City Life Research Articles

Towards SDG11: How Urban Greenery Can Help Us Build Sustainable Cities

In 2015, the United Nations launched 17 Sustainable Development Goals—efforts that should be taken to ensure the wellbeing of people and the planet by 2030. One of these goals aims to make cities sustainable by addressing environmental, social, and economic impacts to ensure cities are livable for future generations. This goal is important because more than half the world lives in cities now. Meeting the needs of many people in cities will not be easy, particularly with global problems like the hot temperatures experienced in cities, pollution, climate change, and food shortages. This is where urban greenery could help. Urban greenery includes the trees, parks, and other plants you see in cities. Greenery can help make our cities sustainable, providing benefits like cleaning the air, cooling the city in hot summer temperatures, and preventing flooding during heavy rains. Greener cities could make life better and healthier for everyone.

DGTNet：dynamic graph attention transformer network for traffic flow forecasting

Abstract Graph-based traffic flow prediction plays a crucial role in urban traffic management and planning. In this paper, we propose a novel Dynamic Graph Attention Transformer Network (DGTnet), which is designed to address the issue of inadequately integrating of temporal and spatial dimensions in traditional models. DGTnet maintains temporal continuity while revealing the complex dynamic relationships between key nodes in the urban traffic system, capturing the periodic changes in the rhythm of city life. Specifically, this study adopts adaptive signal decomposition technology to decompose traffic data into multiple intrinsic mode functions (IMFs), effectively capturing the dynamic changes in traffic flow. This decomposition method is key to the implementation of DGTnet dynamic graph construction, enabling the analysis of traffic flow at different time scales, thereby providing a new perspective for traffic flow prediction research. In the traffic prediction module, we comprehensively consider node, edge, and graph structural information, adopting a multi-head self-attention mechanism to achieve direct cross-modeling in both temporal and spatial dimensions. Finally, we introduce a position-wise feed forward network layer to integrate different types of data and capture nonlinear relationships. The experimental results, based on the public transportation network data sets METR_LA, PEMS_BAY, PEMS03 and PEMS07, demonstrate that DGTNet exhibits notable enhancements in three evaluation indicators, namely the Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE), the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and the Mean Absolute Error (MAE). The pertinent code has been made available for public access at https://github.com/chenjing0616/DGTNet.

URBAN SATURATION IN ALGERIAN CITIES: FACTORS AND TREATMENT METHODS WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF URBAN SUSTAINABILITY: A CASE STUDY OF THE CITY OF TÉBESSA

Throughout history, cities have undergone transformations due to social, urban, environmental, and economic changes, which have contributed to altering their shape, and growth patterns. This evolution has led to continuous urban expansion in response to the increasing needs of the population, resulting in boundless urban sprawl. The constant effort to provide urban services has driven the integration of new land areas within the framework of urban expansion, often at the expense of the surrounding rural areas, which serve as the city's main life source. These rural areas are the primary base for urban expansion and simultaneously the main supplier of labor and raw materials. Currently, urban expansion in Algerian cities, in general, and in Tebessa in particular, poses challenges in urban development and planning. This situation calls for exploring alternative approaches when natural or human barriers prevent the optimal use of urban land in alignment with the city’s needs, leading to urban saturation. These approaches should consider the principles of sustainable urban development and rely on tools focused on protecting natural resources within and around the city, as cities are not only the main threat to the natural environment but also the first victims of its degradation.

Making the mos(s)t of nature? Cleantech, smart nature-based solutions, and the ‘rendering investable’ of urban moss

