Leisure Areas Research Articles

Fatores de risco associados a sintomas depressivos em adolescentes de um município de pequeno porte

Introdução: Estimativas da OMS (Organização Mundial da Saúde) apontam que os transtornos depressivos em adolescentes aumentam em todo mundo, indicando que 10% a 20% vivenciam problemas de saúde mental. No Brasil, estudos mostram prevalência de 13,2%, sendo considerado, portanto, um problema de saúde pública. Objetivo: Rastrear a presença de sintomas depressivos e fatores de risco associados em adolescentes de um município de pequeno porte. Metodologia: Estudo transversal, descritivo e analítico com abordagem quantitativa. Os dados foram coletados em uma amostra de 324 estudantes do município de Marialva/PR – Brasil, por meio de questionário sociodemográfico e instrumento de rastreio de episódios depressivos, o PHQ – 9 (Patiente Health Questionnaire – 9). A análise ocorreu por regressão linear, matriz de correlação e análise de redes. Resultados: 64,2% apresentaram sintomas moderado à grave, com maior prevalência em adolescentes do sexo feminino, sendo que 20,1% mostraram sintomas graves. Os fatores de risco associados foram: maior tempo de uso de celular; não frequentar parques; não praticar esportes; usar drogas lícitas; relatar diagnóstico para ansiedade e casos de depressão na família. Adolescentes que jogam no celular sozinho apresentaram 5,1 vezes mais chances de desenvolver sintomas depressivos, e os que usam drogas em grupo, 5,5 vezes mais chance. Conclusão: O estudo sugere que cidades pequenas que apresentam estruturas urbanas inadequadas e não acolhedoras podem acentuar o problema dos transtornos depressivos em adolescentes, o que indica a necessidade de políticas públicas que melhorem as perspectivas de futuro deste público.

Soil contamination by zoonotic parasites in leisure areas: an integrative review

Enteropasites are a risk to both human and animal health, and soil is an important route for their propagation and perpetuation, due to the easy animal access to leisure environments. Furthermore, the contamination of these areas is a public health problem, due to the high number of people who visit these places and can acquire these parasitoses. The purpose of this study was to research information described in the scientific literature on the prevalenceof parasites with zoonotic potential in leisure areas, their distribution and associated factors. This is an integrative review of the literature in which scientific studies on parasites of zoonotic potential in leisure areas were selected from the Virtual Health Library, with MEDLINE and LILACS as its database, in addition to PUBMED, SCIELO and “Periódicos Capes” published between 2010 and 2020 in Portuguese, English and Spanish. Eleven articles were selectedfrom the 494 found after applying criteria for inclusion, exclusion and content evaluation. Ancylostoma spp. and Toxocara spp. proved to be widely distributed, and soil contamination by parasites is directly linked to the presence of animals in these environments, due to their feces and favorable environmental conditions.KEY WORDS: intestinal parasites; zoonoses; environmental contamination; public health.

The Hidden Potential of Informal Urban Greenspace: An Example of Two Former Landfills in Post-Socialist Cities (Central Poland)

The present study described analyses of two similar informal recreational green areas (former constructional waste disposal landfills) in two large cities (Warsaw city and Łódź city). On the basis of local society’s opinions, the land use conditions related to current accessibility, management, safety, cleanliness, variety and diversity of facility and vegetation, neighbourhood and connections with the urban green infrastructure of the given sites were studied. Overall feedback posted by the site users indicated that, despite temporary land use, both sites are good leisure areas that provide cultural ecosystem services to the citizens. However, their undefined development makes them to varying degrees neglected and risky spaces, especially for the local community. The reflection of the results of the present study may help the local authorities to manage the spaces of former landfills in accordance with the needs of the local society as well as define new functions of informal urban green space in the sustainable spatial policy in post-socialist cities in Poland and Eastern Europe.

The patchwork planning of a welfare landscape: reappraising the role of leisure planning in the Swedish welfare state

ABSTRACT The public memory of the social democratic welfare state in Sweden often emphasizes housing, but in fact post-war planning was far more diverse. One asset which postwar planning developed over time was a landscape that materialized a range of different concerns over welfare. Even today, the impressive investments in recreational facilities and green spaces made during the high point of welfarist planning in Sweden still provides the backbone of Sweden’s recreational infrastructure and areas for outdoor leisure and play. This paper highlights ‘leisure planning’ as a forgotten aspect of the postwar decades, and argues that the relationship between urban planning and leisure planning speaks to the patchwork character of the welfare landscape and explains why it remains elusive or even invisible in the current debate. We illustrate the making of welfare landscapes by analyzing developments in Upplands Väsby municipality, focusing on the complex interplay between leisure planning and urban planning from the 1950s to the 1980s.

