Spatial Environment Research Articles

The impact of urban spatial environment on COVID-19: a case study in Beijing.

Epidemics are dangerous and difficult to prevent and control, especially in urban areas. Clarifying the correlation between the COVID-19 Outbreak Frequency and the urban spatial environment may help improve cities' ability to respond to such public health emergencies. In this study, we firstly analyzed the spatial distribution characteristics of COVID-19 Outbreak Frequency by correlating the geographic locations of COVID-19 epidemic-affected neighborhoods in the city of Beijing with the time point of onset. Secondly, we created a geographically weighted regression model combining the COVID-19 Outbreak Frequency with the external spatial environmental elements of the city. Thirdly, different grades of epidemic-affected neighborhoods in the study area were classified according to the clustering analysis results. Finally, the correlation between the COVID-19 Outbreak Frequency and the internal spatial environmental elements of different grades of neighborhoods was investigated using a binomial logistic regression model. The study yielded the following results. (i) Epidemic outbreak frequency was evidently correlated with the urban external spatial environment, among building density, volume ratio, density of commercial facilities, density of service facilities, and density of transportation facilities were positively correlated with COVID-19 Outbreak Frequency, while water and greenery coverage was negatively correlated with it. (ii) The correlation between COVID-19 Outbreak Frequency and the internal spatial environmental elements of neighborhoods of different grades differed. House price and the number of households were positively correlated with the COVID-19 Outbreak Frequency in low-end neighborhoods, while the number of households was positively correlated with the COVID-19 Outbreak Frequency in mid-end neighborhoods. In order to achieve spatial justice, society should strive to address the inequality phenomena of income gaps and residential differentiation, and promote fair distribution of spatial environments.

Comparing lying behaviour of young riding horses on days in an individual indoor box, on an outdoor paddock alone, or in pairs and in the following night.

Horses must lie down to go into vital rapid-eye movement (REM) sleep. If they are not lying down for sufficiently long periods they can become so sleep-deprived that they collapse uncontrollably, which results in a risk of injuries. To investigate how recumbency as a prerequisite to REM sleep on the experimental days and the following nights was influenced by changes in social and spatial environment throughout the day. Cross-over design in which subjects experienced each experimental condition twice. Observations were conducted on a horse farm. Ten young horses in training were observed on days when they were alone indoors in a box, on an outdoor paddock alone, on the same paddock in pairs, and in the following night stabled alone. The number of lying bouts and the total lying duration throughout the day and night were assessed automatically using 3D-accelerometers and data were evaluated using mixed-models. Horses had a higher number of lying bouts during the days (p = 0.05, by a factor of 1.21 [95% CI: 1.00-1.45]) and longer lying duration at night (p < 0.001, by a factor of 11.25 [6.47-18.40]). On average, the number of lying bouts and the duration of lying increased from being indoors alone, to being outdoors alone, and outdoors in pairs although this could not be statistically supported (bouts: p = 0.5, by a factor of 1.08 [0.84-1.36] and 1.17 [0.91-1.48]; p = 0.6, duration: by a factor of 1.39 [0.73-2.93] and 1.38 [0.68-2.78]). A small number of horses were observed and there was large variability between days within horses. We found some indications that open space and a social companion throughout the day increased time lying down in the day as well as during the following nights thus allowing for more REM sleep.

Design and Optimization of Urban Spatial Environment Based on Digital Intelligent VR Technology

With the advent of the information age, new generation information technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain have had a profound impact on urban development. It not only improves the operational efficiency of various industries, changes the operational processes of various industries, but also has an important impact on the spatial environment composition of cities by influencing the production and living patterns of residents. "Smart city" is a form of urban organization based on information technology, characterized by digitization, intelligence, and networking. This article focuses on using virtual reality (VR) technology to deeply explore the design and optimization of urban spatial environment, and analyzes in detail the application of digital intelligence technology in urban planning. Through case studies, how these technologies optimize urban spatial layout is demonstrated. Furthermore, this article points out the optimization and improvement directions of existing urban spatial environment design technologies, and evaluates the effectiveness. The specific application of intelligent VR technology in urban spatial optimization is pointed out. In terms of design cost, the traditional method requires 5 million yuan, and the VR method requires 6 million yuan; in terms of change costs, the traditional method requires 800 thousand yuan, and the VR method requires 500 thousand yuan. This article is of significant value and provides new perspectives and practical tools for future urban spatial planning and design work.

