study contributes to a better understanding of the benefits of using web application services to decrease waste from urban food retailers. Consequently, levers for convincing new operators to adopt the service and their role in increasing customer awareness are identified and discussed.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-05-28
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8020057
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 2 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 58: Identifying the Impact Factors on the
Land Market in Nepal from Land Use Regulation
Authors: Nab Raj Subedi, Kevin McDougall, Dev Raj Paudyal
First page: 58
Abstract: Measuring the impact of land use regulation on the land market involves identifying and classifying relevant impact factors related to the land market. The objective of this study was to identify land market impact factors in the context of the introduction of land use regulation in Nepal. Through a combination of desktop review and the incorporation of stakeholder perspectives, the paper presents a new approach for determining land market impact factors due to land use regulation where both generic and country issues are considered. A desktop review was carried out to identify a preliminary set of impact factors, which were reclassified through intuitive analysis based on the degree of thematic closeness. Perspective-based impact factors were identified through the qualitative analysis of primary data collected through semi-structured interviews with the Nepalese land market stakeholders. These independently derived impact factors were compared with the desktop literature review impact factors, resulting in 14 land market impact factors across four dimensions, including transaction cost, valuation, mortgage availability, taxation, and compensation across the economic dimension; lot size, subdivision restrictions, and coordination across the institutional dimension; awareness, expectation, and proximity across the social dimension; and risk reduction, quality of residential land, and suitability of zoning classification across the environmental dimension. There was significant overlap and commonality across factors identified from both the literature review and semi-structured interviews. The land market impact factors determined in this study may be adapted and generalized across other countries and could be utilized to better understand the impacts of land policy decisions on urban planning and development. Further research is recommended on the process to operationalize the use of these factors to quantify the impact of land use regulation on different land markets.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-05-28
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8020058
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 2 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 59: Utilizing Mobility Data to Investigate
Seasonal Hourly Visiting Behavior for Downtown Parks in Dallas
Authors: Yang Song, Zipeng Guo, Ruiqi Yang, Na Wang
First page: 59
Abstract: Urban parks serve as vital spaces for leisure, social interaction, and nature engagement. At the same time, climate change disproportionately impacts densely populated megacities. While extensive research exists on climate change’s effects on mortality, agriculture, and economic activities, less is known about its impact on urban park usage. Understanding their temporal usage and how temperature changes affect park visitation is crucial for maximizing park benefits and building resiliency. This study analyzes long-term, hourly park visitation data on Dallas, Texas, using digital trace data from SafeGraph (San Francisco, CA, USA), which covers mobile records from approximately 10% of U.S. devices. We focus on five established parks in Dallas and examine their historical temperature data from 2018 to 2022. Descriptive statistics and scatter graphs are utilized to analyze temperature- and demographic-specific visitation patterns. The results of the study highlight the impact of climate change on park visitation and reveal how extreme temperatures influence visitation patterns across parks in Dallas. Additionally, this study explores the differences in visitation based on weekdays versus weekends and highlights demographic disparities. Notably, we examine the implications of nighttime park usage during extreme heat conditions. Our work is informative for urban planners seeking to improve park facilities and comfort amid climate change, ultimately enhancing the resilience and well-being of urban communities.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-05-30
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8020059
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 2 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 60: Does Shrinking Population in Small Towns
Equal Economic and Social Decline' A Romanian Perspective
Authors: Cristiana Vîlcea, Liliana Popescu, Alin Clincea
First page: 60
Abstract: Sustainable development has been a global concern worldwide for the last decades now, but only recently have the challenges faced by small towns, especially in regions experiencing population contraction been addressed. (1) Background: This article delves into the case of Romania, a country in Eastern Europe that has witnessed significant demographic, social and economic changes in recent decades. Population contraction in small towns can significantly impact their future development. (2) Methods: The research was conducted in three stages: first, we selected relevant demographic, economic, financial and social indices (16 in total), then we analysed their changes over time, and forecast their values based on statistical data to assess economic development sustainability for 215 small towns with less than 20,000 inhabitants. (3) Results: Following the aggregation of the quantitative indicators and the demographic changes, we identified four categories of small towns. (4) Conclusions: the study underlines the importance of adopting proper policies targeting small towns in Romania to ensure their long-term viability by implementing targeted policies and strategies such as incentives for local businesses, improving educational and healthcare facilities, and promoting entrepreneurship. The ultimate goal is to mitigate the adverse effects of population contraction and pave the way for more sustainable and resilient communities.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-05-30
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8020060
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 2 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 61: Innovative Approach to Promoting
Walkability in Lisbon
Authors: Jorge T. Ribeiro, Alexandra R. Vieira, Susana Rosado, Francisco Serdoura
First page: 61
Abstract: The increases in both the elderly population and urbanization present new problems for planning new cities and managing old cities. To solve this challenge, innovative ideas/proposals that encourage walkability and reduce fossil energy motor transport are needed, in line with the actions advocated by Sustainable Development Goal #11 (SDG11), Sustainable Cities and Communities. Opening passages that cross blocks, creating connections between the streets, is the proposal discussed in this paper, as seen in cities like Paris, Prague, Milan, and Juíz de Fora, which have passages in their urban fabric. These can be implemented in a building’s rehabilitation or when a new building replaces it. New architectural project designs should have several characteristics that promote walkability in the city, including passages and galleries. Although previous research has obtained promising results, extending the research to different urban fabrics and block sizes is needed. Using space syntax and data analysis, we simulated and quantitatively assessed the walkability of three neighborhoods in Lisbon, Portugal. The comparison of all simulations and the discussion of the results show that the passages improve walkability. It is also noticeable that there is higher walkability in orthogonal urban fabrics than in non-orthogonal fabrics. The results for block size are inconclusive.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-06-01
