Search Results (2,081)

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

The construction of prefabricated concrete houses in Ecuador poses significant challenges in terms of environmental and social sustainability, amid growing housing demand and the urgent need to mitigate adverse impacts associated with the construction processes and materials. In particular, the lack of a comprehensive assessment of these impacts limits the development of effective strategies to improve the sustainability of the sector. In addition, in rural areas, the design of flexible and adapted solutions is required, as evidenced by recent studies in the Andean area. This study conducts a comprehensive assessment of the impacts and sustainability indicators for prefabricated concrete houses, employing international certification systems such as LEED, BREEAM, and VERDE, to validate various relevant environmental and social indicators. The methodology used is the Hierarchical Analytical Process (AHP), which facilitates the prioritization of impacts through paired comparisons, establishing priorities for decision-making. Hydrological, soil, faunal, floral, and socioeconomic aspects are evaluated in a regional context. The results reveal that the most critical environmental impacts in Ecuador are climate change (28.77%), water depletion (13.73%) and loss of human health (19.17%), generation of non-hazardous waste 8.40%, changes in biodiversity 5%, extraction of mineral resources 12.07%, financial risks 5.33%, loss of aquatic life 4.67%, and loss of fertility 3%, as derived from hierarchical and standardization matrices. Despite being grounded in a literature review and being constrained due to the scarcity of previous projects in the country, this research provides a useful framework for the environmental evaluation and planning of prefabricated housing. To conclude, this study enhances existing methodologies of environmental assessment techniques and practices in the construction of precast concrete and promotes the development of sustainable and socially responsible housing in Ecuador. 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

Background: Major geopolitical events and structural shocks are thought to play a significant role in shaping HIV epidemics by influencing individual behaviours, reshaping social networks, and impacting HIV prevention and treatment programs. Here, we describe individual-level measures of estimated time since HIV infection (ETI) from viral next-generation sequencing data among female sex workers and their clients in relation to significant geopolitical events in Ukraine. Methods: The Dynamics Study is a cross-sectional integrated biological and behavioural survey conducted among female sex workers and their clients in Dnipro, Ukraine (December 2017 to March 2018). We were able to successfully sequence a portion of the HIV pol gene on dried blood spot specimens among n = 5/9 clients and n = 5/16 female sex workers who tested positive for HIV (total n = 10/25) using an in-house drug resistance genotyping assay. The “HIV EVO” Intrapatient HIV Evolution web-based tool was used to infer ETI from viral diversity. Results: The median ETIs for female sex workers and their clients were 5.4 years (IQR = 2.9, 6.6) and 6.5 years (IQR = 5.4, 10.8), respectively. Nearly all HIV acquisition events (n = 7/10; 70%) were estimated to have occurred between the Great Recession (2008–2009) and the War in Donbas (May 2014–February 2022). In general, ETI suggests that HIV acquisition occurred earlier among clients (2012 [IQR = 2007, 2013]) compared to sex workers (2013 [IQR = 2012, 2016]). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that most HIV acquisition in this small subset of female sex workers and clients living with HIV occurred during periods of economic decline. Molecular studies on timing of HIV acquisition against timing of major geopolitical events offer a novel way to contextualize how such events may shape transmission patterns. Full article

With the ongoing advancement of urbanization in China, a disparity has arisen between population demands and the allocation of community resources, resulting in a persistent increase in residential vacancy rates. The integration of service facilities into vacant residential spaces has enabled functional housing transformations. This study analyzes three typical types of communities in Xi’an to examine these transformations, identifying distinct types and patterns across five scenarios, which include social, health, leisure, cultural, and educational contexts. Through structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews, we collected data on residents’ life satisfaction and NIMBY (not in my backyard) perceptions. Applying a NIMBY index algorithm, we quantified characteristics and identified root causes. The results demonstrated that leisure scenarios most significantly affected satisfaction, while social scenarios showed the highest NIMBY index. Using an ordered logistic regression model, we determined key NIMBY factors influencing satisfaction across scenarios, revealing their differential impact mechanisms. Drawing on the findings, we investigated coordination mechanisms between the transformations of residential spaces and the needs of residents. Based on this analysis, the research objective was to explore how vacant housing can integrate service facilities while mitigating NIMBY effects and meeting resident needs. Proposed strategies include hierarchical facility allocation, NIMBY mitigation measures, and spatial planning optimization, ultimately adapting to diverse lifestyles and housing demands. 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

