Residential Settlement Research Articles

Intestinal Parasitic Infections and Associated Factors Among Primary School Students in Tehran

Background: Parasitic infections in children can negatively impact their growth, health, nutrition status, and cognitive development. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate intestinal parasitic infection and its relationship with the nutritional status of primary school students in Tehran in 2020. Methods: The current study was conducted on 250 samples collected by the available sampling method from 2 selected residential settlements in Tehran. The samples were tested using both direct and formalin ether concentration (sedimentation) methods. The nutritional status of participants was evaluated using the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) questionnaire. The data were analyzed by the χ2 test. A significant level was considered 0.05. Results: Of the 250 student samples surveyed, 45 exhibited parasitic infection. In terms of nutrition, 18 cases were malnourished, 212 cases were exposed to malnutrition, and 20 cases had normal nutrition. The frequency of parasitic infection was higher in malnourished students (P < 0.05). It was also higher in students whose parents' education levels (especially the mother) were lower. Conclusions: It seems that parasitic infections are associated with students’ nutritional status and their parent education.

The regional geographical space of tourism in Spain: bases for the interpretation of the territorial tourism system

The regional geographical space of tourism in Spain: bases for the interpretation of the territorial tourism system aThroughout this research we approach the sociological explanation of the tourist activities that are developed in the context of the state "apparatus" of Spain, from the regional singularity. The interpretation of a reality becomes relatively important in which the interpretation, from Article 2 of the Constitution, currently in force, of the Nation, Nationalities, Regions, particularism and differential facts stands out. Relationship or political-legal-social relational complex (conceptually materialized as a politically organized social community, that is, as a State), not even, when contrasted differentially and reciprocally, can it ignore the primary purpose to which this relationship aspires, which is none other than to consolidate (rather than achieve), a objectual unit that society, territorially established and politically governed, independently of any other supreme power, recognizes referentially with full sovereignty (with total residential settlement of power in the element “people”), that is, with the State. Tourist activities are greatly influenced by the fact that in the Spanish state model the fruitful territorial division of the nation (understood in its double facet, cultural and legal, where the first refers to a set of individuals related to each other through ethnic, linguistic, geographical, historical, or religious ties, among others, and, in which the second reference refers to the set of citizens subject to a contractual relationship or social control such as the Constitution or the established legal system), has served to superimpose, in the peninsular geographical space, a set of territorial entities resulting from of the collective national will (on which the nation is based in its legal sense), and of the sentimental and identity bond.

Landscape and Ecological Analysis of the Territory of the Surgut District of Khmao-Yugra

Abstract—The landscape and environmental analysis was carried out on the example of the Surgut district of the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug-Yugra, where the main factor in the degradation of natural objects is pollution of the territory as a result of mining, which accounts for up to 80% of emissions. Landscape provinces as nodal geosystems were used for the analysis. A general structural and morphological assessment of landscapes, an assessment of unfavorable ecological and geographical processes, anthropogenic transformation and ecological infrastructure of landscapes were carried out, and ecologically significant factors of the territory were identified. As a result of the conducted research, a map was compiled reflecting the spatial differentiation of the state of landscape provinces, taking into account anthropogenic impact. It has been established that the best landscape and ecological well-being is possessed by the southern territory of the district (Yugansk-Laryegan province), which is characterized by the containment of anthropogenic activity due to the creation of the Yugansk Nature Reserve. The Vandras-Yugan province serves as a buffer between anthropogenic and least modified natural landscapes, occupying an intermediate position in the assessment. The central part of the Surgut district received the most massive "blow" to the landscapes, as the main transport routes, pipelines, and residential settlements are concentrated here. The northern part of the Surgut district is characterized by waterlogging processes, a high degree of overgrowth and an average degree of transformation of natural landscapes.

