Urban Challenges Research Articles

Towards setting a standard for evaluating living labs with case studies in Turkiye

The article highlights the significance of understanding success criteria by gathering data from key stakeholders associated with Basaksehir Living Lab, Bodrum Living Lab and Mezopotamya Living Lab via the in-depth interview method. These interviews aim to gain insights into how these living labs have addressed and incorporated the identified success criteria within their initiatives and to understand the impact and outcomes they have achieved in their respective contexts. The interviews reveal valuable insights and lessons learned that could inform the design and implementation of future lab initiatives. Furthermore, the findings contribute to the existing knowledge base on ULLs, shedding light on their potential to address urban challenges, foster collaboration, and drive sustainable urban development. However, there is a literature gap in terms of a comprehensive understanding of the success criteria specific to ULLs, which hinders the effective utilization of ULLs as platforms for addressing urban challenges. The conclusions drawn from the article emphasize the need for further examination of these labs' openness, user empowerment, and transferability criteria. Nevertheless, the article contributes to understanding the success criteria of ULLs and provides insights for future research and practice.

Comparison of mass timber structure and RC structure with regard to sustainability by life cycle assessment

Since the 18th-century Industrial Revolution, high-rise have played a crucial role in addressing urbanization challenges, remaining a primary solution for urban living. However, this architectural advancement has also contributed to environmental decline. Presently, steel and concrete stand out as the predominant materials for high-rise construction, with well-documented significant carbon emissions. This paper delves into the potential of timber as an environmentally friendly alternative in high-rise construction to address such environmental concerns. Furthermore, it examines the impact of these structures on land load. The paper conducts a comprehensive review of life cycle assessment (LCA) studies and offers a comparative analysis of the climate change impacts associated with timber versus conventional materials like reinforced concrete (RC), underscoring the urgent need for sustainable development in the vertical expansion of our cities. The findings demonstrate that both the mass and carbon emissions of high-rise timber structures, in comparison to RC structures, can be reduced by approximately half. The paper aims to underscore the benefits of timber in comparison to conventional reinforced concrete methods, thereby informing material selection in favor of sustainable urban development.

Imagining and implementing healthy city interventions: Combined results from parallel concept mapping exercises in Montreal with community members and stakeholders.

Built environment interventions provide structural solutions to complex urban challenges. Though community voices are part of municipal decision-making, planners and public health professionals need tools to better integrate their perspectives for desired changes (what) when implementing built environment interventions (how). We present two simultaneous concept mapping exercises conducted in Montréal, Canada, to facilitate the consideration of these dimensions. Community members were prompted about neighbourhood changes that could improve their quality of life; stakeholders were prompted about factors that contribute to successful implementation of interventions. Through each exercise, items were generated, grouped, and rated on importance and feasibility. Concept maps were produced using multidimensional scaling and hierarchical cluster analysis. The clusters identified by community members and stakeholders were combined into a Community × Stakeholder Matrix, which supported discussions on interventions with the research's Advisory Committee. Thirty-two community members generated 41 responses, which resulted in 6 clusters: (1) strengthen public transportation, (2) reduce space dedicated to cars, (3) foster local social connections, (4) develop quality cycling infrastructure, (5) improve pedestrian accessibility, and (6) green the city. Thirty-seven stakeholders generated 40 items, which resulted in 5 clusters: (1) collaboration with stakeholders and citizens, (2) planning and evaluation, (3) common vision for the future, (4) regulatory framework and funding, and (5) context-informed approach. Capturing the collective vision of our urban environments and the processes underlying change through concept mapping can lead to more successful changes. We propose combining understandings of the what and how into a matrix to support evaluation and strategic planning of interventions and better integrate community voices into operational planning.

Spatio Temporal Variations of Ridehailing Use on Campus Travel in Surabaya City, Indonesia

Surabaya, one of Indonesia’s most densely populated cities, faces the challenge of massive urbanization and heavy traffic congestion. The city’s population of over three million, coupled with high mobility, has led to a surge in motorized vehicles, especially private cars. This is a direct consequence of the growth and development of the city. The prevalence of ride-hailing services in Surabaya has emerged as a common phenomenon, offering a solution to the rising demand for transportation services. By embracing ride-hailing services, the public has transitioned from traditional modes of transportation to digitally enabled, more convenient alternatives. From a spatial perspective, understanding the role of geographical factors is crucial in predicting ride-hailing trends. This research employs the Geographical Weighted Regression (GWR) method to analyze the factors influencing ride-hailing demand for students commuting to and from their campuses during different periods. Primary data collection is conducted through questionnaires to gather information about travel characteristics such as distance, time, cost, and frequency. Secondary data sources include data related to road density (arterial, collector, local roads), density, destination accessibility, diversity (land-use mix entropy), and transit access (bus stops and stations). The findings reveal significant variables influencing variations in ride-hailing demand for student commuters in Surabaya based on periods. These include travel characteristics (cost/time/distance), design (neighborhood road density), destination accessibility (tourist attractions, sports and leisure facilities, cultural and educational services, and commercial, and residential density), as well as transit access at bus stops and stations.