Crossing collisions between cyclists and automobiles around nonsignalized intersections on community roads, where visibility around the intersection is poor due to occlusions caused by house walls, is a social issue related to traffic safety in Japan. Because available observation information for collision prevention is limited on community roads, utilizing the accumulated data is useful to compensate for the lack of observation information. Given these motivations, we propose a movement estimation method of cyclists by combining information from roadside sensors with location-dependent statistical information. First, we develop a method for analyzing the location-dependent statistical information of cyclists on a certain road from accumulated GNSS data using the Kalman smoother. Then, we develop a method for stochastically predicting the movement of cyclists even outside the observation range of a roadside sensor by using the concept of “virtual observation” based on location-dependent statistical information. To evaluate the proposed method, we conduct an experiment to accumulate GNSS data from cyclists using smartphones. As a result of comparison with a conventional method, we confirm that our proposed method can reduce the uncertainty of the estimated position; further, the reduction in the uncertainty will contribute to traffic safety by future advanced driver assistance systems. Full article

Climate change poses significant challenges to the economic and social sustainability of urban dwellers, particularly in the real estate market, where rising temperatures are affecting property values. While most research focuses on how climate change impacts buyers and sellers, this study shifts attention to renters, who may be more vulnerable to climate-induced price increases. By analyzing rental price and climate data, this study uses ordinary least squares (OLS) and fixed-effects regressions to assess the impact of temperature fluctuations on rental rates across 50 major U.S. metropolitan areas. The findings reveal a positive and significant relationship between rising temperatures and rental rates, particularly in the Northeastern and Southern U.S. These results suggest that targeted policy interventions may help ease financial pressures on vulnerable renters and support more sustainable urban development over time. The analysis also highlights the potential role of energy efficiency measures in rental housing to lower energy costs and alleviate rent burdens. Additionally, the findings indicate that local policymakers may consider rent stabilization strategies and investments in urban green infrastructure to protect low-income renters, reduce localized heat exposure, and promote long-term urban resilience. Full article

By 2040, more than 80 million Americans will be aged ≥65, yet contemporary senior living communities still operate on a hospitality-first model developed for healthier cohorts three decades ago. This commentary argues that the next generation of senior living must pivot from hotel-style amenities to person-centric health platforms that proactively coordinate medical, functional, and social support. We outline four mutually reinforcing pillars. (1) Data infrastructure that stitches together clinical, functional, and social determinants of health enables continuous risk stratification and early intervention. (2) Ambient and conversational artificial-intelligence tools can extend sparse caregiving workforces while preserving resident autonomy. (3) Value-based contractual arrangements—for example, Medicare Advantage special-needs plans embedded within senior living sites—can realign financial incentives toward prevention rather than occupancy. (4) Targeted policy levers, including low-income housing tax credits for the “forgotten middle” and outcomes-based regulatory frameworks, can catalyze adoption at scale. Ultimately, re-architecting senior living around integrated technology, value-based financing and supportive regulation can transform these communities into preventive-care hubs that delay nursing home entry, improve quality of life, and reduce total cost of care. Full article

As cities grow faster and food systems grow more fragile, architects and planners are increasingly challenged to design spaces that not only house people but also support environmental and social well-being. This study investigates how vertical farming can be integrated into residential building facades in Egypt as a strategy to promote local food production and sustainable design. Focusing on a government housing project in Port Said, three façade-based design options were developed and assessed through structured surveys targeting two stakeholder groups: experts and residents. This research revealed a strong interest and awareness across both samples. While users prioritized benefits such as esthetics, air quality, and the ease of use, experts emphasized feasibility concerns, maintenance needs, and policy barriers. Both groups favored the second design option as the most balanced and applicable solution. By foregrounding stakeholder input, this study fills a gap in the existing literature on building-integrated agriculture and provides design and policy recommendations grounded in the local context. It advocates for inclusive design thinking, where technical viability and community values are considered together. While limited to single case and visual assessment methods, this research offers a foundation for further applied studies and broader sustainable design frameworks. 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