Possibility of using compensatory urban drainage techniques as leisure units to expand public areas into subdivisions

Abstract Many housing estates of social interest have not contributed to implementing leisure areas and reducing their environmental and urban quality. This paper aims to propose a leisure unit using a compensatory urban drainage technique in a housing complex of social interest in the city of São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil. The characterization of the area, land use and occupation surveys, area sectorization, and catchment division were carried out. Afterwards, proposals for interventions based on surface runoff were presented using calculations of existing runoff and future scenarios. Results related to environmental and social gains for the area are discussed, as well as the possibility of implementing decentralized compensatory techniques. Moreover, 156 rain gardens and 3 ditches were proposed throughout the subdivisions, which enabled a gain of 989m² of contribution area to infiltrate the whole area, and the use of the retention basin as a leisure area. The total storage volume achieved with the sum of all the techniques implemented was approximately 3,000 cubic meters more than that projected for the existing retention basin.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on population heat map in leisure areas in Beijing on holidays

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on population heat map in leisure areas in Beijing on holidays

Zastosowanie metody biocenotycznej oceny drzew w parku „Willa Mindic” (Mołdawia) na potrzeby wykonania projektu koncepcyjnego zagospodarowania terenu – studium przypadku

The article presents the aplication of the biocenotic tree assessment method in the "Vila Mîndîc" park (Moldova). While conducting the inventory, preliminary design decisions were taken into account, which also influenced the determination of tree values. By extending the plant valorisation to the study of health, including safety for humans, the results were obtained to carry out the project. Particular areas were selected, which regardless of the conditions, must ensure safe stay; parts of the area where visiting the park is restricted and those where, due to high biocenotic values (including protection of animal breeding and nesting sites) communication routes and leisure areas are not planned. On the basis of the research, areas of exceptional importance for animals were identified and a conceptual land development project was carried out to accommodate human recreational needs.

Mapping green areas in urban plots in the municipality of Goiânia-GO Brazil: a spatial analysis of legislative conduct

Article measures the distribution of green areas within the subdivisions of the municipality of Goiânia. It aims to verify if the regulation presented in Federal Law 6.766/1979, which regulates the Parcelamento do solo urbano it is being fulfilled with regard to the reservation of at least 10% of the total subdivision for the green and leisure areas. This is mainly an observation for a future scenario, there is an expectation of reducing the metric to 7.5%, to be provided for in the draft law of the New Master Plan. To obtain the data, techniques of Digital Image Processing and analyzing with Geographic Information System were applied. The results were surprising, because of the 1.089 subdivisions analyzed, 512 allotments, equivalent to 47.02% of the area, have coverage of green and leisure areas, less than 10%, thus, not complying with the current regulations provided for in the legislation. For new the 7.5% metric, this number reduces to 458, which may compromise the losses of 2.1 km² of these spaces.

The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Italian Nature-Based Programs in the Educational, Therapeutic, Training and Leisure Areas

In these times of global crisis caused by COVID-19, there is an urgent need to address the topic of nature-based experiences in education: the pandemic has strongly highlighted both the interdependence between human beings and nature, and the need for mending the dichotomic vision that keeps them separate. Experiential education in natural contexts within an ecological framework might have a strategic role in this crucial period to develop anthropologic, civic, and dialogic conscience (Morin, 2001). Through this study, CEFEO Research Center had the objective of investigating the socio-economic impact of COVID-19 on Italian nature-based programs in the educational, therapeutic, training, and leisure areas. From 28 May to 19 June 2020, an online questionnaire was distributed with the purpose of understanding the socio-economic impact of the pandemic on nature-based programs during the lockdown period and during the period of first reopening, and the related needs and new opportunities for the future. The results highlight a paradox: the COVID-19 crisis has caused more problems for a sector which was already suffering from a lack of funding and of social and institutional acknowledgment. Many agencies working in the field lost months of income and numerous working days, and they are uncertain about the future: they are having difficulties surviving in a moment when we need them more.

The COVID-19 pandemic and its implications for the food information environment in Brazil.

