City Dwellers Research Articles

Motivations Influencing Relocation to the Suburbs: The Case of Izmir

The ongoing urbanization trend has led to various challenges including environmental degradation, and decreased welfare among city dwellers. While economic factors have historically been the primary driver of urban migration, recent research suggests that unplanned urbanization and the problems it brings such as decreased green spaces, traffic congestion and air pollution are gaining significance. As a result, a group of people has been relocating from urban to suburban areas, seeking an improved standard of living. This shift reflects a complex interplay of factors including demographic, socioeconomic, and sociocultural shifts. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increased interest in suburban areas due to remote work opportunities and concerns about urban living conditions. This study examines motivations for suburban living in Izmir, Turkey, focusing on Villakent neighbourhood. Through surveys and interviews with residents, it explores demographic characteristics and reasons for choosing suburban life. The research is based on the results of a sample of 123 participants of a survey questionnaire and 15 in-depth interviews. Findings have indicated that the participants’ desire for living in a house with a garden and the discomforting crowds in the city centers was the important factors in suburban relocation. In interviews, it was also revealed that the affordability of housing in the suburbs compared to city centers is also an important factor in choosing to settle in the suburbs. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on suburban relocation, and the earthquake risk in Izmir has also increased people's desire to move away from city centers. In the interviews, the preference for Villakent was discussed along with its positive and negative aspects in detail. Policymakers must consider these insights to address urban challenges and promote sustainable urban development.

Closing nature connectedness to foster environmental culture: investigating urban residents’ utilization and contribution to parks in Vietnam

This study aims to investigate the potential for enhancing financial contributions to nature conservation and/or environment protection contributed by citizens and/or the private sector in Vietnam. Specifically, the study empirically examines the antecedents of the utilization patterns and financial contribution of city dwellers to public and national parks. We introduce and use a novel CBMM analytic method (Bayesian mindsponge mindspongeconomics combined with Culture Tower) to analyze the dataset of 535 Vietnamese urban residents surveyed in late 2020. Empirical results demonstrate that the more frequently individuals visit parks, the more likely they are to contribute financially to projects in parks as a whole. In addition, having trees in the house positively correlates with donations to national park conservation projects, while the intention to visit a national park in the next 12 months encourages urban residents to contribute to planting projects in public parks. These results suggest that improved environmental literacy and nature connectedness can help encourage citizens to act collectively to help alleviate the financial burden in dealing with environmental issues. We also found that the increased frequency of bushmeat consumption impedes people’s intention to support conservation projects, implying that the consumer culture of nature might be a hindrance in the efforts to engage the public. Based on the findings, this study offers not only the key solution to alleviate financial burdens for nature conservation but also paves the way to nurture and foster environmental culture associated with closer nature connectedness and improved consumption culture for a sustainable future in years to come.

Estimating alcohol and tobacco consumption of university students and urban population in Ho Chi Minh City by wastewater analysis.

The quantitative measurement of urinary biomarkers in wastewater has emerged as a robust tool for estimating alcohol and tobacco consumption in populations. In this study, we applied the wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) approach to compare alcohol and tobacco use between university students and urban inhabitants in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Ethyl sulfate and cotinine serve as markers for alcohol and tobacco use, respectively. Our findings reveal that urban inhabitants aged 15 and above consume 1.56 ± 0.23 mL of pure ethanol and 2.8 ± 0.33 mg of nicotine per day, while university students consume 0.69 ± 0.13 mL of pure alcohol and 1.2 ± 0.2mg of nicotine per day. This indicates that, on average, students consume less alcohol and tobacco compared with urban adults. A Monte Carlo simulation indicated that, on average, university students in our study smoke 1.5 cigarettes per day, while urban residents aged 15 and above smoke 4.3 cigarettes per day. Considering the smoking prevalence, a student smoker in this study consumes 6.5 cigarettes per day, a level high enough to establish addiction. On the other hand, alcohol use estimation is significantly lower than previous survey-based reports, likely due to degradation within on-site septic tanks. Future research should aim to extend the sampling period to capture seasonal variations and improve the understanding of tobacco and alcohol consumption patterns. The results from this study are crucial for decision-makers in Ho Chi Minh City to develop effective public health strategies and interventions. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Wastewater-based approach is applicable to estimate the tobacco consumption in Ho Chi Minh City. Each current smoker in the urban area of Ho Chi Minh City smokes nearly a package a day. The estimated consumption for student smokers in U-town is 6.5 cigarettes per day, a level high enough to establish addiction. The existence of septic tanks within Vietnam's drainage systems prevents reliable estimation of alcohol consumption for the entire population.

