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Background and aim: Children growing up in vulnerable circumstances have a higher risk of caries experience. Tracking the development of caries in relation to socioeconomic variables over time is essential for fair resource distribution to groups with higher caries risk and to even out inequalities in oral health. The aim was therefore to analyse the association between 6-year-olds´ caries prevalence and socioeconomic variables at family and residential area levels in 2010 and 2019 as well as potential differences in the association between 2010 and 2019. Methods: The study design is an epidemiological registry-based, repeated cross-sectional study based on caries data (grouped as 0, 1–3 and > 3 dmft) for the population of 6-year-olds in 2010 (n = 4,408, 95% coverage) and 2019 (n = 5,199, 94% coverage) in a Swedish region. Multiple socioeconomic variables for the children's families and residential areas were retrieved from official registries. Multinomial logistic regression was performed at both levels to produce models for each level and studied year. Results: The variables that explained most of the association between caries and socioeconomic variables were mainly the same over the years at both levels. At the family level, these were: maternal age when having their first child (explained most of the association in both years, at 30 and 35%, respectively); maternal age when having the child in the study group; parental employment; parental and child's migration background; maternal educational level; form of housing; and financial assistance (only 2010). At the residential area level, these were: migration background (explained most of the association both years; 82 and 52%, respectively), educational level and number of persons per household. The association between socioeconomic variables and caries was consistently stronger for severe caries (dmft > 3) than moderate (dmft 1–3). Multiple socioeconomic risk variables meant an even greater likelihood of caries. Conclusion: Over the studied years, variables related to socioeconomic vulnerability continued to be associated with caries in young children growing up under socially disadvantaged circumstances. Effective efforts for families living in socially vulnerable contexts are needed to achieve good and equal oral health, as is continued follow-up to evaluate whether the goal is reached. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Local surface-depressed areas in an urban microrelief are geochemical traps for sediments deposited at the surface. These sediments accumulate pollutants over space and time. The aim of this study was to estimate the total amount of surface sediment in residential areas of small towns with different industrial specialisations. Snow-dirt sludge, snow, and surface sediment samples were collected in towns of the Sverdlovsk region, Russia: Alapaevsk, Kachkanar, Serov, and Verkhnyaya Pyshma. Snow and snow-dirt sludge were collected in the cold season, and surface sediment was collected in the warm season. This study was carried out in 2024. The solid matter of the samples was divided by sieving into particle size fractions: dust (<0.1 mm), fine sand (0.1–1 mm), and coarse sand (1–3 mm). The method used to estimate the total amount of sediment took into account data on the concentration of solid matter in snow-dirt sludge, the volume of melt water, and the contribution of the dust fraction in surface sediment and residential areas. The concentration of solid matter in snow-dirt sludge was about the same in the three cities (up to 6.6 g/L), but differed significantly in Kachkanar (60 g/L). The total amount of surface sediment per unit area was about the same in the three towns (1.1–1.4 kg/m2), but differed significantly in Kachkanar (10.8 kg/m2). The contribution of the dust fraction to the total amount of sediment was estimated to be 10–20% in the cities. The total amount of surface deposited sediments in the residential areas of the small towns was 1.6 × 107 t in Alapaevsk, 5.9 × 107 t in Kachkanar, 1.7 × 107 t in Serov, and 1.3 × 107 t in Verkhnyaya Pyshma. The values obtained for the total amount of surface sediments characterise the contemporary sedimentation processes in residential areas and the environmental quality of small towns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the effects of residential areas and regional characteristics on household income mobility in Korea using a dynamic ordered probit model. The results demonstrate that households located in metropolitan areas are more likely to belong to the higher income quintile compared with households located in non-metropolitan areas. However, population growth in non-metropolitan areas was confirmed to have a positive effect on upward mobility associated with household income, while population growth in the metropolitan area negatively affected upward mobility. The findings support the legitimacy of the population distribution policy, which implies the need for the government to pursue a regionally balanced development policy more vigorously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Oral frailty is proposed as a new concept defined as an age-related gradual loss of oral functions accompanied by a decline in cognitive and physical functions in older adults. Additionally, the participants with ≥ 20 remaining teeth are associated with a lower risk of cognitive frailty in older adults. Herein, we aimed to examine the correlations between the high risk of oral frailty and oral conditions or health behavior in community-dwelling 80-year-old adults in Japan. Additionally, our secondary aim was to investigate the factors associated with ≥ 20 remaining teeth. Methods: The present investigation was designed as a cross-sectional study using data from an adult dental health field study. This study included participants only aged 80 years in Japan. Oral frailty was evaluated using the Oral Frailty Index-8, and ≥ 4 points were defined as high risk. Oral examination was performed, and data on oral health behavior and frailty were also collected by using a self-administered questionnaire. The logistic regression analysis was conducted, with the objective