Town Area Research Articles

Determination of Physicochemical Properties of Some Selected Well and Borehole Water of Nasarawa Area of Zagga Town of Kebbi State, Nigeria

Nowadays, especially in poor resource settings, there is rising infectious and chronic diseases, which most especially can be attributed to poor water quality as one of the causes. Consequently, it becomes imperative to determine the safety of drinking water source. This research is aimed to determine the physicochemical characteristics in well water and borehole water in Nasarawa area of Zagga town of Kebbi state, using standard methods and materials of analytical grade. Results show the pH range of 6.13-6.7, and conductivity is in the range of 3.37-80.1 (ppm). Bicarbonate determined is within the range of 24-84 (ppm). TDS was found in the range of 9-35(ppm), while DO found was 4.7-6.8 (ppm). Chloride was 0.7-11.3 (ppm), and TSS is 7.3-13.3 (ppm). pH, DO, Cl, TDS, and bicarbonate are within the World Health Organization (WHO) permissible limits as found in the findings of this study.

Integrated geophysical and geological surveys reveal new details of the large Montescaglioso (southern Italy) landslide of December 2013

A methodological approach based on the integration of different survey techniques may be particularly suitable for the study of areas with complex geology such as those affected by landslide phenomena. The results obtained by the application of combined electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) technique, ambient seismic noise measurements (single station and array), geological investigation and granulometric analysis to characterize and study a landslide occurred on December 3rd, 2013 in Basilicata region (southern Italy) are presented and discussed. The landslide partially affected the peri-urban area of Montescaglioso town and caused damages to small-medium enterprises, infrastructures, and housing. The analysis of ambient noise signals made possible to estimate the depth of the contacts between the main geological formations outcropping in the area and revealed the existence of directional resonance effects. The discontinuities observed by the ERT have confirmed the presence of different lithotypes and allowed illuminating the sliding surface at a depth of about 40 m in agreement with the seismic results and boreholes data. The shallow discontinuities inferred from geophysical surveys were supported also by the results of a detailed granulometric analysis performed on a geognostic survey, confirming the presence of a heterogeneous sedimentary deposit in the area. In such complex context, the acquisition of spatially distributed geophysical properties permitted to increase the knowledge of the geological setting of the area, reaching a level of detail that cannot be observed by applying only a sparse discrete direct sampling. The integration of all the obtained information allowed the delineation of geophysical discontinuities related to the presence of sliding or weakness surfaces and areas with high water content that could contribute to future activation of the movement. This information was crucial to better understand the nature of the landslide, contributing to the planning and the implementation of risk mitigation actions and to the design of remediation works.

Spatial configuration of fire protection for historical streets in China using space syntax

Historical streets are greatly threatened by fires. However, current studies are qualitative and case specific, which makes their results impractical to apply in engineering. In this paper, a more quantitative and universal approach that focuses on the spatial forms of historical streets and fire protection design in historic districts is proposed. Notably, a holistic solution for renovation is proposed. The accessibility of the surrounding sections of an old town in China is assessed based on spatial design network analysis (sDNA), and the fire risk of buildings is determined with point of interest (POI) data. Areas with poor accessibility and high fire risk are identified. The areas recommended for demolition are selected by comparing the protection plans for areas with recent satellite maps. A plan that includes key fire protection areas, road network designs and micro fire stations is derived. Multisource data are used to examine possibilities for the spatial design of fire protection along historical streets from a spatial perspective. Then, this approach is validated to verify its feasibility. The validation results indicate that the sum, mean and standard deviation values of the closeness and betweenness of the renovated roads are significantly improved. The solution proposed in this paper enhances the fire safety level of historical streets, which is of great significance for the safety and protection of old town areas.

Emergence of a New Community: Incidences, and Experiences of Children Living in the Streets of Harare-Zimbabwe

The occurrence of children living on the streets is assuming alarming proportions in Zimbabwe. The phenomenon is notably becoming a vicious cycle, children born and raised on the streets, eventually raise their own kids in the streets. The hallmark of this paper is to investigate issues surrounding children living on the streets, to examine their life experience and the challenges they face. This paper used qualitative research anchored on a phenomenological research paradigm. A phenomenological research strategy was used due to its usefulness in studying experiences from the point of view of people directly involved in the phenomenon. The population of the study was made up of street children aged between 12 and 19 living in the Harare CBD and down town area. Purposive and snowball sampling were used to come up with a sample of 20 street children who took part in individual semi-structured interviews. The research data was analysed using thematic analysis. The research findings indicated that street children are faced with a lot of challenges and negative experiences, including lack of access to food cleaning facilities, healthcare, risks associated with physical and sexual violence, as well as drug and substance abuse. These were found to be very detrimental to the physical and mental health of these children and in turn their prospects of growing up into healthy, responsible and economically active adults. The study thus recommended that, the welfare of this group of people is a policy issue and a multi-sectoral approach is needed to ameliorate all the challenges faced by this group of people.

