Street Settings Research Articles

Recognition of Street Landscape Patterns in Kunming City Based on Intelligent Decision Algorithm and Regional Cultural Expression

The integration of intelligent decision-making algorithms with urban cultural expression is becoming a hot topic in both academic and practical fields for exploring urban street landscapes. Exploring the application strategies of intelligent decision-making algorithms and regional cultural expression in street landscape pattern recognition and innovative design is a key step. The single layout of urban street construction, cultural deficiency, ecological imbalance, and low resident participation seriously constrain the overall quality improvement of the city. To address this dilemma, this study delved into Kunming City and selected the ten “most beautiful streets”, such as Dianchi Road, for research. By using the Analytic Hierarchy Process, a comprehensive evaluation system covering multiple dimensions, such as the street layout, plant landscape, and historical culture, was constructed to analyze the street landscape of Kunming. The research results indicate that the top four roads in terms of weight evaluation scores are Cuihu Ring Road, Jiaochang Middle Road, Qingnian Road, and Beijing Road, with values of 0.2076, 0.1531, 0.1274, and 0.1173. The weight reveals that each street has its unique landscape factors, such as the profound cultural heritage of Cuihu Ring Road and the beautiful plant landscape of Jiaochang Middle Road. Further analysis also reveals the close relationship between various factors in the evaluation model, emphasizing the importance of supplementing material and cultural elements in street landscape design. The significance of this study goes beyond a single analysis of the street landscape in Kunming City. Drawing a regional street landscape pattern map sets an example for other cities to build distinctive, eco-friendly, culturally rich, and highly humanized street spaces, providing reference and inspiration. More importantly, this study promotes the application and development of intelligent decision-making algorithms in the field of urban landscapes. Future research will further optimize algorithms to improve their adaptability and accuracy in complex environments.

East London Project: a participatory mixed-method evaluation on how removing enforcement could affect sex workers' safety, health and access to services in East London

Background Sex workers’ risk of violence and ill-health is shaped by their work environments, community and structural factors, including criminalisation. Aim We evaluated the impact of removing police enforcement on sex workers’ safety, health and access to services. Design Mixed-methods participatory study comprising qualitative research, a prospective cohort study, mathematical modelling and routine data collation. Setting Three boroughs in London, UK. Participants People aged ≥ 18 years, who provided in-person sexual services. Interventions Simulated removal of police enforcement. Outcomes Primary – recent or past experience of sexual, physical or emotional violence. Secondary – depression/anxiety symptoms, physical health, chlamydia/gonorrhoea, and service access. Results A combination of enforcement by police, local authorities and immigration, being denied justice when reporting violence, and linked cuts to specialist health and support services created harmful conditions for sex workers. This disproportionately affected cisgender and transgender women who work on the streets, use drugs, are migrants and/or women of colour. Among women (n = 197), street-based sex workers experienced higher levels than indoor sex workers of recent violence from clients (73% vs. 36%), police (42% vs. 7%) and others (67% vs. 17%); homelessness (65% vs. 7%); anxiety and depression (71% vs 35%); physical ill-health (57% vs 31%); and recent law enforcement (87% vs. 9%). For street-based sex workers, recent arrest was associated with violence from others (adjusted odds ratio (AOR)) 2.77, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11 to 6.94). Displacement by police was associated with client violence (AOR 4.35; 95% CI 1.36 to 13.90) as were financial difficulties (AOR 4.66; CI 1.64 to 13.24). Among indoor sex workers, unstable residency (AOR 3.19; 95% CI 1.36 to 7.49) and financial difficulties (AOR 3.66; 95% CI 1.64 to 8.18) contributed to risk of client violence. Among all genders (n = 288), ethnically and racially minoritised sex workers (26.4%) reported more police encounters than white sex workers, partly linked to increased representation in street settings (51.4% vs. 30.7%; p = 0.002) but associations remained after adjusting for work setting. Simulated removal of police displacement and homelessness was associated with a 71% reduction in violence (95% credible interval 55% to 83%). Participants called for a redirection of funds from enforcement towards respectful, peer-led services. Limitations Restriction to one urban locality prevents generalisability of findings. More interviews with under-represented participants (e.g. trans/non-binary sex workers) may have yielded further insights into inequities. Correlation between different risk factors restricted outcomes of interest for the modelling analyses, which were largely limited to experience of violence. Conclusion Our research adds to international evidence on the harms of criminalisation and enforcement, particularly for women who work on street and/or are racially or ethnically minoritised. Findings add weight to calls to decriminalise sex work, tackle institutionally racist, misogynist and otherwise discriminatory practices against sex workers in police and other agencies, and to (re)commission experience-based, peer-led services by and for sex workers particularly benefiting the most marginalised communities. Future work Realist informed trials, co-produced with sex workers, would provide rigorous evidence on effective approaches to protect sex workers’ health, safety and rights. Funding This synopsis presents independent research funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Public Health Research programme as award number 15/55/58.