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8020061
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 2 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 62: Introducing a Scale for Measuring
Attachment to Urban Green
Authors: Daniela Haluza, Ina Meyer, Anke Strüver, Andreas Exner
First page: 62
Abstract: Urban green contributes to enhanced well-being and overall quality of life in urban populations. The concept of place attachment provides an established avenue for exploring the intricate connections between urban environments and personal experiences. Building on the notion of place attachment, we investigated the perceptions of horizontal and vertical urban green by introducing a novel Urban Green Attachment (UGA) scale. A cross-sectional study using an online survey in German, measuring emotional, cognitive, and behavioral relations to urban vegetation, was conducted among 164 adult inhabitants of the Volkert quarter in Vienna, Austria. Using principal component analysis, we found that the UGA scale was a reliable measure of attachment to urban green, with ten items within the “attachment” factor. Study participants highly valued vertical green, but did not differentiate their attachment to it from horizontal greenery within the specific local context and by design of the measures we used. Thus, further studies and ethnographic investigations, preferentially accompanied by methods such as walking interviews, are needed to test the scale for other populations and settings. The UGA scale emerges as a valuable tool for advancing understanding in this critical area, given the current climate change-driven transformations of cities, building on the creation of green infrastructure.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-06-04
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8020062
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 2 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 63: Improving Green Literacy and
Environmental Culture Associated with Youth Participation in the Circular
Economy: A Case Study of Vietnam
Authors: Phuong Mai Tran, Thuy Nguyen, Huu-Dung Nguyen, Nguyen An Thinh, Nguyen Duc Lam, Nguyen Thi Huyen, Van Quy Khuc
First page: 63
Abstract: The circular economy (CE), a sustainability concept that promotes resource efficiency and waste reduction, has garnered significant popularity in recent years due to its potential to address pressing environmental and economic challenges. This study applies the Bayesian Mindsponge Mindspongeconomics (BMM) framework/analytic method, based on the Bayesian Mindsponge Framework (BMF), to the factors influencing young adults’ pro-environmental behavior and their purchases of green products at different price levels. The findings indicate that young adults who are knowledgeable about the CE and who value environmental protection and energy conservation are more likely to engage in waste sorting, while the factors that affect their willingness to pay (WTP) more for green and energy-saving products vary at different price tiers. This study demonstrates that knowledge of the CE, daily waste sorting habits, and environmental concern positively impact young adults’ WTP for products that are priced 5%, 10%, and 15% higher, respectively. Furthermore, this study also highlights the potential of educational programs and cultural influences in nurturing a generation that prioritizes environmental value. This research integrates multidisciplinary perspectives and offers practical implications for policymakers, educators, and businesses seeking to promote green literacy and foster an environmental culture among the youth, contributing to the broader goals of green transformation and sustainable development associated with the CE and the green economy, especially in the urban areas of emerging countries and beyond.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-06-05
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8020063
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 2 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 64: Determining the Location of Shared
Electric Micro-Mobility Stations in Urban Environment
Authors: Ahmed Jaber, Huthaifa Ashqar, Bálint Csonka
First page: 64
Abstract: Locating shared electric micro-mobility stations in urban environments involves balancing multiple objectives, including accessibility, profitability, sustainability, operational costs, and social considerations. This study investigates traveler preferences regarding shared electric micro-mobility stations, focusing on factors influencing their location decisions. The study used the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) model to analyze the criteria and determine their relative importance in influencing the location decisions of shared electric micro-mobility stations as evaluated by experts in transportation fields. The examined criteria are proximity to public transportation, accessibility to key destinations, demographics (e.g., age, and income), safety, land use, and pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure. Using the AHP model, the importance and ranking of each criterion were established. Results indicate that the availability and quality of sidewalks and bike lanes in the vicinity, along with the proximity to popular destinations like shopping centers and tourist attractions, emerge as the most influential criteria. The least important criteria were the demographics such as the young age percentage in the area and the average income of the surrounding population. These findings underscore the critical importance of well-maintained infrastructure for pedestrian and cyclist mobility, as well as the need for convenient access to high-traffic areas. Such insights provide valuable guidance for informed decision making regarding the optimal placement of shared electric micro-mobility stations.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-06-06
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8020064
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 2 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 65: Toward Resilient Urban Design:
Pedestrians as an Important Element of City Design
Authors: Diego Ros-McDonnell, María Victoria de-la-Fuente-Aragón, Lorenzo Ros-McDonnell, Manuel Cardós
First page: 65
Abstract: Including pedestrians in urban design is vital so that they prefer walking over motorized transport. Motorized mobility, which mainly involves automobiles, has conditioned urban design, pedestrian movement, sustainability, and urban resilience. Studies of walkability in cities have recently been conducted, and they can be classified into those that use a qualitative observer-perception-based approach and a second approach based on the measurement of observable variables. This work aims to develop a tool that allows for walkability in public spaces to be evaluated based on directly observing reality while considering both approaches: those related to perceiving the environment and physical reality. Walking is one of the main ways of moving around and achieving sustainable urban mobility. The conditions of public spaces are fundamental for people in their preference for moving around by walking. A literature review related to walkability revealed that previous works included a variety of viewpoints, scales, tools, variables, and approaches. This study included a developed tool by modeling a definition of working areas, processing walkability data, and determining the Walkability Index (WI). The reliability of the data observed from the walkability variables was verified, and the tool’s usefulness for urban planning was demonstrated. Pedestrian-centered urban design promotes cities’ sustainable mobility, sustainability, and resilience. People’s conduct reveals how the urban environment is perceived. The developed WI evaluates the existing reality and allows for its evolution to be monitored.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-06-07