Modeling the Bifurcation Dynamics of Rumor Propagation in the Spatial Environment

The harm caused by rumors is immeasurable. Studying the dynamic characteristics of rumors can help control their spread. In this paper, we propose a nonsmooth rumor model with a nonlinear propagation rate. First, we utilize the positive invariant regions to prove the boundedness of solutions. Second, we analyze the conditions for the existence of equilibrium points in both the left and right systems. Additionally, we confirm the occurrence of saddle-node bifurcation in the left system. Next, by considering the influence of spatial diffusion, we establish the conditions for Turing instability. Then we discuss the conditions for spatial homogeneous and inhomogeneous Hopf bifurcations in the left and right systems, respectively. We differentiate between supercritical and subcritical bifurcations using the Lyapunov coefficient. Furthermore, we examine the conditions for the existence of discontinuous Hopf bifurcation at the demarcation point. Finally, in the numerical simulation section, we validate our theorems on Turing patterns. We also investigate the impact of parameter changes on rumor propagation and conclude that an increase in the psychological inhibitory factor significantly reduces the rate of rumor propagation, providing an effective strategy for curbing rumors. To that end, we fit actual data to our system and the results are excellent, confirming the validity of the system.

Object Recognition System for the Spinbotics Robotic Arm

This study focuses on the development of a visual system designed to facilitate object detection for the Spinbotics robotic arm in spatial environments. The primary objective is to enable accurate detection and classification of diverse objects, enhancing the arm's capability to grasp and manipulate items effectively. The system employs the YOLOv7 deep neural network, fine-tuned using transfer learning on a local computing infrastructure. Compared to traditional methods like R-CNN and SSD, YOLOv7 offers superior real-time processing capabilities and efficiency, making it well-suited for dynamic environments. Through extensive training and testing, the system demonstrates robust performance in detecting objects across varied scenes and identifying optimal grasp points. This research underscores the effectiveness of integrating advanced computer vision techniques to enhance the operational efficiency and versatility of robotic manipulators in real-world applications.

Three-dimensional structural and metric characterisation of cardioids.

Exact three-dimensional (3D) structural information of developing organoids is key for optimising organoid generation and for studying experimental outcomes in organoid models. We set up a 3D imaging technique and studied complexly arranged native and experimentally challenged cardioids of two stages of remodelling. The imaging technique we employed is S-HREM (Scanning High Resolution Episcopic Microscopy), a variant of HREM, which captures multiple images of subsequently exposed surfaces of resin blocks and automatically combines them to large sized digital volume data of voxels sizes below 1μm3. We provide precise volumetric information of the examined specimens and their single components and comparisons between stages in terms of volume and micro- and macroanatomic structure. We describe the 3D arrangement and lining of different types of cavities and their changes between day 10 and day 14 and map the various cell types to their precise spatial and structural environment. Exemplarily, we conducted semiautomatic counts of nuclei. In cryo-injured cardioids, we examined the extension and composition of the injured areas. Our results demonstrate the high quality and the great potential of digital volume data produced with S-HREM. It also provides sound metric and structural information, which assists production of native and experimentally challenged left ventricle cardioids and interpretation of their structural remodelling.

