scholarly journals Is It All the Same? Mapping and Characterizing Deprived Urban Areas Using WorldView-3 Superspectral Imagery. A Case Study in Nairobi, Kenya

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (24) ◽  
pp. 4986
Author(s):  
Stefanos Georganos ◽  
Angela Abascal ◽  
Monika Kuffer ◽  
Jiong Wang ◽  
Maxwell Owusu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Land Use Planning ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Near Infrared ◽  
Image Features ◽  
City Population ◽  
Wide Scale ◽  
Urban Deprivation ◽  
Shortwave Infrared ◽  
The City ◽  
Deprived Areas

In the past two decades, Earth observation (EO) data have been utilized for studying the spatial patterns of urban deprivation. Given the scope of many existing studies, it is still unclear how very-high-resolution EO data can help to improve our understanding of the multidimensionality of deprivation within settlements on a city-wide scale. In this work, we assumed that multiple facets of deprivation are reflected by varying morphological structures within deprived urban areas and can be captured by EO information. We set out by staying on the scale of an entire city, while zooming into each of the deprived areas to investigate deprivation through land cover (LC) variations. To test the generalizability of our workflow, we assembled multiple WorldView-3 datasets (multispectral and shortwave infrared) with varying numbers of bands and image features, allowing us to explore computational efficiency, complexity, and scalability while keeping the model architecture consistent. Our workflow was implemented in the city of Nairobi, Kenya, where more than sixty percent of the city population lives in deprived areas. Our results indicate that detailed LC information that characterizes deprivation can be mapped with an accuracy of over seventy percent by only using RGB-based image features. Including the near-infrared (NIR) band appears to bring significant improvements in the accuracy of all classes. Equally important, we were able to categorize deprived areas into varying profiles manifested through LC variability using a gridded mapping approach. The types of deprivation profiles varied significantly both within and between deprived areas. The results could be informative for practical interventions such as land-use planning policies for urban upgrading programs.

scholarly journals Spatial Information Gaps on Deprived Urban Areas (Slums) in Low-and-Middle-Income-Countries: A User-Centered Approach

Urban Science ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 72
Author(s):  
Monika Kuffer ◽  
Jon Wang ◽  
Dana R. Thomson ◽  
Stefanos Georganos ◽  
Angela Abascal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Information System ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Spatial Information ◽  
Spatial Dynamics ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Urban Deprivation ◽  
Deprived Areas ◽  
User Centered

Routine and accurate data on deprivation are needed for urban planning and decision support at various scales (i.e., from community to international). However, analyzing information requirements of diverse users on urban deprivation, we found that data are often not available or inaccessible. To bridge this data gap, Earth Observation (EO) data can support access to frequently updated spatial information. However, a user-centered approach is urgently required for the production of EO-based mapping products. Combining an online survey and several forms of user interactions, we defined five system specifications (derived from user requirements) for designing an open-access spatial information system for deprived urban areas. First, gridded maps represent the optimal spatial granularity to deal with high uncertainties of boundaries of deprived areas and to protect privacy. Second, a high temporal granularity of 1–2 years is important to respond to the high spatial dynamics of urban areas. Third, detailed local-scale information should be part of a city-to-global information system. Fourth, both aspects, community assets and risks, need to be part of an information system, and such data need to be combined with local community-based information. Fifth, in particular, civil society and government users should have fair access to data that bridges the digital barriers. A data ecosystem on urban deprivation meeting these requirements will be able to support community-level action for improving living conditions in deprived areas, local science-based policymaking, and tracking progress towards global targets such as the SDGs.

scholarly journals Mechanisms of Densification of the City in the Neoliberal Economy - a Case Study: the Surroundings of the Eastern Part of the Former Airport Runway Rakowice-Czyżyny in Cracow

2015 ◽  
Vol 27 (27) ◽  
pp. 81-93 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dominika Hołuj ◽  
Artur Hołuj
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Land Use Planning ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
New Urbanism ◽  
Land Development ◽  
Research Area ◽  
Field Analysis ◽  
Airport Runway ◽  
The City

