City Center Research Articles

(Wo)Man-Made Public Space

Women experience limitations in public space regarding their safety, comfort, and accessibility, which might be mitigated by urban design. This article addresses the question: How can public space become more gender-inclusive through the implementation of design principles focused on meeting the needs of women? It draws on existing literature combined with empirical observations and interviews, to establish a framework of eight design principles (safety cues, informal surveillance, legibility, spatial appropriation, representation, diversity, slow modes and ease of use) to make public spaces more gender-inclusive. The principles are applied in an exemplary design case focused on a public street in the city centre of Heerlen, Netherlands , which currently faces many of the issues that are especially limiting to women. Active public spaces, meaning spaces that encourage user engagement and interaction, often already contain some elements outlined in the framework, leading to easier fulfilment of the design principles. The application of the principles is limited to one design case, and the focus is restricted to women’s experiences. When applying the principles in other cases or typologies, the implications of the proposed design guidelines need to be carefully considered.

Interactive Effects of Built Environment and Parking Policy on Car Use: Examining Differences Between Work and Non-Work Trips

Considerable interest has been shown in decreasing car use through planning and policy-making efforts. However, little is known about the interactive effects of built environment (BE) and parking policy on car use, and it is unclear whether and how these effects differ across trip purposes. We conducted a web-based survey in Beijing and collected data from 1036 respondents, including 517 male and 519 female respondents. This study estimates the interactive effects of BE and parking policy on car use for home-based work and non-work trips by employing multilevel logit models. The results show that BE variables at trip origins and destinations are important for shaping car use for both home-based work and non-work trips. Specifically, land use mixture (Coeff. = −0.121), bus stop density (Coeff. = −0.006), and population density (Coeff. = −0.009) at residential locations are negative factors affecting car use for work trips, whereas distance to local center (Coeff. = 0.012) and distance to the city center (Coeff. = 0.019) at residential locations are positive factors. Land use mixture (Coeff. = −0.323), bus stop density (Coeff. = −0.008), road density (Coeff. = −0.002), and population density (Coeff. = −0.007) at residential locations are negative factors of car use for non-work trips. Among BE factors at destinations, land use mixture (Coeff. = −0.319), bus stop density (Coeff. = −0.015), road density (Coeff. = −0.008), distance to the local center (Coeff. = −0.018), and population density (Coeff. = −0.012) are negative factors for car use for work trips, whereas the negative factors for non-work trips are land use mix (Coeff. = −0. 218), bus stop density (Coeff. = −0.038), road density (Coeff. = −0.003), distance to the city center (Coeff. = −0.121), and population density (Coeff. = −0.009). The effects of BE variables can be strengthened or weakened by free parking and parking convenience. Moreover, the results identify significant differences in the effects between work and non-work trips. These findings inform planners and policymakers of how to coordinate the BE and parking policies to decrease car dependence.

How working from home reshapes cities

In recent decades, economic activity has become increasingly concentrated in major global metropolises. Yet, the rise of working from home threatens this dominance of cities. Using multiple high-frequency datasets on spending, commuting, migration, and housing, we provide global evidence that remote work has dispersed economic activity away from city centers. We label this the "Donut Effect," which is much larger and more persistent in cities with high levels of remote work. Using detailed household microdata from the United States, we show that three-fifths of households that left city centers in big cities moved to the suburbs of the same city. This is likely explained by the rise of hybrid work, in which employees still commute to the office a few days a week. The enduring popularity of hybrid work into 2024 suggests that the Donut Effect will persist while also leaving broader metropolitan areas intact.

From sustainable development towards resilience: Does digital finance matter in enhancing ecological resilience?