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8020065
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 2 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 66: Factories of the Future in Digitization
of Industrial Urban Areas
Authors: Nikolai Bolshakov, Alberto Celani, Vladimir Badenko, Rafael Magdalena Benedicto
First page: 66
Abstract: This paper delves into the integration of Factories of the Future (FoF) and digital twin technologies within urban contexts, marking a significant leap in Smart Cities development. We present a thorough exploration of the principles and a scientifically grounded framework designed for seamlessly blending advanced manufacturing systems with the urban environment’s digital and physical aspects. Our detailed analysis has identified core principles crucial for this integration, focusing on interoperability, sustainability, adaptability, stakeholder collaboration, and strong data governance. We propose a structured framework that puts these principles into action, outlining strategic routes for incorporating digital twin and Building Information Modeling (BIM) technologies into FoF, establishing public-private partnerships, enhancing education and workforce development, and setting up mechanisms for ongoing evaluation and enhancement. The potential of this integration to transform urban development is vast, providing a model for boosting operational efficiency, driving economic growth, and enhancing urban livability. Although challenges exist in realizing this vision, our research offers practical insights and strategies for cities and industries to effectively navigate the complexities of the digital era. This contribution enriches the growing field of urban science, advocating for a harmonious integration of industrial production with urban development in the Smart Cities framework.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-06-11
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8020066
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 2 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 67: A Systematic Assessment of Greening
Interventions for Developing Best Practices for Urban Heat
Mitigation—The Case of Huế, Vietnam
Authors: Sebastian Scheuer, Luca Sumfleth, Long Dac Hoang Nguyen, Ylan Vo, Thi Binh Minh Hoang, Jessica Jache
First page: 67
Abstract: The health of urban populations is increasingly at risk due to the amplification and chronification of urban heat stress by climate change. This is particularly true for urban environments in humid tropical climates, including many cities in Southeast Asia. It is also in these locations where increasing climatic risks may be exacerbated by urban growth, underscoring the need to develop effective mitigation strategies for strengthening urban resilience and supporting climate change adaptation. Conservation and widespread implementation of green infrastructure (GI) are regarded as one means to counter heat as a public health threat. However, for lower-income countries across Southeast Asia, such as Vietnam, knowledge gaps remain with respect to the effectiveness of greening interventions for heat mitigation. To address this gap, in the context of urban expansion in the humid tropical city of Huế, Vietnam, diurnal cooling potential and regulation of outdoor thermal comfort (OTC) within a wide, shallow street canyon were systematically assessed for selected elements of GI along a quantitative and qualitative dimension using ENVI-met. Tree-based interventions were found to be most effective, potentially decreasing UTCI by −1.9 K at the domain level. Although lower in magnitude, green verges and green facades were also found to contribute to OTC, with green verges decreasing UTCI by up to −1.7 K and green facades by up to −1.4 K locally. Potential synergistic cooling impacts were identified through a combination of GI elements. However, no scenario was found to decrease heat stress to zero or moderate levels. Substantially reducing heat stress may thus require further measures and a closer consideration of local morphological characteristics.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-06-13
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8020067
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 2 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 68: Emerging Residential Trends within
Socially Heterogeneous Settings: The Case of Jabal Al-Hussein Amman
Authors: Lubna Alawneh, Maram Tawil, Katrin Bäumer, Christa Reicher
First page: 68
Abstract: This research focuses on the residential patterns that were traced in Amman in the last decades due to the constant influx of migrants. Therefore, mapping the residential patterns that are emerging was seen important to understand the morphology of the area. A mixed-methods approach was used to identify the typologies emerging into the setting. New residential patterns that called for new strategic thinking were captured and analyzed. Enhancing the new image of “celebrated character” that urges new perception of heterogeneous communities and attracting more sustainable residential attributes towards the neighborhood were the two main outcomes of the study.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-06-13
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8020068
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 2 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 69: Exploring Community Readiness to Adopt
Mobility as a Service (MaaS) Scheme in the City of Thessaloniki
Authors: Panagiota Mavrogenidou, Apostolos Papagiannakis
First page: 69
Abstract: Mobility as a Service (MaaS) is a new mobility solution that brings together different modes of transportation, such as car-sharing, public transport, taxis, and bicycles, to create personalized service packages for commuters. The present study aims to identify key factors affecting the adoption of a Mobility as a Service system, and to explore the extent to which a local community is ready to accept the implementation of MaaS. The case study investigates the city of Thessaloniki, which is the second largest urban agglomeration in Greece. This study applies a triangulation approach by combining quantitative and qualitative analysis, providing a comprehensive understanding of the opportunities and the challenges arising with the implementation of a MaaS system in the city of Thessaloniki. Furthermore, the utilization of MaaS as a tool for vulnerable people, a crucial aspect that has not been analyzed properly in the existing literature, is examined. A quantitative survey analysis was conducted, inferential statistics were applied, and a binary logistic regression model was developed to determine the significant characteristics that most affect citizens’ willingness to use a MaaS system. In addition, stakeholders were interviewed to examine their readiness to promote and collaborate for the development of a MaaS system. Results showed that age, driving license, daily time spent on urban trips, the frequency of commuting as car passenger or by public transport (PT), previous usage of a MaaS system, and the number of family members seem to be the most influential factors of citizens’ choice to adopt MaaS. For stakeholders, the quality of service provided, and the user friendliness of the system are necessary prerequisites. The findings reveal that the views of residents and stakeholders provide some positive foundations for the development of a MaaS system in the city.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-06-17
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8020069
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 2 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 70: Impact of Neighborhood Urban Morphologies
