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Cranshaw O, Haworth S. Neighborhood Access to the Built Environment and Allostatic Load: A Systematic Review of the Use of Geographic Information Systems. Public Health Rev 2024; 45:1606624. [PMID: 38846333 PMCID: PMC11153763 DOI: 10.3389/phrs.2024.1606624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives: This paper systematically reviews how spatial analysis has been used to measure relationships between access to the built environment and Allostatic Load (AL) or biomarkers relevant to the stress pathway. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) facilitate objective measurement of built environment access that may explain unequal health outcomes linked to living in stressful environments. Methods: Systematic review, search date 13 July 2022 with methods published a priori. Included studies that quantitatively assessed associations between GIS measures of neighborhood attributes and biomarkers of stress. Results: 23 studies from 14 countries were included having used GIS measures to assess relationships between access to the built environment and biomarkers relevant to AL, with 17 being cross-sectional and 6 longitudinal. Just 2 studies explicitly assessed associations between GIS measures and AL, but 21 explored biomarkers relevant to the stress pathway. GIS was used to calculate density (how much of x within y) and proximity (how far from a to b) measures. Conclusion: GIS measures of greenspace, the food environment, area-level demographics, and land-use measures were found to influence biomarkers relevant to the stress pathway, highlighting the utility of this approach. GIS use is extremely limited when measuring the built environment and its influence on AL but has been widely used to consider effects on individual biomarkers of stress. Systematic Review Registration: [https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=348355], identifier [CRD42022348355].
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Affiliation(s)
- Owen Cranshaw
- Institute for Social and Economic Research (ISER), University of Essex, Colchester, United Kingdom
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2
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Silva JP, Ribeiro AI. Using Qualitative Methods to Understand the Interconnections Between Cities and Health: A Methodological Review. Public Health Rev 2024; 45:1606454. [PMID: 38651134 PMCID: PMC11033357 DOI: 10.3389/phrs.2024.1606454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective: Using different perspectives and methods to investigate the links between the urban phenomenon and health is critical in an urbanizing world. This review discusses qualitative methods in the context of urban health research. Methods: We conducted a narrative review following these steps: We identified the qualitative data collection, analysis and sampling methods that could be more relevant for the problems researched in the urban health field. We conducted searches for methodological articles and other documents about those methods. We included some influential materials and examples of empirical urban health studies using those methods. Results: We included 88 studies and identified several qualitative data gathering, analysis and sampling methods relevant for urban health researchers. We present those methods, focusing their strengths and limitations, and providing examples of their use in the field of urban health. These methods are flexible and allow in-depth analysis of small samples by collecting and analyzing rich and nuanced data. Conclusion: This article should contribute to a better understanding of how, and when, qualitative methods may improve our knowledge on urban health.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Pedro Silva
- EPIUnit—Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Laboratório para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR), Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Sociologia da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Isabel Ribeiro
- EPIUnit—Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Laboratório para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR), Porto, Portugal
- Departamento de Ciências da Saúde Pública e Forenses e Educação Médica, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Grewal A, Hepburn KJ, Lear SA, Adshade M, Card KG. The impact of housing prices on residents' health: a systematic review. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:931. [PMID: 38561729 PMCID: PMC10983630 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18360-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rising housing prices are becoming a top public health priority and are an emerging concern for policy makers and community leaders. This report reviews and synthesizes evidence examining the association between changes in housing price and health outcomes. METHODS We conducted a systematic literature review by searching the SCOPUS and PubMed databases for keywords related to housing price and health. Articles were screened by two reviewers for eligibility, which restricted inclusion to original research articles measuring changes in housing prices and health outcomes, published prior to June 31st, 2022. RESULTS Among 23 eligible studies, we found that changes in housing prices were heterogeneously associated with physical and mental health outcomes, with multiple mechanisms contributing to both positive and negative health outcomes. Income-level and home-ownership status were identified as key moderators, with lower-income individuals and renters experience negative health consequences from rising housing prices. This may have resulted from increased stress and financial strain among these groups. Meanwhile, the economic benefits of rising housing prices were seen to support health for higher-income individuals and homeowners - potentially due to increased wealth or perception of wealth. CONCLUSIONS Based on the associations identified in this review, it appears that potential gains to health associated with rising housing prices are inequitably distributed. Housing policies should consider the health inequities born by renters and low-income individuals. Further research should explore mechanisms and interventions to reduce uneven economic impacts on health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashmita Grewal
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Blusson Hall, 8888 University Dr. , Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada.
