scholarly journals A herpetological survey of Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary

Check List ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-38
Author(s):  
Dillon Jones ◽  
Bethany Foshee ◽  
Lee Fitzgerald
Keyword(s):  
Survey Methods ◽  
Urban Environments ◽  
Urban Setting ◽  
Natural Areas ◽  
Audubon Society ◽  
Surrounding Areas ◽  
Community Science

Urban herpetology deals with the interaction of amphibians and reptiles with each other and their environment in an urban setting. As such, well-preserved natural areas within urban environments can be important tools for conservation. Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary is an 18-acre wooded sanctuary located west of downtown Houston, Texas and is the headquarters to Houston Audubon Society. This study compared iNaturalist data with results from visual encounter surveys and aquatic funnel traps. Results from these two sources showed 24 species belonging to 12 families and 17 genera of herpetofauna inhabit the property. However, several species common in surrounding areas were absent. Combination of data from community science and traditional survey methods allowed us to better highlight herpetofauna present in the park besides also identifying species that may be of management concern for Edith L. Moore. 

scholarly journals Characteristics and Outcomes Among Hospitalized COVID-19-Positive Patients in a Nonurban Environment

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert P Lennon ◽  
Theodore J Demetriou ◽  
M Fahad Khalid ◽  
Lauren Jodi Van Scoy ◽  
Erin L Miller ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Military Medicine ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Outcome Data ◽  
Urban Environments ◽  
Urban Setting ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Retrospective Case

ABSTRACT Introduction Virtually all hospitalized coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) outcome data come from urban environments. The extent to which these findings are generalizable to other settings is unknown. Coronavirus disease-2019 data from large, urban settings may be particularly difficult to apply in military medicine, where practice environments are often semi-urban, rural, or austere. The purpose of this study is compare presenting characteristics and outcomes of U.S. patients with COVID-19 in a nonurban setting to similar patients in an urban setting. Materials and Methods This is a retrospective case series of adults with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 infection who were admitted to Hershey Medical Center (HMC), a 548-bed tertiary academic medical center in central Pennsylvania serving semi-urban and rural populations, from March 23, 2020, to April 20, 2020 (the first month of COVID-19 admissions at HMC). Patients and outcomes of this cohort were compared to published data on a cohort of similar patients from the New York City (NYC) area. Results The cohorts had similar age, gender, comorbidities, need for intensive care or mechanical ventilation, and most vital sign and laboratory studies. The NYC’s cohort had shorter hospital stays (4.1 versus 7.2 days, P < .001) but more African American patients (23% versus 12%, P = .02) and higher prevalence of abnormal alanine (>60U/L; 39.0% versus 5.9%, P < .001) and aspartate (>40U/L; 58.4% versus 42.4%, P = .012) aminotransferase, oxygen saturation <90% (20.4% versus 7.2%, P = .004), and mortality (21% versus 1.4%, P < .001). Conclusions Hospitalists in nonurban environments would be prudent to use caution when considering the generalizability of results from dissimilar regions. Further investigation is needed to explore the possibility of reproducible causative systemic elements that may help improve COVID-19-related outcomes. Broader reports of these relationships across many settings will offer military medical planners greater ability to consider outcomes most relevant to their unique settings when considering COVID-19 planning.

scholarly journals Testing the Effect of Hedge Height on Perceived Safety—A Landscape Design Intervention

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 5063
Author(s):  
Katinka H. Evensen ◽  
Helena Nordh ◽  
Ramzi Hassan ◽  
Aslak Fyhri
Keyword(s):  
Field Study ◽  
Field Experiments ◽  
Landscape Design ◽  
Urban Environments ◽  
Space Management ◽  
Perceived Safety ◽  
Urban Green Spaces ◽  
Outdoor Spaces ◽  
Surrounding Areas ◽  
The Impact

