Suburban Locations Research Articles

Employing user-centered design to develop a remote technology kit for studying young children's social communication skills.

The COVID-19 pandemic required behavioral researchers to rapidly pivot to the implementation of remote study protocols to facilitate data collection. Remote implementation required robust and flexible research protocols including reliable audio/visual technology that met all the quality, security, and privacy hallmarks of lab-based equipment, while also being portable and usable by nontechnical staff and participants. The project's primary purpose was to develop a technology kit that could be deployed for data collection in homes with young children. The secondary objective was to determine the feasibility of the kit for use longitudinally across four disparate sites. User-centered design principles were employed in the development and implementation of a technology kit deployed across urban, suburban, and rural participant locations in four states. Preliminary feasibility and usability data were gathered to determine the reliability of the kit across three timepoints. In study 1, a technology kit was constructed addressing all project needs including the provision of the internet to connect remotely with participants. Staff training protocols and participant-facing materials were developed to accompany deployment procedures. In study 2, data gathered in technology logs demonstrated successful capturing of video footage in 96% of opportunities with most technology challenges mitigated. Subsequent behavioral coding indicated 100% of captured assessment footage has been successfully coded to date. Moreover, participants needed less support for technology setup at their later timepoints, and staff rated the kit as highly usable. This study offers a model for future development of technology use in remote community- and home-based pediatric research.

The spatial mismatch between foreign direct investment and street networks: Evidence from Hanoi, Vietnam

This research investigates the spatial mismatch between the distribution of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and the configurational characteristics of street networks in Hanoi's urban districts. Two indicators are employed to represent the connectivity of street networks generated by space syntax methodology, global integration for vehicular movements and local integration for pedestrian traffic. Findings reveal that FDI clusters have preferred areas highly connected by arterial roads, including traditional commercial centres and new suburban locations, confirming that FDI is spatially matched with vehicle-oriented street networks. However, the major FDI clusters have been established without tight connections to street networks for pedestrians. The findings shed light on the new spatiality of global capital accumulation that expedites an unsustainable, vehicle-oriented urban structure.

Insect herbivory on Acer rubrum varies across income and urbanization gradients in the D.C. metropolitan area

Urbanization has increased wealth disparity within the United States, impacting the urban landscape and species interactions. In particular, the interactions between street trees and the arthropod communities that live among them may be modified by both human population densities across urban to suburban locations, as well as income levels within these areas. We examined the effect of land use type (urban vs. suburban) and median household income on variation in leaf damage and arthropod abundance of red maples (Acer rubrum) in the District of Columbia metropolitan region. We compared these levels of leaf damage to rates observed in a nearby temperate deciduous forest. We predicted leaf damage would be positively correlated with urbanization (forested < suburban < urban) and negatively correlated with neighborhood income level (low > medium > high). Instead, we observed higher levels of leaf damage on trees in the forest environment compared to the urban and suburban areas. Leaves from urban medium and high-income areas were less likely to exhibit herbivore damage than those from suburban areas. Of the leaves with damage, those in urban high-income and suburban low-income areas exhibited the most leaf area missing. These trends may be related to specific factors associated with urbanization and income level, such as impervious surface coverage and tree coverage. This study highlights differences in biotic interactions across individual neighborhoods and the importance of including socio-economic variables when examining species interactions in urban environments.

Rural-urban differences in emergency medical services bypass routing of stroke in North Carolina.

Acute stroke is a serious, time-sensitive condition requiring immediate medical attention. Emergency medical services (EMS) routing and direct transport of acute stroke patients to stroke centers improves timely access to care. This study aimed to describe EMS stroke routing and transports by rurality in North Carolina (NC). We conducted a retrospective study using existing data on EMS transports of suspected stroke patients in NC in 2019. The primary study outcome was EMS bypass of the nearest hospital for transport to a nonnearest hospital, determined by geographic information systems (GIS) analysis. Incident addresses were geocoded to census tracts and classified as urban, suburban, or rural by Rural-Urban Commuting Area codes. We compared the frequency of bypass and estimated additional transport times by urban, suburban, and rural incident locations. Of 3666 patients, 1884 (51%) EMS transports bypassed the nearest hospital. Bypass occurred less often for rural EMS incidents (39%) compared to those in urban (57%) and suburban (63%) tracts. The estimated additional transport time for rural bypasses of nonendovascular-capable stroke centers for endovascular-capable stroke centers was a median of 25min (interquartile range 13-33). Using GIS analysis, we found nearly half of EMS transports of suspected stroke patients in NC bypassed the nearest hospital, including noncertified hospitals and stroke centers. Bypasses occurred less often in rural areas, though incurred significantly longer transport times, compared to urban areas. These findings are important for regional stroke system planning, especially for improving rural access to acute stroke care.

