scholarly journals Investigating the Impact of QoL Program on Public Spaces

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (18) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lobna Mostafa

Two primary objectives of the Saudi QoL program are Improving individuals` lifestyles by developing new approaches that boost residents` participation in cultural, entertainment, and sports activities. The second is enhancing the quality of life by creating activities that contribute to diversifying economic activity and boosting the status of sustainable development plans of Saudi Arabian cities are. Improving and adapting open public spaces and streets in the city of Riyadh into pedestrian-friendly ones and fewer cars' dependent can do much change and help accomplish the country's vision. In this regard, the main research goal is to investigate the reflections of the QoL program on the urban and social life in Riyadh neighborhoods with a focus on the quality of public spaces to promote social activities and walkability as the prime physical activity of neighborhoods residents. The research follows mixed methods for its different parts. The research followed a qualitative approach is in the theoretical studies and literature review. The research involves a quantitative analysis for the research survey, which investigates factors affecting the community's tendency to use public spaces and practice walkability as a main physical activity in their daily lives within their neighborhoods. The research significance is to link the national perspective of QoL and international best practices in placemaking and public spaces according to their global initiatives and the UN-Habitat Public Space program launched in 2020. On that track reducing the dependence on autos and encouraging physical activities and walkability among all community members. The research outcomes will help transform Riyadh Neighborhoods into more pedestrian-friendly urban public spaces by concluding the main parameters and their responsive design solutions to promote community tendency of using public spaces and practice walkability. The research provides recommendations for developing public spaces and pedestrian infrastructure to encourage the city planners to bear that in mind in the early stage in planning transportation infrastructure, an appropriate level of pedestrian service must be established and provided across the roading hierarchy and path network. In addition, the research results include proposing design guidelines for different members of the community, older people, children, and disabled people. Scope of work and limitations: This research's main scope of implementation is the residential neighborhood Al-Falah in the City of Riyadh, yet the suggested strategies and design guidelines could be extended and applied to most cities of Saudi Arabia and beyond. Keywords: Quality of life, Public Space, Saudi Vision 2030, walkability, neighborhood design eISSN: 2398-4287© 2021. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BYNC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians/Africans/Arabians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v6i18.3024

Author(s):  
Sean Parson

Chapter 4 discusses Mayor Frank Jordan’s (1992–1995) revanchist Matrix Quality of Life Program, which sought to enforce a broken-windows policing system in San Francisco. The impact of the policy was felt largely by the visible homeless in downtown San Francisco, who were regularly harassed and arrested by the police and forced out of the city. Because quality-of-life policing desires to sanitize the public space of disruptive and asocial behaviour, the public meals of Food Not Bombs near City Hall resisted the city’s attempt to criminalize homelessness. This chapter argues that the city attempted to construct the homeless as anti-citizens and exclude them from the political and physical spaces of the city.


Rheumatology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 60 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosie Barnett ◽  
Anita McGrogan ◽  
Matthew Young ◽  
Charlotte Cavill ◽  
Mandy Freeth ◽  
...  

Abstract Background/Aims  Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is a chronic rheumatic condition, characterised by inflammatory back pain - often associated with impaired function and mobility, sleep disturbance, fatigue, and reduced quality of life. Despite the vast advances in pharmacological treatments for axSpA over the last few decades, physical activity and rehabilitation remain vital for effective disease management. At the Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases in Bath (RNHRD), the 2-week inpatient axSpA rehabilitation programme has been integral to axSpA care since the 1970’s. Prior research has demonstrated significant short-term improvements in spinal mobility (BASMI), function (BASFI) and disease activity (BASDAI) following course attendance. However, the long-term outcomes are yet to be evaluated in this unique cohort. Methods  Since the early 1990’s, clinical measures of spinal mobility, function and disease activity have been routinely collected at the RNHRD at all clinical appointments through administration of the BASMI, BASFI and BASDAI, respectively. Dates of attending the axSpA course and standard clinical and treatment follow-up data were also collected. Multiple linear regression models were used to investigate the impact of course attendance on final reported BASMI, BASDAI and BASFI scores (final score=most recent). Length of follow-up was defined as time between first and last recorded BASMI. Results  Of the 203 patients within the Bath SPARC200 cohort, 77.8% (158/203) had attended at least one rehabilitation course throughout follow-up. 70.0% (140/203) of patients were male. The mean duration of follow-up was 13.5 years (range 0-35 years); 28.1% (57/203) of individuals with 20+ years of follow-up. Course attendance (yes versus no) significantly reduced final BASMI score by 0.84 (p = 0.001, 95%CI -1.31 to -0.37) and final BASDAI score by 0.74 (p = 0.018, 95%CI -1.34 to -0.13). Although course attendance reduced final BASFI by 0.45 (95%CI -1.17 to 0.28), this relationship did not reach significance (p = 0.225). Whilst minimally clinically important difference (MCID) is, to our knowledge, yet to be defined for BASMI, MCIDs were achieved long-term for both BASDAI and BASFI - defined by van der Heijde and colleagues in 2016 as 0.7 and 0.4 for BASDAI and BASFI, respectively. Conclusion  These results provide novel evidence to support the integral role of education, physical activity and rehabilitation in the management of axSpA. Future work should investigate additional outcomes of critical importance to patients and clinicians, such as fatigue, quality of life and work productivity. Furthermore, a greater understanding of the factors that confound these outcomes may provide insights into those patients who may most benefit from attending a 2-week rehabilitation course. In addition to facilitating identification of those patients who may require additional clinical support. Disclosure  R. Barnett: None. A. McGrogan: None. M. Young: None. C. Cavill: None. M. Freeth: None. R. Sengupta: Honoraria; Biogen, Celgene, AbbVie, Novartis, MSD. Grants/research support; Novartis, UCB.


