Modeling and Mapping Sand Encroachment Risk as an Aid for Urban Planning in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Sand encroachment into urban areas represents a high risk factor for transportation infrastructural and urban development in the United Arab Emirates. The UAE is located in one of the world’s largest arid regions with a strong prevalence of sand movement and encroachment into urban areas, particularly in the last few years. The objective of this research is to develop a land surface process platform that models sand movements and further generates an encroachment risk index map of potential encroachment risk areas season-wise in the UAE. To achieve this objective, this research used elevation and land cover maps generated from Lands at 8 Operational Land Imager (OLI) data which represent the topography of the study area coupled with meteorological information on wind speed, temperature and precipitation. Furthermore, the study considered the vegetation cover as a major contribution factor to reduce sand encroachment. Using developed sand movement model for this research, sand encroachment risk maps were generated to help urban planners in cities making informed decisions of future urban protection structures and transportation networks that mitigate the effects of sand dunes encroachments in the UAE. A major finding of this research results conclude that during the summer season encroachment risk reaches 30% higher compared to the winter season due to the extremely high temperature which leads to reduced vegetation in the country. Urban planning decision maker may consider the finding of this research for future infrastructural adjustments.

A mega-event approach to glurbanization: Insights from Expo 2010, Shanghai

This paper contributes to an in-depth understanding of how the mega- event contributes glurbanization of entrepreneurial city through a case study of Expo 2010 in Shanghai. It argues that spatial-related transformation is central to mega-event approach to glurbanization yet the soft power building is uncertain. It implies that the domestic impacts of mega- events are likely to be more profound than their global influences. This corresponds to the capitalist transformation from Fordist-Keynesianism to neoliberalism, in which mega-events such as Olympic Games and World Exposition have increasingly been incorporated into urban development plan to boost urban agenda. Although the profile of world fairs is reduced and does not have the international impacts that they used to have, Shanghai Expo 2010, the first Expo ever held in a developing country, is pinned hope on as the “Turn to Save the World Expo” and is unusually ambitious to bring opportunities in urban transformation. With a well-developed framework of glurbanization entailed by entrepreneurial city, this research enriches glurbanization theory by a thorough examination of Shanghai Expo. It finds that Expo-led landscape reconfiguration, spatial restructuring, and new sources provision effectively transformed Shanghai, propelling glurbanization in diminutive spatial scale. Yet, it remains powerless to impress the world as the voice of domestic propaganda is limited in the Western mainstream media. In all, the Expo case well exemplifies the power of mega-event approach to advancing local agenda, especially in spatial transformation per se, as well as its constraints in (re)shaping a global discourse.

Urban Design of New Towns in Ethnic Areas

The urbanization process in ethnic areas is accelerating, and the urban characteristics are greatly affected. The construction of spatial planning and design methods that adapt to the national regional environment and reflect the regional characteristics of the ethnic groups is the main problem. On the basis of analysis of the characteristics and predicaments of new towns in ethnic areas, this paper put forward the urban design strategies of new towns based on security, ecology, vitality and culture and focused on the fol owing four aspects: land use layout, landscape planning, functional facilities arrangement and style and feature design to systematically construct the content and method system of urban design by combining with the actual case of Dege New Town.

State Restructuring and Urban Innovation Development in Post-re­form China:Shanghai’s Innovation Action in Review

Given the ample evidences from present studies on national-level innovation policies evolution and mechanisms,this paper contributes to a city-level understanding towards innovation-related state restructuring,the consequent innovation policy change and its relational performance with urban development in post-reform Shanghai,China from an input-output perspective.It unfolds that state restructuring relinquishing state power to the market has revived non-government innovation activities and a synchronous,though a bit backward,firms-oriented transition towards innovation development in Shanghai throughout 1990s has been observed.Though scholars are reluctant to label the party-state in post-reform China as a developmental state due to dysfunctionality of state intervention in corporate sectors,in the field of technological upgrading,such top-down,elite driven and state-sponsored mode giving priority to innovation competitiveness well captures the developmental state model at local level,thus exhibits elements of local developmental state.Impacts of this restructuring and policy change are substantial,which can be observed in the soaring increase of science and technology expenditures and patents applications in Shanghai.Additional analysis further unveils that in most circumstances,innovation growth kept paces with urban development,yet its synergy with economic development and permanent residents is more significant than with other aspects.

