Urban Practice Areas Research Articles

Urban archaeology and environmental data: the Lyon experience

Restricted to the perimeter of Lyon, the City Archaeological Service has developed an adapted methodology to better exploit geoarcheological data in the context of a completely urbanized area. General characteristics of geoarcheological practices in urban areas Considering environmental factors in the understanding of the shape, function, and even disappearance of archaeological remains, geoarchaeology is submitted to the following constraints in urban environments: quasi-complete disappearan...

PENGETAHUAN, SIKAP, DAN PRAKTEK ASI EKSLUSIF SERTA STATUS GIZI BAYI USIA 4-12 BULAN DI PEDESAAN DAN PERKOTAAN

The main aim of this study was to compare breastfeeding knowledge, attitude, and practice and infants nutritional status between rural and urban areas. In this cross-sectional study, Desa Jayabakti, Kabupaten Sukabumi represents rural area, while Kelurahan Kedung Jaya, Kota Bogor represents urban area. Samples were 31 mothers-infants in each area who were selected by simple cluster sampling method. The differences between two areas were analyzed with the independent t-test, chi-square test, and Fisher's exact test. The correlation between variables was analyzed with rank Spearman. The result of this study showed that mother's knowledge and attitude of nutrition, especially about exclusive breastfeeding, was higher in urban than in rural area. There were differences in mothers' knowledge and attitude between rural and urban areas (p<0.05). Exclusive breastfeeding in rural area practiced by 41.9%, which is higher than in urban area (25.8%). Nevertheless, there was no statistical difference in exclusive breastfeeding practice between rural and urban areas (p>0.05). The aspects of breastfeeding practices which statistically difference in rural and urban areas were the introduction of colostrums status and breastfeeding time (p<0.05). Early initiation of breastfeeding was associated with exclusive breastfeeding practice in urban area (p<0.05), but none of the variables were associated with exclusive breastfeeding practice in rural area (p>0.05). Furthermore, exclusive breastfeeding practice was not associated with 4-12 months infants nutritional status (p>0.05). Mothers' family should be targeted as target of audience in breastfeeding promotion. Keywords: breastfeeding practice, exclusive breastfeeding, knowledge, attitude, infant nutritional status, rural and urban areas.

Experimental approach to the contribution of plant-covered walls to the thermal behaviour of building envelopes

The use of vegetation has an important impact on the thermal performance of buildings and on the modification of the urban climate as well, both in winter and summer. Plants absorb a significant amount of solar radiation for their growth and biological functions, functioning as a solar barrier that prevents solar radiation absorption extensively. Their utilization is essential and can considerably improve the microclimate of the built environment. Vegetation planted to cover the external surface of a building is common practice in urban areas. However, up to now, it has not been fully approved as an energy-saving method. Climbers can provide a cooling potential on the building surface, which is very important during the hot periods of the year, especially in warm climates. Hence, the peak temperatures that appear are essentially lower, in addition to the decrease of heat flow losses. In this study the thermal analysis concerns two equivalent building floors that incorporate non-covered and covered with plants wall sections (insulated wall surfaces), respectively. The investigation is carried out during the cooling period in the Greek region. A comparison between the bare and plant-covered surface sections of the walls is conducted via an experimental setup (stationary method). Results are focused on the developed temperature variations and dynamic thermal characteristics of wall surfaces for both cases under investigation. As it is shown, the contribution of plant-covered wall sections is important so that the thermal behaviour of the building envelope can be improved.

Ecological research can augment restoration practice in urban areas degraded by invasive species—examples from Chicago Wilderness

Urban biodiversity conservation needs a firm scientific foundation, one that draws upon active and regionally calibrated research programs. Until recently this foundation has not existed. In this paper we examine the way in which the emerging discipline of restoration ecology in an urban context can learn from the experiences of ongoing restoration projects and in turn how novel insights from research of urban soils can help these projects define and reach their goals. Limitations on collaboration between academic researchers and practitioners continues be problematic. We discuss a model whereby this impediment may be removed. A case study of Rhamnus cathartica, an invader of Midwestern woodlands which modifies some important soil ecosystem properties will be used to illustrate the potential for engagement between research and practice.

Determinants of Solid Waste Disposal Practices in Urban Areas of Ethiopia: A Household-Level Analysis

Waste management is a growing public concern in Ethiopia. This study examined the patterns and determinants of solid waste disposal practices adopted by families using a random sample of 200 households from Jimma town. The descriptive results revealed that open-dumping, burying, burning and composting are the four most important kinds of household solid waste disposal practices. Estimation results of a reduced-form multinomial log it suggest that household choices of these practices are determined by a certain combination of family size, gender of household head, length of residence, age and education of the head of household, and education of children. This short article provides useful insights into sustainable solid waste management practices in Jimma town.