Abstract The article is a case study of land use planning in the surroundings of the eastern side of the runway of the former airport Rakowice-Czyżyny in Cracow. The area was chosen because it is an example reflecting the history of many urban spaces that are well connected externally, well equipped in infrastructure, and favourably located in the city. They are now the scene of an intense market game, which arrogates to itself the almost unlimited right to determine the land use. Therefore, a study was conducted to verify the knowledge in that field. The analysis was based, inter alia, on differentiated source materials (including historical ones), a survey of press materials (mostly local ones), interviews with residents, the field analysis carried out in the research area and data analysis (primary market of real estate). The chosen example allowed the authors to confirm the theorems on the growing threats to the spatial order in a situation of struggle between supporters of neoliberal urbanism and broadly defined new urbanism. The latter cannot exist without spatial planning but since1990 in Poland we have been able to observe a crisis in this area. It leads to chaotic, too concentrated development in urban areas. This demonstrates that while the criticism of the new urbanism is in some dimensions justified, it cannot be used to legalize voluntary land development. This possibility of social and political permission for arbitrariness generates an “appetite” for space understood primarily as an economic good.

scholarly journals Equilibrium and Optimal Location of Warehouses in Urban Areas: A Theoretical Analysis with Implications for Urban Logistics

2019 ◽  
Vol 2673 (5) ◽  
pp. 262-271 ◽  
Author(s):  
François Combes
Keyword(s):  
Land Use Planning ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Economies Of Scale ◽  
Location Decision ◽  
Transport Costs ◽  
City Center ◽  
Warehouse Location ◽  
Land Rents ◽  
Operational Constraints ◽  
The City

This paper presents a structural microeconomic model of the choice of warehouse location in urban logistics. The model is theoretical and analytical. It brings the focus on operational constraints, their diversity, and their influence on costs. The location decision is modeled as a trade-off between land rents (making it costly to locate close to the center of the urban area) and transport costs (which increase non-linearly when the warehouse moves away from the city center). The influence of various parameters on the optimal warehouse location is analyzed. The following conclusions are drawn. First, increased demand contributes to the explanation of logistic sprawl: when the density of operations (pick-ups and deliveries) increases in a given area, transport is more efficient, making it less necessary for warehouses to be close to the city center. Second, urban logistics is a heterogenous sector and, depending on the operational constraints, will not react homogenously to changes in economic parameters or the implementation of public policies. Third, economies of scale are identified: some implications are discussed. Fourth, the paper briefly discusses how land-use planning regarding, in particular, warehouses, can help internalize some of the externalities of urban logistics.

Urbanization of fauna on the example of marsh frog (Pelophylax ridibundus)

2015 ◽  
Vol 26 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 116-123
Author(s):  
A. P. Korzh ◽  
T. V. Zahovalko
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Cognitive Modeling ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Natural Populations ◽  
Cellular Level ◽  
Anthropogenic Factors ◽  
Migration Routes ◽  
Corrective Effect ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The City

