scholarly journals Synergistic Urban Improvement: Case Study of Hikifune Neighbourhood in Tokyo

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 75 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kalina Vankova ◽  
Hitoshi Nakamura ◽  
Gesa Witthöft
Keyword(s):  
Natural Hazards ◽  
Statistical Data ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Historical Background ◽  
General Idea ◽  
Primary Method ◽  
Alternative Approach ◽  
Improvement Strategies ◽  
Urban Issues

This paper proposes the synergistic method as an alternative approach that embraces urban complexity and reverses it to a set of mutually reinforcing improvement strategies. After illustrating the general idea of synergistic improvement by examining the correlation among a number of urban issues, this paper uses the case study to explore this inter-connectivity in further details. Hikifune in Tokyo was selected as a case study because of its distinct atmosphere, historical background, and fragility in terms of demographics, natural hazards, and economics. Relevant literature, along with the empirical and statistical data, is the primary method used in this research. Relying on the discovered findings, the conclusion returns the discussion to the necessity for a synergistic improvement.

Construction in Barbados: keeping natural hazards in mind?

2014 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 175-196 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ksenia Chmutina ◽  
Lee Bosher
Keyword(s):  
Natural Hazards ◽  
Media Coverage ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Construction Sector ◽  
Construction Process ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Case Study Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Key Stakeholders

Purpose – Employing a case study of Barbados, the purpose of this paper is to highlight key stakeholders involved in the construction sector, discusses the roles of construction stakeholders in disaster risk reduction (DRR) and the key stages of the construction process where proactive DRR inputs could be made, The following objectives are addressed: to describe the main natural hazards in Barbados; to reveal key stakeholders involved in the decision making during the design, construction and operation process (DCOP) and DRR process; to discuss the roles of construction stakeholders in DRR and the key stages of the DCOP where proactive DRR inputs could be made; to emphasise the main barriers to the implementation of DRR in the Barbados’ construction sector. Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative case study methodology, that includes semi-structured interviews with construction stakeholders in Barbados, a critical review of relevant literature and media coverage of natural hazards, and construction site visits. Findings – The key construction stakeholders that should be responsible for DRR integration in construction process are identified. The main barriers to the implementation of DRR in the Barbados’ construction sector are also discussed; these include the absence of an enforced building code and complacency towards natural hazards from the general population as well as construction stakeholders. Originality/value – Whilst some attempts have been made in mainstreaming DRR into construction projects in Barbados, many of the measures are not effectively implemented due to various constraints. In addition, little research has been done on the state of the construction sector and its use of DRR in the Caribbean. This paper aims to fill this research gap.

scholarly journals Landscape design approaches to enhance human–wildlife interactions in a compact tropical city

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yun Hye Hwang ◽  
Anuj Jain
Keyword(s):  
Wildlife Conservation ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Urban Landscapes ◽  
Design Strategies ◽  
Compact City ◽  
Public Preference ◽  
Conservation Principles ◽  
Design Projects ◽  
Collaborative Efforts

Abstract Urban landscapes have the potential to conserve wildlife. Despite increasing recognition of this potential, there are few collaborative efforts to integrate ecology and conservation principles into context-dependent, spatial and actionable design strategies. To address this issue and to encourage multi-disciplinary research on urban human–wildlife interactions, we ask the following questions. To what extent should design and planning actions be aligned with urban ecology in the context of a compact city? How can wildlife conservation meet the seemingly conflictual demands of urban development and public preference? To answer these questions, we refer to the relevant literature and a number of design projects. Using the compact tropical city of Singapore as a case study, we propose 12 design strategies. We encourage designers and planners to strengthen the links between wildlife and urban dwellers and promote wildlife conservation within cities.

scholarly journals Human security as biosecurity

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-23
Author(s):  
Craig Albert ◽  
Amado Baez ◽  
Joshua Rutland
Keyword(s):  
International Security ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Human Security ◽  
The United States ◽  
Security Threat ◽  
Global Security ◽  
Case Study Analysis ◽  
Theoretical Approaches ◽  
The Individual

Abstract Research within security studies has struggled to determine whether infectious disease (ID) represents an existential threat to national and international security. With the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), it is imperative to reexamine the relationship between ID and global security. This article addresses the specific threat to security from COVID-19, asking, “Is COVID-19 a threat to national and international security?” To investigate this question, this article uses two theoretical approaches: human security and biosecurity. It argues that COVID-19 is a threat to global security by the ontological crisis posed to individuals through human security theory and through high politics, as evidenced by biosecurity. By viewing security threats through the lens of the individual and the state, it becomes clear that ID should be considered an international security threat. This article examines the relevant literature and applies the theoretical framework to a case study analysis focused on the United States.

