Suburban Communities Research Articles

Visual impairment and associated factors in adults from three suburban communities in Nampula, Mozambique.

Scientific evidence on the burden of visual impairment, its causes, and associated factors are essential to monitor progress in eye health, identify priorities and develop strategies and policies that meet the needs of the population, towards the eradication of preventable blindness. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of visual impairment, its causes and associated factors in adults living in suburban communities in Nampula. This is a cross-sectional study conducted from November 2019 to February 2020. Eye examinations were performed on adults aged ≥18 years covered by the Lúrio University program, 'one student, one family'. The odds ratio (OR) and adjusted odds ratio (aOR) were calculated to study the association between the dependent variable (presenting visual impairment) and independent variables (gender, age, school level, residence, family income and systemic diseases), with a 95% confidence interval. Distance and near presenting visual impairment had a prevalence of 16.3% and 21.1%, respectively, and were statistically associated with the age groups between 45-65 (OR:4.9) and >65 years (OR: 29.1), illiterate (OR:13.8), primary (OR:4.8) and secondary (aOR:37.5) school level, farmer (OR:32.8) and retired (OR:14.3) occupation, and presence of systemic diseases (OR :3.3). The main causes of presenting visual impairment were uncorrected refractive error and cataract. The prevalence of presenting visual impairment is relatively high, given the enormous effort undertaken within the framework of VISION 2020: The Right to Sight global initiative. There is a need to develop intervention plans targeted at the highest risk groups, with a view to achieving the 'one student, one family' program goals with respect to eye health.

The lived experience of hearing loss – an individualised responsibility

Objective This study aimed to provide a conceptual model to understand what typifies the lived experience of hearing loss. Design A grounded theory informed study of adults with hearing loss (n = 46) who participated in individual interviews. The data were analysed in line with the constant comparative approach of grounded theory. A substantial patient and public engagement (PPIE) strategy underpinned decisions and processes throughout. Study sample Adults were recruited from age bands (16–29; 30–49;50–79 and 80 upwards) to provide different lived experience. We recruited individuals from across the UK including urban, sub-urban and rural communities and included a typical constituency of each location including black and minority ethnic participants. Our PPIE groups included adults often marginalised in research including South Asian community groups, adults in residential care and those with additional disabilities. Results We identified the consistent features of the lived experience with hearing loss, as the individualised responsibility that hearing loss confers. These are an individual auditory lifeworld; social comparison and social support; individual and patient-centred care and individual agency and capability. Conclusions This work provides new insights for those practising audiology and highlights the importance of building social support systems through implementation of family and peer support approaches.

Study of Light Pollution Risk Evaluation Model

The invention and widespread use of artificial light are important progress in human history, but the light pollution formed by its excessive or poor use is a serious danger to biodiversity and ecosystems, etc. Behind the bright lights of the busy city, it is also a metaphor for the bright starry sky far away from us. Though using the theory and methods of risk identification and evaluation hierarchical model, and unconfirmed measurement model, the index system and the measuring method on the risk level of light pollution are established, the Light pollution risk evaluation model is formed, and they are applied to interpret their results for the four diverse types of locations. The order of the ratings is urban communities, suburban communities, rural communities, and protected land according to high to low. They meet the results from the literature, which confirms the reasonableness of the risk level measures developed. Our work provides a certain reference for the research and treatment of light pollution.

A Pilot Project of Collaborative Maternity Education: Understanding Perspectives from Family Medicine and Midwifery

Background: In Canada, the decreasing numbers of family physicians and the small number of midwives providing obstetric care have been associated with a decline in access to maternity services. Several studies and policy documents support the development of models to enhance collaboration between midwives and physicians and to expose trainees to these models. A pilot project was undertaken to implement and evaluate an interprofessional learning opportunity involving midwifery students (MWSs) and family medicine residents (FMRs). Methods: The aim was to describe how FMRs and MWSs develop skills to collaborate, and to identify the feasibility of this type of education. A convenience sample of 12 FMRs and 6 MWSs in a southern Ontario suburban community and their preceptors participated in a series of educational seminars and a clinical placement within the midwifery practice. Qualitative focus groups and interviews were conducted, and data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Qualitative analysis highlighted themes relating to the engaging of learners, logistical challenges, and the perceived value of interprofessional education (IPE).Conclusions: This pilot project highlights barriers to and enablers of IPE. The findings will inform the modification of the project for future use and suggest that this project could be a useful model of IPE for primary maternity care.