This article examines the ways in which ‘nature-based solutions’ (NBS) to urban environmental problems are contributing to a re-imagining of the forms and roles of vegetal life in cities. Specifically, we examine the versions of nature that are being produced within a subset of nature-based solutions described as ‘smart’ – that is, those involving the enrolment of non-human lifeforms into digital infrastructures comprising sensors, data flows and automated support systems. Whilst NBS are often celebrated for opening up cities to lively ecological processes – thereby contributing to more convivial, ‘more-than-human’ forms of urbanism – their smart incarnations are becoming a playground for entrepreneurial and financial actors seeking new ways to enclose, commodify and derive profit from non-human life in cities. To explicate this argument, we examine the case of a proprietary ‘nature-based solution’ to urban air pollution developed and sold to local authorities and corporate actors by a European cleantech start-up, predicated on optimising the air-filtering capacities of moss. Our analysis proceeds in three stages. First, we draw on scholarship on the bioeconomy to show how the commodification of moss in this case is predicated on discursive arguments which depict moss as at once inherently productive and regenerative, but also fragile and scarce in urban environments. Secondly, we show how this smart NBS is rendered investable through the enrolment of moss into a carefully designed digital apparatus, which purports to stabilise and optimise its air purifying work, thereby making its contributions to urban air quality continuous, consistent and calculable. Finally, building on an assessment of the entanglement of this example with specific urban geographies and modes of urban governance, we critically reflect on the role that smart NBS in general might yet play in either reinforcing or disrupting prevailing dynamics of privatisation, enclosure and green gentrification in cities.

Emerging Trends in Eco-Logistics: A Review of Sustainable Practices in Szczecin (Poland) from the Residents’ Perspective

This article offers an interdisciplinary analysis of eco-friendly urban logistics in Szczecin. It includes a review of innovative ecological solutions, results from a survey on residents’ awareness and acceptance and a case study on the implementation of these solutions in Szczecin. The theoretical part discusses the latest trends in eco-logistics, emphasising urban-specific solutions. The empirical section presents survey findings and explores the practical application of eco-friendly practices in Szczecin, analysing the associated benefits and challenges. The respondents demonstrated a high level of awareness and acceptance of city logistics solutions, such as urban pick-up points and electric scooters, which indicates support for sustainable urban transport. The residents of Szczecin appreciate the practical benefits and positive environmental impact of these eco-friendly investments, which they believe enhance city life by improving air quality and mobility. This article aims to provide a detailed perspective on eco-logistics in Szczecin, focusing on both the social and practical aspects of implementing sustainable solutions.

Do greener childhoods mean fewer eating disorders? Using satellite imagery to uncover insights

Abstract. The benefits of natural environments on mental health have been documented in numerous studies. In spite of this, the underlying mechanisms by which different elements of natural environments affect mental health, and especially eating disorders, are still largely unknown. In this study, we use remote sensing time series from the Landsat missions to associate a degree of exposure to natural vs urban environment of 659 individuals with diagnosed eating disorders (ED), such as anorexia, bulimia, purging, binge (BED), who constitute our cases. We also obtain data from 39 individuals not affected by eating disorders that comprise our control group. We explore associations between growing up surrounded by areas with a higher NDVI to individuals affected by ED. A Cox regression model was used to estimate rates as relative risk ratios and then adjusted for potential confounding from other known risk factors. The results of the Cox regressions show that the relative risk of developing ED is lower for children growing up in environments with a higher NDVI. Rates did not notably change by adjustment for GDP (a proxy for socioeconomic status), elevation, CO2 and population. In conclusion, we found that growing up surrounded by greener settings may lower the risk of eating disorders by some 33%. According to our findings, ensuring access to natural environments is crucial for improving public health and creating not only more sustainable but also more livable cities.

“It Requires Privacy”: Sharing a House in Thirteenth-Century Paris

AbstractAnalysis of a legal ruling by Yehiel of Paris (d. ca. 1260) in a rental dispute between two Jewish men sheds light on aspects of Jewish life in a major medieval European city. Two Jews rented an apartment from a Christian owner, and a dispute arose when one of the tenants left mid-term and his replacement, also a Jewish man, tried to renew the lease directly with the landlord. The original tenant claimed the exclusive right to renew the lease and that he was unwilling to share the apartment with the new tenant as this would impinge on his privacy in use of the lavatory. This article attempts to unravel the legal and cultural dimensions of the dispute and the demographic and architectural realities underpinning it. The article maintains that the disputants’ legal arguments drew upon both Jewish legal tradition and the legal norms of the rental market in Paris. The legal and cultural significance of privacy in the medieval urban context also plays an important role in the case.

