Survey of sustainable regeneration of historic and cultural cores of cities

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) considers the historic urban landscapes as the world heritages. Managing historic city centers and maintaining historic cores are the emerging challenges for sustainable urban planning. Today, the historic cores form an important part of the economic, social, environmental, and physical assets and capacities of contemporary cities, and play a strategic role in their development. One of the most important approaches to the development of central textures, especially in historical and cultural cities, is the sustainable urban regeneration approach, which encompasses all aspects of sustainability, such as the economic, social, cultural and environmental aspects. To maintain sustainability and regeneration of historic cores of cities, it is necessary to provide insight into the underlying characteristics of the local urbanization. Furthermore, the fundamental assets are to be investigated as indicators of sustainable regeneration and drivers of urban development. In the meantime, a variety of research and experience has taken place around the world, all of which has provided different criteria and indicators for the development of strategies for the historic cores of cities. The present study, through a meta-analytic and survey method, analyzing the experience and research reported in 139 theoretical and empirical papers in the last twenty years, seeks to provide a comprehensive conceptual model taking into account the criteria and indices of sustainable regeneration in historic cores of cities. The quality of the survey has been ensured using the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA)

Computational modeling of land surface temperature using remote sensing data to investigate the spatial arrangement of buildings and energy consumption relationship

The effect of urban form on energy consumption has been the subject of various studies around the world. Having examined the effect of buildings on energy consumption, these studies indicate that the physical form of a city has a notable impact on the amount of energy consumed in its spaces. The present study identified the variables that affected energy consumption in residential buildings and analyzed their effects on energy consumption in four neighborhoods in Tehran: Apadana, Bimeh, Ekbatan-phase I, and Ekbatan-phase II. After extracting the variables, their effects are estimated with statistical methods, and the results are compared with the land surface temperature (LST) remote sensing data derived from Landsat 8 satellite images taken in the winter of 2019. The results showed that physical variables, such as the size of buildings, population density, vegetation cover, texture concentration, and surface color, have the greatest impacts on energy usage. For the Apadana neighborhood, the factors with the most potent effect on energy consumption were found to be the size of buildings and the population density. However, for other neighborhoods, in addition to these two factors, a third factor was also recognized to have a significant effect on energy consumption. This third factor for the Bimeh, Ekbatan-I, and Ekbatan-II neighborhoods was the type of buildings, texture concentration, and orientation of buildings, respectively

The Role of Urban Morphology Design on Enhancing Physical Activities and Public Health

Along with environmental pollutions, urban planning has been connected to public health. The research indicates that the quality of built environments plays an important role in reducing mental disorders and overall health. The structure and shape of the city are considered as one of the factors influencing happiness and health in urban communities and the type of the daily activities of citizens. The aim of this study was to promote physical activity in the main structure of the city via urban design in a way that the main form and morphology of the city can encourage citizens to move around and have physical activity within the city. Functional, physical, cultural- social, and perceptual-visual features are regarded as the most important and effective criteria in increasing physical activities in urban spaces based on literature review. The environmental quality of urban spaces and their role in the physical activities of citizens in urban spaces were assessed by using the questionnaire tool and analytical network process (ANP) of structural equation modeling. Further, the space syntax method was utilized to evaluate the role of the spatial integration of urban spaces on improving physical activities. Based on the results, the consideration of functional diversity, spatial flexibility and integration, security, and the aesthetic and visual quality of urban spaces plays an important role in improving the physical health of citizens in urban spaces. Further, more physical activities, including motivation for walking and consequently, the sense of public health and happiness, were observed in the streets having higher linkage and space syntax indexes with their surrounding texture

Design and validation of a computational program for analysing mental maps: Aram mental map analyzer

