Search Results (2,108)

This study examines the interplay between urban policy interventions, infrastructure investments, and economic and labor market outcomes in large metropolitan areas from 2017 to 2022. We have employed empirical research to unravel the phenomena among these domains by employing a comprehensive dataset comprising gross value added (GVA), compensation of employees, gross fixed capital formation, environmental taxes, trade, employment, and time series data for demographic cohort transitions. Through a linear regression analysis, we uncovered strong positive associations between gross fixed capital formation and GVA and employment per capita, highlighting the critical role of infrastructure in driving urban economic growth. We also scrutinize how population dynamics—natural population changes and net migration—affect economic performance, offering valuable insights for evidence-driven urban policy. This research informs sustainable urban economic development policies and contributes significantly to the urban economics discourse. Full article

Groundwater contamination with sub-lethal dissolved contaminants poses significant health risks globally, especially in rural India, where access to safe drinking water remains a critical challenge. This study explores the hydrogeochemical characterization and associated health risks of groundwater from shallow aquifers in the Marginal Ganga Alluvial Plain (MGAP) of northern India. The groundwater chemistry is dominated by Ca-Mg-CO₃ and Ca-Mg-Cl types, where there is dominance of silicate weathering and the ion-exchange processes are responsible for this solute composition in the groundwater. All the ionic species are within the permissible limits of the World Health Organization, except fluoride (F⁻) and nitrate (NO₃⁻). Geochemical analysis using bivariate relationships and saturation plots attributes the occurrence of F⁻ to geogenic sources, primarily the chemical weathering of granite-granodiorite, while NO₃⁻ contaminants are linked to anthropogenic inputs, such as nitrogen-rich fertilizers, in the absence of a large-scale urban environment. Multivariate statistical analyses, including hierarchical cluster analysis and factor analysis, confirm the predominance of geogenic controls, with NO₃⁻-enriched samples derived from anthropogenic factors. The spatial distribution and probability predictions of F⁻ and NO₃⁻ were generated using a non-parametric co-kriging technique approach, aiding in the delineation of contamination hotspots. The integration of the USEPA human health risk assessment methodology with the urbanization index has revealed critical findings, identifying approximately 23% of the study area as being at high risk. This comprehensive approach, which synergizes geospatial analysis and statistical methods, proves to be highly effective in delineating priority zones for health intervention. The results highlight the pressing need for targeted mitigation measures and the implementation of sustainable groundwater management practices at regional, national, and global levels. Full article

The Hindu Kush Himalayan (HKH) region, known as the “water tower of the world,” is experiencing severe water scarcity due to declining discharge of spring water across the HKH region. This decline is driven by climate change, unsustainable human activities, and rising water demand, leading to significant impacts on rural agriculture, urban migration, and socio-economic stability. This expansive review judiciously combines both the researchers’ experiences and a traditional literature review. This review investigates the factors behind reduced spring discharge and advocates for a transdisciplinary approach to address the issue. It stresses integrating scientific knowledge with community-based interventions, recognizing that water management involves not just technical solutions but also human values, behaviors, and political considerations. The paper explores the benefits of public–private partnerships (PPPs) and participatory approaches for large-scale spring rejuvenation. By combining the strengths of both sectors and engaging local communities, sustainable spring water management can be achieved through collaborative and inclusive strategies. It also highlights the need for capacity development and knowledge transfer, including training local hydrogeologists, mapping recharge areas, and implementing sustainable land use practices. In summary, the review offers insights and recommendations for tackling declining spring discharge in the HKH region. By promoting a transdisciplinary, community-centric approach, it aims to support policymakers, researchers, and practitioners in ensuring the sustainable management of water resources and contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Full article