Sociodemographic features of COVID-19 premature mortality: Serbian individual-level data evidence

Abstract Background In Serbia, premature mortality due to COVID-19 usually has been assessed using aggregated mortality data, thus overlooking the impact of sociodemographic factors. Within the European Burden of Disease Network (COST Action CA18218), we examined the association between several sociodemographic factors and COVID-19 years of life lost (YLL) to reveal potential social inequalities. Methods The Statistical Office of the Republic of Serbia (SORS) has provided disaggregated, anonymized, and individual data on COVID-19 deaths in 2020 and 2021 from death certificates having U07.1 and U07.2 ICD codes as the main cause of death. Additionally, SORS remaining life expectancy and population size estimates were used along with sociodemographic data for each YLL case (sex, time and place of death, type of residential settlement, educational attainment, marital status, and economic activity). Results In the observed two-year period, 38,098 COVID-19 death cases were assessed, of which 72.8% were registered in 2021. The average YLL per death case was 12.51±7.62, and the median YLL was 11.50 (12.60±7.44 for men and 12.39±7.85 for women, p < 0.006). The multivariate linear regression indicated a significant association between the number of YLL and sex (B = 1.02, p < 0.01), residential area (B = 0.21, p < 0.01), educational attainment (B = 0.84, p < 0.01), marital status (B = 1.65, p < 0.01), employment (B=-7.02, p < 0.01) and place of death (B=-1.76, p < 0.01). Conclusions This study demonstrates social inequalities in COVID-19 premature mortality associated with the highest YLL among men, single persons, retired persons, and those with higher education status. We identify significant differences in YLL when comparing different regions. Key messages • Individual-level data reveals differences in premature mortality aggravated by social disparities. • Policymakers should consider sociodemographic factors when designing COVID-19 prevention measures.

Assessing potential coastal flood exposure along the Port-Bouët Bay in Côte d’Ivoire using the enhanced bathtub model

Coastal flooding is a growing concern for many communities worldwide due to climate change. This study focuses on the Port-Bouët Bay, located in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. A coastal flood model based on the enhanced bathtub model was used to map the present and future flood extent and assess exposure to quantify the likely affected populations, buildings, and land uses for different scenarios. The model incorporated a digital elevation model, surface roughness, flood water source, and the once a century extreme sea-level scenarios. Validation was conducted against GPS coordinates of recently flooded zones. The analysis revealed that, under current conditions, around 21.58 hectares are vulnerable to flooding, and approximately 2465 people and 544 buildings are exposed to flooding today. Based on future projections, the extent of flooding is anticipated to increase by different ranges depending on the time period and the climate change conditions. By the end of the century, the increase in flooding extent could reach a percentage of 27%, 37%, and 90% under SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, and SSP5-8.5, respectively. The impacts would consequently be worsened with greater number of people and assets exposed to future coastal flood hazard. The land use analysis showed that informal settlements are the occupation most exposed, followed by residential settlements, commercial and industrial land, in that order. The spatial disaggregation of this exposure across neighborhoods indicates that Sogefiha is the most exposed, followed by Petit-Bassam and Vridi. However, a substantial increase in coastal flooding in Vridi by 2100 under the SSP5-8.5 scenario could lead to significant exposure level change for this scenario. This information is critical for evaluating and managing present and future coastal flood risks in the Port-Bouët Bay area and for informing decision-making processes.

Human health risk assessment of potentially toxic elements in soil and air particulate matter of automobile hub environments in Kumasi, Ghana

Rapid urbanization and uncontrolled industrial activities in developing countries have raised concerns about potentially toxic metal contamination of the environment. This study assessed the levels of potentially toxic elements in soil and airborne particulate matter in the Suame and Asafo areas in the Kumasi metropolis, characterized by a high concentration of auto mechanic workshops and residential settlements. X-ray fluorescence analysis and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry were used to determine the metal concentrations in the samples. The results showed high concentrations of potentially toxic elements in the soil and air samples, indicating contamination from automotive activities. Metals such as Co, Ni, Pb, and Zn were found to be present at concentrations (13.42–6101.58 mg/kg and 14.15–11.74 mg/kg for Suame and Asafo respectively) that pose potential health risks to exposed populations. Mathematical models such as pollution indices were used to assess the extent of contamination and determine the potential sources of the metals - the automotive repairs. The findings highlight the urgent need for environmental management and remediation strategies to mitigate the health risks of exposure to potentially toxic elements in the Kumasi metropolis automotive hub.

Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Sediment Samples from the Mae Chaem River, Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Heavy metals are significant environmental pollutants that are recognized as posing a potential health hazard to human beings. We investigated the concentrations of the heavy metals As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn in surface sediments collected from the Mae Chaem River in Chiang Mai, Thailand, during the dry season in 2021. The mean concentrations of heavy metals in sediments were, in decreasing order, Zn > Cr > As > Pb > Ni > Cu > Cd. The mean values of As, Cd, Cr, and Cu were determined to be 32.5 ± 18.3, 0.33 ± 0.07, 45.8 ± 11.9, and 21.9 ± 7.42 mg Kg-1, respectively. These levels are higher than their standard levels in Thailand, namely 10.0, 0.16, 45.5, and 21.5 mg Kg-1, respectively. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that the primary origins of heavy metal contamination are predominantly attributed to residential settlements and agricultural areas. The hazard quotient (HQ) was used to estimate the non-carcinogenic risk of exposure to heavy-metal-bound surface sediments for both children and adults. The results showed that the HQ values for both groups were less than 1.0 (HQ < 1.0), indicating no risk. Moreover, assessment of the long-term risk for ingestion of toxic metals indicated no risk (<10-6) based on the lifetime cancer risk (LCR). However, the LCR values of As and Cr were 5.3 × 10-6 and 2.5 × 10-6, respectively, demonstrating the most elevated LCR among the hazardous metals in terms of children's exposure. Therefore, it is possible that children living in agricultural areas and participating in activities around the study area may be exposed to elevated concentrations of As and Cr.

Indigenous Fire Futures

Abstract Dominant causal explanations of the wildfire threat in California include anthropogenic climate change, fire suppression, industrial logging, and the expansion of residential settlements, which are all products of settler colonial property regimes and structures of resource extraction. Settler colonialism is grounded in Indigenous erasure and dispossession through militarism and incarceration, which are prominent tools in California's fire industrial complex. To challenge settler colonial frameworks within fire management, Indigenous peoples are organizing to expand Indigenous cultural controlled burning, fire stewardship, and sovereignty. These initiatives emphasize reciprocal human-fire relations and uphold Indigenous knowledge systems and livelihoods. Concurrently, Indigenous fire sovereignty is threatened by knowledge appropriation and superficial collaborations. In this article, we review contemporary research on Indigenous burning in order to highlight the strategies that Indigenous communities and scholars employ to subvert colonial power relations within wildfire management and actualize regenerative Indigenous futures.

Wealth and poverty in mining Africa: migration, settlement and occupational change in Tanzania during the global mineral boom, 2002–2012

ABSTRACT This article interrogates place, process and people’s quest for enhanced welfare during the 2002–2012 global mineral price boom in northwest Tanzania. Mass in-migration of miners, traders and service providers generated diversified residential settlements. Processes of occupational change and urbanization, catalyzed by acquisition of employment, land, housing and other possessions at six contrasting mining locations were compared from a geo-social perspective. Our surveyed gold and diamond mining sites represented different manifestations of the mining trajectory namely: (1) artisanal rushes, (2) mature artisanal and (3) industrial mining. The article investigates who benefitted locationally and who lost in residents’ scrambles to gain improved living standards. Survey data on 216 household heads’ occupations, educational backgrounds, consumption and investments were collected, followed by construction of a household welfare index, revealing modest welfare improvements relative to rural consumption norms for the majority of interviewed resident households. However, in line with Picketty’s theoretical insights, extreme material inequality surfaced on the welfare spectrum between the outlier affluent and poor quintile groups. Those with higher educational attainment enjoyed superior welfare and occupational status, coalescing towards middle class formation. At the opposite end, single female-headed households stood out as extremely disadvantaged, handicapped by high child dependency ratios and occupational immobility.

