Search Results (1,764)

Spatial perception is essential for understanding residents’ subjective experiences and well-being. However, effective methods for tracking changes in spatial perception over time and space remain limited. This study proposes a novel approach that leverages historical street view imagery to monitor the evolution of urban spatial perception. Using the central urban area of Shanghai as a case study, we applied machine learning techniques to analyze 67,252 street view images from 2013 and 2019, aiming to quantify the spatiotemporal dynamics of urban perception. The results reveal the following: temporally, the average perception scores in 2019 increased by 4.85% compared to 2013; spatially, for every 1.5 km increase in distance from the city center, perception scores increased by an average of 0.0241; among all sampling points, 65.79% experienced an increase in perception, while 34.21% showed a decrease; and in terms of visual elements, natural features such as trees, vegetation, and roads were positively correlated with perception scores, whereas artificial elements like buildings, the sky, sidewalks, walls, and fences were negatively correlated. The analytical framework developed in this study offers a scalable method for measuring and interpreting changes in urban perception and can be extended to other cities. The findings provide valuable time-sensitive insights for urban planners and policymakers, supporting the development of more livable, efficient, and equitable urban environments. Full article

With the rapid development of urbanization and tourism in China, increasing attention has been paid to the protection and utilization of historical and cultural heritage, while tourists’ demands for travel experiences have gradually shifted towards in-depth cultural perception. This paper selects Beijing Fayuan Temple Historic and Cultural District as the research case, and adopts methods such as the LDA (Latent Dirichlet Allocation) topic model, collection and analysis of online text data, and field research to explore the current situation of pedestrian space in Fayuan Temple District and its optimization strategies from the perspective of tourists’ perception. The study found that the dimensions of tourists’ perception of the pedestrian space in Fayuan Temple District mainly include six aspects: historical buildings and relics, tour modes and transportation, natural landscapes and environment, historical figures and culture, residents’ life and activities, and tourists’ experiences and visits. By integrating online text data, questionnaire surveys, and on-site behavioral observations, the study constructed a “physical environment-cultural experience-behavioral network” three-dimensional IPA (Importance–Possession Analysis) evaluation model, and analyzed and evaluated the high-frequency perception elements in tourists’ spontaneous evaluations. Based on the current situation evaluation of the pedestrian space in Fayuan Temple District, this paper puts forward optimization strategies for the perception of pedestrian space from the aspects of block space, transportation usage, landscape ecology, digital technology, and cultural symbol translation. It aims to promote the high-quality development of historical blocks by improving and optimizing the pedestrian space, and achieve the dual goals of cultural inheritance and utilization of tourism resources. Full article

Background: Policymakers in Korea are calling for Local Medical Centers (LMCs) to address regional healthcare disparities by expanding their roles beyond safety-net functions yet often overlook local community perspectives. Methods: Face-to-face survey data collected in 2022 from 2057 adults residing in Chungcheongnam-do were analyzed in this study, using Importance–Performance Analysis to assess how residents of large cities, non-large cities, and rural areas prioritize nine LMC functions. Results: While all valued public health policy and infectious disease control amid COVID-19, notable regional variations appeared: non-large city residents prioritized unmet healthcare needs and operational efficiency, rural respondents emphasized post-discharge care coordination due to aging and chronic disease, and large city residents focused on safety-net roles. Staff training and medical innovation ranked lowest across regions. Conclusions: The results highlight the inadequacy of one-size-fits-all policies and the importance of regionally tailored, resident-informed strategies for equitable public health in Korea. Full article