Exploring and narrating futures in undergraduate climate change education: an innovative teaching approach

PurposeThis study aims to focus on an innovative undergraduate teaching intervention designed to guide students in exploring and narrating the potential futures of climate change. The intervention aimed to reduce the psychological distance associated with climate change by systematically investigating futures in real-world contexts. The study had two objectives: to examine students’ learning outcomes by analysing their visions of a carbon-neutral future towards the end of the intervention and to measure the intervention’s impact on students’ understanding of climate change and their perceived ability to contribute effectively.Design/methodology/approachThe intervention was implemented over two consecutive semesters. Data for analysis included student narratives from the final assignment (N = 140), where they envisioned life in a carbon-neutral city, and pre-/post-instruction surveys (N = 37) assessing content knowledge and action competence.FindingsContent analysis of student narratives revealed 12 distinct themes, encompassing infrastructural and technological advancements, lifestyle adaptations and shifts in societal attitudes towards sustainability. Statistical analysis of the survey data demonstrated significant improvements in both variables. These findings suggest that the teaching intervention effectively enhanced students’ scientific understanding of climate change, increased their self-perceived ability to take action and fostered a realistic sense of life in a sustainable future.Originality/valueThis research introduces a novel teaching intervention exploring and narrating climate change futures. Analysing personal narratives provides fresh insights into how young individuals envision sustainable living within the context of climate change, thereby contributing a unique perspective to climate change education and future studies.

Stress and the City: Mental Health in Urbanized vs. Rural Areas in Salzburg, Austria

Background: Living in the city is associated with a higher risk of suffering from stress, anxiety, and depression. Due to an increase of migration to the city, the association between mental health and city life is highly relevant to society. Methods: We analyzed data of 9573 participants (Ø 55.3 years, SD = 7.4) of the Paracelsus 10,000 study (Salzburg, Austria) who were classified into having or not having depressive symptoms. Population density, green space, and noise around the home address of the participants were collected and tested for correlations with mental health defined by depressive symptoms. We additionally tested whether migration status influenced the effect of urbanization on mental health. Results: There is a positive correlation between degree of urbanization and the probability of suffering from depressive symptoms (p = 0.011), yet this effect is independent of the migration background (p = 0.581). Participants in areas with high residential density were significantly more likely to suffer from poor mental health (p = 0.006 unadjusted). No significant association could be found between mental health and noise (p = 0.126 unadjusted) or green space neither regarding distance to closest green space (p = 0.549 unadjusted), nor size of green space (p = 0.549 unadjusted). Conclusions: In the Paracelsus 10,000 cohort, living in the city is associated with lower mental health, especially in participants with a high population density in the direct neighborhood. This might be due to social stress yet does not reflect minority stress in migrants. However, the influence of noise pollution and green space on mental health is limited in this cohort.

Outdoor Thermal Comfort and Sustainability of Urban Village Life in The Small Ancient City at Tropic Area Yogyakarta, Indonesia: Approach with ENVI-Met

Several studies examining urban villages, sustainability, and their relation to thermal comfort in Indonesia have stated uncomfortable perceptually. Through this research which was conducted in an urban village in Yogyakarta by using the thermal measurement method, shows that average temperature reaches 30.14℃, humidity 72.90%, wind speed 0.93 m/s, MRT 44.70℃, PMV 0.79 or warm sensation. It shows that thermal comfort in urban villages is still in normal condition. However, several intervention variables which are used in the simulation using ENVI-met to get the better thermal condition do not significantly change the thermal parameters, but only slightly. The sensation remains warm, at certain times it is hot or very hot, the highest PPD level achieved is 59%. Even though the results are less than expected, based on the range of thermal comfort standard the current thermal comfort still supports sustainable urban living.

ALADURA IN THE CITY: EXPLORING HOW THE CHERUBIM AND SERAPHIM NAVIGATES CITY DYNAMICS IN NIGERIA

This paper discusses how the Cherubim and Seraphim (C&S) navigates the complex city dynamics within the context of time and space and how both the church and the city shape and reshape one another in Nigeria. The C&S is a major brand of Aladura Christianity, which emerged as a prayer group and metamorphosed into major and countless number of minor strands of churches that bear the name “Cherubim and Seraphim” as prefix or suffix. The C&S navigates a diverse, competitive, and dynamic religious landscape where the changing city life of modernisation and globalisation influence how the church practices its faith. Such influence offers the church a wide range of opportunities and challenges in every city where it exists. Education, media technologies, social services, security challenge and economic depression are major indicators of how the church negotiates its relevance and visibility within the city. The paper posits that the interaction between the C&S and its cities of existence stimulates considerable resilience and positive impacts on the both sides.

