scholarly journals The Pleasure of Walking: An Innovative Methodology to Assess Appropriate Walkable Performance in Urban Areas to Support Transport Planning

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 3467 ◽  
Author(s):  
Appolloni ◽  
Corazza ◽  
D’Alessandro
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Urban Governance ◽  
Central Italy ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Medium Size ◽  
Suitability Index ◽  
Innovative Methodology ◽  
Governance Process ◽  
Walking Performance

The Walking Suitability Index of the Territory–T-WSI is an innovative methodology to assess walkability. Unlike other methods and tools in this field designed to evaluate walkability on given origin-destination paths, T-WSI is conceived for area-wide assessments, typically at the neighborhood level. This can be achieved by visual surveys to collect data, which are easy to perform at street level, their further process via an algorithm, and their aggregation to assess the walking performance levels of the test area. The paper describes such methodology, which includes the development of 12 indicators associated with four main evaluation categories (Practicability, Safety, Urbanity and Appeal), and its application to a case study in a medium-size town in central Italy. Results are described and elaborated to highlight T-WSI’s contribution to help decision makers in the urban governance process, typically in the fields of land use, mobility management and maintenance, coherently with the research objective to enlarge the potential of walkability methodologies thus far available up to area-level assessment.

scholarly journals Simulating the effects of low impact development approaches on urban flooding: a case study from Tehran, Iran

2019 ◽  
Vol 80 (8) ◽  
pp. 1591-1600 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maryam Movahedinia ◽  
Jamal Mohammad Vali Samani ◽  
Fakhreddin Barakhasi ◽  
Saleh Taghvaeian ◽  
Raffi Stepanian
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Peak Flow ◽  
Low Impact Development ◽  
Hydraulic Modeling ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Urban Flooding ◽  
Urban Stormwater ◽  
Rainfall Events ◽  
Storm Water Management Model

Abstract Low impact development (LID) methods have been shown to be efficient in reducing the peak flow and total volume of urban stormwater, which is a top priority for effective urban stormwater management in many municipalities. However, decision-makers need information on the effects of LIDs and their associated costs before allocating limited resources. In this study, the Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) was used to investigate the effects of five different LID scenarios on urban flooding in a district in Tehran, Iran. The LID scenarios included rain barrel (RB) at two sizes, bio-retention cell (BRC), and combinations of the two structures. The results showed that significant node flooding and overflow volume would occur in the study area under the existing conditions, especially for rainfall events with longer return periods. BRC and combinations of BRC and RBs were the most effective options in reducing flooding, while the smaller-size RB was the cheapest alternative. However, normalized cost, obtained through dividing the total cost by the percent reduction in node flooding and/or overflow volume, was smallest for BRC. The results of this study demonstrate how hydraulic modeling can be combined with economic analysis to identify the most efficient and affordable LID practices for urban areas.

Effect of different patient peak arrivals on an emergency department via discrete event simulation: a case study

SIMULATION ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 003754972110387
Author(s):  
Giordano Fava ◽  
Tommaso Giovannelli ◽  
Mauro Messedaglia ◽  
Massimo Roma
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Discrete Event Simulation ◽  
Discrete Event ◽  
Central Italy ◽  
Healthcare Management ◽  
Critical Event ◽  
Medium Size ◽  
Event Simulation ◽  
Des Model

Emergency department (ED) overcrowding is a well-recognized worldwide phenomenon which affects the quality of emergency care. A direct consequence of overcrowding is a long wait for visit and treatment of people who require primary care, possibly endangering the lives of critical patients. Healthcare management literature devoted to analyze ED operational policies is very wide, and many approaches have been proposed to address this important problem. However, less attention has been given to patient peak arrivals caused by the occurrence of some critical events which can strongly strain the operational efficiency of an ED. In this paper, we consider the particular case study of a medium-size ED located in a region of Central Italy recently hit by a severe earthquake, aiming at assessing the effects of such an occurrence on the ED operation. In particular, we propose a discrete event simulation (DES) model to analyze the patient flows through this ED, simulating unusual operational conditions due to a critical event, like a natural disaster, which causes a sudden spike in the number of patient arrivals. The availability of detailed data concerning the ED processes enabled building an accurate DES model and performing extensive scenario analyses. The model provides a valid decision support system for the ED managers in assessing specific emergency plans to be activated in case of mass casualty disasters.

scholarly journals THE METHOD FOR EVALUATION OF EFFICIENCY OF THE CONCEPT OF CENTRALLY MANAGED DISTRIBUTION IN CITIES

Transport ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 348-357 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariusz Wasiak ◽  
Marianna Jacyna ◽  
Konrad Lewczuk ◽  
Emilian Szczepański
Keyword(s):  
Vehicle Routing Problem ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Medium Size ◽  
Routing Problem ◽  
Logistics Network ◽  
Cross Docking ◽  
Different Types ◽  
The City ◽  
Central Management