The impact of social isolation policies during COVID-19 on suburban mothers and pregnant women with opioid use disorder

ABSTRACT The aim of this qualitative research paper was to identify how social isolation policies implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the lives of pregnant women and mothers with opioid use disorder. Between 2020 and 2022, in-depth interviews were conducted with 37 mothers and pregnant women living in the suburbs of Newark, NJ, and New Haven, CT. Participants had to be at least 18 years old, misused or abused opioids in the last 12 months while residing in a suburban location, and pregnant or caring for children aged 12 and younger. We used syndemics theory to guide our grounded theory analysis to identify relationships between social situations, health conditions, and opioid use disorder. Five major themes emerged that were either directly or indirectly impacted by social isolation caused by policies implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic: Relationships, Environment, Services, Drug Use, and Health. Findings from this study reveal new insights into how mothers and their health were impacted by prolonged social isolation policies and offer suggestions for policymakers and service providers to better address future crisis.

Price disparities in the housing market vs. transportation costs for households. A case study of real estate development projects in Szczecin

Motives: Land situated on the outskirts of cities and even outside their borders is being seized for urban development, as well as for housing purposes. Properties in such locations are usually significantly cheaper than those located in the city centers. However, living in a suburban location often entails higher commuting, education, and entertainment costs. Therefore, the following question arises from a property buyer’s point of view: is it more economically advantageous to purchase more expensive property in a downtown district or a cheaper one located peripherally and incur higher transportation costs? Aim: The purpose of the study was to compare the transportation costs incurred by households in peripheral locations with the property price differentials between suburban and central city districts. Results: The study covered the city of Szczecin. Data for the study were obtained from public sources and analyzed with tools such as the payback period, simple rate of return, net present value (NPV) for 10 and 20 years, and internal rate of return (IRR) for 10 and 20 years. The results indicate that in certain cases, very high commuting costs might encourage potential buyers to consider the purchase of more expensive property in a central city location where these costs are significantly lower or not necessary.

The lived experiences of transgender and gender-diverse people in accessing publicly funded penile-inversion vaginoplasty in Canada.

Canada's health care systems underserve people who are transgender and gender diverse (TGD), leading to unique disparities not experienced by other patient groups, such as in accessing gender-affirmation surgery. We sought to explore the experiences of TGD people seeking and accessing gender-affirmation surgery at a publicly funded hospital in Canada to identify opportunities to improve the current system. We used hermeneutic phenomenology according to Max van Manen to conduct this qualitative study. Between January and August 2022, we conducted interviews with TGD people who had undergone penile-inversion vaginoplasty at Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, since June 2019. We conducted interviews via Microsoft Teams and transcribed them verbatim. We coded the transcripts using NVivo version 12. Using inductive analysis, we constructed themes, which we mapped onto van Manen's framework of lived body, lived time, lived space, and lived human relations. We interviewed 15 participants who had undergone penile-inversion vaginoplasty; they predominantly self-identified as transgender women (n = 13) and White (n = 14). Participants lived in rural (n = 4), suburban (n = 5), or urban (n = 6) locations. Their median age was 32 (range 27-67) years. We identified 11 themes that demonstrated the interconnected nature of TGD peoples' lived experiences over many years leading up to accessing gender-affirmation surgery. These themes emphasized the role of the body in experiencing the world and shaping identity, the lived experience of the body in shaping human connectedness, and participants' intersecting identities and emotional pain (lived body); participants' experiences of the passage of time and progression of events (lived time); environments inducing existential anxiety or fostering affirmation, the role of technology in shaping participants' understanding of the body, and the effect of liminal spaces (lived space); and finally, the role of communication and language, empathy and compassion, and participants' experiences of loss of trust and connection (lived human relations). Our findings reveal TGD patients' lived experiences as they navigated a lengthy and often difficult journey to penile-inversion vaginoplasty. They suggest a need for improved access to gender-affirmation surgery by reducing wait times, increasing capacity, and improving care experiences.

