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Using a Socio-Cultural Framework to Understand Leadership Structures Amongst the Urban Poor
Amy Richmond,
Richard Wolfel,
Karen Walsh
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 3, September 2019
Pages:
79-90
Received:
30 May 2019
Accepted:
10 July 2019
Published:
24 July 2019
Abstract: Informal settlements have been the most pervasive form of new urban development over the past half century and the gap between the rich and poor has never been wider. In this paper we determine the characteristics that are critical to understanding leadership structures in deprived regions within dense urban areas. In doing so we establish the key characteristics that contribute to urban poverty and introduce a conceptual model that can be applied to any city and contributes to an understanding of the socio-cultural characteristics of leadership structures in a slum. The framework we use in this paper to understand slum leadership structures is initially applied to Accra and Delhi. Urban poverty is frequently discussed either in terms of the developing or developed world, therefore we also apply the same framework to a disadvantaged community in the United States. This highlights that although the approaches to studying urban poor are often separate and distinct between the Global South and Global North, we believe using a similar framework can emphasize similarities and differences that might contribute to policy that is more effective in both locations. All of our discussed case studies highlight the importance of effective informal local leadership structures that communicate well with a transparent formal city government. Partnerships between all levels of leadership are paramount to successful city planning that focuses simultaneously on economic development and social equity. We expect this research will contribute to a more holistic perspective of how leadership structures within informal regions are related to the city as a whole.
Abstract: Informal settlements have been the most pervasive form of new urban development over the past half century and the gap between the rich and poor has never been wider. In this paper we determine the characteristics that are critical to understanding leadership structures in deprived regions within dense urban areas. In doing so we establish the key ...
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Evaluation of Two Noise Level Prediction Models: Multiple Linear Regression and a Hybrid Approach
Peter Ekow Baffoe,
Alfred Allen Duker
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 3, September 2019
Pages:
91-99
Received:
9 May 2019
Accepted:
17 June 2019
Published:
26 July 2019
Abstract: Noise prediction models are very useful for urban planning and environmental management. As a result researchers are always searching for methods that are practically applicable in predicting noise levels accurately. It therefore became paramount to implement special systems that could to predict noise levels accurately for an urban area. In this study two land-use regression methods, were used to formulate two noise level prediction models namely, multiple linear regression (MLR) and analytical hierarchy process (AHP)-multiple linear regression for the Tarkwa Mining Community (TMC). The performances of the two models were evaluated using statistical indicators. The MLR model performed better than that of a hybrid model of AHP-MLR with RMSE of 1.569, standard deviation of 1.585, R2 of 0.961 and R of 0.980. The performance of the hybrid AHP-MLR was also RMSE of 1.774, standard deviation of 1.758, R2 of 0.955 and R of 0.977. Plotted box-and-whisker and range plots further confirmed the performances of the two models. The resulting map from the noise prediction gave insight suggested that with the appropriate data and useful tools noise pollution levels of an urban area could be well predicted and mapped for urban planning and environmental management.
Abstract: Noise prediction models are very useful for urban planning and environmental management. As a result researchers are always searching for methods that are practically applicable in predicting noise levels accurately. It therefore became paramount to implement special systems that could to predict noise levels accurately for an urban area. In this s...
