Comparison of corridor-level fatal and injury crash models with site-level models for network screening purposes on Florida urban and suburban divided arterials.

Objective: Develop corridor-level network screening models to identify high-risk corridors where safety improvements could be implemented to reduce fatal and injury (FI) crashes. Methods: A novel corridor definition focused on context classification and lane count was developed and applied to urban and suburban four-lane divided arterial roadways in Florida. Negative binomial regression models were developed for multi- and single-vehicle crashes using 80% of the corridors (training set). Crash frequency predictions were obtained from the developed corridor models and similar site-level models from the Highway Safety Manual (HSM) models for the remaining 20% of the corridors (testing set). Results from all models were adjusted using the empirical Bayes (EB) method. Results: A total of 130 corridors were identified across seven counties. These corridors contained approximately 349 km (217 miles) of roadway and experienced 11,437 multi-vehicle and 746 single-vehicle crashes that resulted in fatalities or injuries from 2017 to 2021. After applying the HSM site-level models and the developed corridor-level models to the testing set (both with and without EB adjustments), the corridor-level models with EB adjustments were the most accurate for corridor crash prediction. Applying the corridor-level models with EB adjustments to the testing set gave a predicted value of 386.44 crashes/year, which was the closest to the observed crash frequency of 383.20 crashes/year. From the corridor-level models, a 3.48-km (2.16-mile) high-risk corridor in Miami-Dade County was identified and analyzed site-by-site using the HSM methodology to identify specific sites within the corridor where safety improvements could provide the most FI crash reductions. Conclusions: The corridor-level models were more accurate and statistically reliable than similar HSM models while being less data intensive. They also only required corridor-level data rather than data for each intersection and segment. By using readily available data, the methods in this paper can be easily replicated by agencies to develop their own network screening corridor-level models and expedite the identification of corridors in need of safety improvements to reduce FI crashes. Existing site-level network screening methods can be used to supplement the developed corridor-level methodology by identifying high-risk sites within identified high-risk corridors.

Spatial-temporal pattern of change in production-living-ecological space of Nanchong City from 2000 to 2020 and underlying factors.

This study analyzed the spatial-temporal change pattern and underlying factors in production-living-ecological space (PLES) of Nanchong City, China, over the past 20 years using historical land use data (2000, 2010, 2020). A land use transfer matrix was calculated from the historical land use maps, and spatial analysis was conducted to analyze changes in the land use dynamics degree, standard deviation ellipse, and center of gravity. The results showed that there was a rapid spatial evolution of the PLES in Nanchong from 2000 to 2010, followed by a stabilization in the second decade. The transfer of ecological-production space occurred mainly in the Jialing and Yilong River basins, while the reduction of production space and the increase of living space were most prominent in the intersection of three districts (Shunqing, Jialing, and Gaoping districts). The return of production-ecological space was observed in the south and northeast of Yingshan, and there was little notable transfer of other types. The distribution of production space in Nanchong evolved in a north-south to east-west trend, with the center of gravity moving from Yilong to Peng'an County. The living space and production space expanded in a north-south direction, and the center of gravity position was in Nanbu, indicating a more balanced growth or decrease in the last 20 years. The changes in the spatial-temporal pattern of PLES in Nanchong were attributed to the intertwined factors of national policies, economic development, population growth, and the natural environment. This study introduced a novel approach towards rational planning of land resources in Nanchong, which may facilitate more sustainable urban planning and development.

Identifying spatial heterogeneity of COVID-19 transmission clusters and their built-environment features at the neighbourhood scale.

The identification of high-risk areas for infectious disease transmission and its built-environment features are crucial for targeted surveillance and early prevention efforts. While previous research has explored the association between infectious disease incidence and urban built environment, the investigation of spatial heterogeneity of built-environment features in high-risk areas has been insufficient. This paper aims to address this gap by analysing the spatial heterogeneity of COVID-19 clusters in Shanghai at the neighbourhood scale and examining associated built-environment features. Using a spatiotemporal clustering algorithm, the study analysed 1395 reported cases in Shanghai from March 6 to March 17, 2022. Both global Poisson regression (GPR) and geographically weighted Poisson regression (GWPR) models were applied to examine the association between built-environment variables and the size of COVID-19 clusters. Our findings suggest that larger COVID-19 clusters emerging in the suburbs compared with the downtown and multiple built-environment features are significantly associated with this pattern. Specifically, neighbourhoods with a higher proportion of commercial, public service and industrial land, higher centrality of metro stations, and proximity to hospitals are positively associated with larger COVID-19 clusters, while neighbourhoods with higher land use mix and green/open spaces density are associated with smaller COVID-19 clusters. Moreover, we identified that metro stations with high centrality present the highest risk in the downtown, while commercial and public service places exhibit the highest risk in the suburbs. By highlighting the overlooked spatial heterogeneity of built-environment features for high-risk areas, this study aims to provide valuable guidance for public health departments in implementing place-based interventions to effectively prevent the spread of potential epidemics.