LICHEN INDICATION OF AIR QUALITY IN PUTYVL’ TOWN

As a result of the conducted survey, 17 species of epiphytic lichens were identified in Putyvl’ town (Sumy Region) including 7 indicator species: Evernia prunastri (L.) Ach., Hypogymnia physodes (L.) Nyl., Parmelia sulcata Taylor, Phaeophyscia orbicularis (Neck.) Moberg, Physcia tenella (Scop.) DC., Scoliciosporum chlorococcum (Graewe ex Stenh.) Vězda та Xanthoria parietina (L.) Th. Fr. One of these lichen species is indicator of acid pollution, one species have high sensitivity, three species – medium sensitivity to air pollution; two species are resistant to pollution. Indicators of acid pollution were found throughout the city on trees along highways, in parks and squares. Distribution of indicators with high sensitivity is confined to the natural forest communities in the north-western part of the town. Medium-sensitive species were also found in natural forests, parks and street plantings in the town center and its surroundings. Species resistant to air pollution are distributed quite evenly throughout the town, including on the bark of trees in street plantings. On the basis of calculation of the index of air purity of Le Blanc and De Sloover, the town area has been subdivided into three isotoxic lichen zones corresponding to different levels of pollution. The zone with an average level of pollution occupies about 70% of the entire territory of the town. The slightly polluted zone occupies about 20% of the town area. Heavily areas polluted occupy the least area (almost 10%) and are located in the town center. It is related to the location of the main highways, bus station and industrial enterprise of the town. Unpolluted sites are confined to the floodplain of the Seim River, forest areas and park zones of the town, which preserve certain features of natural ecotopes. The predominance of the zone with an average level of pollution indicates that the main factor influencing the state of outdoor air pollution in the town is motor transport.

Research and Evaluation on Innovation and Development of Business Operation Model from the Perspective of Cultural and Tourism Integration by Big Data Analysis

In order to explore the impact of cultural, tourism, and operational model innovations on the revenue effects of tourism brick-and-mortar stores in the west of China, we conducted a survey of aboriginal residents and tourists in the tourist area of Kashgar Old Town. The investigation lasted for 7 months, a total of 210 days, and 528 valid questionnaires were recovered. Eviews 12.0 software was used to sort and analyze the collected first-hand data. The results show that improving the cultural experience of tourists and the attractiveness of innovative operation models have a significant impact on the average income of brick-and-mortar stores. Improving consumer satisfaction can stimulate consumption behavior in the short term, and improving tourism perception has no significant impact on income.

Reflections on measuring the soundness of the digital storytelling method applied to three Cape Flats vulnerable communities affected by drought, fire and flooding in Cape Town

Aligned to the Sendai framework, the UKRI GCRF Water and Fire research project aims to co-produce knowledge with residents of three vulnerable communities in the Cape Flats area of Cape Town to generate adaptive solutions that strengthen resilience against the environmental disasters of drought, flooding and fire outbreaks. To achieve this aim, the research team employed household surveys and participatory visual methods including digital storytelling (DST), community mapping and photovoice with residents of three affected communities. This paper focuses on validating the DST method used in the ‘Water and Fire’ project and interrogates how well the DST process conforms to six types of validity, namely, participatory, intersubjectivity, catalytic, contextual, ethical and empathic validity as guided by the International Collaboration for Participatory Health Research (ICPHR). Twenty-five digital stories on the overarching theme of resilience were produced by 25 Cape Flats residents.We suggest that participatory validity was achieved through participants making decisions about the stories and details they wanted to share. Intersubjective validity was fostered by involving community advisory members in DST process design, through co-conceptualizing resilience with participants and by evaluating the DST experience. Catalytic validity was achieved when participants screened their digital stories in shared learning spaces to convey how they respond to and live with disasters at numerous community and policy engagement events. Contextual validity was met by exploring relevant environmental disasters affecting the Cape Flats communities. Ethical validity was attained by creating safe and supportive spaces, enabling dynamic informed consent and transferring ownership of the digital stories to the story tellers. Connecting participants through collective sharing of individual disaster experiences, lessons-learned and adaptive strategies fostered empathy.We recommend complementing DST methods with other research methods like surveys, and focus group discussions, while evaluating the transformative potential of the DST process and stakeholder engagement events, to enable better catalytic validity. We advocate for collaborative and inclusive approaches with vulnerable communities alongside stakeholders and statutory bodies in multi-stakeholder engagement events. We conclude that digital stories are an effective and valid conduit for knowledge co-production with vulnerable communities in the context of climate change resilience as these methods create opportunities for affected communities to raise their concerns and share their experiences.