Urban vehicular emissions, a major contributor to environmental degradation, demand accurate methodologies that reflect real-world driving conditions. This study presents a telemetric data-driven framework for assessing emissions of Carbon Monoxide (CO), Hydrocarbons (HCs), and Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) in real-world scenarios. By utilizing Vehicle Specific Power (VSP) calculations, Gaussian Mixture Models (GMMs), and Ensemble Isolation Forests (EIFs), the framework identifies high-risk driving behaviors and maps high-emission zones. Achieving a Silhouette Score of 0.72 for clustering and a precision of 0.88 in anomaly detection, the study provides actionable insights for policymakers to mitigate urban emissions. Spatial–temporal analysis highlights critical high-emission areas, offering strategies for urban planners to reduce environmental impacts. The findings underscore the potential of interventions such as speed regulation and driving behavior modifications in lowering emissions. Future extensions of this work will include hybrid and electric vehicles, alongside the integration of granular environmental factors like weather conditions, to enhance the framework’s accuracy and applicability. By addressing the complexities of real-world emissions, this study contributes to bridging significant knowledge gaps and advancing sustainable urban mobility solutions. Full article

A comprehensive review and meta-analysis were conducted with the purpose of determining the extent to which asthma is prevalent among children in Saudi Arabia. This was done with the intention of addressing the dearth of data at the national level regarding this significant health concern. The study included data from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar for the period 2015–2024, focusing on studies that reported the prevalence of asthma among children in the country. The primary outcome was the pooled prevalence of physician-diagnosed asthma among children. Eight studies, comprising a total of 9454 children, were included in the analysis. The estimated pooled prevalence of asthma was 28.9%, with a higher prevalence observed among boys compared to girls. A random-effects model was used to account for heterogeneity among studies, which was notably high (I² = 99%). Factors contributing to the high prevalence included increasing urbanization, air pollution, and specific environmental exposures, particularly in regions like Jazan. Limitations of the analysis included reliance on self-reported data without spirometric confirmation and potential publication bias. Despite these challenges, the findings emphasize the urgent need for public health interventions to reduce asthma prevalence and improve outcomes. Future research should incorporate standardized diagnostic methods and objective measurements to provide more accurate estimates and to develop effective management strategies. Full article

Urban spatial structure, shaped by human intervention in the natural environment, impacts the functional space and socioeconomic efficiency of cities. Against this backdrop, this study investigates the linkage between urban spatial structure (USS) and carbon emission efficiency (CEE) in China from 2012 to 2020. This paper employs a nine-year dataset and spatial econometric models involving 279 prefectural cities in China. The study innovatively employs the Herfindahl index and the super-efficiency SBM model to evaluate the level of polycentric urban structure and CEE in these cities. It further explores the trends in spatial evolution and relevant characteristics of these factors. Additionally, the study applies the SDM to explore the spillover effect of urban polycentric structure on CEE. The study makes innovative use of the Herfindahl index and the super-efficiency SBM model to evaluate the level of polycentric urban structure and CEE in these cities, further exploring the trends in spatial evolution and relevant characteristics of these factors. Additionally, it applies the SDM to explore the spillover effect of urban polycentric structure on CEE. Robustness tests are carried out to confirm the findings. The results confirm that a polycentric structure significantly enhances carbon emission efficiency within a city. However, it adversely affects neighboring cities by reducing their carbon emission efficiency through negative spatial spillover effects. The results verify that a polycentric structure significantly enhances carbon emission efficiency within a city. However, it has an adverse impact on neighboring cities by reducing their carbon emission efficiency through negative spatial spillover effects. Full article

Background: The relationship between malaria/other febrile infections and anaemia among under-5 children is a subject of significant policy relevance among African health policy makers. The international significance of addressing anaemia is prominently underscored in the third Sustainable Development Goal (SDG). This paper therefore analysed the effect of malaria/other febrile infections and other maternal and child’s demographic variables on the prevalence of anaemia in Niger. Methods: We utilized the under-5 children’s module of the Malaria Indicator Survey (MIS) for 2021, which was collected from women of reproductive age (15–49) in selected households. The data were analysed with heteroscedasticity-consistent ordered probit regression model. Results: The results showed that 73.73% of the children was anaemic, while malaria and other febrile infections were present in 14.00% and 33.87%, respectively. Anaemia was highest in the Tillaberi and Dosso regions, where 84.12% and 79.12% of the children were anaemic. The ordered probit regression revealed that anaemia was promoted by malaria, other febrile infections, being a male child, second of multiple birth, and birth order, while wealth index, age, urban residence, and access to newspaper and television reduced it. Conclusions: Anaemia remains a major public health problem among under-5 children in Niger. A comprehensive healthcare intervention to address the problem should consider regional, sectoral, and gender differences in the incidences, with drastic efforts towards prevention of malaria and other fever-inducing illnesses. In addition, interventions to promote households’ economic status, reduce maternal fertility, and facilitate preventive practices through nutrition enhancement and health-related media programs hold some promise. Full article