Assessing the extent and impacts of linear infrastructure on Sri Lanka's natural and protected areas: Implications for future development planning.

Linear infrastructure (LI) has varying effects on landscapes depending on different ecosystems' sensitivity and threat levels. Economically developing tropical countries are particularly at risk from LI. Therefore, understanding a country's current LI network and planning future developments to avoid further fragmentation and disturbance is crucial. This study aimed to assess the extent of Sri Lanka's LI network (i.e., roads, railroads, and powerlines), given that it is both a biodiversity hotspot and an economically developing country in the tropics. First, we calculated the average normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and normalized difference built-up index (NDBI) indices and examined their spatial autocorrelation per divisional secretariat division. Then a multivariate cluster analysis was used to determine clusters of natural and protected areas that may receive similar impacts from different LI and their combinations. Results indicated that roads are the most widespread LI type in Sri Lanka, followed by powerlines and railroads. Over 80% of Sri Lanka's total land area falls within 1 km of either a national or a provincial/local road. Areas with high NDVI were primarily manmade habitats, with less than 20% contribution from protected areas. Over 50% of the total protected area of Sri Lanka is being impacted by all three types of LI. Powerlines were the most common LI type in protected areas in proportion to their total network lengths. To minimize environmental impact while achieving development goals, future LI development activities should use a landscape approach to identify development needs and strategies informed by these findings.

Green Spaces as Healthy Places: Correlates of Urban Green Space Use in Singapore.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, when stress levels were heightened and social connections were threatened, a spike in green space visits was observed. Drawing upon the value-belief-norm (VBN) theory, which explains the influence of personal values and world view on perceived obligations to the environment and to action, relevant correlates were examined in relation to people's psychological wellbeing in a bid to better elucidate this phenomenon. We aimed to explore the associations amongst a number of protective factors for psychological wellbeing and to examine the applicability of the VBN theory to wellbeing rather than environmental behaviour. Our research aim was to understand some of the correlates of the use of urban green spaces in Singapore during COVID-19. In total, 268 adult residents of Singapore completed an online survey measuring proximity/frequency of visits to green space, value orientations, nature connectedness, social connectedness, religious belief, spirituality and psychological wellbeing, along with sociodemographic variables such as age and gender. As predicted by the VBN theory, biospheric value orientation and spirituality were positively associated with nature connectedness. The nature connectedness association with psychological wellbeing was completely mediated by spirituality. Frequency of visits to nature was also positively associated with nature connectedness. Neither proximity to nature nor social connectedness were associated with nature connectedness. An altruistic value orientation was associated only with religious belief. Our results indicate that during uncertain times, people are drawing on either social or nature connections as coping mechanisms to fulfil psychological needs and enhance psychological wellbeing. Spirituality mediates this pathway for nature connectedness but not for social connectedness.

Child and youth physical activity throughout the COVID-19 pandemic: The changing role of the neighbourhood built and social environments.

We explored associations between neighbourhood environments and children and youths' moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) during three different waves of the COVID-19 pandemic: spring 2020, fall 2020 and spring 2021, using three nationally representative cross-sectional surveys. In wave 2, higher dwelling density was associated with lower odds of a child achieving higher-level MVPA, however, the odds were higher in neighbourhoods with higher density that also had better access to parks. With regard to the social environment, ethnic concentration (wave 3) and greater deprivation (waves 1 and 3) were associated with lower odds of a child achieving higher-level MVPA. Results indicate that built and social environments were differently associated with MVPA levels depending on pandemic restrictions.

Environmental and Mobility Strategies During Early COVID-19: Insights From an Empirical Study Focusing on Park Visitations in El Paso, TX.