The Effect of Systemic Racism and Homophobia on Police Enforcement and Sexual and Emotional Violence among Sex Workers in East London: Findings from a Cohort Study

There is extensive qualitative evidence of violence and enforcement impacting sex workers who are ethnically or racially minoritized, and gender or sexual minority sex workers, but there is little quantitative evidence. Baseline and follow-up data were collected among 288 sex workers of diverse genders (cis/transgender women and men and non-binary people) in London (2018–2019). Interviewer-administered and self-completed questionnaires included reports of rape, emotional violence, and (un)lawful police encounters. We used generalized estimating equation models (Stata vs 16.1) to measure associations between (i) ethnic/racial identity (Black, Asian, mixed or multiple vs White) and recent (6 months) or past police enforcement and (ii) ethnic/racial and sexual identity (lesbian, gay or bisexual (LGB) vs. heterosexual) with recent rape and emotional violence (there was insufficient data to examine the association with transgender/non-binary identities). Ethnically/racially minoritized sex workers (26.4%) reported more police encounters partly due to increased representation in street settings (51.4% vs 30.7% off-street, p = 0.002). After accounting for street setting, ethnically/racially minoritized sex workers had higher odds of recent arrest (adjusted odds ratio 2.8, 95% CI 1.3–5.8), past imprisonment (aOR 2.3, 95% CI 1.1–5.0), police extortion (aOR 3.3, 95% CI 1.4–7.8), and rape (aOR 3.6, 95% CI 1.1–11.5). LGB-identifying sex workers (55.4%) were more vulnerable to rape (aOR 2.4, 95% CI 1.1–5.2) and emotional violence. Sex workers identifying as ethnically/racially minoritized (aOR 2.1, 95% CI 1.0–4.5), LGB (aOR 2.0, 95% CI 1.0–4.0), or who use drugs (aOR 2.0, 95% CI 1.1–3.8) were more likely to have experienced emotional violence than white-identifying, heterosexual or those who did not use drugs. Experience of any recent police enforcement was associated with increased odds of rape (aOR 3.6, 95% CI 1.3–8.4) and emotional violence (aOR 4.9, 95% CI 1.8–13.0). Findings show how police enforcement disproportionately targets ethnically/racially minoritized sex workers and contributes to increased risk of rape and emotional violence, which is elevated among sexual and ethnically/racially minoritized workers.

