Search Results (1,489)

In the current context where China is continuously emphasizing the construction and supply of indemnificatory housing, and actively promoting the construction of “Better Housing” for such housing, the development experiences of Japan and South Korea in the field of public housing reveal that the construction and supply of public housing cannot be separated from the interaction and coordinated development of the policy system, spatial composition, and cultural factors. Based on this, this study takes the public rental housing in China, Japan, and South Korea as the research objects, through comparative analysis of their policy systems, cultural backgrounds, and spatial composition characteristics of unit plans, to explore the implications for the development of China’s indemnificatory housing, and provides theoretical basis and practical references for optimizing the supply system and space design of China’s indemnificatory housing. The study selects typical cases of public rental housing from the three countries, and conducts comparisons from dimensions such as unit plane shape, L.D.K. layout, bedroom configuration, transitional space, balcony design, and bathroom composition. Findings indicate that Japan’s UR rental housing focuses on refined and diversified design, South Korea’s public housing emphasizes spatial flexibility, while China’s indemnificatory housing, while pursuing standardized construction, faces challenges of area limitations and insufficient functional adaptability. Based on the experiences of the three countries, this study proposes a tripartite guidance suggestion of “Policy–Space–Culture” to advance the realization of “Better Housing” objectives and ensure that China’s indemnificatory housing meets both international advanced experience and local social and cultural specific needs: (1) policy systems—strengthening legalization and long-term sustainability in governance; (2) spatial composition—incorporating flexible layouts and human-centric detailing; (3) cultural adaptability—balancing traditional living habits with contemporary needs. Full article

In Pakistan and most other developing nations, the residential building sector is one of the highest energy-consuming domains. The residential sector has the highest share of 50% of final electricity use of the country. Though Energy Conservation Building Codes (ECBC-2023) provide structured energy guidelines, no work has been performed to quantify the actual energy-saving potential of code-compliant retrofits in residential buildings. This study investigates the performance of ECBC-compliant retrofitting strategies for residential buildings under Pakistan’s diverse climatic conditions. The Passive House Planning Package (PHPP), a validated simulation tool, was used to assess energy performance improvements through building envelope interventions such as thermal insulation, solar shading, window glazing, and optimal orientation. Field data were collected from three representative cities, Multan (hot desert), Taxila (humid subtropical), and Quetta (cold semi-arid), to simulate both conventional and energy-efficient building scenarios. The results showed substantial seasonal energy savings in all three climates. During the heating period, energy savings were 48%, 50%, and 60% for Taxila, Multan, and Quetta, respectively. Similarly, energy savings during the cooling season were 44%, 33%, and 16%. Life cycle economic analysis revealed that these retrofits yielded Net Present Values (NPVs) of USD 752 (Taxila), USD 1226 (Multan), and USD 1670 (Quetta) over a 30-year period, with discounted payback periods ranging from 6 to 10 years. Furthermore, a life cycle assessment demonstrated that retrofitted buildings yielded up to 26% reduction in overall carbon emissions, combining both embodied and operational sources. The findings highlight that ECBC-2023 is not only a technically viable solution for energy savings but also financially attractive in residential retrofitting. By incorporating localized climate responsiveness into ECBC-compliant building design, the study provides a practical roadmap for achieving Pakistan’s energy efficiency goals. Additionally, the outcomes serve as a basis for informing policy initiatives, supporting building code adaptation, and raising public awareness of sustainable housing practices. Full article

High blood pressure, or hypertension, remains a leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease, contributing significantly to global morbidity and mortality, particularly in Caribbean island nations like Curaçao. This pilot study assessed the impact of a health fair led by Community Health Workers (CHWs) or Promotornan di Salú and organized in collaboration with local faith-based organizations to increase hypertension awareness and promote preventive behaviors. The study utilized a cross-sectional design, and data were gathered from attendees at a health fair held on 29 June 2024, at the Iglesia House of Worship in Willemstad, Curaçao. A structured questionnaire was used to collect demographics, event satisfaction, health behavior intentions, and qualitative feedback data from participants aged 12 years and older. Of the 145 participants, 78.6% rated the event as excellent, 83.4% expressed plans to change their health behaviors, 80.6% intended to share information with family and friends, and 59.7% intended to follow up with a general practitioner (GP)/doctor. These findings highlight the effectiveness of culturally tailored, community-based initiatives to raise hypertension awareness, improve health literacy, and promote preventive health behaviors. The success of this intervention emphasizes the potential of CHW-led health fairs as valuable public health strategies and practical training opportunities for reducing the burden of chronic conditions like hypertension. Full article

