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Within- and Between-Person Associations of Neighborhood Poverty with Alcohol Use and Consequences: A Monthly Study of Young Adults

Rhew, Isaac C.; Duckworth, Jennifer C.; Hurvitz, Philip M.; Lee, Christine M. (2020). Within- and Between-Person Associations of Neighborhood Poverty with Alcohol Use and Consequences: A Monthly Study of Young Adults. Drug & Alcohol Dependence, 212.

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Abstract

Background: Studies have shown associations between neighborhood disadvantage and alcohol misuse among adults. Less is known about the role of neighborhood context in young adults (YAs), who engage in more disordered forms of alcohol use compared to other age groups. Using data collected monthly, this study examined whether YAs reported more alcohol use and consequences when they were living in neighborhoods with greater concentration of poverty. Method: This study used data from 746 participants aged 18-23 years living in the Seattle, WA, region. Surveys were administered each month for 24 consecutive months. Measures included typical number of drinks per week and past month count of alcohol-related consequences. Residential addresses at each month were geocoded and linked to census-tract level percentage of households living at or below poverty threshold. Multilevel over-dispersed Poisson models were used to estimate associations between standardized monthly deviations in tract-level poverty from one's average and alcohol outcomes. Results: Across 14,247 monthly observations, the mean number of typical drinks per week was 4.8 (SD = 7.4) and the mean number of alcohol consequences was 2.1 (SD = 3.5). On months when they were living in neighborhoods with higher levels of poverty than their average, participants reported significantly higher levels of alcohol consequences (Count Ratio = 1.05; p = .045). Conclusion: YAs may engage in more problematic forms of drinking when they reside in neighborhoods with higher levels of disadvantage. During a time of frequent residential changes, YAs moving to more disadvantaged neighborhoods may benefit from additional supports.

Keywords

Alcohol Drinking; Young Adults; Neighborhoods; Age Groups; Poverty; Western Australia; Seattle (wash.); Alcohol; Neighborhood Context; Young Adulthood; Emergency-department Visits; Heavy Episodic Drinking; College-students; United-states; Substance Use; Use Disorders; Models; Health; Disorganization; Availability

Association of Neighborhood Physical Activity Opportunities with Incident Cardiovascular Disease in the Cardiovascular Health Study

Garg, Parveen K.; Platt, Jonathan M.; Hirsch, Jana A.; Hurvitz, Philip; Rundle, Andrew; Biggs, Mary Lou; Psaty, Bruce M.; Moore, Kari; Lovasi, Gina S. (2021). Association of Neighborhood Physical Activity Opportunities with Incident Cardiovascular Disease in the Cardiovascular Health Study. Health & Place, 70.

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Abstract

We determined associations of cumulative exposures to neighborhood physical activity opportunities with risk of incident cardiovascular disease (CVD). We included 3595 participants from the Cardiovascular Health Study recruited between 1989 and 1993 (mean age = 73; 60% women; 11% black). Neighborhood environment measures were calculated using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and annual information from the National Establishment Time Series database, including the density of (1) walking destinations and (2) physical activity/ recreational facilities in a 1- and 5-km radius around the respondent's home. Incident CVD was defined as the development of myocardial infarction, stroke, or cardiovascular death and associations with time to incident CVD were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models. A total of 1986 incident CVD cases occurred over a median follow-up of 11.2 years. After adjusting for baseline and time-varying individual and neighborhood-level confounding, a one standard deviation increase in walking destinations and physical activity/recreational facilities within 5 km of home was associated with a respective 7% (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.87-0.99) and 12% (95% CI = 0.73-1.0) decreased risk of incident CVD. No significant associations were noted within a 1-km radius. Efforts to improve the availability of physical activity resources in neighborhoods may be an important strategy for lowering CVD.

Keywords

Cardiovascular Diseases; Physical Activity; Proportional Hazards Models; Geographic Information Systems; Recreation Centers; Built Environment; Cardiovascular Disease; Coronary-heart-disease; Census Tract Data; Older-adults; Longitudinal Associations; Risk; Resources; Time; Atherosclerosis; Survival

A Set Pair Analysis Model for Suitability Evaluation of Human Settlement Environment

Xiang, Wei-qi; Yang, Xiao-hua; Li, Yu-qi. (2021). A Set Pair Analysis Model for Suitability Evaluation of Human Settlement Environment. Thermal Science, 25(3B), 2109 – 2116.