Access to safe, green urban environments is important for quality of life in cities. The objective of this study is to explore the impact of a safety-enhancing landscape design measure on visitors’ experiences in an urban park. Additionally, this paper combines the use of field and virtual reality (VR) experiments, contributing methodological insights into how to evaluate safety measures in green space management and research on perceived safety. In a field experiment (n = 266), we explored whether the height of a hedge along a pathway influenced perceived safety among users. The field study showed that cutting down the hedge improved the perceived prospect of the immediate surrounding areas for female users, which again made them feel safer in the park. We developed a VR experiment for an evening scenario in the same environment (n = 19) to supplement the field study and test the effect of the intervention further. The VR experiment also found a gender effect on perceived safety, with females reporting lower perceived safety, but no effect was shown for the height of the hedge. The results in this study show that environmental attributes such as perceived prospect and concealment should be considered in the design and management of urban green spaces. Additionally, this research demonstrates an approach to conducting field experiments to test the effects of actual design interventions and then further developing these experiments using VR technology. Further research on perceived safety in outdoor spaces is needed to make use of this combined method’s potential.

Effects of different wind directions on ventilation of surrounding areas of two generic building configurations in Hong Kong

2021 ◽  
pp. 1420326X2110160
Author(s):  
Kai Yip Lee ◽  
Cheuk Ming Mak
Keyword(s):  
Wind Velocity ◽  
Natural Ventilation ◽  
Urban Environments ◽  
Air Pressure ◽  
Pressure Distributions ◽  
Air Intake ◽  
Dynamics Simulations ◽  
Surrounding Areas ◽  
Effective Use ◽  
Velocity Zone

This study investigated effects of incident wind angles on wind velocity distributions in wakes of two generic building configurations, namely, ‘T’- and ‘+’-shaped, and the air pressure distributions along their leeward walls by using computational fluid dynamics simulations. Results show that when the wind approaches laterally (90°) (vs. when the wind is direct (0°)), the downwind length and maximum bilateral width of the low-wind velocity zone in the wake of ‘T’-shaped building decrease by 11.5% and 37.9%, respectively. When the incident wind is oblique (45°) (vs. when it is direct), the length and width of this low-wind velocity zone in the wake of ‘+’-shaped building decrease by 15.0% and 30.9%, respectively. Furthermore, results show that the air pressure on the leeward walls of the ‘T’- and ‘+’-shaped buildings gradually decreases along with the building height. The resulting low-wind conditions on upper floors of buildings reduce the fresh air intake of their leeward units utilizing natural ventilation. It is particularly apparent in the case of direct approaching wind. Thus, the appropriate selection of building configurations and their orientations allows for the most effective use of wind to enhance ventilation in indoor and urban environments.

scholarly journals Stature is inversely associated with self-reported diabetes in middle-aged Mexican women

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Ruy Lopez-Ridaura ◽  
Karl P Puchner ◽  
Eduardo Ortiz-Panozo ◽  
Isabel Vieitez ◽  
Martín Lajous
Keyword(s):  
Menopausal Status ◽  
Urban Environments ◽  
Urban Setting ◽  
Mexican Women ◽  
Inverse Association ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Multivariable Regression Model ◽  
Multivariable Regression ◽  
Sectional Analysis

Objective. To investigate whether stature is associated with two highly prevalent cardiom- etabolic disorders—diabetes mellitus (DM) and high blood pressure (HBP) —in middle-aged Mexican women. Methods. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of a sample of 93 481 middle-aged Mexican female teachers, all participating in the Mexican Teachers Cohort (MTC, or ESMaestras) study. We used a multivariable regression model to investigate the association of stature quintiles with the self-reported outcomes of DM and HBP. Results. After adjusting for birth cohort, ethnicity, family history, birthweight, occupation of household’s head during participant’s childhood, menopausal status, and geographical region of birthplace, stature was inversely associated with DM, with the odds for DM being 9% higher in the lowest stature quintile when compared to the highest stature quintile. Stratification for location of residence resulted in confirmation of the above-mentioned findings only in partici- pants living in urban environments. Conclusions. We found an inverse association of stature with DM but not with HBP. Our data suggest that urban setting might be an important effect modifier of this association, which merits further investigation since it might provide valuable insights into the epidemiological transition occurring in developing countries.