Compressed air and hydrogen energy storage hybridized with solar energy to supply electricity and hot water for a residential settlement

In order to move toward net zero energy buildings, use of new and renewable energy resources parallel with development of high performance energy storage systems is necessary to maximize energy absorption and reduce energy losses with subsequent improvement in the energy performance of systems. In this research, two separate energy storage systems for supplying electricity and hot water for 500 residential buildings in Beijing have been designed and compared based on their performance. 1500 solar panels provide the required power for buildings. The first system is compressed air energy storage (CAES), while the second system is hydrogen energy storage (HES). Simulation has been done in TRNSYS and EES software. Energy and exergy analyses have been done for both systems. In case of the loss of hot water produced by the systems, the annual average energy efficiency of CAES and HES is about 44 % and 42 %, respectively. The energy efficiency of the first system decreases in the hot months of the year and reaches about 42 %, but the efficiency of the HES system is constant throughout the year. If the hot water produced by the systems is used for consumption in residential buildings, the energy efficiency of CAES and HES reaches 93 % and 64 %, respectively. The most exergy destruction in the CAES is related to combustion chambers (41 % of the total exergy destruction) and in the HES, it is related to electrolyzers (71 % of the total exergy destruction). The exergy efficiency of the first system is about 56 %, while for the second system this value is about 34 %.

Estilos alfareros del Período Tardío en el Noroeste argentino

This paper contributes to the characterization of late-period ceramic styles in northwestern Argentina by studying a ceramic assemblage recovered from the Loma l´Ántigo site, a residential settlement in the Cajón Valley (Catamarca, Argentina) between the late 13th and late 15th centuries. The research describes and analyzes visual aesthetics —morphology, surface treatments, and iconography— and uses low magnifications to characterize the ceramic material. Then, it compares the results with knowledge from neighboring regions to propose the existence of shared aesthetic and technological patterns that span several geographical areas and traverse the traditional style categories for the area and period.

New peripheries in the making? Analysing German cities from the lens of a suburbanisation of poverty

In this paper we discuss evidence on new socio-spatial patterns in the relation between urban and suburban areas due to the involuntary outward residential mobility of low-income households from central urban areas. Our findings build upon research in three German cities from a comparative perspective, with interviews with local experts providing the main source of information. For analysing decentralisation or suburbanisation of poverty processes we focus on the role of the urban housing market, residential settlement changes, and the role of social security systems. We cannot confirm the displacement of low-income households beyond city limits as a general trend. Instead, our findings reveal a local and context-dependent variation of socio-spatial shifts in the three investigated cities, related to city-specific housing market and urban development factors. As a general factor, existing social security systems continue to work towards keeping low-income households inside cities, seemingly preventing a large-scale suburbanisation of poverty. There is, however, a worrying trend in the concentration of low-income households in ever-decreasing segments of affordable housing, alongside increasing burdens on low-income households coping with the current challenges of a housing affordability crisis. City-regional monitoring and further research are needed.

Improving urban resilience against climate change through government tax policies to housing companies: A game-theoretic approach

Mass housing companies play a vital role in improving the resilience of urban infrastructure against disasters. Equipping residential settlements against disasters caused by climate change increases the safety of urban infrastructure against these disasters. However, the continuation of these measures requires government support due to their high cost. The present study establishes a three-stage stackelberg game model and examines the role of government tax policies in increasing the resilience of residential settlements. This model consists of the government, mass housing companies, and whole building buyers. The decisions of the players and their utility are obtained in equilibrium conditions. Then, the model's efficiency is examined by presenting the city of Karaj as a case study. Also, through sensitivity analysis, the effect of different parameters on the interests of the government and companies is investigated, and various managerial insights are suggested for urban management. Based on the results obtained, urban management can simultaneously improve the economic situation, urban infrastructure resilience, and resilient mass housing companies by providing a tax exemption policy within a specific range.