HIV Epidemic among Pakistani Inhabitants in District Faisalabad, Pakistan

The pandemic of HIV/AIDS has severely impacted the most vulnerable sections of society in Pakistan. The results of the current study on the HIV epidemiology in Faisalabad, Pakistan, highlighted the importance of preventive measures. The current study attempted to assess the prevalence of HIV in Faisalabad. Moreover, it also identified potential risk factors for the spread of this pandemic in the region. A total of 1540 test results were gathered between March 2020 and July 2022 from 3 hospitals, that is, Allied Hospital, Aziz Fatima, and DHQ Hospital Faisalabad. Immuno-chromatographic Technique (ICT) was used to detect the presence of the infection. The researchers in District Faisalabad, Pakistan, surveyed 1540 locals to determine the HIV prevalence in that area. About 33 cases of HIV infection were confirmed through ICT, with a prevalence rate of 2.14%. Roughly, 25 males, however, only 8 females tested positive for HIV. Since more than half of HIV diagnoses occur in people between the ages of 15 and 30, it is essential that HIV prevention efforts focus on this demographic. The increased exposure to unsanitary needles and blood may explain why city dwellers appear more vulnerable than rural residents. The findings confirm that HIV is a serious threat to public health in Faisalabad, Pakistan. Community health professionals must work together to educate the public and come up with other solutions to this problem.

High-rise window views: Evaluating the physiological and psychological impacts of green, blue, and built environments

A growing body of research indicates that visual exposure to nature can enhance mental well-being. However, the impact of such contact through high-rise building windows remains unclear. To address this significant knowledge gap, we utilized aerial drone-captured videos taken from a height of 90 m to present comprehensive visual panoramas encompassing various scenes observed through high-rise building windows. These scenes included three key elements: built structures, greenery, and water bodies. Forty-five participants were randomly assigned to view six conditions in a laboratory setting. Physio-psychological responses to each condition were measured using a portable electroencephalogram device, which continuously recorded brainwaves, and ErgoLAB, which monitored heart rate variability. Additionally, participants completed anxiety level assessments and subjective feelings questionnaires. Our findings revealed that visual contact with all window views produced significantly greater positive effects compared to viewing control or built environments. Among the window views, those featuring green space with water or green space alone elicited the most beneficial outcomes, including increased alpha brainwave activity, enhanced parasympathetic nervous system activation, heightened levels of relaxation and comfort, and lower anxiety levels. The study's findings indicate that high-rise building residents can benefit from 4-min exposure to greenery, either with water or alone, through window views, in promoting mental health. The study emphasizes the importance of considering window views in urban high-rise planning and design to enhance the mental health and well-being of city dwellers.

