scholarly journals Urban routes and commuting bicyclist’s aesthetic experience

2014 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Harpa Stefansdottir
Keyword(s):  
Urban Design ◽  
Natural Environment ◽  
Design Theory ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Aesthetic Experience ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Phenomenology Of Perception ◽  
Functional Features ◽  
The Aesthetic

The present study examines whether and in what way aesthetic experience is involved in the judged quality of bicyclist’s route which they have chosen to ride between home and work. In this respect it is considered important to distinguish aesthetic experience from experience that is related to the influence of instrumental or functional features. The aesthetic impact is primarily related to features that stimulate emotional well-being when cycling. An online survey was conducted in three Nordic cities, Odense, Trondheim and Reykjavík, concentrating on cycling in different urban surroundings. The interpretation of the meanings and values associated with certain features or characteristics that influenced the commuting cyclists’ aesthetic experience is in this paper based on three theoretical viewpoints: (1) the phenomenology of perception and experience, (2) urban design theory and (3) environmental aesthetic theories and methods. The last theory involves the interpretation of experience from the environment into aesthetic meaning. The results of the survey indicate that aesthetic experience is of value to most of the respondents and is, therefore, of importance in developing the quality of bicycle routes for commuting. Greenery and contact with the natural environment and distance from motorised traffic are the most important influences on pleasurable aesthetic experience.

scholarly journals Quality of Life of Brazilian Vegetarians Measured by the WHOQOL-BREF: Influence of Type of Diet, Motivation and Sociodemographic Data

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 2648
Author(s):  
Shila Minari Hargreaves ◽  
Eduardo Yoshio Nakano ◽  
Heesup Han ◽  
António Raposo ◽  
Antonio Ariza-Montes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Vegetarian Diet ◽  
The Other ◽  
Average Score ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Domain 3 ◽  
Domain 4

This study aimed to evaluate the general quality of life (QoL) of Brazilian vegetarians. A cross-sectional study was conducted with Brazilian vegetarian adults (18 years old and above). Individuals were recruited to participate in a nationwide online survey that comprised the WHOQOL-BREF as well as sociodemographic and characterization questions related to vegetarianism. The WHOQOL-BREF is composed of 24 items which are divided into four domains (domain 1: physical health; domain 2: psychological well-being; domain 3: social relationships; and domain 4: environment), plus two general items which were analyzed separately, totaling 26 items. The answers from the questionnaire were converted into scores with a 0–100 scale range, with separate analyses for each domain. Results were compared among groups based on the different characteristics of the vegetarian population. A total of 4375 individuals completed the survey. General average score results were 74.67 (domain 1), 66.71 (domain 2), 63.66 (domain 3) and 65.76 (domain 4). Vegans showed better scores when compared to the other vegetarians, except in domain four, where the statistical difference was observed only for semi-vegetarians (lower score). Individuals adopting a vegetarian diet for longer (>1 year) showed better results for domains one and two, with no difference for the other domains. Having close people also adopting a vegetarian diet positively influenced the results for all domains. On the other hand, it was not possible to distinguish any clear influence of the motivation for adopting a vegetarian diet on the scores’ results. Adopting a vegetarian diet does not have detrimental effects on one’s QoL. In fact, the more plant-based the diet, and the longer it was adopted, the better the results were.

scholarly journals Physical Activity as a Predictor of the Level of Stress and Quality of Sleep during COVID-19 Lockdown

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (11) ◽  
pp. 5811
Author(s):  
Anna Lipert ◽  
Remigiusz Kozłowski ◽  
Dariusz Timler ◽  
Michał Marczak ◽  
Kamila Musiał ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Quality Of Sleep ◽  
Low Level ◽  
The Government

Background: The coronavirus pandemic and the government restrictions significantly disturbed the daily functioning of people, thereby influencing healthy behaviors, such as physical activity—the core indicator of well-being. This study evaluates the associations between physical activity (PA), the level of stress and quality of sleep during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. Methods: An online survey was distributed during the governmental lockdown in April 2020 and included measures for assessing physical activity, stress and sleep. The surveyed participants included all adults aged 18 years and over. The final data were collected from the 1959 respondents using: International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Findings: Almost half of the respondents indicated a low level of PA, performing only 60 min of PA daily. Most of the participants reported a moderate or high level of stress (57% and 29%, respectively) and 64% of them reported poor quality of sleep. People with low levels of stress performed on average 85.1 min/day of walking (WPA), 40.9 min/day of moderate PA (MPA) or 52.6 min/day of vigorous PA (VPA). People with good quality of sleep performed 82.9 min/day of WPA, 43.6 min/day MPA and 40.5 min/day VPA. Interpretation: The results from the study indicate that the volume of daily PA may be a predictor of the level of stress and sleep quality in adults during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. To retain a low level of stress and good quality of sleep, a lifestyle that allows to achieve a moderate level of physical activity should be maintained. The optimal daily dose of PA is at least 70 min per day, involving different intensities.

scholarly journals Editorial for the Special Issue on “Experiencing the City: The Relation between Urban Design and People’s Well-Being”

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 2485
Author(s):  
Minou Weijs-Perrée ◽  
Gamze Dane ◽  
Pauline van den Berg
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Urban Design ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Special Issue ◽  
The City

Urbanization brings major challenges with regard to livability and the health and quality of life of citizens [...]