Impact of anthropogenic pollution on the soil near the industrial area of Hrazdan town

Identifying the distribution of a number of heavy metals near the industrial area, taking into account the wind rose in the region during the period of operation of the Hrazdan Thermal Power Station and the Hrazdan Cement Plant was investigated in a radius of one km. In a series of experiments, was found a decreased concentration of arsenic and mercury in soil samples by an average of 27% with distance from the industrial area. In that direction, in the soil sample, there is an increase in the concentration of zinc and nickel by an average of 25.5%, as well as an increase in the concentration of copper by 19%. At the same time along the sampling line, the comparative series generally has the following sequence: As<Ni<Co<Cu<Zn<Pb. In the quantitative assessment of soil, contamination was compared to geo-ecological coefficients: the danger level of soil contamination and the total pollution index. Their calculation was based on the values of heavy metals concentration according to Clark and their maximum allowable concentration. Our forthcoming studies will focus on identifying the dose-effect-rose-wind relationship in arable soils with varying degrees of metal contamination as a result of long-term anthropogenic pollution.

"Soldiers against gangsters?": Evaluation of the impact of the army deployment against gang violence on homicides in the Cape Flats

The debate on militarisation of domestic security around the world Is mostly normative and conceptual, but there are few estimates of the direct impact of the use of military forces in public security tasks. This paper assesses the impact on local homicides of the 2019 deployment of the South African National Defence Force in police station areas in Cape Town, a measure taken to stem gang violence. It uses an interrupted time-series approach to estimate the effect by comparing murder counts in relevant precincts before and during the deployment, compared to precincts with similar murder rates and socioeconomic characteristics. Results show that there was an apparent initial reduction in the month in which the measure was taken, but the presence of the army was not associated with a significant decrease in homicides over the deployment period.

Financial Performance Measures That Drive Utility Abandonments in India

Our research “Financial Performance Measures That Drive Utility Abandonments in India’ is a down moving of financial backer claimed water and wastewater utilities and the constant expansion in utility abandonments and moves inside the administrative climate propelled the investigation of financial backer possessed utilities, utilizing tests from the territory of Florida. The review decided the monetary and nonfinancial drivers of utility andandonments and moves. Utilizing the NRRI and Acheampong et al. worked on monetary proportions, utilized in utility feasibility studies (liquidity proportion, influence proportion, obligation to value proportion, benefit pattern proportion, development and productivity proportion, proficiency proportion, and the productivity proportion), the review recognized sixteen nonfinancial execution estimates under four classes (yield measure, quality measures, proprietors' value structure, and the administrative measures). The review utilized strategic relapse and predominance examination to rank the exhibition estimates that influence utility abandonments and moves. Four monetary execution estimates the liquidity, influence, development, and proficiency, and the effectiveness proportions, along with nine nonfinancial measures, decided the probability for a utility to deserted or moved. In any case, the effect of these actions was different among abandonments and moves. The review utilized the predominance investigation to focus on the drivers of utility relinquishment and moves. The nonfinancial presentation measures for utility abandonments overwhelmed monetary execution measures. Utility relinquishment is in all probability because of nonfinancial hardships experienced by the utility, prompting monetary issues. The exchange of a utility either to another utility or to a current utility was not likely because of monetary execution measures. The nonfinancial presentation estimates overwhelmed the monetary measures both in total and individual drivers. Monetary execution measures (FPMs) are the most regularly involved proportions of efficiency and proficiency in organizations, with less thought for non-monetary execution measures. FPMs are viewed as conventional measures that lead to supportability of a firm, consequently they should be appropriately overseen and controlled. This paper reports the degree to which SMEs perceive the meaning of FPMs in their store network the board (SCM). The review followed a positivist worldview, with the utilization of surveys to gather information from proprietors and supervisors of SMEs in the assembling area in Cape Town. That's what the significant discoveries demonstrate albeit monetary execution measures are exceptionally respected by these elements, they come up short on abilities to appropriately decide their monetary measures, and don't be aware with sureness, which monetary execution measures are of pertinence to their organizations. Broad preparation is one of the proposals.

