scholarly journals Using Citizen Sensing to Identify Heat-Exposed Neighbourhoods

Urban Science ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 14
Author(s):  
Jan Ketil Rød ◽  
Maaike J. Maarse
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Heat Waves ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Heat Exposure ◽  
Urban Environments ◽  
Apparent Temperature ◽  
Adaptation Measures ◽  
Adverse Health Effects ◽  
Citizen Sensing

Rural areas cool off by night but built-up urban areas lack similar relief and may threaten vulnerable people’s health during heat waves. Temperature varies within a city due to the heterogenous nature of urban environments, but official measurement stations are unable to capture local variations, since they use few measurement stations typically set up outside of urban areas. Meteorological measurements may as such be at odds with citizen sensing, where absolute accuracy is sacrificed in pursuit of increased coverage. In this article, we use geographic information processing methodologies and generate 144 hourly apparent temperature surfaces for Rotterdam during a six-day heat wave that took place in July 2019 in The Netherlands. These surfaces are used to generate a humidex degree hours (HDH) composite map. The HDH metric integrates apparent temperature intensity with duration into one spatially explicit value and is used to identify geographical areas in Rotterdam where citizens may experience adverse health effects of prolonged heat exposure. Combining the HDH map with demographic data allows us to identify the most heat-exposed areas with the largest share of vulnerable population. These neighbourhoods may be the locations most in need of adaptation measures.

scholarly journals High-Resolution Modelling of Thermal Exposure during a Hot Spell: A Case Study Using PALM-4U in Prague, Czech Republic

Atmosphere ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 175
Author(s):  
Jan Geletič ◽  
Michal Lehnert ◽  
Pavel Krč ◽  
Jaroslav Resler ◽  
Eric Scott Krayenhoff
Keyword(s):  
Czech Republic ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Heat Exposure ◽  
Thermal Exposure ◽  
Urban Environments ◽  
Cooling Effect ◽  
Spatiotemporal Variability ◽  
Climate Index ◽  
Street Canyons ◽  
General Terms

The modelling of thermal exposure in outdoor urban environments is a highly topical challenge in modern climate research. This paper presents the results derived from a new micrometeorological model that employs an integrated biometeorology module to model Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI). This is PALM-4U, which includes an integrated human body-shape parameterization, deployed herein for a pilot domain in Prague, Czech Republic. The results highlight the key role of radiation in the spatiotemporal variability of thermal exposure in moderate-climate urban areas during summer days in terms of the way in which this directly affects thermal comfort through radiant temperature and indirectly through the complexity of turbulence in street canyons. The model simulations suggest that the highest thermal exposure may be expected within street canyons near the irradiated north sides of east–west streets and near streets oriented north–south. Heat exposure in streets increases in proximity to buildings with reflective paints. The lowest heat exposure during the day may be anticipated in tree-shaded courtyards. The cooling effect of trees may range from 4 °C to 9 °C in UTCI, and the cooling effect of grass in comparison with artificial paved surfaces in open public places may be from 2 °C to 5 °C UTCI. In general terms, this study illustrates that the PALM modelling system provides a new perspective on the spatiotemporal differentiation of thermal exposure at the pedestrian level; it may therefore contribute to more climate-sensitive urban planning.

scholarly journals A hospital-based study on clinical data, demographic data and visual function of keratoconus patients in Central China

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kaili Yang ◽  
Liyan Xu ◽  
Qi Fan ◽  
Yuwei Gu ◽  
Bo Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Data ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Visual Function ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Corneal Thickness ◽  
Positive Family History ◽  
Education Level ◽  
Central China ◽  
The Mean

AbstractChina is a populous country but lacks epidemiological data on keratoconus (KC). The present study aimed to investigate the clinical data, demographic data, and visual function (VF) data of KC patients in Central China. A total of 524 KC eyes in 307 KC patients (217 bilateral and 90 unilateral) from Henan Eye Hospital were included in the current study. Demographic and VF data were assessed with questionnaires administered by well-trained staff during face-to-face interviews. Visual acuity value was examined by a qualified optometrist, and the clinical data were measured by professional clinicians. The distributions of sex, residence and education level of KC patients were compared by Chi-square tests, and the ratios of people wearing glasses and rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses were compared by McNemar tests. General linear models/Chi-squared tests were used to compare the clinical and demographic data according to KC severity. Spearman’s correlation analysis was used to test the associations between the data and KC severity. The mean age at diagnosis was 20.98 ± 6.06 years, and males had a higher ratio of KC than females (P < 0.001). Patients in rural areas had a higher rate of KC than those in urban areas (P = 0.039), and the proportion of KC patients with a higher education level (above high school) was high (P < 0.001). A total of 68.40% of the patients reported eye rubbing and 3.52% had a positive family history. The percentage of people wearing glasses was higher than that of patients wearing RGP lenses (P < 0.001). The total VF score of KC patients was 69.35 ± 15.25. The thinnest corneal thickness (TCT) and stiffness parameter at the first applanation (SP-A1) values were inversely correlated with KC severity (P < 0.05). The mean, steep, and max keratometry (Km, Ks and Kmax) values, the RGP lens use and keratoplasty were positively correlated with KC severity (all P < 0.05). The total VF score of the eye with better VA decreased as the severity increased (r = − 0.21, P = 0.002). The present study comprehensively describes various associated features of KC patients from a tertiary hospital in Central China, providing a reference for understanding the characteristics of KC patients in China.