Situating spatial determinism in urban design and planning for sustainable walkability: a simulation of street morphology and pedestrian behaviour

Streets and roads have been constantly identified as key spaces to improve walkability and—by extension—the entire urban environment. Such improvements lie on planning and design theories that are often supported by qualitative evidence and as such, tend to remain highly speculative on how street design influences walkability in more deterministic ways. Drawbacks in further exploring this street-walkability correlation are partly defined by an explicit rejection to ‘spatial determinism’ in urban morphology and social sciences, but also because combining differing epistemological approaches for understanding social processes linked to the physical aspects of the space is complex. In this paper, it is proposed that qualitative (social-based) theories of the space and quantitative (positivist) understandings of people’s behaviour can complement each other to elaborate upon ‘spatial determinism’ with focus on streetscapes and pedestrian behaviour. By using Agent-Based Modelling (ABMs), morphological components of streets linked to population characteristics are analysed to understand walkability from the perspective of spatial determinism. The findings suggest that the street settings directly affect pedestrian behaviour, and that changes in the built environment result in changes on walkability patterns. Ultimately, the modelling exercise shed light on street design and walkability, but also on wider debates on how urban design and social processes correlate in more deterministic and, therefore, predictable ways.

The toponymic battle: Renaming streets in Santiago de Chile 50 years after the military coup

ABSTRACT In July and August of 2023, on the eve of the 50th anniversary of the military coup in Chile (September 11, 1973), the Santiago City Council chose to honor the civil-military dictatorship victims by renaming 12 streets in the district. Unexpectedly, the Namur neighborhood, which had a one-block street set to be renamed “Ida Amelia Vera Almarza”—a dictatorship victim—mobilized and vehemently protested the decision. Utilizing a critical approach based on grounded theory and thematic analysis—in which the analysis arises “bottom-up” from an inductive triangulation of various sources—this article examines the reasons for opposing this renaming. The results reveal two primary reasons for opposition: the community’s need to preserve their historical identity embodied in the street’s name (Namur) and their feeling of exclusion and mistreatment. Contrary to some perceptions, this opposition was not driven by denialist or far-right ideologies. Thus, this article offers a novel viewpoint that extends beyond the traditional scholarly understanding of memory politics and suggests that memory battles are not solely about clashes between those for and against victim memorialization. Hence, it urges scholars and practitioners to delve deeper into the motivations behind the opposition to memory and human rights policies.

How Context and Painting Attributes Affect Aesthetic Judgment Across Expertise

Using a digital environment, this study tested how setting (museum vs. street), reputation (established vs. unestablished), and style (abstract vs. representational) affected people's aesthetic perception of art. Art novices, quasi-experts, and experts were randomly assigned to rate paintings that varied in setting, reputation, and style. Although there was no significant main effect of setting, follow-up pairwise comparisons showed that novices gave higher aesthetic judgment to paintings in street settings. There was a significant interaction between reputation, style, and expertise, such that the greater the expertise, the greater the differences in ratings between established and unestablished paintings, and the smaller the differences between abstract and representational style paintings. Quasi-experts and experts gave higher ratings to established rather than unestablished paintings, and all groups preferred representational over abstract style; however, the expert preferences reversed with unestablished paintings. The study found that the effect of reputation and expertise persisted after controlling for painting familiarity.

Analyzing the Implications of the Growing Street Vendor Population in Gweru, Zimbabwe: A Risk Assessment

This study investigates the consequences of the growing number of street vendors in Gweru, Zimbabwe, and offers a risk evaluation. The prominence of street vending can be attributed to several factors, including limited formal employment possibilities, poverty, inadequate education or skills, restricted job prospects, and exorbitant leasing expenses. The presence of restricted trading spaces also exerts a substantial influence. Although street selling is thought to have a positive effect on Zimbabwe’s economy, it is recognized that there are possible adverse consequences, such as noise pollution and overcrowding in public areas. Street selling is accompanied with several risks, such as concerns regarding sanitation, competition with established enterprises, traffic congestion, and potential safety dangers. In order to tackle these concerns, it is imperative for policymakers and urban planners in Gweru to enact efficacious laws and regulations that guarantee the establishment of secure, hygienic, and controlled street vending settings. It is essential to strike a balance between the requirements of various groups and to minimize any adverse effects. It is imperative to implement education and awareness initiatives aimed at promoting effective waste management practices. Gweru has the capacity to allocate specific areas for vending, enforce regulations regarding sanitation, control the quantity of traders and their operating hours, offer training and assistance to vendors, facilitate their transition into formal businesses, establish a structured market system, and engage in communication with the informal sector. This study highlights the significance of tackling the problems associated with street vending in order to promote sustainable development and enhance the quality of life for people. Efficient tactics are required to alleviate adverse consequences and foster a cohesive urban milieu.