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Abstract

The human settlement environment is a dynamic subsystem where people live and produce in the social system. This paper aims at evaluating comprehensively the suitability state of a given human settlement environment in a certain time and space and its evolutionary trend, the set pair analysis theory and its connection numbers are introduced into the suitability evaluation, and the set of human settlements is established. The set pair analysis model based on partial connection number is used to assess the suitability status and the development trend of human settlements in Guizhou Province from 2014 to 2017. The result shows that the set pair analysis model has the features of convenience, impersonality and good feasibility.

Keywords

Human Ecology; Human Settlements; Number Theory; Social Systems; Guizhou Sheng (china); Human Settlement Environment; Partial Connection Number; Set Pair Analysis; Suitability Evaluation

Using Workforce’s Physiological Strain Monitoring to Enhance Social Sustainability of Construction

Gatti, U.; Migliaccio, G.; Bogus, S.M.; Priyadarshini, S.; Scharrer, A. (2013). Using Workforce’s Physiological Strain Monitoring to Enhance Social Sustainability of Construction. Journal Of Architectural Engineering, 19(3), 179 – 85.

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Abstract

Sustainability is often described in terms of the triple bottom line, which refers to its environmental, economic, and social dimensions. However, the economic and environmental impacts of decisions have been easier to determine than have been the social impacts. One area of social sustainability that is particularly applicable to construction projects is that of construction workforce safety and well-being. This is a critical part of sustainability, and a socially sustainable construction industry needs to consider the safety and well-being of construction workers. However, construction activities are generally physically demanding and performed in harsh environments. Monitoring workers' physical strain may be an important step toward enhancing the social sustainability of construction. Recently introduced physiological status monitors (PSMs) have overcome the past limitations, allowing physical strain to be monitored without hindering workers' activities. Three commercially available PSMs have been selected and tested to assess their reliability in monitoring a construction workforce during dynamic activities. The results show that two of the PSMs are suitable candidates for monitoring the physiological conditions of construction workers. A survey was also conducted among industry practitioners to gain insight into industry needs and challenges for physical strain monitoring.

Keywords

Construction Industry; Environmental Factors; Labour Resources; Occupational Safety; Socio-economic Effects; Sustainable Development; Workforce Physiological Strain Monitoring; Social Sustainability; Socioeconomic Impacts; Environmental Impacts; Social Impacts; Construction Projects; Construction Workforce Safety; Physical Strain

How Far from Home? The Locations of Physical Activity in an Urban US Setting

Hurvitz, Philip M.; Moudon, Anne V.; Kang, Bumjoon; Fesinmeyer, Megan D.; Saelens, Brian E. (2014). How Far from Home? The Locations of Physical Activity in an Urban US Setting. Preventive Medicine, 69, 181 – 186.

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Abstract

Little is known about where physical activity (PA) occurs, or whether different demographic groups accumulate PA in different locations. Method. Objective data on PA and location from 611 adults over 7 days were collected in King County, WA in 2008-2009. The relative amounts of time spent in sedentary-to-low and moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) were quantified at three locations: home (1666 m). Differences in MVPA by demographics and location were examined. The percent of daily time in MVPA was estimated using a mixed model adjusted for location, sex, age, race/ethnicity, employment, education, BMI, and income. Results. Most MVPA time occurred in nonhome locations, and disproportionately near home; this location was associated with 16.46% greater time in MVPA, compared to at-home activity (p< 0.001), whereas more time spent at away locations was associated with 3.74% greater time in MVPA (p< 0.001). Location was found to be a predictor of MVPA independent of demographic factors. Conclusion. A large proportion of MVPA time is spent at near locations, corresponding to the home neighborhood studied in previous PA research. Away locations also host time spent in MVPA and should be the focus of future research. (C) 2014 Elsevier Inc All rights reserved.

Keywords

Accelerometer Data; Built Environment; United-states; Neighborhood Walkability; Exercise Intensity; Time Use; Land-use; Walking; Health; Behavior; Physical Activity; Objective Measurement; Gps; Accelerometry; Gis

Built Environment Effects on Cyclist Injury Severity in Automobile-Involved Bicycle Crashes

Chen, Peng; Shen, Qing. (2016). Built Environment Effects on Cyclist Injury Severity in Automobile-Involved Bicycle Crashes. Accident Analysis & Prevention, 86, 239 – 246.