A new approach for time effect analysis of settlement for single pile based on virtual soil-pile model

A new approach is proposed to analyze the settlement behavior for single pile embedded in layered soils. Firstly, soil layers surrounding pile shaft are simulated by using distributed Voigt model, and finite soil layers under the pile end are assumed to be virtual soil-pile whose cross-section area is the same as that of the pile shaft. Then, by means of Laplace transform and impedance function transfer method to solve the static equilibrium equation of pile, the analytical solution of the displacement impedance fimction at the pile head is derived. Furthermore, the analytical solution of the settlement at the head of single pile is theoretically derived by virtue of convolution theorem. Based on these solutions, the influences of parameters of soil-pile system on the settlement behavior for single pile are analyzed. Also, comparison of the load-settlement response for two well-instrumented field tests in multilayered soils is given to demonstrate the effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed approach. It can be noted that the presented solution can be used to calculate the settlement of single pile for the preliminary design of pile foundation.

区域设计:景观规划设计与城市规划优秀传统的复兴

本文认为,当代区域设计起源于传统的区域规划。物质设计复兴和传统区域规划是当代区域设计的两个来源。区域设计致力于塑造区域的物质形态,它通过适宜地引导社区中居民点的布局规划一个区域的未来。作为适应增长的战略,区域设计提供了一个物质框架,用以决定或引导社区在区域中最有利的位置、功能、规模和相互关系。社区、联系通道和边缘区这三者是区域设计概念的支柱。区域设计致力于通过交通、通讯及其他联系方式将社区联接成为一个区域网络,但同时又保持这些社区的相对独立。

Dynamic torsional response of pre-strained end bearing pile embedded in pre-strained isotropic saturated soil medium

The influence of initial strain state on the dynamic response of an end bearing pile embedded in isotropic saturated soil is investigated through the linearized theory of small elastic perturbation superposed on largely stressed bodies. The governing equations for soil, based on Blot＇s poroelasticity theory, are derived in the cylindrical coordinates, and the pile is modeled by using the one-dimensional elastic theory. The analytical solutions of pile impedance, frequency response of both twist angle and time history of velocity response are obtained by using of separation of variables technique. Finally, a parametric study of the influence of initial strains on the torsional impedance, twist angle, and velocity response at the top of the pile is carried out.

Traffic Calming in Historic District Conservation

The Historic Conservation District(HCD) is an important target for urban heritage protection in China. The spatial characteristics of its road system,formed before the appearance of automobile,do not adapt to the car traffic. In the context of very rapid motorization in Chinese cities,the increase in car traffic brings an inevitable trouble for the protection of HCDs. Road widening and pedestrianization are two popular solutions to this problem in current practices; however,both of them may lead to negative consequences. Inspired by the development of Zone 30 in European cities,this paper firstly cleared up first some misunderstandings of the concept of traffic calming,then taking the inner city of Paris as an example,explained how traffic calming measures can be implemented in HCDs and what effects will be generated. Finally,it discussed the possible application of traffic calming measures in HCDs projects in China and pointed out the specific situations of Chinese cities to which the planners should pay more attention.

Study on Spatial Structure of Traditional Villages from the Perspective of Clanism

"China's deep-rooted family culture and the resulting family spirit is one of the basic characteristics of Chinese society that differs from western society," said by Chinese sociologist Fei Xiaotong. German sociologist Max Weber defi nes Chinese society as "family structure society"[1]. And sociologist Fei Zhengqing believes that the villages in China are organized by families. In sociological studies, the traditional villages are divided into three types: single-clan villages with only one dominating family, main-clan villages which are mainly composed of several families, and multi-clan villages where some coequal families live together[2]. The authors believe that traditional villages are organized social communities with kinship as a link. They are products of the family system. There is a close connection between a village's family composition and its space construction. Single-clan village is an introverted spatial organization mode entirely based on kinship, ancestral hall is located in the center and the whole spatial structure grows toward it. Main-clan village is a decentralized family aggregate based on the ties of blood as well as region. And the organization of its village space depends on temples and pavilions where families enshrine and worship ancestors and gods. It owns obvious features of collage and collaboration. M ulticlan village is a collaborative and extroverted complex spatial system led by relationship of colleagues, where large public buildings are taken as the core to organize commercial activities. Its form is similar to the form of small towns. Taking sociological term "family" as the starting point and cases of national historic cultural villages including Hong Village, Zhuge Village, Zoumatang Village, Suzhuang Village and Guoyu Village into further study, this article analyses the correlation between kinship composition and spatial form of villages, tries to reveal the essential structure of traditional space of villages and to provide a new perspective on spatial study as well as basis for preservation of traditional villages.