223 Survey of veterinarians who use pentobarbital for euthanasia suggests knowledge gaps regarding animal disposal

Abstract To assess 1) knowledge and practices of veterinarians regarding disposal of euthanized animals, 2) the extent to which veterinarians communicate with their clients about potential risks of rendering pentobarbital-euthanized animals, and 3) the extent to which veterinarians communicate potential relay toxicosis and environmental risks of pentobarbital-euthanized animals to clients. Over a 3-wk period in early 2021, 16,831 of the 99,500 members of the AVMA were surveyed, with 2,093 responses (a 12% response rate). Respondents were assigned to 1 of 3 categories on the basis of their answers: veterinarians euthanizing only food-producing species, veterinarians euthanizing only non–food-producing species, and veterinarians euthanizing both food-producing and non–food-producing species (i.e., veterinarians euthanizing mixed species). Veterinarians responding to this survey appeared to be aware of the major methods of animal disposal, and about 89% reported communicating the method of euthanasia with clients to help ensure appropriate animal disposal. However, the need for additional education on local, state, and federal laws and rendering, as well as on risks of relay toxicosis including wildlife predation and environmental impacts, was reported. Survey results identified gaps in knowledge of veterinarian regarding animal disposal following pentobarbital euthanasia. Further education on this topic may be beneficial, particularly for early- and mid-career veterinarians who euthanize non–food-producing species and for veterinarians who euthanize mixed species in urban and suburban communities.

Gender, Security and Poverty in Africa: The Bane of Sustainable Development Goals in Nigeria

Nigeria is now experiencing complex existential challenges related to gender inequity, citizen security, and poverty. The establishment and maintenance of states are heavily influenced by gender dynamics, which are further compounded by the disruptive effects of economic and social inequalities. Non-state actors perpetuate discrimination and violence, specifically targeting women and girls, as a result of entrenched cultural norms that dictate stereotypical gender roles and relationships. The primary aim of the research is to examine the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals about gender, security, and poverty in Nigeria. The six geographical regions are descending into a state of ungovernability, as terror squads have completely taken control of rural and suburban communities. The paper's theoretical foundation is based on Robert Merton's Anomie Theory. The research used a methodical approach by using content analysis, specifically relying on secondary data. The study mostly gathered statistical data from reputable sources such as the National Bureau of Statistics, Nigerian Living Standard Survey, Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey, and SDGs Base line reports. The findings indicate that implementing policies such as the Micro-Credit Scheme and Conditional Cash Transfer as part of Social Investment did not effectively address the issues of poverty and security. The results of the study indicate that gender inequality, insecurity, and poverty are still widespread in all aspects of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Consequently, development is certain to be hindered. The article states that the expansion and implementation of universal social protection and social security schemes should not discriminate based on age, gender, disability, or education systems. The paper suggests In order to eradicate insecurity and poverty, it is imperative to develop more robust economies. This process starts by empowering women to transition from mere participation in the economy to attaining complete economic authority. Keywords: Bane, Gender, Security, SDGs and Poverty

Universal School Meals During the Pandemic: A Mixed Methods Analysis of Parent Perceptions From California and Maine

BackgroundIn response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the US Congress authorized the US Department of Agriculture to waive a variety of school meal regulations and funded school meals daily for all students at no charge regardless of family income. Because federal Universal Free School Meals (UFSM) ended with the 2021-2022 school year, several states, including California and Maine, adopted state-level UFSM policies. ObjectiveThis study aimed to understand parent perceptions of school meals and the federal and new state UFSM policies in California and Maine, including potential challenges and benefits to students and households. DesignA mixed methods study design was used. A quantitative cross-sectional survey was administered, and semi-structured interviews were conducted in English and Spanish during the 2021-2022 school year. Participants/settingThe quantitative survey was administered to parents of students in elementary, middle, and high schools in rural, suburban, and urban communities in California (n = 1110) and Maine (n = 80). Qualitative interviews were then conducted with a subset of these parents in California (n = 46) and Maine (n = 20) using Zoom (Zoom Video Communications). Most survey participants (708 of 1190 [59.5%]) and interviewees (40 of 66 [60.6%]) were parents of students who were eligible for free or reduced-price meals. Main outcome measuresParents’ perceptions of UFSM, school meal quality, and experiences applying for free or reduced-price meals were examined. Analyses performedTests of proportions were used to analyze survey data. Using grounded theory, interview transcripts were analyzed qualitatively by 2 trained research assistants, applying principles of content analysis to identify themes and domains. Inter-rater reliability was conducted. ResultsParents perceived that school meals and UFSM saved families money and time, as parents had fewer meals to purchase and prepare for their children. In addition, UFSM reduced parents’ stress and reduced stigma for children and for parents, who described feelings of embarrassment when they previously filled out paperwork for free or reduced-price meals. Although parent perceptions of school meal quality and healthfulness were mixed, most parents reported feeling grateful for school meals. ConclusionsParents had mixed opinions on the quality and healthfulness of school meals, but believed UFSM saved them money and time and reduced their stress. Parents also felt UFSM reduced stigma for families.

