scholarly journals BCNDataset: Description and Analysis of an Annotated Night Urban Leisure Sound Dataset

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (19) ◽  
pp. 8140 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ester Vidaña-Vila ◽  
Leticia Duboc ◽  
Rosa Ma Alsina-Pagès ◽  
Francesc Polls ◽  
Harold Vargas
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Urban Environments ◽  
World Population ◽  
City Center ◽  
Acoustic Data ◽  
Acoustic Sensor Networks ◽  
Important Concern ◽  
Network Technologies ◽  
Urban Leisure

Acoustic pollution has been associated with adverse effects on the health and life expectancy of people, especially when noise exposure happens during the nighttime. With over half of the world population living in urban areas, acoustic pollution is an important concern for city administrators, especially those focused on transportation and leisure noise. Advances in sensor and network technologies made the deployment of Wireless Acoustic Sensor Networks (WASN) possible in cities, which, combined with artificial intelligence (AI), can enable smart services for their citizens. However, the creation of such services often requires structured environmental audio databases to train AI algorithms. This paper reports on an environmental audio dataset of 363 min and 53 s created in a lively area of the Barcelona city center, which targeted traffic and leisure events. This dataset, which is free and publicly available, can provide researchers with real-world acoustic data to help the development and testing of sound monitoring solutions for urban environments.

scholarly journals Modelling hourly evapotranspiration in urban environments with SCOPE using open remote sensing and meteorological data

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alby Duarte Rocha ◽  
Stenka Vulova ◽  
Christiaan van der Tol ◽  
Michael Förster ◽  
Birgit Kleinschmit
Keyword(s):  
Remote Sensing ◽  
Land Surface ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Meteorological Data ◽  
Urban Environments ◽  
Coefficient Of Determination ◽  
World Population ◽  
Model Errors ◽  
Vegetation Fraction ◽  
Process Based Models

Abstract. Evapotranspiration (ET) is a fundamental variable to assess water balance and urban heat island effect. ET is deeply dependent on the land cover as it derives mainly from the processes of soil evaporation and plant transpiration. The majority of well-known process-based models based on the Penman-Monteith equation focus on the atmospheric interfaces (e.g. radiation, temperature and humidity), lacking explicit input parameters to describe the land surface. The model Soil-Canopy-Observation of Photosynthesis and Energy fluxes (SCOPE) accounts for a broad range of surface-atmosphere interactions to predict ET. However, like most modelling approaches, SCOPE assumes a homogeneous vegetated landscape to estimate ET. Urban environments are highly fragmented, exhibiting a blend of pervious and impervious anthropogenic surfaces. Whereas, high-resolution remote sensing (RS) and detailed GIS information to characterise land surfaces is usually available for major cities. Data describing land surface properties were used in this study to develop a method to correct bias in ET predictions caused by the assumption of homogeneous vegetation by process-based models. Two urban sites equipped with eddy flux towers presenting different levels of vegetation fraction and imperviousness located in Berlin, Germany, were used as study cases. The correction factor for urban environments has increased model accuracy significantly, reducing the relative bias in ET predictions from 0.74 to −0.001 and 2.20 to −0.13 for the two sites, respectively, considering the SCOPE model using RS data. Model errors (i.e. RMSE) were also considerably reduced in both sites, from 0.061 to 0.026 and 0.100 to 0.021, while the coefficient of determination (R2) remained similar after the correction, 0.82 and 0.47, respectively. This study presents a novel method to predict hourly urban ET using freely available RS and meteorological data, independently from the flux tower measurements. The presented method can support actions to mitigate climate change in urban areas, where most the world population lives.

scholarly journals INTEGRATIONIST TRIADIC AGENDAS FOR CITY RESEARCH:CASES FROM RECENT URBAN STUDIES

2019 ◽  
Vol 43 (2) ◽  
pp. 148-157
Author(s):  
Ashraf M. Salama
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Urban Environments ◽  
Western World ◽  
World Population ◽  
Production Of Space ◽  
Gulf Region ◽  
Housing Developments ◽  
Government Organizations ◽  
Body Of Knowledge ◽  
Essential Components