Research on Visual and Interactive Evaluation Methods for Space Design Based on Virtual Reality Technology

Abstract This paper establishes different detail-level terrain grids for different terrain data blocks and generates multi-resolution terrain based on the tree-structured LOD model as a way of layering large-scale terrain data. Then, the virtual environment’s visual and image texture are rendered to visualize the virtual spatial environment. Then, the overall architecture of the interaction platform was designed, and the virtual space design visualization and interaction effects were studied based on spatial distance perception, presence experience perception, and error analysis. The results show that there is a significant difference between the mean value of people’s perceived satisfaction in the interaction space and non-interaction space M=163.138, t=1.376, p=0.005&lt;0.05. The error in the interaction of the system in this paper is between (0.2 and 1.8), which indicates that the system performs well. This study of interaction design research proposes a new research dimension for the traditional interaction interface based on virtual reality technology, which provides an effective reference basis for future related designs.

Study on Protection Strategies of Traditional Villages in the Central Plains of China

Background: Traditional villages in the Central Plains reflect the economic, social, cultural, and architectural technology characteristics of the region during a specific period. Their composition not only carries the coordination between people's living environment and the natural environment but also reflects people's social relations and institutional culture in collective living conditions. Therefore, it is of rich sociological and practical significance to explore the causes of the living environment formed by traditional villages in the Central Plains over thousands of years, the mutual influence of productivity and production relations, and the decline and transformation of the spatial environment. Method: With the help of theoretical systems such as architectural typology, residential area, and cultural geography. Research is conducted through on-site surveys and literature collection.Results: Conduct static research on the factors that affect the spatial form of villages and conduct classification and exploration from the aspects of village location, village form, spatial characteristics, courtyard layout, and residential characteristics. And build a research framework based on the formation logic, external morphological characteristics, and internal evolution mechanisms of the Central Plains villages and traditional residences and analyse the causes and cultural attributes of the Central Plains traditional villages and residences. Conclusion: From the perspective of cultural continuity and sustainable development, and based on the current situation, protection difficulties, and development opportunities of traditional villages and residential culture in the Central Plains, multiple protection paths for traditional villages in the Central Plains are drawn.

Analysis of the Effectiveness of Generative Adversarial Technology in Intelligent Buildings in terms of Design

Abstract This paper combines the training method of generative adversarial network and the robust row layout design method of building based on CGAN, and selects pix2pix model to carry out the spatial layout design of intelligent building, to explore the actual effect of intelligent building design. Using the building layout design of a generative adversarial network, different parameters and residual block numbers are set to compare the impact of building texture generation. The intelligent building using GAN technology is selected to carry out the spatial design characterization of both Light and shadow and luminance, and the SD spatial environment evaluation factor is used to refine the discussion of the spatial design experience of intelligent buildings designed using generative adversarial technology. The Light and shadow distribution of intelligent building design is mainly presented as four types, in which the light and shadow location types of reading room, hall, rest space and exhibition hall are primarily offered as horizontal division types. In a public intelligent building, the rest area is separated into 25% of the distance and 25% of the vertical division, with an improved design balance.

IMAGES-SYMBOLS OF TRADITIONAL ARTISTIC CRAFTS IN THE FORMATION OF THE CULTURAL CODE OF THE CITY

The article is devoted to the analysis of the use of images-symbols of traditional applied arts for the Ryazan region (embroidery, lace weaving, weaving) in shaping the appearance of the city, reflecting its cultural code. Based on semiotic studies of the phenomenon of the concept in question, the author aims to trace the ways of symbolic expression of the cultural code of the city and their role in creating the mental sphere of culture in the elements of the urban environment. The assumption that the formation of the cultural memory of the city is carried out in two interrelated directions, allowing you to feel involved in your own history, culture and create unique images-symbols characterizing the cultural values of a particular region in order to identify it, is confirmed in the extensive illustrative material of the article. The author explores both historically established ways of broadcasting such elements in the urban environment (architraves, house decorations, bridge fences), stylized as recognizable elements of lace weaving, embroidery, weaving, and modern elements of urban space (design of fountains, light structures, festive decorations) with these symbols expressing the cultural memory of the city. The techniques used to identify a place from the point of view of its history and culture through characteristic, iconic elements in traditional applied art, lead the researcher to the conclusion that symbolic images can be not only markers that increase the level of patriotism of the city's indigenous inhabitants, but also business cards of the city, which are part of the geocultural space, capable of forming, including tourist the area code, which increases the importance of semiotic research in the framework of the formation of a cultural spatial environment.