Traumatic Digital Amputations of the Foot Inflicted by Pet Cat upon Individual with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

2013 ◽  
Vol 103 (5) ◽  
pp. 441-444 ◽  
Author(s):  
William Hoffman ◽  
Kenneth Donovan
Keyword(s):  
Peripheral Neuropathy ◽  
Lower Extremity ◽  
Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Pet Ownership ◽  
Common Cause ◽  
Potential Risks

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a common cause of many lower-extremity complications. This case study illustrates the potential perils of pet ownership associated with diabetes and neuropathy. The case describes an incident resulting in traumatic digital amputations inflicted by a patient’s pet feline while she was sleeping. In presenting this case, the potential risks of pet ownership for patients with DPN are discussed along with a review of the relevant literature. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 103(5): 441–444, 2013)

HR strategy during culture change: Building change agency

2015 ◽  
Vol 21 (6) ◽  
pp. 741-754 ◽  
Author(s):  
Llandis Barratt-Pugh ◽  
Susanne Bahn
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Change ◽  
Culture Change ◽  
Change Process ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Change Agency ◽  
Strategic Approach ◽  
Organisational Values

AbstractThis paper explores the role played by a Human Resources (HR) department orchestrating culture change during the merger of two large State departments with dissimilar cultures. A 2-year case study determined what HR strategies were having the greatest impact on embedding new organisational values to produce a more flexible culture and how these practices could be accelerated. This paper indicates how a more strategic approach by HR departments can support and develop relational managing capability that accelerates cultures change towards a more flexible work environment.This paper describes the context of the change process, the relevant literature, and outlines the research process. The findings from the phases of the data collection are summarised revealing the traumatic perceptions of the change process, but also the instrumental actions of some managers, working creatively with their teams to tackle new tasks and projects. The evidence suggests that these informal practices of task allocation were at the core of change agency in this case study and put the new flexible organisational values into action. The findings illustrate how the organisation moves from valuing managers for their technical competence to valuing managers for their relational competence.The paper then discusses what strategic HR actions were accelerating this process and illuminates the critical role of building managers as change agents. The paper concludes by confirming the need for a strategic approach by HR during organisational change. Building manager capability and supporting informal change agency practices is presented as a core focus for HR during such organisational cultural change programmes.

scholarly journals Sustainable agriculture: The study on farmers’ perception and practices regarding nutrient management and limiting losses

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 67-75 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara Kiełbasa ◽  
Stefan Pietrzak ◽  
Barbro Ulén ◽  
Jan-Olof Drangert ◽  
Karin Tonderski
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Agriculture ◽  
Nutrient Management ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Farm Management ◽  
General Idea ◽  
Limiting Nutrient ◽  
Scientific Project ◽  
Sustainable Agricultural Practices

AbstractThe paper presents the results of a scientific project focused on limiting nutrient losses from farms by introducing measures to apply fertilizers in a more sustainable way. It is a case study of selected aspects of farm management, focussing on the issue of sustainable agriculture and their tools. The main aim of the study was to analyse and evaluate farmers’ knowledge of the fertilizing process and its aspects, as well as applying sustainable agricultural activities on farms. The study emphasised the importance of nutrient management, as very important for sustainable farming. Also, the links between farmers’ opinions and their activities were analysed. The important issue concerned measures for sustainable farm management introduced on the farms, as well as measures to limit nutrient leaching into groundwater. Twenty-eight farmers from two regions in Poland were interviewed about their perceptions for the case study. In general, the farmers considered their farm activities to be more sustainable than in the past. They demonstrated an understanding of the general idea of sustainable agriculture. However, many farmers still demonstrated a poor grasp of nutrient flows and nutrient balances on farms. Their knowledge and perception was based on general, rather than specific knowledge gleaned from an academic/vocational course. The farmers demonstrated a realization that there were some new, or low-cost measures that could be introduced to make management more sustainable and pro-environmental, but there was still a need for wider adoption of sustainable agricultural practices.