A Study on the Management of University-Based Living Labs in Smart City Environments -A Case Study of the Dangjin Smart City Living Lab Located in Chungcheonnam-do-

A Study on the Management of University-Based Living Labs in Smart City Environments -A Case Study of the Dangjin Smart City Living Lab Located in Chungcheonnam-do-

Outdoor Thermal Comfort and Sustainability of Urban Village Life in The Small Ancient City at Tropic Area Yogyakarta, Indonesia: Approach with ENVI-Met

Several studies examining urban villages, sustainability, and their relation to thermal comfort in Indonesia have stated uncomfortable perceptually. Through this research which was conducted in an urban village in Yogyakarta by using the thermal measurement method, shows that average temperature reaches 30.14℃, humidity 72.90%, wind speed 0.93 m/s, MRT 44.70℃, PMV 0.79 or warm sensation. It shows that thermal comfort in urban villages is still in normal condition. However, several intervention variables which are used in the simulation using ENVI-met to get the better thermal condition do not significantly change the thermal parameters, but only slightly. The sensation remains warm, at certain times it is hot or very hot, the highest PPD level achieved is 59%. Even though the results are less than expected, based on the range of thermal comfort standard the current thermal comfort still supports sustainable urban living.

Impact of park renovation on children’s quality of life in New York City

Abstract Background Despite increasing interest in the role of parks on children’s health, research on the impact of park interventions is limited. This study uses a quasi-experimental pre-post design with matched controls to evaluate the effects of park redesign and renovation on children’s quality of life (QoL) in underserved New York City (NYC) neighborhoods with predominantly Hispanic and Black populations. Methods Utilizing longitudinal data from the Physical Activity and Redesigned Community Spaces (PARCS) Study, we examined the parent-reported QoL of children aged 3-11 years living within a 0.3-mile radius of 13 renovated parks (N = 201) compared to 11 (N = 197) control parks before and after the park intervention. QoL was measured using the modified KINDL questionnaire, a health-related QoL scale that assessed children’s physical and emotional well-being, self-esteem, and well-being in home, peer, and school settings. A difference in difference (DID) linear mixed model was used to compare QoL between intervention and control groups. Results We found a significant improvement in the physical well-being subscale of KINDL in the intervention vs. control group (DID=6.35, 95% CI = 0.85-11.85, p = 0.024). The differential improvement was strongest among girls (DID=7.88, p = 0.023) and children with parents in the lowest socioeconomic background (education high school or less DID=8.38, p = 0.024; Not employed DID=7.53, p = 0.048; Single/Widowed/Divorced DID=8.67, p = 0.025). No significant differences were found in other subscales. Conclusions Our study indicated a beneficial impact of improving park quality on the physical well-being of children residing in underserved neighborhoods. These findings support investments in neighborhood parks to advance health equity.

Artificial sport surfaces and adverse effects for human health. A literature review

Abstract The management of the Post-Consumer Tyres (PCTs) is still a hot topic. In 2021, the 27 EU Member States plus Norway, Switzerland, and the UK discarded 4,200 Ktons of PCTs. The main application of the rubber granules obtained from their recycling is represented by infill material in synthetic turf playgrounds. These widespread installations have become fundamental tools for the promotion of physical activity, especially among children. However, this material is in the spotlight for the presence in its composition of hazardous substances and for the small size of granules, which the European Commission classified as “microplastics”. This review aims to clarify the scientific knowledge, focusing on the assessment of the bio-accessibility/availability of hazardous chemicals and the risk assessment for users. Eligible articles reporting original data were identified in CAB Direct, Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The included articles (preliminary results) variously demonstrated the presence of PAHs, metals, volatile organic compounds, and phthalates in artificial biofluids (n = 9 articles). The risk assessment for these toxicants and the potential cancer risk induction (n = 19), revealed a risk for users from absent or negligible to potential, according to the exposure scenario considered and the relative assumptions, the contaminants, the exposure route, the age of the pitch, and characteristics of the rubber granules such as origin, concentration of the different toxicants, and particle size. The assessment of the potential hazard due to the exposure to artificial sports surfaces is anything but simple. Indeed, the crumb rubber compositions may vary in different settings and over time and can be variously influenced by the climate and environmental conditions, making it difficult to quantify the possible health effects, as well as the specific mixture, the quantities, and sources responsible for them (Funded by LIFE20 GIE FR 282 - RE-PLAN CITY LIFE). Key messages • The bioccessibility of PAHs, metals, volatile organic compounds, and phthalates included in the infill material composition was variously demonstrated in literature. • The assessment of the potential risks due to the exposure to synthetic turf, revealed a risk from negligible to potential, according to the exposure scenario considered and the relative assumptions.