| | - Kirk J Hepburn
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Blusson Hall, 8888 University Dr. , Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Scott A Lear
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Blusson Hall, 8888 University Dr. , Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Marina Adshade
- Vancouver School of Economics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kiffer G Card
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Blusson Hall, 8888 University Dr. , Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada
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Eaton E, Hunt A, Black D. Developing and testing an environmental economics approach to the valuation and application of urban health externalities. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1070200. [PMID: 36875392 PMCID: PMC9982114 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1070200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Poor quality urban environments have substantial impacts on public and planetary health. These costs to society are not readily quantifiable and remain largely external to mainstream measures of progress. Methods for accounting for these externalities exist, but their effective application is in development. Yet there is an increasing urgency and demand given the profound threats to quality of life both now and in the future. Methods We combine data from a series of systematic reviews of the quantitative evidence linking characteristics of the urban environment with health consequences and the economic valuation of these health impacts from a societal perspective within a spreadsheet-based tool. The tool-named HAUS-allows the user to estimate the health impacts of changes in urban environments. The economic valuation of these impacts in turn facilitates the use of such data in broader economic appraisal of urban development projects and policies. Findings Using the Impact-Pathway approach, observations of a variety of health impacts associated with 28 characteristics of the urban environment are applied to forecast changes in cases of specific health impacts that result from changes in urban contexts. Unit values for the societal cost of 78 health outcomes are estimated and incorporated in the HAUS model in order to allow the quantification of the potential effect size of a given change in the urban environment. Headline results are presented for a real-world application in which urban development scenarios that have varying quantities of green space are evaluated. The potential uses of the tool are validated via formal semi-structured interviews with 15 senior decision-makers from the public and private sectors. Interpretation Responses suggest that there is significant demand for this kind of evidence, that it is valued despite the inherent uncertainties, and has a very wide range of potential applications. Analysis of the results suggest expert interpretation and contextual understanding is critical for the value of evidence to be realized. More development and testing is needed to understand how and where it may be possible to apply effectively in real world practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor Eaton
- Department of Economics, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
| | - Alistair Hunt
- Department of Economics, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Black
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom.,Daniel Black + Associates
- db+a, Bristol, United Kingdom
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Siqueira Junior JDA, Lopes AADS, Godtsfriedt CES, Justina MDD, Paiva KMD, d’Orsi E, Rech CR. Neighbourhood walkability and mental health in older adults: A cross-sectional analysis from EpiFloripa Aging Study. FRONTIERS IN AGING 2022; 3:915292. [DOI: 10.3389/fragi.2022.915292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This study aims to analyse the association between walkability index and depressive symptoms and cognitive impairment and test the mediating role of moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in this relationship among older adults from Florianópolis, Brazil. This is cross-sectional research with data from the third wave of the EpiFloripa Aging cohort study, conducted in 2017–2019. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the short version of the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), and cognitive impairment, using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scales. The neighbourhood environment was assessed using a walkability index, which considered 500-m network buffers around the participants’ homes. Binary logistic regression analysis the association between the walkability index (quartile) and mental health outcomes (yes vs. no). Structural equation modelling evaluated the mediation between the walkability index and cognitive impairment by MVPA with an estimator of dichotomous variables. 1,162 people participated in the study (61.5% women, average age = 73.1). Older adults residing in places with a high and highest walkability index were 38% and 44% less likely to have cognitive impairment, respective. There was no association between depressive symptoms and walkability index in crude nor adjusted analysis. Engaging in MVPA had a partial but not significant effect (14%; p = 0.087), showing a tendency for this relationship to be partially explained by the greater engagement in physical activities in places with greater walkability. Policy planning to prevent and reduce the risks of cognitive impairment should consider factors of the physical environment as determinants in older adults.