variable being the risk of oral frailty groups or remaining teeth. Results: Overall, 3,222 participants (1,911 female and 1,311 men) were included. Among the participants, 1,217 (37.8%) had a high risk of oral frailty. The risk of oral frailty was significantly affected by smoking status, number of remaining teeth, dental plaque, oral malodor, family dental clinic, oral concerns, osteoporosis, and shrinking body weight. Logistic regression analysis revealed that a high risk of oral frailty was significantly associated with < 20 remaining teeth and poor oral behaviors. Additionally, 1,926(59.8%) participants had ≥ 20 remaining teeth. The participants with remaining teeth ≥ 20 were significantly affected by sex, smoking status, residential district, periodontal pocket, bleeding on probing, dental plaque, and interdental cleaning. The participants with ≥ 20 remaining teeth were significantly associated with the residential district, and interdental cleaning. Conclusions: The main clinical implication of this study is that improving behaviors regarding oral healthcare among community-dwelling individuals may be an effective way to reduce oral frailty. Moreover, ≥ 20 remaining teeth in the 80-year-old population were notably higher in the rural areas than that in the urban areas in Japan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transport electrification is a crucial element of the ongoing energy transition, essential for achieving carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals. The proliferation of electric vehicles (EVs) introduces significant challenges to power distribution network stability due to their aggregated charging load in residential areas, particularly during peak electricity consumption periods. This paper proposes a method to predict the spatiotemporal distribution of EV charging demand in residential areas using geographic information points of interest (POI) data features and a decision‐making model. Utilizing real historical data, probability distribution models for EV users' arrival times and charging characteristics were constructed using Gaussian Mixture Models (GMM). The spatiotemporal characteristics of EV travel and charging behaviors were analyzed, and a comprehensive charging decision model incorporating both emergency and stochastic scenarios was developed. The model's efficacy in capturing the probability distributions of characteristic variables was validated through a case study. The results demonstrate the model's potential for accurately predicting EV charging demand, providing valuable insights for infrastructure planning and resource allocation. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Carnivore parvovirus is commonly detected in canines and felines and results in a range of symptoms, including diarrhoea, with a high lethality rate. In recent years, the gradual restoration of urban ecosystems coupled with a lack of natural predators means that wild raccoon dogs have gradually entered residential neighbourhoods in Shanghai, and the carnivore parvovirus carried by such canines may seriously affect their health and that of dogs and cats in these neighbourhoods. Objectives: Therefore, it is essential to monitor wild raccoon dogs for carnivore parvovirus. Methods: The wild raccoon samples were collected from the residential area of Shanghai and screened for parvovirus, followed by virus isolation and sequence comparison analysis. Results: In this study, three strains of parvovirus, YSH1‐2022, YSH2‐2022 and GSW1‐2023, were isolated from anal and pharyngeal swab mixtures of 42 live raccoon dogs and two dead raccoon dogs in Shanghai, China. After alignment, it was found that the three strains of parvovirus were all located in the same branch as feline panleukopenia virus (FPV), and the three VP2 genes had 100% homology with FPV VP2 genes isolated from Shanghai and Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province. The homology of the three NS1 genes with FPV NS1 isolated from Shanghai and other places was 99.9%–100%. Conclusion: This is the first report of FPV isolated from raccoon dogs. In this study, the host range and risk of infection of parvovirus were evaluated, providing data to support wildlife management and policy formulation in Shanghai. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"Neighborhood" is routinely used when referring to the history of residential areas in North American cities. In fact, it is unclear whether this has always been the preferred term, and how its meaning has changed. A survey of the English- and French-Canadian experience, including a case study of Toronto using digital newspaper files, indicates that in the early twentieth century other terms were common. "Neighborhood" referred primarily to poorer, immigrant districts. Especially since the 1960s, it has been much more commonly used and in a general sense. In that regard, its evolving meaning has converged with the francophone usage of quartier. It is only recently that local associations have dropped "ratepayer" from their names in favor of "residents" or, to a lesser extent, "neighborhood." This now disguises the fact that such associations are dominated by property owners. Getting the language right is important for a clear-eyed understanding of both the past and the present. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study fractionated pollution sources and investigated the impacts of seasonal and tidal variations on Saigon River's surface water quality. Ninety-six water samples were collected across dry and rainy seasons, covering ebb and flood tides, and analysed for 19 parameters. During the dry season, ebb tide showed higher levels of electrical conductivity, sulfate, chloride, sodium, and potassium. During the rainy season, ebb tide exhibited greater concentrations of ammonium, total nitrogen, and phosphorus. The water quality index was significantly lower during the dry season's ebb tide compared to the flood tide but remained similar in both tidal phases during the rainy season. Four primary pollution sources were quantified, with seawater intrusion and agricultural activities contributing 62.68% and 28.54%, respectively, to water quality degradation. Briefly, the river's surface water quality was inferior during the dry season compared to the rainy season, primarily due to seawater intrusion and agricultural activities, requiring remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Oral frailty is proposed as a new concept defined as an age-related gradual loss of oral functions accompanied by a decline in cognitive and physical functions in older adults. Additionally, the participants with ≥ 20 remaining teeth are associated with a lower risk of cognitive frailty in older adults. Herein, we aimed to examine the correlations between the high risk of oral frailty and oral conditions or health behavior in community-dwelling 80-year-old adults in Japan. Additionally, our secondary aim was to investigate the factors associated with ≥ 20 remaining teeth. Methods The present investigation was designed as a cross-sectional study using data from an adult dental health field study. This study included participants only aged 80 years in Japan. Oral frailty was evaluated using the Oral Frailty Index-8, and ≥ 4 points were defined as high risk. Oral examination was performed, and data on oral health behavior and frailty were also collected by using a self-administered questionnaire. The logistic regression analysis was conducted, with the objective variable being the risk of oral frailty groups or remaining teeth. Results Overall, 3,222 participants ( 1,911 female and 1,311 men) were included. Among the participants, 1,217 (37.8%) had a high risk of oral frailty. The risk of oral frailty was significantly affected by smoking status, number of remaining teeth, dental plaque, oral malodor, family dental clinic, oral concerns, osteoporosis, and shrinking body weight. Logistic regression analysis revealed that a high risk of oral frailty was significantly associated with

As urban development shifts from the incremental era to the stock era, urban design is becoming increasingly focused on high-quality living and human needs. However, the opening of traditional communities has been insufficiently examined. This study took Liuyun Community, a typical open community in Guangzhou (China) that has undergone a transformation from residential to commercial use, as its research object. First, more than 300 residents, tourists, and merchants were surveyed via questionnaires administered in field investigations and interviews. Next, the data from the completed questionnaires were used to construct a structural equation model consisting of five dimensions, namely commercial service value, cost value, risk value, perceptual value, and social value. The data were then analyzed to determine the correlations between perceived value and behavioral intention, satisfaction, and other psychological attributes. The following results were obtained: (1) As commercial activities in the community increased, the influence of social value, cost value, and commercial service value on behavioral intention decreased. (2) The open community inevitably had negative impacts on its citizens. However, these negative impacts were mitigated to some extent by high levels of social value. (3) Perceptions of commercial service value varied between groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The charging load of electric vehicles (EV) is one of the most rapidly increasing loads in current power distribution systems. It may cause distribution transformer/feeder overload without proper coordination or control, especially in residential area where household load and EV charging load are sharing transformer capacity. Existing smart meter-based orderly charging control (OCC) approaches commonly require costly but unreliable communication schemes to control EV charging behavior. In this work, a smart meter-based distributed controller is designed to establish a meter-to-EV communication interface with low cost and enhanced reliability, based on the state-of-the-art charging standard. An event-driven OCC algorithm is developed, and then, deployed in the data hub (concentrator) of the AMI with an easy-to-implement optimization formulation. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is validated using a numerical case study and a practical field test in Hangzhou, China. Both results indicate promising advantages of the proposed OCC approach in reducing the peak load of emerging EV charging demand by more than 30 % . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study first examines changes in the amount of residential area on a regional scale, which is said to shrink following population decline, using Japan as an example, where population decline is already underway in most of the country. Second, it examines how the regional governments have set future targets for residential areas and whether these targets are consistent with the current trend. Third, it examines how prefectures, Japan's regional governments, are responding to this situation through regional land use planning. The methodologies of the paper are a combination of collecting and sorting out the related data, reviewing and extracting information from planning documents, and conducting interviews with persons in charge. In conclusion, residential areas have continued to increase on a regional scale, even as the population has declined. Shrinkage does not follow population decline on a regional scale. It was also found that the amount of residential area changed more closely with the change in households than with the population. National and regional land use plans generally set targets for more shrinkage than the actual trend. The underestimation of the amount of residential area was due to the rapid decline in the number of persons per household. Cases of the three prefectures showed that specific control is left to the individual acts, while the measures are indicated in the wording by the prefectural land use plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of increasing global energy shortages and climate change, the human living environment, as a crucial component of residents' daily lives, has garnered growing attention from the academic community. Research on residential environments is vital for promoting the sustainable development of urban construction and constitutes an