A relationship between urban green space and PM2.5 levels in urban and suburban areas of Bangkok

Abstract Bangkok, Thailand's densely populated capital, faces critical air pollution due to overpopulation, traffic, industry, and biomass burning. Of particular concern is the escalating PM2.5 pollution, which poses significant risks to both public health and the environment. This research investigates the relationship between Bangkok's urban green spaces (UGS) and PM2.5 levels by comparing the concentrations of PM2.5 in non-green areas (on roads) and green areas (city parks) in both urban (Ratchathewi) and suburban (Lat Krabang) locations. The methodology in this study involves data collection from secondary sources and statistical analysis using ANOVA, T-tests, and the Mann-Kendall test with Sen's slope. The findings indicate a consistent expansion of UGS within the study areas, while levels of air pollution exhibit discernible seasonal fluctuations. Notably, concentrations of PM2.5 near roads were significantly higher than those of nearby parks, with 43% and 38% higher levels at Ratchathewi and Lat Krabang, respectively. Several factors contribute to this discrepancy, encompassing the proximity to pollution sources, the processes of dispersion and dilution, the presence of vegetation and green spaces, and the role of physical barriers. Based on the research findings, recommendations propose to improve air quality through UGS initiatives and collaboration with relevant stakeholders.

Homeownership Habitus and Residential Practice of Highly-Skilled Chinese Migrants in the Netherlands

ABSTRACT This paper proposes a “homeownership habitus” concept to understand the residential practice of highly-skilled young Chinese migrants in the Netherlands. Using 41 interviews, we show how and why they typically become homeowners soon after securing stable employment. Even without planning to stay in the Netherlands long-term, buying properties was taken for granted, sanctioned by the Chinese value framework whereby homeownership is not only a status-marker and rational economic choice, but integral to adulthood transitions. Homeownership was often enabled by familial intergenerational support, also functioning as a transnational investment strategy. Such rapid tenure transition included spatial strategies to buy in “good” suburban locations or more affordable lower-reputation localities. The historic city centres of Amsterdam and Utrecht were deemed expensive and housing stock old, while Rotterdam’s modern city centre was popular among them. This paper contributes to literature on highly-skilled Chinese in Western cities, residential practice of migrants and transnational materialization of habitus across fields.

An Exploratory Study on Self-Reported Auditory Symptoms and Hearing Loss among Workers in a Small-Scale LPG Plant.

Occupational noise is considered a factor contributing to acquired hearing loss (HL) in adults. Frequent noise exposure can cause cochlear damage, leading to sensorineural HL, tinnitus, vertigo, and other non auditory effects as well. Although it is well known that liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) plants in India have become a workplace source for occupational noise pollution exposure, there are not many studies that probe into the auditory effects of workplace noise in LPG plants. The study aims to document HL and self reported otological symptoms in employees with occupational noise exposure at a typical LPG plant in a suburban location in India. 53 employees who reported workplace noise exposure were assessed for HL and self reported auditory symptoms. Self reported symptoms were collected using a custom made case history questionnaire, and auditory sensitivity was measured using air conduction audiometers. Among the 53 participants, 27 tested positive for HL. A mild degree of HL was frequently observed, followed by a moderate and severe degree of HL. In the self reported otological complaints reported by 31 participants, HL and aural fullness were the most commonly reported auditory symptoms. Additionally, the use of ear protection devices and hearing conservation practices among the participants were poor. Hearing loss and self-reported auditory symptoms were present in the study group indicating the effect of occupational noise in the auditory system.