OBJECTIVES: We explored the importance of environmental and mobility strategies during early COVID-19 by age and ethnicity and investigated predictors of park visitations considering the COVID-19 impacts. BACKGROUND: Parks are safe and accessible venues to stay active and reduce social isolation, which is especially important considering COVID-19 and the associated lockdowns. METHODS: We analyzed online survey data from 683 residents (collected July 2020) of El Paso, TX, and objective measures of neighborhood park characteristics. Chi-square tests and mixed-effects logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the environmental/mobility strategies, personal and environmental factors, and park visitations, considering the COVID-19 impacts. RESULTS: The percentage of those who visited (1+ times/week) parks or trails/paths in the neighborhood dropped from 41.7% to 19.5% since the start of COVID-19 (OR = 0.015, p < .001). Before COVID-19, middle-aged and older adults were less likely to visit parks than younger adults, while this difference became insignificant during early COVID-19. Hispanic adults were more likely to visit parks than non-Hispanics both before and during early COVID-19. Positive environmental predictors of park visitations included park availability in the neighborhood, proximity to the closest park, seeing people being physically active in the neighborhood, and neighborhood aesthetics. CONCLUSIONS: Proximately located parks, trails, and paths well integrated into residential communities, and high aesthetic quality of the neighborhood are the potential features of pandemic-resilient communities and should be considered an important national priority to maintain and promote the health and well-being of the population, especially during pandemics like COVID-19.

Neighborhood walkability, neighborhood social health, and self-selection among U.S. adults.

OBJECTIVES: Neighborhood walkability is favorably related to multiple physical health outcomes, but associations with social health are less clear. Present analyses examined how neighborhood walkability was related to neighborhood social health and explored the potential confounding role of neighborhood self-selection. METHODS: Cross-sectional data were analyzed for 1745 adults, ages 20-66, recruited from two US regions. We created a walkability index around each participant's home (1 km street network buffer) based on residential density, street intersection density, mixed land use, and retail floor area ratio. Neighborhood social health outcomes included reported social interactions with neighbors and sense of community. Two mixed model regressions were conducted for each outcome, with and without adjusting for walkability-related reasons for moving to the neighborhood (self-selection). Covariates included sex, age, socioeconomic status, white/nonwhite race/ethnicity, marital status, and time living in the neighborhood. RESULTS: Neighborhood walkability was positively related to social interactions with neighbors, both without (b = 0.13, p < .001) and with adjustment for self-selection (b = 0.09, p = .008). Neighborhood walkability was positively associated with sense of community, but only before adjusting for self-selection (b = 0.02, p = .009). CONCLUSION: Neighborhood walkability may promote specific aspects of neighborhood social health, which together are beneficial for physical and mental health. These findings provide additional impetus for enhancing walkability of US communities.

Mechanisms influencing the factors of urban built environments and coronavirus disease 2019 at macroscopic and microscopic scales: The role of cities.

In late 2019, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic soundlessly slinked in and swept the world, exerting a tremendous impact on lifestyles. This study investigated changes in the infection rates of COVID-19 and the urban built environment in 45 areas in Manhattan, New York, and the relationship between the factors of the urban built environment and COVID-19. COVID-19 was used as the outcome variable, which represents the situation under normal conditions vs. non-pharmacological intervention (NPI), to analyze the macroscopic (macro) and microscopic (micro) factors of the urban built environment. Computer vision was introduced to quantify the material space of urban places from street-level panoramic images of the urban streetscape. The study then extracted the microscopic factors of the urban built environment. The micro factors were composed of two parts. The first was the urban level, which was composed of urban buildings, Panoramic View Green View Index, roads, the sky, and buildings (walls). The second was the streets' green structure, which consisted of macrophanerophyte, bush, and grass. The macro factors comprised population density, traffic, and points of interest. This study analyzed correlations from multiple levels using linear regression models. It also effectively explored the relationship between the urban built environment and COVID-19 transmission and the mechanism of its influence from multiple perspectives.