Land ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 398
Author(s):  
Eliza Sochacka ◽  
Magdalena Rzeszotarska-Pałka

A growing number of urban interventions, such as culture-led regeneration strategies, has emerged alongside growing awareness of the concept of re-urbanization. These interventions evolve to create a holistic urban vision, with aims to promote social cohesion and strengthen local identity as opposed to traditional goals of measuring the economic impact of new cultural developments. Szczecin’s, Poland urban strategy is focused on the expansion of culture—a condition for improving the quality of life and increasing the city’s attractiveness. This article assesses the potential for re-urbanization of Szczecin’s flagship cultural developments. Questionnaire surveys and qualitative research methods were used to assess the characteristics that distinguish cultural projects in the formal, location-related, functional, and symbolic layers, as well as examining their social perception. The results show that the strength of these indicators of urbanscape identity affects how the cultural developments are assessed by the society. Semiotic coherence and functional complexity of the structures have a significant impact on the sense of identification, while their monumentality and exposure contribute to the assessment of the impact on their surroundings. A development with a firm identity, embedded in the city’s tradition not only preserves the cultural heritage of the city but also makes inhabitants feel association with the new project.


Medicina ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 57 (2) ◽  
pp. 161
Author(s):  
Paolo Custurone ◽  
Laura Macca ◽  
Lucrezia Bertino ◽  
Debora Di Mauro ◽  
Fabio Trimarchi ◽  
...  

The link between psoriasis and sport is a controversial issue. The topic has been poorly investigated, and nowadays there are many unsolved questions, dealing with the role of psoriasis in influencing the sporting habits of patients and, vice versa, the impact of sport activity on course, severity and extent of the disease, with particular regard to the indirect benefits on cardiovascular risk and metabolic syndrome. Moreover, the role of physical activity on patients’ quality of life and the potential limitations on physical activity due to joint involvement have not been well elucidated until now. In this narrative review we will try to provide answers to these queries.


2013 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 117-126 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariana Martinez Orlando ◽  
Maria Stella Peccin da Silva ◽  
Império Lombardi Junior

INTRODUCTION: Ageing has become a huge public health challenge due to the need to find solutions for improving quality of life. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess quality of life, muscle strength, balance and physical capacity among elderly practitioners and non-practitioners of physical activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An observational, cross-sectional study was carried out involving 74 elderly individuals in the city of Santos (state of São Paulo, Brazil), divided into two groups: practitioners and non-practitioners of physical activity. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used for the classification of the participants. The generic SF-36 questionnaire was used to assess quality of life. The Berg scale was used for the analysis of balance. Dynamometry was used for the muscle strength test. The six-minute walk test was used for the assessment of physical capacity. RESULTS: Significant differences were found between elderly practitioners and non-practitioners of physical activity regarding quality of life (p = 0.001), muscle strength (p = 0.001), balance (p = 0.001) and physical capacity (p = 0.001). The data also showed that aspects of quality of life were strongly correlated with physical capacity among the non-practitioners of physical activity (r = 0.741). CONCLUSION: Elderly individuals in the city of Santos (Brazil) who practice physical activity have better quality of life, muscle strength, physical capacity and balance in comparison to those who do not practice physical activity.