Ventilation plays a key role in maintaining indoor air quality and reducing building-related symptoms (BRSs). Although prior studies suggest that ventilation volume and system type may influence BRSs, few have examined their combined effects in residential settings. This cross-sectional study investigated associations between ventilation volume, system type, and BRSs among 3970 residents of newly built detached houses in Japan. Data were collected in two waves in 2023, and the ventilation volume per floor area and per person was calculated from building specifications. BRSs were assessed using the MM040EA Sick House Syndrome questionnaire and analyzed using binary logistic regression stratified by system type. In air supply and exhaust systems, higher ventilation volume per person was linked to a lower prevalence of general symptoms (OR = 0.46). In exhaust-only systems, greater ventilation volume was positively associated with mucosal irritation symptoms (OR = 1.60). These findings highlight the complex relationship between ventilation and health and emphasize the importance of system type. Although air quality parameters were not measured directly, the results provide evidence based on building specifications, thereby offering insight to refine building codes, guide post-occupancy assessments, and inform preventive public health policy. Full article

Cities play a vital role in creating wealth and ensuring the well-being of all their inhabitants. However, major international efforts aimed at fostering fairer, healthier, and a more sustainable world have been compromised by the widespread effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The objective of this research is to determine key priorities for addressing the pandemic’s impact in both the present and in a future urban context. Therefore, this study applies the Delphi method to a panel of 24 experts in order to identify the most and least important targets from Sustainable Development Goal 11 for post-COVID-19 sustainable urban planning in Cuenca, Ecuador. Out of the twelve targets, only five were prioritized, including “Target 11.1 Affordable housing”, Target 11.3 Sustainable Urbanization”, “Target 11.9 Implement policies for inclusion and property rights”, and “Target 6.3 Improve water quality”. These findings can serve as a foundation for future public policies and strategies for sustainable urban planning of the city. Full article

Background/Objectives: Recent data shows increasing diabetes prevalence among African Americans. Youth with a family history of diabetes are at high risk for diabetes. This study explores the multilevel risk factors associated with a family history of diabetes among African American youth in public housing. Methods: This study used a cross-sectional, quantitative, and community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach. The research team, comprising community stakeholders and academic researchers, employed respondent-driven sampling (RDS) for data collection (survey) and used univariate and bivariate analyses to examine variable relationships. A sequential logistic regression highlighted factors influencing the likelihood of having a family history of diabetes. Results: The final sample (n = 190, mean age 18.5 years, 58% female) included 35% of youth with a family history of diabetes. Forty-six percent reported medium to severe household hardships. Results suggest that reporting a family history of diabetes is correlated with maternal substance use (tau-b = 0.27 **) and alcohol problems (tau-b = 0.16 ***), paternal substance use (tau-b = 0.17 *), and eating fewer fruits (tau-b = 0.17 *). With an odds ratio (OR) of 1.70 [0.68, 4.13] and attributable fraction among the exposed at 41.3%, the final model (3) was not significant [χ² = 11.19(8)]. Thus, we fail to reject the null hypothesis that the model fits the data well. Fewer vegetable consumption (OR = 15.08, p < 0.001), higher soda consumption (OR = 0.06, p < 0.001), severe household hardships (OR = 5.82, p < 0.01), and maternal substance use problems (OR = 6.81, p < 0.05) predicted a higher likelihood of a history of diabetes. Conclusions: Our study calls attention to the need to reevaluate interventions for hardships and substance use in diabetes management, particularly in poor neighborhoods and among minority families. Full article

The 1.5-degree lifestyles aim to reduce household carbon footprints across six areas (food, housing, mobility, consumer goods, leisure, and services), as identified by IGES, relying on public efforts. This study seeks to understand Japanese university students’ perceptions of 1.5-degree lifestyles, their preferred actions for implementation at the individual, family, and community levels, and the top three enablers and barriers they face. Using a questionnaire based on the KIDA (knowledge, interest, desire, action) framework, which aligns with IGES’s six sectors, data from 244 responses collected via snowball sampling were analyzed. Results reveal low awareness of 1.5-degree lifestyles among Japanese university students, along with a moderate desire to learn more. Gender differences were significant, with females showing higher awareness, desire, and action compared to males. Three common barriers identified include challenges with work–life balance, economic concerns, and gaps between knowledge and action. Recommendations emphasize increasing youth awareness and encouraging action on 1.5-degree lifestyles through early environmental education, youth-focused communication (such as social media), and securing strong political support to help address practical challenges. Full article