SCYTHIAN SETTLEMENTS ON THE PUTIVL PROMONTORIES

Twenty-six sites of the Early Iron Age are known in the middle flow of the Seim River. There are more than four dozen unfortified settlements here. They are located very close to the residential settlement, on the dunes in the floodplain, on the first promontories above the floodplain. Settlements within the modern city of Putivl are somewhat distinct. First of all, it is extremely difficult to ascertain their size. Powerful layers of later time are traced on them. Research is difficult because of the massive building-up of the city.&#x0D; Materials of the Scythian Age were found on six sites: Kopteva Gora settlement, Monastyrsky Cape, Kinder House settlement, Gorodok, Nikolskaya Gorka and Molokozavod settlement. The sites were discovered on three capes, one household pit on each. The cultural layer was preserved only within the Molokozavod.&#x0D; All settlements are located on the promontories. It is possible that some of them had fortifications in the Early Iron Age, which were destroyed tracelessly by the late reconstruction. The existence of a settlement on the cape of Nikolskaya Gorka is most probable. A lot of Scythian ceramics were found here. The Molokozavod settlement was probably synchronous, and it was a single complex together with the fortified site. Judging by the ceramics, it ought to be preliminarily dated to the 5th—4th century BC.&#x0D; Some settlements of Putivl Seim basin are located in pairs. One of them simultaneously remained uninhabited or unfinished. It is possible that such a pair of settlements existed within Putivl. Perhaps the uninhabited satellite of Nikolskaya Gorka was a hill-fort Gorodok.&#x0D; Six sites of the Scythian Age are considered within the modern Putivl. The conclusions made in the paper are no more than an assumption. This is primarily due to the paucity of material and the degree of preservation of monuments of the Early Iron Age. The most promising for future research are Nikolskaya Gorka and Molokozavod settlement. However, we can’t hope for significant results in the study of Early Iron Age antiquities on the territory of Putivl.

SCRUTINIZING THE POLICY AND PLANNING MODEL FOR ETHNIC ENCLAVE GAMBELLA CITY, ETHIOPIA

An urban and regional growth pattern is shaped by purposeful, cooperative governance initiatives in any country through planning. Various planning strategies have been underway in Ethiopia since its inception. However, these plans for Gambella City felt short, as the current city development plan is challenged by the concentration of residents from the same ethnic group settled in spatial space. Ethnic federalism in Ethiopia, with a lot of ambiguities, failed the urban planning strategy. The planning was unsuccessful in accommodating the influx of ethnic groups armed with an ethnic sense of identity and attitudes. Resistance to structural plan execution, ethnic conflicts, high environmental pollution, robbery, and theft in Gambella City are all revealed as the result of unsuitable residential settlement policies, regulations, and planning models in place. We explore the planning model in use since the establishment of Gambella enclave and develop a new one that fits the city. Purposive sampling was employed for selecting the Gambella Urban Development and Construction Bureau, the Mayor's Office, the Gambella Speaker House, the Gambella Municipality, Urban planning Institue; and experts in all these sectors.

Challenges of sustainable mobility: Context of car dependency, suburban areas in Thailand

Urbanization and transportation have caused two critical issues in the challenge of sustainable development, particularly, challenges to sustainable mobility in the context of car dependency. This is due to all aspects of environmental, social, and economic has been continued influenced by transportation related issues. The challenges of sustainable mobility in the context of suburban areas have become aggravating situation due to massive migrations, thus Pathumthani province, represented as vicinity area of Bangkok, Thailand was selected as a case study. Data were collected from 1,998 respondents by questionnaire survey and analyzed using statistical analysis and visualization based on geographic information system, GIS application. The study results revealed that the urbanization process has led to an increase in urban development that attracts enormous migrations in searching for their opportunities (working and education trips). This phenomenon has positioned Pathumthani to serve as a supportive area for the spillover of rapid urbanization in the country's capital area which has led to the development of private car-dependent travel and public transport network, mainly concentrated in urban areas with exclusion to residents in remote areas. On the other hand, most areas sprawl with a scattered density of residential settlements, which existing transportation system development can no longer serve the continued rising travel demand as before. The findings confirmed that the current development pattern could not promptly meet the needs of suburban development, requiring the policymakers to launch an effective plan to meet appropriate transportation demands and promote good quality of travelling for the residents and commuters.

Assessment of residential settlement planning in Medina, based on climate adaptability

The theme of World Habitat Day 2020 was Housing for All: “A Better Urban Future”. In light of this postulate, this study aims to determine the climate response of traditional urban morphology to the Sousse climate, which allows us to assess the effectiveness of ancient urban planning considered a model of low-energy and low-carbon. This study purposes to help future urban planners in the early phase of the project and preserve their urban heritage. Design strategies such as indoor and outdoor daylighting and different natural ventilation conditions were studied to assess ancient city planning. The results show that the grouped houses in linear blocks with courtyards promote natural ventilation, solar gain, and thermal comfort control. This self-contained, compact urban morphology is beneficial in the semi-arid climate; it reduces heat loss through the exterior envelope and creates a comfortable atmosphere inside and outside the block, especially in summer.