Bridging the Built and Social Environments: A Systematic Review of Studies Investigating Influences on Physical Activity.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this review was to examine articles assessing aspects of the built and social environment simultaneously, and how these environments influence physical activity (PA). A thorough review of studies is needed to identify patterns across studies and gaps for future research and practice. METHODS: To be included, articles needed to contain: (1) self-report or objective measure of PA; (2) a measure of the built environment; (3) a measure of the social environment; and (4) an analysis between built environment, social environment, and PA. A systematic literature search of 4358 articles resulted in 87 articles. RESULTS: Several populations were present within the sample including various age groups and different countries. As previously established, the built environment and social environment were consistently associated with PA; however, mediating factors between these 2 layers were less clear. Further, there was a lack of longitudinal and experimental study designs. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest a need for longitudinal and experimental designs with validated and granular measures. As communities recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, a thorough understanding of how built environment factors enhance or detract from social connectedness and how this reciprocal relationship impacts PA behavior is needed for future policy, environment, and systematic change.

Neighborhood-Built Environment and Ageism in Later Life.

Ageism is a global challenge and a public health concern that the recent COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated. Existing research has mainly focused on individual factors, overlooking the association between the neighborhood-built environment and ageism. This study examined this association and whether its effect varied among areas possessing different socioeconomic characteristics. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 1278 older people in Hong Kong and merged this with the built environment factors derived from geographical information system data. We used multivariable linear regression to examine the association. Findings revealed that more parks were significantly associated with a lower level of ageism, an impact that remained significant in low-income or low-education areas. Conversely, more libraries in high-income areas were associated with a lower level of ageism. Our findings provide urban planners and policymakers insight into planning for the built environment that reduces ageism enabling older people to achieve a better life.

Are bicycle streets cyclist-friendly? Micro-environmental factors for improving perceived safety when cycling in mixed traffic.

A bicycle street is a mixed traffic street where motor vehicles are forced to adapt their speed to bicycle traffic, for example by encouraging cycling in the middle of the street using centered bicycle lanes. The objective safety of cyclists increases with lower vehicle speeds and fewer motor vehicles. Despite this, cyclists' perception of their safety is often reduced in mixed traffic streets. Subjective unsafety and risk constitute a major barrier to increased cycling. This study investigates how the design of the micro-environment of bicycle streets can improve cyclists' perceived safety in mixed traffic. A quasi-experimental survey in which 371 participants rated their perceived safety in photo-manipulated bicycle streets was conducted. 52% of the participants were male, the mean age was 43 (20-77) years, and 76% reported that they cycle 4-5 days a week or more. The focus was on evaluating micro-environmental factors such as different designs of centered bicycle lanes, road markings, signs, traffic volume, and parked cars. It is concluded that the micro-environment has important effects on the perceived safety of cyclists. Important gains in subjective safety can be achieved with fairly simple design efforts. Many participants felt safe when there were clearly demarcated red-colored bicycle lanes in the center of the street accompanied by road markings for cyclists. The strongest effect, however, comes from reducing traffic volume. Most participants felt safe in micro-environments in which the traffic volume had been reduced, including those where no design changes had been made. Important differences between different groups of cyclists were also found.

Third Places for Older Adults' Social Engagement: A Scoping Review and Research Agenda.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Neighborhood places that facilitate older residents to meet and interact (third places) receive an increasing research interest as studies have consistently shown the benefits of social engagement for older adults' health. This scoping review synthesized the findings of studies examining the role of third places in older adults' social engagement. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Searching 5 databases (CINAHL, Medline, PsycInfo, Scopus, and Web of Science) in October 2021, this study identified quantitative and qualitative studies that examined the relationships between third places and social engagement (interaction and network) among older adults. RESULTS: A total of 32 studies (12 quantitative and 20 qualitative studies) met the eligibility criteria. These studies examined 4 types of third place, namely, community facilities, local businesses, open/green spaces, and transition spaces. More than two thirds of the studies reviewed found that access to community facilities, local businesses, and open/green spaces were related to older adults' social interaction. For the relationships between third places and social networks, the importance of accessible local businesses and the quality of open/green spaces was supported by fewer studies. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS: The findings of quantitative and qualitative studies suggest that local places that are convenient to visit and comfortable to stay in for older adults are likely to enhance their social interaction and network. However, more specific evidence is needed to inform the planning and design of third places. The review discusses future research topics that address the gaps identified in the current literature.