Envisioning of smart cycling in seven cities: Discourse analysis of official city documents

This article investigates how and why smart cycling is implemented in cities. First, we develop a conceptual framework based on the literature that addresses sustainable transportation in cities,with a focus on cycling. Afterwards, we use this framework to explore how cycling is mentioned in the official discourse of cities by examining published official city documents using discourse analysis. Thus, we investigate the narratives published around smart cycling in seven cities: Helsinki, Montreal, Moscow, Tokyo, Dublin, Boston, and Vancouver. Conducting discourse analysis helps contextualize the implementation of smart cycling in cities, allowing us to grasp whether and how the narratives of smart cycling in the cities’ discourse are aligned towards a more technical or social recipe. This research shows that smart cycling narratives in cities emphasize both its social and technical aspects, reflecting the socio-technical aspects and nature of smart cycling and its discourse. This comprehensive understanding of smart cycling indicates that it can play different roles in different cities, based on a city’s goals and vision. Hence, smart cycling is a versatile tool for addressing urban challenges and building smarter, more sustainable cities, both technically and socially.

Impact of Urban Expansion on Migratory Birds in the Lagos Wetlands: Breeding Habits and Population Dynamics

This research delves into the complex interactions between urban expansion and migratory bird populations in the Lagos wetlands, specifically examining how changes in urban landscapes influence breeding habits and population dynamics. The rapid and extensive urbanization in Lagos has resulted in considerable habitat fragmentation and environmental degradation, leading to significant disruptions in the ecological functions vital for the sustenance of migratory bird species. This study conducts a thorough analysis of existing conservation measures, assessing their effectiveness and identifying gaps in current practices. Building on this analysis, the research proposes a suite of integrated strategies for sustainable urban planning that emphasizes wildlife preservation. These strategies include the development of green infrastructure, the establishment of ecological corridors, enhanced community involvement in conservation efforts, and the integration of robust environmental policies into urban planning frameworks. The study underscores the critical need for a holistic and scalable approach to urban planning, one that effectively balances human development with the preservation of biodiversity. The findings advocate for a multi-faceted response to urban impacts, suggesting that while current conservation efforts provide a foundation, they require significant expansion and reinforcement to safeguard the migratory bird populations and maintain the ecological health of the Lagos wetlands in the face of ongoing urban challenges.

ASSESSING THE PSYCHOSOCIAL COST OF SOCIAL DISORDER: FEELING OF SAFETY, VICTIMIZATION BY VIOLENCE AND SATISFACTION WITH LIFE

Objective: This study examines how social disorder affects satisfaction with life, highlighting the mediating role of violence victimization and feeling of safety. Methodology: A cross-sectional quantitative design was employed, collecting data from 427 participants through surveys. Variables were analyzed using structural equations in PLS-SEM. Results: This study demonstrates how social disorder reduce feeling of safety and increases violence victimization, negatively impacting satisfaction with life. It reveals a positive correlation between Feeling of safety and satisfaction with life, and a negative correlation between violence victimization and satisfaction with life. It also confirms that social disorder indirectly affects satisfaction with life by reducing Feeling of safety and increasing victimization, showing mediating effects. Conclusions: The findings reveal that social disorder, characterized by urban environments marked by abandonment and neglect, significantly contributes to a decreased feeling of security among residents, which in turn negatively affects their satisfaction with life. Furthermore, violence victimization was identified as acting as a critical mediator in this relationship, exacerbating the negative impact of social disorder on satisfaction with life. Contribution: The study provides empirical evidence that proactive management and maintenance of the urban environment is essential not only to improve feeling of safety but also to mitigate violence victimization. By proactively addressing urban challenges, we can create safer and more welcoming spaces that promote collective well-being and strengthen the social fabric of our cities.

Smart cities in developing countries: a review of research literature

ABSTRACT This paper departs from the need to better understand the intellectual map of smart city research in the context of developing countries which tends to be overlooked within the current smart city literature. A more refined landscape of smart city literature has been therefore carried out by using bibliometric analysis, i.e. a quantitative analysis method to measure and map the current body of knowledge in a scientific discipline, based on academic articles indexed in the Scopus database. In this paper, we employ a provincializing smart urbanism stance, particularly by looking through the lenses of socio-technical system and (variegated) development paths to arrive at a more nuanced understanding of smart cities. First, by looking at the research trends, geographical origins of knowledge production, research themes, and the overall intellectual structure of smart city research we unpack the similarities and differences between the general and developing countries categories. Second, reflecting upon these findings, we provide a more contextualized view of smart city research in developing countries and propose a number of research areas that have so far been overlooked. Given some peculiarities in the intellectual landscape of the smart city in developing countries due to different socio-technical contextual conditions, we suggest the need to attune the smart city label to national and local specifics so that it can aptly address real and multiplex urban challenges.

