Housing Zones Research Articles

Agent-based Model for Simulating Urban System

In this paper, we address the issue related to the modelling and simulation of urban systems. We propose a new approach for simulating urban system based on multi-agent paradigm. Our proposed model is based on the use of a coupling between cellular agents and vector agents. These agents made it possible to take into account the spatial dimension of urban systems as well as the modelling of all the rules that govern them. To allow reusability of our model, we apply the VOYELLE approach by defining an environment model, an organization model, an agent model and an interaction model. We test our proposed model with a case study on Casablanca city. We discuss the problem of urbanization of Casablanca by following an approach that reduces the problem into two sub-problems similar but are treated differently: first, predict the city’s need of housing (individual housing zone, multifamily housing zone, ...) and then anticipate the city’s need of public services and ensure better spatial distribution of these equipment to best serve the people needs. Then we did experimentation with two simulation scenarios by changing in each scenario the hypotheses concerning urban planning especially in terms of demographic growth rate and residential sprawl.

The suburbanisation process in a depopulation context in the Katowice conurbation, Poland

Abstract The Katowice conurbation is an example of a typical old industrial region in Central and Eastern Europe, whose socioeconomic transformation, initiated after 1990, has led to spatial and functional changes. The aim of this article is to present the suburbanisation process in the Katowice conurbation based on demographic changes and an analysis of migration flow. This process has been taking place in the area since the 2000s and takes on the shape of a multi-centre development of newly created individual and developed housing zones (both in the core and in the suburban area of the conurbation). Since 1990, the cities of the Katowice conurbation have been undergoing a process of shrinking. This process is manifested in the decline in number of urban residents in the years 1991–2016, amounting to 366 thousand people. Moreover, the cities face numerous social, economic and spatial problems. Since 1995, simultaneous with the shrinking of the cities of the Katowice conurbation, there has been an increase in the number of inhabitants in its suburban areas (since 2004, the trend has continued to be positive). Population increases have also been recorded in some inner-city zones of the conurbation. The suburbanisation process in the outer zone of the conurbation includes, in particular, the communes located north and south of the cities constituting its core, including the communes of Ożarowice, Psary, Mierzęcice in the north and Mikołów, Orzesze, Wyry in the south-west. On the other hand, the areas of intense inner-city construction development, located in the areas of the Katowice conurbation core, which are attractive in terms of environment and transportation, are undergoing so-called, “internal suburbanisation”.

Monitoring and analyzing environmental factors favoring outbreaks of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vanillae in a vanilla shade house

This paper presents a study of relationships between climatic factors favoring outbreaks of the Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vanillae (FOV) within a shade-house installed at the Veracruz State, Mexico. The relationship between temperature (T) and relative humidity (RH) within four predefined specific zones inside the shade-house were mainly studied and analyzed by using compiled data from 2010 to 2014 during different periods of the year. T and RH sensors were installed in such specific zones to determine the difference of the behavior of both parameters during particular periods of the year. Derived from the analyses of the compiled data and from reported literature, a set of rules were built to express ranges of T and RH that favor the fungus outbreaks. Such rules were represented quantitatively and qualitatively to facilitate their interpretation. Quantitative data were transformed into qualitative data using a fuzzy logic approach. The results showed important relationships between the behavior of T and RH with FOV outbreaks depending on different zones of the shade house and on particular periods of the year. Most of the occurrences of FOV were detected within the zones that showed lower temperatures and higher relative humidity (zones Z3 and Z4), where most of the sanitation actions occurred (70%). Zone Z1 was the one with higher temperature and lower relative humidity, which resulted with less occurrences of fungus outbreaks. It was recommended to monitor the variables T/RH in different zones inside the new shade houses to be built and avoid enclosing the shade-house by hills that could block the sunlight and produce runoffs of water, thus contributing to increase the humidity of the installation. Keywords: vanilla, shade house, greenhouse, monitoring, environmental factor, Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. vanillae, fungus, fuzzy sets DOI: 10.25165/j.ijabe.20181101.2803 Citation: Hernandez A B, Quintana F R, Nava H S. Monitoring and analyzing environmental factors favoring outbreaks of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp.vanillae in a vanilla shade house. Int J Agric & Biol Eng, 2018; 11(1): 58–65.