scholarly journals Eco-urban Nexus

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Burns
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Human Nature ◽  
Social Issues ◽  
Biodiversity Loss ◽  
Urban Environments ◽  
Urban Setting ◽  
Ecological Degradation ◽  
Biophilic Design ◽  
Human Wellbeing

<p><b>Urban environments in Aotearoa, New Zealand, face a series of challenges regarding the effects of climate change and urbanisation on ecosystems and human wellbeing. As a result of expansive urbanisation during the mid-19th century, the reshaping of natural landscapes saw the destruction of critical indigenous ecologies, causing ecological degradation and biodiversity loss and severely impacting people’s wellbeing; physically, mentally, and spiritually.</b></p> <p>The way we continue to live in and build cities is causing further ecological degradation through overconsumption and pollution, which contributes to the current climate crisis, and leads to storm surge events and sea-level rise, among other direct negative impacts.</p> <p>Porirua, New Zealand is no exemption to this condition. Its existing urban infrastructure and continued urban development to accommodate an expanding population are causing several environmental and social issues relating to ecosystem degradation. Regular flood events demonstrate the city’s inability to cope with storm water surges, which will only continue as the effects of climate change intensify (Daysh, 2019).</p> <p>How might urban environments adapt to and mitigate climate change impacts affecting ecosystems and human wellbeing in a way which preserves social and cultural identities?</p> <p>This thesis argues that a potential solution to address these issues is through increasing human-nature connections in the built environment at a range of scales and across disciplines. This research will test how biophilic design interventions (those related to increasing human/nature connections) could transform a city into a more livable, resilient place of wellbeing for a growing population. Challenging the typical juncture of ocean and land in an urban setting, The research reimagines Porirua as a ‘city on a wetland’ through a speculative biophilic design experiment ,exploring how architecture might respond to dynamic landscape conditions. Theories of biophilia are studied for their related effects on improved human cognitive, psychological and physiological wellbeing, creating anew typology for civic space which marries culture, environment and architecture.</p>

scholarly journals Challenges of Parenting in an Urban Setting

2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 36
Author(s):  
Agustina Hendriati ◽  
Ayu Okvitawanli
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Parenting Practices ◽  
Parental Behavior ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Moral Values ◽  
Urban Environments ◽  
Urban Setting ◽  
Cultural Environment ◽  
Emotional Bonding ◽  
Urban Parents

Child development is affected by the physical and socio-cultural environment, both directly and through parental behavior. This paper examines the characteristics of urban environments in comparison with rural areas, along with their implications for parenting practices. Challenges facing urban parents are discussed, including time scarcity, failure to impart moral values, work/life imbalance, and the lack of emotional bonding. The case of Jakarta as a mega city has been chosen to illustrate these challenges. The paper also suggests some solutions be adopted from experience in more developed countries.

scholarly journals Novel insights from point-dendrometers in an urban setting: linking environmental variation to fluctuations in stem radius

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin L. Griffin ◽  
Thomas G. Harris ◽  
Sarah Bruner ◽  
Patrick McKenzie ◽  
Jeremy Hise
Keyword(s):  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Tree Growth ◽  
Ecological Systems ◽  
Urban Environments ◽  
Urban Setting ◽  
Live Streaming ◽  
Growth Data ◽  
Suburban Areas ◽  
Interaction Terms ◽  
Predictive Understanding

