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We detected high titers of cross-reactive neuraminidase inhibition antibodies to influenza A(H5N1) virus clade 2.3.4.4b in 96.8% (61/63) of serum samples from healthy adults in Hong Kong in 2020. In contrast, antibodies at low titers were detected in 42% (21/50) of serum samples collected in 2009. Influenza A(H1N1) pdm09 and A(H5N1) titers were correlated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Urban parks provide essential outdoor recreation space, especially for high-density cities. This study evaluated the park-visiting activity profiles of residents to inform the planning and design of community-relevant parks. The visiting and activity patterns of 465 Hong Kong adult residents were collected using a structured questionnaire. The correlations of visiting and activity patterns of the different socio-demographic groups were analyzed. Varying features of visiting and activity patterns were observed for different socio-demographic groups. Older patrons visited parks intensively for nature-enjoyment activities and had shorter travel if intended for social and physical-exercise activities. The middle-aged respondents with children mainly conducted family based recreation, visited parks more frequently, and traveled farther. The young adults reported lower patronage, but the visit frequency increased with the engagement level in outdoor and physical-exercise activities. The homemakers reported a high visit frequency and enthusiastic participation in social activities. They tended to visit more frequently and stay longer in parks for physical-exercise activities. Our study revealed the urban parks' divergent patronage behavior and unique roles to disparate user groups. They furnished evidence to apply continually precision park planning, design, and promotion to achieve socially responsive and age-friendly parks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Respiratory virus–laden particles are commonly detected in the exhaled breath of symptomatic patients or in air sampled from healthcare settings. However, the temporal relationship of detecting virus-laden particles at nonhealthcare locations vs surveillance data obtained by conventional means has not been fully assessed. Methods From October 2016 to June 2018, air was sampled weekly from a university campus in Hong Kong. Viral genomes were detected and quantified by real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Logistic regression models were fitted to examine the adjusted odds ratios (aORs) of ecological and environmental factors associated with the detection of virus-laden airborne particles. Results Influenza A (16.9% [117/694]) and influenza B (4.5% [31/694]) viruses were detected at higher frequencies in air than rhinovirus (2.2% [6/270]), respiratory syncytial virus (0.4% [1/270]), or human coronaviruses (0% [0/270]). Multivariate analyses showed that increased crowdedness (aOR, 2.3 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.5–3.8]; P <.001) and higher indoor temperature (aOR, 1.2 [95% CI, 1.1–1.3]; P <.001) were associated with detection of influenza airborne particles, but absolute humidity was not (aOR, 0.9 [95% CI,.7–1.1]; P =.213). Higher copies of influenza viral genome were detected from airborne particles >4 μm in spring and <1 μm in autumn. Influenza A(H3N2) and influenza B viruses that caused epidemics during the study period were detected in air prior to observing increased influenza activities in the community. Conclusions Air sampling as a surveillance tool for monitoring influenza activity at public locations may provide early detection signals on influenza viruses that circulate in the community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Public perceptions of ecosystem services and disservices of urban greenery are critical for urban greening policies. However, few studies have explored the association between perceptions and urban-greenery demands. Using questionnaires, we surveyed 467 Hong Kong residents on a range of 68 ecosystem services and 38 disservices. Principal component analysis extracted nine factors for services and six factors for disservices. Respondents most strongly agreed with statements about the role of urban greenery in temperature and air pollution regulation, recreation, and general well-being services. The top-rated disservices were harmful plants, tree failure, and environmental hygiene issues. The perceptions were shaped by several personal background variables (including socio-demographic and environmental-cultural factors). Correlation of two indicators of urban-greenery demands, namely desired minimum greening coverage in the built-up part of the city (City-greening) and willingness-to-pay (WTP) to improve neighbourhood greenery, i.e., greenery of one's living areas (WTP-greening), with greenery perceptions and personal background, were investigated by regression models. The extent of agreement of some services and disservices were significant predictors of City-greening, while socio-demographic factors exerted more influence on WTP-greening. Education level was a robust predictor in all WTP-greening models, while income level did not predict the positive WTP amount. Living environment and residence type were also significant predictors in different models. The linkage of personal background with urban-greenery perceptions and the differential effects of various factors on urban-greenery demands provide policy implications to maximize public benefits and secure public support for urban greening. • We studied perceptions of services/disservices and demand for urban greenery. • A quantitative survey was used to collect views of 467 residents in Hong Kong. • Perceptions and personal background variables contributed to the demand. • Selected services and disservices were more relevant to urban-greenery demand. • Education level was a robust predictor of willingness to pay for urban greenery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urbanization and densification have extended some urban greenery skyward. Understanding expectations of aboveground green space can enhance public support and benefits. We evaluated the perceived benefits and preference for landscape elements of green roofs based on a questionnaire survey of 477 Hong Kong residents using principal component and cluster analyses. Benefits on recreation and health, air quality, and microclimate were strongly expected, but ecological and hydrological benefits were inadequately recognized. Respondents strongly preferred recreational hardware facilities like seats, kiosks and footpaths, soft landscape features like lawns, attractive flowers, pergolas and hedges, and simple ornamental planting design with low-stature vegetation and low biomass structure and complexity. Tree planting was the least desired among the three planting types. Hard landscape features were the least preferred, and some groups expected water features. Preference profiles identified six clusters of respondents, with inter-cluster dissimilarity associated with socio-demographic characteristics and benefit perception. The findings suggested that public education could enhance citizens' knowledge on benefits to secure their support of environmentally-sound green roof design and a need for the user-oriented design of green roofs to cater to specific potential users. Strategically located sited could alleviate accessibility inequality in urban green space, especially for low-income people. • Six cohorts with heterogeneous landscape preference for green roofs were identified. • Sociodemographic factors were linked to perceived benefits and landscape preference. • Perceived benefits were associated with landscape preference of green roofs. • Green roof location & design can resolve urban green space supply & social inequity. • Sound green roof design strikes a balance between user demand & ecosystem services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Public views on green roofs and green walls (GRGW) have received little attention; hence, related policies could be detached from community needs and expectations. A comprehensive questionnaire was developed to compare perceptions of GRGW benefits and negative impacts and attitudes towards government GRGW promotion in Beijing and Hong Kong. Beijing residents reported stronger positive perceptions of benefits, weaker perceptions of negative impacts, and greater support to promotion measures. Beijing's more proactive and effective promotion efforts brought a better-informed citizenry with positive outlooks. Both cities appreciated promotion policies and strongly preferred advocating for GRGW quality. Public views were subsumed under three underlying factors: socio-demographic, living-environment, and greening-attitude. Principal component analysis and multiple linear regression detected city-dependent relationships between factors and perceptions. Senior and less-educated respondents in Beijing were less able to perceive the negative impacts. Younger and well-educated respondents in Hong Kong held a strong greening attitude and better recognition of benefits. GRGW perceptions were robust predictors of attitudes towards promotion policies in both cities. The implications for GRGW development vis-a-vis a city's socio-cultural context were discussed. The findings could help governments hone the publicity and policy aspects of GRGW promotion and development and fine-tune greening programmes to citizen preferences. [Display omitted] • We compared public views on green roofs & green walls (GRGW) of Beijing and Hong Kong. • Beijing's more committed promotion efforts prompted more positive view than Hong Kong. • Links between individual factors and perceptions were city-dependent and -specific. • Both cities strongly preferred policies related to the quality standard of GRGW. • Perceptions of GRGW contributed to public support of its promotion and installation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]