Preterm birth is a leading cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality and is particularly prevalent among socially disadvantaged female populations. This quantitative, cross-sectional study aimed to explore the prevalence of preterm birth in three segregated Roma communities in Hungary and to identify health behavior and care factors associated with its occurrence. In our study, preterm birth was defined as delivery before 37 completed weeks of gestation (i.e., <259 days). Data were collected from 231 Roma women living in three municipalities of Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg County, one of Hungary’s most disadvantaged regions, using a structured interview questionnaire. The participants were women aged 18–65 years. Of these, 209 had been pregnant at least once in their lifetime. The questionnaire covered socio-demographic characteristics (age, level of education, employment status, housing conditions, marital status), health behaviors (smoking, alcohol consumption, drug use, vitamin supplementation, other substance use), antenatal care attendance, and birth outcomes (preterm birth, gestational age, low birth weight, newborn status). Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression with significance set at p < 0.05. Preterm birth was significantly more common among women who smoked, consumed alcohol or drugs during pregnancy, or had vaginal infections. Drug use showed the strongest association with a 22-fold increase in risk, followed by alcohol (nearly fivefold), smoking (over threefold), and infections (threefold). Although non-attendance at antenatal care was associated with increased risk, this relationship was not statistically significant. In the multivariate logistic regression model, alcohol consumption (OR = 1.744, p < 0.01), smoking (OR = 2.495, p < 0.01), drug use (OR = 25.500, p < 0.001), and vaginal infections (OR = 4.014, p < 0.01) during pregnancy were independently associated with an increased risk of preterm birth, whereas folic acid supplementation (OR = 0.448, p < 0.05) showed a significant protective effect. These findings highlight that preterm birth is intricately linked to socioeconomic disadvantage and adverse health behaviors. Culture-specific, community-based prevention strategies are essential to reduce perinatal risks in marginalized populations. Full article

This study develops a multi-dimensional sustainable tourism optimization framework for Juneau, Alaska, integrating economic, social, and environmental dimensions to balance tourism-driven prosperity with ecological and socio-cultural integrity. Utilizing a hybrid Analytic Hierarchy Process and entropy weighting method, the model assigns robust indicator weights. Optimized via the NSGA-II algorithm, it identifies an optimal tourist threshold, achieved through a strategic tax adjustment. This policy not only sustains economic revenue at USD 325 million but also funds a critical feedback loop: revenue reinvestment into environmental conservation and social infrastructure, which stabilizes cost indices and enhances community well-being. The model’s projections show this approach significantly mitigates environmental degradation, notably glacier retreat, and alleviates social pressures such as infrastructure overload and resident dissatisfaction. A key contribution of this research is the framework’s adaptability, which was validated through its application to Barcelona, Spain. There, the framework was recalibrated with social indicators tailored to address urban overtourism, achieving substantial reductions in housing and congestion costs alongside environmental improvements, while economic recovery was maintained. Sensitivity analyses confirm the model’s stability, though data limitations and subjective weighting suggest future enhancements via real-time analytics and dynamic modeling. Key policy recommendations include dynamic tourist caps, diversified attractions, and community engagement platforms, offering scalable solutions for global tourism destinations. This framework advances sustainable tourism by providing a blueprint to decouple economic growth from ecological and social harm, ensuring the longevity of natural and cultural assets amidst climate challenges. Full article

The global expansion of shale oil and gas extraction has generated widespread attention for its environmental, economic, and political implications. However, its social consequences remain less systematically assessed. This review synthesizes interdisciplinary research on how shale energy development affects communities, particularly in rural and resource-dependent regions. While extraction activities may generate economic opportunities and strengthen national energy security, they are also associated with population influx, pressure on infrastructure, housing shortages, public health risks, and increased political polarization. These impacts can alter social relationships, institutional trust, and access to essential services. By organizing and analyzing key themes in the social science literature, this review offers a structured overview of how shale energy development shapes local experiences and social systems. The goal of the present paper is to support researchers, policymakers, and community stakeholders in understanding the civic, communal, and public dimensions of energy transitions and in developing more equitable and sustainable policy responses. Full article