The paper describes proecological solution dedicated for organizing logistics services in urban areas. Proposed solution is based on cross-docking processes combined with consolidation centres. Authors proposed new method of estimating economic and social benefits from implementing centrally managed cooperation of logistics operators using common city consolidation hubs. Developed mathematical model bases on Vehicle Routing Problem (VRP) with vehicles of different types, limited loading capacities and multiply depots characterized by limited throughput. Proposed approach was supported by case study of integration of distribution processes in Warsaw (Poland) performed by three medium-size logistics operators. The central management of distribution was investigated in variants assuming using existing warehouses and with new configuration of logistics network developed with using SIMMAG 3D tools. As it was proved for analysed case, total costs of distribution in the city after implementation of centrally managed distribution were reduced by 8.1% for variant with current depots and by 26.5% for variant with new logistics network, while emission of carbon monoxide (CO) was reduced respectively by 7.8 and 16.7%.

scholarly journals Improving the accessibility to public schools in urban areas of developing countries through a location model and an analytical framework

PLoS ONE ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. e0262520
Author(s):  
Jesica de Armas ◽  
Helena Ramalhinho ◽  
Marta Reynal-Querol
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Public Schools ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Analytical Framework ◽  
Location Model ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
New Schools ◽  
Proposed Model ◽  
School Network

The location of primary public schools in urban areas of developing countries is the focus of this study. In such areas, new schools and modification of the current schools are required, and this process should be developed using rational and broad supporting tools for decision makers, such as optimization models. We propose a realistic coverage location model and a framework to analyze the location of schools. Our approach considers the existing schools and their resizing, the best locations of the new schools that may have different capacities, population coverage, walking distances and budget provisions for building and updating schools. As a case study, we assess the current primary school network in Ciudad Benito Juarez to provide managerial insights. Through the proposed framework, we analyze the current locations of schools and decisions to be made by considering future scenarios in different time periods. The proposed model is quite flexible and easy to adapt to new considerations, allowing it to be applied to regions in developing countries under similar conditions.

scholarly journals Predicted and Measured Concentration of Pharmaceuticals in Surface Water of Areas with Increasing Anthropic Pressure: A Case Study in the Coastal Area of Central Italy

Water ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (20) ◽  
pp. 2807
Author(s):  
Alessio Cardini ◽  
Elisa Pellegrino ◽  
Laura Ercoli
Keyword(s):  
Surface Water ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Central Italy ◽  
Treatment Plant ◽  
Drainage System ◽  
Measured Concentration ◽  
Environmental Concentration ◽  
Anthropic Pressure

This study investigated the occurrence of 12 pharmaceuticals (PhCs) in surface water in Central Italy, aiming to improve the estimation of the predicted environmental concentration (PEC) by normalizing the loads to the number of inhabitants of the drainage system in rural, periurban, and urban areas. We performed two sampling campaigns assessing the concentration of PhCs (measured environmental concentration (MEC)) in surface water and in effluent from a wastewater treatment plant. The reliability of PEC calculated by the refined formula was assessed and compared to the ratio obtained by the unrefined formula. MECs of diclofenac, estradiol, estrone, ibuprofen, metformin, naproxen, sulfamethoxazole, atenolol, carbamazepine, and dehydro-erythromycin were significantly higher in urban than in periurban and rural areas, and increases were 12-, 3600-, 256-, 33-, 18-, 120-, 10-, 5-, 2-, and 1-fold, respectively. Refinement of PEC improved estimation of PhC concentrations for all areas, especially for the urban one. The environmental risk was predicted as low for atenolol, carbamazepine, erythromycin, metformin, and naproxen; low/medium for diclofenac and ibuprofen; and high for clarithromycin, estradiol, estrone, and sulfamethoxazole. Overall, the highest risk was posed by PhCs in effluent, while a progressively decreasing risk was estimated for urban, periurban, and rural areas.

scholarly journals STREET TRADE AND THE ATTAINMENT OF URBAN RESILIENCE AND ADAPTATION IN LAGOS, NIGERIA

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Ademola Omoegon
Keyword(s):  
Public Space ◽  
Working Conditions ◽  
Informal Economy ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Urban Governance ◽  
Urban Resilience ◽  
Rapid Urbanization ◽  
Significant Damage ◽  
Development Policies

Rapid urbanization rates and the proliferation of informal activities in vulnerable locations present significant challenges to urban resilience and adaptation, particularly in cities seeking to reduce poverty and improve economic growth. Inclusive urban governance has been identified as being vital to building resilience. Informal employment is the life blood of African cities, as evidenced by the multitude of street traders which abound in urban areas. However, in recent times many city authorities in Africa have adopted neo-liberal development policies which have led to the sanitization of public space and displacement of street traders, as well as a consequent worsening of the already precarious working conditions of traders and a significant damage of their limited associational structure, thus reducing their capacity to participate in urban governance. Through a case study of Lagos, Nigeria which possesses the largest informal economy in Africa, this paper examines the challenges which associations of the working poor face and the effect of this on urban resilience efforts. By exploring the experiences of street traders, the paper aims to investigate their current forms of organisation, their role in urban governance and how these factors can enhance or hinder urban resilience and adaptation. Keywords: Street trade, urban resilience, informal economy, urban governance, Lagos

scholarly journals Application of a Sustainability Model for Assessing the Relocation of a Container Terminal: A Case Study of Kristiansand Port