on Walkability Using Spatial Multi-Criteria Analysis
Authors: Sara Ibrahim, Ahmed Younes, Shahira Assem Abdel-Razek
First page: 70
Abstract: With the increase in car domination, air pollution, traffic congestion, and urban sprawl, sustainable, livable, creative, and walkable cities are critical, now more than ever, for improving quality of life. The effect of neighborhood urban morphologies on walkability has received much attention in recent years. In this vein, the main research question is: how do different neighborhood urban morphologies impact the level of walkability in urban environments, and what are the essential elements impacting the walkability index' Thus, this research aims to determine the impact of urban morphology on walkability in the city of Alexandria, Egypt, as a case study by utilizing multi-spatial analysis. In particular, the study focused on assessing the walkability of four different study areas that vary according to their urban morphology: Kafr–Abdo, Smouha, Latin Quarter, and Roushdy areas. The analysis utilized GIS to calculate a number of indicators to reach the final walkability index for each study area. Results helped to identify the neighborhoods characterized by the lowest level of pedestrian walkability in relation to the area’s urban morphology in an attempt to help decision-makers suggest the appropriate interventions for those areas. The aggregated index results showed that the highest walkability index was that of the gridiron morphology, followed by the linear morphology, with the radial and organic morphologies coming in behind them, respectively. The composite walkability index values were 0.364, 0.247, 0.232 and 0.225, respectively. The reason for this is mainly the presence of the commercial density, intersection density, street density, services density, BCR, and residential density.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-06-17
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8020070
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 2 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 71: Embracing Urban Micromobility: A
Comparative Study of E-Scooter Adoption in Washington, D.C., Miami, and
Los Angeles
Authors: Mostafa Jafarzadehfadaki, Virginia P. Sisiopiku
First page: 71
Abstract: E-scooters have emerged as a popular micromobility option for short trips, with many cities embracing shared e-scooters to enhance convenience for travelers and reduce reliance on automobiles. Despite their rising popularity, there is a lack of clear understanding of how user preferences and adoption practices vary by location. This study aims to explore user and non-user attitudes towards e-scooter use in diverse urban settings. A meta-analysis of data from three surveys (N = 1197) conducted in Washington, D.C., Miami, FL, and Los Angeles, CA, was performed to compare e-scooter users and non-user profiles, mode choice factors, and attitudes and preferences towards e-scooter use. Additionally, machine learning (ML) and SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations) analysis were utilized to identify influential factors in predicting e-scooter use in each city. The results reveal that the majority of e-scooter users are 25 to 39 of age, male, with higher income and a bachelor’s degree, and 92% possess a driver’s license. Significant differences in attitudes between e-scooter users and non-users highlight the complexity of perceptions towards e-scooter usage. The ML model indicates that employment status negatively impacts the prediction of e-scooter users, while factors such as living without a car and using non-motorized modes positively influence e-scooter use. Educational background is a significant e-scooter mode choice factor in Washington, D.C. and Miami, whereas attitudinal questions on car and technology usage are influential in Los Angeles. These findings provide valuable insights into the factors shaping e-scooter adoption, informing urban transportation planning and policymaking and enhancing understanding of shared micromobility and its impact on urban mobility.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-06-18
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8020071
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 2 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 72: The Hidden Connections of Urban Crime: A
Authors: Fernanda C. Ventorim, Vinicius M. Netto
First page: 72
Abstract: Urban crime is a pressing issue in socially unequal regions like Brazil. We investigate the complex relationships between crime, victims, and urban situations in Rio de Janeiro. We analyze the connections between specific types of crime, victim characteristics, and crime locations through complex network analysis. In a large-scale empirical study, we examine 5000 randomly selected crime incidents in Rio between 2007 and 2018. Our analysis reveals a strong association between sex, race, location, and income inequality in the risk of exposure to crime. The results suggest that specific social groups, notably black and brown women, face a higher-than-average vulnerability to particular types of crime in Rio. Our investigation confirms our hypothesis that crime incidents are not random occurrences. Instead, we have discovered meaningful connections between specific types of crime, victim characteristics, and crime locations. These findings indicate a pattern of underlying factors shaping the distribution of crime and vulnerable social groups.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-06-20
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8020072
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 2 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 7: A GIS-Based Emotion Detection Framework
for Multi-Risk Analysis in Urban Settlements
Authors: Barbara Cardone, Ferdinando Di Martino, Vittorio Miraglia
First page: 7
Abstract: The application of sentiment analysis approaches to information flows extracted from the social networks connected to particular critical periods generated by pandemic, climatic and extreme environmental phenomena allow the decision maker to detect the emotional states of citizens and to determine which areas are most at risk and require specific resilient adaptation interventions. Of particular relevance today is the need to analyze the multiple risks generated by extreme phenomena in urban settlements in order for the decision maker to identify which areas are most at risk and prepare resilient intervention plans with respect to all the phenomena analyzed. In recent years, the COVID 19 pandemic emergency has forced citizens to undergo specific restrictions to protect their health; to these were added critical issues due to the occurrence of extreme climatic or environmental phenomena. In order to monitor pandemic and climate/environmental multi-risks in urban settlements, we propose a GIS-based framework in which an emotion detection method is applied to determine the prevailing emotional categories in urban study areas during pandemic periods and in the presence of extreme climatic phenomena. The framework was tested on a study area based in the six districts of the city of Bologna (Italy) in order to detect, based on the emotions expressed on social channels, which were the most critical city neighborhoods in pandemic periods and in the presence of extreme heat wave climatic events. The results show that the proposed model can represent a valid tool to support decision makers in identifying the most critical urban areas in the presence of pandemic and climate/environmental multi-risks.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-01-15
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8010007
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 1 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 8: Monitoring Net Land Take in a Metropolitan
Region—Portugal
Authors: Rita Nicolau, Beatriz Condessa
First page: 8