THE ROLE OF URBAN AESTHETICS ON ENHANCING VITALITY OF URBAN SPACES

2021 ◽  
pp. xx-xx
Keyword(s):  
Urban Design ◽  
Direct Consequence ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Urban Spaces ◽  
Urban Setting ◽  
Aesthetic Quality ◽  
Aesthetic Design ◽  
Active Involvement ◽  
The Aesthetic

Several scholars have focused on the different approaches in designing convivial urban spaces, but literary evidence shows that the essence of aesthetic design in public urban spaces, by referring to the main dimensions involved in the shaping of urban vitality, has not been adequately researched. In this regard, this study, by hypothesizing that the quality of urban design leads to a vital urban environment, focuses on urban vitality from the aesthetic point of view. Thus, in using qualitative grounded theory as a main methodological tool and using a systematic review of the related literature as the main induction approach for collecting qualitative data, five main dimensions of urban vitality, which are necessary to attain a correlation with the aesthetic quality of urban design, were conceptualized. The study concludes that the aesthetic design of an urban setting has a direct effect on the active involvement of its users and that this, therefore, has a direct consequence on the level of public urban vitality, manifested. Integrating the complexity theory with the five main dimensions used for assessing urban vitality was suggested as a viable area for further research.

Personal Meanings Inspired by the Beauty of Paintings

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-22
Author(s):  
Piotr Oleś ◽  
Elżbieta Chmielnicka-Kuter ◽  
Tomasz Jankowski ◽  
Piotr Francuz ◽  
Paweł Augustynowicz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Aesthetic Experience ◽  
Autobiographical Narratives ◽  
Subjective Ratings ◽  
Personal Story ◽  
Personal Meanings ◽  
Affective Quality ◽  
Personal Experiences ◽  
The Aesthetic ◽  
Universal Themes

Abstract For many generations, works of art have been a source for experiencing beauty. They add to the wealth of our culture because they convey universal themes and values. In this study, we treat paintings as a stimulus for personal story-telling. The purpose was to explore the affective quality of personal meanings present in autobiographical narratives. Our findings show that subjective ratings of the beauty of figurative paintings are linked with the quality and theme of personal experiences recalled in response to viewing them, but not related to the length of the story. ‘Beautiful’ pictures elicit descriptions of desirable experiences associated with passive contemplation and satisfied self-enhancement motive. ‘Non-beautiful’ pictures call to mind difficult experiences linked with frustration. The experts formulated longer self-narratives inspired by paintings rated beautiful in comparison to laypersons, and laypersons formulated longer self-narratives inspired by paintings rated not beautiful in comparison to experts. The results are discussed in connection to the nature of the aesthetic experience and specificity of personal maenings.

scholarly journals Identifying the Perceptual Qualities of a Heritage Precinct - Entrance Gateway (Rajagopuram)

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 931-935
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Heritage ◽  
Urban Design ◽  
Perceptual Quality ◽  
Thought Process ◽  
Rural Space ◽  
Aesthetic Sense ◽  
Basic Meaning ◽  
The Aesthetic ◽  
The One

Existence of a heritage / historical structure is the one that adds meaning to urban or rural space. The perceptual quality of the structure enhances the aesthetic sense to the settings or place. The aesthetic sense makes the place, a visual appealing entity with augment of identity. It develops a sign and symbol to the place. Without that, the meaning is lost, identity is destroyed and placelessness is formed. Urbanization and globalization always concentrate more on development, without understanding the basic meaning and cultural heritage of any built environment with its tangible and intangible aspects. This paper explores the ideas and thought process of the architects, urban design theorists, and psychologist in considering perceptual qualities of a structure and it turns in relation with the feature of a Dravidian style Rajagopuram that acts as an entrance gate way to a heritage precinct .

Designing Palliative Care Facilities to Better Support Patient and Family Care: A Staff Perspective

2022 ◽  
pp. 193758672110590
Author(s):  
Rebecca McLaughlan ◽  
Kieran Richards ◽  
Ruby Lipson-Smith ◽  
Anna Collins ◽  
Jennifer Philip
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Family Care ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Care Staff ◽  
Research Attention ◽  
Lengths Of Stay ◽  
Care Facilities ◽  
Philosophy Of Palliative Care