2020 ◽  
pp. 177-192
Author(s):  
Iman Hegazy

Public spaces are defined as places that should be accessible to all inhabitants without restrictions. They are spaces not only for gathering, socializing and celebrating but also for initiating discussions, protesting and demonstrating. Thus, public spaces are intangible expressions of democracy—a topic that the paper tackles its viability within the context of Alexandria, case study Al-Qaed Ibrahim square. On the one hand, Al-Qaed Ibrahim square which is named after Al-Qaed Ibrahim mosque is a sacred element in the urban fabric; whereas on the other it represents a non-religious revolutionary symbol in the Alexandrian urban public sphere. This contradiction necessitates finding an approach to study the characteristic of this square/mosque within the Alexandrian context—that is to realize the impact of the socio-political events on the image of Al-Qaed Ibrahim square, and how it has transformed into a revolutionary urban symbol and yet into a no-public space. The research revolves around the hypothesis that the political events taking place in Egypt after January 25th, 2011, have directly affected the development of urban public spaces, especially in Alexandria. Therefore methodologically, the paper reviews the development of Al-Qaed Ibrahim square throughout the Egyptian socio-political changes, with a focus on the square’s urban and emotional contextual transformations. For this reason, the study adheres to two theories: the "city elements" by Kevin Lynch and "emotionalizing the urban" by Frank Eckardt. The aim is not only to study the mentioned public space but also to figure out the changes in people’s societal behaviour and emotion toward it. Through empowering public spaces, the paper calls the different Egyptian political and civic powers to recognize each other, regardless of their religious, ethnical or political affiliations. It is a step towards replacing the ongoing political conflicts, polarization, and suppression with societal reconciliation, coexistence, and democracy.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 159
Author(s):  
Anisah Budiwati

This research explores the concept of understanding of mosque managers in the public space about the importance of facing the direction of Qibla. Samples Mosque located in the public space of the Hospital Jogja International Hospital, Adisutjipto Airport and Mall Plaza Ambarrukmo be proof of the tendency of pattern of understanding of managers of religious orders to face the direction of Qiblah correctly. By using qualitative analysis method and data collection method in the form of observation, interview and documentation, it is found that first, that understanding of mosque managers in public space at three places reflects the quality of life of Islami ie measuring to the expert so that the direction of qibla . Secondly, the accuracy of the direction of the mosque building in the public space in Sleman Yogyakarta is included in the category of accurate with the maximum reason for the 6 minute arc disturbance, where the direction of the largest deviation on the mosques is 0o 1 '20.8 "or equivalent to 3,074 km which means still leads the city of Mecca.Keywords: Accuracy, Understanding and Mosque in Public Space Penelitian ini menggali konsep pemahaman para pengelola Masjid di ruang publik tentang pentingnya menghadap arah kiblat. Sampel Masjid yang berada di ruang publik yakni Rumah Sakit Jogja International Hospital, Bandara Adisutjipto dan Mall Plaza Ambarrukmo menjadi bukti kecenderungan pola pemahaman pengelola terhadap perintah agama untuk menghadap ke arah kiblat dengan tepat. Dengan menggunakan metode analisis kualitatif dan metode pengumpulan data berupa observasi, wawancara dan dokumentasi diperoleh hasil penelitian, pertama bahwa pemahaman para pengelola masjid di ruang publik pada tiga tempat tersebut mencerminkan kualitas hidup Islami yakni melakukan pengukuran kepada pihak ahli sehingga arah kiblat sesuai dengan keilmuan astronomi. Kedua, akurasi atau ketelitian arah kiblat bangunan Masjid di ruang publik di Sleman Yogyakarta termasuk dalam kategori akurat dengan alasan maksimal penyimpangan 6 menit busur, di mana arah penyimpangan paling besar pada masjid-masjid tersebut adalah 0o 1’ 20,8” atau setara 3,074 km yang berarti masih mengarah kota Mekah.Kata kunci: Akurasi, Pemahaman dan Masjid di Ruang Publik


2021 ◽  
Vol 37 ◽  
pp. 65-77
Author(s):  
Marta Joanna Jamontt ◽  
Karol Kociszewski ◽  
Johannes Platje

Participatory budgets are a popular form of co-decision of residents about public space and quality of life in the city. Projects submitted to participatory budgets respond to needs such as recreation, health, communication and safety. This article evaluates the projects from 2016-2018 of the Wroclaw Participatory Budget in terms of aspects related to the wider issue of natural capital and climate change. The results obtained indicate that despite increasing financial outlays on projects that can contribute to strengthening environmental and climate aspects, the share of investments directly targeted at their implementation is relatively small. A total of 201 projects were analyzed, of which 12% directly and 18% indirectly referred to issues related to natural capital and/or climate change.


2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (5) ◽  
pp. 325
Author(s):  
Kamarul Ariff Omar ◽  
Dasimah Omar ◽  
Saberi Othman ◽  
Zaharah Mohd Yusoff

This study examines the quality of life (QoL) satisfaction through place attachment theory upon neighbourhood area among youth in Kuala Lumpur. The objectives are to test the impact of neighbourhood sense of place on QoL index. For place attachment, the environmental factors closest to the home of the residents exerted a greater influence than the more distal factor. These findings contribute to understanding the relationship between place attachment theory and quality of life among youth. The discussion also considers personal dimensions of place belonging and identifying associations amongst them as ways to explore youth quality of life in the PPH. Keywords: Quality of Life; Place Attachment Theory; Youth; Public HousingISSN: 2398-4287© 2017. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BYNC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.


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