Built Environment Determinants of Pedestrian Activities and Their Consideration in Urban Street Design

Pedestrian facilities have been regarded in urban street design as “leftover spaces” for years, but, currently, there is a growing interest in walking and improving the quality of street environments. Designing pedestrian facilities presents the challenge of simultaneously accommodating (1) pedestrians who want to move safely and comfortably from point A to B (movement function); as well as (2) users who wish to rest, communicate, shop, eat, and enjoy life in a pleasant environment (place function). The aims of this study are to provide an overview of how the task of designing pedestrian facilities is addressed in international guidance material for urban street design, to compare this with scientific evidence on determinants of pedestrian activities, and to finally develop recommendations for advancing provisions for pedestrians. The results show that urban street design guidance is well advanced in measuring space requirements for known volumes of moving pedestrians, but less in planning pleasant street environments that encourage pedestrian movement and place activities. A stronger linkage to scientific evidence could improve guidance materials and better support urban street designers in their ambition to provide safe, comfortable and attractive street spaces that invite people to walk and to stay.

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Demystifying the Roles of Streets towards Improving Urban Quality of Life

Environment-Behaviour Proceedings Journal ◽

10.21834/e-bpj.v2i5.708 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 2 (5) ◽

pp. 427

Author(s):

Zainuddin Ab Rahman ◽

Sharifah Khalizah Syed Othman Thani ◽

Rafiuddin Roslan

Keyword(s):

Publishing House ◽

Urban Life ◽

Policy Makers ◽

Great Loss ◽

Street Design ◽

Urban Street ◽

Urban Quality Of Life ◽

Modern Cities ◽

Quality Of Urban Life

This conceptual paper aims to demystify how the quality of streets could facilitate the street culture and shaping greater urban qualities. Numerous scholars believed that certain streets had contributed an utmost factor in shaping man's civilisation. The development of modern cities has contributed to a great loss of streets significance as spaces for socialising and dwelling in the local peoples' needs. The outcome of this paper is hoping to guide the practitioners, policy makers and urban designers to incorporate the inclusive street design towards providing a better quality of urban life. Keywords: Urban street; Inclusive street design; City’s livability; Quality of lifeISSN: 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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Multimodal Level of Service Methodologies: Evaluation of the Multimodal Performance of Arterial Corridors

Transportation Research Record Journal of the Transportation Research Board ◽

10.1177/0361198118776112 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 2672 (15) ◽

pp. 142-154 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Natalia Zuniga-Garcia ◽

Heidi W. Ross ◽

Randy B. Machemehl

Keyword(s):

Design Guidelines ◽

Level Of Service ◽

Highway Capacity ◽

Highway Capacity Manual ◽

Street Design ◽

Urban Street ◽

Current State ◽

Transit Capacity

The principal objective of this research is to evaluate the multimodal performance of arterial corridors using currently available multimodal level of service (MMLOS) methodologies. Eight different MMLOS approaches are applied to a case study using an arterial corridor section in Austin, Texas. The methodologies applied are: Highway Capacity Manual; Transit Capacity and Quality of Service Manual; Charlotte, NC, Urban Street Design Guidelines; pedestrian and bicycle environmental quality indices; assessment of level of traffic stress; bicycle compatibility index; deficiency index; and Walk Score®, Bike Score®, and Transit Score®. The analysis is focused on the assessment of pedestrian, bicycle, and transit modes. The methodologies are evaluated and contrasted. The paper provides a comprehensive review of the current state of practice of multimodal evaluation and recommendations about the most appropriate approaches to assess multimodal performance of arterial corridors.

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Identifying Characters of Good Street for Greater Urban Quality of Life

Asian Journal of Quality of Life ◽

10.21834/ajqol.v4i15.184 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 4 (15) ◽

pp. 19-31

Author(s):

Zainuddin Ab Rahman ◽

Sharifah Khalizah Syed Othman Thani ◽

Rafiuddin Roslan

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Publishing House ◽

Urban Life ◽

Great Loss ◽

Street Design ◽

Urban Street ◽

Urban Quality Of Life ◽

Modern Cities ◽

Quality Of Urban Life

This conceptual paper aims to demystify how the quality of streets could facilitate the street culture and shaping greater urban qualities. Numerous scholars believed that certain streets had contributed an utmost factor in shaping man's civilisation. The development of modern cities has contributed to a great loss of streets significance as spaces for socialising and dwelling in the local peoples' needs. The outcome of this paper is hoping to guide the practitioners, policy makers and urban designers to incorporate the inclusive street design towards providing a better quality of urban life. Keywords: Urban street; Inclusive street design; City’s livability; Quality of life eISSN 2398-4279 © 2019. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-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. https://doi.org/10.21834/ajqol.v4i15.184

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Effectiveness of Shock Wave Therapy as a Treatment for Spasticity: A Systematic Review

Brain Sciences ◽

10.3390/brainsci11010015 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

pp. 15

Author(s):