Who’s the best? Investigating the NAMM Foundation’s “Best Communities of Music Education” awardees

The “Best Communities for Music Education” (BCME) award from the National Association for Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation is intended to celebrate school districts committed to supporting music education. However, despite its over twenty-year history, little is known about the awardees themselves. The purpose of this study was to describe the characteristics of school districts that received NAMM’s BCME award in 2021 and 2022. We utilized publicly available data from NAMM and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) to analyze demographic data of 2021 and 2022 awardees along several categories. We also gathered and analyzed BCME lists from 2005–2020 to provide an insight on the frequency of repeat awardees. Findings show that awardees primarily represent suburban communities that skew more affluent, more educated, and more white than national averages. These findings may help interrogate conceptions of quality, highlight issues of inequity among school districts, and bring insight into policy tools underpinning public music education advocacy efforts.

Towards quantifying the communication aspect of resilience in disaster-prone communities

In this study, we investigate the communication networks of urban, suburban, and rural communities from three US Midwest counties through a stochastic model that simulates the diffusion of information over time in disaster and in normal situations. To understand information diffusion in communities, we investigate the interplay of information that individuals get from online social networks, local news, government sources, mainstream media, and print media. We utilize survey data collected from target communities and create graphs of each community to quantify node-to-node and source-to-node interactions, as well as trust patterns. Monte Carlo simulation results show the average time it takes for information to propagate to 90% of the population for each community. We conclude that rural, suburban, and urban communities have different inherent properties promoting the varied flow of information. Also, information sources affect information spread differently, causing degradation of information speed if any source becomes unavailable. Finally, we provide insights on the optimal investments to improve disaster communication based on community features and contexts.

Does financial technology improve intention to pay zakat during national economic recovery? A multi-group analysis

PurposeZakat has succeeded in becoming one of the safety nets for welfare during the crisis. As a result, continuous improvement is a necessity, especially through strengthening technology adaptation. This study aims to explore the factors determining Muslim behavior on their intention to pay zakat by taking into consideration the adoption of digital technology using the modified Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT).Design/methodology/approachThe data collected were 265 respondents who live in urban and suburban areas. They were processed using the partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) design. Furthermore, the multigroup analysis (MGA) was conducted to capture the difference results between urban and suburban.FindingsThe findings show that performance expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, perceived security and privacy and zakat literacy significantly increase the intention of Muzakki to adopt financial technology. Perceived security and privacy has succeeded in being an important predictor of digital payment adoption for Muzakki. This paper provides a specific description of the adoption of Muzakki living in urban and suburban areas by using MGA. The research findings illustrate that there is a different urgency between the related variables. Suburban communities have more significant results regarding the research model used.Research limitations/implicationsThis research provides new component variables that can drive individuals’ intentions to use digital services to pay zakat online by using the redesigned UTAUT model. Further research can explore more variables related to zakat digitalization, such as social media interaction, by conducting in-depth interviews with stakeholders to improve zakat performance in this digital era.Practical implicationsThe result of this research recommends that zakat institutions enhance their zakat literacy and education among the Muslim population to improve zakat performance. The government should pay attention to the digital ecosystem to attract the community to use a digital platform.Originality/valueThis research modified the UTAUT model by integrating several other important constructs to produce more comprehensive findings in investigating the factors that can influence an individual's intention to pay zakat through an online digital platform. This study also examined the indirect effect to obtain significant results by positioning perceived security and privacy as an intervening variable. The implementation of the MGA was conducted to divide research respondents into two categories (urban and suburban) and compare the test results.

The predictors of voluntary participation in pulmonary tuberculosis screening program: a study in a suburban community of southern Thailand.