Asymilacja nazewnicza i oswajanie przestrzeni tzw. Ziem Odzyskanych w realiach powojennych na przykładzie rynków staromiejskich

This article concerns postwar changes of hodonyms and agoronyms in the area of old town markets of selected cities, in the context of adaptation processes of the allochthonous population. The analysis includes four voivodship cities in the area of the northern and western territories, known as the Recovered Territories (after the administrative division of Poland on June 28, 1946): Gdańsk, Olsztyn, Szczecin and Wrocław. The results of the comparative research are presented in descriptive, cartographic and tabular form. Based on them, it was concluded that the naming changes of the old town market squares were the result of naming assimilation (identified as a top-down process) and domestication of space (identified as a bottom-up process). Both processes contributed to an entirely new chapter in the history of cities in these lands, creating a semantic storyline construct that is unique in Poland and the world.

DOTOC: A Case Study of a Religious Performance in Minalabac, Camarines Sur

Dotoc is a religious performance where kantura sings hymns for nine consecutive nights before the feast of the patron saints. It is a solemn and colorful performance which entertains and attracts people to come into church. The emergence of dotoc can be traced since the mid-20th century in the Rinconada Area of Camarines Sur, particularly Bula, Bato, Nabua, and other neighboring towns. This paper assessed the status of the third generation Dotoc practice in the municipality of Minalabac through interview, observation, and participation in the community. Constraints and challenges were examined as well as the safeguarding measures to protect and promote such intangible cultural heritage. Results show that the Dotoc practice is performed in Minalabac municipality however, it was unstable in Mataoroc when the little ermita became the Parish of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. The community failed to raise awareness to preserve and promote Dotoc practice and perform it on a yearly basis. Also, it was found out that there are very limited studies about this topic. It is recommended to conduct in-depth study of dotoc practices in other parts of Camarines Sur such as those performed in different parts of Rinconada area to assess its status and document narratives and history of the practice.

Inadequate Access to Potable Water Impacts Early Childhood Development in Low-Income Areas in Cape Town, South Africa.

Water and sanitation are vital to human health and well-being. While these factors have been studied in relation to health, very little has been done to consider such environmental risk factors with child development. Here, we investigated possible relations between household water access/storage and early childhood development in four low-income settlements in the City of Cape Town, Western Cape province of South Africa. Our objectives were 1) to determine water access/storage practices in dwellings of children; 2) to assess early childhood development; and 3) and to understand the relationship between water access/storage practices in relation to early childhood development. We used a questionnaire to assess household water risk factors and the International Development and Early Learning Assessment (IDELA) tool to assess child early learning / cognitive, socio-emotional and motor development. Mean age of the children (N = 192) was 4 years and 55% were female. The mean IDELA score was 48% (range: 36-54%) where the higher the score, the better the child's development. Around 70% of households had a tap inside their dwelling and half said that they stored water with the largest percentage of storage containers (21%) being plastic/no lid. Child IDELA scores were lower for children living in households that did not have an indoor tap and for households who stored water. Given the risks associated with climate change and the already poor conditions many children face regarding water and sanitation, research is needed to further investigate these relations to provide evidence to support appropriate interventions and ensure healthy child development.

Parametric assessment of the quality of the housing environment of selected areas in the small towns in the Subcarpathian Voivodeship using the integrated quality indicator

Parametric assessment of the quality of the housing environment of selected areas in the small towns in the Subcarpathian Voivodeship using the integrated quality indicator

Modelling of 4th generation district heating systems integrated with different thermal energy storage technologies – Methodology

A model was established that allows the simulation and analysis of the performance of a district heating (DH) system supplied with heat generated from renewable sources (RHS) and a selection of different types of thermal energy storage (TES) systems. The model uses hourly weather data, building specifications and occupancies to calculate i) hourly domestic heat demands for both space and domestic hot water heating and ii) hourly heat produced by RHS. The heat flow to and from sources to loads and TES systems is calculated on an hourly basis. The model calculates hourly heat losses from dwellings, TES and pipes, and takes into consideration recent research related to latent and thermochemical heat storage systems. The model developed enables the analysis of the effects of different district heating system operating parameters (including installed capacity and penetration of different RHS, thermal energy storage capacity, number and distribution of TES) on system cost and system energy efficiency. The ultimate goal of developing the model was the determination of a system specification and operating conditions that i) minimises cost and ii) maximises the overall energy efficiency of the network while ensuring that domestic heat demands are met on an hourly basis for a specified time-period in an existing or planned town or urban area.