Recently, the number of published works devoted to the processes of synanthropization of fauna, is growing like an avalanche, which indicates the extreme urgency of this theme. In our view, the process of forming devices to coexist with human and the results of his life reflects the general tandency of the modern nature evolution. Urbanization is characteristic for such a specific group of animals like amphibians, the evidence of which are numerous literature data. Many researchers use this group to assess the bioindicative quality of the environment. For this aim a variety of indicators are used: from the cellular level of life of organization up to the species composition of the group in different territories. At the same time, the interpretation of the results is not always comparable for different areas and often have significantly different interpretations by experts. Urban environment, primarily due to the contamination is extremely aggressive to amphibians. As a consequence, the urban populations of amphibians may be a change in the demographic structure, affecting the reproductive ability of the population, the disappearance of the most sensitive species or individuals, resizing animals, the appearance of abnormalities in the development, etc. At the same time play an important amphibians in the ecosystems of cities, and some species in these conditions even feel relatively comfortable. Therefore, it is interesting to understand the mechanisms of self-sustaining populations of amphibians in urban environments. To assess the impact of natural and anthropogenic factors on the development of amphibian populations were used cognitive modeling using the program Vensim PLE. Cognitive map of the model for urban and suburban habitat conditions were the same. The differences concerned the strength of connections between individual factors (migration, fertility, pollution) and their orientation. In general, factors like pollution, parasites, predators had negative impact on the population, reducing its number. The birth rate, food and migration contributed to raising number of individuals. Some of the factors affected on the strength to of each other as well: the majority of the factors affected the structure of the population, had an influence on the fertility. Thanks to it the model reflects the additive effect of complex of factors on the subsequent status of the population. Proposed and analyzed four scenarios differing strength and duration of exposure. In the first scenario, a one-time contamination occurs and not subsequently repeated. The second and third scenario assumes half board contamination, 1 year (2 scenario) and two years (scenario 3). In the fourth scenario, the pollution affected the population of amphibians constantly. In accordance with the results of simulation, much weaker than the natural populations respond to pollution - have them as an intensive population growth and its disappearance at constant pollution is slow. Changes to other parameters of the model showed that this pollution is the decisive factor -only the constant action leads to a lethal outcome for the populations. All other components of the model have a corrective effect on the population dynamics, without changing its underlying trand. In urban areas due to the heavy impact of pollution maintaining the population is only possible thanks to the migration process – the constant replenishment of diminishing micropopulations of natural reserves. This confirms the assumption that the form of existence metapopulations lake frog in the city. In order to maintain the number of amphibians in urban areas at a high level it is necessary to maintain existing migration routes and the creation of new ones. Insular nature of the placement of suitable habitats in urban areas causes the metapopulation structure of the types of urbanists. Therefore, the process of urbanization is much easier for those species whicht are capable of migration in conditions of city. In the initial stages of settling the city micropopulationis formed by selective mortality of the most susceptible individuals to adverse effects. In future, maintaining the categories of individuals is provided mainly due to migration processes metapopulisation form of the species of existence is supported). It should be noted that the changes in the previous levels are always saved in future. In the case of reorganizations of individuals we of morphology can assume the existence of extremely adverse environmental conditions that threaten the extinction of the micropopulations. 

Two-Dimensional Near-Infrared and Shortwave Infrared Molecular Aggregates: Taking Kasha’s Model to the Next Dimension

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arundhati Deshmukh ◽  
Danielle Koppel ◽  
Chern Chuang ◽  
Danielle Cadena ◽  
Jianshu Cao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Near Infrared ◽  
Photophysical Properties ◽  
Satellite Telemetry ◽  
Transition Dipole Moment ◽  
Short Wave ◽  
Tissue Imaging ◽  
Transition Dipole ◽  
Deep Tissue Imaging ◽  
Excitonic States ◽  
Shortwave Infrared

Technologies which utilize near-infrared (700 – 1000 nm) and short-wave infrared (1000 – 2000 nm) electromagnetic radiation have applications in deep-tissue imaging, telecommunications and satellite telemetry due to low scattering and decreased background signal in this spectral region. However, there are few molecular species, which absorb efficiently beyond 1000 nm. Transition dipole moment coupling (e.g. J-aggregation) allows for redshifted excitonic states and provides a pathway to highly absorptive electronic states in the infrared. We present aggregates of two cyanine dyes whose absorption peaks redshift dramatically upon aggregation in water from ~ 800 nm to 1000 nm and 1050 nm with sheet-like morphologies and high molar absorptivities (e ~ 10<sup>5 </sup>M<sup>-1</sup>cm<sup>-1</sup>). To describe this phenomenology, we extend Kasha’s model for J- and H-aggregation to describe the excitonic states of <i> 2-dimensional aggregates</i> whose slip is controlled by steric hindrance in the assembled structure. A consequence of the increased dimensionality is the phenomenon of an <i>intermediate </i>“I-aggregate”, one which redshifts yet displays spectral signatures of band-edge dark states akin to an H-aggregate. We distinguish between H-, I- and J-aggregates by showing the relative position of the bright (absorptive) state within the density of states using temperature dependent spectroscopy. Our results can be used to better design chromophores with predictable and tunable aggregation with new photophysical properties.

