Experiences Of Citizens Research Articles

Estimating Civic Awareness and Willingness to Pay (WTP) for Rooftop Greenhouses: A Study of Seoul Residents

Background and objective: In hardscape-dominated cities, rooftop greenhouses(RGs) are considered a viable alternative for providing high-quality food, greenery, and experiences to citizens. However, existing research has predominantly focused on conventional urban agriculture, and rooftop greenhouses remain under-researched on an international scale. In this study, we use the contingent valuation method (CVM) to estimate the willingness to pay (WTP) for RGs among residents of Seoul, South Korea, and evaluate their comprehensive value.Methods: A questionnaire including items on respondents’ characteristics, WTP, and civic awareness of RGs was prepared, and WTP was estimated using the double-bounded dichotomous choice (DBDC) model. On the basis of these copies, utility theoretic analysis and the logit model of CVM were employed to estimate the WTP for RG among Seoul residents.Results: The per capita WTP for RG among Seoul residents was 30,260. On the basis of this result, the value of RGs in Seoul was approximately 220 billion KRW. Most respondents preferred a combination of crop production and experiences. This outcome suggests that future RGs in buildings should include spaces for citizen experiences and education. Respondents suggested that the most necessary measure to promote RGs was providing customized education on building and managing rooftop greenhouses, followed by providing and subsidies, and promoting related policies and projects.Conclusion: The findings of this study can be utilized to convey the global importance of RGs and as a basis for establishing related policies and increasing the participation of local residents. In addition, considering that Seoul has recently implemented a project to install RGs on existing commercial buildings, the results of this study will be highly useful.

Integrating Citizen Experiences in Cultural Heritage Archives with a Linked Non-Open Data Hub

This article explores and presents innovative methods and technologies for supporting citizen curation of cultural heritage. Relevant outcomes of the Social Participation, Cohesion and Inclusion through Cultural Engagement (SPICE) project are presented, focusing on enhancing the state of content management and delivery strategies in museums and memory institutions. We argue that citizen curation requires a principled way of managing and integrating citizen responses, contributions and dataflows in the domain of cultural heritage, raising challenges and opportunities such as integration of distributed and diverse data sources, authoritativeness, interdependence, privacy, data reuse and rights management. The solution is a Linked Data Hub (LDH), which integrates museum collections and user-generated content and repurposes them to end-user systems tailored to specific use cases for citizens and museum practitioners. Such LDH must be non-open , by offering an approach that gives citizens and organisations, such as museums or engagement agencies, meaningful control over their data by implementing user-tailored policies and negotiated access and terms of use. Additionally, our solution addresses privacy violations in user-contributed content by offering a near-real-time content monitoring framework. We present the LDH discussing pilot applications within the EU-funded project SPICE, including ‘Deep Viewpoints’, which currently supports the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) in citizen curation activities. Overall, this article serves as a critical milestone in closing functional gaps and advancing the state of technology in managing citizen responses and contributions in the cultural heritage domain.

Wanshou(万寿） Palace at Nanchang : Reproduction of the Past and Consuming history in Modern China

This paper discusses the past reproduction and consuming historical phenomenon of Wanshou(万寿） Palace historical and cultural Block in Nanchang under the background of modern China. Wanshou(万寿）Palace, bearing a historical precipitation of more than 1700 years, is a symbolic cultural landscape of Nanchang. Its restoration and block protection are not only the material reproduction of buildings and blocks, but also the continuation of the cultural and spiritual aspects of Wanshou(万寿） Palace. The research uses the qualitative analysis method to deeply analyze the development process of the Tiezhu Wanshou（铁柱万寿） Palace, the architectural art characteristics and the concept and practice of modern China heritage protection. It is found that the Wanshou(万寿） Palace historical and cultural block, through the mutual support and cooperation of the Nanchang municipal government, scholars and the community, has profound practical significance for the reproduction of the past history and consuming history. Effectively combine Wanshou(万寿） Palace culture with modern consumption to provide an immersive cultural experience for citizens and tourists. However, the behavior of consuming history in the process of cultural heritage protection has a two-sided nature. People need to pay attention to the authenticity of culture in the process of protecting historical heritage and inheriting cultural value. This study provides practical planning suggestions and impact assessment for the historical and cultural construction and the sustainable development mode of cultural tourism in Nanchang, and provides valuable classics for the protection of historical heritage and the integration of historical reproduction and modern consumption in other cities.