AbstractBackgroundThe unique environment of urban/suburban areas affects tree growth in surprising and currently unrecognized ways. Real-time monitoring of tree growth could provide novel information about these trees and the myriad ecosystem services they provide.MethodsInternet enabled, high-resolution point dendrometers were installed on four trees in Southampton, NY. The instruments, along with a weather station, streamed data to a project web page that was updated once an hour. (https://ecosensornetwork.com).ResultsRadial growth of spruce began April 14 after the accumulation of 69.7 °C growing degrees days and ended September 7th. Cedar growth began later (4/26), after the accumulation of 160.6 °C and ended later (11/3). During our observations, these three modest suburban trees sequestered 108.3 kg of CO2. Growth took place primarily at night and was best predicted by a combination of air temperature, soil moisture, VPD and interaction terms.ConclusionsThis project’s two-year time series provided insights into the growth of trees in a residential area. Linking tree growth to fluctuations in environmental conditions facilitates the development of a mechanistic predictive understanding useful for ecosystem management and growth forecasting across future altering climates. Live-streaming tree growth data enables a deeper appreciation of the biological activity of trees and the ecosystem services they provide in urban environments and thus can be a powerful tool connecting urban social and ecological systems.

scholarly journals Eco-urban Nexus

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Burns
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Human Nature ◽  
Social Issues ◽  
Biodiversity Loss ◽  
Urban Environments ◽  
Urban Setting ◽  
Ecological Degradation ◽  
Biophilic Design ◽  
Human Wellbeing

<p><b>Urban environments in Aotearoa, New Zealand, face a series of challenges regarding the effects of climate change and urbanisation on ecosystems and human wellbeing. As a result of expansive urbanisation during the mid-19th century, the reshaping of natural landscapes saw the destruction of critical indigenous ecologies, causing ecological degradation and biodiversity loss and severely impacting people’s wellbeing; physically, mentally, and spiritually.</b></p> <p>The way we continue to live in and build cities is causing further ecological degradation through overconsumption and pollution, which contributes to the current climate crisis, and leads to storm surge events and sea-level rise, among other direct negative impacts.</p> <p>Porirua, New Zealand is no exemption to this condition. Its existing urban infrastructure and continued urban development to accommodate an expanding population are causing several environmental and social issues relating to ecosystem degradation. Regular flood events demonstrate the city’s inability to cope with storm water surges, which will only continue as the effects of climate change intensify (Daysh, 2019).</p> <p>How might urban environments adapt to and mitigate climate change impacts affecting ecosystems and human wellbeing in a way which preserves social and cultural identities?</p> <p>This thesis argues that a potential solution to address these issues is through increasing human-nature connections in the built environment at a range of scales and across disciplines. This research will test how biophilic design interventions (those related to increasing human/nature connections) could transform a city into a more livable, resilient place of wellbeing for a growing population. Challenging the typical juncture of ocean and land in an urban setting, The research reimagines Porirua as a ‘city on a wetland’ through a speculative biophilic design experiment ,exploring how architecture might respond to dynamic landscape conditions. Theories of biophilia are studied for their related effects on improved human cognitive, psychological and physiological wellbeing, creating anew typology for civic space which marries culture, environment and architecture.</p>

Innovation and geographic spread of a complex foraging culture in an urban parrot

Science ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 373 (6553) ◽  
pp. 456-460
Author(s):  
Barbara C. Klump ◽  
John M. Martin ◽  
Sonja Wild ◽  
Jana K. Hörsch ◽  
Richard E. Major ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Urban Environments ◽  
Household Waste ◽  
Anthropogenic Change ◽  
Adaptive Responses ◽  
Direct Observations ◽  
Geographic Spread ◽  
Spatial Network Analysis ◽  
Community Science ◽  
Learning Analysis ◽  
Sydney Australia

The emergence, spread, and establishment of innovations within cultures can promote adaptive responses to anthropogenic change. We describe a putative case of the development of a cultural adaptation to urban environments: opening of household waste bins by wild sulphur-crested cockatoos. A spatial network analysis of community science reports revealed the geographic spread of bin opening from three suburbs to 44 in Sydney, Australia, by means of social learning. Analysis of 160 direct observations revealed individual styles and site-specific differences. We describe a full pathway from the spread of innovation to emergence of geographic variation, evidencing foraging cultures in parrots and indicating the existence of cultural complexity in parrots. Bin opening is directly linked to human-provided opportunities, highlighting the potential for culture to facilitate behavioral responses to anthropogenic change.

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