important aspect of sustainable development studies. This study focuses on the optimization strategy for the outdoor activity space wind environment in the Xihuayuan residential area in Lanzhou city, utilizing spatial syntax analysis and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation technology. Firstly, the outdoor activity space is analyzed for visibility and spatial accessibility using DepthmapX0.6 software. Then, the outdoor wind environment in the residential area is simulated using PHOENICS 2018 software, and the analysis is conducted on outdoor spaces with a poor wind environment in terms of high accessibility. The results indicate that residents' outdoor comfort in these spaces is poor, highlighting the urgent need for improvement in the wind environment. This research attempts to optimize the wind environment in high-accessibility spaces within the residential area by improving building layout, orientation, and height. The simulation results after optimization demonstrate an increase in the overall average wind speed to 1.44 m/s, with the proportion of spaces with a good wind environment in high-accessibility areas during summer rising from 33.4% to 59.2%. The optimization strategy effectively improves the wind environment in high-accessibility areas of the residential area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marginal and neglected until recently, noise pollution is a significant topic of sustainable development today. Port noise has become an increasingly critical problem for the environment. The public and the scientific community have gradually become aware of the harmful impact of noise emissions on residents living near port facilities. It coincides with the increase in complaints from the population about excessive noise pollution in ports, especially in residential areas near the cargo terminals in Split. This paper seeks to empirically investigate overall port noise and assess the significance of the reported disturbances. The methodology includes the measurement of noise in zero state conditions, residual noise and noise during specific work processes, and consideration of conditions for possible adjustments of the selected work process during transport operations. The goal is to propose plans for noise reduction by evaluating the results of noise monitoring with the specified limit values, which determine the highest permissible noise levels for industrial and residential zones in the observed area. The values exceed the maximum permitted noise levels during the night. However, this problem can be reduced through operational and technical adjustments in cargo handling processes, acting as objective mitigation measures. The effectiveness of the defined procedure is demonstrated by its application in the Port of Split, contributing to the port's sustainability located near the residential area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Japanese Journal of JSCE / Doboku Gakkai Ronbunshu is the property of Japan Society of Civil Engineers and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The phenomenon of traffic congestion started in the second half of the twentieth century. This arose because of our society's constant increase in demand for mobility. The excessive traffic of vehicles attempting to use the same infrastructure at the same time is what causes congestion. The consequences are well-known: delays, air pollution, reduced speed, and dissatisfaction (which may lead to risky maneuvers, reducing pedestrian and other driver safety). Our objective is to simulate the change in traffic patterns brought about by app users in residential areas (using navigational tools like Google Maps and Apple Maps), where the majority of navigational tools provide shortcuts that go through residential areas. In addition to discouraging navigation apps from directing drivers through residential areas during peak hours to mitigate pollution levels, by developing an algorithm based on the technology of Green Light Optimized Speed Advisory (GLOSA) and implementing it in a simulated environment (VISSIM), we can see the effect of changing the duration of red lights while keeping green lights constant. Overall, this solution can be implemented to change the times of traffic lights without the need for supplies, additional equipment, or warning signs because most cities' traffic lights are already remotely controlled. In addition, this procedure is temporary to provide some freedom and does not adhere to the speed specified for drivers who wish to pass through residential areas outside of rush hour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic Matter quality of Grey Water in the residential area near Kali Gisik Cemandi river is COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand) 146 – 516 mg / L and BOD (Biological Oxygen Demand) 76 – 280 mg / L. While Gisik Cemandi River is included in Class III rivers with COD values of 22 – 31 Mg / L. The quality of Kali Gisik Cemandi need to be maintained so not to drop down to river class. This method can be done by managing Grey Water from residential areas so that the effluent exits Gisik Cemandi River has BOD and COD value is comply with regulations. The management needed is technical, institutional, and financial. Technical management planning is carried out by providing recommendations so that residential area has management activities in the form of maintenance and repair by adjusting the existing facilities and infrastructure. In addition, a Wastewater Treatment Plant is needed to reduce concentration value of BOD and COD as indicators of organic pollutants. The high of BOD and COD will reduce river water quality because it reduces oxygen levels in water bodies to degrade organic matter. BOD/COD ratio of Residential Grey Water is 0.528 or biodegradable. Grey Water treatment for biodegradable ratio of wastewater can be planned with Biological Process. In carrying out technical management, it is necessary to have institutional management as a monitoring role between implementers and citizens. The recommendation of institutional management is to be able to follow the institutional practical guidance of the Ministry of Public Works. All technical and institutional