Beyond life: Aspects of Communication with the Dead Souls in Ancient Egypt

The ancient Egyptians believed that after death their souls would continue to exist in the next world. As early as the Neolithic culture, their burial customs tended to preserve the dead in as lifelike a way as possible. Meanwhile, the bodies were buried within the residential settlements. It was through this body treatment, that the living would interact directly with the dead. The Old Kingdom witnessed other early methods of communicating with the departed relatives through writing Letters to the Dead, which extended as long as the Late Period. The ancient Egyptians also erected false doors in their tombs since the Old Kingdom to serve as a link between the worlds of the living and the dead. Additionally, they believed that the dead would come to life in the otherworld together with the souls of their forebears, who were glorified in several manifestations such as the Souls of Pe and Nekhen. In their form as royal ancestral souls, they interacted with the living and the dead. They also blessed the birth, coronation, reigning, and rebirth of the royals. Furthermore, they connected between the sky and the earth and protect, guide, and acclaimed the justification of the dead.

The dynamics of household water security and treatment practices: a population-based, cross-sectional study in Osun State, Southwest Nigeria.

A minimum of basic water supply service is pertinent to improving living standards and water-dependent quality of life indices. In Nigeria, 14% have access to safely managed drinking water services, though approximately 30% of water pumps and schemes are likely to fail within 12months of construction. This study aims to determine household water security and its predictors in Osun State, Nigeria. The cross-sectional study recruited 548 households through a five-stage sampling technique and used a semi-structured questionnaire for data collection.Results were presented by descriptive and inferential statistics, while binary logistic regression identified water-security predictors at Pά 0.05. Hand-dug wells (27.7%) and motorized boreholes (21.2%) were the predominant household drinking water sources. A total of 43.7% of households were water-secured while 35.2% of water sources were within residential settlements. A total of 25.1% of households experienced water scarcity, and 27.2% of households treat drinking water mainly by chlorination (56.7%) and boiling (14.7%). A total of 21.2%, 64.2%, and 9% of households, respectively, have safely managed basic and limited water supply services. Drinking water sources were associated with house ownership (p = 0.001) and residence period (p = 0.025) while water treatment was associated with gender (p = 0.010) and wealth (p = 0.0001). Age (p = 0.002) and wealth (p = 0.0001) are predictors of household water security. Two-fifths of households were water-secured, highlighting the dearth of potable water supply services and the need to incorporate strategic predictors of household water security in the existing national and state-level water resources regulations.

The Impact of Cultural Capital on Vaccine Attitudes among the Slovenian Public.

Education and highbrow cultural participation-two dimensions of cultural capital-have previously been identified as determinants of vaccine attitudes, though the links have been mainly inconsistent across studies. The present quantitative study aimed to examine the effects of two dimensions of cultural capital (institutionalized and embodied cultural capital) on the pro-vaccine attitudes of the Slovenian public. A cross-sectional quantitative study was performed in November 2019, a few months prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. The non-probability sample survey was collected by inviting respondents over the age of 18 to participate using the snowball technique via e-mail, digital social networks (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) and University of Maribor social network profiles. The sample was obtained through an online survey tool 1ka.si (N = 661; Mage = 34.9 years). The impact of education and highbrow cultural participation on vaccine attitudes was examined, controlling for sociodemographic variables (gender, age and size of residential settlement) and economic variables (income and family economic status) in multivariate analyses. Bivariate analyses indicated that pro-vaccine attitudes were significantly more likely to be expressed by men, younger respondents, those with lower incomes, higher perceived family economic status, living in urban areas and by those who are more frequently engaged in highbrow cultural activities, while education had no impact on vaccine attitudes. The results did not substantially change when multiple regression models were employed. Our study indicated that cultural capital has an inconsistent impact on vaccine attitudes; while education has no impact, highbrow cultural participation increases pro-vaccine attitudes. The results suggest a multi-type approach is needed to address vaccine scepticism among the Slovenian public.