Direct synthesis of chiral β-arylamines via additive-free asymmetric reductive amination enabled by tunable bulky phosphoramidite ligands.

This report describes an additive-free iridium-catalyzed direct asymmetric reductive amination that enables the efficient synthesis of chiral β-arylamines, which are important pharmacophores present in a wide variety of pharmaceutical drugs. The reaction makes use of bulky and tunable phosphoramidite ligands for high levels of enantiomeric control, even for alkylamino coupling partners which lack secondary coordinating sites. The synthetic value of this succinct procedure is demonstrated by single-step synthesis of multiple drugs, analogs and key intermediates. Mechanistic investigations reveal an enamine-reduction pathway, in which H-bonding, steric repulsion, and CH-π and electrostatic interactions play important roles in defining the spatial environment for the "outer-sphere" hydride addition.

Analysis of activity structure in Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg County.

Agriculture has become multifunctional, its task is no longer only the production of healthy food, but it has also expanded with the functions of regional development, landscape management, environmental protection and tourism. This research seeks to explore the multifaceted nature of agriculture, extending beyond traditional food production, by investigating the interconnectedness of various functions, including energy conversion, utilization, and job creation, within the cohesive framework of rural development. According to another claim, agriculture cannot solve the problems of employment and job creation, but at the same time, it forms an economic basis for the quality of the cultural environment. Food production, energy conversion, use, and job creation systems form the unified structure of rural development. Their properties and characteristics, which are embodied in projects, can be interpreted in a system. This way of thinking prevails and strengthens even more when we examine spatial environments adjacent to borders since the connecting role and nature of development processes can be demonstrated for different social, economic and natural environments and its validity can be examined in adaptive solutions.

The Application of Big Data Analysis in Elderly Oriented Renovation Space Design

In order to understand the application of big data analysis in the design of elderly-oriented renovation spaces, an application study of big data analysis in the design of elderly-oriented renovation spaces has been proposed. The rapid development of the economy has led to the prosperity and spatial expansion of cities. At the same time, social issues such as land scarcity, traffic congestion, environmental pollution, and the uneven allocation of urban spatial resources have led to social polarization, marginalization of the interests of vulnerable groups, and seriously affected the physical and mental health of residents. With the intensification of the aging trend of the world population, aging has become a major global strategic issue. How to create a truly suitable spatial environment for elderly living has become a question worth considering. This article uses methods such as questionnaire surveys and in-depth interviews to obtain a large amount of data, analyze the current situation of the living space of the elderly in Changchun City, the physiological and psychological needs, activity characteristics, social interaction characteristics, etc. of the elderly group, and then propose suggestions for the planning and design of the living space of healthy urban elderly.

Point Cloud-Based Spatial Environment Development for Near Real-Time Erection Simulation in Shipyards

&lt;i&gt;Interference and collisions often occur in the loading process at shipyards. Existing simulation methods focus primarily on resource processes and schedules, and there is a lack of real-time reflection in the complex and highly variable loading process. This study aims to develop a spatial environment incorporating real-time product data, such as hulls, and confirms its effectiveness by simulating various construction scenarios. As a method, a near real-time spatial environment based on broadband laser scanning was established, with the situation of loading heavy cargo assumed when converting an existing ship into an LNG dual-fuel propulsion ship. A case study simulation of near-real-time cargo loading processes was then conducted using Unity 3D to confirm the interference and collision risks within the spatial environment. The results indicated that interference occurred in structures previously not identified in the design data, and a collision occurred during the loading object erection phase. The simulation confirmed that the identification of interference and collision risks during the erection phase highlights the need for a relocation or removal process of potential hazards before erection takes place. An improved erection simulation that integrates near real-time data could effectively prevent interference and collision risks.&lt;/i&gt;

