City Residents Research Articles

Artificial intelligence to evaluate the impact of urban green and blue spaces on chlorophyll-a concentrations.

Urbanization is accelerating rapidly, highlighting the critical role of aligning with sustainable development goals, urban green and blue spaces (UGS and UBS). These spaces play a crucial role in enhancing the health and well-being of city residents in terms of ecology. Acknowledging the importance of urban ecology, this study utilizes Sentinel-2A data and support vector machine classification, aimed to identify UGS and UBS. To examine the connections between UGS and UBS, specific indices, spectral bands, and textures were calculated. Additionally, the concentration of chlorophyll, a vital indicator of ecological health, was assessed using three indices. Structural equation modeling was employed to elucidate the relationship between UGS and UBS and their impact on chlorophyll concentration for the years 2017 and 2023. In the 2017 model, UGS exhibited a positive path coefficient (0.25) with chlorophyll-a, indicating that an increase in UGS is associated with an increase in chlorophyll levels. Conversely, in 2023, the path coefficient turned negative (- 0.83), presenting a stark contrast to the 2017 model. This shift suggests potential environmental or urban development changes, such as alterations in the quality or type of urban green spaces, potentially including more non-native or ornamental plants that contribute less to overall chlorophyll levels. UGS can be subjected to pollution, soil compaction, and other stressors that reduce plant health. Similarly, the UBS showed an increase in its path coefficient from - 0.99 in 2017 to - 1.8 in 2023, suggesting improvements such as cleaner water or urban planning strategies aimed at reducing water pollution. The consistent negative relationship across both years suggests that urban water bodies are not contributing to Chl levels due to complex interactions of water bodies with their urban surroundings. However, further research is essential to delve into these dynamics and comprehend the implications for urban ecological planning and sustainability.

Water consumption in Santa Catarina municipalities in times of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic caused several impacts on the daily lives of city residents. Considering this context, this study aimed to analyze per capita monthly water consumption in 142 municipalities in Santa Catarina, southern Brazil, to identify the water consumption patterns in the periods before (from April to December 2019) and during (April to December 2020) the COVID-19 pandemic. Student’s t-test and Wilcoxon-Mann–Whitney statistical tests were used in the analyses, in addition to multiple linear regression models. The results showed that urban water consumption was affected by the pandemic. The hypothesis tests revealed that 60 (42%) municipalities presented significant changes in water consumption, with 18 (13%) showing an increase and 42 (29%) a reduction. The linear regression analysis showed a significant increase in six municipalities (4%) and a reduction in 34 (24%). Some municipalities such as Águas de Chapecó and São João do Itaperiú had a significant raise in water consumption related to local economic factors, such as the resilience of the agribusiness industry. In contrast, significant reductions occurred in municipalities with industrial or commercial and service activities, such as Armazém and Canoinhas, respectively. Local characteristics, drought episodes, and the specificities of the municipality’s economy may influence water consumption patterns in different ways. This analysis can be useful to support the implementation of administrative measures during quarantine or restriction periods, as occurred in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding the variations in water consumption at unusual times can help develop strategies to improve water security.

The Racialization of Food: “Indian Corn”, Disgust, and the Development of Underdevelopment in Depression-Era British Honduras

This paper explores the co-constitution of systems of social distinction, culinary habits, and political economies. During the Depression in British Honduras (Belize), unemployment, hunger, and malnutrition ignited panic, unrest, and uprising. At the same time, agents of a mahogany company and the colonial government displaced an entire Maya farming community. Why was Maya farming not considered a pillar of the colony’s economy? For more than a century, colonial administrators had made scarce attempts to stimulate domestic food production and distribution, and stimulating corn production was not even considered. Corn had become racialized, called “Indian corn”, and was considered disgusting, unhealthy, and the cause of high Indian mortality rates. A visceral disgust for corn was hard to disentangle from British disgust for Indians more generally. The racialization of corn emerged alongside and reinforced colonial economic policies of structural underdevelopment, all of which ensured that when Belize City residents were standing in food lines, the abundant harvests of Indian corn were nowhere within reach.