Wound Irrigation Using Normal Saline 0.9% Versus Tap Water: A Review for Street Medicine and Low-resource Providers

Patients experiencing homelessness are a vulnerable cohort who suffer from disproportionate skin disease burden. Acute and chronic wounds represent high morbidity conditions with severe consequences. Adequate management in the form of cleansing and irrigation is necessary for removing cellular debris, bacteria and contaminants. Providers in low-resource street medicine settings may be the first point of contact in the management of wounds encountered by unhoused patients. This review determines the feasibility of improvised irrigation techniques that can be used in street settings to irrigate wounds. A MEDLINE search was conducted and yielded randomized controlled trials, laboratory studies and case-control studies. No significant difference in wound infection and healing rates was found when normal saline 0.9% or tap water was used in wound irrigation. Improvised cleansing devices with suitable irrigation pressure included water bottles punctured with 14-18-gauge needles, 10-mL syringes and 50-syringes. Lower and upper extremity wounds were found to be at higher risk of infection, requiring judicious management and cleaning. Street medicine providers should consider weighing the benefits versus risks of on-site, improvised wound irrigation for acute soft tissue injuries, especially in the setting of limited resources.

Evaluation of a single-layer urban energy balance model using measured energy fluxes by scaled outdoor experiments in humid subtropical climate

Urban energy balance models can simulate the localized climate and fluxes in urban areas. They are often evaluated using real urban site observations. However, uncertainties in anthropogenic emission, geometry and materials can hinder interpretation. These uncertainties can be eliminated by scaled outdoor models. We assess the performance of a single-layer urban canopy model (SLUCM) offline in predicting surface energy balance (SEB) fluxes within a street canyon-like urban configuration using field measurements from a scaled outdoor setup in Guangzhou, China. We utilize observations of SEB fluxes and surface temperature from a homogenous scaled urban site characterized by street canyons. The scaled observations in June–December 2020 in a dense urban environment with a height-to-width ratio (H/W) of 2 are employed to assess seasonal variations in model performance. Additionally, the December data from two distinct urban scenarios (H/W = 2(2020) and 0.5(2019)) are utilized to compare model performance in deep and shallow street canyon settings. Results show that QS(R2 = ∼0.47, RMSE = ∼46.0) is the most challenging to predict, followed by QH (R2 = ∼0.92, RMSE = ∼65.5), Q*(R2 = ∼0.99, RMSE = ∼39.5), L↑(R2 = ∼0.95, RMSE = ∼33.7), and K↑(R2 = ∼0.99, RMSE = ∼6.2). SLUCM faces difficulties simulating L↑ particularly during nighttime and cloudy conditions. It also tends to underestimate daytime net radiation (Q*), especially during hot, humid months. Moreover, H/W ratio slightly affects SLUCM's performance in simulating SEB fluxes under dry cool conditions denser urban settings (H/W = 2) show better model performance in K↑, QH, and QS but worse performance in L↑ and Q*.

Sexual Abuse of Street Children in Pakistan: Legal Protection Under International and National Law

This study covers the social and legal dimensions of sexual abuse encountered by street children in Pakistan. It aims to elucidate the underlying reasons and contributory factors to child sexual abuse within the nation. This study employed qualitative methods, which involved analyzing data from primary sources such as acts of parliament and relevant journal articles. It highlights the exploitation of street children through prostitution, pornography, trafficking, and sex tourism. Therefore, it explored various manifestations of child sexual abuse both within street settings and beyond, alongside their foundational causes in Pakistani society. The study addresses the issue of sexual abuse among street children from two perspectives. Initially, it examines the different forms, prevalence, causes, and consequences of such abuse. Subsequently, it assesses the efficacy of both international and national laws and policies designed to counteract child sexual abuse. Despite the existence of legal frameworks in Pakistan aimed at addressing this issue, they are critiqued for being inadequate and inconsistent. The paper advocates for the introduction of more stringent legislation and enhanced trial transparency as measures to curb the incidence of child sexual abuse effectively. Updating and reinforcing existing legal provisions could significantly reduce the prevalence of such abuse in society.