Conflicting perceptions of the well-organised environment

The paper presents a cross-disciplinary investigation into the intricate state of human-environment interaction. Drawing from the field of environmental psychology, it is an inquiry of the attitudes and perceptions of the human’s surrounding private and public environment, and presumably conflicting understanding, perception and individual interpretation of what well-organised and orderly environment means. It is very common to see the concept of a well-ordered environment in widespread public discourse. Depending on the context, a term encompasses various factors, such as physical, social, educational, and mental domains and can be applied not only to spatial environments but also to business and entrepreneurial, school and workplace environments, and more. Beyond creating an up-to-date understanding of the concept and understanding of orderly environment in the Latvian context, the paper aims to clarify whether there are limitations posed by conflicting understandings of the notion and set objectives, organisation of the environment, quality of life and personal and community growth. The research approach is based on the investigation through society involvement. The online questionnaire was employed to gather original and qualitative data to analyse the set topic. Additionally, the study of relevant scientific publications, bibliography and visual observations was used. The obtained results shows that conflicting opinions and perceptions exist, and they pose challenges to spatial development and quality of life. The paper contributes to the current understanding of the collectively formed environment among Latvia’s population. It can be applied to explain limitations and social colissions in spatial developments, as well as during discussions of environmental maintenance, architecture and urban quality, and overall condition of surroundings among various stakeholders.

Development challenges of the architecture of intergenerational centers in Russia

The study explores the architecture of intergenerational centers with the aim of identifying their specific features based on a review of theoretical and practical experiences in their construction. Currently, Russia lacks architectural and spatial environments that promote social communication between generations. The research work begins with a review of international and domestic experiences in the construction of intergenerational centers and consideration of the modern typology of intergenerational centers and issues in their design and development. Spatial planning models have been developed, and the disadvantages and advantages of existing intergenerational centers have been identified. The findings of this study may be of use for further theoretical research into the development of intergenerational centers.

Экопсихологическая компетентность во взаимодействии с пространственной средой повседневной жизни: теоретические основы и практики развития

The author analyzes the theoretical foundations and practices of the development of ecopsychological compe-tence as the ability of the subject to determine and transform the potential of various characteristics of the spa-tial environment of everyday life into a psychological resource necessary to maintain optimal functioning. A review of theoretical approaches, the focus of which is the position of the environment “as a resource of psy-chological health” and “a resource for overcoming stress” (according to S.K. Nartova-Bochaver), allows us to conclude that there is an impressive number of theoretical “constructions”, where the spatial environment is considered as a factor with which human interaction can contribute to subjective well-being and optimization of psychological functioning. As examples, the salutogenic approach to the interaction between man and the envi-ronment, the theory of the supporting environment, the theory of the restorative environment, the theory of the health-saving environment are given. Some practices of developing a conscious attitude and using the spatial environment of everyday life to maintain psychological well-being are analyzed. It is emphasized that one of such practices is “landscape analytics”, representatives of which note that the psychological resources of inter-action between a person and the space of the natural environment are associated with solving the problems of self-knowledge, self-change, projection, as well as actualization of various meanings, experiences and actions. Another area that actualizes the possibilities for the development of ecopsychological competence is the per-ception of images of the urban and natural environment, where attention is paid to Researchers focus on the resourcefulness of elements and the quality of the visually perceived spatial environment in the field of optimi-zation of cognitive functions and emotional background. Independent practice focused on the development of ecopsychological competence is participatory design, within the framework of which the thesis of the psycho-logical resource of the spatial environment for the development of the subject’s acousticity is formulated. Proof of the existence of a spectrum of everyday practices of office employees to regulate their condition and per-formance by operating with various properties of the spatial environment is the subject of an empirical analysis of ordinary techniques of help in the office. The author concludes that it is relevant to develop a program for the development of ecopsychological competence in interaction with the spatial environment of everyday life.