Epizootological features of demodicosis in homeless animals in the city of Tyumen ЭПИЗООТОЛОГИЧЕСКИЕ ОСОБЕННОСТИ ДЕМОДЕКОЗА У БЕЗДОМНЫХ ЖИВОТНЫХ В ГОРОДЕ ТЮМЕНИ

2019 ◽  
pp. 6-11
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Manifestation ◽  
Seasonal Dynamics ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Entire Population ◽  
Potential Threat ◽  
Stray Dogs ◽  
Stray Cats ◽  
The City

Широкое распространение безнадзорных животных на территории городов несет за собой потенциальную угрозу распространения зооантропонозных заболеваний, одним из которых является демодекоз. Невозможно разработать мероприятия, направленные на борьбу с заболеванием и его профилактику, без анализа данных особенностей возникновения и распространения инвазии среди всей популяции восприимчивых животных. Поэтому целью нашей работы явилось изучение распространения демодекоза среди безнадзорных собак и кошек в городе Тюмени. В задачи исследования входило изучение распространения демодекоза и его клинического проявления среди бездомных собак и кошек в условиях города Тюмени и определение сезонной динамики заболевания. Работу выполняли в 2016-2018 гг. на базе кафедры анатомии и физиологии ФГБОУ ВО ГАУ Северного Зауралья, в лаборатории акарологии ВНИИВЭА – филиала ТюмНЦ СО РАН, а также в производственных условиях на базе пункта временного содержания безнадзорных домашних животных МКУ «ЛесПаркХоз». Демодекозная инвазия распространена среди бездомных кошек и собак. Наиболее часто демодекоз встречается у собак, экстенсивность инвазии от 0,65 до 0,72%. Заболевание демодекозом у бездомных собак регистрировали на протяжении всего года, но 54,6% больных собак поступали в апреле и мае. Большинство больных демодекозом – это молодые собаки в возрасте от 1,5 месяцев до 2-х лет – 75,76%, животные старше двух лет гораздо реже страдали от демодекоза – 24,24%. Генерализацию демодекоза регистрировали у 21 собаки (63,64%), а локализованные очаги – у 12 собак (36,36%). Наиболее распространенной формой проявления демодекоза у бездомных собак является пустулезная, или пиодемодекоз. Данная форма заболевания была отмечена у 16 собак (48,49%), чешуйчатая форма отмечалась у 10 собак (30,30%), а смешанная – у 7 собак (21,21%). The widespread use of stray animals in urban areas carries with it the potential threat of the spread of zooanthroponotic diseases, one of which is demodicosis. It is impossible to develop measures aimed at combating the disease and its prevention without analyzing the data on the characteristics of the occurrence and spread of invasion among the entire population of susceptible animals. Therefore, the purpose of our work was to study the distribution of demodicosis among street dogs and cats in the city of Tyumen. The objectives of the study included the study of the spread of demodicosis and its clinical manifestation among stray dogs and cats in the conditions of the city of Tyumen and the determination of the seasonal dynamics of the disease. Demodectic invasion is common among stray cats and dogs. Most often, demodicosis occurs in dogs, with extensive invasion from 0.65 to 0.72%. Demodecosis in stray dogs was recorded throughout the year, but 54.6% of sick dogs were reported in April and May. The majority of patients with demodicosis are young dogs between the ages of 1.5 months and 2 years old - 75.76%, animals older than two years suffer less from demodicosis, only 24.24%. Generalization of demodicosis was recorded in 21 dogs (63.64%), and localized foci in 12 dogs (36.36%). The most common form of demodicosis in stray dogs is pustular or pyodemodecosis. This form of the disease was observed in 16 dogs (48.49%), scaly form, was observed in 10 dogs (30.30%), and mixed in 7 dogs (21.21%).

IMPACTS OF URBAN LAND USE ON CRIME PATTERNS THROUGH GIS APPLICATION

2013 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmad Nazri Muhamad Ludin ◽  
Norsiah Abd. Aziz ◽  
Nooraini Hj Yusoff ◽  
Wan Juliyana Wan Abd Razak
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Drug Abuse ◽  
Land Use Planning ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Spatial Relationship ◽  
Police Department ◽  
Strong Relationship ◽  
Urban Land ◽  
Urban Land Use ◽  
Land Use Patterns

Land use planning plays a crucial role in creating a balance between the needs of society, physical development and the ecosystem. However, most often poor planning and displacement of land uses particularly in urban areas contribute to social ills such as drug abuse and criminal activities. This research explains the spatial relationship of drug abuse and other criminal activities on urban land use planning and their implications on the society at large. Spatial statistics was used to show patterns, trends and spatial relationships of crimes and land use planning. Data on crime incidents were obtained from the Royal Malaysia Police Department whilst cases of drug abuse were collected from the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK). Analysis of the data together with digital land use maps produced by Arnpang Jaya Municipal Council, showed the distribution of crime incidents and drug abuse in the area. Findings of the study also indicated that, there was a strong relationship between petty crimes, drng abuse and land use patterns. These criminal activities tend to concentrate in residential and commercial areas of the study area.