The health belief model (HBM), baseline health condition, and sociocultural factors impact the decision to participate in a tuberculosis screening program. This cross-sectional and descriptive study was carried out among the "Kao Taew" community dwellers aged 18 years and above, who voluntarily underwent the provided pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) screening by chest radiographs (CXRs). The level of individual HBM domain perception, attitudes toward PTB prevention, and regularity of PTB prevention practices by the participants were evaluated. The significantly associated or correlated factors such as demographic characteristics, individual HBM domain perception, and attitudes toward PTB prevention with the regularity of PTB prevention practices from the univariate analysis were further analyzed by multiple linear regression (p < 0.05) to determine the independent significant predictors of PTB prevention practices. Among 311 participants comprising 65% women, 57.9% aged ≥ 65 years and 67.2% had an underlying disease. The study participants had a high level of perception of HBM domains but a low level of perception of the barrier. In addition, a high level of attitudes toward PTB prevention and a high regularity of PTB prevention practices were found. A multiple linear regression analysis revealed that the perceived benefits of PTB screening [Beta = 0.20 (0.04, 0.36) p = 0.016] and acquiring underlying diseases [Beta = 1.06 (0.38, 1.73), p = 0.002] were significant predictors for PTB prevention practices, while belief in Islam was a reverse predictor [Beta = -0.84 (-1.47, -0.21), p = 0.010]. The level of perception of the individual domain of HBM, health status, and religious belief significantly predicted voluntary participation in PTB screening programs. Careful consideration by integration of the relevant health psychology, physical, and sociocultural factors is crucial for planning a health screening program.

Evaluating Sepsis Bundle Compliance as a Predictor for Patient Outcomes at a Community Hospital: A Retrospective Study.

Clinicians are encouraged to use the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services early management bundle for severe sepsis and septic shock (SEP-1); however, it is unclear whether this process measure improves patient outcomes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether compliance with the SEP-1 bundle is a predictor of hospital mortality, length of stay (LOS), and intensive care unit LOS at a suburban community hospital. A retrospective observational study was conducted. A total of 577 patients were included in the analysis. Compliance with the SEP-1 bundle was not a significant predictor for patient outcomes. SEP-1 compliance may not equate with quality of health care. Efforts to comply with SEP-1 may help organizations develop systems and structures that improve patient outcomes. Health care leaders should evaluate strategies beyond SEP-1 compliance to ensure continuous improvement of outcomes for patients experiencing sepsis.

(146) Sex Education and Pattern of Sexual Behavior among Adolescents in a Sub-Urban High School

Abstract Introduction Adolescence being the transition from childhood to adulthood may be associated with risky sexual behavior with consequences that may last a lifetime. Sex education for teenagers to encourage safe sexual practices is necessary to build a society of adults with healthy sexual lifestyle. The details of the source of information, level of knowledge and actual sexual practices among these adolescents will inform the approach to supplying adequate information. Objective The objective of the study is to demonstrate the level of knowledge of adolescents about safe sexual practices, contraceptives and their pattern of behavior. Methods Data regarding knowledge and sexual behavior was obtained from adolescents in a Sub-Urban high school with the aid of pre-tested self-administered questionnaire. The data was imputed and analyzed with the IBM SPSS software. Results A total of 107 adolescents aged 13 to 19years (mean - 16.078years) with average weight of 47.931Kg; 53(49.5%) were males and 54(50.5%) were females. About half (51.4%) practice Christianity and 48.6% practice Islamic religion and majority (96.3%) were in their penultimate class in high school. Majority of respondents (87.7%) reported having formal sex education, the commonest source of sex education was school in 76.9%, other sources of information were parents (11.0%), friends and peers (8.7%), mass media (4.4%) and siblings (2.2%). The quality of knowledge of these adolescents may be poor, as many as 25% of respondents think that casual sex does not predispose to infections and only 21.8% had any knowledge of modern contraceptives. Nearly one-quarter (23.36%) of respondents have commenced sexual activities with the mean age at coitarche being 12.38±2.38years; majority in this category (92%) being males. The commonest form of sexual practice is peno-vagina intercourse which is seen in 21.7% of respondents, 13.3% practice masturbation, 5.8% of respondents have had homosexual activities, 6.7% practice oral sex and 1.9% practice peno-anal sex. Among the sexually active respondents, 72% have had multiple sexual partners, 32% practice casual sex. Majority (92%) have used male condoms before but only 32% of sexually active respondents regularly use condoms. Majority (98%) of sexually naïve were contented with their status and 13% of sexually active respondents wished they had delayed sexual activities. Conclusions Although, intervention at adolescence with sex and reproductive health services offers the opportunity to form societies with healthy sexual lifestyle, the level of knowledge of sex education among adolescents in Sub-Urban communities remain poor yet a significant proportion of these Adolescents have commenced sexual activities with some practicing risky sexual behavior. Disclosure No.