AbstractDigital finance, as a representative of the digital economy, provides unprecedented opportunities for enhancing the adaptability and resilience of ecosystems. However, there is currently no literature that integrates digital finance and urban ecological resilience into the same research framework. In light of this, we utilize panel data from 2011 to 2019 to investigate the impact of digital finance on ecological resilience. Our results indicate that (1) Digital finance can effectively enhance ecological resilience, a conclusion corroborated by both theoretical frameworks and empirical evidence. Specifically, the coverage breadth and usage depth of digital finance can effectively enhance ecological resilience, while the digitization level has not shown a significant impact. (2) Green technological innovation, improvements in energy efficiency, and the agglomeration of producer services are identified as effective channels through which digital finance promotes ecological resilience. (3) The impact of digital finance on ecological resilience exhibits significant regional heterogeneity, with more pronounced effects observed in cities with advanced traditional financial systems, non‐resource‐based cities, and central cities. These findings will help policymakers better understand the relationship between digital finance and urban ecological resilience, and formulate targeted policies that leverage digital finance development to enhance ecological resilience.

National survey on Congenital Cytomegalovirus Awareness and Screening Practices among Healthcare Professionals

ObjectivesCongenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, resulting from maternal-fetal transmission of CMV, poses a substantial risk to maternal and child health. It is the most prevalent congenital viral infection, and the prevention and management of this condition rely heavily on the knowledge and awareness of healthcare professionals. MethodsThis cross-sectional survey was conducted between March 1, 2023, and August 31, 2023, across multiple tertiary centers in various Saudi Arabian cities. It assessed the understanding and awareness of congenital CMV infection among 400 healthcare professionals from diverse specialties. The study utilized a structured questionnaire to evaluate knowledge levels, obtain demographic data, and identify factors influencing awareness. ResultsThe study revealed significant disparities in knowledge levels, with around 84 % of participants categorized as having “low" knowledge. Obstetricians and gynecologists exhibited better knowledge. Factors like specialization, age, and professional experience significantly affected knowledge levels. Additionally, many healthcare professionals perceived a lack of information and awareness regarding CMV among their peers. ConclusionCongenital CMV infection is a major public health concern with potential severe consequences. The study identified knowledge disparities, particularly among non-specialist healthcare practitioners, emphasizing the need for targeted educational programs and focused awareness initiatives. Key factors, such as expertise, age, and experience, underscore the importance of addressing ongoing knowledge gaps, highlighting the need for continuous efforts to mitigate challenges associated with CMV infection.

The Effective of Marriage Betery on The Life of Family

The current study aims to know the main causes of marital in fidelity &its impact on families and children in particular & on society in general . The study merstigates the preralence of marital infidelity its types it also attempts to discover the motivating factors that leads to conduct this act in addition, the impact of such action in addition, the impact of such action on families as well as various of betrayal methods to prevent the spread of betrayal is also identified by the researcher The type of the study is qualitative& description approach is used by the research to study the case & the interview with observation tools are used to collect data with narrative tools to singinfy on the case research. The researcher took 5cases in Erbil city center .samples are from several governmental institutions thar are specialized in reform, adoption also protecting individuals from Any from of violence or Threat. For instance, Erbil Shelter Directorate, women &Children reform Directorate ,Detention &transfer Directorate) The study concludes thar one of the main reason for infedility in most of the cases is the feeling of revenge that one of the spouses hold against the other due to the absence of the partner that creates an emotional & sexual gap & leads to neglect. In addition, imitating dubbed dramas had an impact on prevalence of this phenomenon.

Household resilience of women migrant worker sellers of Jamu Gendong

Background The selling of Jamu Gendong (an Indonesian traditional herbal medicine), is closely associated with the informal work of women who migrate to different regions. In Sukoharjo Regency and Wonogiri Regency, Central Java Province, the pressing need to meet household necessities in their places of origin compels women to assume the role of breadwinners. Therefore, this research aimed to identify the livelihood capital and resilience of migrant women selling jamu gendong. Methods The study was conducted in Ciamis Regency, West Java Province, Indonesia, in November 2022, using quantitative and qualitative methods. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews. The sample comprised 51 women selected through snowball sampling and actively involved in selling Jamu Gendong, along with six key individuals from relevant agencies. Results The research findings indicate that the households of migrant women who sell jamu gendong can survive and adapt during their migration to prevent poverty by implementing diverse livelihood strategies. They are the only ones who move without their family members renting a place to live with them. This research has identified various capital sources, including productive age and skills in preparing jamu gendong; physical capital, including road infrastructure, markets, and access to health and education facilities; and natural, social, and financial capital. This research provides an in-depth understanding of women’s roles in family economic resilience, diversification of life strategies, the importance of social capital in migrant networks, economic empowerment through migration, and the influence of cultural values on livelihood strategies. Conclusions The findings contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the resilience demonstrated by migrant women selling jamu gendong. However, further research should be conducted in areas beyond the city center to obtain a holistic view of their resilience.