Теоретические подходы и методические возможности диагностики психологического благополучия сотрудников в условиях пространственной среды офиса

Current research shows that workplace and workplace environmental factors can have an impact on human health and well-being, as well as successful professional self-determination of the individual, defining the rela-tionship between the spatial environment of psychological activity and professional self-determination, satis-faction with the quality of conditions and the organization of work that contribute to achieving success in life, in general. However, empirical studies based on the relationship between the physical factors of the working envi-ronment, the health and well-being of employees are few. This article presents an overview of modern scien-tific research on the impact of the spatial environment of professional activity on the physical, psychological and social well-being of employees working in office premises, studies and describes some methods of organ-izing research, processing and analyzing data.

Thoughtful paths of Nature Park „Ogres Zilie kalni”

In many countries around the world, urbanization has led to a disconnection from nature within major cities and this has prompted increased research into the significance of nature in the daily lives of urban residents. In the wake of COVID-19 pandemic, people began to visit the walking trails en masse and the habit has continued even after the COVID-19 pandemic. This study, which was conducted in July of 2023 is a part of a broader research initiative aimed at enhancing recreational opportunities and optimizing the physical and wellness benefits provided by walking paths. The research is centered on the "Ogres Zilie kalni" nature park, which features recreational and activity trails. For a majority of residents, these walking paths and ski tracks are vital for recreation. The research's objective is to outline the planning principles for the nature park's trail network, drawing not only from landscape architecture but also from the field of environmental psychology. This holistic approach is expected to yield better recreational outcomes and subsequently improve human health. The primary goal of this study is to investigate how different types of nature walking trails impact human attention dynamics. Using Schulte's Tables, a psychological method, the study assessed how various stimuli in trail planning and route selection influence human attention. The research results do not offer a definitive answer regarding the influence of path type on attention dynamics. However, the findings indicate that attention dynamics tend to improve after the second or third measurement, typically occurring at 20-30 minute intervals. This aligns with the theory that 20 minutes is sufficient for attention reset. Attention dynamics then diminish towards the end of the walk due to physical exhaustion. It was hypothesized that adequate rest could lead to improved dynamics. In the modelling of the walking path network and route selection, cognitive factors such as the purpose of the walk, group participation, individual walks, social interactions, and the perception of the three-dimensional spatial environment serve as the foundation for designing the layout of walking paths. The study raises intriguing and complex research questions, further complicated by the diverse groups involved, including students, families, and the elderly. Social factors play a pivotal role in determining the optimal path for both fundamental research and practical applications. Understanding the mechanisms and information sources guiding decision-making in path selection should encompass not only psychological but also social aspects. This comprehensive approach will contribute to a better understanding of path planning for psychological wellness and the cultivation of emotionally positive behavioural patterns.

A Dual Effect of Dopamine on Hippocampal LTP and Cognitive Functions in Control and Kindled Mice.

The impact of dopamine on synaptic plasticity and cognitive function following seizure is not well understood. Here, using optogenetics in the freely behaving animal, we examined exploratory behavior and short-term memory in control and kindled male mice during tonic stimulation of dopaminergic neurons within the ventral tegmental area (VTA). Furthermore, using field potential recording, we compared the effect of dopamine on synaptic plasticity in stratum radiatum and stratum oriens layers of both ventral and dorsal hippocampal CA1 regions, and again in both control and kindled male mice. Our results demonstrate that tonic stimulation of VTA dopaminergic neurons enhances novelty-driven exploration and short-term spatial memory in kindled mice, essentially rescuing the seizure-induced cognitive impairment. In addition, we found that dopamine has a dual effect on LTP in control versus kindled mice, such that application of dopamine prevented LTP induction in slices from control mice, but rescued LTP in slices taken from the kindled animal. Taken together, our results highlight the potential for dopaminergic modulation in improving synaptic plasticity and cognitive function following seizure.