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 87 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariia Dushenko ◽  
Clemet Thærie Bjorbæk ◽  
Kenn Steger-Jensen
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Sustainability Assessment ◽  
Container Terminal ◽  
Development Project ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Assessment Model ◽  
Infrastructure Investment ◽  
Model Framework

Sustainable development, a new interdisciplinary paradigm, is attracting increasing attention from the global research community. It is an enhancement of sustainability principles. This study documents the findings from applying a sustainability assessment model framework by Koo and Ariaratnam (2008) for decision support in connection with the projection of major infrastructure investment in a port. The objective of this study is to support the decision-making process in a port development project and to verify the applicability of sustainability assessment using a sustainability assessment model for a terminal development project in an urban area of Scandinavia. The sustainability assessment model is based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). A literature review of sustainability assessment models was conducted to find indicators for the AHP approach. Subsequently, a questionnaire was compiled and six decision-makers for projects in Scandinavian Ports in urban areas were selected for the case study. The hypothesis is that decision-makers of major infrastructure investment projects in publicly owned ports must adhere to sustainable development principles and support the United Nations sustainable development goals that are a call for action by all countries. When documenting a sustainable design of port projects, decision-makers use theoretical sustainability models to conceptualize features of a sustainable society. However, a major challenge for the decision-makers was that the sustainability assessment results did not show, as expected, the same results as those of three existing theoretical sustainability models. The results of the sustainability assessment model were scrutinised and benchmarked against existing theoretical sustainability models, namely: a sustainability stool, a 3-overlappingcircles model, and a 3-nesteddependencies model. The benchmark results indicate a disparity between the importance of what sustainability models describe and what is important in practice.

scholarly journals A GIS-based model to estimate flood consequences and the degree of accessibility and operability of strategic emergency response structures in urban areas

2014 ◽  
Vol 14 (11) ◽  
pp. 2847-2865 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Albano ◽  
A. Sole ◽  
J. Adamowski ◽  
L. Mancusi
Keyword(s):  
Risk Reduction ◽  
Urban Area ◽  
Emergency Response ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Emergency Services ◽  
Urban System ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Practical Applications ◽  
Proposed Model

Abstract. Efficient decision-making regarding flood risk reduction has become a priority for authorities and stakeholders in many European countries. Risk analysis methods and techniques are a useful tool for evaluating costs and benefits of possible interventions. Within this context, a methodology to estimate flood consequences was developed in this paper that is based on GIS, and integrated with a model that estimates the degree of accessibility and operability of strategic emergency response structures in an urban area. The majority of the currently available approaches do not properly analyse road network connections and dependencies within systems, and as such a loss of roads could cause significant damages and problems to emergency services in cases of flooding. The proposed model is unique in that it provides a maximum-impact estimation of flood consequences on the basis of the operability of the strategic emergency structures in an urban area, their accessibility, and connection within the urban system of a city (i.e. connection between aid centres and buildings at risk), in the emergency phase. The results of a case study in the Puglia region in southern Italy are described to illustrate the practical applications of this newly proposed approach. The main advantage of the proposed approach is that it allows for defining a hierarchy between different infrastructure in the urban area through the identification of particular components whose operation and efficiency are critical for emergency management. This information can be used by decision-makers to prioritize risk reduction interventions in flood emergencies in urban areas, given limited financial resources.

scholarly journals Combining AHP and ROC with GIS for Airport Site Selection: A Case Study in Libya

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 312
Author(s):  
Turan Erman Erkan ◽  
Wael Mohamed Elsharida
Keyword(s):  
Social Economic ◽  
Rank Order ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Analytic Hierarchy ◽  
Suitability Index ◽  
The Social ◽  
Hierarchy Process ◽  
Airport Site ◽  
Do So

Choosing airport locations requires thorough and comprehensive decisions to be made. To do so in a professional and logical manner is crucial for the social, economic, and logistic settings intended for any region. The present research takes place in Libya, where airports are just as vital for the economy in terms of tourism and investment by allowing for improved transportation throughout the developing market and supplier locations as well as trading between the industrial and financial sectors. For this reason, using the geographic information system (GIS) to determine the appropriate airport site, twenty-three criteria were considered. In addition, two different methods—analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and rank order centroid (ROC)—were utilized to derive the related weights. The comparison of the output maps from these two distinctive approaches shows that both approaches provide identical results. Finally, a sensitivity analysis was carried out to evaluate the reliability of the method used and select the best site among the proposed ones based on the result of the highest suitability index for each candidate site. This research provides a siting approach and substantial support for decision-makers in the issue of airport locations selection in Libya and other developing countries.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document