Food Security as Correlate of Interstate Conflict: A Case Study of the State of Qatar

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Farukh Mohammad Azad ◽  
Dr. Tim Frazier ◽  
Erik Wood
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
The State ◽  
Interstate Conflict ◽  
Regulatory Agencies ◽  
Political Crisis ◽  
Government Officials ◽  
Sequential Mixed Methods

The literature indicates that conflict can result in food insecurity due to economic or political crisis. However, few studies have investigated the effects that nonviolent interstate conflict has on food security in the Middle East. Evidence from this study, based in Qatar, indicates that conflict can result in food insecurity due to economic or political crisis. This research critically examines the lingering political and economic blockade of the State of Qatar and the extent to which this blockade has impacted food security of residents. The study employed a sequential mixed methods approach to gain better insight into the nature of food security in Qatar. A focused qualitative review of the relevant literature was followed by a quantitative analysis which revealed that there was no significant effect of interstate conflict on food security, while the economic and political blockade correlated significantly with food security. Three groups were sampled, including government officials, regulatory agencies, and food suppliers.

scholarly journals Conceptualizing community resilience to natural hazards – the emBRACE framework

2017 ◽  
Vol 17 (12) ◽  
pp. 2321-2333 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sylvia Kruse ◽  
Thomas Abeling ◽  
Hugh Deeming ◽  
Maureen Fordham ◽  
John Forrester ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Natural Hazards ◽  
Community Resilience ◽  
Scientific Concept ◽  
Risk Governance ◽  
Community Stakeholders ◽  
Societal Context ◽  
Key Drivers ◽  
Community Forces ◽  
The One

Abstract. The level of community is considered to be vital for building disaster resilience. Yet, community resilience as a scientific concept often remains vaguely defined and lacks the guiding characteristics necessary for analysing and enhancing resilience on the ground. The emBRACE framework of community resilience presented in this paper provides a heuristic analytical tool for understanding, explaining and measuring community resilience to natural hazards. It was developed in an iterative process building on existing scholarly debates, on empirical case study work in five countries and on participatory consultation with community stakeholders where the framework was applied and ground-tested in different contexts and for different hazard types. The framework conceptualizes resilience across three core domains: (i) resources and capacities, (ii) actions and (iii) learning. These three domains are conceptualized as intrinsically conjoined within a whole. Community resilience is influenced by these integral elements as well as by extra-community forces comprising disaster risk governance and thus laws, policies and responsibilities on the one hand and on the other, the general societal context, natural and human-made disturbances and system change over time. The framework is a graphically rendered heuristic, which through application can assist in guiding the assessment of community resilience in a systematic way and identifying key drivers and barriers of resilience that affect any particular hazard-exposed community.

The influence of spatial design characteristics on low-rise residential neighbourhoods in Basra city

2014 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 559-585
Author(s):  
Hani Alahmed ◽  
Wa’el Alaghbari ◽  
Rahinah Ibrahim ◽  
Azizah Salim
Keyword(s):  
Social Interaction ◽  
Social Interactions ◽  
Significant Influence ◽  
Statistical Data ◽  
Residential Building ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Spatial Design ◽  
Two Factors ◽  
Design Characteristics

Purpose – This paper aims to investigate the ways that could enhance residents’ social interaction in low-rise residential building neighbourhoods of Basra city in Iraq. The lack of social interaction among residents of Basra city prompted the authors to frame a strategy for this case study. Design/methodology/approach – The spatial design characteristics of low-rise residential building neighbourhoods implicated to support the residents in terms of social interactions in comparison to those exhibited by a single home and traditional neighbourhoods. The statistical data demonstrated that by using this strategy, several unique features of secured, collective, responsive and supportive spaces could enhance the residents’ social interaction. Findings – This study found that all collective space factors have a significant influence on social interaction. “Fostering proper proximity and accessibility” factor was ranked first and the most significant factor with an influence on social interaction. Secured spaces (hierarchical spatial structure, physical security supports and construct) have a significant influence on social interaction. The most interesting finding in this study is that all factors of the supportive spaces construct have a significant influence on social interaction. Finally, this study showed that two factors of the responsive spaces construct, increasing variety and increasing legibility, have an insignificant influence on social interaction. Originality/value – The design of low-rise residential building neighbourhoods in Basra city may be used to develop social interaction as the contributing factor for maintaining values of traditional neighbourhood communities. This study highlights certain recommendations for architects, especially urban designers, to reinforce residents’ social interaction in low-rise residential building neighbourhoods in Basra city.

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