Abstract: This study seeks to contribute to the definition of a “no net land take” policy by 2050 for Portugal’s second-largest metropolitan region (AMP, Porto Metropolitan Area) while sensitising those involved in regional and local planning to the European target. Based on an assessment of land use changes in AMP and its municipalities during 2007–2018, soil sealing levels in 2018 and population evolution, the study quantifies the processes that may impart achievement of the 2050 objective and identifies the regional drivers of net land take, to support the definition of both interventions to decrease land take and soil sealing and related targets. The main contribution of the research is the exploration of new indicators in terms of soil sealing and population data to identify the potential for implementing interventions proposed by the EU Soil Strategy that do not jeopardise the maintenance of biodiversity in urban areas. The land take rate in the AMP was the highest among mainland Portugal regions. Its main drivers were the development of transport networks, industrial and commercial units and dispersed housing. The reuse and re-naturalisation of artificial land have seen little use in the region. Accordingly, the daily net land taken in the AMP (0.59 ha/day) still needs to decrease until 2050. While artificial land increased across the AMP, most of its municipalities lost population. To reverse this trend, the AMP should implement tighter control mechanisms that ensure that infrastructure and housing needs are fully met through the reuse of urban areas that are already sealed. However, given that the share of impermeable soil in most urban areas is already significantly high, there will have to be a careful choice of locations where intensifying land use will cause less environmental damage. It is concluded that the degree of soil sealing within urban areas is fundamental for deciding on the interventions to be carried out to reduce net land take and for defining a policy towards meeting the 2050 target.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-01-18
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8010008
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 1 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 9: Strategies for Co-Creation and
Co-Governance in Urban Contexts: Building Trust in Local Communities with
Limited Social Structures
Authors: Sean Bradley, Israa H. Mahmoud
First page: 9
Abstract: Over the last few years, community empowerment has become a central focus when discussing the sustainability of large-scale urban regeneration processes, especially those related to the implementation of nature-based solutions. In this article, the authors describe the experience of the CLEVER Cities project in the city of London, by looking at the dynamics of the early stages of co-creation and the implications on co-governance, motivation and policy. Particular attention is given to the importance of carefully evaluating the project context to guide where emphasis is given on the use of specific co-creation strategies such as building trust, raising awareness or networking. In this case, a set of strategies emerge that are a response to several factors but are strongly influenced by the backdrop of limited social structuring encountered in South Thamesmead, South London. The methods are derived based on a qualitative and looped observation approach over three phases applied to three urban living labs in the project area. Finally, to structure the results, an iterative co-production of knowledge approach is used to cluster the strategies into ten more synthetic recommendations based on collaborative governance, communication and capacity building, as well as incentives and motivation. Further, guidance is given by highlighting priorities to inform policy and place-based planning actions.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-01-25
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8010009
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 1 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 10: Analysis of the Barriers to Smart City
Development Using DEMATEL
Authors: Anas A. Makki, Ammar Y. Alqahtani
First page: 10
Abstract: This study analyzes the barriers to developing smart cities (SCs) using the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) approach. The primary objective is to identify, classify, and assess the main barriers hindering the progress of SCs. Through an extensive literature review, twelve main barriers were identified. The DEMATEL approach models and analyzes the relationships among these barriers based on expert input. The results reveal that technical problems, a lack of infrastructure, and high costs are classified as cause barriers. Security and privacy concerns and the absence of coordinated planning are classified as effect barriers. This study emphasizes the need for established criteria and iterative development requirements. Although the influence of knowledge and skills gaps and a lack of awareness is less significant, these aspects still require attention. The findings suggest that a comprehensive approach focusing on technical solutions, infrastructure development, strategic planning, and cybersecurity measures can effectively overcome barriers. Regular evaluation of barrier dynamics is crucial for implementing adaptive measures. The results provide decision-makers with a valuable model to address the challenges and foster the efforts of SC stakeholders.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-02-01
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8010010
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 1 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 11: Assessing Peri-Urbanisation and Urban
Transitions between 2010 and 2020 in Ho Chi Minh City using an Urban
Structure Type Approach
Authors: Nigel K. Downes, Harry Storch, Pham Quoc Viet, Nguyen Kieu Diem, Le Canh Dinh
First page: 11
Abstract: This paper contributes to the understanding of the recent urban development of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Previous studies have aimed at quantifying the city’s spatial growth yet have disregarded its inherent morphological and socio-economic heterogeneity. To overcome this knowledge gap, we employ an urban structure type approach for the spatially explicit quantification of urbanisation patterns for the period 2010–⁠2020, categorising 77,000 blocks across the entire administrative area of 2095 km2. The approach allows us to understand the basic underlying processes of urbanisation, both quantitatively and qualitatively, and the main growth corridors along the rural–urban gradient. By contextualizing and combining our findings within current literature and official planning reports, we discern between traditional urban growth and the contemporary new town development patterns, highlighting their driving forces and policy implications. Incremental plot-by-plot development along the northwest development corridor is observed as the principal mode of urban development, whilst bypass urbanisation is seen along both the eastern and southern development corridors. Our block-based results highlight the city’s key growth challenges and provide insights on a scale that is meaningful for official spatial and infrastructure planning, and periodic analysis and monitoring. As far as the authors are aware, this is the first time that an urban structure type approach was applied to understand the rapid urban growth dynamics of an emerging megacity in Southeast Asia.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-02-01
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8010011
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 1 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 12: The Needs and Requirements of People with
Disabilities for Frequent Movement in Cities: Insights from Qualitative
and Quantitative Data of the TRIPS Project
Authors: Tally Hatzakis, Laura Alčiauskaitė, Alexandra König