The food information environment includes food advertising disseminated in various media. With the COVID-19 pandemic and the shutdown of schools, universities, non-essential commerce, public leisure areas, bars, restaurants, among others, the food information environment has changed in Brazil. People spent more time at home which led to greater exposure to television and internet advertising content. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the food production sector has invested in new ways to advertise their products that include advertising messages of support, empathy and solidarity, as well as social responsibility campaigns looking for self-promotion such as food donation and financial aids. Sponsoring online events promoted by Brazilian musicians on social media was also enhanced during the pandemic and allowed food companies to become part of the consumer's leisure and entertainment moments. The advertising strategies adopted by the food industry during the COVID-19 pandemic are used to generate market demands, influence the consumer purchase decision and increase their loyalty to the supplier brands. Consequently, individuals may have been more vulnerable to excessive consumption of ultra-processed foods during this health crisis. This commentary aims to describe the changes in the food information environment during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil and propose a pathway to promote a healthier food information environment after this health crisis. Perspectives for promoting a healthier food information environment after the pandemic are also discussed, focusing on regulating food advertising with a shared responsibility between government, the food industry, the academy and civil society.

Urban stream assessment system (UsAs): An integrative tool to assess biodiversity, ecosystem functions and services

Urban streams and ecosystems are highly affected by the intense development of cities and an increase of impervious surfaces. If these environments are close to their pristine state, they can be considered a nature-based solution promoting the integration of both green and blue elements in the cities, while providing a wide range of services (e.g. better aesthetics, air quality, leisure areas, and mitigation of climatic changes). In view of this, the current study aimed to develop a holistic assessment tool for urban streams that can be used to highlight their importance and support decision makers in the elaboration of measures to recover urban streams. The tool called Urban stream Assessment system (UsAs) includes the assessment of (1) biodiversity, (2) ecological functions and habitat that are inherent components of the ecosystems, and (3) provisioning, regulating, and cultural services, following The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA) and the Common International Classification of Ecosystem Services (CICES). The tool includes 89 indicators belonging to 17 divisions (services and functions) selected from studies on urban areas and fluvial ecosystems. In addition, the tool introduces a method for the measurement of an indicator, rationale for the used indicator, positive and negative scope of the indicator, and reference to the proposed method. The tool incorporates also a step-by-step scoring system, which results in a global quality classification of streams. The UsAs tool was tested with a case study stream located in the city of Coimbra, Central Portugal. The final classification attributed to this stream was moderate, which is slightly higher than the ecological status, highlighting its potential ecosystem services (ES). However, the UsAs clearly showed a poor biodiversity (namely of aquatic invertebrates, amphibians, fish, aquatic mammals, and terrestrial insects), habitat conditions and the most compromised services that could be improved: water supply, air quality, health and well-being. The use of this novel tool supports also new research and knowledge on aquatic ecosystems and particularly urban streams by generating relevant data to answer and test important ecological questions, such as the influence of biodiversity in ecosystem functioning and services. Further investigation should focus more on tests in different types of urban streams, regions, and climates.

RETRACTED ARTICLE: Distribution of rural tourism development in geographical space: a case study of 323 traditional villages in Shaanxi, China

ABSTRACT Spatial distribution of traditional village is the key factor for the sustainable development of rural tourism. Analyzing distribution characteristics and development conditions of traditional villages have profound implications for rural revitalization and all-for-one tourism. Firstly, this research introduced the characteristics and historic value of traditional villages in each region of Shaanxi province. Secondly, this paper analyzed the spatial distribution characteristics of 323 provincial-level traditional villages by using the method of quantitative geography through geographic information systems (GIS). Then, according to spatial type division, this research divided the spatial distribution of rural tourism in Shaanxi province into five areas, including linear tourist area, facial health area, distributed leisure area, low-density scenic area, self-driving tourist area. Finally, this paper summarized the development conditions of rural tourism in Shaanxi’s traditional villages and took case studies. The natural environment, social economy, and historical culture are crucial conditions for the sustainable development of traditional villages, influencing the spatial distribution of these villages. This paper summarized the spatial distribution of rural tourism development and proposed a guide for future space planning and construction for all-for-one tourism in other areas through empirical research on spatial distribution. Meanwhile, this research provides new ideas for rural revitalization.