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Harris P, Harris-Roxas B, Prior J, Morrison N, McIntyre E, Frawley J, Adams J, Bevan W, Haigh F, Freeman E, Hua M, Pry J, Mazumdar S, Cave B, Viliani F, Kwan B. Respiratory pandemics, urban planning and design: A multidisciplinary rapid review of the literature. CITIES (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 127:103767. [PMID: 35663146 PMCID: PMC9150858 DOI: 10.1016/j.cities.2022.103767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 is the most recent respiratory pandemic to necessitate better knowledge about city planning and design. The complex connections between cities and pandemics, however challenge traditional approaches to reviewing literature. In this article we adopted a rapid review methodology. We review the historical literature on respiratory pandemics and their documented connections to urban planning and design (both broadly defined as being concerned with cities as complex systems). Our systematic search across multidisciplinary databases returned a total of 1323 sources, with 92 articles included in the final review. Findings showed that the literature represents the multi-scalar nature of cities and pandemics - pandemics are global phenomena spread through an interconnected world, but require regional, city, local and individual responses. We characterise the literature under ten themes: scale (global to local); built environment; governance; modelling; non-pharmaceutical interventions; socioeconomic factors; system preparedness; system responses; underserved and vulnerable populations; and future-proofing urban planning and design. We conclude that the historical literature captures how city planning and design intersects with a public health response to respiratory pandemics. Our thematic framework provides parameters for future research and policy responses to the varied connections between cities and respiratory pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Harris
- Centre for Health Equity Training, Research & Evaluation (CHETRE), Part of the UNSW Australia Research Centre for Primary Health Care & Equity, A Unit of Population Health, South Western Sydney Local Health District, NSW Health, A member of the Ingham Institute, Liverpool Hospital, Locked Bag 7103, Liverpool BC, NSW 1871, Australia
| | | | - Jason Prior
- Institute for Sustainable Futures, UTS, Australia
| | - Nicky Morrison
- Institute for Culture and Society, University of Western Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Jane Frawley
- Centre of Public and Population Health Research, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health, UTS, Australia
| | - Jon Adams
- Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine (ARCCIM), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health, UTS, Australia
| | | | - Fiona Haigh
- Centre for Health Equity Training, Research & Evaluation (CHETRE), Part of the UNSW Australia Research Centre for Primary Health Care & Equity, A Unit of Population Health, South Western Sydney Local Health District, NSW Health, A member of the Ingham Institute, Liverpool Hospital, Locked Bag 7103, Liverpool BC, NSW 1871, Australia
| | - Evan Freeman
- South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, NSW Health, Australia
| | - Myna Hua
- South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, NSW Health, Australia
| | - Jennie Pry
- South Western Sydney Local Health District, NSW Health, Australia
| | - Soumya Mazumdar
- South Western Sydney Local Health District, NSW Health, Australia
| | | | | | - Benjamin Kwan
- Sleep Medicine, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
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Compact cities and the Covid-19 pandemic: Systematic review of the associations between transmission of Covid-19 or other respiratory viruses and population density or other features of neighbourhood design. Health Place 2022; 76:102827. [PMID: 35642837 PMCID: PMC9119959 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2022.102827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Living in compact neighbourhoods that are walkable, well connected, with accessible green space can benefit physical and mental health. However, the pandemic raises concern up to what extent features of compact neighbourhood design affect transmission of viral respiratory infections. We conducted a systematic review to identify, appraise and synthesise evidence reporting associations between transmission of respiratory viruses, including Covid-19, and dwelling or population density or other features of neighbourhood design. Twenty-one studies met our inclusion criteria. These studies used different measures of neighbourhood design, contributing to inconsistent findings. Whereas no convincing conclusion can be drawn here, the outcome of this review indicates that robust, global evidence is warranted to inform future policies and legislation concerned with compact neighbourhood design and transmission of respiratory and viral infection.
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Hsueh YC, Batchelor R, Liebmann M, Dhanani A, Vaughan L, Fett AK, Mann F, Pitman A. A Systematic Review of Studies Describing the Effectiveness, Acceptability, and Potential Harms of Place-Based Interventions to Address Loneliness and Mental Health Problems. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:4766. [PMID: 35457637 PMCID: PMC9029472 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19084766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Given the links between the built environment and loneliness, there is interest in using place-based approaches (addressing built environment characteristics and related socio-spatial factors) in local communities to tackle loneliness and mental health problems. However, few studies have described the effectiveness, acceptability, or potential harms of such interventions. This review aimed to synthesize the literature describing local community-based interventions that target place-based factors to address loneliness and mental health problems, informing the development of future public health approaches. We searched PsycINFO, Medline, and Embase using a structured search strategy to identify English-language studies evaluating the effectiveness, acceptability, and potential harms of place-based community interventions in addressing loneliness and mental health problems, both in general and clinical populations. Seven studies met the inclusion criteria, classified as evaluating provision of community facilities (such as clubhouses), active engagement in local green spaces, and housing regeneration. None were randomised trials. Quantitative and qualitative findings suggested promising effects and/or acceptability of six interventions, with minimal potential harms. There is a clear need for randomised trials or quasi-experimental studies of place-based interventions to describe their effectiveness in addressing loneliness and mental health problems, as well as complementary qualitative work investigating acceptability. This will inform future policy development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yung-Chia Hsueh
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London (UCL), London W1T 7NF, UK; (Y.-C.H.); (M.L.); (F.M.)