New Approach to Identifying Barriers and Potentials in Peripheral and Less-Known Areas Using a Multi-Criteria Analytical Matrix

The purpose of the article is to present the author’s methodology for identifying and assessing potentials and barriers occurring in various locations related to cultural tourism. The research aimed to develop a methodology to identify barriers and potentials for tourism development in peripheral and less-known locations. The potentials and barriers identified in a given location are important determinants of the development of cultural tourism and therefore economic development in the mentioned area. The identification of development potentials and barriers refers to the existing features of a given area or place and factors that activate or limit the possibilities of its using cultural resources. The study was based on the analysis of eight case studies of destinations with interesting cultural values. The entire series of analyses addressed various aspects of these destinations. Areas of different sizes and scales were considered, including areas in transboundary regions, rural areas, historic city centres, and archaeological or industrial sites. The work presents the author’s methodology for integrating the various elements that define the features and factors of cultural tourism and establishes a framework for a strategy for its sustainable development. To achieve this, a tool in the form of a comprehensive matrix was developed to assess the situation of each pilot site. Based on this tool, the pilot sites identified key features or factors as a barrier or potential and furthermore defined their territorial scope and their impact on their chosen dominant types of tourism. Barriers and potentials were identified based on a set of 47 previously developed features and factors. During the research, 38 most important potentials and 15 barriers were identified. The tool presented in the paper is comprehensive and universal, so it can be applied to any destination.

TRANSFORMACIONES EN LA CONFIGURACIÓN Y FUNCIONALIDADES DE LA PERIFERIA URBANA NOROESTE DE LA GRAN ÁREA METROPOLITANA DE COSTA RICA (GAM)

The peripheries are generally conceived as scenarios for expanding various economic activities in central cities, and their land uses usually explain both their functionality and territorial organization. However, the literature shows that the logic that configures these places also goes through a framework of territorialized human relations and that their forms of organization are also linked to social valuations. Given the above, the research emphasizes the importance of taking a comprehensive look, based on spatial structures, to understand the changes and contemporary functionalities of the periphery under study. For this, a qualitative methodology of an ethnographic type was considered, based on observing land uses and the practices of the different users. As a result, the spatial structures approach made evident other activities and relationships between society and the environment, such as forms of recreation on agricultural land, the agriculturization process, agro-productive diversification, and changes in residential models, which must be taken into account for current and future planning of the periphery. Keywords: Land Use, Transformations in Urban Peripheries, Functionalities, Geographic Space, Social Valuation, Gran Área Metropolitana.

Estimating the Prevalence of Primary Hypothyroidism in Karbala City, and Modulation of Clinical Manifestations Among Patients Receiving Levothyroxine; A Single Center Study