Damage assessment mapping of rural environments; integration of SAR and Optical data

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shiran Havivi ◽  
Stanley R. Rotman ◽  
Dan G. Blumberg ◽  
Shimrit Maman
Keyword(s):  
Natural Disaster ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Damage Assessment ◽  
Vegetation Index ◽  
Urban Environments ◽  
Optical Data ◽  
Damage Level ◽  
Rural Environments ◽  
Rural And Urban

&lt;p&gt;The damage caused by a natural disaster in rural areas differs in nature, extent, landscape and in structure, from the damage in urban environments. Previous and current studies focus mainly on mapping damaged structures in urban areas after catastrophe events such as an earthquake or tsunami. Yet, research focusing on the damage level or its distribution in rural areas is absent. In order to apply an emergency response and for effective disaster management, it is necessary to understand and characterize the nature of the damage in each different environment.&amp;#160;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Havivi et al. (2018), published a damage assessment algorithm that makes use of SAR images combined with optical data, for rapid mapping and compiling a damage assessment map following a natural disaster. The affected areas are analyzed using interferometric SAR (InSAR) coherence. To overcome the loss of coherence caused by changes in vegetation, optical images are used to produce a mask by computing the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and removing the vegetated area from the scene. Due to the differences in geomorphological settings and landuse\landcover between rural and urban settlements, the above algorithm is modified and adjusted by inserting the Modified Normalized Difference Water Index (MNDWI) to better suit rural environments and their unique response after a disaster. MNDWI is used for detection, identification and extraction of waterbodies (such as irrigation canals, streams, rivers, lakes, etc.), allowing their removal which causes lack of coherence at the post stage of the event. Furthermore, it is used as an indicator for highlighting prone regions that might be severely affected pre disaster event. Thresholds are determined for the co-event coherence map (&amp;#8804; 0.5), the NDVI (&amp;#8805; 0.4) and the MNDWI (&amp;#8805; 0), and the three layers are combined into one. Based on the combined map, a damage assessment map is generated.&amp;#160;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As a case study, this algorithm was applied to the areas affected by multi-hazard event, following the Sulawesi earthquake and subsequent tsunami in Palu, Indonesia, which occurred on September 28th, 2018. High-resolution COSMO-SkyMed images pre and post the event, alongside a Sentinel-2 image pre- event are used as inputs. The output damage assessment map provides a quantitative assessment and spatial distribution of the damage in both the rural and urban environments. The results highlight the applicability of the algorithm for a variety of disaster events and sensors. In addition, the results enhance the contribution of the water component to the analysis pre and post the event in rural areas. Thus, while in urban regions the spatial extent of the damage will occur in its proximity to the coastline or the fault, rural regions, even in significant distance will experience extensive damage due secondary hazards as liquefaction processes.&amp;#160; &amp;#160; &amp;#160;&lt;/p&gt;

scholarly journals Tolerance to Human Presence, a Comparison between Rural and Urban Birds in Southeastern Brazil

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Maria Cecília Barbosa de Toledo
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Urban Environments ◽  
Southeastern Brazil ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Forest Fragments ◽  
Urban Birds ◽  
Human Presence ◽  
Individual Bird

Green urban areas such as parks, squares, gardens, and forest fragments present a large diversity of uses and conservation objectives. These spaces provide resources for many species of birds that are confronted with the necessity of living in proximity to humans. It is assumed that bird species that acquire resources in urban environments live in a constant state of fear to guarantee survival and reproduction. In this context, the objective of this study was to evaluate the tolerance of birds with respect to human presence in two distinct conditions, rural areas (low level of human presence) and urban areas (high level of human presence). The fieldwork was conducted in a city in the Southeast region of Brazil, and the methodology used the alert distance and flight initiation measurements based on the approach of an observer to the individual bird being focused. Our results suggest that individuals observed in urban areas rely on shorter alert and escape distances, especially males, adults, and birds that forage in interspecific flocks. We discuss the challenges and strategies with respect to escape characteristics of urban birds, with special focus on the economic escape theory. In general, our results support those from studies conducted in other urban areas in different biogeographic regions, and they will aid in comprehending the impacts caused by the increase in urban areas around the world.