Background: Nurse-manager competencies shape workforce stability, yet role-based perception gaps between managers and staff may influence staff nurses’ turnover cognitions. Objectives: To (1) compare nurse managers’ self-ratings with staff nurses’ ratings of the same managers on the Nurse Manager Competency Inventory (NMCI); (2) compare both groups’ perceptions of staff nurses’ turnover intention (EMTIS); (3) examine domain-specific links between perceived competencies and perceived turnover intention; and (4) explore demographic influences (age, education, experience) on these perceptions. Methods: Cross-sectional dual-rater study with 225 staff nurses and 171 nurse managers in two tertiary hospitals in Saudi Arabia. Data were collected from August to November 2024. Managers completed NMCI self-ratings, and staff nurses rated their managers on the same NMCI domains; both groups rated staff nurses’ turnover intention using EMTIS. Between-group differences were tested with one-way ANOVA (two-tailed α = 0.05), and associations were examined with Pearson’s r (95% CIs). Findings: Managers consistently rated themselves higher than staff rated them across all nine NMCI domains; the largest descriptive gaps were in Promoting Staff Retention, Recruit Staff, Perform Supervisory Responsibilities, and Facilitate Staff Development (e.g., overall NMCI: managers M = 3.67, SD = 0.61 vs. staff M = 3.04, SD = 0.74; F = 0.114, p = 0.73)with comparatively smaller divergence for Ensure Patient Safety and Quality. Managers and staff did not differ significantly on EMTIS (overall EMTIS: managers M = 3.16, SD = 1.28 vs. staff M = 3.00, SD = 1.15; F = 21.32, p = 0.173). Specific competency domains—retention, supervision, staff development, safety/quality leadership, and quality improvement—showed small inverse correlations with EMTIS facets (typical r ≈ −0.11 to −0.19; p < 0.05), whereas the global NMCI–overall EMTIS correlation was non-significant (r = −0.077, p = 0.124). Effect sizes were modest and should be interpreted cautiously. Conclusions: Actionable signals reside at the domain (micro-competency) level rather than in global leadership composites. Targeted, continuous, unit-embedded development in human- and development-focused competencies—tracked with dual-lens (manager–staff) measurement and linked to retention KPIs—may help nudge turnover cognitions downward. Key limitations include the cross-sectional, perception-based design and two-site setting. Findings nonetheless align with international workforce challenges and may be transferable to similar hospital contexts. Full article

This study explores Hong Kong residents’ perceptions of their city’s smart city transformation, set against a backdrop of political and economic changes. It investigates residents’ awareness and support for Hong Kong’s development as a smart city and their familiarity with the Smart City Blueprint. Despite the global emphasis on smart city initiatives, there is a significant gap in understanding residents’ perceptions, with the existing literature often focusing on technological and policy aspects while neglecting citizen voices. Employing a mixed-methods research design, the study integrates quantitative survey data (N = 808) with qualitative interviews (N = 25) and focus group discussions (4 groups, N = 43) to capture diverse perspectives. The findings reveal a generally low level of understanding of the Smart City Blueprint among residents, alongside a positive attitude towards its key dimensions like mobility, living, and the environment. Older citizens, those with lower educational attainment, and individuals from mainland China showed greater understanding and support. Interviews highlighted concerns about coordination, bureaucratic processes, data privacy, and public involvement. Focus group discussions revealed varied viewpoints, with some participants drawing comparisons to smart city developments in mainland China and expressing privacy concerns. The study underscores the importance of aligning smart city initiatives with residents’ needs and preferences through inclusive communication strategies and addressing concerns about data privacy and job displacement. Methodological triangulation enhances the validity and reliability of the research, revealing complex patterns and contradictions. Full article

Tourism planning in port cities faces the dual challenge of maximizing economic benefits while mitigating environmental and social pressures. This study examines the case of Piraeus, Greece, by integrating insights from both visitors and residents to explore how stakeholder perceptions can inform sustainable and resilient destination planning. Drawing on primary data collected through large-scale surveys of visitors and local residents, the analysis applies a multidimensional framework to assess economic, environmental, and social impacts of tourism. Findings reveal strong visitor spending and cultural engagement alongside concerns about infrastructure, pollution, and service quality. Residents acknowledge job creation and business activity but emphasize rising living costs, overcrowding, and limited inclusion in tourism governance. By bridging these perspectives, this study highlights the importance of multiple-stakeholder analysis for integrated tourism planning and proposes governance strategies to enhance sustainability and resilience in port destinations such as Piraeus. Full article