Residents’ expectations from the municipality in an age of urban-national polarisation

The global phenomenon of reactionary cities opposing reactionary nation-states has garnered increasing attention in recent years, with cities such as Istanbul, Warsaw and Tel Aviv–Jaffa serving as prominent examples. While the existing literature has explored various elements of this trend, it has largely overlooked the perspectives of ordinary city dwellers on this process. This study explores city residents’ perceptions of the municipality’s role in promoting liberal policy agendas traditionally associated with the national level. Using an original survey conducted in Tel Aviv–Jaffa, Israel, we propose a novel typology that classifies residents as ‘Liberals’, ‘Municipalists’ or ‘Conservatives’ based on their local policy preferences. Our findings reveal a significant liberal group (28%) that prioritises municipal involvement in ‘big’ liberal issues over traditional municipal functions. This diverse group, which is pessimistic about the country’s future, supports progressive policies at the local level. The study also profiles the three groups in terms of socio-demographic variables and examines the factors influencing their attitudes. This research contributes to understanding the role that progressive municipalities assume in times of growing urban-national polarisation, offering insights and tools that might be applicable to other cities worldwide facing similar challenges.

Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Perceived Satisfaction in Living Smart Cities as mediated by Subjective Well-being and Trust

This study investigates the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on trust, subjective well-being, and perceived satisfaction in smart cities. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with urban residents in Pakistan, using a 5-point Likert scale to gather responses. The study hypothesized that AI influences trust, well-being, and satisfaction, and that trust and subjective well-being mediate these relationships. Structural Equation Modeling using SmartPLS software was applied for data analysis. The results indicate that AI has a significant positive effect on trust, subjective well-being, and perceived satisfaction. Trust and well-being were found to mediate the relationship between AI and satisfaction, highlighting their critical roles in enhancing residents’ experiences in smart cities. The findings emphasize the importance of designing AI systems that foster trust and improve well-being to maximize satisfaction among smart city residents. Theoretical contributions include the application of trust and subjective well-being frameworks in the context of AI and smart cities. Practically, the study offers insights for policymakers and urban planners to develop user-friendly, transparent, and reliable AI systems.

Particulate matter and public health perils: investigating the health risks of road dust and soil particulates in urban settings.

Despite global efforts, air pollution continues to be a ubiquitous public health problem, especially in urban environments. Consequently, for the highly urbanized societies like the state of Kuwait, there is an urgent need to identify high-risk areas in order to reduce the risks of exposure to harmful pollutants. Soil and dust particles were collected from 4 different locations under various land use practices and societal activities to assess the potential for health risks posed to Kuwait City residents. Selected potentially toxic elements (PTEs), some of which are given in the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) priority pollutants, were analyzed for contamination factor (CF), ecological risk (ER), and human health assessment (HHA). The CF of metals followed the decreasing order of Co > Cd > As > Ni > Fe > Cr > Ba > Pb. The CF and potential ecological risk index (PERI) were found to be the highest in the road dust collected at the Shuwaikh industrial location. The hazard quotient (HQ) for Arsenic (As) was greater than 1 at all locations. Although carcinogenic risk assessment (CRA) ratios were below the standard limit of 1 × 10-4 for both children and adults, the ratios were greater for children. The detection of carcinogenic metals such as As, Cd, and Co at pollution degrees > 6 causes concerns about potential health risks, especially during developmental growth stages. This research underscores the urgent need for effective urban planning and pollution control measures by addressing the sources and pathways of road dust and soil particles to better protect public health and improve the quality of life in urban environments. In urban environment, there are diverse sources of pollution and pathways, making it challenging to isolate the relative contribution of road dust and soil particles, requiring further research.

Examining the moderating role of residents’ pro-tourism behavior on the relationship between perceived sustainability of hosting mega sporting events and quality of life

Hosting mega sporting events can enhance the quality of life of the residents of the host country residents. This study intends to examine how resident’s perception of sustainability associated with organizing mega sporting events influences their quality of life and also attempts to examine the moderating effect pro-tourism behavior on this relationship. This study is based on primary data collected from 302 residents of Bhubaneswar and Rourkela cities of India that hosted the fifteenth edition of the Fédération Internationale de Hockey (FIH) World Cup. The hypotheses proposed for this study were tested using partial least square-based structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and the findings suggested that resident’s perceptions of economic, environmental, and socio-cultural sustainability associated with hosting a mega sporting event significantly influences their quality of life. Findings of this study also revealed that the pro-tourism behavior of the local resident’s significantly moderates the relationship between perceived economic and socio-cultural sustainability and their quality of life. These findings also provide valuable insights for the event organizers to formulate strategies to improvise resident’s perception of sustainability associated with organizing mega sporting events and instill pro-tourism behavior among them to enhance the overall benefits of hosting mega sporting events.