Considering citizens’ perceptions of their living environment is very helpful in making the right decisions for city planners who intend to build a sustainable society. Mental map analyses are widely used in understanding the level of perception of individuals regarding the surrounding environment. The present study introduces Aram Mental Map Analyzer (AMMA), an open-source program, which allows researchers to use special features and new analytical methods to receive outputs in numerical data and analytical maps with greater accuracy and speed. AMMA performance is contingent upon two principles of accuracy and complexity, the accuracy of the program is measured by Accuracy Placed Landmarks (APL) and General Orientation (GO), which respectively analyses the landmark placement accuracy and the main route mapping accuracy. Also, the complexity section is examined through two analyses Cell Percentage (CP) and General Structure (GS), which calculates the complexity of citizens’ perception of space based on the criteria derived from previous studies. AMMA examines all the dimensions and features of the graphic maps and its outputs have a wide range of valid and differentiated information, which is tailored to the research and information subject matter that is required

The cooling effect of large-scale urban parks on surrounding area thermal comfort

This empirical study investigates large urban park cooling effects on the thermal comfort of occupants in the vicinity of the main central park, located in Madrid, Spain. Data were gathered during hot summer days, using mobile observations and a questionnaire. The results showed that the cooling effect of this urban park of 125 ha area at a distance of 150 m could reduce air temperatures by an average of 0.63 °C and 1.28 °C for distances of 380 m and 665 meters from the park. Moreover, the degree of the physiological equivalent temperature (PET) index at a distance of 150 meters from the park is on average 2 °C PET and 2.3 °C PET less compared to distances of 380 m and 665 m, respectively. Considering the distance from the park, the correlation between occupant perceived thermal comfort (PTC) and PET is inverse. That is, augmenting the distance from the park increases PET, while the extent of PTC reduces accordingly. The correlation between these two factors at the nearest and furthest distances from the park is meaningful (p-value < 0.05). The results also showed that large-scale urban parks generally play a significant part in creating a cognitive state of high-perceived thermal comfort spaces for residents

The global burden of cancer attributable to risk factors, 2010-19 : a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

Background Understanding the magnitude of cancer burden attributable to potentially modifiable risk factors is crucial for development of effective prevention and mitigation strategies. We analysed results from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2019 to inform cancer control planning efforts globally. Methods The GBD 2019 comparative risk assessment framework was used to estimate cancer burden attributable to behavioural, environmental and occupational, and metabolic risk factors. A total of 82 risk-outcome pairs were included on the basis of the World Cancer Research Fund criteria. Estimated cancer deaths and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) in 2019 and change in these measures between 2010 and 2019 are presented. Findings Globally, in 2019, the risk factors included in this analysis accounted for 4.45 million (95% uncertainty interval 4.01-4.94) deaths and 105 million (95.0-116) DALYs for both sexes combined, representing 44.4% (41.3-48.4) of all cancer deaths and 42.0% (39.1-45.6) of all DALYs. There were 2.88 million (2.60-3.18) risk-attributable cancer deaths in males (50.6% [47.8-54.1] of all male cancer deaths) and 1.58 million (1.36-1.84) risk-attributable cancer deaths in females (36.3% [32.5-41.3] of all female cancer deaths). The leading risk factors at the most detailed level globally for risk-attributable cancer deaths and DALYs in 2019 for both sexes combined were smoking, followed by alcohol use and high BMI. Risk-attributable cancer burden varied by world region and Socio-demographic Index (SDI), with smoking, unsafe sex, and alcohol use being the three leading risk factors for risk-attributable cancer DALYs in low SDI locations in 2019, whereas DALYs in high SDI locations mirrored the top three global risk factor rankings. From 2010 to 2019, global risk-attributable cancer deaths increased by 20.4% (12.6-28.4) and DALYs by 16.8% (8.8-25.0), with the greatest percentage increase in metabolic risks (34.7% [27.9-42.8] and 33.3% [25.8-42.0]). Interpretation The leading risk factors contributing to global cancer burden in 2019 were behavioural, whereas metabolic risk factors saw the largest increases between 2010 and 2019. Reducing exposure to these modifiable risk factors would decrease cancer mortality and DALY rates worldwide, and policies should be tailored appropriately to local cancer risk factor burden. Copyright (C) 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an Open Access article under the CC BY 4.0 license.Peer reviewe