Isabel María Martínez ◽

Nuria Sempere-Rubio ◽

Olga Navarro ◽

Raquel Faubel

Keyword(s):

Shock Wave ◽

Botulinum Toxin ◽

Methodological Quality ◽

Scientific Evidence ◽

Motor Impairment ◽

Functional Independence ◽

Shock Wave Therapy ◽

Jadad Scale ◽

Type Of Injury

Background: The purpose of this study was to collect and analyse the available scientific evidence on the effectiveness of shock wave therapy as a treatment for spasticity. Methods: the search was performed in the following databases: PubMed, PEDro, Cochrane, Embase, and the Virtual Health Library. All publications from November 2009 to November 2019 were selected that included a sample of patients with spasticity and prior suspension of botulinum toxin, to whom shock wave therapy was applied. The methodological quality of the articles was evaluated using the Jadad scale and the pyramid of quality of scientific evidence. Results: 25 studies involving 866 participants with spasticity were selected. The results obtained suggest that shock wave therapy appears to be effective in reducing spasticity levels irrespective of the age of the participants, the type of injury, and the tool used to measure the effect. Conclusions: shock wave therapy reports evidence of improvement in motor function, motor impairment, pain, and functional independence, applied independently of botulinum toxin. However, due to the heterogeneity of the protocols, there is no optimum protocol for its application, and it would be appropriate to gain more high-quality scientific evidence through primary studies.

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31.B. Workshop: Public health and urban design: an interdisciplinary approach to promote autism friendly environments

European Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/eurpub/ckaa165.1391 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽

Author(s):

◽

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Risk Factors ◽

Environmental Factors ◽

Built Environment ◽

Urban Design ◽

Significant Role ◽

Prevalence Rates ◽

Environmental Characteristics ◽

The Relationship

Abstract Autism is a set of heterogeneous neurodevelopmental conditions, characterised by early-onset difficulties in social communication and restricted, repetitive behaviour and interests. The worldwide population prevalence is about 1% with an increasing incidence and prevalence rates. Autism affects more male than female individuals, and comorbidity is common (>70% have concurrent conditions). Determinants of these changes in incidence and prevalence rates may also be related to exposure to environmental factors and to modifications in diagnostic concepts and criteria. In spite of the uncertainty in determinants of incidence of autisms, there is evidence that environmental characteristics play a significant role both as autism risk factors and as potential obstacles that influence the capabilities of autonomously and fully “using” everyday spaces. The workshop aims to provide a framework on risk factors of autism and explore the relationship with the built environment, focusing on the quality of the everyday spaces and projecting the effects that it could have in the long term on achieving a desirable level of quality of life. The 11th Sustainable Development Goals of United Nations “Make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable” underlines the necessity of designing policies and projects acting to enhance and promote healthy cities and communities by addressing the needs of the most vulnerable groups of inhabitants. Herewith we bring together the discipline of Public Health and Urban Design to promote an interdisciplinary debate on a little explored topic investigating how the approaches adopted during childhood to promote the wellbeing of people with ASD can be related or strengthen by focusing also on built environment design intervention to pursue and reach the same objectives even during adulthood. The workshop will consist of four presentations. The first focuses on giving an overview on current knowledge of intervention for people with autism, presenting also criteria for evidence-based interventions. The second explores the relationship between autism and built environment by providing an exhaustive framework of the available research literature in order to identify a first set of spatial requirements for autism friendly cities. The third examines the impact of built environment on ASD users with the aim of developing a specific evaluation tool for healthcare spaces and best practices formulation according to the specific sensorial hypo- or hyper-activation of people with autism. Finally, the fourth reports the results of a two years Research & Development project called “GAP REDUCE” finalized at developing an Assistive Technology tool to support people with ASD, adult and high-functioning, to plan urban itineraries towards daily destinations. Key messages World's incidence of autism is about 1% with an increasing incidence whose determining rates may also be related to environmental factors and to modifications in diagnostic concepts and criteria. Environmental characteristics play a significant role also as potential obstacles that influence the capabilities of people with autism of autonomously and fully “using” everyday spaces.

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Percutaneous versus Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation of the Posterior Tibial Nerve in Idiopathic Overactive Bladder Syndrome with Urinary Incontinence in Adults: A Systematic Review

Healthcare ◽

10.3390/healthcare9070879 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (7) ◽

pp. 879

Author(s):

Aida Agost-González ◽

Isabel Escobio-Prieto ◽

Azahara M. Pareja-Leal ◽

María Jesús Casuso-Holgado ◽

María Blanco-Diaz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Urinary Incontinence ◽