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Development and Sustainability of Residential Communities (Neighbourhoods) in Egypt, Recommended Criteria and Indicators Drawn from International Trials
Waleed Hussein Ali Hussein
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 3, September 2019
Pages:
100-108
Received:
15 August 2019
Accepted:
10 September 2019
Published:
9 October 2019
Abstract: This paper adopts an inductive research approach and is divided into two sections. The first section is a theoretical inductive overview of international urban trends aimed at ensuring urban community sustainability and discusses residential neighborhood sustainability assessment tools used by some of the leading countries in this field. The second section examines new urban communities in Egypt according to their expected future development and urban development prospects. It proposes criteria that could be applied to the planning and design of road networks, housing units and site coordination to the sustainability of urban residential neighborhoods (the smallest design units in the study of residential urban community trends from the perspective of sustainability). The research conclusion take the sustainable residential neighborhood design principles and of the connection between sustainability assessment tools and elements of design reveals the existence of criteria that could be used to appraise residential neighborhood sustainability in Egypt. This elements contains “Principal Site Layout, Designing Roads and Paths, Coordination of the Site’s General Layout and Housing Units. finally A clear comprehension of the arrange objective, combined with a well-coordinated site facilitates getting clear directions to streets and buildings, promotes the conservation of native character and also the maintenance and maintenance of buildings associate degreed natural sites and creates an economical and comfy setting, all of that contribute to increased satisfaction among the neighborhood.
Abstract: This paper adopts an inductive research approach and is divided into two sections. The first section is a theoretical inductive overview of international urban trends aimed at ensuring urban community sustainability and discusses residential neighborhood sustainability assessment tools used by some of the leading countries in this field. The second...
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NYC, Chicago, Los Angeles: Mayoral Speeches as a Source of Information
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 3, September 2019
Pages:
109-114
Received:
7 August 2019
Published:
23 October 2019
Abstract: This paper is part of a larger research carried by its author on the big scenarios of the contemporary city. It is thus part of a larger effort to understand what the contemporary city is, who its main social agents are and what its main characteristics, problems and potentialities are. This paper presents the results of a specific investigation on the use and potentialities of mayoral inaugural speeches as a tool to understand cities and their contexts. It is based on a previous understanding that these documents are rich in information, both explicit and implicit ones. As a case study three North American cities are taken as examples: New York, Chicago and Los Angeles. Main source of information are: a theoretical review by means of an exploratory investigation and contemporary mayoral speeches available in the internet. Conclusions are limited to the volume of documents selected but indicate the validity to enlarge temporal and geographic scopes. Despite political intentions and hidden interests, speeches confirm to be potential sources of information to understand specific cities, and, what is considered more important, to describe aspects of contemporary urban life in similar socio and economic circumstances. Selection of other cities, of circumscribed geographies, as well as the increase of sources analyzed may reiterate conclusions presented in this paper and lead to other global or regional urban scenarios.
Abstract: This paper is part of a larger research carried by its author on the big scenarios of the contemporary city. It is thus part of a larger effort to understand what the contemporary city is, who its main social agents are and what its main characteristics, problems and potentialities are. This paper presents the results of a specific investigation on...
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Analysis on the Ownership of Urban Underground Utility Tunnel
Qian Jiuling,
Cao Fuguo,
Zhen Deyun
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 3, September 2019
Pages:
115-120
Received:
3 September 2019
Published:
23 October 2019
Abstract: The utility tunnel contains important infrastructure such as electricity, communication and heating, which is related to the vital interests of the people. The utility tunnel construction can effectively solve the problem of “road zipper”, make good use of underground space resources and improve the city's comprehensive management capabilities. Based on the observation of theory and practice, the problem of ownership of urban Underground utility tunnel is a prominent problem affecting its development. There is a lot of controversy over ownership issues, and most SPV (Special Purpose Vehicle) company want to enjoy it, which is good for bank financing. However, The utility tunnel has special characteristics, and the government enjoys the ownership can better protect the public interest. In most cases of the PPP project, it is based on such considerations that the ownership of the assets belongs to the state. For the better development of underground utility tunnel, it is urgent now that we need to improve the legal system of underground space and set standards for transfer of ownership. In order to facilitate the financing of SPV company, we should improve the the pledge of accounts receivable and the path of asset securitization, instead of relying solely on the traditional real estate mortgage to realize the function of guarantee.
Abstract: The utility tunnel contains important infrastructure such as electricity, communication and heating, which is related to the vital interests of the people. The utility tunnel construction can effectively solve the problem of “road zipper”, make good use of underground space resources and improve the city's comprehensive management capabilities. Bas...
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