Design and Validation of a Computational Program for Analysing Mental Maps: Aram Mental Map Analyzer

Considering citizens’ perceptions of their living environment is very helpful in making the right decisions for city planners who intend to build a sustainable society. Mental map analyses are widely used in understanding the level of perception of individuals regarding the surrounding environment. The present study introduces Aram Mental Map Analyzer (AMMA), an open-source program, which allows researchers to use special features and new analytical methods to receive outputs in numerical data and analytical maps with greater accuracy and speed. AMMA performance is contingent upon two principles of accuracy and complexity, the accuracy of the program is measured by Accuracy Placed Landmarks (APL) and General Orientation (GO), which respectively analyses the landmark placement accuracy and the main route mapping accuracy. Also, the complexity section is examined through two analyses Cell Percentage (CP) and General Structure (GS), which calculates the complexity of citizens’ perception of space based on the criteria derived from previous studies. AMMA examines all the dimensions and features of the graphic maps and its outputs have a wide range of valid and differentiated information, which is tailored to the research and information subject matter that is required

Park Cooling Effect and Its Physical and Psychological Impact on Thermal Comfort : Case study : Retiro Park, Madrid

Uno de los temas más debatidos es el calentamiento global de las ciudades y los problemas que surgen de él para las personas. Debido al fenómeno de la isla de calor urbana, el problema del calor en las zonas, especialmente en las ciudades densamente pobladas, es mucho más tangible y ha amenazado la vida de los ciudadanos. Uno de los problemas de la isla de calor urbano es su efecto sobre la salud y el bienestar de los ciudadanos, física y mentalmente. Una de las formas más efectivas de mitigar el calor urbano y la isla de calor urbana es aumentar y los espacios verdes urbanos (a pequeña y gran escala), que ya han sido propuestos por muchos estudios. La investigación ha demostrado que, entre la infraestructura verde urbana, los parques de gran escala, gracias a la diversidad y la cantidad de vegetación, tienen un efecto más significativo en la reducción de la temperatura, que este efecto no solo reduce la temperatura dentro del parque, sino que también puede reducir la temperatura en los alrededores del parque. . Los dos indicadores principales que se utilizan para medir el efecto de enfriamiento pasivo de los parques urbanos son la intensidad del efecto de enfriamiento y la distancia del efecto de enfriamiento. Según la investigación realizada en este campo, se ha demostrado que, en general, los parques con un área de más de 10 hectáreas son capaces de reducir la temperatura del aire a 350 metros, en aproximadamente de 1 a 2 grados centigrados. Dado que España es uno de los países europeos más cálidos con un clima mediterráneo, es oportuno hacer frente a los efectos del calor urbano y para garantizar la salud y el bienestar de los ciudadanos en los espacios públicos. En consecuencia, para investigar el efecto de enfriamiento del parque y su impacto en el confort térmico físico y psicológico de los ciudadanos, se seleccionó el Parque del Retiro, de 125 hectáreas situado en el centro de Madrid, la capital de España, como un estudio de caso. Los datos de la investigación comenzaron a principios del verano y se recopilaron cada dos semanas, los días 22 de junio, 10 y 24 de julio, 10 y 24 de agosto y 10 de septiembre de 2018. Esta investigación fue un estudio experimental y se realizó a través del método de medición in situ y luego los datos se analizaron utilizando modelos computacionales. Los datos en este estudio incluyen datos microclimáticos y un cuestionario. Los datos microclimáticos se recopilaron utilizando equipos móviles estándar para verificar la temperatura, el viento y la humedad, en tres distancias desde cada uno de los bordes norte, oeste y sur del parque. Simultáneamente con la recopilación de datos microclimáticos, los datos del cuestionario se recopilaron realizando entrevistas a 423 ciudadanos (residentes y trabajadores) de los nueve sitios investigados. El análisis de datos microclimáticos se realizó con el software RayMan para calcular la temperatura fisiológica equivalente como un indicador de confort térmico fisiológico (physiological equivalent temperature-PET). Los datos del cuestionario también se analizaron utilizando