High population growth in the tropics is driving urbanisation, removing diverse natural ecosystems. This is causing native species to suffer while introduced synanthropes flourish. City planners are developing urban greenspace networks, in part trying to address this issue. Architects contribute to these greenspace networks by designing elevated and ground level green spaces on large-scale buildings. However, little evidence is available on whether building green spaces support native fauna. This is true for birds in tropical Singapore that support important ecosystem services and have existence value. Therefore, in this study, we conducted bird surveys and statistical analyses to determine, if and how vegetation on three building green space types (ground gardens, roof gardens and green walls) have a positive impact on native or introduced bird species. We found that elevated greenery (roof gardens and green walls) on large-scale buildings supported a higher richness of birds and abundance of urban native birds than control roofs and walls without vegetation. Ground gardens supported similar levels of native species as roof gardens but also a larger proportion of generalist synanthropes. However, we found no tropical forest habitat specialists across any space type. Therefore, we recommend roof gardens and ground gardens as a potential space for urban natives outside of a less competitive ground-level urban environment. Our study also found certain building design elements (height of elevated space, presence of specific plants) supported different species groups. Therefore, we suggest that these ecological requirements for different species groups are considered when designing a building’s green space.
Child well-being is described as a social problem, such that in most cases social indicators defined by experts are used, without much input from local and heterogeneous communities. This article makes the case for an innovative way to monitor and explore child well-being globally, while also critiquing currently used indices. Based on Nussbaum’s Capabilities approach, we propose to formulate indices by using GIS and a comprehensive list of relevant geospatial datasets, using uniquely designed meta-layers and feature catalogues. Moreover, we argue that these geospatial data can be collected and mapped by the local communities, through participatory approaches, thus not relying on authoritative engagement and data. This will contribute to the empowerment of communities, making them relevant stakeholders with valued contribution to the process. This paper outlines preliminary work related to concepts and ideas, whereas future work is planned to develop an elaborate and comprehensive GIS model, and conduct further spatial analysis in the framework of a small scale campaign. 相似文献
Work-related injuries are becoming increasingly prevalent in hospital settings. These injuries are impacting all professionals providing services in the health care arena including nurses, physicians, and household cleaning employees. In order to reduce the number of worksite injuries, the hospital setting may benefit from ergonomic assessments, as well as safety education and prevention strategies. This paper describes the incidence and type of injuries as well as the related risks encountered by hospital personnel. Employers and employees may benefit from participating in the recommended ergonomic process in order to identify potential at-risk situations and prevent musculoskeletal injuries. 相似文献