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Abstract

This analysis uses a generalized ordered logit model and a generalized additive model to estimate the effects of built environment factors on cyclist injury severity in automobile-involved bicycle crashes, as well as to accommodate possible spatial dependence among crash locations. The sample is drawn from the Seattle Department of Transportation bicycle collision profiles. This study classifies the cyclist injury types as property damage only, possible injury, evident injury, and severe injury or fatality. Our modeling outcomes show that: (1) injury severity is negatively associated with employment density; (2) severe injury or fatality is negatively associated with land use mixture; (3) lower likelihood of injuries is observed for bicyclists wearing reflective clothing; (4) improving street lighting can decrease the likelihood of cyclist injuries; (5) posted speed limit is positively associated with the probability of evident injury and severe injury or fatality; (6) older cyclists appear to be more vulnerable to severe injury or fatality; and (7) cyclists are more likely to be severely injured when large vehicles are involved in crashes. One implication drawn from this study is that cities should increase land use mixture and development density, optimally lower posted speed limits on streets with both bikes and motor vehicles, and improve street lighting to promote bicycle safety. In addition, cyclists should be encouraged to wear reflective clothing. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Keywords

Cycling Injuries; Traffic Accidents; Transportation Planning; Data Analysis; Employment; Built Environment; Cyclist Injury Severity; Generalized Additive Model; Generalized Ordered Logit Model; Ordered Response Model; United-states; Helmet; Frameworks; Driver; Risk

Validating Self-Reported Food Expenditures against Food Store and Eating-Out Receipts

Tang, W.; Aggarwal, A.; Liu, Z.; Acheson, M.; Rehm, C. D.; Moudon, A. V.; Drewnowski, A. (2016). Validating Self-Reported Food Expenditures against Food Store and Eating-Out Receipts. European Journal Of Clinical Nutrition, 70(3), 352 – 357.

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Abstract

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: To compare objective food store and eating-out receipts with self-reported household food expenditures. SUBJECTS/METHODS: The Seattle Obesity Study II was based on a representative sample of King County adults, Washington, USA. Self-reported household food expenditures were modeled on the Flexible Consumer Behavior Survey (FCBS) Module from 2007 to 2009 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Objective food expenditure data were collected using receipts. Self-reported food expenditures for 447 participants were compared with receipts using paired t-tests, Bland-Altman plots and.-statistics. Bias by sociodemographics was also examined. RESULTS: Self-reported expenditures closely matched with objective receipt data. Paired t-tests showed no significant differences between receipts and self-reported data on total food expenditures, expenditures at food stores or eating out. However, the highest-income strata showed weaker agreement. Bland-Altman plots confirmed no significant bias across both methods-mean difference: 6.4; agreement limits: -123.5 to 143.4 for total food expenditures, mean difference 5.7 for food stores and mean difference 1.7 for eating out. The kappa-statistics showed good agreement for each (kappa 0.51, 0.41 and 0.49 respectively. Households with higher education and income had significantly more number of receipts and higher food expenditures. CONCLUSIONS: Self-reported food expenditures using NHANES questions, both for food stores and eating out, serve as a decent proxy for objective household food expenditures from receipts. This method should be used with caution among high-income populations, or with high food expenditures. This is the first validation of the FCBS food expenditures question using food store and eating-out receipts.

Keywords

Household Food; Supermarket; Obesity; Energy; Purchases; Patterns; Women; Fat

Planning For The Future Of Urban Biodiversity: A Global Review Of City-scale Initiatives.

Nilon, Charles H.; Aronson, Myla F. J.; Cilliers, Sarel S.; Dobbs, Cynnamon; Frazee, Lauren J.; Goddard, Mark A.; O’Neill, Karen M.; Roberts, Debra; Stander, Emilie K.; Werner, Peter; Winter, Marten; Yocom, Ken P. (2017). Planning For The Future Of Urban Biodiversity: A Global Review Of City-scale Initiatives. Bioscience, 67(4), 331 – 341.

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Abstract

Cities represent considerable opportunities for forwarding global biodiversity and sustainability goals. We developed key attributes for conserving biodiversity and for ecosystem services that should be included in urban-planning documents and reviewed 135 plans from 40 cities globally. The most common attributes in city plans were goals for habitat conservation, air and water quality, cultural ecosystem services, and ecological connectivity. Few plans included quantitative targets. This lack of measurable targets may render plans unsuccessful for an actionable approach to local biodiversity conservation. Although most cities include both biodiversity and ecosystem services, each city tends to focus on one or the other. Comprehensive planning for biodiversity should include the full range of attributes identified, but few cities do this, and the majority that do are mandated by local, regional, or federal governments to plan specifically for biodiversity conservation. This research provides planning recommendations for protecting urban biodiversity based on ecological knowledge.