First page: 12
Abstract: Moving is an indispensable component of travelling. This paper discusses the experiences of persons with disabilities when moving around cities on foot or wheels, based on research conducted during the EU-funded project TRIPS. Findings comprise participants’ vignettes from 49 interviews in seven European cities, views on smart assistive technologies (e.g., Augmented Reality) from a pan-European quantitative survey, and design concepts related to walking based on a co-creation workshop that actively engaged persons with various types of disabilities in ideation. Findings suggest that people need reliable and clear wayfaring information on accessible travel routes featuring the coordinated design of streets, pavement, stops, stations, and vehicles to ensure seamless, step-free, and obstacle-free access, as well as disability-sensitive management of disruptions such as maintenance works, for example. Findings also suggest that users are open to using any assistive technology that can enable them to live more independently, assuming it is accessible, and are keen to co-innovate. Finally, we make recommendations for policy changes that can facilitate the redesign of urban infrastructure to make cities more accessible for people with disabilities and drive structural changes in urban planning.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-02-01
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8010012
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 1 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 13: Investigating Noise Mapping in Cities to
Associate Noise Levels with Sources of Noise Using Crowdsourcing
Applications
Authors: Esraa Othman, Iva Cibilić, Vesna Poslončec-Petrić, Dina Saadallah
First page: 13
Abstract: Environmental noise is a major environmental concern in metropolitan cities. The rapid social and economic growth in the 20th century is not always accompanied by adequate land planning and environmental management measures. As a consequence of rapid urbanization processes, cities are facing an increase in noise pollution. Noise is being recognized as a serious environmental problem and one which must be accounted for in a sustained development policy designed to improve the quality of life for citizens. Therefore, the monitoring of noise is a crucial aspect of urban planning to allow urban planners to create harmonious and livable environments for communities worldwide. This research aims at assessing the noise levels and associated sources of noise in downtown areas through the involvement of crowdsourcing techniques. The incorporation of noise mapping and increased public awareness are achieved by a framework that enables a comparative scheme between two cities: Alexandria, Egypt and Zagreb, Croatia. The methodology depends on combining crowdsourcing techniques using mobile applications and geographic information system (GIS) tools to detect and analyze noise. Finally, this research provides a comparison between the two cities using the adopted methodology and introduces recommendations to enhance urban planning decisions.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-02-02
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8010013
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 1 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 14: Assessing the Connectivity of Urban Green
Spaces for Enhanced Environmental Justice and Ecosystem Service Flow: A
Study of Tehran Using Graph Theory and Least-Cost Analysis
Authors: Seyed Ali Alavi, Saeed Esfandi, Amir Reza Khavarian-Garmsir, Safiyeh Tayebi, Aliakbar Shamsipour, Ayyoob Sharifi
First page: 14
Abstract: This research aims to analyze the relationship between environmental justice and urban green space connectivity in Tehran, Iran. The evaluation of green space connectivity in this study is conducted through two distinct cost layers: one aimed at enhancing existing connections and another focused on establishing new green spaces. Key factors influencing connectivity, extracted from the relevant literature, were identified to facilitate this analysis. Employing graph theory and least-cost analysis, the results determined critical resistance factors, current connectivity and cost status, the varying degrees to which different districts benefit from green space ecosystem services, and the most effective routes for establishing green corridors. Research findings highlight significant disparities in access to these services, particularly in the underserved central districts of Tehran. Moreover, spatial analysis reveals a higher potential for enhancing east–west ecosystem service corridors due to the higher density of green hubs and lower costs in this orientation, while north–south connectivity faces more challenges. By exploring land use/land cover, and physical and socio-economic factors affecting urban green space connectivity, this study provides urban and environmental planners with a novel methodology and comprehensive insights for effective decision making, resource allocation, and land use planning.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-02-05
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8010014
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 1 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 15: Hemeroby Mapping of the Belém
Landscape in Eastern Amazon and Impact Study of Urbanization on the Local
Climate
Authors: Leonardo Seabra Furtado, Raimundo Vitor Santos Pereira, Everaldo Barreiros de Souza
First page: 15
Abstract: This work contributes to the studies on landscape mapping induced by human pressure directly related to the urbanization process, whose approach is based on the concept of hemeroby adapted to the metropolitan area of Belém in the eastern Amazon. The mapping results using 1985 and 2021 Landsat satellite data indicated that the artificial coverage characterized as medium to the high urban system (polyhemerobic and metahemerobic degrees) has increased by almost 17% toward northern districts and Outeiro/Mosqueiro islands, while the natural vegetation cover suppression (ahemerobic degree) was around 11%. In addition, we investigated the impacts of urban expansion on seasonal (WET from January to April and DRY from July to November) surface air temperature (minimum TN and maximum TX) patterns. From statistical comparisons between 18-year samples (2004/2021 to 1985/2002), we find evidence of a current significantly warmer climate, with a notable indication of higher surface temperature over densely urbanized areas compared to lower values over natural areas. In the TX climatology, particularly for the DRY regime, we identified a pattern similar to the classic heat island model with concentric isotherms reaching a maximum center over the more urbanized continental region of Belém and a thermal decrease at the edges. Therefore, the findings of this work are convincing that Belém already faces the direct impacts of urbanization on the local climate, so it is crucial to develop government strategies aimed at taking action to mitigate socioenvironmental risks and threats to the well-being of urban populations.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-02-09
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8010015
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 1 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 16: Creativity and Innovation in Civic Spaces
Supported by Cognitive Flexibility When Learning with AI Chatbots in Smart
Cities
Authors: Sarah A. Chauncey, H. Patricia McKenna
First page: 16