Community Engagement in the Management of Urban Green Spaces: Prospects from a Case Study in an Emerging Economy

Urban green spaces (UGSs) play a vital role in enhancing the quality of life in cities, particularly in rapidly urbanizing regions such as the Metropolitan Region of São Paulo (MRSP). However, significant challenges related to equitable management and access persist, often exacerbated by socio-environmental inequalities. While much of the existing literature on UGS management focuses on developed economies, there is a gap in our understanding of how community engagement influences UGS outcomes in emerging economies, which face unique socio-economic and infrastructural constraints. This study addresses this gap by investigating the impact of community engagement on UGS management in the MRSP, specifically examining how increased participation correlates with improved UGS access and reduced socio-environmental inequality. Utilizing survey data from 33 municipal environmental departments across the MRSP, this research applied correlation tests, generalized linear models, and a non-parametric analysis of variance to evaluate the relationships between community engagement, UGS coverage, and inequality. The findings reveal a moderate positive correlation between community engagement and UGS coverage, alongside a negative correlation with socio-environmental inequality. Increased levels of community participation were associated with greater access to UGSs and a reduction in disparities across socio-economic groups. These results underscore the potential of fostering community involvement in UGS management to promote urban equity and environmental sustainability in emerging economies, particularly through institutional support and transparent information sharing. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies to better understand the long-term effects of sustained community engagement and incorporate qualitative data from community members to provide a more comprehensive analysis of participatory processes. Additionally, expanding the scope of analysis to include informal and private green spaces will offer a more holistic understanding of urban greening dynamics.

How does geographical environment affect residents' perception of social justice: An empirical study from low-income communities in Beijing

With the transition to a market-oriented economic system and the transformation of social structure, urban society has undergone significant spatial differentiation, leading to a deepening divide between the rich and the poor. This has caused issues like social exclusion and spatial isolation to become increasingly prominent, which in turn, limit the harmonious and orderly development of cities. As Beijing's goal to become a “world-class harmonious and livable city” accelerates, there has been a growing focus on ensuring social justice satisfaction for residents in low-income communities. This focus has translated into more attention being paid to spatial equity in residents' living environments. Employing a mixed-methods approach with multi-level regressions to understand the nuanced interplay between urban geography and social equity, where depend variable was subjective questionary from low-income communities in Beijing (2017), the independent variables were geographical factors. Using research data from typical low-income communities in Beijing (2017), our study integrated theories from geography and sociology to examine the spatial equity of the living environment. We then empirically analyzed the impact of geographical environment and objective conditions on residents' perception of social equity in low-income communities. Our findings indicate that there are significant differences in the level of social justice perception among residents across different types of communities. The upscale community with better community environment is not consistent with the evaluation of higher perceived justice. Furthermore, service facilities, employment accessibility, and built environment all influence individual satisfaction with social justice to varying degrees. There is also a moderating effect of living environment satisfaction on social justice perception in low-income communities, with residents' socioeconomic attributes influencing their level of social justice satisfaction. This research contributes to the broader understanding of spatial equity in urban development, highlighting the pivotal role of geographical factors in shaping perceptions of social justice. These insights are crucial for policymakers and urban planners striving for more equitable urban development in rapidly growing cities.