PHYTOMONITORING AS A METOD OF THE ASSESSMENT OF ATMOSPHERIC AIR POLLUTION BY URBAN ENVIRONMENT BY FINE DUST

2019 ◽  
pp. 42-53
Author(s):  
Irina Glinyanova ◽  
Valery Azarov ◽  
Valery Fomichev
Keyword(s):  
Urban Environment ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Fine Particles ◽  
Prunus Armeniaca ◽  
Dust Particles ◽  
Fine Dust ◽  
Control Zone ◽  
Atmospheric Air ◽  
Random Functions ◽  
The City

Fine dust: (PM2.5, PM10) is a priority pollutant that contributes to the development of numerous dis-eases in urban areas. The purpose of this scientific work is to study the dispersed composition of dust parti-cles on the leaves of apricot trees (Prúnus armeníaca) in the residential zone of Volgograd. The novelty of the work lies in the study of the dispersed composition of dust particles on the leaves of apricot trees (Prúnus armeníaca) in the residential zone in the city of Volgograd near the construction industry enterprise, me-chanical engineering, leather production and railway transport line in comparison with the conditionally clean (control) zone of the SNT “Orocenets” ”(Sovetsky District, Volgograd) from the standpoint of random functions expressed by integral distribution curves of the mass of particles over their equivalent diameters. As a result of the research, the dispersed composition of dust on the leaves of apricot trees (Prúnus ar-meníaca) in the residential area of Volgograd was revealed. Fine particles were found: PM2.5, PM10 in each of the studied points, which by their values, both in their number and mass fraction, significantly exceed the data on fine dust in a conditionally clean area (control) in the SNT “Oroshanets” (Sovetsky district Volgo-grad), which creates certain environmental risks for local residents. The dispersed analysis of particles from the standpoint of random functions in the future will allow with a sufficiently high degree of accuracy to pre-dict the dust content of urban atmospheric air in the range of monthly and / or seasonal average values compared to the traditional measurement of fine dust concentration in atmospheric air of the urban environ-ment as the maximum single or daily average. At the same time, further studies of dust on the leaves of plants in an urban environment, namely, the study of the density of its sedimentation, will also reveal a group of ur-ban plants that are best suited to retain PM2.5 and PM10 on leaf plates in this region, which can significantly increase the quality of the atmospheric air of the urban environment and be of a recommendatory nature for the state-owned landscaping services of the city of Volgograd when improving the green areas of a megacity.

scholarly journals Changes in Water Quality of the River das Antas as It Passes through Rural and Urban Areas

Urban Science ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 22
Author(s):  
Valdemir Antoneli ◽  
Manuel Pulido-Fernández ◽  
João Anésio Bednarz ◽  
Leonardo Brandes ◽  
Michael Vrahnakis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rural Area ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Human Consumption ◽  
Rural And Urban Areas ◽  
Ph Values ◽  
Rural And Urban ◽  
Feasible Option ◽  
Decreasing Ph ◽  
The City

The catchment area of River das Antas (Irati, Paraná, Brazil) is of high importance both for human consumption and irrigation. Within Irati, this river passes through a rural area and through the city of Irati, crossing both poor and rich neighbourhoods. We selected three study areas downstream (a rural area, poor community, and rich neighbourhood) in which we measured turbidity, the concentration of sediments and pH during rainy days. Our results showed downstream trends of increasing turbidity and concentrations of sediments with decreasing pH. The values of turbidity and of concentration of sediments were significantly different in the rural area, while the pH values were significantly different between the three study areas. These findings highlight the effect of agricultural activities in the generation of sediments and turbidity. The—presumably expected—effects of organic urban waste from the poor neighbourhood were also detected in the pH values. We conclude that efforts should be made to ensure that land planning and training/education programmes on sustainable farming practices are undertaken by the authorities to reduce water pollution and its effects on water bodies during rainfall events, since paving streets is not a feasible option in the short term due to the high costs associated with this measure.

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