Understanding the Role of Urban Morphology and Green Areas Configuration During Heat Waves

2020 ◽  
pp. 502-517
Author(s):  
Marialuce Stanganelli ◽  
Carlo Gerundo
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Heat Waves ◽  
Statistical Correlation ◽  
Urban Morphology ◽  
Urban Environments ◽  
Open Spaces ◽  
Green Areas ◽  
Planning Strategies

This paper focuses on urban planning strategies to adapt cities to the increasing rising of temperatures during summer heat waves. The main target is to investigate which configuration and distribution pattern of green spaces could effectively improve natural cooling of urban environments. Although the benefit that green areas give to natural cooling is well known, this kind of studies has hardly been carried out, especially at an urban scale where it is crucial to define quantities and density of green areas to address open spaces design. To reach this goal, a methodology based on the interpretation of the statistical correlation among temperature, urban parameters and green areas configurational indicators was implemented and applied to the case study of the Municipality of Naples, performing all the analysis in a GIS. Results provide guidelines to improve natural cooling in urban areas adopting the most effective configuration and distribution of green areas within a densely-built context.

scholarly journals Male and female bats differ in their use of a large urban park

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Krista J Patriquin ◽  
Cylita Guy ◽  
Joshua Hinds ◽  
John M Ratcliffe
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Green Space ◽  
Prey Availability ◽  
Radio Telemetry ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Urban Environments ◽  
City Centre ◽  
Adult Males ◽  
Urban Green ◽  
Urban Green Spaces

Abstract Understanding how wildlife respond to ever-encroaching urbanization is of great concern. Bats are the second-most speciose mammalian order and while many appear to be urban adapted, we currently have a limited understanding of their demography and habitat use within urban environments. Using a combination of captures to obtain demographic data, radio-telemetry to examine foraging and roosting behaviour, and data on diet and prey availability, we examined how big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus), a synurbic species, use an urban green space (High Park) in Canada’s largest city centre, Toronto. We found that adult males outnumbered adult females more than two to one and that males were found throughout the park, while females were concentrated in an area with greater access to water, but lower prey availability. We also found that bats of both sexes were in poorer body condition than reported for other non-urban areas, including a site within southern Ontario. Our data suggest that High Park may not provide adequate resources for reproductive females as they were never found roosting in the park and beetles, their preferred prey, were limited. Although previous studies suggest urban green spaces may offer refuge to bats, most have not considered sex-specific responses to urbanization as they have largely been based on acoustic surveys. Our study therefore highlights the importance of considering demographic differences in response to urbanization to better inform urban management plans and green space development.

scholarly journals Human biting Culex pipiens bioform molestus is spread in several areas in south Sweden

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luande Verah Nafula ◽  
Disa Eklöf ◽  
Anders Lindström ◽  
Steven Ger Nyanjom ◽  
Magnus Evander ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Culex Pipiens ◽  
Mosquito Species ◽  
Urban Environments ◽  
Coi Gene ◽  
Morphological Identification ◽  
Potential Vector ◽  
South Sweden ◽  
Citizen Science Project

AbstractThe mosquito species Culex pipiens is a potential vector of several pathogens infecting humans and occurs in two distinct bioforms, pipiens and molestus. Traditional morphological identification fails to separate the bioforms of Cx. pipiens despite their behavioural differences since they are morphologically indistinguishable. However, molecular methods can identify the two bioforms. The bioform molestus thrives in urban environments and bite all kinds of vertebrates, whereas bioform pipiens is more rural and mainly feed on birds.Mosquito samples submitted in a citizen science project from people experiencing mosquito problems in South Sweden were analyzed to determine the geographical distribution of the molestus bioform of Cx. pipiens. Mosquito specimens were identified to species by DNA barcoding of the cytochrome C oxidase subunit I (COI) gene and the bioforms were determined with the CQ11 microsatellite marker. To establish other differences between the bioforms, part of the CPIJ001674 gene was sequenced. Culex pipiens f molestus, was present both within and outside of urban areas in several sites in southern Sweden. In one site, hybrids between the two bioforms were found. Culex pipiens f molestus has previously been found in urban areas in Sweden, but the detection of the bioform in several rural areas was surprising, indicating that it may be more widely spread than previously thought.