Acesso ao mercado de trabalho aos portadores de deficiência visual na cidade de Maputo

Access to work for visually impaired people in the City of MAputo is a topic that reveals significant challenges and gaps that prevent the inclusion of visually impaired people in the job market. The research aims to analyze such challenges, using a qualitative approach, based on interviews with the main actors involved and a bibliographic analysis. The results indicated that, although there are standards that guarantee rights, there is a lack of specific regulations that address the needs of people with visual impairments, such as reasonable adaptations in the work environment and targeted training programs. Furthermore, prejudice and discrimination persist as relevant barriers in the workplace, reflecting an ableist view that still permeates city residents in Maputo. Employers often have limited perceptions of these people's capabilities, which creates resistance to hiring them. The main challenges faced include the lack of awareness about the rights of people with disabilities and the insufficiency of effective public policies to ensure their inclusion. The conclusions indicate that there is a need to strengthen existing policies and implement training programs for both workers with disabilities and employers, aiming to raise awareness about the importance of inclusion. It is also recommended to create awareness campaigns that promote inclusion and respect for the rights of people with visual impairments. These actions are essential to ensure a more inclusive and accessible environment, allowing visually impaired people to contribute to society and the job market in the City of Maputo.

Assessing Health Literacy Among Hospitalized Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study in Silesia, Poland

Background: Health literacy includes the basic competencies needed to improve the quality of communication with medical personnel. Objective: The purpose of this study was to analyze the level of health literacy of hospitalized patients and to assess the impact of factors such as age, gender, education, place of residence, the ability to question the doctor about the information provided, and the evaluation of communication with medical personnel on their health literacy. Material and methods: The study was cross-sectional, and a specially designed questionnaire was used to collect data. Patients’ level of health literacy was assessed using the functional, communicative, and critical health literacy (FCCHL) scale. The study included 203 independent adult patients. Results: Higher levels of health literacy were observed more often in younger age groups, among women, people with higher education, and residents of large cities. Patients with a higher level of health literacy rated their communication with medical personnel higher, were more active in communicating with doctors, and asked questions more often, indicating that they were more involved in the medical decision-making process. A larger percentage of these patients believed that their consent to medical services was informed compared to patients with lower health literacy. In addition, patients with higher health literacy were more likely to express the belief that the medical staff spent enough time with them during their visit. Conclusions: The study’s findings underscore the importance of strengthening health education, which can help reduce health literacy disparities and improve health care quality.

Public Perception of Innovative Technical Solutions for the Development of the ‘Sponge City’ Concept in Poland: A Case Study of the Tri-City Area

Water resources in the European Union are diverse. For example, Croatia has almost 18 times the water resources that Poland has. Although the key factor causing water shortages is population growth, in Poland this crisis is primarily determined by dynamic development manifested in the country’s urbanization and industrialization. These changes are particularly troublesome in urban areas. Therefore, sound remedial and adaptive actions related to the development of the “sponge city” concept are necessary. The implementation of this concept contributes to a reduction in rainwater losses and the heat-island effect. The success of this concept implementation is largely determined by the opinions of city residents towards it, which makes the results of this research important. This article presents opinions of respondents about innovative technical solutions surrounding the “sponge city”. This research was conducted by means of a survey method. The statements were formulated based on a critical analysis of the literature. The research was carried out in one of the Polish agglomerations, using the CAWI technique. The results achieved are discussed after their detailed statistical analysis. The respondents’ opinions on the impact of implementing innovative technical solutions for the development of the “sponge city” concept were not strongly differentiated. The level of their knowledge was relatively low. Therefore, it is important to undertake activities aimed at both education on this problem and marketing activities in promoting its importance for both the environment and quality of life.

The Social Acceptance of Renewable Energy Communities: The Role of Socio-Political Control and Impure Altruism

The ever-worsening climate crisis necessitates a shift toward sustainable energy systems that prioritise citizen participation. Renewable Energy Communities (RECs) present a unique opportunity to enhance local resilience, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and foster climate mitigation and adaptation through participatory governance. This exploratory study investigates the psychosocial predictors of social acceptance for RECs, with a focus on Socio-political Control and Warm-glow Motivation as key determinants. To this end, we collected 107 questionnaires completed by residents of the metropolitan city of Padua, which is engaged in the EU’s 100 Climate-Neutral Cities by 2030 mission. The results indicate a generally favourable attitude toward RECs and reveal that Socio-political Control, defined as the perceived ability to influence societal and political systems, positively predicts community energy acceptance. Furthermore, Impure Altruism (Warm-glow Motivation) mediates this relationship, underscoring the importance of intrinsic emotional rewards in fostering support for sustainable energy projects. These findings highlight the interplay between individual agency and emotional satisfaction in promoting energy transitions. This study underscores the need for participatory governance and tailored communication strategies to enhance public engagement with RECs. Limitations and avenues for future research are discussed, emphasising the need for broader cross-cultural investigations and experimental designs.