Advancing Understanding on Greenspace and Mental Health in Young People.

Mental distress among young people has increased in recent years. Research suggests that greenspace may benefit mental health. The objective of this exploratory study is to further understanding of place-based differences (i.e., urbanity) in the greenspace-mental health association. We leverage publicly available greenspace data sets to operationalize greenspace quantity, quality, and accessibility metrics at the community-level. Emergency department visits for young people (ages 24 and under) were coded for: anxiety, depression, mood disorders, mental and behavioral disorders, and substance use disorders. Generalized linear models investigated the association between greenspace metrics and community-level mental health burden; results are reported as prevalence rate ratios (PRR). Urban and suburban communities with the lowest quantities of greenspace had the highest prevalence of poor mental health outcomes, particularly for mood disorders in urban areas (PRR: 1.19, 95% CI: 1.16-1.21), and substance use disorders in suburban areas (PRR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.28-1.43). In urban, micropolitan, and rural/isolated areas further distance to greenspace was associated with a higher prevalence of poor mental health outcomes; this association was most pronounced for substance use disorders (PRRUrban: 1.31, 95% CI: 1.29-1.32; PRRMicropolitan: 1.47, 95% CI: 1.43-1.51; PRRRural 2.38: 95% CI: 2.19-2.58). In small towns and rural/isolated communities, poor mental health outcomes were more prevalent in communities with the worst greenspace quality; this association was most pronounced for mental and behavioral disorders in small towns (PRR: 1.29, 95% CI: 1.24-1.35), and for anxiety disorders in rural/isolated communities (PRR: 1.61, 95% CI: 1.43-1.82). The association between greenspace metrics and mental health outcomes among young people is place-based with variations across the rural-urban continuum.

The first mile towards access equity: Is on-demand microtransit a valuable addition to the transportation mix in suburban communities?

As cities grow, the benefits of living in them are increasingly unequally distributed. USA cities, in particular, have experienced rapid suburbanization of poverty and decreased levels of access to jobs for transit-dependent and vulnerable communities. The public transit challenges in suburbs call for innovative forms of transit to turn the tide on urban inequality. On-demand microtransit, a novel type of shared mobility provides efficient, convenient and affordable transportation. Its potential for redressing inequity had yet to be investigated fully in a suburban setting. We presented a case study from the suburbs of Minneapolis-St. Paul in Minnesota, USA. We combined unique datasets of microtransit ridership from two public transit agencies, transit surveys, land use data, and expert interviews, to conduct spatial analysis, accessibility analysis, and equity impact assessments for these suburbs. We found that microtransit enables public transit agencies to reach a larger number of vulnerable riders than fixed-route transit, particularly for commuting and trips to/from commercial areas. Microtransit also provided a cheaper alternative to ride-hailing and a faster alternative to public transit and walking, without cannibalizing ridership from fixed-rout transit alternatives. Finally, microtransit redressed transportation inequities by alleviating access inequality, reaching vulnerable rider groups effectively, and creating travel opportunities that are less spatially concentrated than those provided by traditional, fixed-route public transit. This study provided a framework for further investigations into the impact of microtransit, including in urban core or rural settings, and highlighted the impact of microtransit in reducing access inequity in a suburban environment.

“The Beauty of Homes Beautiful Collectively”: The Olmsted Firm and the View from the Suburban House

Abstract The landscape architects Frederick Law Olmsted and his sons John Charles and Frederick Jr. changed the prevailing understanding of the view from the suburban home. Historically, such vistas reflected a sense of isolation in nature, an experience that the early suburban communities of the nineteenth century attempted to replicate. In contrast, the elder Olmsted, in his first suburban design, posited the need for the neighborhood to be visible and distinguishable from the houses; it would form the foreground of views into more distant landscapes. This article examines the lineage of this vista and how Frederick Law Olmsted’s sons, through their firm Olmsted Brothers, later came to replicate it systematically in their suburban projects. A comparison with possible antecedents of this particular view shows that the Olmsteds not only made it a fundamental design factor but also endowed it with ethical and aesthetic qualities.