métodos estadísticos y programas SPSS. Además, para analizar los mapas cognitivos, se diseñó y utilizó el programa especial llamado Aram Mental Map Analyzer (AMMA). En las proximidades de los lados norte, oeste y sur del Parque Retiro, hay tres islas de calor urbano a una distancia de 665, 855 y 520 metros del parque, respectivamente. Los resultados de este estudio revelaron que el efecto de enfriamiento de este parque contribuye a reducir la temperatura de su área de 150-380 metros en el lado norte en promedio a 0.9 ℃ en comparación con el área ubicada en el isla de calor urbano adyacente (665 metros). La reducción de la temperatura en el lado occidental a una distancia de 445-600 metros en promedio fue de 2.7 ℃ en comparación con el área de isla de calor urbana. Además, estas reducciones de temperatura en el rango sur fueron similares a los de la parte norte, por lo que el efecto de enfriamiento del parque hizo que la temperatura en las áreas adyacentes al parque disminuyera en promedio 130- 280 metros desde el parque en 1.25 ℃ en comparación . La distancia de 520 metros. Por lo tanto, el efecto del enfriamiento del Parque del Retiro puede reducir la temperatura en un promedio de 1.6 ℃ dentro de una distancia de unos 420 metros, en las tres direcciones investigadas. La variación de la intensidad del efecto de enfriamiento a diferentes distancias del parque afectó directamente la cantidad del confort térmico desde una perspectiva física y psicológica. Los resultados del confort físico térmico basado en el índice de PET indicaron que en distancias donde el efecto de enfriamiento del parque es más intenso, la tasa de PET debería reducirse. El índice de PET promedio en los lados norte, oeste y sur disminuyó en 1.3 ℃ (4.1%), 3.5 ℃ (8.7%) y 3.1 ℃ (7.3%) en comparación con las áreas adyacentes a las islas de calor urbano, respectivamente. Según estos resultados, las personas sintieron un mayor confort térmico en áreas cercanas al parque en un promedio de 6.7%. Los resultados de los datos del cuestionario se consideraron como un indicador del confort térmico percibido (perceived thermal comfort -PTC) y, en función de la puntuación de estos datos, que tenía la forma de Likert (1-5), se reveló que en las áreas donde el efecto de enfriamiento del parque fue notable: los residentes tenían más PTC en un promedio de 7.2%, en comparación con las áreas alejadas del parque en las isla de calor urbanas adyacentes. Además, los resultados de otra parte del cuestionario, en forma de mapas cognitivos, mostraron que, en promedio, el 59.4% de los 423 encuestados se refirieron al parque como un lugar donde tenían el mayor confort térmico en comparación con otros lugares públicos. Los resultados de este estudio mostraron que los grandes parques urbanos tienen un papel importante en la creación de confort térmico para el enfriamiento pasivo desde una perspectiva fisiológica y psicológica para los ciudadanos. Dado el cambio climático y el aumento de la temperatura en los centros urbanos densamente poblados, se espera que se desarrollen de manera sostenible las ciudades y las comunidades urbanas en el futuro, aumentando el efecto de enfriamiento de los parques urbanos y las soluciones prácticas para expandir y crear tales espacios verdes. Considerando que la isla urbana de calor es un efecto dinámico, en el tiempo, será preciso en futuras investigaciones, realizar simulaciones considerando el factor tiempo, para que se puedan establecer correctas medidas de prevención frente al Cambio Climático, del efecto refrescante de los parques en la temporada estival. ----------ABSTRACT---------- One of the most controversial issues has been global warming and the problems it has posed to human societies. Owing to the phenomenon of urban heat island (UHI), the problem of heat in urban areas, especially in densely populated cities, is much more tangible and has threatened the lives of citizens. One of the issues of urban heat island is its adverse effect on people's thermal comfort both from physical and mental perspectives. Developing urban green spaces on small and large scales is considered as an effective way to deal with urban heat and UHIs, which has been proven by many studies. Research has shown that among urban green infrastructures, largescale parks and green spaces have a more significant effect on temperature reductions, so that this effect not only reduces the temperature inside of parks, but it can also reduce the temperature outside of parks. Two main indicators generally utilized to measure the cooling effect of urban parks are the