Psychological correlates of COVID safety protocol adherence among university students

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic continues to be a global concern. Reports of insidious asymptomatic variants of the virus raise concerns about the safety of huge numbers of students on university campuses. Objective: The study aimed to delineate psychological correlates for students' adherence to safety protocols for appropriate context-specific coping intervention designs. Setting & Design: 751 students from the various colleges of the KNUST were conveniently sampled for this crosssectional survey. Measures: Psychological instruments with good psychometric properties (DASS-21; Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and Perceived Control Scales) were used in addition to demographics and questions on COVID safety protocol adherence. Results: Self-esteem positively correlated with perceived control (r = 0.40, p<0.001) and COVID adherence (r = 0.16, p<0.001); but negatively correlated with psychological distress (r = -0.44 p<0.001). Greater perceived control was associated with lower psychological distress (r = -0.20 p<0.001) and greater adherence to safety protocols (r = 0.24 p<0.001). Protocol adherence was regressed on psychological distress, self-esteem, and perceived control to determine any significant prediction. All the variables accounted for 7% of the variance in COVID protocol adherence (R2 = 0.07, F (3, 661) =17.29, p<0.001) with perceived control significantly predicting adherence to COVID safety protocol (B = 0.11, ß=0.23, t=5.54 p<0.001). Conclusion: Results indicated that perceived control over important life events and healthy self-esteem would likely facilitate adherence to COVID safety protocols and attenuate psychological distress. Implications for further research and design of appropriate COVID coping response interventions are discussed

Escola sem partido e conservadorismo moral: instrumentalização da religião, sexualidade e gênero / School without party and moral conservatism: the instrumentalization of religion, sexuality and gender / Escuela sin partido y conservadurismo moral: la instrumentalización de la religión, sexualidad y género

Este artigo tem por objetivo identificar e discutir alguns estratagemas psicológicos utilizados por movimentos conservadores e autoritários recentemente difundidos no Brasil - em especial, pelo Movimento Escola sem Partido -, em relação a temas como sexualidade e gênero, que atualmente foram incluídos como essenciais à formação escolar. Com esse propósito, empenhamo-nos em compreender a perspectiva cultural em que se apoiam e o modo como a articulam, ideologicamente, para inviabilizar o debate sobre eles. A partir da análise dos Projetos de Lei 246/2019 e 1859/2015, identificamos estratégias conservadoras que, autoritariamente, deslegitimam sua inclusão na formação escolar. Dentre elas, pareceu-nos urgente investigar a instrumentalização da religião, pois favorece a subordinação da crença religiosa, sobretudo associada ao conservadorismo moral imbricado na tradição cristã brasileira, ao discurso político autoritário. Assim como os movimentos fascistas que, nos Estados Unidos da década de 1930, reivindicavam um ordenamento autoritário e opressor da sociedade por meio do apelo a conteúdos religiosos instrumentalizados para esse fim, atualmente, o discurso religioso também é utilizado como forma de suscitar adesão ao conservadorismo social e político e de justificar preconceitos arraigados. Constatamos que a instrumentalização da religião é uma forma de justificar a permanência de valores conservadores na escola e na sociedade, bem como de reiterar o modelo de família heterossexual monogâmica e a ordem patriarcal. Por meio de estratagemas como esses, os movimentos conservadores e autoritários, articulados em função da negação da diversidade sexual e de gênero, impedem que a escola se constitua como espaço democrático e diverso.(AU)

This paper identifies and discusses the psychological ploys employed by recent conservative and authoritarian movements in Brazil, particularly the School without Party movement, against topics like sexuality and gender, which are currently included as essential to school education. To do so, we sought to understand their cultural basis and how they are ideologically articulated to prevent school debate around these topics. By analyzing Bills 246/2019 and 1859/2015, we identified some conservative strategies that authoritatively delegitimize their inclusion in school education. Chief among them is the instrumentalization of religion, since it favors subordinating religious belief, mainly associated with traditional Christian moral conservatism, to authoritarian political discourse. Similar to the fascist movements in the 1930s United States that claimed an authoritarian and oppressive ordering of society by appealing to religious content, religious speech is currently instrumentalized to encourage social and political conservatism adherence and to justify deep-seated prejudices. Religion instrumentalization is used to justify upholding conservative values at school and in society, as well as to reiterate the monogamous heterosexual family model and patriarchy. Through such ploys, authoritarian and conservative movements, articulated around denying sexual and gender diversity, prevent the school from becoming a democratic and diverse environment.(AU)