Abstract: The purpose of this study is to advance conceptual understandings of the cognitive flexibility construct, in support of creativity and innovation in smart city civic spaces, employing the use of large language model artificial intelligence chatbots such as ChatGPT. Based on a review of the research and practice literature, this study formulates a conceptual framework for cognitive flexibility in support of creativity and innovation in AI environments, adaptable to smart cities. A research design is used that employs AI as a design material, in combination with a topical inquiry involving boundary setting and perspective taking, to co-pilot an exploration with ChatGPT-3.5/4. This study operationalizes the framework for applications to learning approaches, addressing flexibility and inclusivity in smart city spaces and regions. With the rapid evolving of chatbot technologies, ChatGPT-4 is used in the exploration of a speculative real-world urban example. This work is significant in that AI chatbots are explored for application in urban spaces involving creative ideation, iteration, engagement, and cognitive flexibility; future directions for exploration are identified pertaining to ethical and civil discourse in smart cities and learning cities, as well as the notion that AI chatbots and GPTs (generative pre-trained transformers) may become a zeitgeist for understanding and learning in smart cities.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-02-16
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8010016
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 1 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 17: Navigating Efficiency and Uncertainty:
Risks of Relying on an At-Will Workforce in Urban Meal Delivery
Authors: Weiwen Zhou, Elise Miller-Hooks, Sagar Sahasrabudhe
First page: 17
Abstract: Increasing popularity in gig employment has enabled the use of an at-will workforce of self-contracted couriers to participate in many service industries serving urban areas. This gig workforce has come to play a particularly important role in the growing meal delivery service industry. Hiring at-will couriers for delivery job fulfillment can decrease the costs of satisfying nonstationary demand. However, at-will workers can show up for work at their will and without notice. Thus, this puts the service performance of the delivery company that relies on effective workforce management to ensure timely delivery of orders at risk. This work investigates the tradeoffs between using such an at-will workforce of couriers in place of a fixed fleet of drivers in servicing a meal delivery environment. A stochastic DES with tabu search heuristic and embedded ejection chain approach for optimal delivery job bundling, routing, and assignment was developed and run within a rolling horizon framework to replicate the dynamics of the meal delivery setting. Condition Value at Risk (CVaR) is adopted to measure the risk of late delivery due to uncertainty in workforce availability. Results from a numerical case study with 25 restaurants and 613 orders arriving over a 14-h period show tradeoffs from using at-will couriers in place of a comparable fixed fleet of drivers in terms of delivery resource utilization, efficiency risk of failing to satisfying orders and risk of significantly late delivery. Results indicate that using at-will couriers for meal delivery can enable more efficient use of delivery resources, but at the cost of a higher risk of late delivery, and sometimes intolerably late delivery, as compared to using a fixed fleet of drivers to fulfill orders.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-02-22
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8010017
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 1 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 18: A Global Estimate of the Size and
Location of Informal Settlements
Authors: Anthony Boanada-Fuchs, Monika Kuffer, Jota Samper
First page: 18
Abstract: Slums are a structural feature of urbanization, and shifting urbanization trends underline their significance for the cities of tomorrow. Despite their importance, data and knowledge on slums are very limited. In consideration of the current data landscape, it is not possible to answer one of the most essential questions: Where are slums located' The goal of this study is to provide a more nuanced understanding of the geography of slums and their growth trajectories. The methods rely on the combination of different datasets (city-level slum maps, world cities, global human settlements layer, Atlas of Informality). Slum data from city-level maps form the backbone of this research and are made compatible by differentiating between the municipal area, the urbanized area, and the area beyond. This study quantifies the location of slums in 30 cities, and our findings show that only half of all slums are located within the administrative borders of cities. Spatial growth has also shifted outwards. However, this phenomenon is very different in different regions of the world; the municipality captures less than half of all slums in Africa and the Middle East but almost two-thirds of all slums in cities of South Asia. These insights are used to estimate land requirements within the Sustainable Development Goals time frame. In 2015, almost one billion slum residents occupied a land area as large as twice the size of the country of Portugal. The estimated 380 million residents to be added up to 2030 will need land equivalent to the size of the country of Egypt. This land will be added to cities mainly outside their administrative borders. Insights are provided on how this land demand differs within cities and between world regions. Such novel insights are highly relevant to the policy actions needed to achieve Target 11.1 of the Sustainable Development Goals (“by 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services, and upgrade slums”) as interventions targeted at slums or informal settlements are strongly linked to political and administrative boundaries. More research is needed to draw attention to the urban expansion of cities and the role of slums and informal settlements.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-03-05
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8010018
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 1 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 19: The Role of GIS Data Post-Processing in
the Environmental Assessment: The Case of Umbria, Italy
Authors: Valeria Placidi, Michele Cenci, Francesco Castellani, Marta Falasca
First page: 19
Abstract: The increasingly complex dynamics of urban planning require an innovative approach to land use suitability analyses and environmental assessments. Traditionally, these disciplines have provided a critical foundation for sustainable urban development, but the current acceleration of change requires renewed attention to technology and innovation. The integration of advanced territorial data is emerging as a key element to enrich the analysis and mapping of the landscape. This type of data allows for an updated and objective view of reality, providing urban planners and decision makers with a dynamic tool to quickly adapt to evolving urban needs. The use of new technologies increases the accuracy and effectiveness of these analyses, enabling more efficient and sustainable urban planning. This article explores how innovation and technology are transforming the field of land use suitability analyses and environmental assessments and provides real-life examples of how advanced territorial data can be used to model the landscape more accurately in the case of Umbria, a region in Italy characterised by a rich cultural history and picturesque landscapes. Umbria, with its unique geography and delicate environmental balance, provides a fertile ground for exploring how the implementation of territorial databases can contribute to the responsible management of industrial activities. This case study represents an important first step in applying a QGIS and Python geoprocessing approach to these issues. The methodology starts with the creation of territorial data and includes a post-processing phase using Python. This integrated approach not only provides an updated and objective view of the landscape but also represents the first instance in the literature of a study applied to such a small and environmentally rich region as Umbria.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-03-12