BASIC PRINCIPLES OF PARK ZONES ARRANGEMENT IN THE CONDITIONS OF THE MODERN CITY

The main principles of park zones arranging in the conditions of modern cities are analyzed in order to determine the optimal approaches to their development and organization, in particular, taking into account ecological, socio-economic and aesthetic aspects. Arguments are given that speak of the importance of observing the rules of zoning of such territories and prove the impact of the presence of properly located park zones on the physical and mental health of people. The most effective strategies for preserving the natural environment and creating a comfortable space for the city's residents have been determined, as well as potential obstacles and problems that may arise in the process of setting up park areas, and suggestions for overcoming them have been identified. The article provides a comparative analysis of the arrangement of park zones in Mariupol and Berlin. Fundamental differences in the planning of park zones as recreation areas for city dwellers have been identified. Innovative methods of using space, the introduction of eco-friendly materials and technologies, as well as the interaction of park zones with other aspects of urban planning (residential districts, the business part of the city, industrial zone, etc.) to create a healthier, sustainable and attractive urban environment were studied. The studies were carried out in accordance with the current regulatory documents, which regulate the basic principles of arranging park zones, taking into account world experience regarding location, planning, filling (small architectural forms, monuments, lighting, landscaping) and other aspects. The main criteria for the optimization of park zones are: preservation of the existing priority direction of territory use while increasing the protection regime of individual areas; preservation of green areas and historical integrity of the territory; preservation and restoration of the formed landscape and architectural features of parks-monuments of garden and park art; appropriate territorial ratio of functional zones, organization of care for park territories at the level of local authorities and compliance with rules of use. Arrangements of park and green areas of cities from different countries were compared. Keywords: park areas, modern trends, green areas.

A Discursive Concern on Pollution in Kathmandu Valley and Its Consequences

I find this dialogue meaningful here. A gentleman: Hello sir, what are the three remarkable things you find in Nepal? Tourist: Oh! I find that every man is a doctor; every man is a politician; and Kathmandu is a big toilet. (Source: Personal talk) “Kathmandu is a big toilet”. What a joke! What a satire! Is Kathmandu so? Interesting! This paper explores the discursive concern about pollution in Kathmandu, the study area, and its consequences. The previous mayors of Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) solved this problem partially. The city dwellers could not have breathed fresh air for about two decades despite several attempts by environmentalists and awareness articles written by national and international writers. The findings of the study show that Kathmandu is one of the dirtiest cities in the world and there is a possibility of lung cancer, respiratory problems, and many more. These adverse impacts of pollution are beyond prediction. This metropolitan city now has a new young energetic Mayor, Balendra Shah. The Kathmanduites have woven a big dream over him. I think he will come up with good new plans to address the discursive concern on the pollution problem. There are limited scholarly research papers published on this issue. The study sheds light on, “When will the day of crystal clean Kathmandu come?” and attempts to make the KMC people commit to strictly monitoring waste management. Pollution means the natural environment deterioration: air pollution, water pollution, land pollution, light pollution and noise pollution. This paper focuses on the strict implementation of strict rules to curb the pollution crisis. This provision mitigates the pollution problem so that people breathe fresh air and enhance the environmental literature. The mixed methods of cause and effect, document analysis and qualitative research were used in the study.

The Reciprocal Relationship Between the City and its Subjects in Samuel Selvon’s The Lonely Londoners and Dionne Brand’s What We All Long For

This article seeks to examine the significance of geographical setting in Samuel Selvon’s The Lonely Londoners (2006 [1956]) and Dionne Brand’s What We All Long For (2005) in order to understand the undeniable reciprocal relationship that exists between the city and its subjects. Hence, I will analyse the role played by London and Toronto in the construction and development of their inhabitants’ identities, as well as the power that city dwellers have in (re)shaping urban spaces. The article aims to examine the dynamic and fluid character of the city and intends to identify the effects that migrant communities have on rewriting and remapping urban spaces when exercising their agency.

Identifying The Factors Of Slums Development In Urban Areas Of Qasimabad, Sindh Pakistan

The term slum is often used to describe hectic settlements with poor facilities and bad living conditions. The majority of city dwellers reside in slums, which are typically deprived of the most basic utilities. According to UN-HABITAT's definition of slum refers to a group of people who live in close residences in urban areas and who require enough living space, long-term housing, access to consumption of water, and a proper sanitation system. Slums developed in Pakistan, like many other third-world nations, are a result of rising urbanization, and the government's incapacity to provide rural migrants in urban centers with housing needs. Hyderabad is one of the fastest-growing cities in the State that has seen significant industrialization. Qasimabad sub-local, being the area most affected by the urbanization process in the Hyderabad region, as a result, 3508 agricultural land parcels were turned into a housing development. The aim of this research is to identify the factors and slum development in urban areas of Qasimabad through the data collection process, specific observation is made, and reports are reviewed. Secondary data is collected in the form of census reports, master plans, and various evaluations, used to examine the issues with slums. However, the results show that the primary cause of the overpopulation of slums and environmental degradation in urban areas is the declination of secondary cities.