As global climate change intensifies the frequency of extreme weather events, urban flood control and disaster reduction efforts face unprecedented challenges. With the limitations of traditional, top-down emergency management becoming increasingly apparent, many countries are actively incorporating community-based participation into flood risk governance. While research in this area is expanding, the specific impact of urban flood inundation severity on residents’ participation in relief efforts remains significantly underexplored. To address this research gap, this study employs the Community Capitals Framework (CCF) and a Gradient Boosting Decision Tree (GBDT) model to empirically analyze 1322 survey responses from Zhengzhou, China, exploring the non-linear relationship between flood severity and public participation. Our findings are threefold: (1) As the most direct source of residents’ risk perception, flood inundation severity has a significant association with their participation level. (2) This relationship is distinctly non-linear. For instance, inundation severity within a 200 m radius of a resident’s home shows a predominantly negative relation with participation level, with the negative effect lessening at extreme levels of inundation. The distance from inundated areas, conversely, exhibits an “S-shaped” curve. (3) Flood severity exhibits a significant reinforcement interaction with both communication technology levels and government organizational mobilization. This indicates that, during public crises like flash floods, robust information channels and effective organizational support are positively related to residents’ transition from passive to active participation. This study reveals the complex, non-linear associations between flood severity and civic engagement, providing theoretical support and practical insights for optimizing disaster policies and enhancing community resilience within the broader context of urban land management and sustainable development. Full article

Background/Objectives: Human resources for health remain one of the key factors ensuring the effectiveness and accessibility of the healthcare system. Many countries face a shortage of physicians due to the migration of healthcare professionals and career changes, making it crucial to understand the underlying causes of these processes. The aim of this study was to assess the intentions to emigrate among Lithuanian medical students, residents, and practicing physicians, as well as to identify the main reasons for migration and plans regarding employment in the medical profession. Methods: The study was conducted using an anonymous, author-designed questionnaire survey, in which 1367 respondents participated. Results: The results indicate that 50.91% of students, 39.70% of residents, and 36.81% of physicians plan to emigrate or do not intend to work in the medical profession at all. The main reasons specified for emigration were higher salaries, better living conditions, and greater professional opportunities. The primary reasons for leaving the medical profession included low salary, physical and psychological strain, and administrative burden (among physicians), also the perception that the profession is not suitable for them (among students and residents). Conclusions: These findings are important for shaping human resource policies and strategies in the Lithuanian healthcare system and may also be valuable for policymakers in other countries facing similar challenges. Full article

Calf disbudding is a routine practice in the dairy industry to prevent horn growth and reduce the risk of injury to animals and handlers. However, growing public concern about animal welfare has raised questions about the acceptability of common disbudding methods. This study explored public perceptions of caustic paste and hot-iron disbudding using a mixed methods approach. Quantitative survey analyses captured measurable trends while iterative qualitative analysis explored the underlying reasons behind participant’s attitudes. A convenience sample with a total of 511 Texas resident participants completed a 44-item online survey that included demographic questions, the Animal Attitude Scale (AAS-10), and image-based evaluations of the two techniques. Quantitative analysis using factor analysis and multiple regression revealed that concern for animal welfare and justification for animal use were the most significant predictors (p < 0.001) of method acceptability, with caustic paste generally viewed as more humane. Qualitative responses reinforced these results, identifying themes of animal suffering, ethical concerns, and a widespread lack of public knowledge. While caustic paste was preferred, skepticism toward hot-iron disbudding was more pronounced among low-income participants. Nonetheless, when properly performed with pain control, hot-iron disbudding is often considered a more controlled and welfare-conscious method due to faster healing times and reduced risk of injury to other animals from paste exposure. These findings underscore the need for consumer education and transparent communication from the dairy industry. Full article