The relationship between coronary heart disease (CHD) and complex urban built environments remains a subject of considerable uncertainty. The development of predictive models via machine learning to explore the underlying mechanisms of this association, as well as the formulation of intervention policies and planning strategies, has emerged as a pivotal area of research. A cross-sectional dataset of hospital admissions for CHD over the course of a year from a hospital in Dalian City, China, was assembled and matched with multi-source built environment data via residential addresses. This study evaluates five machine learning models, including decision tree (DT), random forest (RF), eXtreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), multi-layer perceptron (MLP), and support vector machine (SVM), and compares them with multiple linear regression models. The results show that DT, RF, and XGBoost exhibit superior predictive capabilities, with all R² values exceeding 0.70. The DT model performed the best, with an R² value of 0.818, and the best performance was based on metrics such as MAE and MSE. Additionally, using explainable AI techniques, this study reveals the contribution of different built environment factors to CHD and identifies the significant factors influencing CHD in cold regions, ranked as age, Digital Elevation Model (DEM), house price (HP), sky view factor (SVF), and interaction factors. Stratified analyses by age and gender show variations in the influencing factors for different groups: for those under 60 years old, Road Density is the most influential factor; for the 61–70 age group, house price is the top factor; for the 71–80 age group, age is the most significant factor; for those over 81 years old, building height is the leading factor; in males, GDP is the most influential factor; and in females, age is the most influential factor. This study explores the feasibility and performance of machine learning in predicting CHD risk in the built environment of cold regions and provides a comprehensive methodology and workflow for predicting cardiovascular disease risk based on refined neighborhood-level built environment factors, offering scientific support for the construction of sustainable healthy cities. Full article

Background/Objectives: Despite evidence of the effectiveness of early intervention (EI) programs, eligible infants often experience delays in initiation of services or fail to receive services entirely. Disparities have been documented, including lower enrollment rates for infants with public insurance. The objective of this pilot study was to evaluate the feasibility of initiating home physical therapy (PT) services promptly after neonatal or cardiac intensive care unit (NICU/CICU) discharge for infants with public insurance and to assess early motor outcomes for children who received study therapy compared with a standard of care group. Methods: Infants were recruited if discharged from a study NICU/CICU, had public insurance, and were eligible for Illinois EI services. Infants living in Chicago (n = 46) received weekly home-based PT from a study therapist until 3–4 months corrected age (CA). Infants living outside Chicago received standard of care services and served as a control group (n = 14). At discharge, infants were referred to EI and underwent the Test of Infant Motor Performance (TIMP). Outcomes at 3–4 months CA included initiation rates for study PT and EI and follow-up TIMP testing. Results: By 3–4 months CA, 78% of the intervention group had received ≥1 PT session. In contrast, just 13% of the entire cohort had received any EI therapy. Infants who had 8–10 PT sessions in the first 3–4 months after discharge were more likely to have a change in the TIMP Z-score of >0.5 SD. Conclusions: Prompt transition to home therapy was feasible for infants with public insurance in an urban setting who may benefit most due to the potential for neuroplastic change. Addressing barriers identified in this study may assist in improving access to EI for young infants. Full article