Exploring urban water‐energy nexus: A case study of thermal power plants in Raichur and Ballari districts in Karnataka

AbstractThe paper provides a coupled framework of the water‐energy nexus for the water‐stressed Indian cities, weaving together multiple interlinked facets, such as the demand for drinking water, water withdrawal patterns, water‐related challenges in Thermal Power Stations (TPSs), and the benefits of using treated wastewater in TPSs. An integrated approach is suggested for maximizing the benefits of wastewater reclamation, while reducing the environmental impacts of inefficient water usage, specifically in TPSs, the largest water users in the industrial sector. This is particularly important for a developing country like India that faces declining water availability due to a growing population without commensurate increases in water‐use efficiency. Currently, India is the third largest electricity generator in the world, with coal‐fired TPSs accounting for more than 78% of the total generation (1715 TWh in 2021). This presents a case for an integrated approach to reduce freshwater consumption in TPSs located in the proximity of cities by using treated wastewater from sewage treatment plants (STPs). The integrated approach for utilizing wastewater in TPSs is a promising tail‐pipe initiative that can address multiple targets under the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 in conjunction with other interlinked Goals and their targets. The findings highlight that the suggested sustainable water management practices would lead to enhanced availability of potable water for the city dwellers, thereby addressing multiple targets under SDG 6 along with a few other consequential dimensions including affordable electricity.

Demographic and clinical profile of adolescents suicide attempters admitted to an emergency department during the COVID-19 pandemic - a retrospective cohort study using hospital information system.

The prevalence of suicidal attempts among adolescents during COVID-19 significantly increased compared with pre-pandemic estimates. The aim of the study was to explore the demographic and clinical profile of adolescent suicide attempters admitted to the emergency department during the COVID-19 pandemic. The retrospective analysis included, on the basis of electronic medical records in the CliniNet system, sociodemographic and clinical data of patients aged 10-18 years with a diagnosis of suicide attempt. Follow-up period: from March 20, 2020 to May 16, 2023. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there were 425 emergency department visits among adolescents aged 11-17 due to a suicide attempt, with the largest number in the 15-17 (69%) age range. The percentage of emergency department visits was higher among females (80%) and urban residents (75.3%). Self-poisoning was the most common cause of suicide attempts (52.4%), followed by self-harm (41.4%), hanging (3.2%) and jumping from a height (2.1%). The most common toxic substances in self-poisonings were antidepressants and antipsychotics, followed by paracetamol. About 70% of visits were associated with adolescent mental disorders, of which depressive disorder was the most common. One death per 425 visits was recorded (0.2%). Adolescents attempting suicide during COVID-19 were most likely female, aged 15-17, city dwellers, undergoing psychiatric treatment mainly for depressive disorders. The mental health consequences of the pandemic may be more long term, and further monitoring will be needed in the years to come.

Air quality and attributable mortality among city dwellers in Kampala, Uganda: results from 4 years of continuous PM2.5 concentration monitoring using BAM 1022 reference instrument.