cooling effect intensity (CEI) and the cooling effect distance (CED). According to studies conducted in this field, in general, parks with an area of more than 10 hectares are capable of decreasing the air temperature to 350 meters by about 1 to 2 degrees. Given that Spain is one of the warmest European countries with a Mediterranean climate, in order to ensure the health and well-being of citizens, taking people’s thermal comfort into account is of paramount importance. Therefore, to explore the cooling effect of parks and their impacts on citizens' physical and psychological thermal comfort, 125-hectare Retiro Park in the center of Madrid, was selected as a case study. Research data collection began in the early summer and was conducted every two weeks for 6 days (22 June, 10, and 24 July, 10 and 24 August, and 10 September). This experimental study has been conducted through field measurements and then data have been analyzed using computational modeling. The data in this study include microclimatic data and questionnaires. Microclimatic data were collected using standard mobile equipment to check the temperature, wind, and humidity on three distances from each of the northern, western, and southern edges of the park. Simultaneously with the collection of microclimatic data, the data of the questionnaire were collected as face-to-face interviews from 423 citizens of the nine investigated sites. Microclimatic data analyses were performed using RayMan software to calculate physiological equivalent temperature (PET) as a physiological thermal comfort indicator. Questionnaire data were also analyzed using statistical methods and SPSS programs. To analyze cognitive maps the special program called Aram Mental Map Analyzer (AMMA) was also designed and utilized. In the vicinity of the northern, western, and southern sides of Retiro Park, there is the UHI of Madrid at the distance of 665, 855, and 520 meters, respectively. The results of this study demonstrated that the cooling effect of this park can reduce the temperature of the 150-380 meter area on its northern side on average by 0.9℃ compared to the area located in the UHI adjacent (665 meters). The average temperature reduction on the western side in the distance of 445-600 meters from park was 2.7℃ compared to the area of UHI. Furthermore, these temperature changes in the southern side were akin to the northern side, so that the cooling effect of the park resulted in a 1.25℃ temperature reduction in 130-280 meters from the park compared to 520 meters. Overall, the cooling effect of Retiro Park can reduce the temperature by an average of 1.6℃ within the distance of 420 meters, in the three investigated directions. The CEI variations at different distances from the park directly affected on thermal comfort from physical and psychological perspectives. The results of physical thermal comfort based on the PET index indicated that the greater the park cooling effect the more the PET rate. The average PET index on the northern, western, and southern sides decreased by 1.3℃ (4.1%), 3.5℃ (8.7%), and 3.1℃ (7.3%), respectively, compared to the areas adjacent to the UHI. Based on the results, residents in areas close to the park felt an average of 6.7% more thermal comfort perception from physical view. The results of the questionnaire were considered as an indicator of perceived thermal comfort (PTC) and based on the score of this data, which was in the form of Likert (1-5), it was determined that the residents perceive more thermal comfort (7.2 %) in the surrounding areas of the park compared to the adjacent heat islands. Additionally, the results of another part of the questionnaires, which were in the form of cognitive maps, showed that on average, 59.4% of the 423 respondents referred to the park as a place where they had the highest thermal comfort compared to other public places. The results of this study represented the noticeable impact of large urban parks on creating thermal comfort for citizens. Given climate change and temperature increases in densely populated urban centers, to achieve sustainable developments in cities and urban communities, some factors such as urban park cooling effect and practical solutions to expand and create such green spaces require more attention. Considering that the UHI is a dynamic effect, over time, it will be necessary for future investigations to carry out simulations considering the time factor, so that correct prevention measures can be established through the cooling effect of the parks against climate change in the summer season