Cardiologists' Perception of Secondary Prevention and Cardiac Rehabilitation Referral Patterns

Formal cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs result in decreased cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. Despite overwhelming evidence for the benefits of contemporary CR, fewer than 20% of patients with coronary artery disease participate in such programs, highlighting the vast underutilization of these services, especially in older adults and women. PURPOSE: To quantify/clarify physician perceptions of formalized secondary prevention initiatives and to evaluate CR referral patterns, with specific reference to physician lifestyle practices. METHODS: A 23-item questionnaire was developed and sent to all Michigan cardiologists (N = 840) registered with the American College of Cardiology. The survey, which included a stamped return envelope, was designed to assess referral patterns, perceived benefits of CR, insurance coverage and personal therapeutic lifestyle practices. RESULTS: Of the surveys mailed (N = 840), 105 (13%) were returned by the requested deadline. Most respondents had practices in urban areas (73%), knew of a hospital-based CR program in close proximity (99%), and referred their patients to CR “routinely” (97%). Whereas 92% of respondents felt that CR decreased morbidity, 63% believed that CR decreased mortality. The majority of cardiologist respondents (64%) referred ? 70% of their eligible patients, independent of gender; however, 35% stated a patient's age influences the rate of referral. An increase in exercise tolerance, serial monitoring, education, and improved patient outcomes were the most commonly cited rationale for referral. Respondents who took a cholesterol-lowering statin each day tended to have higher referral rates of all eligible patients (P ≤ 0.05). Although 65% of respondents participated in personal exercise programs at least 3 days/week for at least 30 min/day, there was no relationship between exercise frequency and the reported referral rate to CR. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that selected personal lifestyle practices among cardiologists may be associated with their referral rates to CR. Primary rationale for referral to CR include increased exercise tolerance, serial monitoring, education, and improved patient outcomes. These data have relevance to CR program staff in clarifying the utilization of services among referring physicians.

An integrated environmental plan for the reuse of treated wastewater effluents from WWTP in urban areas

The reuse of treated wastewater effluents from wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) is a recent practice in the environmental restoration of marginal areas in combination with tree and shrub planting. In urban areas, an integrated approach to the application of this practice implies (a) reuse of treated domestic wastewater for irrigation of hardy plant species and (b) design of environmentally friendly outdoor landscape including the planting of species acceptable for irrigation with such kind of wastewater. The application of this practice in urban areas is possible through the combined reuse of treated municipal wastewater effluents inside buildings as well as towards the environmental configuration of outdoor spaces in combination with the concurrent planting of hardy plant species and their parallel irrigation with such effluents, within the scope of an integrated, complete reuse. For the successful application of such a plan, it is important to continuously monitor a number of parameters concerned with the physical–chemical properties of wastewater effluents heavy metal concentrations as well as their corresponding concentrations in the soil, and also their corrosive effects that take place within the pipes and the facilities where such reuse is practised. The installation of such a system indoors in urban complexes (house, hotels, etc.) for the reuse of municipal wastewater will make available considerable quantities of water with the simultaneous protection of the environment and the development of urban areas.

The Role of Local Actors in Transforming Informal Settlements in Turkey for Sustainable Urban Development: The Ankara–Dikmen Valley Case

The question of how to create sustainable cities in developing countries is closely related to the question of how to upgrade and/or transform informal settlements in developing countries. The participation processes and the partnerships of urban actors appear as the key components in upgrading/transforming informal settlements and achieving sustainable practices in urban areas. This paper examines the relations between group of urban actors who took part in a large-scale gecekondu (urban squatter areas) transformation project in Ankara, the capital city of Turkey, known as the Dikmen Valley Environmental and Housing Transformation Project. The research points to different actors involved in this transformation process, the dynamic and often conflicting relations and interests among them. Examining the environmental problems that are created due to these relations, the research highlights how environmental concerns were overridden by the political and economic concerns via the “consensus” solutions generated. It is concluded that the decision-making groups, which are the metropolitan government units, tend to dominate the participation process by establishing coalitions with other groups such as landowners and gecekondu owners. The struggles within and between the decision-making groups are also emphasized as having a major influence on generating undesired outcomes for urban sustainability.