This study explores the long-run relationship among the environmental footprint (EnF), renewable energy consumption, energy use, industrial growth, and urbanization in Saudi Arabia from 1990 to 2023, employing the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model, alongside Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares (FMOLS), Dynamic Ordinary Least Squares (DOLS), and Canonical Cointegrating Regression (CCR) for robustness checks. Results indicate a significant long-term relationship among the variables, with renewable energy adoption emerging as a crucial factor in reducing carbon emissions. The ARDL bounds test confirms the existence of cointegration, revealing the dynamic interplay among renewable energy, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. The findings show that renewable energy consumption significantly reduces the environmental footprint (CO₂ emissions), supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals for economic diversification and sustainable development. However, industrial expansion, while critical for economic growth, still contributes to increased emissions, underscoring the need for further investment in clean technologies. The study also highlights the role of urbanization, which, while essential for development, poses challenges for environmental sustainability. Short-term dynamics, represented by the Error Correction Model, indicate a fast adjustment speed toward equilibrium, with deviations corrected by approximately 52% each period. The study offers valuable insights for policymakers aiming to balance industrial growth with environmental protection, emphasizing the need for strategic investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency. This research contributes to the understanding of energy–economy–environment interactions in oil-rich economies, providing a foundation for future studies to explore the impact of advanced technologies and policy interventions on sustainable development Full article

Microplastic (MP) pollution has emerged as a critical environmental and health issue, particularly in urban areas where the use of plastic packaging for preserved foods, personal care products, and other consumables is prevalent. The rapid pace of urbanization amplifies the challenges associated with managing MP pollution, making it imperative to develop innovative and sustainable solutions. MPs are ubiquitous in urban environments, originating from various sources and pathways, including improper waste disposal, stormwater runoff, and atmospheric deposition. These tiny particles not only threaten ecological integrity but also pose significant risks to human health. Addressing this issue requires a comprehensive approach that integrates environmental management, public health considerations, and socio-economic factors within urban planning. The presence of MPs adversely affects ecosystems and human health, highlighting the urgent need for effective MP management within sustainable urbanization strategies. This paper presents a novel perspective on managing MP pollution in urban environments, focusing on the specific challenges and opportunities. Unlike existing reviews that provide broad overviews of MP pollution, our study proposes management strategies designed to address the distinct issues faced in urban settings. We provide a comprehensive analysis of the current state of knowledge regarding MPs in urban areas, encompassing environmental, health, and socio-economic impacts. These strategies include promoting eco-friendly alternatives to plastics, enhancing waste collection and disposal systems, and implementing policy interventions aimed at reducing plastic consumption. By addressing urban-specific challenges and proposing comprehensive solutions, our study aims to significantly contribute to the field of MP pollution management in sustainable urbanization, ultimately safeguarding human health and the environment. Full article

Water resources are an important foundation for sustainable socioeconomic development. Revealing water use efficiency, the change in water use trends, and their driving mechanisms is essential for facilitating the scientific and reasonable prediction of water demand, thereby guiding the scientific planning and management of water resources. This study utilizes socioeconomic and water usage data from 65 countries spanning the years 1970 to 2020, employing the panel smooth transfer regression (PSTR) model to analyze the relationship between per capita total water withdrawal and per capita GDP. Additionally, Random Forest (RF) methods and empirical statistical analyses are implemented to identify the driving factors, control variables, and critical thresholds of water use trends in countries with different levels of development. The results show that: (1) there exists a nonlinear relationship between per capita total water withdrawal and per capita GDP on a global scale, with 70% of the countries exhibiting an inverted U-type trend in water usage; (2) the observed decline in per capita total water withdrawal in relation to per capita GDP is primarily driven by technological advancements and the optimization and enhancement of production structure; (3) common characteristics of OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) countries that have reached their peak water usage include a service sector contribution to GDP exceeding 60%, urbanization levels at 70%, and per capita GDP surpassing USD 20,000. The observed changes in water use trends and the characteristic indicators associated with peak water usage, under conditions devoid of engineering interventions and resources constraints, can serve as valuable references for medium- and long-term water resources planning and water demand management in developing nations. Full article