management activities require financial management as capital in every implementation of Grey Water organic wastewater management in residential areas. Financial management calculations must be adjusted to regional regulations and calculated for the next few years by considering the value of inflation, so current financial planning can be used several years into the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study investigated the residential, area-specific prevalence and associated factors of suicidal ideation among adolescents in South Korea, based on nationally representative data. Methods: A secondary analysis was performed using the database of the 17th Korean Youth Health Behavior Survey, which contained data from 54,848 adolescents. Results: Female adolescents (more influential in counties), low economic status (more influential in metropolitan cities), perceived stress (more influential in metropolitan cities), depression (more influential in counties), loneliness (more influential in counties), and anxiety (more influential in counties) were influencing factors in all areas, and the factors associated with suicidal ideation differed by residential area. The factors related to suicidal ideation were similar by residential area, but the degree of relevance differed from area to area; in particular, the prevalence of variables related to mental health (depression, loneliness, and anxiety) was high in counties. Alcohol drinking was significant only in small- and medium-sized cities in terms of suicidal ideation. Conclusion: Suicide prevention programs for adolescents should be implemented given the higher incidence of suicidal ideation among female adolescents, the greater influence of mental health-related variables in counties, and the influence of smoking in cities. There were differences in the prevalence and risk factors of suicidal ideation by residential areas.

The aim of this study is to provide a tool to assess sediment production in an urban area. The urban environment is affected by a variety of anthropogenic and natural factors that, in particular, lead to the sediment production. The storage of sediments in the urban landscape negatively affects the quality of the urban environment. The model was developed on the basis of landscape studies conducted in residential areas of six Russian cities. The model takes into account (1) the influence of precipitation, spring snowmelt, and vehicles, (2) the influence of erosion factors for two seasons: warm (t>5°C) and cold (t

In this study, a novel method of evaluating the impact of straddle monorail noise on residential areas considering both objective and subjective effects was developed, in view of the singleness of the existing evaluation method of the track noise impact on residential areas. Using a questionnaire, the quantified straddle monorail noise data for five typical apartment complexes with rail-side layouts were combined with data on the subjective feelings of residents regarding this noise. Then, a model for evaluating the impact of the straddle monorail noise on residential areas under subjective and objective conditions was constructed. Finally, by considering the impacts of straddle monorail noise in residential areas, prevention and control measures were proposed that targeted the acoustic source, sound propagation process, and receiving location. The proposed evaluation method, which considered the needs of residents, could be used to improve straddle monorail noise impact evaluation systems and provide a scientific reference for improving acoustic environments in residential areas along straddle monorail lines.

The charging load of electric vehicles (EV) is one of the most rapidly increasing loads in current power distribution systems. It may cause distribution transformer/feeder overload without proper coordination or control, especially in residential area where household load and EV charging load are sharing transformer capacity. Existing smart meter-based orderly charging control (OCC) approaches commonly require costly but unreliable communication schemes to control EV charging behavior. In this work, a smart meter-based distributed controller is designed to establish a meter-to-EV communication interface with low cost and enhanced reliability, based on the state-of-the-art charging standard. An event-driven OCC algorithm is developed, and then, deployed in the data hub (concentrator) of the AMI with an easy-to-implement optimization formulation. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is validated using a numerical case study and a practical field test in Hangzhou, China. Both results indicate promising advantages of the proposed OCC approach in reducing the peak load of emerging EV charging demand by more than 30%.

This study first examines changes in the amount of residential area on a regional scale, which is said to shrink following population decline, using Japan as an example, where population decline is already underway in most of the country. Second, it examines how the regional governments have set future targets for residential areas and whether these targets are consistent with the current trend. Third, it examines how prefectures, Japan’s regional governments, are responding to this situation through regional land use planning. The methodologies of the paper are a combination of collecting and sorting out the related data, reviewing and extracting information from planning documents, and conducting interviews with persons in charge. In conclusion, residential areas have continued to increase on a regional scale, even as the population has declined. Shrinkage does not follow population decline on a regional scale. It was also found that the amount of residential area changed more closely with the change in households than with the population. National and regional land use plans generally set targets for more shrinkage than the actual trend. The underestimation of the amount of residential area was due to the rapid decline in the number of persons per household. Cases of the three prefectures showed that specific control is left to the individual acts, while the measures are indicated in the wording by the prefectural land use plans.