Automated analysis of vessel morphometry in retinal images from a Danish high street optician setting

Aims/Purpose: To evaluate the test performance of the QUARTZ (QUantitative Analysis of Retinal vessel Topology and siZe) software in detecting retinal features from retinal images captured by health care professionals in a Danish high street optician chain, compared with test performance from other large population studies (i.e., UK Biobank) where retinal images were captured by non‐experts.Methods: The dataset FOREVERP (Finding Ophthalmic Risk and Evaluating the Value of Eye exams and their predictive Reliability, Pilot) contains retinal images obtained from a Danish high street optician chain. The QUARTZ algorithm utilizes both image processing and machine learning methods to determine retinal image quality, vessel segmentation, vessel width, vessel classification (arterioles or venules), and optic disc localization. Outcomes were evaluated by metrics including sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy and compared to human expert ground truths.Results: QUARTZ's performance was evaluated on a subset of 3682 images from the FOREVERP database. 80.55% of the FOREVERP images were labelled as being of adequate quality compared to 71.53% of UK Biobank images, with a vessel segmentation sensitivity of 74.64% and specificity of 98.41% (FOREVERP) compared with a sensitivity of 69.12% and specificity of 98.88% (UK Biobank). The mean (± standard deviation) vessel width of the ground truth was 16.21 (4.73) pixels compared to that predicted by QUARTZ of 17.01 (4.49) pixels, resulting in a difference of −0.8 (1.96) pixels. The differences were stable across a range of vessels. The detection rate for optic disc localisation was similar for the two datasets.Conclusions: QUARTZ showed high performance when evaluated on the FOREVERP dataset, and demonstrated robustness across datasets, providing validity to direct comparisons and pooling of retinal feature measures across data sources.

EKRANISASI NOVEL IVANNA VAN DIJK KE DALAM FILM IVANNA

This research aims to describe the addition of characters and characterizations as well as the setting of the film Ivanna by Kimositamboel. This research uses a qualitative method with a descriptive design. The research data sources used were Van Dijk's Ivanna novel and Ivanna film. This research uses data analysis techniques with listening, reading, and recording techniques, After the data is collected, the researcher reduces the data to sort out important data as a research source, after reducing the data that has been selected, the researcher analyzes the data and draws conclusions. The results showed the addition of nine new characters that were not previously in the novel, namely: Ambar, Dika, Agus, Rina, Artur, Grandpa, Grandma Ani, Grandma Ida, and Yudi. Additions to the Ivanna film also appear in the setting of the place, found four additions to the setting of the place in the Ivanna film, namely: bus setting, street setting, basement setting, and bathroom setting. Based on this, it can be concluded that the film Ivanna made many additions to the characters and settings in the process of adapting the story from the novel Ivanna Van Dijk, so that the film presented has a new and different feel from the previous story contained in the novel.

Unraveling the Mysteries of Thai Culinary Culture: A Cross-Cultural Exploration of Roadside Dining Experience

This study aimed to explore the impact of Thai street food on the sense of adventure and cultural immersion among first-time visitors to Thailand. Using a cross-sectional design in authentic public street settings, participants were surveyed with a semi-structured questionnaire to gather their perspectives. Thematic analysis revealed five main themes: distinctiveness, economic value, service, regulation, and locality, which were categorized into two overarching constructs: Thai street food as a unique experiential journey and its social significance. The findings provide valuable insights into the dining experiences of Chinese tourists visiting Thailand for the first time, enriching the fields of gastronomy tourism and food sociology. The study offers practical recommendations for businesses, industries, and public authorities based on its outcomes. It focuses on the unique character of Thai street food and its impact on first-time visitors, showcasing how it fosters adventure and cultural immersion in authentic street settings.