Air pollution is a known risk factor for non-communicable diseases that causes substantial premature death globally. Rapid urban growth, burning of biomass and solid waste, unpaved sections of the road network, rising numbers of vehicles, some with highly polluting engines, contribute to the poor air quality in Kampala. To provide evidence-based estimates of air pollution attributable mortality in Kampala city, with focus on ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5). We utilized a time series design and prospectively collected data on daily ambient PM2.5 concentration levels in micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m3) using a Beta Attenuation Monitor (BAM-1022) in Kampala city, Uganda. We combined the PM2.5 data with all-cause mortality data obtained from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics and the Ministry of Health in Kampala. We calculated attributable risk estimates for mortality using the WHO AirQ+ tools. Overall, the annual average concentration for PM2.5 for the period of 4 years, 2018-2021, was 39 μg/m3. There was seasonal variation, with the rainy season months (March-June and October-December) having lower values. PM2.5 concentrations tend to be highest in the morning (09.00 h) and in the evening (21.00 h.) likely due to increased vehicular emissions as well as the influence of weather patterns (atmospheric temperature, relative humidity and wind). Saturday has the most pollution (daily average over 4 years of 41.2 μg/m3). Regarding attributable risk, we found that of all the deaths in Kampala, 2777 (19.3%), 2136 (17.9%), 1281 (17.9%) and 1063 (19.8%) were attributable to long-term exposure to air pollution (i.e., exposure to PM2.5 concentrations above the WHO annual guideline of 5 μg/m3) from 2018 to 2021, respectively. For the 4 years and considering the WHO annual guideline as the reference, there were 7257 air pollution-related deaths in Kampala city. Our study is the first to estimate air pollution attributable deaths in Kampala city considering the target as the WHO annual guideline value for PM2.5 of 5 μg/m3. Our monitoring data show that fine particulate matter air pollution in Kampala is above the WHO Air Quality Guideline value, likely resulting in substantial adverse health effects and premature death. While further monitoring is necessary, there is a clear need for control measures to improve air quality in Kampala city.

Field experiment on the effect of musical street performance/busking on public space perception as mediated by street audience experience

Street performance or busking is common in public spaces. The literature highlights two psychological issues: the effect of street performance on public space perception and the complexity of the appreciation of street performance, regarded as street audience experience (SAE). The present study aims at verifying the effect of street performance on public space perception, while examining SAE as a mediator of this effect. We conducted a between-subjects field experiment (a quasi-experiment; N = 292) in Hong Kong. Participants assessed a public space without (control) or with (experimental) musical busking on essentialism, anti-essentialism, sonic restorativeness, and overall liking. In the experimental condition, unengaged passersby and engaged audience further evaluated SAE factors of emotion, intellect, novelty, place, interaction, and technique, and outcomes of overall satisfaction and donation worth. The public space with busking was perceived as significantly more sonically restorative. Engaged audience perceived the space as significantly more essentialist, anti-essentialist, sonically restorative, and likeable. Engaged audience also experienced more positive SAE and outcome variables. SAE fully mediated the effects of street performance on public space perception and outcome variables, respectively. These findings support the positive impact of street performance, which may enhance city inhabitants’ well-being.

Urban trees as a lever for citizen engagement in public consultation processes: the case of Paris, France.

In the present context of increasing human population demography, worldwide social crises, and rapid ecological global change, large cities are facing major socio-environmental challenges. This convokes authorities to adapt their governance and urban planning to reconcile urban development, ecological systems, and city dwellers in the most sustainable way. To achieve such goals, local officials have to associate all local actors, including city-dwellers, to the decision-making process through participatory governance and/or participatory systems. Here, we elaborated an original pilot project governance system for a "Participatory System Combining Town Planning and Science" (the 2PS-CiTy), as part of the revision of the Local Urban Plan (LUP) of Paris, France, into a Bioclimatic LUP held from 2020 to 2024. By implementing 2PS-CiTy, we aimed to answer "How to turn trees into a lever for inhabitants' engagement in urban consultation systems?" Trees were chosen because they are emblematic elements of nature with significant roles in ecosystemic services such as urban climate regulation. Parisians were invited to (i) share in the first questionnaire some information on their knowledge about the LUP and their engagement in it, (ii) identify urban trees they consider remarkable, (iii) explain their choice in a second questionnaire, (iv) contribute to the urban consultation as part of the LUP revision, and finally, (v) give their feedback during a dedicated survey. Out of the 41 Parisians who took part in 2PS-City, 83% declared they were motivated to participate because they could contribute to the tree census, which in turn can constructively contribute to the Parisian LUP revision to bring more nature and sustainability in town. This study demonstrates that trees can be used as a lever for inhabitants' engagement in urban consultation systems to make cities more sustainable. Our survey also showed that the 2PS-CiTy governance system could be improved by (1) developing a participatory culture among decision-makers and (2) preventing nowadays silo governance from developing the most promising public governance systems that involve the departments of green space, urban planning, and local democracy.