With more than 60% of the world population living in urban areas, cities are becoming at the centre of attention in academic institutions and government organizations. However, there appears to be a continuous fragmentation in the types of knowledge developed where issues or concerns are always addressed in isolation and many factors critical to a comprehensive understanding of cities towards creating better urban environments are oversimplified at best or ignored at worst. Therefore, the thrust of this paper is to demonstrate the thought processes involved in instigating frameworks, raising questions, and establishing objectives for responsive city research. It aims to present two triadic agendas that untangle the essential components of city research; the first is the Lefebvrian triadic conception on the production of space and the second is the triadic perspective of lifestyles theories for understanding housing developments, typologies, and choices. Contextually, while the theoretical underpinnings of these agendas are developed based on a body of knowledge generated in the context of the Western world, their conceptualisation is adapted to grasp and examine key unique particularities of selected emerging (and globalised) Arab cities in the Gulf region. Calling for the need for a trans-disciplinary thinking paradigm for city research, the two agendas adopt an integrationist approach that is amenable to understanding the urban realities of these cities.

scholarly journals The BErkeley Atmospheric CO<sub>2</sub> Observation Network: initial evaluation

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexis A. Shusterman ◽  
Virginia Teige ◽  
Alexander J. Turner ◽  
Catherine Newman ◽  
Jinsol Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Greenhouse Gas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Atmospheric Transport ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Urban Environments ◽  
Spatial Density ◽  
World Population ◽  
Observation Network

Abstract. With the majority of the world population residing in urban areas, attempts to monitor and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions must necessarily center on cities. However, existing carbon dioxide observation networks are ill-equipped to resolve the specific intra-city emission phenomena targeted by regulation. Here we describe the design and implementation of the BErkeley Atmospheric CO2 Observation Network (BEACO2N), a distributed CO2 monitoring instrument that utilizes low-cost technology to achieve unprecedented spatial density throughout and around the city of Oakland, California. We characterize the network in terms of four performance parameters–cost, reliability, precision, and bias–and find the BEACO2N approach to be sufficiently cost-effective and reliable while nonetheless providing high-quality atmospheric observations. First results from the initial installation successfully capture hourly, daily, and seasonal CO2 signals relevant to urban environments on spatial scales that cannot be accurately represented by atmospheric transport models alone, demonstrating the utility of high-resolution surface networks in urban greenhouse gas monitoring efforts.

A correction factor for evapotranspiration prediction in urban environments using physical-based models

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alby Duarte Rocha ◽  
Stenka Vulova ◽  
Christiaan van der Tol ◽  
Michael Förster ◽  
Birgit Kleinschmit 
Keyword(s):  
Surface Properties ◽  
Correction Factor ◽  
Land Surface ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Meteorological Data ◽  
Urban Environments ◽  
Coefficient Of Determination ◽  
World Population ◽  
Model Soil ◽  
Wide Range

&lt;div&gt;&lt;span&gt;Evapotranspiration (ET) is an essential variable to characterise the water balance and urban heat island effect. As a combination of soil evaporation and plant transpiration, ET is highly dependent on the land cover and its surface properties. Most of the well-established physical-based models such as the ones derived from the Penman-Monteith equation focus on the atmospheric interfaces (e.g. radiation, temperature and wind speed), lacking information about the land surface. The model Soil-Canopy-Observation of Photosynthesis and Energy fluxes (SCOPE) can account for a wide range of surface-atmosphere interactions to estimate ET. However, like the majority of modelling approaches to estimate ET, SCOPE assumes a homogeneous vegetated landscape. Urban environments are highly fragmented, presenting a mix of pervious surfaces and impervious anthropogenic elements. However, information derived from high-resolution remote sensing (RS) and GIS to differentiate land surfaces is often available for medium and large cities. In this study, we analysed two urban sites with different levels of vegetation cover and imperviousness located in Berlin, Germany, both equipped with eddy flux towers. GIS data describing land surface properties were used to correct the prediction bias caused by the assumption of homogeneous vegetation by physical-based models&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&amp;#160;The correction factor increased the model accuracy significantly, reducing the relative bias of the SCOPE model using RS data from 0.74 to -0.001 and 2.20 to -0.13 for the two sites, respectively. RMSE was also considerably reduced in the two sites, from 0.061 to 0.026 and 0.100 to 0.021. At the same time, the coefficient of determination (R&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;) remained similar after the correction, 0.82 and 0.47 for the two sites. This study presents a novel method to estimate intraurban hourly ET using publicly available RS and meteorological data independent from the flux tower measurements. The presented method can support actions to mitigate climate change in urban areas, where the majority of the world population lives.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;

scholarly journals The BErkeley Atmospheric CO<sub>2</sub> Observation Network: initial evaluation