Automated analysis of vessel morphometry in retinal images from a Danish high street optician setting.

To evaluate the test performance of the QUARTZ (QUantitative Analysis of Retinal vessel Topology and siZe) software in detecting retinal features from retinal images captured by health care professionals in a Danish high street optician chain, compared with test performance from other large population studies (i.e., UK Biobank) where retinal images were captured by non-experts. The dataset FOREVERP (Finding Ophthalmic Risk and Evaluating the Value of Eye exams and their predictive Reliability, Pilot) contains retinal images obtained from a Danish high street optician chain. The QUARTZ algorithm utilizes both image processing and machine learning methods to determine retinal image quality, vessel segmentation, vessel width, vessel classification (arterioles or venules), and optic disc localization. Outcomes were evaluated by metrics including sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy and compared to human expert ground truths. QUARTZ's performance was evaluated on a subset of 3,682 images from the FOREVERP database. 80.55% of the FOREVERP images were labelled as being of adequate quality compared to 71.53% of UK Biobank images, with a vessel segmentation sensitivity of 74.64% and specificity of 98.41% (FOREVERP) compared with a sensitivity of 69.12% and specificity of 98.88% (UK Biobank). The mean (± standard deviation) vessel width of the ground truth was 16.21 (4.73) pixels compared to that predicted by QUARTZ of 17.01 (4.49) pixels, resulting in a difference of -0.8 (1.96) pixels. The differences were stable across a range of vessels. The detection rate for optic disc localisation was similar for the two datasets. QUARTZ showed high performance when evaluated on the FOREVERP dataset, and demonstrated robustness across datasets, providing validity to direct comparisons and pooling of retinal feature measures across data sources.

Development of a User-Informed Social Resource Guide to Improve Identification and Management of Psychosocial Concerns: A Model for the Free Clinic Setting

Background: Resource guides, which consolidate information on community resources, are an important tool for linking vulnerable patients to social and health services. Many existing guides, however, are 1) out-of-date, 2) lack user-friendly design features, and 3) lack instructions for how to access services. We describe an effort to optimize a social resource guide for people experiencing homelessness, where the process may serve as a model for other free clinic settings.
 Methods: From April 2021 to April 2022, we launched a phased social liaison volunteer program at HOMES Clinic, driving the development of a unique community-informed social resource guide. Specifically, we 1) collected and verified word-of-mouth data from the userbase of various social services (i.e. “street smarts”), and 2) designed a user-friendly interface with easy-to-use deliverables for patients.
 Results: The HOMES Social Resource Guide facilitates care coordination in both the clinic and street settings. A key design feature is that information for each resource is condensed into a 3.5x2.0” card that fits easily into pockets or wallets. The front contains logistic information (e.g., hours, location, phone) and the back describes how to qualify for and access each service. Cards are organized into a binder and provided to patients by trained volunteers in a need-based manner. Since qualifying for many services is contingent upon first meeting other milestones, the guide includes algorithms to ensure we provide all necessary information to meet any identified need. Information is re-verified/updated every six months. The platform is cost-effective: the raw materials together cost $20.
 Discussion: While resource guides are not a new invention, we propose that our increased emphasis on simplicity, user-friendliness, community participation, and meeting end-user needs offer clear advantages over other common design paradigms. These principles may be relevant to other free clinics in meeting the diverse needs of underserved populations.