Home delivery and newborn care practices among urban women in western Nepal: a questionnaire survey

BackgroundAbout 98% of newborn deaths occur in developing countries, where most newborns deaths occur at home. In Nepal, approximately, 90% of deliveries take place at home. Information about reasons for delivering at home and newborn care practices in urban areas of Nepal is lacking and such information will be useful for policy makers.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was carried out in the immunisation clinics of Pokhara city, western Nepal during January and February, 2006. Two trained health workers administered a semi-structured questionnaire to the mothers who had delivered at home.ResultsA total of 240 mothers were interviewed. Planned home deliveries were 140 (58.3%) and 100 (41.7%) were unplanned. Only 6.2% of deliveries had a skilled birth attendant present and 38 (15.8%) mothers gave birth alone. Only 46 (16.2%) women had used a clean home delivery kit and only 92 (38.3%) birth attendants had washed their hands. The umbilical cord was cut after expulsion of placenta in 154 (64.2%) deliveries and cord was cut using a new/boiled blade in 217 (90.4%) deliveries. Mustard oil was applied to the umbilical cord in 53 (22.1%) deliveries. Birth place was heated throughout the delivery in 88 (64.2%) deliveries. Only 100 (45.8%) newborns were wrapped within 10 minutes and 233 (97.1%) were wrapped within 30 minutes. Majority (93.8%) of the newborns were given a bath soon after birth. Mustard oil massage of the newborns was a common practice (144, 60%). Sixteen (10.8%) mothers did not feed colostrum to their babies. Prelacteal feeds were given to 37(15.2%) newborns. Initiation rates of breast-feeding were 57.9% within one hour and 85.4% within 24 hours. Main reasons cited for delivering at home were 'preference' (25.7%), 'ease and convenience' (21.4%) for planned deliveries while 'precipitate labor' (51%), 'lack of transportation' (18%) and 'lack of escort' during labor (11%) were cited for the unplanned ones.ConclusionHigh-risk home delivery and newborn care practices are common in urban population also. In-depth qualitative studies are needed to explore the reasons for delivering at home. Community-based interventions are required to improve the number of families engaging a skilled attendant and hygiene during delivery. The high-risk traditional newborn care practices like delayed wrapping, bathing, mustard oil massage, prelacteal feeding and discarding colostrum need to be addressed by culturally acceptable community-based health education programmes.

Teaching of psychology in Brazil

Psychology programs were first recognized in Brazilian universities during the mid‐20th century. Prior to that, psychology had been taught in conjunction with other programs such as medicine, law, and education. The growth of psychology programs has been rapid in the last 25 years. From the time the Brazilian government first established a 5‐year degree program in 1962, the number of psychology programs regulated by the Ministry of Education has increased to about 150. Graduate programs, established in 1965 and 1968, are also rapidly expanding. Psychology teaching draws on both European and US traditions in content and teaching methodology. A sociocultural psychological orientation is emphasized. Psychologists are prepared in 5‐year undergraduate programs including 2 years of internship and extensive coursework in all areas of the discipline, including neurophysiology, psychobiology, social psychology, clinical psychology, developmental psychology, health psychology, and organizational psychology. Programs must follow national curriculum guidelines. There is no consensus as to which textbooks to use in particular courses and these decisions are generally left to the discretion of the professors. The preference is for use of customized collections of readings rather than books. Textbooks are thought to provide one‐sided perspectives and to discourage library research. The increasing availability of on‐line journals and e‐books has revolutionized information access in Brazil, as in the rest of the world, and these are often used. The goals of undergraduate psychology programs are to prepare capable psychologists to work in a variety of capacities to benefit Brazilian society as a whole. The majority of psychologists practice in urban areas. Community organizations and social movements operating in rural areas may also have psychologists on staff. The optimism, respect for diversity, and dedication to democratic principles that are leading Brazil quickly into strong economic and social prominence in the 21st century are reflected in the teaching of psychology.

Public attitudes towards naturalistic versus designed landscapes in the city of Sheffield (UK)