This article looks at the different meanings of the argument for “quality of life” used in support of an urban densification project in Geneva destined for a suburban area located at the gates of the city. It sheds light on the different values that underline this argument and stresses the dangers of using the term “quality of life” in the promotion of inclusive and sustainable cities to justify socially burdensome choices framed by both ecological and rationalist debates without taking into sufficient account the underlying social realities and concerns of the different parties involved. This article analyzes the controversies surrounding an urban densification project, showing how they refer to differentiated visions of “quality of life,” more or less socially and morally legitimized.

In this study, a novel method of evaluating the impact of straddle monorail noise on residential areas considering both objective and subjective effects was developed, in view of the singleness of the existing evaluation method of the track noise impact on residential areas. Using a questionnaire, the quantified straddle monorail noise data for five typical apartment complexes with rail-side layouts were combined with data on the subjective feelings of residents regarding this noise. Then, a model for evaluating the impact of the straddle monorail noise on residential areas under subjective and objective conditions was constructed. Finally, by considering the impacts of straddle monorail noise in residential areas, prevention and control measures were proposed that targeted the acoustic source, sound propagation process, and receiving location. The proposed evaluation method, which considered the needs of residents, could be used to improve straddle monorail noise impact evaluation systems and provide a scientific reference for improving acoustic environments in residential areas along straddle monorail lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Remote Sensing for Natural Resources is the property of Remote Sensing for Natural Resources Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Increasingly frequent and severe disasters have seriously impacted on the elderly as they are more vulnerable to disasters. To protect the elderly from the potential damage caused by disasters, creating a safe living environment for the ageing society is essential. The aim of this study is to explore the perceptions of living environment and its influencing factors among the elderly based on an assumed earthquake scenario. 356 questionnaires were distributed in Hefei, China in 2016 as a means of obtaining data on the elderly and their living environment. Perceptions of the living environment are characterized by their evaluation of residential buildings, road traffic, open spaces and barrier-free facilities. Structural Equation Model is used for further analysing the statistics from the questionnaires. The results show that the physical condition of the elderly, the quality of residential area and disaster prevention measures of the neighborhood affect perceptions of living environment among the elderly. In addition, the quality of residential area has the most significant influence on their perceptions of living environment. This study attempts to provide insights into the renovation of residential areas and the construction of disaster reduction communities to protect the elderly from harm caused by earthquakes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soundscape quality in green spaces of residential areas directly contributes to residents' quality of life. It has close relationships with landscape characteristics, which should be considered in landscape planning and design processes in residential areas. Accordingly, this study proposed a new perspective on the interrelationships between soundscape perception and landscape pattern on multi-scale, based on a case study of 30 residential green spaces in Fuzhou, China. Percentage of Landscape (PLAND), Patch Density (PD), Landscape Shape Index (LSI), and Patch cohesion index (COHESION) were utilized to represent the landscape pattern of vegetation, buildings, and roads in the residential areas. Soundscape perception was interpreted using the sound dominant degree (SDD) of sound sources and overall soundscape quality. The examined spatial scales range from 20 m to 180 m, with concentric circles spaced 20 m apart for each sampling point. Correlation analyses indicated that most landscape indices of vegetation and buildings were correlated with these soundscape perception indicators, while limited landscape indices of roads were associated with them. Based on the multi-scale landscape indices, multiple linear regression models for the SDD of sound sources and overall soundscape quality were established, confirming that the scale effect of landscape patterns can affect soundscape perception. Expressly, results indicated that these models were chiefly influenced by the landscape indices at a scale less than 120 m, but the scale effect of landscape pattern on the SDD of birdsong, pleasantness, and quietness was not so evident. Furthermore, we found that the number of explanatory variables may somewhat affect the model performance. The overall interpretability of these landscape indices for the SDD of sound sources was better than that of overall soundscape quality, implying the complexity of the latter. This study offers a fresh insight into the relationship between landscapes and soundscapes at varying scales. The findings can provide useful information for the promotion strategies of landscapes and soundscapes, especially in residential green spaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article outlines research directions for the design of public spaces that encourage physical activity. The objective of research is to evaluate spatial and functional solutions of the selected spaces and to identify potential new forms of these spaces. The paper identifies the essential elements of well-functioning public spaces that promote health and well-being of local communities based on urban analysis and the Author’s own observations. The results of this study demonstrate the importance of location of facilities with diverse functions, scales, and levels of technological advancement, as well as the characteristics of the surrounding environment, in influencing and shaping the types of physical activity observed within these spaces. The results also highlight the complexity of issue addressed and indicate the need for further research into movement activity spaces.