Renewal Design of Marketplace Culture Spaces in Traditional Blocks Based on Catalyst Theory: A Case Study of Pengzhen Town in Shuangliu District of Chengdu

In this study, three kinds of spaces with different marketplace atmospheres, namely, the tea-drinking space, the commercial space and the courtyard space, are created with the aid of the marketplace culture characteristics of the local blocks in Pengzhen Town and the catalyst theory, so as to achieve the purpose of activating the traditional blocks in Pengzhen Town. The design takes the marketplace culture as the entry point and the most vigorous points as the catalyst points to create a living space with strong marketplace flavor, thereby activating the economic and social activities of the traditional block and promotes the sustainable renewal of the cultural space.

Design and Simulative Evaluation of Architectural Physical Environment with Ecotect

Using the software of Ecotect, the simulation of lighting and thermal environment of a real architecture is presented to show the merits and shortcomings by using computer software for simulation of architectural physical environmental design and estimation. Issues on creating the digital model, parameter setting, process planning and realization are discussed.

从“为大众的住宅”到“为大众的社区” 从“居住区规划”到“社区建设”

在历经20年的建设后,中国的城市住房在数量和质量方面都有了飞跃发展,但同时,城市的富裕居民和贫困居民在住房条件上的鸿沟也日益加大。有鉴于美国在住房建设方面的经验,文章提出应制定一种侧重于社会发展的住房新政策,并提出“为大众的社区”和“社区建设”的概念。

Construction of Green Community Index System under the Background of Community Construction

Under the background of community construction, green community has become a concentrated embodiment of human pursuit of high-quality life. Green community plays an important role in saving energy, improving living environment and promoting sustainable development. By establishing the evaluation index system of green community, this paper attempts to make a more comprehensive evaluation from the aspects of resources, environment and management mode of green community, to effectively evaluate the development level of green community, to provide reference for government departments to manage and develop the development of decision-making green community, to provide guidance for planning and designing green community environment, and to provide direction for the construction of green sustainable development. At the same time, it is beneficial to the promotion and development of green environmental protection technology.

Riverfront Landscape Based on the Idea of River Restoration: A Case Study of the Riverfront Landscape of Duoba New District in Xining City

With social progress and economic development, flood protection, water storage, and pollution absorption of urban rivers have been improved, but at the same time negative effects have been brought about. In urban areas, due to canalization or occupation of river, and forcible alteration of course of rivers, river waters area has been reduced. Natural capacity of rivers is seriously lacking, and the ecosystem services of rivers are gradually weakening. For planning, design and construction of urban landscapes, the concept of ecological restoration must be applied to protect and rationally utilize river landscapes. This paper takes the landscape belt of Huangshui River in Doba New City of Xining as an example to study the Huangshui River. Based on the theory of river course restoration, a “dynamic growth” river restoration system is established, and the restoration process of nature itself is as little as possible. In order to improve the water quality of Huangshui River, control the flow velocity and build the ecological environment, a set of perfect and self-repairing system is created for Huangshui River.

Family physicians’ perception on environmental influences in promoting physical activity in their obese patients

Although many obese patients do not engage in adequate physical activity (PA), little is known about whether physicians discuss environmental barriers in promoting PA. We conducted this study to describe physicians’ views about discussing environmental barriers in promoting PA with obese patients and determine whether counseling varies by years of practice. We conducted an online survey of family physicians practicing in 17 clinics in Central Texas. We performed descriptive analysis on barriers to PA, counseling on meeting PA recommendation, and written prescription for exercise and bivariate analysis by years of practice. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Of 96 physicians invited, 57 (59.4%) completed the survey. Majority reported their obese patients brought up the environment as a barrier to walking (89.3%) or PA (91.2%). Majority (80.7%) also reported asking about environmental barriers to walking, with 84.2% giving specific examples to overcome these barriers. While 96.5% reported advising their obese patients about meeting the PA recommendation, only 26.3% reported giving them a written prescription for exercise. These did not vary significantly by years of practice. Physicians felt having more time with their patients and knowing specific strategies to overcome environmental barriers, safe places in patients’ neighborhoods, and what environmental factors influence PA may help discuss environmental issues with their obese patients. Physicians want and counsel their obese patients to be physically active, but do not generally give prescriptions for exercise irrespective of years of practice. They also want tools to enhance their abilities to better assist these patients.