Exploring social contracts of disaster risk through twitter narratives during a major storm

Social contracts are evolving relationships between the government and the public; they describe the rights and responsibilities of each party in catastrophic hydroclimatic events. As the climate crisis unfolds disaster losses continue to increase and the need for new infrastructure is becoming more apparent. Research suggests that incorporating Nature-based Solutions (NbS) into infrastructure adaptations may reduce exposure and loss and improve social well-being. While researchers and policy makers push for NbS, it is unclear whether they adequately recognize contemporary social contracts and whether these contracts are shifting sufficiently to accept the differences. We operationalize social contracts and test a conceptual approach through analysis of tweets before, during and after Hurricane Ida. Our results indicate a social contract of inequalities manifested through experience, perceptions and expectations of citizens. There is a great deal of uncertainty and feelings of insecurity about the public's perception of government response and resource provisions. Although our results indicated a gap in public perception of NbS, uncertainty about the effectiveness of conventional infrastructure was expressed. Public expectations include an evolving social contract that addresses the challenges related to inequalities while also adapting to climate change. We discuss how this twitter data can be used to understand the role of social contracts in responding to disaster risk and infrastructure adaptation and how inadequacies in current protection measures can inform potential use of NbS.

Application of the Theory of Planned Behavior to predict waste source separation

Appropriate solid municipal waste management is an important topic in the EU. Abiding by the amended EU Waste Framework Directive and the amended EU Landfill Directive, Greece has set ambitious goals for waste reuse and recycling and for landfill minimization in its recent National Waste Management Plans. These goals however can only be reached through the improvement of the mixed recyclable waste scheme (the “blue bin” scheme for paper/carton, plastic and metal) and the establishment of collection containers for separate waste streams (separately for biodegradable waste, for glass, for paper/carton and for the rest). Active participation of citizens in waste source separation is paramount for this program. As such, the determinants that favor waste source separation intention were measured in approximately 1600 residents in the city of Thessaloniki in Northern Greece, through the application of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). The determinant of Moral Norms (MN) was included in the basic model [that contains the determinants Attitude (ATT), Subjective Norms (SN) and Perceived Behavioral Control (PBC)]. Each determinant was measured through four or five declarations while the Behavioral Intention (BI) contained ten subsections. The model was able to satisfactorily predict the intention of the respondents to perform waste source separation. Specifically, the model successfully predicted respondents' intention to engage in waste source separation, explaining 36 % of the variance, indicating that a moderate amount of variance can be explained by the constructs. There was a significant direct effect of ATT (β = 0.486, p < 0.001), SN (β = 0.091, p < 0.05), and PBC (β = 0.091, p < 0.05) on BI. Additionally, MN showed statistically significant mediating effects; a mediating effect on BI via ATT (β = 0.479; p < 0.01), via SN (β = 0.046; p = 0.015), and via PBC (β = 0.057; p = 0.017) was noted. Implications of these results on waste separation policies include the following: launching comprehensive public education campaigns to reshape positive attitudes, improving infrastructure to strengthen the real or perceived behavioral control of citizens experience, increasing “peer pressure” via community engagement activities, such as recycling workshops, clean-up drives, and competitions. The important role of moral obligations in the community should be underlined and it may be the long-term key solution; educational programs and campaigns should emphasize the moral obligation of waste separation and integrating environmental ethics into school programs can instill these values from a young age.

INTRODUCTION: Africa's quest for inclusion: Trends and patterns

Social inclusion is a multifaceted concept and is a critical pillar for transformative economic development. Its opposite, social exclusion entails the lack of or denial of resources, rights, goods and services, and the inability to participate in normal relationships and activities, available to people in a society, whether in economic, social, cultural, or political contexts. It affects the quality of life of individuals, the equity and cohesion of society and the lived experiences of citizens (Levitas, Pantazis, Fahmy, Gordon, Lloyd, &amp; Patsios, 2007). Social inclusion, considers the terms of engagement of individuals and or groups in society, assessing the ability of the system to improve the capability, opportunity, and dignity of those disadvantaged based on their identity (World Bank, 2024). The inability of individuals or communities to make meaningful and consistent contributions reflects their exclusion. Exclusion can be based on age, gender, occupation, ethnicity, race, religious beliefs, citizenship, disability, or sexual orientation (World Bank, 2024). There are differing levels of exclusion. When exclusion is deep, it is characterised by a lack of access to one or more domains resulting in severe negative consequences to quality of life, well-being, and future life chances (Levitas et al., 2007).