The last few decades of the 20th century have seen a rapid change in attitudes towards nature in the urban environment, which reflects greater awareness of nature amongst the general public as well as landscape professionals. As a result, a fashion towards the production of more natural landscapes in urban areas emerged among landscape professionals, and an increasing amount of landscape practices in urban areas has involved the use of ‘naturalistic’ styles. At the same time, the possible benefits of contact with nature have been explored by environmental psychologists, and it has tended to be assumed that such contact is fundamental for human health and well-being and that this form of landscape represented ethical and aesthetic progress. However, there is also evidence that some people do not respond to natural landscapes in urban areas, and see them as unkempt, valueless or even frightening, and prefer the neat and tidy approach of formal, ornamental landscapes. This research examines the public attitudes towards urban naturalistic landscapes in contrast to more formal designs of urban green spaces. Attitudes of the general public were investigated using a site-based questionnaire survey in contrasting two public green spaces of Sheffield, UK. The results of this study led to the following conclusions. The public can distinguish between naturalistic and more obviously designed landscapes, appreciate both types, and derive some similar and some different benefits from the two. The general public perceive ‘nature’ or ‘natural’ in two ways in different contexts: as the opposite of formal in a parks context and as the opposite of the built-up environment in a town/city-wide context. The public prefer both types of natural areas in an urban setting for different reasons and design styles seem to have an influence on preferences.

IMGs Have Played Critical Role In History of U.S. Psychiatry

IMGs Have Played Critical Role In History of U.S. Psychiatry

Oral contraceptives (OC) prescribing practices in urban areas of Poland

International Journal of Gynecology & ObstetricsVolume 70, Issue S4 p. D97-D97 Poster contraceptions Oral contraceptives (OC) prescribing practices in urban areas of Poland M.M. Lech, Search for more papers by this author M.M. Lech, Search for more papers by this author First published: 11 December 2003 https://doi.org/10.1016/S0020-7292(00)84467-7AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onEmailFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume70, IssueS42000Pages D97-D97 RelatedInformation

International and US medical graduates in US cities.

This study examines the comparative distributions of postresident international medical graduates (IMGs) and US medical graduates (USMGs) in high and low poverty areas of US cities. Existing research has established that IMGs are more likely than USMGs to practice in urban areas, yet there is the question whether IMGs locate more frequently than USMGs in urban poverty areas. Data from the 1997 AMA Physician Masterfile and 1990 US Census were merged to classify physicians' practices into low- and high-poverty areas in selected cities. In 14 cities with populations of 2.5 million or more, IMGs were located in a statistically significant disproportion in poverty areas of 7 cities. Of 36 cities with populations of 1,000,000 to 2,499,999, there were 5 cities that had significant IMG disproportions in poverty areas. Of a random sample of 27 cities with populations of 250,000 to 999,999, there were 2 cities that had significant IMG disproportions. Many cities in all three size categories had a large proportionate IMG complement of the total physician workforce located within high-poverty areas. IMGs were found in disproportionate numbers in poverty areas in a number of US cities, especially the very largest ones. These findings are discussed in light of the current debate about a physician surplus and initiatives to reduce the number of IMGs in residency training.

Factors related to family therapists' breaking confidence when clients disclose high-risks-to-HIV/AIDS sexual behaviors.

This national survey of 309 marriage and family therapists examined what therapists do when their HIV-positive clients disclose that they are engaging in high-risk sexual behavior. The participants were given vignettes in which a fictitious client told the therapist about engaging in unprotected sex. Although the basic situations were the same, the client variables of age, gender, race, sexual orientation, and HIV status were systematically varied. The participants were more likely to break confidence regarding unsafe sex practices when their clients were male, young, gay, or African American. Moreover, therapists who were more likely to disclose were older, female, had less experience with gay/lesbian populations, were Catholic, were very religious, and were more likely to practice in urban areas. The authors discuss the implications of these and other findings.

Practice Patterns of Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses

BACKGROUND: Research about the nature and scope of advanced psychiatric nurse prac tice is critical to validating advanced practice and further developing the role of the advanced practice nurse. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to describe the characteristics and the practice and prescriptive patterns of advanced practice psychiatric nurses (APPNs). Research questions included: (a) What are the characteristics of APPNs? (b) What are the prac tice patterns of APPNs? (c) What are the prescribing patterns of APPNs? (d) Do APPNs with prescriptive authority dependent on physicians differ in prescribing patterns from those APPNs with prescriptive authority independent of physicians? (e) Are APPNs with prescriptive authority dependent on physicians in the form of a protocol more likely to practice in urban areas than in rural areas? STUDY DESIGN: This study was a descriptive cross-sectional survey of a random sample of 500 APPNs selected from the approximately 800 names included in the American Nurses Credentialing Center directory. RESULTS: Nurses in this sample were most likely to be older (mean age 50 years) women holding a masters degree or higher and working less than 40 hours per week in at least one or more subspecialties with an average of 13 years experience in the role. Most of these nurses earned between $30,000 and $69,999. They tended to be employed by an organization at least part of the time, with the rest of their time spent in private prac tice. Most (93%) of the APPNs in this study spent their time divided between two or more outpatient activities. Prescribing patterns for major tranquilizers, mood stabilizers, and antiparkinsonian agents differed based on dependence on protocol of prescriptive authority. APPNs in this sample were no more likely to practice in urban or rural areas when their prescriptive authority was independent or dependent on a physician. CONCLUSION: APPNs have decisions to make about the future of their role in a climate that demands more intensive treatment for a much smaller fee. ( J Am Psychiatr Nurses Assoc [1998]. 4, 111-120)