Background: Hypothyroidism has a wide range of clinical manifestations and general symptoms, including but not limited to obesity, tiredness, poor concentration, depression, widespread muscle soreness, menstruation abnormalities, and constipation. The administration of a daily dosage of levothyroxine is sufficient for the successful management of hypothyroidism, as it facilitates the restoration of serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels to their normal range. Several factors can influence the absorption of levothyroxine in the human body, including age, weight, the presence of other medical problems, and dietary intake. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of primary hypothyroidism and alteration in clinical presentation associated with replacement therapy. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, observational study conducted over at Al Hassan Metabolism, Endocrine, and Diabetes Center (HMEDC) in Karbala city. The study team created a questionnaire, and data was collected from face-to-face patient interviews, which included various sociodemographic variables, TSH and ferritin levels, drug interactions, as well as signs and symptoms exhibited both prior to and following treatment. Additionally, the patient treatment regimen and the specific doses of levothyroxine administered are also recorded. Results: the total number of cases visited Al Hassan Metabolism, Endocrine, and Diabetes Center (HMEDC) during the study period was (10800). The prevalence of thyroid diseases was 300 (2.8%). The rate of primary hypothyroidism out of the total number of hypothyroid cases was 85.1%. (61%) of the patients had normal levels of TSH whereas (42%) of the patients were found to be undertreatment. A total of (84%) of the patients exhibited normal levels of ferritin. The patients exhibited a reduction in their signs and symptoms following the administration of therapy. Conclusion: treatment with levothyroxine improved sluggish speech, constipation, lack of appetite, cold sensitivity, weight gain, and weariness. There is no observed correlation between the dosage of levothyroxine and the manifestation of signs and symptoms.

Multi-attribute-based procedure for seismic loss scenario in a historical area

AbstractSeismic events have shown to be exceedingly damaging to structures over time, with serious social and economic consequences. As a result, large-scale seismic risk assessments are essential for reducing the potential damage from future earthquakes. Therefore, the proposed study attempts to examine the vulnerability and risk of unreinforced masonry buildings (URM) placed in aggregate conditions in a historical area of the city centre of Lisbon. To this purpose, a comprehensive exposure model was developed combining satellite remote sensing, GIS software, and census data. Subsequently, seismic hazard was evaluated in the area, considering both Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA) and macro-seismic intensity for different return periods (i.e. 2-50-100-475-975-2500-5000 years). Vulnerability was assessed by introducing a novel approach to earthquake risk assessment using Multi-Criteria Decision-Making methodologies. Specifically, the method employs the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) computational methods to evaluate parameter weights and vulnerability index. Damage scenarios, fragility curves and mean damage ratios curves were provided to offer an overview of the vulnerability of the assets exposed to risk. Finally, the expected consequences were evaluated in terms of direct economic losses showing an economic loss of 595 M€ for a 475-years return period, while 1108 M€ for 5000-years. This study significantly enhances seismic analysis for urban areas by introducing a Multi-Criteria Approach. This method simplifies vulnerability assessment, ensuring ease of application and reproducibility. Its insights offer valuable support for disaster risk management decisions, facilitating the implementation of resilience and risk-reduction strategies.

Preparedness and Public Health: an Italian Local Health Authority plan for a mass gathering in 2023

Abstract Issue Mass gatherings represent an important Public Health challenge. The increased number of people present in a specific area puts local health systems under stress (i.e.workload of emergency services, environmental health and food safety) and at the same time it rises the risks of a potential mass casualty incident. Effective planning and disaster preparedness have to be achieved through collaboration among local health authorities(LHA) and other stakeholders (event planners, law enforcement, local transportation services). Problem Every year, for 3 days, the Italian Alpine troops gather in a different city to remember First World War fallen. During those days, the city centre transit is not allowed to car (in specific areas even to emergency vehicles).In May 2023 this event occurred in Udine, a city in the North East of Italy with almost 100.000 inhabitants. For that year at least 300.000 participants were expected. LHA had to reorganize preparing itself to manage a temporary quadrupled catchment area. Results In the previous months, local authorities met local health representatives and other stakeholders in order to define a single emergency response plan. For healthcare services it was decided to: institute first aid points within the city; reorganise patients’ emergency transport system; increase hospitals’ treatment capacity (beds, life support equipment); increase healthcare professional availability; empower drugstores (opening times, drugs procurement); strengthen human and animal health surveillances;activate alternative communication systems. During the event, LHA updated other authorities involved three times a day about hospital and emergency system situation. At the end of the event,a multiprofessional debriefing meeting was held and no critical situations were reported. Lessons Preparedness requires a great commitment in terms of resources and time, but it is confirmed to be essential to guarantee adequate assistance even in extraordinary conditions. Key messages • Mass gathering s events put under stress all the main areas of public health system. • Public health preparedness cannot be effective without a strong involvement of other public and private stakeholders.