The Art of Not Stopping: Grit Among the Breadwinner Senior Citizens in Pilar, Bataan

Approximately fifty percent of elderly individuals in the Philippines are currently employed. A significant number of them are exposed to health hazards and have a low socioeconomic level despite having worked for a considerable number of years. The current study aims to provide a detailed account and analysis of the core essence of the experience of breadwinner senior citizens as they strive to maintain their grit for numerous years. The findings revealed four themes, or 4K of grit, namely: keep on, keep at, keep up, and keep growing. Each theme generated subthemes that further elaborated on the experiences of breadwinner senior citizens. Keep on is divided into five subthemes: familial’s sake, financial autonomy, fortitude in the past, and founding leisure. Keep at is divided into two themes, namely the personification of aging and perceived hardships. Meanwhile, the keep-up had four subthemes: guarding the mind, being God-centered, getting support, and having greater focus in the body. Lastly, the keep growing is composed of two themes the steadfastness in work and senescence’s’ joy. While the participants have shown resilience in the face of several challenges, it is strongly recommended that local government agencies improve and closely supervise the current program and activities aimed at addressing the financial difficulties as well as the physical and mental difficulties of the breadwinner senior citizens. More so, the said research will add additional fund of knowledge in the field of gerontology and psychology in the Philippines.

Conscious walk: integrating soundscape, biodiversity, and air quality metrics for holistic urban environmental assessment

The impact of environmental noise, poor biodiversity, and air pollution on urban populations poses a significant challenge to public health. Addressing these concerns requires a comprehensive approach that considers the perceptual experiences of citizens and objective environmental data. The Conscious Walks introduce a hybrid methodology designed to address the perceptive impact of citizens on their environment. Conscious Walks are citizen-science participative projects that combine the active involvement of citizens with scientific data collection. Implemented and tested in Barcelona, Conscious Walks provide a unique opportunity to assess urban soundscapes, and this contribution specifically evaluates the soundscapes of the Ciutadella Park in Barcelona for three consecutive years. The gathered data is carefully cross-referenced with information on air quality and biodiversity obtained during the walks. The novelty of this research lies in the development of integrated indicators that comprehensively capture the interplay between biodiversity, noise pollution, and air pollution. These indicators provide an understanding of urban environmental quality, offering valuable insights for sustainable urban planning and policy-making. The results presented in this contribution underscore the significance of adopting holistic methodologies to address the complex challenges posed by urban environments, emphasizing the need for integrated indicators in assessing the multifaceted aspects of urban sustainability.

A ‘left behind’ habitus? understanding local political disengagement using Bourdieu

ABSTRACT Bourdieu’s theory of social reproduction is applied to interpret the structural conditions and experiences of citizens in ‘left behind’ places (LBP) along the Cumbrian coastline (UK). The findings from a longitudinal participatory study imply a ‘left behind’ habitus where citizens disengage with local and national politics. This suggests that place-based initiatives aimed at reducing spatial inequalities, such as Levelling Up and the current devolution agenda, will be ineffective without considering the subjective, physical, distance LBP feel from political institutions. Future research needs to explore relational strategies which align the local democratic field with local civic habitus to foster liberal democracy.