The nature gaze: Eye‐tracking experiment reveals well‐being benefits derived from directing visual attention towards elements of nature

Abstract The urban lifestyle has a profound effect on mental health, contributing significantly to the challenges faced by people who reside in urban areas. Growing empirical evidence underscores the potential of nature to alleviate these mental health burdens. However, we still lack understanding of which specific natural elements provide these benefits. Using eye‐tracking technology, we experimentally explored the relationships between intentional visual attention to natural (green) and human‐made (grey) elements in urban areas and their association with well‐being measures. Participants took a 45‐min outdoor walk that simulates a walk to and from work, in which we examined pre‐ and post‐measures of cognition, affect, anxiety and perceived restorativeness. Participants were prompted to direct their attention to green, grey or a mixture of both elements. By analysing participants' eye movements and patterns, we determined adherence to experimental conditions and related visual attention to natural elements. The experimental groups instructed to direct their visual attention to green, grey or a mix of both infrastructures exhibited differences in negative and positive affect, anxiety and perceived restorativeness, but not in cognition after a walk in an urban environment. The percentage of time spent viewing natural elements showed that people who focused more on green features reported a decrease in anxiety and higher perceived restorativeness. In contrast, those who spent more time viewing grey elements reported increased anxiety and lowered perceived restorativeness. The percentage of time viewing natural elements was not linked to affect or cognition. Viewing trees showed the strongest association with well‐being measures compared to other natural elements. Together, our results indicate that a simple behaviour change (directing visual attention to elements of nature instead of grey elements) can produce mental health benefits in the form of reducing anxiety and perceived restoration for people in urban areas. Thus, efforts to integrate nature, especially trees, in urban areas and promote city dwellers to visually interact with it during their daily routine can improve mental issues associated with urban lifestyle. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

The Impact of Urban Allotment Gardens on Physical and Mental Health in Norway.

In Norway, many communities offer low-rent plots of land on which city dwellers can build summer cottages and grow crops. These allotment gardens serve as recreational escapes from urban life. However, little is known about the impact these gardens have on their members. This study attempts to shed light on today's impact of allotment gardens in a public health setting in Norway. The study was based on 17 semi-structured interviews and 2 in-depth interviews with allotment house owners. Informants were mainly recruited by "snowball sampling". Our data show that maintaining an allotment promotes exercise and provides a positive impact on self-perceived well-being and physical health through outdoor activities. Spending time in the garden contributes to new knowledge and experiences. Owning an allotment garden has provided new knowledge, new skills, new hobbies, and thereby an improvement in lifestyle. The allotment garden has a strong impact on perceived health, well-being, and sense of coherence (SOC) for the individuals. It promotes outdoor activities along with social interaction and can prevent feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Urban Population of Nizhny Novgorod in First Half of 1920s: Leisure Practices

This study examines the leisure activities of Nizhny Novgorod residents during the NEP era. Various forms of urban leisure and their connections to state ideology are characterized. A total of 31 sources were analyzed, including legislative sources, statistics, and periodicals. Sources included articles from criminal and administrative codes, statistical data, and Nizhny Novgorod press. An overview of Nizhny Novgorod periodicals from 1921-1924 is provided. Results of a comparative analysis of legislative materials, statistical data, and periodicals are presented. Emphasis is placed on the ways and methods of shaping urban culture in line with state ideology. The issue of deviant behavior among city dwellers and its causes is raised. It is highlighted that new holidays aimed to replace religious celebrations. The study shows that the values of the urban community were influenced by ideological beliefs and spread through new leisure forms. It is proven that the structure of urban festivities contributed to the establishment of new societal values. The authors conclude on the significance of organized leisure in creating a socio-cultural urban environment. The role of periodicals in popularizing urban leisure forms is demonstrated. The relevance of the study lies in exploring the connection between ideology and the organization of urban leisure.