Preserving paddy fields through tourism in Indonesia: opportunities and challenges

Purpose This paper aims to show the opportunities and challenges of implementing slow tourism through a slow city concept, particularly concerning preserving paddy fields. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative approach using FGD, in-depth interviews and questionnaires with open questions. Findings Paddy field preservation can be achieved through the slow city concept if there is a strong commitment from the government and influential local wisdom. Research limitations/implications This research is conducted in five areas (cities and regencies). Hence, there should be similar research in other areas to find whether it can be implemented in other areas. Furthermore, other aspects have not been explored, such as how to convince policymakers to implement a slow city concept, integrate urban infrastructures and paddy fields or encourage and protect local residents who develop a slow city concept. Practical implications This research will give insight for policymakers to establish a policy that can realize livable cities for local residents and tourists, particularly in terms of food resiliency through tourism. Social implications This research will give new information about the importance of slow tourism to improve the quality of life in a city and to maintain food resilience. Originality/value This research shows the implementation and challenges of realizing slow city and slow tourism in some regions in Indonesia, particularly related to paddy fields preservation.

Incorporation of Artificial Intelligence in Enhancing Quality of Life in Smart Cities

Rapid urbanization and low residential resources in cities are serious issues that are making city life difficult day by day. The development of smart cities is becoming a need of the present era due to the swift increase in population and environmental issues globally. Smart cities are being introduced in different regions of the world with the incorporation of latest technologies. The incorporation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of the tools that can be used in smart building and cities. AI technologies are transforming public safety, trash management, healthcare, traffic control, and resource management, making cities more sustainable, effective, and responsive to their citizens' demands. There are still lack of awareness in some areas of the world on the efficacy of smart building and construction that is impacting negatively on the economy and growth of those countries.; such as Pakistan is one of those countries that is facing serious challenges due to increased population, urban migration, and poor management of natural resources. The need of planning smart strategies for smart building is very crucial to manage population and housing issues. Smart buildings and cities provide unique and convenient facilities to its residents so that they can contribute positively towards the economy of country. This paper focuses at important areas where AI has the most effects in order to investigate how integrating AI improves quality of life in smart cities. The aim is to highlight artificial intelligence's contribution to improving urban operations, streamlining resource management, and advancing sustainability. Additionally, potential concerns about privacy, data security, and fair access will be discussed. In order to show how AI-driven innovations like predictive analytics, machine learning, and IoT-enabled systems are changing the urban environment, the study synthesizes existing research and real-world examples. The evaluation also covers how AI promotes smart government, tailored urban services, and citizen involvement. The conclusion emphasizes that although AI has great potential to improve the quality of life in smart cities, implementation of the technology must be done in a balanced way to prioritize inclusive policies and ethical concerns for the general welfare of residents.

At the opinion crossroads: Kuibyshev in the days of the Great Patriotic War (1941–1943)

The article considers Kuibyshev city (Samara nowadays) in the wartime (1941–1943), the features of its life activity and development. The solving of the large-scale tasks raised in connection with the unprecedented evacuation of the government departments, diplomatic body, people’s commissariats, factories and population to the city deeply changed the city life. Kuibyshev was the regionally governed city, but it performed many specific functions typical for the soviet capital city of Moscow. The circumstance gave occasion to call the city of Kuibyshev unofficially «alternate capital». The research task is to analyze the various aspects of the Kuibyshev city life in the wartime: to show the different interpretations of its status perception by the historians in 1941–1943; to specify the data concerning the specified All-Union people’s commissariats being on evacuation in the city of Kuibyshev and its quantitative composition; to raise the question of the final date of the acceptance of the «special objects» No. 1 (Stalin’s bunker) and No. 2 (for General Staff of the Red Army) of the Building of Metrostroi (Soviet subway construction company); to qualify the questions about the zoning of the city in the wartime; to cite new data about Bezymyanka district of the prewar time using comparative-historical, analytical and retrospective methods. The article introduces a new document material of the central archives of the Russian Federation into scientific discourse. It is proved that Kuibyshev was neither «alternate» nor «military» capital. It tasted the peak of its «capital city status» during 2–3 months while solving many issues of the All-Union scale and performing capital functions. The conclusion that the acceptance of the city services in the analyzed period was the rating of the city of Kuibyshev to the cities of republican subordination on 21st August 1943 is drawn.