Driven by the Rural Revitalization Strategy, China has substantially increased its investment in rural infrastructure. Nevertheless, widespread issues such as underutilization and inadequate management persist. Recognizing rural infrastructure as a complex and interdependent system, this study applies complex network analysis to evaluate data from 98 counties, treating each county as an analytical unit and various infrastructure types as network nodes. A rural infrastructure interdependency network is constructed to examine the interdependencies among infrastructure and the overarching structural characteristics of the system. The analysis demonstrates that the rural infrastructure network exhibits pronounced modularity, with three distinct functional clusters: (1) electricity–water–broadband internet, (2) public service infrastructure, and (3) housing–environmental governance infrastructure. Furthermore, by employing a network dismantling approach that simulates facility management failures through the progressive removal of nodes, this study identifies paved roads and electricity supply stability as critical nodes within the rural infrastructure network. The failure of these infrastructures triggers systemic fragmentation and functional collapse, indicating their pivotal role in maintaining overall network integrity. These findings offer theoretical support for the optimization of infrastructure maintenance strategies, with the ultimate goal of enhancing the overall resilience and sustainable development capacity of rural infrastructure systems. Full article

Sustainable housing is increasingly recognized as a crucial social determinant of health, intersecting environmental sustainability with affordability, safety, and inclusivity to shape population health and equity. This paper reviews the existing literature and presents that integrating sustainable housing into public health frameworks can mitigate health risks, reduce inequities, and promote resilient urban futures. This review paper reframes sustainable housing through a holistic lens, emphasizing its potential to improve health through inclusive design, energy efficiency, green infrastructure, and affordability. Theoretically grounded in the Social Determinants of Health framework, Ecological Systems Theory, Environmental Health Theory, and Life Course Perspective, sustainable housing is shown to influence health outcomes across multiple levels and life stages. Empirical studies further validate these connections, demonstrating improved physical and mental health, particularly among vulnerable populations, when sustainable housing features are implemented. While these benefits span multiple health domains, persistent implementation challenges related to equity, financing, and policy coherence can limit their reach. Equity-centered approaches and cross-sector collaboration are essential to ensure the health benefits of sustainable housing are distributed fairly. Climate-resilient design strategies further underscore the role of housing in protecting communities against growing environmental threats. Furthermore, research priorities are required to strengthen the evidence base, including studies utilizing longitudinal study designs and participatory approaches. The findings of this review call for policy innovations that embed sustainable housing within broader public health and urban development agendas. Full article

Obesity has emerged as one of the most significant public health challenges of the 21st century, with its prevalence increasing at an alarming rate globally. While individual factors such as diet and physical inactivity are well-known contributors, the built environment, particularly housing, plays a critical yet understudied role in shaping obesity-related behaviors. This study examines the multilayered relationship between housing and obesity, focusing on built and neighborhood environment, affordability, and the social environment. Poor housing quality, such as overcrowding and inadequate ventilation, can potentially lead to chronic stress and sedentary behaviors, while housing design influences physical activity through characteristics such as design features and outdoor spaces. Housing location affects access to amenities such as parks and healthy food options, with disparities in access contributing to obesity in low-income areas. Similarly, neighborhood walkability, influenced by infrastructure and land use, encourages active transportation and recreation. Housing affordability also impacts dietary choices and access to recreational facilities, particularly for low-income families. Moreover, the social environment within housing communities can foster or hinder healthy behaviors through social networks and community engagement. This study emphasizes the need for health-conscious urban planning and policies that address these housing-related factors to combat obesity and promote healthier lifestyles. By integrating these Obesity–Housing Nexus, policymakers can create environments that support physical activity, healthy eating, as well as overall health and well-being. Full article

Timber construction is increasingly promoted in Chile as a route to low-carbon, energy-efficient housing, yet public acceptance remains decisive for its diffusion. This study reports the first large-scale perception survey of timber buildings in Greater Concepción (N = 200) and contrasts key results with an earlier identical survey in Valdivia. Concepción residents strongly recognise timber’s thermal comfort attributes and associate wood housing with lower winter heating demand, a perception markedly stronger than in Valdivia. Conversely, 73% of Concepción respondents believe timber homes burn easily, but a majority also accept that modern engineering can mitigate this risk, indicating scope for targeted technical communication. Environmental perceptions are more ambivalent: although respondents value wood’s renewable origin, 42% doubt that timber construction reduces climate change, and many equate it with deforestation, echoing controversies around Chile’s plantation model. Cluster analysis reveals a techno-optimist subgroup coupling enthusiasm for energy savings with confidence in fire-safety innovations, suggesting a strategic constituency for demonstration projects. By situating end-user attitudes within national decarbonisation goals, this paper argues that region-specific outreach—emphasising verified energy-efficiency gains, certified sustainable forestry and visible fire-safety performance—can convert passive approval into active demand and accelerate Chile’s transition to a net-zero housing stock. Full article