Toward an assessment of the relevance of proposed public policy in contemporary African society: A retrospective review of Kenya's now‐defunct building bridges initiative, with special reference to post‐election violence

AbstractWhereas competing interests characterize the African public policy sphere today, the lens of mass‐elite differences has hardly been employed to study electoral violence. Accordingly, this article juxtaposes the lived experiences of ordinary Kenyan citizens, obtained through focus groups, with the content of the now‐defunct Building Bridges Initiative (BBI), a comprehensive set of public policy changes proposed by Kenya's political protagonists Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga in 2017. It poses the following broad question: did the BBI proposals truly intersect with the opinions and lived experiences of the masses? I find that various factors, including the lack of electoral and judicial integrity, and a winner‐takes‐all democratic system, are responsible for post‐election violence according to citizens. A comparative analysis of citizen perspectives and the BBI Report reveals considerable congruence in the understanding of the causes of post‐election violence. The study partly concludes that African leaders should continue to engage in policy entrepreneurship.Related ArticlesHodzi, Obert. 2020. “African Political Elites and the Making(s) of the China Model in Africa.” Politics &amp; Policy 48(5): 887–987. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12380.Kouladoum, Jean‐Claude. 2023. “The Role of Freedom of Communication in Modulating the Effect of Political Participation on Electoral Outcome in Africa.” Politics &amp; Policy 51(4): 588–613. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12539.Onyango, Gedion. 2024. “DHR‐PA—Democracy and Human Rights in Public Administration in Africa.” Politics &amp; Policy 52(2): 426–49. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12584.

Understanding How People Perceive and Interact with Public Space through Social Media Big Data: A Case Study of Xiamen, China

Public space is a crucial forum for public interaction and diverse activities among urban residents. Understanding how people interact with and perceive these spaces is essential for public placemaking. With billions of users engaging in social media expression and generating millions of data points every second, Social Media Big Data (SMBD) offers an invaluable lens for evaluating public spaces over time, surpassing traditional methods like surveys and questionnaires. This research introduces a comprehensive analytical framework that integrates SMBD with placemaking practices, specifically applied to the city of Xiamen, China. The result shows the social sentiment, vibrancy heatmaps, leisure activities, visitor behaviors, and preferred visual elements of Xiamen, offering urban designers valuable insights into the dynamic nature of citizen experiences. The findings underscore the potential of SMBD to inform and enhance public space design, providing a holistic approach to creating more inclusive, vibrant, and functional urban environments.

The European Union Settlement Scheme Data Linkage Project in Wales: Findings relating to mental health and education

Objective Following the UK’s exit from the European Union (EU) a settlement scheme was introduced for EU nationals currently living in the UK to apply to continue living in the UK. The European Union (EU) Settlement Scheme project compares the living experiences of EU and UK citizens in Wales. ApproachWe conducted a retrospective population cohort study within the Secure Anonymised information Linkage (SAIL) Databank to explore the mental health, educational experiences and involvement in the Welsh labour market of EU citizens living in Wales in comparison to British citizens. UK Census data relating to country of birth, sex, week of birth, date of arrival in the UK and socio-economic status have been linked to variables of relevance in the Education for Wales and Welsh General Practice datasets respectively and analysed. ResultsFindings indicate statistically significant differences in secondary school attendance and attainment between Welsh born pupils and pupils born in EU countries. We will present findings on our exploration if differences exist between Welsh born and EU country born individuals in relation to diagnosis of depression and anxiety. Additional findings from this linking and analysis reveal other interesting differences between EU and UK born citizens. ConclusionsLinking data in this way has gained a better understanding of the experiences and outcomes of EU citizens in Wales, generating better evidence to inform policies and services that address the needs of this population and a dataset of interest to academics. Reproduceable analytical pipelines have been created for other researchers to use.

Navigating the Spectrum of Multi-, Inter-, and Transdisciplinarity in Service Design

Both in academia and in professional practice, multidisciplinarity, interdisciplinarity and transdisciplinarity offer unique pathways to innovation and holistic understanding. But what sets them apart? And why should we care? Imagine diverse experts tackling the redesign of a digital service, improving the experience of citizens or solving a complex service challenge. Each scenario requires different levels of collaboration, reflecting these three approaches. The shift from pooling knowledge to fully integrating and transcending boundaries can transform problem-solving.