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8010019
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 1 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 20: Cartographic Resources for Equitable
University–Community Interaction in Slum Areas
Authors: Marbrisa N. R. das Virgens, Patricia L. Brito, Ricardo Lustosa, Julio Pedrassoli, Philipp Ulbrich, João Porto de Albuquerque, Marcos Rodrigo Ferreira, Fernando G. Severo, Alessandra da S. Figueiredo, Marcel Fantin, Hussein Khalil, Federico Costa
First page: 20
Abstract: Cartographic resources play a crucial role in facilitating communication across various sectors, including research projects focused on low-income communities. Despite this, some researchers still adhere to colonialist and exploitative approaches. This study aims to promote equitable university–community interaction though cartographic resources, aid academic and vulnerable community users in choosing a better platform for their work, and provide insights to developers for improving the platforms to better serve the user profiles of community members. To achieve this, we examined the use of cartographic resources in five projects within low-income communities (commonly referred to as favelas or so-called “slums”) in three Brazilian cities, all guided by equitable principles. The study unfolds in four stages: (i) data collection from documents and interviews; (ii) systematization into seven analytical categories—cartographic resources, data, personnel, processes, equipment, general objectives, and specific objectives; (iii) analysis of eight cartographic resources; and (iv) a critical examination of the outcomes. The synthesis of the collected information identified 65 characteristics/demands, with 17 common to all projects, including vector feature creation, thematic map design, printed map usage, and satellite imagery. We also identified 53 geographic information system (GIS) functionalities required for the projects, predominantly related to vector data generation and editing. The outcomes demonstrate the benefits of project methodologies, contributing to a decolonial university–community praxis. Additionally, they underscore the potential of digital cartographic resources, functioning not solely as data collection tools but also as powerful instruments that empower slum residents to advocate for improvements and foster local development.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-03-14
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8010020
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 1 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 21: The Contribution of Open Source Software
in Identifying Environmental Crimes Caused by Illicit Waste Management in
Urban Areas
Authors: Carmine Massarelli, Vito Felice Uricchio
First page: 21
Abstract: This study focuses on the analysis, implementation and integration of techniques and methods, also based on mathematical algorithms and artificial intelligence (AI), to acquire knowledge of some phenomena that produce pollution with an impact on environmental health, and which start from illicit practices that occur in urban areas. In many urban areas (or agroecosystems), the practice of illegal waste disposing by commercial activities, by abandoning it in the countryside rather than spending economic resources to ensure correct disposal, is widespread. This causes an accumulation of waste in these areas (which can also be protected natural areas), which are then also set on fire to reduce their volume. Obviously, the repercussions of such actions are many. The burning of waste releases contaminants into the environment such as dioxins, polychlorinated biphenyls and furans, and deposits other elements on the soil, such as heavy metals, which, by leaching and percolating, contaminate water resources such as rivers and aquifers. The main objective is the design and implementation of monitoring programs against specific illicit activities that take into account territorial peculiarities. This advanced approach leverages AI and GIS environments to interpret environmental states, providing an understanding of ongoing phenomena. The methodology used is based on the implementation of mathematical and AI algorithms, integrated into a GIS environment to address even large-scale environmental issues, improving the spatial and temporal precision of the analyses and allowing the customization of monitoring programs in urban and peri-urban environments based on territorial characteristics. The results of the application of the methodology show the percentages of the different types of waste found in the agroecosystems of the study area and the degree of concentration, allowing the identification of similar areas with greater criticality. Subsequently, through network and nearest neighbour analysis, it is possible to start targeted checks.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-03-19
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8010021
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 1 (2024)
- Urban Science, Vol. 8, Pages 22: The Inter-Relationships of Territorial
Quality of Life with Residential Expansion and Densification: A Case Study
of Regions in EU Member Countries
Authors: Eda Ustaoglu, Brendan Williams
First page: 22
Abstract: High-density urban development is promoted by both global and local policies in response to socio-economic and environmental challenges since it increases mobility of different land uses, decreases the need for traveling, encourages the use of more energy-efficient buildings and modes of transportation, and permits the sharing of scarce urban amenities. It is therefore argued that increased density and mixed-use development are expected to deliver positive outcomes in terms of contributing to three pillars (social, economic, and environmental domains) of sustainability in the subject themes. Territorial quality of life (TQL)—initially proposed by the ESPON Programme—is a composite indicator of the socio-economic and environmental well-being and life satisfaction of individuals living in an area. Understanding the role of urban density in TQL can provide an important input for urban planning debates addressing whether compact development can be promoted by referring to potential efficiencies in high-density, mixed land use and sustainable transport provisions. Alternatively, low-density suburban development is preferable due to its benefits of high per capita land use consumption (larger houses) for individual households given lower land prices. There is little empirical evidence on how TQL is shaped by high-density versus low-density urban forms. This paper investigates this topic through providing an approach to spatially map and examine the relationship between TQL, residential expansion, and densification processes in the so-called NUTS2 (nomenclature of terrestrial units for statistics) regions of European Union (EU) member countries. The relative importance of each TQL indicator was determined through the entropy weight method, where these indicators were aggregated through using the subject weights to obtain the overall TQL indicator. The spatial dynamics of TQL were examined and its relationship with residential expansion and densification processes was analysed to uncover whether the former or the latter process is positively associated with the TQL indicator within our study area. From our regression models, the residential expansion index is negatively related to the TQL indicator, implying that high levels of residential expansion can result in a reduction in overall quality of life in the regions if they are not supported by associated infrastructure and facility investments.
Citation: Urban Science
PubDate: 2024-03-19
DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8010022
Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 1 (2024)