Neglected puzzle pieces of urban green infrastructure: richness, cover, and composition of insect-pollinated plants in traffic-related green spaces

ContextIn cities, insect-pollinated vascular plants enhance environmental quality, support pollinators, and provide essential ecosystem services for citizens. However, floral communities associated with traffic-related green spaces are rarely considered valuable elements of urban green infrastructure (UGI).ObjectivesThe main objective of this work was to assess if traffic-related green spaces in Finland possess species-rich floral communities and can assist urban ecological restoration—converting degraded areas into functionally diverse ecosystems. Thus, we evaluated richness, cover, and community composition of insect-pollinated plants (emphasizing flowering ones) on traffic islands, parking lots, and road verges.MethodsThe assessment was performed during the mean flowering phenophase of insect-pollinated plants in the European boreal zone (July and August) using a standard quadrat (1 m2) placement method. We studied plants in urban and suburban locations of three highly populated (> 170 000 inhabitants) Finnish cities—Helsinki, Tampere, and Turku. There were 90 sampling sites with 15 replicates per location type in each city and five measurement replicates per green space (habitat) type. The species richness, cover, and composition were assessed in relation to location, habitat type, city, the average daily traffic (ADT), and distance to the road.ResultsUrban locations had lower total plant species richness and fewer indicator species (characterized only by a single indicator species) compared to suburban locations (characterized by five indicator species). Species richness of plants flowering during the time of the survey did not differ among locations. Traffic islands were richer habitats for flowering plants than road verges but did not differ from parking lots. Total vegetation cover and cover of insect-pollinated flowering plants increased with an increasing distance from the road. Vegetation cover differed among habitats being higher on road verges than on traffic islands irrespective of ADT. In all habitat types, the two most common flowering species were yarrow Achillea millefolium and autumn hawkbit Leontodon autumnalis which occurred at 70.2% and 67.8% of the sampling sites, respectively. However, the mean cover of the ten most common flowering species (when present) was low and varied between 1.5 and 9.5% per m2.ConclusionsSimilar richness of flowering plants (but not total plant species) in urban and suburban locations might indicate equal importance of ecosystem services provided by flowering plants in cities irrespective of location. Because traffic islands and parking lots contain rich plant communities, they should be better integrated into UGI and valued by city planners. Management intensity in terms of grass cuts should be ecologically justified. An increase in the number of insect-pollinated plant species in urban traffic-related green spaces might help to improve environmental quality in cities in terms of increasing pollinator biodiversity and reducing pollution.

An urban image in an urbanized landscape: measuring the visual impact of Tibur's amphitheater

Abstract Though infrequently used and largely superfluous, amphitheaters were often the most physically imposing and ideologically charged structures in a Roman city. The preponderance of extramural amphitheaters in Italy and their appearance in visual culture confirm they were potent markers of urban life and civic status. This paper contextualizes Tibur's imperial amphitheater within the Roman suburbium's persistent urban sprawl and villas, especially Hadrian's Villa, using a novel GIS visibility analysis. Its apparent size from various points in the surrounding landscape is quantified within empirical and qualitative scales developed for modern visual impact assessments. The results demonstrate the amphitheater's suburban location did more than integrate Tibur's extramural growth into the older urban center. It emphasized the city's urban appearance, even from long distances, and monumentalized alternate routes to the city used by the villa-owning elite, countering the ambiguous status of a liminal city that was both Rome's annex and an autonomous municipium.

Implementation of a Multidimensional Strategy to Reduce Post-PCI Bleeding Risk.

The American College of Cardiology Reduce the Risk: PCI Bleed Campaign was a hospital-based quality improvement campaign designed to reduce post-percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) bleeding events. The aim of the campaign was to provide actionable evidence-based tools for participants to review, adapt, and adopt, depending upon hospital resources and engagement. We used data from 8 757 737 procedures in the National Cardiovascular Data Registry between 2015 and 2021 to compare patient and hospital characteristics and bleeding outcomes among campaign participants (n=195 hospitals) and noncampaign participants (n=1384). Post-PCI bleeding risk was compared before and after campaign participation. Multivariable hierarchical logistic regression was used to determine the adjusted association between campaign participation and post-PCI bleeding events. Prespecified subgroups were examined. Campaign hospitals were more often higher volume teaching facilities located in urban or suburban locations. After adjustment, campaign participation was associated with a significant reduction in the rate of bleeding (bleeding: adjusted odds ratio, 0.61 [95% CI, 0.53-0.71]). Campaign hospitals had a greater decrease in bleeding events than noncampaign hospitals. In a subgroup analysis, the reduction in bleeding was noted in non-ST-segment-elevation acute coronary syndrome and ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction patients, but no significant reduction was seen in patients without acute coronary syndrome. Participation in the American College of Cardiology Reduce the Risk: PCI Bleed Campaign was associated with a significant reduction in post-PCI bleeding. Our results underscore that national quality improvement efforts can be associated with a significant impact on PCI outcomes.