In the Kingdom of Hungary, the process of secularization started rather late. After 1867, the country was led by liberal political forces but, despite this, the separation of church and state continued for a long time. Some ecclesiastical dignitaries were members of the upper house by virtue of their position, which obviously slowed down the process of secularization. By the 1890s, there were still many legal institutions in which public power was exercised by the churches instead of the state. The most important of these was the area of marriage law. Civil marriage was introduced by the Marriage Act passed in 1894, the adoption of which was preceded by sharp parliamentary debates. This was the culmination of the first wave of discourse on secularization in the country, which ended with the adoption of the law. Károly Hornig was appointed bishop of Veszprém by the pope in 1888 and, as a result of his position, he became a member of the upper house. Assessing Hornig’s parliamentary activities is more difficult. Joining the spirit of Rerum Novarum, he spoke, for example, in favor of the prohibition of industrial workers from working on Sundays. On the other hand, in the debates about secularization, he advocated positions that would have hindered it, although he eventually withdrew several of his proposals due to counterarguments. In my work, with the help of Hornig’s example, I would like to present an important stage of the process of secularization in Hungary. Full article

This study investigates urban life satisfaction and residents’ settlement intention as emergent outcomes of interconnected urban systems and examines the moderating role of urban regeneration budget execution as a systemic policy input. Drawing on the bottom-up spillover perspective and policy feedback theory, this study posits that satisfaction with core aspects of urban living—such as housing, transportation, and public safety—reflects the functioning of multiple interrelated urban subsystems, which accumulate into a global sense of well-being that influences settlement intention. Furthermore, when urban regeneration budgets are visibly and fully executed, they operate as institutional feedback mechanisms, leading residents to attribute their life satisfaction to effective system performance and reinforcing their desire to stay. Using survey data from Incheon Metropolitan City and Gyeonggi Province in South Korea, the study employs stereotype logistic regression to test the proposed model. The findings reveal that urban life satisfaction significantly predicts stronger settlement intention, and this effect is amplified in municipalities with higher levels of budget execution. These results contribute to theoretical understanding by linking subjective well-being with institutional performance and offer practical guidance for South Korean local governments seeking to strengthen community resilience through transparent and outcome-driven urban policy delivery. Full article

This study investigated how county- and state-level socioeconomic factors influence racial differences in placement stability outcomes for children in foster care. Using a sample drawn from the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS) covering 2012–2020, we employed linear mixed modeling (LMMs) to nest individual- and case-level data within counties and states. Our analysis focused on Black and White children, examining how variables such as poverty, unemployment, public welfare expenditures, residential mobility, and family structure affect the number of placement moves experienced by children. The findings indicated that Black children experience higher rates of placement instability compared to White children, although the gap narrows over time. Key factors associated with improved stability included county-administered child welfare systems and higher rates of multigenerational households and owner-occupied housing, particularly benefiting Black children. In contrast, higher levels of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participation and increased residential mobility were linked to greater instability. The implementation of program improvement plans (PIPs) during the third round of the Child and Family Services Reviews (CFSR-3) produced mixed outcomes, with PIPs contributing to a reduction in the racial gap primarily by increasing placement moves for White children. These findings underscore the importance of analyzing data by race and incorporating broader socioeconomic contexts into child welfare improvement strategies, while also emphasizing the need for localized, context-sensitive approaches to improve placement stability. Full article

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a critical public health issue in Johannesburg, South Africa, driven by a complex interplay of individual, social, and structural factors. This study assessed the syndemic relationship between these determinants to understand their collective impact on TB burden and treatment outcomes. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among TB patients attending selected clinics, examining behavioural risks (e.g., smoking, alcohol use, HIV co-infection), social conditions (poverty, overcrowding, stigma), and structural challenges (access to healthcare, migration status). The results revealed a significant co-occurrence of TB and HIV (56.1%), alongside high rates of smoking (33.1%) and alcohol use (45.2%). Unemployment (50.2%), inadequate housing, and limited healthcare access, particularly for undocumented migrants (26.2%), were also prominent. Factor analysis demonstrated a syndemic interaction between behavioural and social determinants, underscoring the compounded vulnerability of affected populations. The findings highlight the necessity of integrating medical interventions with social and structural reforms. Recommendations include TB-HIV co-management, substance abuse programmes, improved housing, and inclusive healthcare access. A multisectoral approach addressing both health and socioeconomic inequalities is critical for comprehensive TB control in urban South African contexts. Full article