Beyond built density: From coarse to fine-grained analyses of emotional experiences in urban environments

The migration of individuals to urban centers in the last century has coincided with a rise in stress-related mental health issues among city dwellers compared to their rural counterparts. Neurourbanism, a burgeoning field, seeks to comprehend the determinants of individual well-being within the urban context. This study investigated the impact of urban density on subjective emotional experiences with a focus on how urban density factors are operationalized in this research field. Using a remote desktop protocol coupled with eye tracking technology, we presented participants with realistic urban stimuli from Berlin, Germany, to assess gaze patterns and subjective responses. Following a two-step analytical approach, we first used a two-factorial design based on low/high built density and absent/present greenery, reflecting the common approach to operationalizing urban density. Subsequently, semantic segmentation of the stimuli was performed, providing a more fine-grained, continuous quantification of density factors allowing for a comparison of this approach with the first categorical analysis. Lastly, individual gaze patterns were exploratively analyzed to predict the impact of directed attention to different classes of urban density on subjective experiences. Dichotomous classification replicated previous findings indicating that high built density was associated with more negative subjective ratings compared to low density, and images lacking greenery received more negative ratings than those with green spaces. Using a continuous quantification of urban density factors and adding additional object classes (cars, people, sky) led to different results compared to the dichotomous approach. Gaze patterns only partially echoed subjective ratings, suggesting urban density factors influence ratings via a general urban scene impression without the need for directed attention towards them. These findings underscore the multifaceted influence of density factors on emotional appraisal in urban spaces, emphasizing the importance of chosen methods. The study demonstrates that fine-grained analyses of urban density factors enhance our understanding of how the urban environment affects the well-being of city dwellers.

COGNITIVE MAPS OF A CITY AS A SOCIO-PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTOR OF INDIVIDUAL PERCEPTION OF URBAN SPACES

The article considers the role of cognitive maps in the perception of urban space and their influence on social interaction and self-identification of city dwellers. The author analyses how mental ideas about a city are formed under the influence of personal experience, cultural and social factors. The relationship between cognitive maps and urban planning is investigated, and ways to optimise the urban environment based on understanding the mental maps of residents are proposed. In particular, the theoretical foundations of cognitive map formation are reviewed, including the works of Kevin Lynch, Edward Tolman, and other leading researchers who have laid the foundation for understanding the processes of mental mapping of urban spaces. The author of the article studies how personal experience, cultural and social contexts contribute to the creation of unique cognitive maps that reflect individual perception of a city.

General Review of Smartphone Usability in Noise Mapping

The global urban population is steadily increasing, with more than half of the world's population currently residing in cities, and this trend is expected to double by 2050. As urbanization continues, noise pollution becomes a significant concern, affecting over 60% of major city dwellers and impacting human health on both physiological and psychological levels. To address this issue, governments and organizations are striving to develop effective noise assessment, regulation, and mitigation policies. This literature review explores the role of noise mapping and the potential of smartphones in collecting noise data to inform these policies. Traditional noise mapping techniques and smartphone-based data collection methods are discussed, along with their importance in urban planning, environmental studies, and public health. Key research questions are identified, including the methodologies employed for smartphone-based noise mapping, the accuracy of smartphone-collected data compared to traditional measurements, practical applications, challenges, and emerging trends. The review reveals that smartphones offer a cost-effective and widespread means of gathering noise data, enabling real-time insights and enhancing various domains' practical applications. However, challenges such as data accuracy, privacy concerns, and device limitations must be addressed. The future of smartphone-based noise mapping looks promising, with advancements in sensor technologies, artificial intelligence, and data analysis tools empowering researchers, urban planners, and policymakers to make informed decisions about noise pollution in urban environments.