Large social inequalities and low levels of socio-economic segregation in Vilnius

The city of Vilnius has experienced major shifts in occupational structure between 2001 and 2011 and at the same time there were major transitions in the housing market and suburbanization. The main aim of this chapter is to get more insight in recent socio-economic segregation processes in Vilnius. We used occupational groups as a proxy for socio-economic status, and census tract level data to measure segregation in Vilnius and its three main housing zones during 2001 and 2011. Notwithstanding the major economic and social changes of post-communist society, we found low levels of segregation and modest change during the last decade. Local patterns of segregation were explored using location quotient maps. The analyses illustrated a deepening social divide in the city between the relatively rich north and the poorer south of the city, but the inner city changes are somehow ambiguous. In this chapter we argue that the main factors of socio-spatial change in Vilnius are related to an exceptionally high share of housing estates in the city and the polycentric urban system of the country. Together with 'fast-track' reforms after 1990 this urban system gave a unique character to the current processes and patterns of segregation.

The Other Battle of Algiers

The Other Battle of Algiers

The Development of Residential Areas on the Example of Łuków: Reurbanization and Suburbanization

In planning documents, extensive land for housing is generally designed in the outskirts of cities. Suburbanization results in social costs and high costs of provision of technical and social infrastructure. The aim of the work is to develop and present a method of designating residential areas in such a way as to reduce the social and economic costs of spatial development of cities, improve spatial order and achieve long-term social benefits. In the example of Łuków, a vision of spatial development of a city was proposed by its reurbanization. New housing zones were designated near kindergartens, primary schools and basic health care facilities so that residents could reach them on foot. Maintaining the human scale of residential areas will limit traffic and its negative externalities. Areas that should not be used as land for housing construction were indicated to preserve ecological order. The change in spatial development of cities, from suburbanization to reurbanization, requires the pursuit of urban policy at all levels of public authority through the use of legal, planning, investment, financial, fiscal, property management, information and participation instruments.

Dissemination of insertion sequence common regions 1 and int1 gene and drug resistance of 483 Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumonia broiler isolates

Objective: To investigate and analyze distribution characteristics of two multidrug resistance related genes in broiler isolates in Shandong province. Methods: The pre slaughter broilers were chosen from Shandong province in this study in June, 2014. A total of 400 fecal samples from five different zones (east, south, west, north and middle) of the hen house were collected. 373(77.2%) Escherichia coli and 110 (22.8%) Klebsiella pneumonia strains were isolated, and ISCR1 and int1 gene were detected by PCR assay and sequencing. The resistance to 10 drugs belonging to 8 classes antimicrobial drugs were obtained by using minimal broth dilution method and data analysis. The difference between isolates and drug resistance profiles was analyzed. Results: Among 483 isolates, 440 isolates (91.1%), 126 isolates (26.1%) and 126 isolates (26.1%) were detected as int1, ISCR1 and both two gene carriers, respectively. The rate of 37 E. coli isolates not carried ISCR1 or int1 gene resistant to 0 to 2, 3 to 5, 6 to 8 classes antimicrobial agents was 13.5% (n=5), 78.4% (n=29), and 8.1% (n=3), respectively; the rate of 288 only int1 gene E. coli carriers resistant to 0 to 2, 3 to 5, 6 to 8 groups antimicrobial agents was 2.4% (n=7), 74.7% (n=215), and 22.9% (n=6), respectively. The data above showed significant difference (P<0.001). The rate of 26 only int1 gene K. pneumonia carriers resistant to 0 to 2, 3 to 5, 6 to 8 classes antimicrobial agents was 11.5% (n=3), 76.9% (n=20), and 11.5% (n=3), respectively; the rate of 78 both two gene K. pneumonia carriers resistant to0 to 2, 3 to 5, 6 to 8 groups antimicrobial agents was 0, 35.9% (n=28), and 64.1% (n=50), respectively. The data above showed significant difference (P<0.001). Conclusion: Gene int1 and ISCR1 showed high prevalence in E. coli and K. pneumonia isolates. High level multi-drug resistance profile could be mediated by int1 and ISCR1 gene co-existence.

Spatial externalities and land use regulation: an integrated set of multiple density regulations

In a continuous city with three distinct land use zones consisting of business, condominiums and detached houses, we derive the formulae which simultaneously optimize regulations on building size, lot size and the three zonal boundaries under the existence of agglomeration economies and traffic congestion. The formulae show that the optimal regulations require a combination of downward and upward adjustments to the market sizes of buildings within both the business zone and the condominium zone, followed by minimum lot size regulation in the housing zone. The outer boundaries of the condominium and housing zones should be regulated inward whereas the optimal business zone boundary regulation depends on the trade-off between agglomeration economies and traffic congestion costs.