Occupational Hazards encountered by employees in Small Enterprises in Bengaluru

In today’s industrial scenario we see that small industrial businesses are those struggling to follow all the safety mechanisms given in The Karnataka Factories Rules,1969.This is because post privatization its been observed that many small welding shops, car garagesand two wheeler repair shops small eateries doing open air tandoor, tanning and treatment of leather, Dye manufacturers all employing five to twentyfive labourers fall under the employment in small bnusinesses( as per 1955 Small Scale Industry Act not employing more than 50 workers ) Today SSI is known as the MSME micro small and medium enterprises, falling under the purview of enterprises under the MSME Act of 2006.The sample size taken was 150 and simple random sampling was done. The areas taken for study were JC road, Tannery Town,Yeswanthpur ,Yelahanka and PeenyaDasarahalli Industrial area. The research gap showed that regarding the nature of work using harmful chemicals, dyes, high risk machinery such as welding was a part of the job. Occupational safety was mandatory but was it enforced? Most of the smaller shops showed that medical facility was nil and all the protective gear was mostly compromised. Only bigger enterprises footed medical bills and provided basic protective gearfor their employees. The research methodology consisted both primary and secondary data. The study was basically a primary data analysis.Conclusion indicates that providing basic protective gear for workers will go a long in saving life and limb from hazardous chemicals and accidents during work.

Quantitative tools to assess climatic impact on energy consumption. Case study: Bucharest town area

Quantitative tools to assess climatic impact on energy consumption. Case study: Bucharest town area

Ethnic equity, Mapudungun, and CLIL

Abstract Since 2006, the Argentinian system of education has included intercultural bilingual education, a type of education across kindergarten, primary, and secondary education that guarantees the indigenous peoples’ right to receive quality and equitable education which preserves and strengthens their cultural practices, language, cosmovision, and ethnic identity in a multicultural society. In the province of Chubut, southern Argentina, the Ministry of Education launched a professional development program targeted at primary school teachers working in small town and rural areas with students ethnically associated to the Mapuche peoples and their language, Mapudungun. The aim of this paper is to examine how a group of four teachers understood and implemented CLIL in relation to ethnic equity and socially just education in a semi-rural area of Chubut. Framed as a case study, data were collected in 2021 and 2022 through group discussions, journal diaries, and arts-based methods. Data came from four primary school teachers as well as the program facilitator. By means of quality content analysis, the findings show teachers’ understanding of CLIL as an inclusive and equitable approach that can help promote ethnic identity and ethnolinguistic vitality.

캠퍼스타운 지역의 문화콘텐츠 발굴을 위한 수업 설계 연구

This study proposes a process of developing subjects and conducting classes in connection with university classes to form the cultural industry in the campus town area. Culture-related parts of the campus town project can be a good program for college students to create culture and discover new cultural industries and cultural contents in connection with the local community. This study dealt with the entire process of designing classes to connect these universities and communities and conducting classes based on them. In the course of class design, it was not easy to coordinate the level of education required by universities and the level of education required by the campus town project. However, the results of the students who completed the class according to the class plan were sufficient to achieve the purpose of this study. Students' achievements will be responsible for the net function of expanding and reproducing through government agencies, along with the local community and related academic fields. As a result of this study, it is expected that college students will find and develop local cultural contents through a combination of interest in local culture and creative ideas to achieve positive results in promoting cultural prosperity in the campus town.

Opportunities for revitalising the outdoor spaces of historic town centres in Zemgale

The study examines the processes of transformation of urban infrastructure and the ways and tools for revitalising the outdoor public spaces of a historic centre. Changes in the historic centres of Auce, Bauska, and Jelgava and their functional layout were identified. A study of usability levels and outdoor public spaces in the historic centre was carried out, resulting in an assessment of the outdoor public space. Based on the study, spatial proposals were made for the development of the historic centres of the three cities. The transformation processes in the urban environment affect social issues, transport infrastructure, land use, water issues, etc. Transformation is taking place at all levels today, from global economic, political, and social structures to the ways the outdoor public space is planned. With the trends of the early 21st century, historic squares are moving towards the revitalisation of these historic locations through recreation and quiet leisure: concerts, exhibition areas, café terraces, also reviving the character of historic fairs. This spurs possible business development, increases the value of property, encourages the presence of green structures, and the introduction of regulation for protected areas in old towns to discourage possible unauthorised activities by their residents. Negative factors in historic centres include urbanisation, physical deterioration, climate change, marketing, and functional obsolescence. Urban revitalisation is viewed as a multi-sectoral strategy that includes the development and implementation of policies in the fields of urban planning, transport, economy, urban development, and sustainability. Solutions can be developed based on different time frames: short-term, cyclical, seasonal, and long-term. The purpose of revitalising the outdoor public space is to improve the social, functional, economic, ecological, and historical aspects of an area through a variety of revitalisation tools.