| | | | - Margaux Liebmann
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London (UCL), London W1T 7NF, UK; (Y.-C.H.); (M.L.); (F.M.)
| | - Ashley Dhanani
- Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London (UCL), London WC1H 0AY, UK; (A.D.); (L.V.)
| | - Laura Vaughan
- Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London (UCL), London WC1H 0AY, UK; (A.D.); (L.V.)
| | - Anne-Kathrin Fett
- Department of Psychology, City, University of London, London EC1V 0HB, UK;
| | - Farhana Mann
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London (UCL), London W1T 7NF, UK; (Y.-C.H.); (M.L.); (F.M.)
- Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust, London NW1 0PE, UK
| | - Alexandra Pitman
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London (UCL), London W1T 7NF, UK; (Y.-C.H.); (M.L.); (F.M.)
- Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust, London NW1 0PE, UK
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Wang C, Huertas DS, Rowe JW, Finkelstein R, Carstensen LL, Jackson RB. Rethinking the urban physical environment for century-long lives: from age-friendly to longevity-ready cities. NATURE AGING 2021; 1:1088-1095. [PMID: 35937461 DOI: 10.1038/s43587-021-00140-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
In response to increasing life expectancies and urbanization, initiatives for age-friendly cities seek to facilitate active and healthy aging by strengthening supports and services for older people. While laudable, these efforts typically neglect early-life exposures that influence long-term well-being. With a focus on the urban physical environment, we argue that longevity-ready cities can accomplish more than initiatives focused solely on old age. We review features of cities that cumulatively influence healthy aging and longevity, discuss the need for proactive interventions in a changing climate, and highlight inequities in the ambient physical environment, especially those encountered at early ages, that powerfully contribute to disparities in later life stages. Compared with strategies aimed largely at accommodating older populations, longevity-ready cities would aim to reduce the sources of disadvantages across the life course and simultaneously improve the well-being of older people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenghao Wang
- Department of Earth System Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.,Stanford Center on Longevity, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Diego Sierra Huertas
- Stanford Center on Longevity, Stanford, CA, USA.,Department of Psychology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - John W Rowe
- Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ruth Finkelstein
- Brookdale Center for Healthy Aging, Hunter College, The City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Laura L Carstensen
- Stanford Center on Longevity, Stanford, CA, USA.,Department of Psychology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Robert B Jackson
- Department of Earth System Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.,Woods Institute for the Environment and Precourt Institute for Energy, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
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Callway R, Pineo H, Moore G. Understanding the Role of Standards in the Negotiation of a Healthy Built Environment. SUSTAINABILITY 2020; 12:9884. [PMID: 33408880 PMCID: PMC7116544 DOI: 10.3390/su12239884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
A growing number of international standards promote Healthy Built Environment (HBE) principles which aim to enhance occupant and user health and wellbeing. Few studies examine the implementation of these standards; whether and how they affect health through changes to built-environment design, construction, and operations. This study reviews a set of sustainability and HBE standards, based on a qualitative analysis of standard documents, standard and socio-technical literature on normalization and negotiation, and interviews with 31 practitioners from four geographical regions. The analysis indicates that standards can impact individual, organizational, and market-scale definitions of an HBE. Some changes to practice are identified, such as procurement and internal layout decisions. There is more limited evidence of changes to dominant, short-term decision-making practices related to cost control and user engagement in operational decisions. HBE standards risk establishing narrow definitions of health and wellbeing focused on building occupants rather than promoting broader, contextually situated, principles of equity, inclusion, and ecosystem functioning crucial for health. There is a need to improve sustainability and HBE standards to take better account of local contexts and promote systems thinking. Further examination of dominant collective negotiation processes is required to identify opportunities to better embed standards within organizational practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalie Callway
- UCL Institute for Environmental Design and Engineering (IEDE), London
WC1H 0NN, UK
| | - Helen Pineo
- UCL Institute for Environmental Design and Engineering (IEDE), London
WC1H 0NN, UK
| | - Gemma Moore
- UCL Institute for Environmental Design and Engineering (IEDE), London
WC1H 0NN, UK
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