Malignant mixed mullerian tumors: a SEER database review of rurality and treatment modalities on disease outcome.

Malignant Mixed Mullerian Tumors (MMMT) are rare and poorly understood sarcomas with limited research on risk factors, pathogenesis, and optimal treatments. This study aimed to address this knowledge gap and explore the impact of community size, patient characteristics, disease characteristics, and treatment modalities on MMMT outcomes. Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database (SEER), the largest SEER cohort to date of 3,352 MMMT patients was analyzed for demographic factors, treatment modalities, and histologic characteristics. Data was processed, including the removal of incomplete entries, and analyzed in Python 3.1 using packages scikit-learn, lifelines, and torch; log-rank analysis and Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate a number of demographic characteristics and disease characteristics for significance in regard to survival. Our study found adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy significantly improved survival, with modest benefits from neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Our findings also suggest age at diagnosis, disease grade, and suburban versus rural geographic locations may play key roles in patient prognosis. On multivariable analysis both disease Grade and surgical treatment were significant factors. MMMTs remain challenging, but appropriate treatment appears to enhance survival. The present findings suggest opportunities for improved outcomes and treatment strategies for patients with MMMTs.

Risk factors for cerebral palsy in children in Taiwan.

To determine the significant risk factors of cerebral palsy (CP) in Taiwanese children and the associations between infant-related and parent-related factors. Data from 1 459 093 infants and their parents in Taiwan's national databases collected between 2009 and 2016 were used. The cohort with CP included children diagnosed with CP between birth and age 3 years; a total of 3254 children with CP were included in the final analysis. Hierarchical logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds ratio for the risk factors of CP. The hierarchical logistic regression models indicated that significant risk factors associated with CP are suburban location, low income, maternal and paternal diabetes mellitus, paternal substance abuse, paternal seizure disorder, male sex, birth by Cesarean section, singleton birth, low birthweight, being born extremely and very preterm, intraventricular hemorrhage, and periventricular leukomalacia, as well as tube feeding, ventilator use, and dopamine administration within 6 months of age. In addition to common maternal and infant risk factors, we identified significant paternal risk factors associated with CP, including diabetes mellitus, seizure disorder, and substance abuse. The combination of maternal, paternal, and infant risk factors in CP holds great promise for early identification and intervention.

Suburbanisation in East Germany

Rampant suburbanisation is one of the most visible changes evidenced in cities throughout Central and Eastern Europe in the past three decades. In this paper, we analyse how suburbanisation unfolded in East Germany after reunification. We do this against the background of ongoing debates about the usefulness and meaning of the term post-socialism that have questioned the self-enclosed spatiality of the concept and suggest giving the concept of neoliberalisation a more central role in analysing the changes experienced in this part of the world. We show that the suburbanisation process in East Germany rested on three neoliberal policy orientations: (1) extensive investment stimuli for the construction of new rental housing, (2) promotion of home ownership and (3) the privileging of suburban locations through planning gaps. Since all these policies are based on neoliberal ideas, we argue that neoliberalisation and post-socialist reform agendas have appeared as two sides of the same coin. Against this background, we advocate putting the developments that came after socialism at the centre of the research and call for a new generation of studies on post-socialist neoliberalisation.