Population ageing and the increase in life expectancy have heightened the demand for long-term care in residential facilities. In Spain, it is projected that by 2054 the functional dependency rate among those aged 65 and over will exceed 53.0%, posing significant challenges for person-centred care. This study aims to examine institutionalised older adults’ perceptions of care in relation to their functional dependency, and how these perceptions shape their dignity and participation in residential life. A qualitative study with a phenomenological approach was conducted in a residential facility located in the north-east of Andalusia, Spain, involving eight residents with varying degrees of autonomy and dependency. Data were collected through individual semi-structured interviews and analysed using Colaizzi’s phenomenological method. The findings revealed that, as dependency increases, care is perceived as more impersonal, generating feelings of diminished dignity and greater exclusion. In addition, limitations were observed in communication and participation in residential life. Respect for privacy and personal preferences was particularly relevant for women. The study concludes that the care received is conditioned by the degree of dependency and the resources available. It is recommended to enhance staff training, increase staffing levels, and promote the active participation of residents. Full article

With the rapid advancement of urbanization, urban migrants’ willingness to participate in community affairs plays a vital role in urban social governance. However, existing studies have paid insufficient attention to the psychological mechanisms through which urban migrants translate perceptions of their residential environment into participation intentions, particularly lacking systematic examinations of the mediating role of residential satisfaction. Drawing on Social Exchange Theory, this study develops a mediation model of “environmental perception → residential satisfaction → community participation intention” to explore how urban migrants’ perceptions of their living environment shape their intention to participation in community affairs via residential satisfaction. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 315 urban migrants in Nanjing, China, and the data were analyzed using structural equation modeling. The results reveal that (1) housing conditions, supporting facilities, property management, and the humanistic environment significantly enhance residents’ residential satisfaction, thereby stimulating their intention to participate in community affairs; (2) while location attributes and transportation have no significant direct effects on community participation intention, they can promote participation indirectly through residential satisfaction; and (3) policy perception neither directly influences community participation intention nor indirectly affects it via residential satisfaction. This study uncovers the underlying mechanisms of urban migrants’ community participation, offering both theoretical insights and practical implications for improving the effectiveness of community governance. Full article

Both China and Korea have significant markets for tea; however, both the availability and preference for oolong and black oolong tea vary across the two markets. Although this difference has been highlighted in previous studies, the group differences in the two markets based on preferences and sensory perceptions have not been assessed. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the overall oolong and black oolong tea preferences based on specific characteristics of the tea samples and the sensory perceptions of young Chinese and Korean consumers residing in South Korea. Twelve tea samples were selected for on-site evaluations. A Check-All-That-Apply (CATA) method with 20 sensory characteristics was used to identify the sensory characteristics perceived, supplemented by intensity ratings for key attributes. The CATA-Penalty analysis revealed sensory characteristics that significantly impacted overall liking. The results indicated that while Chinese and South Korean consumers exhibited some differences in overall preference trends, they shared similar preferences within specific tea categories. This reflects differences in preferences between Chinese and South Korean consumers for oolong and black oolong tea beverages and the possible impact of different cultural backgrounds on consumption habits. These findings provide insights into cross-cultural sensory preferences and the impact of the cultural background on tea beverage perception. Full article