Net Present Value Method: A Method Recommended by ISO 15686-5 for Economic Evaluation of Building Life Cycle Costs

The publication of ISO 15686-5 is significant for studies related to the life-cycle costs of buildings. Among the many economic evaluation methods, the NPV method is recommended for use by this standard. This study explains the concept and method of PV, and then provides an explanation of the concept and method of NPV, and points out the limitations in the practical application of the method.

Evaluation of perceived value and behavioral intentions of citizens in Chinese commercially open communities:A case study of Liuyun Community

As urban development shifts from the incremental era to the stock era,urban design is becoming increasingly focused on high-quality living and human needs.However,the opening of traditional communities has been insufficiently examined.This study took Liuyun Community,a typical open community in Guangzhou(China)that has undergone a transformation from residential to commercial use,as its research object.First,more than 300 residents,tourists,and merchants were surveyed via questionnaires administered in field investigations and interviews.Next,the data from the completed questionnaires were used to construct a structural equation model consisting of five dimensions,namely commercial service value,cost value,risk value,perceptual value,and social value.The data were then analyzed to determine the correlations between perceived value and behavioral intention,satisfaction,and other psychological attributes.The following results were obtained:(1)As commercial activities in the community increased,the influence of social value,cost value,and commercial service value on behavioral intention decreased.(2)The open community inevitably had negative impacts on its citizens.However,these negative impacts were mitigated to some extent by high levels of social value.(3)Perceptions of commercial service value varied between groups.

Formation of City-Lake Integrated Urban Morphology in Hangzhou: A Study on the Related History Starting from the New Market Plan of the Lakefront District in Early Modern Times

In the early modern times in China, local planners have made several construction plans for Hangzhou's old city center and the West Lake, resulting in the gradual formation of a city-lake integrated urban form, which is valued nowadays for its uniqueness and characteristically Chinese cityscape aesthetics. The key plan that spurred this process of linking the old city with the West Lake was a plan titled "Building a New Market"(1914). By elucidating the time, process, and contents of the plan, this paper analyzes the spatial transformation of the lakefront districts based on old maps, and then interprets how it led the forming process of the "city-lake integrated" urban form in Hangzhou.

Mapping essential urban land use categories in China(EULUC-China):preliminary results for 2018

Land use reflects human activities on land.Urban land use is the highest level human alteration on Earth,and it is rapidly changing due to population increase and urbanization.Urban areas have widespread effects on local hydrology,climate,biodiversity,and food production[1,2].However,maps,that contain knowledge on the distribution,pattern and composition of various land use types in urban areas,are limited to city level.The mapping standard on data sources,methods,land use classification schemes varies from city to city,due to differences in financial input and skills of mapping personnel.To address various national and global environmental challenges caused by urbanization,it is important to have urban land uses at the national and global scales that are derived from the same or consistent data sources with the same or compatible classification systems and mapping methods.This is because,only with urban land use maps produced with similar criteria,consistent environmental policies can be made,and action efforts can be compared and assessed for large scale environmental administration.However,despite of the fact that a number of urban-extent maps exist at global scales[3,4],more detailed urban land use maps do not exist at the same scale.Even at big country or regional levels such as for the United States,China and European Union,consistent land use mapping efforts are rare[5,6](e.g.,https://sdi4apps.eu/open_land_use/).

Application of Multi-Temporal MODIS NDVI Data to Assess Practiced Maize Calendars in Rwanda

Crop calendar is an important tool providing relevant information on crops cycles in a specific area for effective agricultural management. Crop calendars vary in different areas given dissimilarities in agro-ecosystems＇ characteristics. This research used multi-temporal MODIS NDVI stratification to assess differences in practiced maize crop calendars in various areas of Rwanda. Four（4） sample NDVI strata dominated by agriculture were purposively chosen, and 433 local farmers were randomly selected from the strata for interviews. The collected information helped to know about their maize planting as well as harvesting dates in order to generate maize calendars per NDVI strata. The generated crop calendars were later classified using k-means unsupervised classification, and produced 4 groupings of practiced maize calendars irrespective of NDVI strata. ANOVA results revealed significant differences between both the generated maize crop calendars by NDVI strata and the practiced crop calendars irrespective of NDVI strata, at p = 0.05. Moreover, chi-square tests and t-tests revealed not only a significant relationship between maize calendars and number of crop growing seasons, but also a significant relationship between maize calendars and NDVI strata, at p = 0.05. Finally, findings of this research contrasted the present conviction that there exist a single general maize calendar all over the country. Instead, the results were in accordance with the fact that Rwanda agro-ecosystems differ from East to West in terms of, mainly, altitude and rainfall patterns variations.