Copyright of Materials Protection (0351-9465) is the property of Engineers Society for Corrosion Republic of Serbia, Belgrade and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Romanian cities are facing two opposing patterns of urban development that are common worldwide: a significant number of small cities are undergoing a process of shrinkage, while large cities are experiencing dense urban sprawl. This study examines the framework of the current legislation and urban codes that impact the growth of Romanian cities. The aim is to establish a critical analysis of the current urban codes of residential areas in Romania and to create a framework for an integrated neighbourhood tool of analysis for Romanian residential areas, using urban form as a starting point. This direction starts from the fact that international documents such as the "New Leipzig Charter" recommend a resilient and environmentally friendly approach to urban development, while current Romanian normative documents on resilience and sustainability focus mostly on buildings, ignoring a broader vision that includes the urban scale of the neighbourhood or city while considering the multidisciplinary requirement for understanding urban morphology and phenomena. Existing urban legislation in Romania is characterised by several deficiencies resulting from the fragmentation of outdated regulatory bodies in the field of urban planning. Furthermore, this study has demonstrated that urban indicators can serve as a versatile tool for the assessment and enhancement of residential areas in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. The problem of antagonistic contradiction between human life and the environment has been turning global along with the development of urbanization, breakthrough growth of the energy and technological potency of cities, leading to an increase in the consumption of natural resources and an impact on the biosphere. All over the world and in Russia, scientists are searching for environmentally friendly technologies for urban planning, housing and utilities sectors. However, the problem of analyzing and forecasting the state of ecosystems in residential areas and their influence on man and the environment remains unresolved and needs to be solved in many settlements.Materials and methods. The article analyzes the legal and regulatory documentation on design and construction, urban planning solutions for residential areas, architectural and structural solutions for apartment buildings, statistical and analytical reports on housing construction in Russia, presented on the Internet.Results. The proposed subjects for discussion include two concepts of the term “ecosystem”, results of the analysis of indicators of housing construction in Russia, indices of the quality of the urban environment in settlements, and a factor model used to assess the ecosystem of a residential area. A lifecycle model of a residential area, that represents a complex system, composed of capital construction facilities, linear facilities, landscaping and gardening, and waste management, is used as the basis for the generalization of well-known approaches, developed from the standpoint of the system analysis. Properties of interaction between facilities, on the one hand, facilities and the environment, on the other hand, are taken into account.Conclusions. Now residential housing is constructed faster, and urban areas, occupied by residential buildings, grow accordingly in the settlements of the Russian Federation willing to provide their population with high-quality housing. Mass construction of apartment buildings continues to be the main focus of the country’s urban development. Urban planning activities, aimed at the development and maintenance of residential areas, need all the more attention. It is important to use the biosphere approach, supported by the regulatory and technical framework of construction and operation of facilities and the urban planning environment, to solve the problem of nature conservation and human health maintenance.

Residential construction, as part of the construction sector, has developed quite dynamically over the last twenty years. This paper examines the dynamics of new housing construction over a seventeen-year period. The panel dataset includes household-related factors of demographic, social, and economic character regarding the demand for newly built housing estate. Different specifications of econometric panel models for the dynamics of new housing construction at district level in Bulgaria are built and estimated. The results show that the dependence of housing area of newly built dwellings by regions in Bulgaria is directly proportional to natural increase, migration, average annual wage, and number of pupils, and inversely proportional to unemployment. Interestingly, the variable “net enrollment rate of children in kindergartens” did not show the expected effect on the growth of newly built housing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article looks at the different meanings of the argument for “quality of life” used in support of an urban densification project in Geneva destined for a suburban area located at the gates of the city. It sheds light on the different values that underline this argument and stresses the dangers of using the term “quality of life” in the promotion of inclusive and sus‐ tainable cities to justify socially burdensome choices framed by both ecological and rationalist debates without taking into sufficient account the underlying social realities and concerns of the different parties involved. This article analyzes the controversies surrounding an urban densification project, showing how they refer to differentiated visions of “quality of life,” more or less socially and morally legitimized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy metals have become widespread urban pollutants, exposing vulnerable age groups such as children to potential risk. Specialists need feasible approaches that can routinely assist them in customizing options for sustainable and safer urban playgrounds. The aim of this research was to explore the practical relevance of the X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) method