City Dwellers Research Articles

The Role and Functions of City Parks in the Adaptation Process of Refugees to the City: The Case of Ulubey Şehit Ömer Karaosmanoğlu Park

Today, migration mobility is experienced intensely all over the world. As refugees seek asylum in their countries of origin, the process of integration begins spontaneously, and urban parks, which are the most important part of the public space and provide the unity of the city dwellers, play an active role in this process. "How does the use of urban parks change with the unpredictable number of refugees all over the world and especially in Turkey and how does this situation find expression in Ankara?" is the starting point of the study, while "the fact that refugees are under difficult socio-cultural and economic conditions has led to the use of urban parks and negatively affected the use of parks by local people" is the hypothesis of the study. Within the scope of the study, Ulubey Şehit Ömer Karaosmanoğlu Park, located in Altındağ district of Ankara, which is one of the countries hosting the highest number of refugees in the world and has the highest Syrian population in Ankara, was selected as the sample area and the park usage tendencies of both refugees and local people, how they feel about using the park together and whether the park contributes to the adaptation process were examined through a face-to-face survey. According to the survey data; it has been determined that there is not a full harmonization between the refugees using Ulubey Şehit Ömer Karaosmanoğlu Park and the local people and refugee women have more difficulties in harmonization than refugee men. With this study, solution suggestions are presented to local governments at the point of planning and design of urban parks in countries hosting refugees.

Analyzing the Diversion Effect of Debris Flow in Cross Channels Utilizing Two-Phase Flow Theory and the Principle of Energy Conservation

The movement process of debris flow in the complex roads system is important for risk evaluation and emergency rescue. This paper presents an in-depth study of the diversion effect of debris flow in cross channels, a common branching structure in both natural and engineered environments, especially in the field of urban debris flow prevention. A mathematical model is established based on the conservation of mass, momentum, and energy, and a solid–liquid two-phase motion equation for debris flow is derived from two-phase flow theory. A numerical solution method, combining the finite difference method and finite volume method, is employed to discretize and solve the equation. The model’s validity and effectiveness are confirmed through a numerical simulation of a typical engineering case and comparison with existing experimental data or theoretical results. This study reveals that debris flow at cross channels exhibits a diversion phenomenon, with some debris flow continuing downstream along the main channel and some diverting into the branch channel. The diversion rate, defined as the ratio of outlet flow to inlet flow of the branch channel, indicates the magnitude of this effect. This research shows that the solid–liquid ratio, inflow, width ratio, height ratio, and angle of the cross channel significantly impact the diversion effect. A series of numerical simulations are conducted by altering these parameters as well as the physical properties of debris flow and boundary conditions. These simulations analyze changes in flow rate, velocity, pressure, and other parameters of debris flow at cross channels, providing insights into the factors and mechanisms influencing the diversion effect. This research offers a robust instrument for comprehending and forecasting the dynamics of urban debris flows. It contributes significantly to mitigating the effects of debris flows on city infrastructure and enhancing the safety of city dwellers.

Intra-Urban Livestock Breeding in the Sahel Zone and the Living Environment of City Dwellers in Maroua, Far Nord, Cameroon

Intra-Urban Livestock Breeding in the Sahel Zone and the Living Environment of City Dwellers in Maroua, Far Nord, Cameroon

The Urban Soundscapes of a Studentified Neighbourhood in the City of Tshwane, South Africa

AbstractUrban environments produce distinctive and diverse soundscapes. The challenge of noise in particular impacts city dwellers and urban livability. There is an abundance of research focused on noise pollution with a limited but growing research interest in urban soundscapes. Few studies, however, explore the unique soundscapes and challenges of noise in neighbourhoods that have undergone studentification. Indeed, the development of student housing, the concentration of a student population, and the clustering of activities related to spaces of student consumption produce unique and often polluted soundscapes. Using three ethnographic soundwalks and a survey with students from the University of Pretoria, this paper explores the soundscapes of Hatfield, a neighbourhood that has undergone studentification. This paper seeks to understand the challenges related to urban noise and how this impacts students. It was found that noise has unique spatio-temporal characteristics impacting student’s ability to manage noise. Indeed, noise emanating from traffic and entertainment establishments is perceived to be the most disruptive. It is recommended that urban planners, property developers, architects, and urban managers need to be aware of the unique and often polluted soundscapes that are associated with a studentified neighbourhood. This awareness could inform better urban planning, architectural and urban design, and policies on the management of noise levels within these types of neighbourhoods.