Objective: To contribute staff perspectives on the design of palliative care facilities to better align with the philosophy of palliative care, in support of patient, family, and staff well-being. Background: The receipt of palliative care differs from other inpatient experiences owing to its distinct philosophy of care, longer lengths of stay, a greater presence of family members, and more frequent end-of-life events. While research regarding the optimal design of palliative care environments recognizes these differences, this knowledge has been slow to exert change on the guidelines and procurement processes that determine the design solutions possible within these settings. Sustained research attention is required. Methods: An online survey, comprising a series of open-ended questions, elicited the perceptions of palliative care staff regarding the relationship between the physical environment and the distinct philosophy of palliative care. Results: Responses from 89 Australian-based palliative care professionals confirmed the high value that staff place on environments that offer privacy, homeliness, safety, and access to gardens to assist the delivery of optimum care. Conclusions: Our findings illustrate that the implications of privacy and homeliness extend far beyond the patient room and that homeliness is about more than an aesthetic of comfort. This highlights a broader capacity for design to better support the philosophy of palliative care. Importantly, the data reveal a key relationship between staff well-being and the environments in which they work; environments that are unable to match the quality of care that staff aspire to deliver can engender frustration and distress.

Transgender Youth and Social Support: A Survey Study on the Effects of Good Relationships on Well-being and Mental Health

Young ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 199-216
Author(s):  
Katarina Alanko ◽  
Heidi Lund
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Relationship Quality ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Gender Conflict ◽  
Transgender Youth ◽  
Mental Well Being

Positive gender-supportive relationships have been found to promote well-being of transgender youth. The present study investigates how the quality of relationships to parents, friends and partners affects the mental well-being of transgender youth. An online survey was used for data collection. The sample consisted of 1,613 Finnish youth between 15 and 25 years of age. Youths who were identified as a transgender ( n = 370) were compared to cisgender (= no gender conflict, n = 1,243, mostly sexual minority youth) on measures of relationship quality and positive well-being. Transgender youth reported poorer well-being and relationships to parents than the control group did. Relationship quality predicted well-being of all participants, and there were no significant interactions between gender identity and relationship quality. Social support is important for transgender youth and has an impact on the well-being of youth regardless of gender identification.

scholarly journals Health-related quality of life among breast cancer patients compared to cancer survivors and age-matched women in the general population in Vietnam

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tran Thu Ngan ◽  
Vu Quynh Mai ◽  
Hoang Van Minh ◽  
Michael Donnelly ◽  
Ciaran O’Neill
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Quality Of Life ◽  
General Population ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Related Quality ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Anxiety Depression

Abstract Purpose This study compared the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of breast cancer (BC) patients, survivors, and age-matched women from the general population in Vietnam to address the paucity of HRQoL research and contribute to the robust assessment of BC screening and care in Vietnam. Methods The standardised EQ-5D-5L instrument was incorporated in an online survey and a hospital-based face-to-face survey, and together with data from the Vietnam EQ-5D-5L norms study. χ2 tests assessed EQ-5D health profile associations and a Tobit regression model investigated the association between overall health status (EQ-VAS/utility scores) and sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Results A total of 309 participants (107 patients undergoing treatment and 202 survivors who had completed treatment) provided usable responses. The dimensions that affected mostly the HRQoL of women with BC were pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression. Current patients and survivors differed significantly regarding HRQoL dimensions of mobility, self-care, usual activities, and anxiety/depression. Their health utilities were 0.74 and 0.84, respectively, compared with 0.91 for age-matched Vietnamese women in the general population (p < 0.001). Treatment status (survivor vs patient), younger age, higher monthly household income, and higher education levels were associated with higher health utility. Conclusions The results point to unmet needs in mental health support and well-being and for attention to be given to the development of a biopsychosocial system of cancer diagnosis, treatment, and care. The results will also inform future assessments of the comparative value for money of interventions intended to impact on breast cancer in Vietnam.

scholarly journals Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Mental Well-Being. A Nationwide Online Survey Covering Three Pandemic Waves in Poland

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mateusz Babicki ◽  
Krzysztof Kowalski ◽  
Bogna Bogudzińska ◽  
Agnieszka Mastalerz-Migas
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Psychiatric Treatment ◽  
Human Life ◽  
Nationwide Survey ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Anxiety Symptoms ◽  
Life Assessment ◽  
Subjective Quality Of Life

The COVID-19 pandemic has a significant impact on human life. This study aims to assess the prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms, and the assessment of the quality of life in different stages of the COVID-19 pandemic based on an online nationwide survey. The study was based on a voluntary, anonymous, and authors' own questionnaire. The first section assesses sociodemographic status. Then, standardized psychometric tools were used such as the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Assessment (GAD-7), and the Manchester Short Assessment of Quality of Life (MANSA). The study was conducted in three stages corresponding to the waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland. The survey involved 5,790 respondents; 2,457, 1,626, and 1,707 for the first, second, and third pandemic wave, respectively. It was found that anxiety and depressive symptoms increased as the pandemic progressed. There was no significant effect on the subjective quality-of-life assessment. Moreover, there was a gradual decrease in anxiety about being infected with COVID-19 as well as reduced adherence to the Minister of Health's recommendations. As the COVID-19 pandemic progressed, depressive and anxiety symptoms increased among Poles. Women, singles, and people with prior psychiatric treatment are more likely to develop the aforementioned symptoms.

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