from the perspective of landscaping specialists, and the practical significance of screening for those heavy metals that currently present elevated levels across urban environments Europe-wide. Soil samples from six public children's playgrounds of different typologies from Cluj-Napoca, Romania, were analyzed. The results indicated that this method was sensitive to identifying thresholds stipulated in legislation for the screened elements (V, Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, and Pb). Coupled with the calculation of pollution indexes, this method can serve as a quick orientation in landscaping options for urban playgrounds. The pollution load index (PLI) for the screened metals showed that three sites displayed baseline pollution with incipient deterioration in soil quality (PLI = 1.01–1.51). The highest contribution to the PLI among the screened elements, depending on the site, was due to Zn, Pb, As, and Mn. The average levels of the detected heavy metals were within admissible limits according to national legislation. Implementable protocols addressed to different categories of specialists could help to transition towards safer playgrounds and more research on accurate cost-effective procedures to overcome the limitations of existing approaches is currently needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phenomenon of traffic congestion started in the second half of the twentieth century. This arose because of our society’s constant increase in demand for mobility. The excessive traffic of vehicles attempting to use the same infrastructure at the same time is what causes congestion. The consequences are well-known: delays, air pollution, reduced speed, and dissatisfaction (which may lead to risky maneuvers, reducing pedestrian and other driver safety). Our objective is to simulate the change in traffic patterns brought about by app users in residential areas (using navigational tools like Google Maps and Apple Maps), where the majority of navigational tools provide shortcuts that go through residential areas. In addition to discouraging navigation apps from directing drivers through residential areas during peak hours to mitigate pollution levels, by developing an algorithm based on the technology of Green Light Optimized Speed Advisory (GLOSA) and implementing it in a simulated environment (VISSIM), we can see the effect of changing the duration of red lights while keeping green lights constant. Overall, this solution can be implemented to change the times of traffic lights without the need for supplies, additional equipment, or warning signs because most cities’ traffic lights are already remotely controlled. In addition, this procedure is temporary to provide some freedom and does not adhere to the speed specified for drivers who wish to pass through residential areas outside of rush hour.

At present, majority of studies have focused only on high suicide rates in cities or rural areas. This study investigated sociodemographic factors, health-related factors, and suicidal ideation among older Koreans and compared the risk factors for suicidal ideation in urban and rural areas. A secondary analysis was conducted using data from a nationwide cross-sectional survey of the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2012 to 2013. Subjects aged >65 years (2630) were included, and pooled sampling weights were applied to all data analysis processes. Chi-square tests and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed. The contribution of each factor to suicidal ideation differed significantly between urban and rural areas. Older people living in urban areas cited more contributing factors than those living in rural areas. The factors associated with suicidal ideation among elderly Koreans were primarily health-related in both residential areas. Only two factors, bedridden status and experience of melancholic mood, were common to both areas. The impact of melancholic mood on suicidal ideation was the greatest among all the related factors in both areas, and was larger in urban areas than in rural areas. Subjective unhealthy status, including mental health status, was more influential on suicidal ideation in urban areas. Gender and marital status did not influence suicidal ideation among older people. Factors associated with suicidal ideation must be considered when developing suicide prevention programs tailored to residential areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: With rapid urbanization, birds are facing a variety of challenges. Evaluating bird behaviour changes in response to urbanization can help us understand how to make them coexist sustainably with humans. We aimed to investigate whether birds inhabiting residential areas differed in their escape behaviour and their influencing factors. (2) Methods: We used the flight initiation distance (FID), the horizontal distance between the observer and the target bird when it escapes, to measure the escape behaviour of birds. We chose 40 urban residential areas within the 5th ring road in Beijing and conducted surveys each month for one year. We applied Generalized Linear Mixed Models (GLMMs) separately to evaluate the response variable of FID for the total species, the most common species, and the other species. (3) Results: Birds that appear more frequently in residential areas or as ground foragers, insectivores, and omnivores are better adapted to human interference and have shorter FIDs. Individual initial conditions affect bird FID, and environmental characteristics can be used as predictors for the most common birds. Tree canopy coverage was found to positively affect FID, while floor area ratio (FAR) is negatively correlated with FID. (4) Conclusions: Our results demonstrated that birds in residential areas have been adapting to the human environment, and urban tree canopies can provide refuge for birds to avoid human interference. Our study focused on the response of bird FIDs to human interference and urban trees under high urbanization, which has substantial practical implications for urban managers to improve habitat quality to ensure that birds coexist with human beings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]