Is the distribution of public open space in Hong Kong equitable, why not?

This study evaluates the underlying logic of urban planning behind the inequitable geographical distribution of public open space in Hong Kong. Existing open spaces and areas zoned as open spaces are found to have distinct patterns of distribution. Fewer than half of Hong Kong’s 1737 public parks and recreation grounds were zoned as ‘Open Space’ in town plans. Three typical land-use zoning configurations adjoining the 1177 ‘Open Space’ zones are identified. A large proportion of Hong Kong’s ‘Open Space’ zones, particularly those with waterfront access, were located close to upmarket, low-density housing areas and mixed commercial-business zones, rather than to high-density mass housing zones. An historical review elucidates the influence of colonial politics, racial harmony, public hygiene and democratisation on open space planning and development in Hong Kong. Recreation is not the only social function of open space. The government’s latest planning and development strategies − expanding a network of new open spaces at strategic waterfront locations and near commercial/business zones, and encouraging private-sector participation in place promotion and urban marketing − may exacerbate the inequitable distribution of open space, encourage its commodification and deprive underprivileged communities of the right to conveniently access public space.

Large social inequalities and low levels of socio-economic segregation in Vilnius

The city of Vilnius has experienced major shifts in occupational structure between 2001 and 2011 and at the same time there were major transitions in the housing market and suburbanization. The main aim of this chapter is to get more insight in recent socio-economic segregation processes in Vilnius. We used occupational groups as a proxy for socio-economic status, and census tract level data to measure segregation in Vilnius and its three main housing zones during 2001 and 2011. Notwithstanding the major economic and social changes of post-communist society, we found low levels of segregation and modest change during the last decade. Local patterns of segregation were explored using location quotient maps. The analyses illustrated a deepening social divide in the city between the relatively rich north and the poorer south of the city, but the inner city changes are somehow ambiguous. In this chapter we argue that the main factors of socio-spatial change in Vilnius are related to an exceptionally high share of housing estates in the city and the polycentric urban system of the country. Together with 'fast-track' reforms after 1990 this urban system gave a unique character to the current processes and patterns of segregation.

CONODONT BIOSTRATIGRAPHY OF THE ORDOVICIAN OPOHONGA LIMESTONE IN WEST-CENTRAL UTAH

Abstract Early study of what is now called the Opohonga Limestone in west-central Utah indicated that it was part of a massive formation of Carboniferous age. Later studies identified fossils from the formation's older carbonates that were known to be Early Ordovician. A significant conodont fauna from a section on Gardison Ridge permits an even more precise definition of the formation which includes correlation with the classic North American Ibexian sequence of western Utah. While an important part of the earliest Ibexian sequence is missing on Gardison Ridge, the Opohonga Limestone there contains conodont elements representing seven zones and subzones of the type Ibexian and can be firmly correlated with conodont zones of the upper House and most of the Fillmore Formations of the Pogonip Group in the Ibex area. This correlation also confirms that the Sauk III–IV sequence boundary occurs in the lower part of the formation. The oldest conodont faunas of the Ibexian Series were not recovered from the lowe...

Urban planning instruments for promoting social interest housing: from zoning to obligatory percentages in São Paulo, Brazil, in dialog with Bogotá, Colombia

One of the major challenges for urban planning in Latin America is to provide low-income families with housing in areas that have an infrastructure and a good supply of jobs and services, thereby promoting diversity and equity, translated by mixing classes, races and social cohesion. This mission becomes increasingly difficult in a neoliberal capitalist context which transfers the task of providing land and housing for low-income families to the market and where the logic of such actions is based on achieving more rent from land and consequently of the holding of real estate becoming more profitable. This paper sets out to discuss two proposals for urban instruments that dialog with the production of housing through the market and guarantee of the right to the city. The first centered on the reserve of land for the production of social interest housing (HIS, in Portuguese) in the zoning by creating Special Social Interest Housing Zones (ZEIS, in Portuguese), spread throughout Brazil, and described here based on the experience of São Paulo. Or else, comparatively, classifying land to be used as a priority for social housing (vivienda de interés prioritário) widespread in Colombia, and here presented by the Bogota experience. There is another, which already has international experience and has recently been debated in Brazil, which consists of conceiving of the promotion of social interest housing policies based on the regulation of urban restructuring but experiences of this are rare in Brazil. These may be termed as inclusive housing policies. As a result, this article points out that the creation of alternative regulations has set the tone for the market to exclude itself from producing housing of social interest, and guarantees greater profitability to commercial undertakings.