Practice patterns of advanced practice psychiatric nurses*1

Background : Research about the nature and scope of advanced psychiatric nurse practice is critical to validating advanced practice and further developing the role of the advanced practice nurse. Objective : The purpose of this study was to describe the characteristics and the practice and prescriptive patterns of advanced practice psychiatric nurses (APPNs). Research questions included: (a) What are the characteristics of APPNs? (b) What are the practice patterns of APPNs? (c) What are the prescribing patterns of APPNs? (d) Do APPNs with prescriptive authority dependent on physicians differ in prescribing patterns from those APPNs with prescriptive authority independent of physicians? (e) Are APPNs with prescriptive authority dependent on physicians in the form of a protocol more likely to practice in urban areas than in rural areas? Study Design : This study was a descriptive cross-sectional survey of a random sample of 500 APPNs selected from the approximately 800 names included in the American Nurses Credentialing Center directory. Results : Nurses in this sample were most likely to be older (mean age 50 years) women holding a masters degree or higher and working less than 40 hours per week in at least one or more subspecialties with an average of 13 years experience in the role. Most of these nurses earned between $30,000 and $69,999. They tended to be employed by an organization at least part of the time, with the rest of their time spent in private practice. Most (93%) of the APPNs in this study spent their time divided between two or more outpatient activities. Prescribing patterns for major tranquilizers, mood stabilizers, and antiparkinsonian agents differed based on dependence on protocol of prescriptive authority. APPNs in this sample were no more likely to practice in urban or rural areas when their prescriptive authority was independent or dependent on a physician. Conclusion : APPNs have decisions to make about the future of their role in a climate that demands more intensive treatment for a much smaller fee.

Cambodian health in transition.

As conflict and suffering in Bosnia, Chechnya, Rwanda, and Zaire continue to be at the forefront of world attention, some countries seem to be largely forgotten. It is timely to take stock of conditions in the small country of Cambodia as it struggles to take its place after a long period of isolation. Countless Cambodians and ethic Vietnamese have died there this year and during the past 25 years, victims of senseless killing or preventable disease.

Rural Health Care Faces Reform Too; Providers Sow Seeds for Better Future

THE VOICE of rural America, scarcely audible to organized medicine and policymakers in past decades, is demanding to be heard in the debate over health care reform in the United States. Almost one fourth of all Americans, or 55 million people, are rural residents, and during the last decade they have seen their already tenuous access to primary care services decline even further. Ten percent of all rural hospitals closed during the 1980s. Numerous disincentives have caused physicians and surgeons to leave rural practices. And many rural residents have contributed to the problem by driving past rural providers to obtain their care in urban centers. The outlook for the future is also disconcerting. In a recent survey, 23% of physicians with practices in rural communities said they were dissatisfied and plan to leave within 5 years. Many experts are predicting that these physicians will pursue practices in urban areas as

Organisation of telephone services and patients' access to doctors by telephone in general practice.

To assess how accessible general practitioners are to patients by telephone and to examine the relations between organisation, number of lines, and number of patient-doctor calls. Postal survey of a random sample of general practitioners stratified by rural and urban practice areas, with differential sampling fractions. General practices in England and Wales. 2000 general practitioners, of whom 1459 (74%) responded. Number of calls received by general practitioner a day, time reserved for patients' calls, and communication of availability of telephone contact. 1421 general practitioners said that they accepted non-emergency calls from patients during the day and 285 reported reserving specific times of the day for this purpose. 848 estimated that they received four or fewer patient calls a day. The number of calls was significantly related to reserving time for calls (p less than 0.001), informing patients that the doctor was accessible by telephone (p less than 0.00001), and the number of periods when calls were accepted (p less than 0.00001). On average there were 3659 patients per incoming line; the number of patients per incoming line rose significantly as practice size increased (p less than 0.00001). The apparent willingness of general practitioners to accept calls was not reflected in the number of calls received. Reserving time, increasing periods of availability, and publicising telephone access increased the number of doctor-patient telephone contacts. Line congestion may be a problem, and impartial advice and guidance on telephone organisation and line requirements would be helpful.