2016 ◽  
Vol 16 (21) ◽  
pp. 13449-13463 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexis A. Shusterman ◽  
Virginia E. Teige ◽  
Alexander J. Turner ◽  
Catherine Newman ◽  
Jinsol Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Greenhouse Gas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Atmospheric Transport ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Urban Environments ◽  
Spatial Density ◽  
World Population ◽  
Observation Network

Abstract. With the majority of the world population residing in urban areas, attempts to monitor and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions must necessarily center on cities. However, existing carbon dioxide observation networks are ill-equipped to resolve the specific intra-city emission phenomena targeted by regulation. Here we describe the design and implementation of the BErkeley Atmospheric CO2 Observation Network (BEACO2N), a distributed CO2 monitoring instrument that utilizes low-cost technology to achieve unprecedented spatial density throughout and around the city of Oakland, California. We characterize the network in terms of four performance parameters – cost, reliability, precision, and systematic uncertainty – and find the BEACO2N approach to be sufficiently cost-effective and reliable while nonetheless providing high-quality atmospheric observations. First results from the initial installation successfully capture hourly, daily, and seasonal CO2 signals relevant to urban environments on spatial scales that cannot be accurately represented by atmospheric transport models alone, demonstrating the utility of high-resolution surface networks in urban greenhouse gas monitoring efforts.

Diversity of organisms

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philip James
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Native Species ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Urban Environments ◽  
Green Spaces ◽  
The Common ◽  
Living Organisms ◽  
Micro Organisms ◽  
Diversity Of Life

The focus of this chapter is an examination of the diversity of living organisms found within urban environments, both inside and outside buildings. The discussion commences with prions and viruses before moving on to consider micro-organisms, plants, and animals. Prions and viruses cause disease in plants and animals, including humans. Micro-organisms are ubiquitous and are found in great numbers throughout urban environments. New technologies are providing new insights into their diversity. Plants may be found inside buildings as well as in gardens and other green spaces. The final sections of the chapter offer a discussion of the diversity of animals that live in urban areas for part or all of their life cycle. Examples of the diversity of life in urban environments are presented throughout, including native and non-native species, those that are benign and deadly, and the common and the rare.

scholarly journals The importance of changing urban scenery in the assessment of citizens’ soundscape perception. On the need for different time-related points of view

Noise Mapping ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 138-161
Author(s):  
Jerónimo Vida Manzano ◽  
José Antonio Almagro Pastor ◽  
Rafael García Quesada
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Noise Control ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Heavy Traffic ◽  
Legal Protection ◽  
Complementary Method ◽  
Reduction Strategies ◽  
The Right ◽  
The City

Abstract The city of Granada is experimenting a big urban transformation, attending national and international commitments on clean air, energy efficiency and savings linked to greenhouse gases reduction strategies and sustainable development action plans. This situation constitutes a good scenario for new noise control approaches that take into account the sound variable and citizens empowering in urban design, such as the soundscape assessment of urban territory. In this way, soundscape tools have been used in Granada as a complementary method for environmental noise characterisation where traditional noise control techniques are difficult to be carried out or give limited results. After 2016 strategic noise map and in the preparation of the new noise action plan, the city came across a great acoustic challenge in a new area located outskirts characterised by growing urbanisation, still under development, the greatest legal protection because of sensitive teaching and hospital buildings and the greatest noise exposure from nearby ring-way supporting heavy traffic flow. As quiet urban areas are not characterised by the absence of noise but for the presence of the right noise, this research intended to provide the local administration with results and proposals to transform this conflict area in a pleasant or quiet urban place. Main results came from important and significative differences in morning and evening characterisation, as great differences appear in soundscape assessment over the day and along the soundwalk path, indicating the importance of time and local issues to adequately characterised citizens perception to be considered by administration in the development of strategies and effective noise control actions.

scholarly journals High-Resolution Modelling of Thermal Exposure during a Hot Spell: A Case Study Using PALM-4U in Prague, Czech Republic

Atmosphere ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 175
Author(s):  
Jan Geletič ◽  
Michal Lehnert ◽  
Pavel Krč ◽  
Jaroslav Resler ◽  
Eric Scott Krayenhoff
Keyword(s):  
Czech Republic ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Heat Exposure ◽  
Thermal Exposure ◽  
Urban Environments ◽  
Cooling Effect ◽  
Spatiotemporal Variability ◽  
Climate Index ◽  
Street Canyons ◽  
General Terms