Electrical Stimulation ◽

Overactive Bladder ◽

Tibial Nerve ◽

Scientific Evidence ◽

Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation ◽

Posterior Tibial Nerve ◽

Posterior Tibial

Background: Percutaneous electrical stimulation and transcutaneous electrical stimulation (PTNS and TTNS) of the posterior tibial nerve are internationally recognized treatment methods that offer advantages in terms of treating patients with overactive bladder (OAB) who present with urinary incontinence (UI). This article aims to analyze the scientific evidence for the treatment of OAB with UI in adults using PTNS versus TTNS procedures in the posterior tibial nerve. Methods: A systematic review was conducted, between February and May 2021 in the Web of Science and Scopus databases, in accordance with the PRISMA recommendations. Results: The research identified 259 studies, 130 of which were selected and analyzed, with only 19 used according to the inclusion requirements established. The greatest effectiveness, in reducing UI and in other parameters of daily voiding and quality of life, was obtained by combining both techniques with other treatments, pharmacological treatments, or exercise. Conclusions: TTNS has advantages over PTNS as it is more comfortable for the patient even though there is equality of both therapies in the outcome variables. More research studies are necessary in order to obtain clear scientific evidence.

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Personalized, Predictive, Participatory, Precision, and Preventive (P5) Medicine in Rotator Cuff Tears

Journal of Personalized Medicine ◽

10.3390/jpm11040255 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (4) ◽

pp. 255

Author(s):

Umile Giuseppe Longo ◽

Arianna Carnevale ◽

Carlo Massaroni ◽

Daniela Lo Presti ◽

Alessandra Berton ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Rotator Cuff ◽

Environmental Factors ◽

Multidisciplinary Approach ◽

Musculoskeletal Disorder ◽

Scientific Evidence ◽

Rotator Cuff Tears ◽

Diagnosis And Therapy

Rotator cuff (RC) disease is a common musculoskeletal disorder of the shoulder entailing pain, with reduced functionality and quality of life. The main objective of this study was to present a perspective of the current scientific evidence about personalized, predictive, participatory, precision, and preventive approaches in the management of RC diseases. The personalized, predictive, participatory, precision and preventive (P5) medicine model is an interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approach that will provide researchers and clinicians with a comprehensive patrimony of knowledge in the management of RC diseases. The ability to define genetic predispositions in conjunction with the evaluation of lifestyle and environmental factors may boost the tailoring of diagnosis and therapy in patients suffering from RC diseases.

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Quality of the Built Environment in Urban Neighbourhoods

Planning Practice and Research ◽

10.1080/02697450802327198 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 23 (2) ◽

pp. 249-264 ◽

Cited By ~ 33

Author(s):

Nicola Dempsey

Keyword(s):

Built Environment ◽

Urban Neighbourhoods

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An Analysis of Apps with a Medication List Functionality for Older People with Heart Failure: Evaluation using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS) and the IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics Functionality Score (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.30674 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Yohanca Maria Diaz-Skeete ◽

David McQuaid ◽

Adewale Samuel Akinosun ◽

Idongesit Ekerete ◽

Natacha Carragher ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heart Failure ◽

Mobile Application ◽

Rating Scale ◽

Scientific Evidence ◽

Medication List ◽

Healthcare Informatics ◽

Medication History ◽

Clinic Efficiency ◽

Google Play

BACKGROUND Managing the care of older patients with heart failure (HF) largely centres on medication management. Due to their frequent medication or dosing changes, an app supporting them to keep an up-to-date list of medication could be advantageous. During COVID-19 times, HF outpatients’ consultations are taking place virtually or by phone. An app with the capability to share the medication list with healthcare professionals before consultation could support the clinic efficiency, for example, reducing consultation time. However, the influence of apps on maintaining an up to date medication history for older adults with HF in Ireland remains largely unexplored. OBJECTIVE The objectives of this review are twofold: to review apps with a medication list functionality and to evaluate the quality of the apps included in the review using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS) and the IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics functionality scale. METHODS A systematic search of apps was conducted in June 2019 using the Google Play StoreTM and iTunes App StoreTM. The MARS was used independently by four researchers to assess the quality of the apps using an Android phone and an iPad. Apps were also evaluated using the IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics functionality score. RESULTS Google play and iOS app stores searches identified 483 potential apps (292 from Android stores and 191 from Apple stores). Six apps met the inclusion criteria. Medisafe app had the highest overall MARS score (4/5) and the medication list & medical records app had the lowest overall score (2.5/5). Five out of the six apps achieved an acceptable quality MARS score (>3.0). Two apps scored the maximum number of features (n=11) according to the IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics functionality score and two scored the lowest (n=5). The apps had on average 8 functions based on the IMS functionality criteria (range 5 to 11). CONCLUSIONS The quality of current apps with a medication list functionality varies regarding their technical aspects. Most of the apps reviewed have an acceptable MARS objective quality. However, the subjective quality or satisfaction with the apps was poor. Only three apps are based on scientific evidence and have been previously tested. Two apps featured all the IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics functionalities and half do not provide clear instructions on how to enter medication data, do not display vital parameters data in an easy to understand format and do not guide users on how or when to take their medication. CLINICALTRIAL N/A

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