Factors associated with breastfeeding practice for at least six months in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil.

Despite the scientific consensus on the benefits that breastfeeding provides for the mother, the baby, the family and the environment, and also the recommendation to breastfeed exclusively for six months, this practice is far from being achieved. To analyze the factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for at least six month, as opposed to weaning up to the second month of life in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. A case-control study of 124 cases (EBF for at least six months) matched for age and sex with 248 controls (weaning up to the second month of life). Cases and controls were drawn from the III State Health and Nutrition Survey. The exposure variables selected were maternal age and education, per capita income, housing zone, prenatal consultations, type of delivery, professional who assisted the delivery, and prenatal breastfeeding guidance. Logistic regression was applied to variables that showed a p-value < 0.2 in the bivariate analysis, and the variables with p-value < 0.05 were included in the final model. Of the eight groups of variables considered as possible predictors of EBF for at least six months, two remained as associated factors: maternal age between 20 - 35 years old, with odds ratio (OR) 2.5 and 95% confidence interval 95%CI 1.4 - 4.5; and maternal education of 5 - 8 years of schooling (OR 2.1; 95%CI 1.2 - 3.6). The study shows that mobilization of the public sector and stimulus to research is still needed for the success of EBF and for mother and child health.

The role of traffic’s television teasers on reducing driving accidents

A descriptive survey method was used to determine the relationship between traffic’s television teasers and reducing driving accidents. For this purpose, from target statistical population (traffic officers and citizens of district 2 of Tehran), 70 traffic officers and 140 citizens that were resident in three different zones (high-, middle- and low income housing zones) were selected by cluster random sampling as research sample. Data needed for study was collected by using questionnaires that had content validity and internal consistency. To analyze data Chi-squared and Colmogroph-Smirnoph tests were applied. The results were shown that traffic’s teasers have had moderate effect on driving accidents and relatively have been effective in promoting the manner of drivers’ driving.

Spatial Externalities and Land Use Regulation: Simultaneous Optimization of Building Size, Lot Size, and Zonal Boundaries

In a continuous city with three distinct land use zones consisting of firms, condominiums and detached houses, we derive the formulae – composed entirely of observable variables – which design simultaneous optimization of regulations on building size, lot size and zonal boundaries under the existence of agglomeration externality in the business zone and traffic congestion across the city. The formulae show that the optimal regulations require not only downward but also upward adjustment to the market size of buildings within each of the business zone and the condominium zone, followed by minimum lot size regulation in the suburb. Regarding the optimal size of the three zones, the boundary of business zone and the boundary between the condominium and housing zones should be shrunk inward relative to the respective market boundary, and the overall city size should also be more compact than the market city.

Post-military areas as space for business opportunities and innovation

One of the characteristic features of the transformation processes taking place in the post-communist countries of Central Europe is the emergence of unused buildings and sites – so-called brownfields. These can be divided into several kinds, according to their original function. One of these is also the so-called military brownfield. Most of such areas were transferred, after the most necessary clean-up, to municipalities, which approached and still approach their further utilization highly individually, in connection with the character of the site as well as that of the municipality itself. Equally individual is the respective successfulness or unsuccessfulness of the revitalization of post-military areas as measured by differing indicators. The functions which revitalized former military areas have acquired are varied. One of the most common is the production function (e.g. industrial zones), residential function (housing zones), production-residential (a mix of production and housing) and production-servicing (a mix of production and services). The following contribution will first analyze demilitarization in the Czech Republic from the point of view of systemic changes in the Czech military doctrine; in the second part case studies are introduced, illustrating the transformational changes in selected settlements, caused by the loss of their military function.