Identification and Analysis of Ecological Corridors in the Central Urban Area of Xuchang Based on Multi-Source Geospatial Data

With the development of ecological civilization construction, urban planning and development in China have entered a phase in which optimizing and constructing ecological spaces is required. As a national livable city, Xuchang has experienced rapid economic development in recent years, leading to significant urban expansion that has impacted the layout of ecological space networks in the central urban area and its surroundings. Therefore, identifying and optimizing the spatial layout of ecological corridors in Xuchang City are crucial for ecological development and park city construction. This study utilizes multisource geospatial data to identify and extract ecological corridors in the central urban area of Xuchang City. Ecological resistance and gravity models are employed to identify and verify that the primary ecological corridor pattern in Xuchang City is situated in Weidu District, which is a central urban area. Finally, 11 main ecological corridors in the central urban area are delineated. In response to the identification of ecological corridors, this study integrates spatial analysis methods and text analysis methods to evaluate the characteristics of urban ecological corridors. The results indicate that Xudu Park extends outward, serving as the hub of the ecological network, and that West Lake Park and Luming Lake Park form the core of the urban park system. Finally, based on the spatial relationships, ecological benefits, and citizen experience of each ecological corridor and the green parks it traverses, strategies for optimizing the layout of urban ecological corridors are proposed.

“Every Day is like Hell": Civilian Abductees Released from Captivity in Gaza

Captivity, particularly in the context of civilian abduction, significantly affects the immediate and long-term psychological well-being of abductees. While most studies have concentrated on military captivity, the experiences of civilian abductees remain underexplored. This study aimed to investigate the experiences of adult citizens abducted during the Israel-Hamas War, as recounted in their initial press interviews upon their release. Using a qualitative phenomenological approach, the researchers analyzed existing media interviews with 27 civilians aged 18 to 85, who were abducted from their homes during the war outbreak, held captive for 44 to 55 days, and subsequently released through negotiations. Analysis of the interviews revealed several key findings. The abductees faced traumatic events, including murder and life-threatening situations, which led to intense feelings of shock and resignation to the prospect of death. Their captivity involved a loss of autonomy, social isolation, unsanitary and humiliating conditions, and pervasive fear. Additionally, they experienced profound grief over the deaths of family members and uncertainty about the wellbeing of their friends and relatives. These factors collectively create an environment in which psychological trauma is inevitable. This study’s findings advance our understanding of loss and trauma in the context of civilian captivity, underscoring the complex psychological impact and highlighting the critical need for specialized, multifaceted interventions that address the unique challenges faced by abductees and their communities in the aftermath of such traumatic experiences.

Data Analysis and Congestion Prediction Model in Intelligent Transportation Systems

The relentless march of urbanization has led to a surge in population density and a dramatic increase in the number of motor vehicles, with traffic congestion emerging as a significant barrier to urban development. Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) utilize advanced information technology to monitor and analyze traffic flow in real time, playing a pivotal role in alleviating urban traffic pressures and enhancing road usage efficiency. This paper aims to propose a data analysis method based on machine learning algorithms for real-time traffic monitoring and congestion prediction, thereby providing scientific decision support for urban traffic management. The research encompasses methods of traffic data collection, including data on vehicle location, speed, and flow; preprocessing and feature extraction techniques for traffic data to improve data quality and extract features useful for congestion prediction; and the application of various machine learning algorithms to establish a traffic congestion prediction model. Additionally, this paper assesses and optimizes the model and tests it with actual traffic data to verify its effectiveness and practicality. The research findings indicate that the proposed machine learning-based method can effectively predict traffic congestion, providing a powerful tool for traffic management departments, aiding in preemptive measures to reduce traffic delays and improve the travel experience for citizens. This study not only enriches the field of intelligent transportation systems research but also provides theoretical foundations and technical support for urban traffic management practices.

The ERMES chatbot: A conversational communication tool for improved emergency management and disaster risk reduction

The increased occurrence and severity of worldwide disasters, exacerbated by the impact of climate change, pose significant challenges to emergency management, calling for novel and more effective Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) approaches. Despite the phenomenological differences of diverse hazards and the heterogeneity of local policies and governance structures, effective communication systems are needed to better manage the available resources in all phases of the emergency management cycle, especially in the case of cross-border events. In this work, we present the design, implementation, and validation of a novel tool for emergency management, i.e., the ERMES Chatbot: a mobile-based conversational communication system developed to facilitate real-time bidirectional communication between control centres, in-field forces, and citizens. The methodology used to create the ERMES Chatbot is grounded on the user-centred design approach, which entails end-user involvement in all key phases of the development, including the definition of the end-user requirements, the technical design, and the final validation of the proposed solution. The co-design approach involved several organisations belonging to the DRR domain, which includes a gamified experience for citizens and is iteratively validated through four in-field demonstration events based on realistic emergency scenarios with the involvement of emergency practitioners, volunteering organisations, and citizens.