Relationship between nomophobia and occupational performance among university students

Introduction Nomophobia is a contemporary phobia that emerged in the digital age and is becoming increasingly common. University students are at higher risk for nomophobia. This study aims to develop an understanding of nomophobic university students’ problem areas in their daily occupations. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted with 181 university students between January and March 2020. The Nomophobia Questionnaire was used to determine the students’ level of nomophobia and they were separated into groups based on nomophobia severity. The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure was used to determine the students’ occupational performance and satisfaction in the occupations they identified as being most problematic for them. Canadian Occupational Performance Measure scores were compared between nomophobia severity groups. Results All students in the study had some degree of nomophobia (mild = 56, moderate = 95, severe = 30). Canadian Occupational Performance Measure performance and satisfaction scores were significantly lower in students with severe nomophobia compared to the mild/moderately nomophobic students ( p<.05). The occupations of greatest concern were in the areas of productivity (studying, 20.89%), self-care (sleeping, 9.87%), and leisure (doing sport, 8.23%). Conclusion This study demonstrated a relationship between nomophobia and occupational performance difficulties in university students. Occupational therapists should consider nomophobia when evaluating occupational performance difficulties in university students.

Emotional and Behavioural disorders in a cohort with Down syndrome using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire: A pilot study

BackgroundGlobally, mental health disorders and behavioural problems afflict persons with Down syndrome (DS) with a high prevalence reported in some studies. However, data on behavioural and emotional disorders in DS cohort in Asian countries are lacking. AimsTo assess the mental health status of children and adults with DS, using the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and its impact on caregivers using the impact supplement. MethodsThe questionnaires were administered to caregivers of eligible participants aged ≥4 years. In addition, Down syndrome participant's ≥ 11 years old attempted the self-report. Scoring was done as per standard SDQ guidelines. ResultsThe total difficulties score was observed to be at least borderline high in 30.6% (19/62) of the participants. Peer relationships and conduct subscale issues were rated high, with abnormal internalizing scores predominating over externalizing scores. From parents' perspective, behavioural issues impacted 41.9% (26/62) of participants' in areas of education, peer relationship and leisure. However, only 3.8% (1/26) of the caregivers whose children had behavioural issues perceived them as a burden. ConclusionsMental health difficulties are a significant morbidity in our DS cohort. SDQ is a useful user-friendly tool for identification of behavioural problems enabling timely referral for intervention and therapy.

Long-term wet precipitation of PM2.5 disturbed the gut microbiome and inhibited the growth of marine medaka Oryzias melastigma

Wet precipitation, as an important process of geochemical cycling and the most effective way of cleaning fine atmospheric particles (PM2.5), can introduce the toxic substances in the atmosphere into the water environment. The adverse effect of wet precipitation of PM2.5 on marine fish is still unclear. In this study, PM2.5 samples were collected from six locations along coastal areas of the south China sea for 30 days and used to simulate the impacts of multiday discontinuity wet precipitation of PM2.5 on marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma) in the case of 30 days discontinuity heavy rain (rainfall ≥ 7.6 mm/h and persist 1 h each day). Results showed that wet precipitation of PM2.5 significantly inhibited the body weight gain of fish. In accordance, the size and number of lipid droplets in liver of the exposed groups were lower than those in normal control (NC) group. The expressions of genes involving in lipid degradation including lipoprotein lipase gene (LPL) and carnitine palmitoyltransferase gene (CPT) were up-regulated after exposure. The composition, diversity and function of gut microbiome were affected by wet precipitation of PM2.5. PM2.5 from industrial areas that have higher concentrations of metal profiles show more obvious impacts than PM2.5 from agricultural leisure areas that possessed lower concentrations. All together, the results indicated that wet precipitation of PM2.5 can decrease the diversity of gut microbiome, affect the lipid metabolism, and finally suppress the growth of marine medaka. It confirmed the potential ecological risks of long-term rainfall in air pollution areas to the aquatic organisms.

Identification and Geographic Distribution of Accommodation and Catering Centers

As the most important manifestation of the activities of the life service industry, the reasonable layout of spatial agglomeration and dispersion of the accommodation and catering industry plays an important role in guiding the spatial structure of the urban industry and population. Applying the contour tree and location quotient index methods, based on points of interest (POI) data of the accommodation and catering industry in Beijing and on the identification of the spatial structure and cluster center of the accommodation and catering industry, we investigated the distribution and agglomeration characteristics of the urban accommodation and catering industry from the perspective of industrial spatial differentiation. The results show that: (1) the accommodation and catering industry in Beijing presents a polycentric agglomeration pattern in space, mainly distributed within a radius of 20 km from the city center and on a relatively large scale; areas beyond this distance contain isolated single cluster centers. (2) From the perspective of the industry, the cluster centers close to the core area of the city are characterized by the agglomeration of multiple advantageous industries, while those in the outer suburbs of the city are more prominent in a single industry. (3) From the perspective of the location quotient of cluster centers, the leisure catering industries are mainly located close to the urban centers. On the contrary, the cluster centers in the outer suburbs and counties are relatively small and dominated by restaurants and fast food industries. Commercial accommodation businesses are mainly distributed in the transportation hub centers and in entertainment and leisure areas.