Settlements - natural environment relationships and tourism potential in Çamiçi (Tokat - Turkey)

Camici; which is a ward statute in Niksar city in Tokat province; is situated on an important route between Niksar and Unye, connecting Kelkit Basin to the Black Sea coast. It was established on the interior of forest grazing lands of Ardicli and Özdemir villages, and partially on mountain pasture land of Karabodur village. In addition to its natural and cultural richness Çamiçi has potentials of rural recreation and high plateau tourism. The settlements have developed in a dispersed manner with housing zones called “oba” and “site”. In Ilkoba, where the first settlement was established by the people of Niksar, we come across wooden mountain houses built in 1950s. In the following years residental houses, have been built on valleys, lying on inner ranges of Canik Mountains. These kept on increasing by damaging forestlands. Today housing pressure is increasingly continuing on these areas. Houses, generally used as summer houses, were built in different architectural styles incompatible with nature. Although upper level plans of the region have strategic objectives related to developing high plateau tourism, no decisions were taken on the planning for Camici. According to the 2015 Implemantation Development Plan of Camici; prepared as a lower scale plan; housing pressure has increased. For developing settlements in the area new housing zone was offered threefold of the size of floured structuring and present housing zone. At the same time common use areas serving residents living in summer months were offered. Furthermore, to become an centre of attraction for tourism, bicycle paths and race tracks, recreation areas, fair ground – festival area, telepheric line and a musician-artist village was added to the plans of Camici High Plateau. The aim of this study thus was to evaluate development of physical settlements in the context of its relationship with the natural environment in Camici, determine the potential in terms of high plateau tourism, and suggest required constructure criteria. This was acheived by going through present written sources, statistical data, urban development plans, followed by the preparation of land surveys and interviews. The development of settlements from 1950 to present and its relationship with natural evnviroment were examined. The problems of settlement in high plateau related to local governments services were asserted and finally high plateau tourism potential was evaluated.

‘Urban Transformation’ as State-led Property Transfer: An Analysis of Two Cases of Urban Renewal in Istanbul

Since 2001, there has been a radical shift in the governance of urban land and housing markets in Turkey from a ‘populist’ to a ‘neo-liberal’ mode. Large ‘urban transformation projects’ (UTPs) are the main mechanisms through which a neo-liberal system is instituted in incompletely commodified urban areas. By analysing two UTPs implemented in an informal housing zone and an inner-city slum in Istanbul, the paper discusses the motivations behind, the socioeconomic consequences of and grassroots resistance movements to the new urban regime. The analysis shows that the UTPs predominantly aim at physical and demographic upgrading of their respective areas rather than improving the living conditions of existing inhabitants, thus instigating a process of property transfer and displacement. It also demonstrates that the property/ tenure structure of an area plays the most important role in determining the form and effectiveness of grassroots movements against the UTPs.

Der Einfluss des Bodenpreisniveaus auf die Bebauungsdichte von Wohnareal

The continued conversion of land into developed areas is mainly propelled by growth in residential housing zones. The question being raised is whether economic policy instruments, such as taxes, can contribute to slowing this land conversion. In order to assess the effects of taxes on the use of land for housing, more information is needed about the extent to which economic agents adapt their consumption of residential building land in the event of price increases. Based on data from the Swiss cantons of Basel-Landschaft and Zurich, this paper investigates whether and to what extent residential housing density is influenced by land price. For the purposes of this study, the selected indicators for residential housing density are the lot size of single-family houses, the ratio of floor space to parcel area (Ausnützungsziffer), and the ratio of realised to maximum floor space to parcel area (Ausbaugrad).

人口密度変動特性から見た多摩田園都市における住宅宅地供給及び土地利用規制との関連性について : 土地区画整理事業の組み合わせによって作られた郊外住宅地計画に関する研究 その2

The main findings of the study are summarised below. 1) In the target area of the Study, many districts show a unique population density curve of an "increment type" or a "wave type". It is understood that these curves originate from several causes, including (i) the supply of housing taking the form of "discretional supply" where individual landowners have the discretion to supply or not to supply them and (ii) moderate land use regulations in these districts compared to the originally planned population density in that a number of wide areas have been uniformly designated as various non-low rise housing zones with less strict regulations on the purpose of land use. 2) Under the regime of the discretionary supply of housing, there has been the vigorous construction of private sector apartment houses of which the floor area ratio is increased to the permitted maximum in pursuit of the maximum profit. This trend has been more prominent in those districts where the receptability to apartment houses is high due to fewer restrictions under the designated land use. This type of housing development has accelerated the process of producing a higher population density which has greatly diverted from the originally planned population density.