As a new driving force for economic growth, the digital economy has had a profound impact on the labor market. While the existing research has explored the role of the digital economy in job substitution, creation, and polarization effects, the research on the impact on the social insurance fund income is relatively scarce. In view of this, based on the provincial panel data from 2011 to 2020, this paper analyzes the effect and mechanism of the digital economy on the pension income by using the moderated chain intermediary model and random forest regression. The results show that: (1) the employment scale, labor income, industrial structure, and government intervention are the important factors affecting the income of urban pension insurance; (2) the development of the digital economy has a negative impact on the income of the basic pension insurance fund for urban employees, and the chain intermediary effect that indirectly affects the employment scale and labor income through promoting the upgrading of the industrial structure has a negative impact on the income of the pension insurance fund. The employment scale and employment income of the industries with high and low substitution rates have a significant impact; (3) government intervention can regulate the negative impact of the digital economy development on the pension fund income. Furthermore, taking the transformation and reform of social security collection and payment institutions in July 2018 as an opportunity, the analysis using the event study method found that the average level of the pension income in the regions where the tax department was fully responsible increased significantly compared with the regions where the social security department collected it. Therefore, in order to maintain the sustainability of the pension fund income and effectively prevent the problem of old-age poverty caused by the “silver wave” and the lack of protection of workers’ rights and interests, institutional innovation should be promoted, the current tax policy should be adjusted, and the inclusiveness and flexibility of the pension security system should be improved. Digital technology should be used to improve the government’s intervention capacity and management level, and promote the positive interaction between the digital economy and the pension insurance system. Full article

Background/Objectives: Chronic otomastoiditis is a complex inflammatory condition frequently associated with delayed diagnosis, inadequate antibiotic use, and healthcare disparities. This study aimed to analyze the clinical, demographic, and microbiological characteristics of chronic otomastoiditis and its complications over a 10-year period in rural versus urban populations. Methods: This retrospective study included 292 patients with chronic otomastoiditis admitted to the ENT Clinic of Craiova County Emergency Clinical Hospital from 2013 to 2023. Data were collected on patient demographics, clinical presentations, imaging findings, audiometry, bacteriological profiles, and surgical outcomes. Statistical analyses were conducted to identify risk factors and patterns of antibiotic resistance. Results: Urban patients represented 60.27% of cases, while rural patients (39.73%) presented later with more advanced disease. Cholesteatoma was identified in 49.31% of cases, frequently associated with hearing loss and structural complications. Significant antibiotic resistance was noted for Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus, with high resistance rates to amoxicillin and amoxicillin–clavulanate. Surgical interventions, primarily mastoidectomy, were associated with varied recovery rates and complications. Conclusions: Chronic otomastoiditis is influenced by healthcare accessibility and antibiotic resistance. Early diagnosis, antibiotic stewardship, and targeted surgical interventions are critical in managing this condition, particularly in underserved rural populations. Public health efforts should focus on improving healthcare accessibility to mitigate long-term complications. Full article

The proliferation of abandoned houses in rural South Korea poses significant challenges to sustainable rural development, driven by declining birth rates, aging populations, and urban migration. However, effective policy implementation is hindered by the lack of understanding of the negative externalities caused by abandoned houses. This study fills this gap by estimating the negative externalities associated with abandoned rural houses using discrete choice experiments. Surveys targeting individuals planning rural relocations and potential tourists considering rural stays were conducted to quantify the external costs. Our findings reveal that the marginal willingness to pay associated with abandoned houses is negative and decreases with an increasing number of abandoned houses nearby, both in the context of house purchases and rural stays. Extrapolating these results to the national level, we estimate the aggregate negative externalities value to be approximately 4.2 trillion KRW per year, highlighting significant negative externalities in rural areas nationwide. The implications of our analysis underscore the severity of negative externalities from abandoned houses, which may surpass the value of housing services, discourage migration, and prompt residents to leave rural communities, thus exacerbating the issue. Our study emphasizes the necessity for further research and policy interventions to address the negative externalities associated with abandoned rural houses, offering insights into the potential use of discrete choice experiments in similar contexts. Full article