Online Counselling in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Unknown or Necessary?

Online counseling as a method of assisting is currently very popular and widely used worldwide. Although the development of counseling and psychotherapy in an online environment began with the advent of the Internet, it is only in recent times that the online approach to supporting and helping individuals in crisis has been more systematically and seriously implemented. The popularity and significance of online counseling and psychotherapy in modern society are the result of social changes. In light of this, research was conducted to examine the attitudes and experiences of Bosnian citizens regarding online counseling and consulting with experts to overcome life problems. The study surveyed 100 citizens through a questionnaire, and the results indicate their insufficient awareness of the possibilities of online counseling and prejudices toward professionals. Also, a case study was presented – the first online platform for counseling and psychotherapy in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as an example of good practice. Through a semi-structured interview, insight was gained into the professional experience of experts in counseling and psychotherapeutic work. The research results can provide insight into the availability of counseling services in an online environment and open up new research questions that could encourage professionals to engage in this form of psychosocial work.

Generative AI And New Challenges For Public Leaders: The Implications For Citizen Communications And Foundations Of Government Leadership

This brief commentary describes some of the less discussed implications of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) for changes in government communications, citizen experiences and the very foundations of government. It focuses on the current and developing capabilities of artificial intelligence to handle and generate text and images in a way that seems virtually human.

A Multi-Dimensional Data-Driven Study on the Emotional Attachment Characteristics of the Renovation of Beijing Traditional Quadrangles

In recent years, the development of China’s megacities has entered the stage of stock renewal. Research and practice concerning old city renewal in cities with a long history, represented by Beijing, has also become a hot spot for researchers and designers in the fields of urban planning, architecture and landscape architecture. As one of the main spatial components of the old city, Beijing’s traditional quadrangles are closely related to the spatial perception and emotional experience of citizens and tourists due to their near-human scale characteristics. However, current research focuses more on the evaluation of the historical value of the quadrangles in the early stage of renovation and the specific design and construction methods in the process of renovation, and few studies pay attention to the characteristics of the built environment that promote the emotional experience of users after renovation is completed. Under these circumstances, the study focuses on the emotional attachment between people and the spatial composition and built environment characteristics of the renovated traditional Beijing quadrangles; the avant garde small-scale quadrangle renovation type, which has a wider coverage, more types of user, and pays more attention to people’s emotional experience in the renovated space, was selected as the research object. Four typical quadrangle cases were selected for in-depth discussion. Based on the theory of emotional attachment from a multidisciplinary perspective, this study constructed a series of scales that can measure the degree and dimension of emotional attachment between people and the built environment, coupled with local observation and interviews, to obtain multi-dimensional data reflecting attachment, and used SPSS to conduct correlation analysis and exploratory factor analysis to quantitatively explore the effects of different built environment characteristics on attachment. The results show that: (1) As for the material characteristics, the organic integration of traditional and modern materials, structures and colors can effectively enhance people’s positive emotional experience and promote the establishment of emotional attachment. The combination of these characteristics and the process of people’s three-dimensional spatial experience can further enhance the degree of attachment. In addition, the consistency of materials and technologies, the organic integration of the old and the new, and the carrying capacity of the renovation method for traditional history and culture are the basis for promoting this kind of emotional attachment, which needs to be further explored and considered. (2) As for the non-material characteristics, the diverse, variable, recognizable, unique, and digital spatial function settings that respond to changes in people’s need and current developments can significantly promote the establishment of emotional attachment between people and the environment. This further emphasizes the importance of positioning the space in the early stage of the renovation and the operation of the space in the later stage. (3) The results further support the validity and rationality of the series of scales constructed in this study in quantitatively measuring the attachment characteristics between people and the built environment. As a result, the study provides a reference for emotion-oriented design means, research logic and quantitative evaluation methods in the practice and research of urban renovation and renewal in the future.