Exploration Of The Cultural Heritage Potential In Tasikmalaya City As Enrichment Of Local History Teaching Materials

Cultural heritage potential plays an important role in presenting meaningful history learning, unfortunately this has not been done in the Tasikmalaya city. This research aims to: 1) describe the use of cultural heritage in local history teaching materials; 2) describe a brief history of the city of Tasikmalaya, and; 3) Analyze the use of cultural heritage in the city of Tasikmalaya as enrichment of local history teaching materials. This research is qualitative research with a descriptive method where data is obtained through documentation and observation. The research results show that cultural heritage has an important role as a source of learning local history. There are 63 cultural heritage potential sites in the city of Tasikmalaya. There are a number of cultural heritage sites that can be used to enrich local historical material, including: 1) Lingga Yoni Indihiang as material to enrich local historical material during the Hindu-Buddhist era; 2) Sheikh Abdul Ghorib's grave in Kawalu during the Islamic era; 3) The Tasikmalaya Regent's official residence complex and cultural heritage in the center of Tasikmalaya city during the colonial period, and 4) the PETA Monument and the Cooperative Monument during the independence revolution. The use of the cultural heritage potentials in Tasikmalaya City in history learning can be done through two things, namely the application of the field trip method and the design of cultural heritage-based history teaching materials. This is expected to provide meaningful local history learning for students.

Exploring E-Customer Satisfaction Using e-SERVQUAL Among Online Shoppers

When interacting with a company's products and services, customer satisfaction is an overall feeling of contentment that a client is experiencing. Previous studies have shown an increase in revenue when a company prioritizes customer satisfaction with its products or services. Around 70 percent of Malaysians are dynamic online consumers, with most of them shopping via websites. e-SERVQUAL assesses the efficacy and efficiency of a website in facilitating shopping, purchase, and delivery processes. It encompasses the pre-purchase and post-purchase phases. The e-SERVQUAL dimensions (privacy, website design, responsiveness, reliability, usability, and information quality) are elements that impact e-customer satisfaction. A total of 100 respondents at Bandar Utama City Centre who shop online participated in the survey. According to the data, males outnumber females among the respondents. The survey comprised three sections: A, B, and C. Section A comprised the demographic information of the respondents, Section B concentrated on the e-SERVQUAL aspects, and Section C addressed e-customer satisfaction. The data was examined utilizing the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The results indicated that the majority of respondents expressed satisfaction with the quality. However, website design improvements should be made to encourage more online shopping. The recommendation in this study is beneficial to online service providers and future studies on e-SERVQUAL should be extended to another dimension to explore more aspects of determining quality service in an online setting.

Are Low‐Income Groups More Dependent on Community Space? A Case Study of Nanjing

AbstractCommunity dependence reflects individuals' daily needs for community space and facilities and is closely related to the accurate allocation of social resources and human quality of life. This study examines the differences in community use and dependence among different income groups at the overall and community levels from the perspective of the microscale individual activity space. Compared with non‐low‐income groups, low‐income groups are generally more dependent on their communities during their daily lives. However, these differences are diverse among different communities; they are more moderate among different income groups in communities located in central city areas and significant among different income groups in suburban affordable housing communities. The regression models reveal that in addition to income, the characteristics of activities and built environment attributes also affect individuals' community dependence. Social policies should prioritize the quality and quantity of community resources for vulnerable suburban groups.

An empirical study on the effectiveness of collaborative school implementation in central China: a value-added approach

ABSTRACT School effectiveness refers to an educational institution’s ability to achieve its predetermined goals, especially regarding student learning outcomes, development, and well-being. Although forming and strengthening partnerships between schools is commonly used to improve school effectiveness, empirical evidence on the connection between school collaboration and school effectiveness remains insufficient. This study investigates the relationship between school collaboration and effectiveness by employing a hierarchical linear model based on a value-added analysis of student scores in selected schools in a central Chinese city. We found that some student- and school-level variables significantly influenced students’ achievement. After controlling for both student and school demographic variables, the study results indicated that collaborative schools exhibited greater school effectiveness than non-collaborative schools, and the effectiveness continued improving as collaborative schools continued to grow. In general, it is viable to employ the value-added approach to assess the impact of school collaboration within the Chinese education system.