Este artículo tiene por objetivo identificar y discutir algunas de las estratagemas psicológicas que utilizan los movimientos conservadores y autoritarios, difundidas recientemente en Brasil, en particular por el Movimiento Escuela sin Partido, con relación a temas como sexualidad y género, que actualmente se incluyeron en la formación escolar. Con este propósito, se pretende comprender la base cultural en la que se han apoyado y cómo la articulan ideológicamente para hacer inviable el debate sobre ellas. A partir de análisis de los Proyectos de Ley 246/2019 y 1859/2015, se identificaron estrategias conservadoras que, autoritariamente, deslegitiman la inclusión de estos temas en la formación escolar. Entre ellas, parece urgente analizar la instrumentalización de la religión, porque favorece la subordinación de la creencia religiosa al discurso político autoritario, sobre todo asociada al conservadurismo moral presente en las vertientes del cristianismo brasileño. Al igual que los movimientos fascistas en los Estados Unidos en los años 1930 que reivindicaban una planificación autoritaria de la sociedad mediante un llamado a contenidos religiosos instrumentalizados, actualmente se utiliza el discurso religioso como forma de promover la adhesión al conservadurismo social y político y de justificar los prejuicios. Se constata que la instrumentalización de la religión es un modo de justificar la permanencia de valores conservadores en la escuela, así como de confirmar el modelo de familia heterosexual monógama y el orden patriarcal. Estos estratagemas que son utilizados por los movimientos conservadores y autoritarios, articulados en función de la negación de la diversidad sexual y de género, impiden que la escuela sea democrática y diversa.(AU)

Evaluation Methods for Water Resource Suitability in Territorial Spatial Planning: A Case Study of Baiyin City in a Semi-Arid Region.

Water resources are a major factor in the spatial layout of agricultural production and urban construction, which is an important part of China's ongoing territorial spatial planning. In order to assess the constraining and guiding effects of water resources on territorial spatial planning, water resources suitability evaluation needs to be carried out at the grid scale. Traditional basin or regional-scale indicators of water resources cannot satisfy the requirements with high spatial accuracy in territorial spatial planning, because the internal differences could not be described. In this study, irrigation water supply cost index (CIA) and urban water supply cost index (CIU) were evaluated to characterize the affordability of potential water supply costs by simulating of optimal water supply path. Further, grid-scale indexes of water resource suitability for agricultural production (WRSA) and for urban construction (WRSU) were constructed. The grades of WRSA and WRSU were classified at a 20 m grid scale in Baiyin City. The areas of water resources that were suitable, relatively suitable, less suitable, and unsuitable for agricultural production were 381.0 km2, 3354.7 km2, 3663.9 km2, and 12,700.7 km2, respectively, accounting for 1.9%, 16.7%, 18.2%, and 63.2% of the total area of Baiyin City. The areas of water resources that were suitable, relatively suitable, less suitable, and unsuitable for urban construction were 1657.7 km2, 4184.5 km2, 1177.7 km2, and 13,075.7 km2, respectively, accounting for 8.2%, 20.8%, 5.9%, and 65.1% of the total area of Baiyin City. Coupling analysis with land use and land resources suitability were carried out in this study, which showed that the grid-scale WRSA and WRSU could well characterize the spatial differences of water resources suitability for agricultural production and urban construction. The results of the Geodetector-based study show that the WRSA and WRSU indicators have better explanatory power for the land-use spatial distribution compared to indicators such as water distance. Therefore, the indexes could provide scientific support to delimit agricultural space and urban space, and are effective means of "determining regional functions by water resources" in territorial spatial planning. Furthermore, the indexes could be applied to other arid and semi-arid areas, and also hilly areas, where water supply suitability plays a restrictive role in agricultural production and urban construction.