Responding to mental health crisis at a street level: mental health practitioners as street-level bureaucrats

Street triage practitioners, consisting of mental health social workers and nurses, act as a conduit between service users and emergency services, and have a significant amount of discretion in determining the care and treatment pathways for individuals experiencing mental health crises. However, this is set against a backdrop of neoliberal reforms that have resulted in an increased focus on risk management, accountability, responsibilisation and managing scarce resources. Based on ethnographic research undertaken in a street triage setting in the UK, this article examines the role of street triage practitioners as ‘street-level bureaucrats’ and explores the impact of neoliberal mental health reforms on street-level practice and how these shape and constrain the use of discretion in a street triage context. Revisiting the relevance of Lipsky through a neoliberal lens, the article identifies how street triage practitioners use their discretion to navigate practice dilemmas in a contemporary mental health landscape.

Urban Residents’ Preferred Walking Street Setting and Environmental Factors: The Case of Chengdu City

To date, most studies on building environments and walking behavior have utilized top-down approaches (e.g., big data or social media data) yet lack bottom-up approaches to verify their findings. Therefore, this study divided urban streets into three main settings (community streets, waterfront paths, and urban greenways) and collected data from a sample of 411 urban residents in Chengdu via an online questionnaire to examine the impact of street environmental factors on their choice of walking path. It was found that: (1) people with higher levels of education preferred streets with water bodies as walking paths; (2) the environmental quality of the physical and aesthetic aspects both had an impact on residents’ choices, and the aesthetic environmental quality had a stronger impact; (3) the impact of most infrastructures on community streets was stronger than on other streets; (4) residents were more concerned about the environmental quality of waterfront paths and urban greenways. Based on these findings, three design patterns for residents’ preferred street environments are proposed.

Pedestrian street behavior mapping using unmanned aerial vehicles. A case study in Santiago de Chile.

Objective observation of pedestrian behavior on the street has traditionally been difficult due to intensive commitment of time and resources with spatial analysis of pedestrian locations encountering additional problems. Recently, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have gained popularity due to the significant improvements they offer over other conventional observation systems, such as their ability to cover larger surface areas in less time. This study tests the performance of UAV-based observation techniques in measuring pedestrian activity in two comparative settings in Santiago de Chile. The study develops an alternative technique adapting the behavioral mapping methodology that allows acquiring information about the people's activities and the places where they are carried out. In this study a set of streets in the city of Santiago de Chile was selected as a case study, and the reliability of those observations was tested among raters in a population sample. Further, the use of a Geographic Information System (GIS) in the data coding process is detailed and exemplified using some of its spatial analysis tools. The results show high levels of inter-rater reliability in the different categories of recorded data. Finally, we discuss the advantages and limitations in observing pedestrian behavior using this technology and observation technique.

A Planning Practice Method to Assess the Potential for Cycling and to Design a Bicycle Network in a Starter Cycling City in Portugal

There is growing recognition of the potential for cycling to provide more sustainable and active urban mobility. In Portugal, the National Strategy for Active Mobility aims at increasing the bicycle modal share from the current level of below 1% to 10% by 2030. This paper describes a planning practice method to assess the potential for cycling and to design a bicycle network in Ponte de Lima, a small starter Portuguese city, which only has some disconnected cycle lanes. The method consists of assessing the target population and target area attributes through a Geographic Information System (GIS) and Space Syntax operations. Results showed that the potential for cycling in Ponte de Lima is hindered by the hilly terrain, by the low population density and by the low percentage of the young population. The compact urban structure and the level of street integration enhances topological proximity and makes using a bicycle convenient. The proposed bicycle network comprises segregated cycle lanes, colored cycle lanes and a set of streets where cycling coexists with other road users. Adopting complementary measures, such as traffic calming and bicycle-sharing services, could be decisive to make cycling more appealing in Ponte de Lima and to help the city in reaching the ambitious goal of the National Strategy for Active Mobility.

A Collaborative Approach in Prescribing Psychotropics for Persons Experiencing Homelessness.

A Collaborative Approach in Prescribing Psychotropics for Persons Experiencing Homelessness.