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF CASH WAQF REGULATION IN BANDA ACEH, INDONESIA

The purpose of this essay is to examine the community's opinions about cash waqf, its regulations, and its rules in relation to fiqh. One option available to Muslims in Banda Aceh City for allocating funds for worship is cash waqf. On a practical level, however, society is still unaware that cash waqf exists, and academics continue to hold differing views at the fiqh level. This is why a legislative method and a conceptual approach were used in the writing of this study. According to the study's findings, one type of transportable waqf is cash waqf. Classical and modern academics continue to disagree on the constitutionality of the legislation from a fiqh standpoint. The Waqf Law, Government Regulations Implementing the Waqf Law, Minister of Religious Affairs Regulations, and BWI Regulations are among the legal provisions in Indonesia that have made cash waqf acceptable. When it comes to Aceh, Qanun Baitul Mal is where monetary waqf is managed. In reality, certain Acehnese citizens, particularly those in Banda Aceh City, are aware of the cash waqf regulations, while others are not yet aware of them. Although Banda Aceh City residents are generally lenient and accept financial waqf, socialization initiatives by associated organizations are thought to be underutilized. Therefore, there must be a concerted effort to maximize community socialization and cash waqf product branding. Cash waqf requires a particular rule in the form of a qanun, which is an extension of the current Qanun Baitul Mal.

The Public Realm and City Life – Pursuing the Rejuvenation of American Urban Neighbourhoods

Rust-belt cities in the United States have been striving to rejuvenate their city centres for decades since deindustrialization undermined their economies, driving residents to seek opportunities elsewhere. The population loss reduces vibrancy on city streets and revenue for municipal services, stressing the remaining urban population. In this context, cities often turn to private capital to develop rejuvenating projects and invest in city initiatives. While this investment can generate new economic activity, these efforts often target specific audiences and generate isolated pockets of prosperity that are hoped to trickle down to legacy, often low-income urban neighbourhoods nearby. While the glamorous projects gain attention, the critical places where city residents live and seek to improve their lives require different solutions, both in regard to scale as well as focus. In these places, a focus on the public realm offers one component of a rejuvenation strategy. Detroit’s extreme depopulation and commensurate abandonment of building fabric offers an important case study of how the public realm’s redefinition can establish and support neighbourhood life and community resilience. This paper explores how the innovative heritage of urban design in Detroit can offer inspiration for remaking its urban form to support the legacy population and efforts to rejuvenate and re-invent this rust belt city.

The Public Realm and City Life – Pursuing the Rejuvenation of American Urban Neighbourhoods

Rust-belt cities in the United States have been striving to rejuvenate their city centres for decades since deindustrialization undermined their economies, driving residents to seek opportunities elsewhere. The population loss reduces vibrancy on city streets and revenue for municipal services, stressing the remaining urban population. In this context, cities often turn to private capital to develop rejuvenating projects and invest in city initiatives. While this investment can generate new economic activity, these efforts often target specific audiences and generate isolated pockets of prosperity that are hoped to trickle down to legacy, often low-income urban neighbourhoods nearby. While the glamorous projects gain attention, the critical places where city residents live and seek to improve their lives require different solutions, both in regard to scale as well as focus. In these places, a focus on the public realm offers one component of a rejuvenation strategy. Detroit’s extreme depopulation and commensurate abandonment of building fabric offers an important case study of how the public realm’s redefinition can establish and support neighbourhood life and community resilience. This paper explores how the innovative heritage of urban design in Detroit can offer inspiration for remaking its urban form to support the legacy population and efforts to rejuvenate and re-invent this rust belt city.

Characteristics of elevated PM2.5 events driven by enhanced organic compound concentrations in a South Korean residential city

Characteristics of elevated PM2.5 events driven by enhanced organic compound concentrations in a South Korean residential city

Tuberculosis Incidence and Outcomes Among Older New Yorkers

Abstract Background There were limited data on tuberculosis (TB) epidemiology and outcomes among older adults in the United States. We analyzed TB epidemiology and outcomes among New York City residents to identify opportunities for prevention and improved outcomes among older adults. Methods We used New York City TB surveillance data to describe TB incidence, patient characteristics, and treatment outcomes comparing older (≥65 years) and younger (18–64 years) adults. Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess characteristics associated with death. Results During 2001–2022, overall TB incidence declined from 18 to 7 cases per 100 000 population. Of 5577 TB cases during 2011–2020, 1360 (24%) were among older adults. Among older adults with TB, 86% were born outside the United States (median of 24 years in United States at diagnosis), 8% had lived in long-term care facilities, and 5% died before starting TB treatment. Hazard ratio (HR) of death among adults aged 65–74 years during TB treatment was 7.19 (95% confidence interval [CI], 4.56–11.34) compared to adults aged 18–44 years. Among older adults, those with a history of living in long-term care (HR, 2.57; 95% CI, 1.74–3.80) or hepatitis B or C (HR, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.09–3.15) had a higher hazard of death during treatment. Conclusions Efforts to prevent TB among older New Yorkers by identifying and treating latent TB could focus on long-term care facility residents. Educating providers regarding early diagnosis of TB and comorbidities associated with poor treatment outcomes might help prevent onward transmission and TB-associated mortality in this age group.