Progress, challenges and the need to set concrete goals in the global tobacco endgame

[ABSTRACT]. The tobacco endgame is rapidly moving from aspirational and theoretical toward a concrete and achievable goal and, in some cases, enacted policy. Endgame policies differ from traditional tobacco control measures by explicitly aiming to permanently end, rather than simply minimize, tobacco use. The purpose of this paper is to outline recent progress made in the tobacco endgame, its relationship to existing tobacco control policies, the challenges and how endgame planning can be adapted to different tobacco control contexts. Examples of implemented policies in three cities in the United States and national policies in the Netherlands and New Zealand are outlined, as well as recent endgame planning developments in Europe. Justifications for inte- grating endgame targets into tobacco control policy and the need to set concrete time frames are discussed, including planning for ending the sale of tobacco products. Tobacco endgame planning must consider the jurisdiction-specific tobacco control context, including the current prevalence of tobacco use, existing pol- icies, implementation of the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, and public support. However, the current tobacco control context should not determine whether endgame plan- ning should happen, but rather how and when different endgame approaches can occur. Potential challenges include legal challenges, the contested role of e-cigarettes and the tobacco industry’s attempt to co-opt the rhetoric of smoke-free policies. While acknowledging the different views regarding e-cigarettes and other products, we argue for a contractionary approach to the tobacco product market. The tobacco control com- munity should capitalize on the growing theoretical and empirical evidence, political will and public support for the tobacco endgame, and set concrete goals for finally ending the tobacco epidemic.

[RESUMEN]. La fase final para poner fin al consumo de tabaco está rápidamente dejando de ser una aspiración y una teoría y se está convirtiendo en un objetivo concreto y alcanzable y, en algunos casos, una política promulgada. Las políticas para poner fin al consumo de tabaco difieren de las medidas tradicionales de control porque están dirigidas explícitamente a poner fin al consumo de tabaco de forma permanente, en lugar de solo minimizarlo. El propósito de este artículo es describir los progresos recientes en la fase final para poner fin al consumo de tabaco, su relación con las políticas existentes de control del tabaco, los desafíos que se enfrentan y cómo la planificación de la fase final se puede adaptar a los diferentes contextos de control del tabaco. Se describen ejemplos de políticas implementadas en tres ciudades de los Estados Unidos y de políticas nacionales en los Países Bajos y Nueva Zelanda, así como los progresos recientes en la planificación de la fase final en Europa. Se abordan las justificaciones para integrar los objetivos de fase final en las políticas de control del tabaco y la necesidad de establecer plazos concretos, incluida la planificación para poner fin a la venta de productos de tabaco. La planificación de la fase final para poner fin al consumo de tabaco debe considerar el contexto de control del tabaco específico según la jurisdicción, así como la prevalencia actual del consumo, las políti- cas existentes, la aplicación del Convenio Marco de la Organización Mundial de la Salud para el Control del Tabaco y el apoyo público. Sin embargo, el contexto actual no debe determinar si se debe realizar la planifi- cación de la fase final, sino más bien cómo y cuándo pueden desarrollarse los diferentes planteamientos de la fase. Entre los posibles desafíos se encuentran los legales, el controvertido papel de los cigarrillos electróni- cos y el intento de la industria tabacalera de incorporarse a la retórica de las políticas libres de humo. Si bien reconocemos las diferentes opiniones con respecto a los cigarrillos electrónicos y otros productos, abogamos por un enfoque restrictivo con respecto al mercado de productos de tabaco. La comunidad que trabaja por el control del tabaco debe capitalizar la creciente evidencia teórica y empírica, la voluntad política y el apoyo público para lograr la fase final para poner fin al consumo de tabaco, y establecer objetivos concretos para acabar finalmente con la epidemia de tabaquismo.

[RESUMO]. A erradicação do tabaco está passando rapidamente de uma aspiração teórica para um objetivo concreto e alcançável e, em alguns casos, está se tornando política em vigor. As políticas de erradicação diferem das medidas tradicionais de controle do tabagismo pois visam explicitamente ao fim permanente do consumo de tabaco, ao invés de simplesmente minimizá-lo. O objetivo deste artigo é delinear os avanços recentes rumo à erradicação do tabaco, sua relação com as políticas existentes de controle do tabaco, os desafios e como o planejamento da erradicação pode ser adaptado aos diferentes contextos de controle do tabaco. São apre- sentados exemplos de políticas implementadas em três cidades nos Estados Unidos e políticas nacionais na Holanda e Nova Zelândia, assim como desdobramentos recentes do planejamento da erradicação na Europa. São discutidas justificativas para integrar metas de erradicação nas políticas de controle do tabaco e a necessidade de estabelecer prazos concretos, incluindo o planejamento para encerrar a venda de produ- tos de tabaco. O planejamento da erradicação do tabaco deve considerar o contexto do controle do tabaco específico a cada jurisdição, incluindo a prevalência atual do consumo de tabaco, as políticas existentes, a implementação da Convenção-Quadro para o Controle do Tabaco da Organização Mundial da Saúde e o apoio do público. Porém, o contexto atual de controle do tabaco não deve determinar se o planejamento da erradicação deve acontecer, mas sim, como e quando diferentes abordagens à erradicação podem ocorrer. Os desafios potenciais incluem recursos judiciais, o papel polêmico dos cigarros eletrônicos e a tentativa da indústria do tabaco de cooptar a retórica das políticas antitabagistas. Embora reconhecendo os diferen- tes pontos de vista em relação aos cigarros eletrônicos e outros produtos, defendemos uma abordagem contracionista ao mercado de produtos de tabaco. A comunidade de controle do tabaco deve aproveitar as crescentes evidências teóricas e empíricas, a vontade política e o apoio do público à erradicação do tabaco para estabelecer metas concretas e, finalmente, pôr fim à epidemia de tabagismo.