O mapeamento da área de risco à jusante do lago Igapó em Londrina – PR - Brasil, no caso de rompimento hipotético da barragem

O Lago Igapó é uma área de lazer localizada na cidade de Londrina no Estado do Paraná – Brasil, sendo uma das mais belas áreas de lazer da cidade. Nos cinco últimos anos o grande volume de águas das fortes chuvas ocasionaram a saturação do nível de água da barragem do lago. Dessa forma, este trabalho buscou produzir através de software de Sistema de Informação Geográfica (SIG), mapas de declividade e mapas de classificação com potencial área de risco. Dessa forma, os mapas temáticos desenvolvidos fornecerão um cenário conforme a classificação das áreas de risco caso ocorra o rompimento da barragem do Lago Igapó. A base cartográfica escolhida permitiu selecionar a curva de nível 525 metros por esta cota contornar o Lago por quase toda sua extensão até ao limite de crescimento da área urbana da cidade de Londrina. Mesmo verificando que a água diminui na cota de 525 metros ao longo do trajeto do Lago, o impacto na cota de 525 será mantido. No entanto, o impacto será maior nas cotas menores, principalmente nas cotas abaixo de 515 metros. Dessa forma, as classes de uso do solo, permitirá identificar as áreas vulneráveis, identificando os locais que podem ser classificados como área de baixo e alto risco.

Data-driven framework for delineating urban population dynamic patterns: Case study on Xiamen Island, China

The effective data mining of social media has become increasingly recognized for its value in informing decision makers of public welfare. However, existing studies do not fully exploit the underlying merit of big data. In this study, we develop a data-driven framework that integrates machine learning with spatial statistics, and then use it on Xiamen Island, China to delineate urban population dynamic patterns based on hourly Baidu heat map data collected from August 25 to September 3, 2017. The results showed that hot grids are primarily clustered along the main street through the downtown area during working days, whereas cold grids are often observed at the edge of the city during the weekend. The mixed use (of commercial and life services, restaurants and snack bars, offices, leisure areas and sports complexes) is the most significant contributing factor. A new cold grid emerged near conference venues before the Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa Summit, revealing the strong effects of regulations on population dynamics and its evolving patterns. This study demonstrates that the proposed data-driven framework might offer new insights into urban population dynamics and its driving mechanism in support of sustainable urban development.

Paths of urban planning in a post-mining area. A case study of a former sandpit in southern Poland

Decision-making on the directions of spatial development are particularly visible in post-mining areas in large cities. This issue is one of the key themes in a discourse that focuses on how to reconcile strategic urban planning and urban policy in post-mining towns, and is based on the concepts of brownfield regeneration and just transition. This paper approaches the issue by taking the redevelopment of the site of a large former stowing sand pit, operated for the needs of coal mining in Sosnowiec near Krakow (southern Poland), as an example. The dilemma concerns turning the former mining area into a new zone for industrial investment or transforming it into a leisure area around a new reservoir. An important part of the study involved obtaining, via a questionnaire survey, the opinions of residents as to their vision for how the former sandpit should be redeveloped. The paper underlines that due to limited social participation in this regard, this is a challenging issue for local urban policy. In post-mining towns, in which sustainable development is particularly important, the changeability of socio-economic phenomena on the one hand and residents' opinions on the other merit special attention.

A large-scale real-life crowd steering experiment via arrow-like stimuli

We introduce “Moving Light”: an unprecedented real-life crowd steering experiment that involved about 140.000 participants among the visitors of the Glow 2017 Light Festival (Eindhoven, NL). Moving Light targets one outstanding question of paramount societal and technological importance: “can we seamlessly and systematically influence routing decisions in pedestrian crowds?” Establishing effective crowd steering methods is extremely relevant in the context of crowd management, e.g. when it comes to keeping floor usage within safety limits (e.g. during public events with high attendance) or at designated comfort levels (e.g. in leisure areas). In the Moving Light setup, visitors walking in a corridor face a choice between two symmetric exits defined by a large central obstacle. Stimuli, such as arrows, alternate at random and perturb the symmetry of the environment to bias choices. While visitors move in the experiment, they are tracked with high space and time resolution, such that the efficiency of each stimulus at steering individual routing decisions can be accurately evaluated a posteriori. In this contribution, we first describe the measurement concept in the Moving Light experiment and then we investigate quantitatively the steering capability of arrow indications.