Risk Factors of Hepatitis B Virus Infection in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Abstract Background and Objectives: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) poses a significant public health challenge worldwide, contributing to substantial morbidity and mortality. Despite the availability of effective vaccines, immunoglobulins and antiviral medications, HBV prevalence remains high in developing regions. This study investigates the potential risk factors associated with HBV infection in the Kurdistan region of Iraq to aid in developing targeted prevention strategies. Design and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 4091 participants from Duhok and Zakho, in Kurdistan region of Iraq. Data on demographics and potential risk factors were collected via a structured questionnaire. HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) was screened using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to determine infection status. Statistical analysis included univariate and multivariate logistic regression to identify independent risk factors. Results: The mean age of enrolled participants was 29.33 years ± 10.74. Among them, 2851/4091 (69.69%) were females, 3385/4091 (82.74%) were residents of city and 3682/4091 (88.68%) were married. The prevalence of HBV infection among them was 3.67% (150/4091) and the following factors were significantly associated with HBV infection: female gender (p = 0.001), rural residency (p = 0.001), being married (p = 0.0014). Though a history of general operation and tattooing was found to be associated with HBV infection, this association was lost in multivariate analysis (p > 0.05) possibly due to confounding effect. A history of receiving blood or dental procedure was not significantly associated with HBV infection (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The prevalence of HBV infection in Duhok and Zakho remains high and several predictive factors were identified which can be used to target infection control measures. Future research should focus on a population-based study to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of HBV infection to better inform public health policies.

Determinants of survival in women diagnosed with breast cancer between 2008 and 2017: An analysis of a cohort using data from four Population-Based Cancer Registries of Colombia.

Determinants of survival in women diagnosed with breast cancer between 2008 and 2017: An analysis of a cohort using data from four Population-Based Cancer Registries of Colombia.

A Study on Mobile Marketing and its Impact on Consumer Buying Behaviour

Over the last few decades, modes of communication have taken on a totally new interpretation with the introduction of mobile phones but a merger came through the introduction of middle- income consumers in India that saw the industry booming. The usage of mobile marketing was able to bridge the gap left by conventional advertising methods by making use of personal smart devices in marketing, ad campaigns, promotions, and brand building. Companies through Mobile marketing can connect to their customers in an unprecedented manner without the limitations of time and distance causing a major paradigm shift in the corporate world. This leads us to the research question as to how mobile marketing steers customers in terms of their purchasing decisions This paper attempts to put forth these questions by looking into mobile advertising. The research conducted has a sample size of 100 customers all of who have their residence in Tirupati city. In terms of customer interaction with mobile devices, a semblance of positive correlation exists.

Public perception on plastic pollution: a web-based study in Dhaka City, Bangladesh

This study explores the attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control of Dhaka city residents toward plastic pollution, using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) as a framework. A cross-sectional survey of 435 participants was conducted online, targeting adults (≥ 18 years) with internet access. The survey consisted of 10 items each for attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control, analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression to identify associations with sociodemographic factors such as age, education, and income. Findings indicate that respondents generally hold positive attitudes toward reducing plastic pollution, with 39.77% agreeing to purchase environmentally sustainable products despite higher costs and 44.83% willing to reduce single-use plastics even when offered for free. However, adoption of reusable alternatives remains low, with only 28.97% using their bags when shopping. Subjective norms showed moderate influence, with 43.68% of respondents indicating that people around them affect their plastic usage, though many lacked social pressure to adopt environmentally friendly behaviors. The study also highlights practical barriers, including the low availability of biodegradable alternatives (4.37%), lack of effective plastic waste segregation, and limited community-level campaigns. The 36–45 age group showed a significant negative association with perceived behavioral control, while higher education positively influenced attitudes toward plastic reduction. The study emphasizes the need for supportive policies, reward systems, and infrastructure to translate positive attitudes into sustainable behaviors. These findings offer valuable insights for policymakers aiming to improve plastic pollution management in Dhaka and other developing urban areas.