Agenda Convergente Movilidad Sostenible y Salud. Documento de Referencia

La Organización Panamericana de la Salud/ Organización Mundial de la Salud (OPS/OMS) se dedica, entre otras acciones, a cooperar con los Estados Miembros en la implementación de políticas públicas y programas para la salud, con el fin de asegurar la sostenibilidad económica, social y ambiental a través de iniciativas que promuevan comunidades y espacios saludables. La OPS/OMS Brasil, con el fin de acelerar la implementación de acciones intersectoriales con impacto sinérgico en los municipios, viene promoviendo debates y reflexiones sobre políticas y acciones convergentes que permitan la producción de beneficios compartidos y acumulativos de gran relevancia para la salud pública. La articulación y convergencia de las agendas de trabajo para la implementación de políticas públicas coherentes es una de las innovaciones estratégicas para la promoción del bienestar de la población, permitiendo optimizar los recursos, fortalecer los procesos de planificación y compartir los resultados entre los distintos sectores, ampliando su alcance y eficacia. Así, el propósito de este documento es presentar los resultados de un primer esfuerzo colaborativo para reunir evidencias, reflexionar sobre las implicaciones y proponer líneas de acción que faciliten la comprensión y orienten a los gestores públicos municipales a actuar sobre la Agenda Convergente de Movilidad Sostenible y Salud, planificando e implementando acciones con beneficios intersectoriales compartidos.

Do residents with a 20-min neighbourhood walk more? Findings from ProjectPLAN.

BACKGROUND: The 20-min neighbourhood (20 MN) concept aims to provide people the ability to meet their daily needs within a 20-min non-motorised trip from home. Evidence as to whether the 20 MN encourages more walking for transport or recreation is currently absent. METHODS: This cross-sectional study used self-reported data from the Places and Locations for Activity and Nutrition study (ProjectPLAN) targeting adults (n = 843) residing in Melbourne or Adelaide, Australia. Multiple services and amenities were used to represent access to five service domains (healthy food, community resources, recreational resources, public open space, public transport). Address points meeting the access criteria for each of the five domains were defined as having a 20 MN. Non-20 MNs were defined as having five or fewer individual services and amenities. This study examined if those residing in a 20 MN compared with a non-20MN undertook more walking for transport or for recreation. The analysis considered separately each of the cities to support the estimation of effects specific to each local context. RESULTS: Respondents residing in a 20 MN relative to a non-20MN had higher odds of walking for transport in Melbourne (OR = 4.24, 95% CI = 2.38, 7.56), whilst in Adelaide there was no evidence of a difference (OR = 1.31, 95% CI = 0.80, 2.13). In Melbourne, the mean time spent walking for transport was greater for 20 MNs (82.5 min/week, 95% CI = 65.3, 99.7) compared to non-20MNs (41.2 min/week, 95% CI = 32.7, 49.7). Whilst minutes spent walking for recreation was higher than minutes spent walking for transport, no differences were found between neighbourhood types and walking for recreation in either city. CONCLUSION: 20 MNs appeared to promote walking for transport in the higher density setting of Melbourne, but no association was observed in the lower density city of Adelaide. Further investigation is required to determine other factors beyond service provision that can promote walking for transport in Adelaide (e.g. pedestrian safety). Recreational walking did not differ across neighbourhood types highlighting that service provision and thus the 20 MN is not related to walking for exercise/recreation purposes.