The proposal of a 15-minute city composite index through integrating GPS trajectory data-inferred urban function attraction based on the Bayesian framework

The chrono-urbanism framework suggests that urban life quality decreases with increased time spent in transportation, particularly motorized modes. The 15-min city concept, aligned with chrono-urbanism, emphasizes the importance of reaching essential urban functions within a short active travel time and has gained global attention. This study aims to develop a 15-min city composite index score (CIS) using the chrono-urbanism framework. The CIS integrates spatial accessibility to six key urban functions, providing a holistic assessment of the 15-min city status in Wuhan, China. Urban function accessibility is computed based on visitor volume inferred from GPS trajectory data using the Bayesian framework. Results reveal CIS hotspots in Hongshan, Wuchang, Jiangan, and Qingshan districts, with Hongshan having the highest concentration. However, Wuhan faces challenges in achieving comprehensive 15-min city status, as hotspots are mainly concentrated in specific areas like university towns and traditional city centers. The proposed assessment approach is applicable to accurately evaluate the 15-min status in other urban contexts using GPS trajectory data. The study's findings can assist policymakers in understanding CIS hotspot distribution and developing future planning policies to enhance the overall 15-min city status.

An Integrated Urban Building Energy Benchmarking Workflow to Support Urban Energy Evaluation: A Case Study of Sheffield UK

Understanding energy demand and supply flow at a large urban scale is an essential step for urban designers, planners and policymakers in investigating how buildings within an existing urban context could be designed as a whole to support the future sustainable built environment. The contemporary approach is to model energy use activities at various building and urban scales. This, albeit a practical approach, poses significant challenges in acquiring good quality data concerning buildings and their interactions at an urban scale at an affordable price. This paper presents a streamlined benchmarking methodology with a parametric modelling workflow to complement the mainstream urban building energy modelling (UBEM) approach. The proposed building energy benchmarking workflow integrates multiple databases concerning building energy consumption, energy generation and underlying grid infrastructure. Parametric modelling serves as a tool for integrating databases through the underlying sortable geometric characteristics. This is envisaged to afford stockholders, such as policymakers or urban planners, greater flexibility to investigate energy demand and supply scenarios at an urban neighbourhood scale and further explore potential applications. Using the proposed workflow, we look at renewable solar energy to experiment with offsetting urban building energy consumption through reconfiguring existing electricity microgrids in the Sheffield city centre. The result of this study demonstrates how the presented urban building energy benchmarking (UBEB) workflow would afford capabilities and flexibility to support stakeholders, e.g., urban planners, policymakers, and end-users, to better understand existing barriers and explore actionable opportunities via re-configurable electricity microgrids.

City Centre Car Parking Provision in Liverpool

City Centre Car Parking Provision in Liverpool

Developing Vocational Education and Deepening the Integration of Industry and Education Providing Human Resources Support for Building a Strong Provincial Centre-Taking the Development of Vocational Education in Sanmenxia as an Example

Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), China's vocational education has experienced significant improvement and optimisation, and the group of graduates from vocational colleges and universities has grown to become the backbone of China's industrial army, which not only provides a solid support for the vigorous development of small and medium-sized enterprise clusters, but also greatly promotes the transformation and upgrading of the regional industry, and accelerates the process of urbanization, which has become an important driving force for the socio-economic development of the society. In recent years, Sanmenxia City has paid special attention to the development of vocational education in the process of strengthening the construction of provincial centre city, and has cultivated a large number of high-quality technical talents, which has provided a solid talent foundation for the transformation and development of the city's economy and society. Taking the development of vocational education in Sanmenxia as an example, this paper focuses on the inevitability and positive contribution of vocational education to the construction of Sanmenxia as a provincial central city, analyses the current situation, and puts forward countermeasures and suggestions for the future of vocational education in the provision of talent support for the construction of a provincial central city.