scholarly journals Functional links between rural and urban areas in the territory of the city of Banja Luka and the perspective of their development

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 49-62
Author(s):  
Milan Tomić ◽  
Sandra Rover ◽  
Bojan Pejović ◽  
Nina Uremović
Keyword(s):  
Urban Environment ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Urban Environments ◽  
Urban Center ◽  
Rural And Urban Areas ◽  
Rural And Urban ◽  
Political Dimensions ◽  
Urban And Rural Areas ◽  
Banja Luka

Different types of interactions between rural and urban areas have the effect of improving economic, social, cultural and political dimensions in both areas, separating these two areas by their type of activity. Rural and urban types of regions have different resources and means that can be used in a complementary way. In rural-urban interaction there is a possibility of occurrence of conflict of interest of these two areas. This kind of conflict should be overcome when applying the partnership approach between rural and urban areas. The types of rural areas, depending on the proximity of the urban center and the functions of these areas, are divided into suburban, agricultural and remote type areas. By determining the functions of each type of area, the type and intensity of the interactions of rural areas with the urban center are presented. Rural entrepreneurs are able to bridge rural-urban differences, possessing certain market knowledge and descriptions of the characteristics of urban environments, while benefiting from their position. Rural entrepreneurs' interaction with the urban environment can contribute to sustainable economic relations between citizens in urban and rural areas. This paper presents the results of research related to determining the functions of certain areas, their strengths, unused and utilized resources, the frequency of interaction with the urban environment and the perspectives of suburban, agricultural and remote type areas in the context of interaction with the urban environment.

scholarly journals Urban Flood Mapping Using SAR Intensity and Interferometric Coherence via Bayesian Network Fusion

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (19) ◽  
pp. 2231 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu Li ◽  
Sandro Martinis ◽  
Marc Wieland ◽  
Stefan Schlaffer ◽  
Ryo Natsuaki
Keyword(s):  
Bayesian Network ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Kappa Coefficient ◽  
Urban Environments ◽  
Aerial Photographs ◽  
Flood Event ◽  
Flood Mapping ◽  
Urban Flood ◽  
Other Information

Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) observations are widely used in emergency response for flood mapping and monitoring. However, the current operational services are mainly focused on flood in rural areas and flooded urban areas are less considered. In practice, urban flood mapping is challenging due to the complicated backscattering mechanisms in urban environments and in addition to SAR intensity other information is required. This paper introduces an unsupervised method for flood detection in urban areas by synergistically using SAR intensity and interferometric coherence under the Bayesian network fusion framework. It leverages multi-temporal intensity and coherence conjunctively to extract flood information of varying flooded landscapes. The proposed method is tested on the Houston (US) 2017 flood event with Sentinel-1 data and Joso (Japan) 2015 flood event with ALOS-2/PALSAR-2 data. The flood maps produced by the fusion of intensity and coherence and intensity alone are validated by comparison against high-resolution aerial photographs. The results show an overall accuracy of 94.5% (93.7%) and a kappa coefficient of 0.68 (0.60) for the Houston case, and an overall accuracy of 89.6% (86.0%) and a kappa coefficient of 0.72 (0.61) for the Joso case with the fusion of intensity and coherence (only intensity). The experiments demonstrate that coherence provides valuable information in addition to intensity in urban flood mapping and the proposed method could be a useful tool for urban flood mapping tasks.

scholarly journals Understanding urbanicity: how interdisciplinary methods help to unravel the effects of the city on mental health

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lydia Krabbendam ◽  
Mark van Vugt ◽  
Philippe Conus ◽  
Ola Söderström ◽  
Lilith Abrahamyan Empson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Urban Environments ◽  
Country Level ◽  
Underlying Causes ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms

Abstract Twenty-first century urbanization poses increasing challenges for mental health. Epidemiological studies have shown that mental health problems often accumulate in urban areas, compared to rural areas, and suggested possible underlying causes associated with the social and physical urban environments. Emerging work indicates complex urban effects that depend on many individual and contextual factors at the neighbourhood and country level and novel experimental work is starting to dissect potential underlying mechanisms. This review summarizes findings from epidemiology and population-based studies, neuroscience, experimental and experience-based research and illustrates how a combined approach can move the field towards an increased understanding of the urbanicity-mental health nexus.

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