Urban regeneration has increasingly become a global strategy for promoting sustainable urban development, with the renewal of deteriorating residential communities serving as a key dimension of this process. Within the framework of a people-centered development paradigm, growing attention has been directed toward the necessity of securing residents’ satisfaction in community renewal initiatives. This study employs advanced textual analysis of resident submissions collected from government–citizen interaction platforms to investigate the determinants of satisfaction with renewal projects. Leveraging the semantic comprehension capabilities of large language models (LLMs), we identify both salient keywords and sentiment orientations embedded in residents’ narratives. Guided by the theoretical framework of resident satisfaction, the extracted keywords are organized into seven thematic domains: basic infrastructure improvement, quality-enhancement renovation, solicitation of residents’ preferences, residents’ decision-making power, policy transparency, construction governance, and community-level communication. Regression modeling is subsequently applied to assess the relative influence of these thematic domains on residents’ satisfaction. The findings suggest that insufficient integration of residents’ preferences at the preliminary stages of participation constitutes a principal source of dissatisfaction during the implementation of renewal projects. Furthermore, the study compares Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) topic modeling with LLMs-based topic clustering, revealing the latter’s superior capacity to capture thematic structures in complex, long-form textual data. These results underscore the potential of LLMs to enhance the analytical rigor of research on urban regeneration and citizen participation. Full article

The acceleration of global urbanization has caused severe damage to, and even the disappearance of, traditional villages, significantly reducing the diversity of cultural landscapes. To effectively preserve and transmit the cultural landscape characteristics of traditional villages, this study adopts the “landscape gene” theory and proposes a traditional village landscape gene perception evaluation method combining game theory-based weight assignment and the cloud model. Using Huangtutang Village in Wuxi, China, as a case study, the study follows the framework and paradigm of “identification-translation-perception evaluation-preservation inheritance” to identify, translate, map, and comprehensively evaluate its landscape genes. Finally, targeted strategies for the preservation and development of Huangtutang Village are proposed based on the evaluation results. The results indicate that residents and tourists generally perceive the landscape genes of Huangtutang Village as “Satisfied,” with perception levels ranking from high to low as follows: environmental pattern, cultural characteristics, architectural character, and spatial layout characteristics. Perceptions of traffic location, street texture, building form, roof form, facade features, folk tales, and historical and cultural context were relatively low, showing lower “expectation values.” The findings provide valuable references for the preservation and development of Huangtutang Village and other traditional villages. The proposed traditional village landscape gene perception evaluation model advances the development of landscape gene theory, effectively supplements existing methods for traditional village preservation and sustainable development, and demonstrates broad applicability. Full article

The rapid growth of the aging population, alongside functional decline and more older adults living independently, has increased demand for age-friendly infrastructure and walkable communities. This study proposes a quantitative framework to assess how multi-scale built environments influence older adults’ walkability, addressing the scarcity of scalable and interpretable models in age-friendly urban research. By combining the cumulative opportunity method, street-scene semantic segmentation, XGBoost, and GeoSHapley-based spatial effect analysis, the study finds that (1) significant spatial disparities in walkability exist in Xiamen’s central urban area. Over half of the communities (54.46%) failed to meet the minimum threshold (20 points) within the 15 min community life circle (15-min CLC), indicating inadequate infrastructure. The primary issue is low coverage of older adults’ welfare facilities (only 16.26% of communities are within a 15 min walk). Despite renovations in Jinhu Community, walkability remains low, highlighting persistent disparities. (2) Communities with abundant green space are predominantly newly developed areas (64.06%). However, these areas provide fewer facilities on average (2.3) than older communities (5.7), resulting in a “green space–service mismatch”, where visually appealing environments lack essential services. (3) Human perception variables such as safety, traffic flow, and closure positively influence walkability, while visual complexity, heat risk, exposure, and greenness have negative effects. (4) There is a clear supply and demand mismatch. Central districts combine high walkability with substantial older adults’ service demand. Newly built residential areas in the periphery and north have low density and insufficient pedestrian facilities. They fail to meet daily accessibility needs, revealing delays in age-friendly development. This framework, integrating nonlinear modeling and spatial analysis, reveals spatial non-stationarity and optimal thresholds in how the built environment influences walkability. Beyond methodological contributions, this study offers guidance for planners and policymakers to optimize infrastructure allocation, promote equitable, age-friendly cities, and enhance the health and wellbeing of older residents. Full article