Yielding Behavior of Turning Drivers to a Pedestrian With a Cane at Low-Light Signalized Intersections

Introduction: This study evaluated drivers’ delays and yields when making right turns at the onset of a circular green traffic signal, in response to pedestrian behaviors, during daylight and at night with streetlamp lighting, in urban and suburban locations. Methods: Researchers conducted trials at three intersections, two typical urban and one typical suburban intersection. Driver movement data were collected (N = 302) in three conditions: no pedestrian present (control); a pedestrian displaying a cane; and a pedestrian flagging a cane. Driver delay was recorded in seconds from the onset of the green traffic signal to when the vehicle crossed the middle of the width of the pedestrian's crosswalk. Results: The primary result was that there are no statistical differences between day and night driver delay. Secondarily, statistically significant differences were found for urban versus suburban drivers when flagging the cane versus displaying the cane, with urban sites and flagging a cane garnering greater delays. Yield calculations, based on the time required for a pedestrian to nearly clear the first half of the crosswalk, confirmed the patterns of drivers’ behaviors. Discussion: Authors anticipated negative effects on yielding in nighttime lower-light environments; however, there was similar driver delay and yields compared to daylight hours. Greater driver delay and yields, for flagging a cane and at urban settings, confirmed the results in previous studies. Implications for Practitioners: When assessing travel options, informed pedestrians and orientation and mobility specialists can consider the effectiveness of active cane techniques to increase the likelihood of yields from turning drivers, even at night where streetlamp lighting is the source of illumination. When instructing cane techniques for use at crosswalks, specialists can consider the options for mitigating risk when crossing typical streets in urban and suburban areas.

Health Coaching: America's Overlooked Personalized Health Solution

Chronic diseases are on the rise in the United States, particularly in rural and underserved areas, and they are often caused by preventable factors, accounting for a significant portion of healthcare costs. The short duration of routine medical visits does not give clinicians enough time to adequately address and support changes in patients' behavior that are required to improve health outcomes. Health coaching, which focuses on holistic behavior modification, shows potential in preventing and controlling chronic diseases through individualized assistance and accountability. Motivational interviewing and continual patient involvement are critical components of health coaching, and they have proven to be highly beneficial. Despite the established success of existing programs, a more comprehensive implementation tailored to individual requirements is required. Health coaching is an underutilized but intriguing method for healthcare providers to address patient health concerns proactively and directly at the cause. This strategy focuses on those who neglect their health owing to stated time restrictions, financial worries, or a lack of health education, resulting in delayed treatment and the onset of preventable chronic disease. The adaptable design, as well as a combination of medical experts and volunteers, offers exciting possibilities for urban, suburban, and rural locations alike, and may be the answer to a long-standing problem to personalized medicine in a highly diverse healthcare environment.

The study of shadowing effect for LTE and 5G networks in suburban environment

Abstract The presence of obstacles in the propagation path is a critical factor in air-to-ground (AG) communication. The behavior of wireless signal propagation depends on several variables, such as frequency, building height, elevation angle, and street design. This paper aims to compare the three established line of sight (LOS) probability model based on actual site data, including the building geometry in suburban environment. The comparison between these three models using the site data provide a guideline for selecting the LOS probability model based on the optimistic and pessimistic predictions. The shadowing loss was evaluated at frequencies 2 and 3.5 GHz with an elevation angle of 20° in two suburban locations at Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia. Three prediction models, ITU-R P.1410-5, Holis and Pechac, and Pang et al., available in the literature were used to identify and compare the line-of-sight probability. By focusing on the shadowing model in suburban area, the guideline for optimizing LOS communications or navigation in these challenging environments can be developed. The finding highlights the importance of considering building height in AG communication for network performance evaluation and design.

COVID-19 and the demand for transit access: Residential real estate prices in the Tokyo metropolitan area

To better understand the spatial implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on demand for both housing and transportation, this analysis examines sales price data from condominiums in the Tokyo metropolitan area. Demand for high-access condominiums—both those near transit stations and those in close proximity to the city center—was strong throughout the study period (2017–2022), and showed neither a positive nor negative association with the onset of the pandemic. Price growth for lower-access properties—those further from transit stations and those in peripheral suburban locations—was, by contrast, far more robust during the COVID era than in the pre-pandemic period. Results suggest that COVID-related changes in travel behavior—particularly the decreased commute burden associated with remote work—may have made lower-access locations more attractive to home buyers. This has not, however, tempered demand for properties near transit and in the central city, which remained strong throughout the pandemic period.