The modelling of thermal exposure in outdoor urban environments is a highly topical challenge in modern climate research. This paper presents the results derived from a new micrometeorological model that employs an integrated biometeorology module to model Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI). This is PALM-4U, which includes an integrated human body-shape parameterization, deployed herein for a pilot domain in Prague, Czech Republic. The results highlight the key role of radiation in the spatiotemporal variability of thermal exposure in moderate-climate urban areas during summer days in terms of the way in which this directly affects thermal comfort through radiant temperature and indirectly through the complexity of turbulence in street canyons. The model simulations suggest that the highest thermal exposure may be expected within street canyons near the irradiated north sides of east–west streets and near streets oriented north–south. Heat exposure in streets increases in proximity to buildings with reflective paints. The lowest heat exposure during the day may be anticipated in tree-shaded courtyards. The cooling effect of trees may range from 4 °C to 9 °C in UTCI, and the cooling effect of grass in comparison with artificial paved surfaces in open public places may be from 2 °C to 5 °C UTCI. In general terms, this study illustrates that the PALM modelling system provides a new perspective on the spatiotemporal differentiation of thermal exposure at the pedestrian level; it may therefore contribute to more climate-sensitive urban planning.

scholarly journals An Eco-Friendly Multimodal Route Guidance System for Urban Areas Using Multi-Agent Technology

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 2057
Author(s):  
Abdallah Namoun ◽  
Ali Tufail ◽  
Nikolay Mehandjiev ◽  
Ahmed Alrehaili ◽  
Javad Akhlaghinia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Traffic Flow ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Urban Environments ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Transport Infrastructure ◽  
Guidance System ◽  
Planning System ◽  
Flow Density ◽  
Route Guidance ◽  
Agent Based

The use and coordination of multiple modes of travel efficiently, although beneficial, remains an overarching challenge for urban cities. This paper implements a distributed architecture of an eco-friendly transport guidance system by employing the agent-based paradigm. The paradigm uses software agents to model and represent the complex transport infrastructure of urban environments, including roads, buses, trolleybuses, metros, trams, bicycles, and walking. The system exploits live traffic data (e.g., traffic flow, density, and CO2 emissions) collected from multiple data sources (e.g., road sensors and SCOOT) to provide multimodal route recommendations for travelers through a dedicated application. Moreover, the proposed system empowers the transport management authorities to monitor the traffic flow and conditions of a city in real-time through a dedicated web visualization. We exhibit the advantages of using different types of agents to represent the versatile nature of transport networks and realize the concept of smart transportation. Commuters are supplied with multimodal routes that endeavor to reduce travel times and transport carbon footprint. A technical simulation was executed using various parameters to demonstrate the scalability of our multimodal traffic management architecture. Subsequently, two real user trials were carried out in Nottingham (United Kingdom) and Sofia (Bulgaria) to show the practicality and ease of use of our multimodal travel information system in providing eco-friendly route guidance. Our validation results demonstrate the effectiveness of personalized multimodal route guidance in inducing a positive travel behavior change and the ability of the agent-based route planning system to scale to satisfy the requirements of traffic infrastructure in diverse urban environments.

scholarly journals Radio Coverage and Device Capacity Dimensioning Methodologies for IoT LoRaWAN and NB-IoT Deployments in Urban Environments

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 144
Author(s):  
Ghadah Aldabbagh ◽  
Nikos Dimitriou ◽  
Samar Alkhuraiji ◽  
Omaimah Bamasag
Keyword(s):  
Access Network ◽  
Network Planning ◽  
Urban Environments ◽  
Use Case ◽  
Concise Overview ◽  
Key Characteristics ◽  
Radio Coverage ◽  
Key Issues ◽  
Network Technologies

This paper focuses on the study of IoT network deployments, in both unlicensed and licensed bands, considering LoRaWAN and NB-IoT standards, respectively. The objective is to develop a comprehensive and detailed network planning and coverage dimensioning methodology for assessing key metrics related to the achieved throughput and capacity for specific requirements in order to identify tradeoffs and key issues that are related to the applicability of IoT access technologies for representative use case types. This paper will provide a concise overview of key characteristics of IoT representative IoT access network standards that are considered for being deployed in unlicensed and licensed bands and will present a methodology for modeling the characteristics of both access network technologies in order to assess their coverage and capacity considering different parameters.

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