Keywords

Sustainability; Urban Planning; Urban Biodiversity; Urban Ecology (biology); Water Quality; Air Quality; Biodiversity Conservation; Ecosystem Services; Governance; Policy Regulation; Green Infrastructure; Climate-change; Human Health; Cities; Opportunities; Metaanalysis; Framework; Richness

Training Of Low-literacy And Low-english-proficiency Hispanic Workers On Construction Fall Fatality

Lin, Ken-yu; Lee, Wonil; Azari, Rahman; Migliaccio, Giovanni C. (2018). Training Of Low-literacy And Low-english-proficiency Hispanic Workers On Construction Fall Fatality. Journal Of Management In Engineering, 34(2).

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Abstract

The construction industry has made extensive efforts to improve the safety of its labor force through various approaches, including training. However, many construction workers in the United States are recent immigrants who lack English proficiency and do not possess sufficient literacy levels in their own language for training comprehension. This reduces the effectiveness of traditional text-dominated translated training materials, which depend on both literacy and proficiency in a language. Thus, in this study, the authors used three-dimensional (3D) visualization to overcome the communication barriers that hinder effective safety training for low-literacy (LL) and low-English-proficiency (LEP) construction workers. This article summarizes the contributions of a study sponsored by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Susan Harwood Training Grant Program; it describes the methodology to develop scenario-based 3D training materials on fall safety for LL and LEP workers and to validate the effectiveness of the materials. The results show that 3D training materials improve interaction between trainer and trainee during safety training, facilitate learning processes, and can overcome some of the communication barriers that hinder effective safety training. (c) 2017 American Society of Civil Engineers.

Keywords

Chemical Hazards; Computer Based Training; Construction Industry; Hazardous Materials; Industrial Training; Occupational Health; Occupational Safety; Personnel; Safety; Low-literacy; Low-english-proficiency Hispanic Workers; Construction Fall Fatality; Extensive Efforts; Labor Force; Construction Workers; English Proficiency; Sufficient Literacy Levels; Training Comprehension; Training Materials; Three-dimensional Visualization; Communication Barriers; Effective Safety Training; Health Administration Susan Harwood Training Grant Program; Fall Safety; Occupational Injuries; United-states; Industry; Health; Education; Issues; Occupational Health And Safety; Training; Visualization; Fall Protection; Case Study

Measuring Circadian Lighting through High Dynamic Range Photography

Jung, B.; Inanici, M. (2019). Measuring Circadian Lighting through High Dynamic Range Photography. Lighting Research & Technology, 51(5), 742 – 763.

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Abstract

The human ocular system functions in a dual manner. While the most well-known function is to facilitate vision, a growing body of research demonstrates its role in resetting the internal body clock to synchronize with the 24-hour daily cycle. Most research on circadian rhythms is performed in controlled laboratory environments. Little is known about the variability of circadian light within the built and natural environments. Currently, very few specialized devices measure the circadian light, and they are not accessible to many researchers and practitioners. In this paper, tristimulus colour calibration procedures for high dynamic range photography are developed to measure circadian lighting. Camera colour accuracy is evaluated through CIE trichromatic (XYZ) measurements; and the results demonstrate a strong linear relationship between the camera recordings and a scientific-grade colorimeter. Therefore, it is possible to correct for the colour aberrations and use high dynamic range photographs to measure both photopic and circadian lighting values. Spectrophotometric measurements are collected to validate the methodology. Results demonstrate that measurements from high dynamic range photographs can correspond to the physical quantity of circadian luminance with reasonable precision and repeatability. Circadian data collected in built environments can be utilized to study the impact of design decisions on human circadian entrainment and to create guidelines and metrics for designing circadian friendly environments.

Keywords

Physical Constants; Medical Photography; Photography; Built Environment; Morningness-eveningness Questionnaire; Statistical Reliability; Circadian Rhythms; Action Spectrum; Ganglion-cells; Bright Light; Exposure; Sensitivity; Framework; Daylight; Daytime; Model; Rod