“URBAN REHABILITATION IN RUSSIA BROOKS NO DELAY”: STATE AND SOCIETY IN THE FIGHT AGAINST RIVERS POLLUTION AT THE END OF THE 19th — EARLY 20th CENTURIES

At the turn of the 19th and20th centuries, the growth of urban population and development of urban infrastructure were accompanied by the emergence of environmental problems, including the increase of river pollution, which might cause water supply diffi culties. The central and local authorities, as well as representatives of various public, scientific, professional organizations and business circles, were involved in solving these problems. The order of their interaction could be diff erent, but these joint projects made it possible to achieve the best results in combating river pollution caused by industrial and domestic waste, to determine priorities in the system of water protection and to improve the supply of potable water to the population. Thanks to the activities of such organizations as the Society for Assistance to the Improvement and Development of Manufacturing Industry, Russian Water Supply Congresses, sanitary stations, and the Provisional Committee for the Development of Measures to Protect the Water Bodies of the Moscow Industrial District from Pollution, a rather extensive set of measures was carried out to study the properties, nature, and degree of water pollution in the rivers that served as sources of water supply for city dwellers, and the most eff ective methods of water purifi cation were determined in experiments. Practical recommendations were developed on the use of the most eff ective and cost-efficient methods and facilities for industrial wastewater treatment. The best domestic specialists were involved in solving the identified problems, who utilized international and Russian experience. The lack of sufficient funding for water protection activities resulted in some initiatives not being or being only partially implemented. In addition, a number of practical measures which had been planned in this area had to be postponed because of the outbreak of World War I in 1914

Living in Mediterranean cities in the context of climate change: A review

AbstractThe Mediterranean region contains some of the areas with the highest urban density in the world, and these areas keep expanding, making this region a “hotspot” of climate change. Life in the Mediterranean unfolds predominantly outdoors throughout the year, exposing its inhabitants to an evolving climate that is progressively harsher and punctuated by increasingly frequent extreme weather events. More and more people are going to be exposed to severe heat waves, droughts, water shortage, dust storms, forest fires and poor air quality on the one hand, and torrential rains and floods on the other hand. The urban heat island further increases thermal stress of city dwellers and plays a key role in citizens' health and well‐being. In this exhaustive review, based on state‐of‐the‐art studies we delve into the realm of climate change and extreme weather phenomena as they intersect with urban populations in Mediterranean cities, both in the present and in the foreseeable future. Our focus lies on identifying knowledge gaps, inconsistencies in observed climatic hazards and shortcomings in assessing the associated risks and their societal and environmental ramifications. Moreover, we undertake a comprehensive survey of future predictions exploring the variables thermal stress, air pollution, air quality and characteristics of the hydro‐climatic systems, that is, droughts, fires and floods. Yet, critical knowledge gaps persist in understanding the science, the coping mechanisms, the strategies for preparedness and adaptation and the intricate interplay between these facets and societal dynamics. The developing countries in the Mediterranean region stand exceptionally vulnerable. It is imperative for more affluent nations to share their expertise and extend assistance to less developed counterparts, aiding them in navigating climate‐related challenges, devising adaptive strategies and facilitating their implementation.

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.

Quantifying urbanome profiles as potential determinants of asthma and allergies

IntroductionUrban environmental factors - the so-called urbanome - have a major influence on the health of city dwellers, including allergic and respiratory health that strongly depend on urban lifestyle and setting. Using data from a cross-sectional study, we describe the urbanome of Montpellier, France, as perceived by city dwellers, and identify associated profiles of exposure in view of prevention against allergic and respiratory diseases. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in the Montpellier metropolitan area between November 2022 and September 2023, involving 397 participants aged 18 to 80 years drawn from the general population. Urbanome data were collected using a standardized self-report questionnaire. Fifteen factors were used to identify exposure profiles using a hierarchical clustering on principal components (HCPC) analysis based on a multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) taking gender and smoking into account. ResultsTraffic air pollution (94.39 %), noise disturbance (74.94 %), vegetation around home in private area (67.42 %), sport activity (60.20 %), and passive smoking (50.82 %) were the most reported urbanome factors. Two separate clusters were identified, one containing well-known risk factors for allergic or respiratory diseases such as air and noise pollution and the other factors protective for allergic or respiratory diseases such as green spaces. Allergy diagnosis was commoner in the risk factors cluster (34.48 % versus 52.38 %, p = 0.011). ConclusionsData collected in Montpellier showed two patterns of urbanome perception, including risk and protective factors respectively. Such information is useful for promoting prevention measures. Studies with larger numbers of participants, a greater number of more objectively measured environmental factors are needed to further investigate the associations between urbanome and health.

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.