VERNACULAR AND ENDOGENOUS PARAMETERS: REVISION OF THE MACHUPICCHU WALL AND THE ECOEARTH SANDWICH SYSTEM

The study of vernacular construction systems as a means to develop coherent local contemporary alternatives consistent with local resources and cultural processes; the results are endogenous buildings that respond to the eminent global energy crisis. Confined earth construction systems with different structural forms have been used throughout Latin America, specifically in the Andes. With these criteria, the eco earth sandwich system, a confined earth wall with metal sheet containment, has been developed as an alternative wall system. Using local resources, materials, and workforce, The Con Lo Que Hay 14 (CLQH 14) workshop, which translates to “With What is Available, edition 14 workshop,” developed the eco earth sandwich for a small suburban community center in the Ecuadorian Andes, based on vernacular contained earth criteria. Through Arellano and Angel vernacular parameters, this study will evaluate Machu Picchu (Peru) walls with dirt nuclei protected by stone and the eco-earth sandwich system to depict their endogenous and vernacular coherence.

STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS OF THE ECOEARTH SANDWICH SYSTEM

The eco earth sandwich is a construction system with a CMU foundation, braced vertically with treated wood poles and horizontally with steel rods and rammed earth. A reinforced concrete crowning beam confines a steel panel envelope, developed as an alternative wall using local resources, materials, and workforce. The Con Lo Que Hay 14 (CLQH 14) workshop, which translates to “With What is Available, edition 14 workshop,” developed the eco earth sandwich for a small suburban community center in the Ecuadorian Andes, based on vernacular contained earth criteria. The model is a one-story structure in which the resistance of its conforming elements will be evaluated in a theoretical approach. Earthquake resistance: Compression and tensile stresses and cutting effects produced at the foot of the wall will be evaluated. Verifying its effectiveness as a one-story self-standing structure and the possibility of becoming bearing walls. Future studies are planned with laboratory structural stress load tests.

ARRIVE Together: A Qualitative Process Evaluation of the New Jersey State Police Co-responding Pilot Program

Law enforcement personnel are often first to respond to calls involving behavioral health emergencies. However, encounters with law enforcement are more dangerous and lethal for people with behavioral health conditions. Co-responding models, wherein law enforcement and behavioral health professionals respond to calls together, are among the top programs developed to improve responding to behavioral health crises. The current study describes a qualitative process evaluation of a co-responding pilot program in New Jersey: “Alternative Responses to Reduce Instances of Violence & Escalation” (ARRIVE Together). The evaluation centered on the experience of the co-responding team as to their perceptions of specific deployments and of the program implementation overall. Semi-structured interviews were conducted following 10 consecutive encounters (three interviews per encounter; February-March 2022). Transcripts were transcribed and thematically analyzed by two trained researchers independently. Once thematically analyzed, researchers determined a consensus and developed a SWOT analysis report. Thematic analysis produced six major themes: communication, staffing, training, resources, community outreach, and deployments with minors. Overall, participants were enthusiastic about the program, but they shared numerous observations about ways in which the program could be improved. Sample size, the brief follow-up window, and lack of generalizability to other contexts were among the most limiting factors. Further research should include an effectiveness evaluation and extend to urban and suburban communities and communities of color. Future research should also explore after-response affects including accessibility to follow-up care. The current study gives insight into piloting a co-responding model for approaching behavioral health crisis calls.

Tree removal regulation mitigates light pollution in suburban communities

Light pollution raises various problems for urban environments. This study examined whether or not the tree removal regulation in The Woodlands, Texas, reduced light pollution. Nighttime light intensities for The Woodlands and nearby communities were derived from Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) Day and Night Band (DNB) monthly nighttime images. A multi-level model (MLM) was used to examine the effects of built environmental variables on nighttime light intensities in the study communities. The nighttime light intensity was affected by high-intensity developed land, vegetation density, and nighttime light intensity of nearby areas. Then, a control community with similar environmental conditions to The Woodlands was selected, and a paired t-test between The Woodlands and the control community was conducted. The test illustrates that The Woodlands had lower nighttime light intensities than the control community. Based on these results, it is concluded that The Woodlands’ tree removal regulation is effective in mitigating light pollution.