Optimizing indoor air quality and energy efficiency in multifamily residences: Advanced passive pipe system parametrics study

This research focuses on enhancing natural ventilation in multifamily residential buildings to improve air quality and minimize reliance on mechanical ventilation, thereby reducing energy consumption. The study pioneers the integration of passive pipe systems within structural floor slabs and building envelopes, aiming to overcome the inherent challenges of indoor environmental quality (IEQ) related to design constraints, occupant behavior, and urban context. Our innovative approach, utilizing a novel application of Grasshopper for precise architectural modeling and Ansys for advanced multiphysics simulation, enables a detailed comparative analysis of airflow dynamics across various system configurations. A comprehensive literature review underscores the significance of natural ventilation as a key passive cooling strategy, vital for reducing energy use and enhancing IEQ in the face of urbanization challenges. Our empirical findings reveal that configurations with more inlet and outlet pipes significantly outperform simpler ones, with a notable configuration of 11 pipes (5 × 6) achieving an actual-to-required ventilation rate increase in 158.15%. This evidence highlights the substantial benefits of adopting complex system configurations for improved ventilation efficiency. The study’s outcomes include impactful design recommendations for adopting enhanced natural ventilation strategies in multifamily residential buildings. These recommendations promise to inform sustainable urban planning and building management strategies, offering a scalable solution for cities seeking to balance growth with environmental sustainability. By demonstrating the clear advantages of targeted passive cooling interventions, this research contributes valuable insights toward achieving energy efficiency and superior IEQ in residential buildings, paving the way for future exploration in diverse climatic and urban contexts.

Always growing? Mapping population change in urban China for 2010-2020

The geographic assessment of population changes provides fundamental insights into understanding urban development and addressing future urbanization challenges. In this graphic, we produced a Dorling cartogram to geo-visualize population changes at the city level across China between 2010 and 2020. The cartogram illustrates how internal migration fuels China’s growing population concentration and regional disparity, leading to significant population loss in lower administrative-level cities and escalating intercity imbalances across the country.

Redefining sustainable urban development: A critical analysis in the wake of COVID‐19

AbstractThis paper critically examines the concept of sustainable development, particularly in the context of urban challenges exacerbated by the COVID‐19 pandemic. Although the concept of sustainable development has been around for more than three decades, it faces ongoing global socio‐environmental crises that have been exacerbated by the rapid spread of COVID‐19 since 2019, which has highlighted the vulnerability of urban and interconnected cities. Our approach includes a comparative literature review to analyze the evolution and critique of sustainable development, focusing on its conceptual foundations, complementary strategies, and political‐economic implications. The paper addresses the urban implications of COVID‐19, emphasizing its direct impact on the Sustainable Development Goals and arguing for a comprehensive reassessment of sustainable urban development practices. We propose a transformative agenda that recognizes local specificities and draws on cities' experiences during the pandemic to build a more equitable and crisis‐resilient global society. This research highlights the urgency to rethink current sustainable development paradigms, especially in light of the human‐environment imbalance and lessons learned from the COVID‐19 crisis. It calls for a reformed global approach that incorporates local dimensions and draws on the experience of cities to address the inequalities and crisis‐prone structures in our societies, with the aim of a fundamental shift toward a more sustainable future in the post‐COVID‐19 era.

Decomposing the comprehensive efficiency of major cities into divisions on governance, ICT and sustainability: network slack-based measure model

The rapid urbanization and population growth in major cities have given rise to enduring urban challenges, prompting local governments to assess urban development performance and customize urban planning strategies to meet these challenges. This study aims to formulate an evaluation framework for the comprehensive efficiency of major cities, centering on governance, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), and sustainability as fundamental aspects. Distinct from prior research, the framework employs the network slack-based measure (SBM) to unravel efficiency, concurrently scrutinizing input/output slack and link efficiency. Utilizing the network SBM model, the study assesses the comprehensive operational efficiencies of 38 major Chinese cities spanning from 2015 to 2019. The application of the Kruskal–Wallis test discerns differences in comprehensive efficiency between coastal and inland areas. The results indicate that governance, ICT, and sustainability significantly influence the comprehensive operations of cities. In addition to general and short-term policies, the implementation of the National New-Type Urbanization Plan by the Chinese central government has led to an increase in the number of cities demonstrating sustainable efficiency. Despite fluctuations in the efficiency gap during the study period, coastal cities consistently outperform their inland counterparts in terms of efficiency. Persistent geographical disparities underscore the imperative for balanced development. While acknowledging positive strides in sustainable urbanization, the study emphasizes the ongoing necessity to address the adverse impacts of urban development, positioning governance, ICT, and sustainability as indispensable elements in confronting the multifaceted challenges inherent in urban development. The research findings contribute significantly to the field of urban efficiency evaluation, accentuating the collaborative impact of governance, ICT, and sustainability.

Review on the Application of Nature-Based Solutions in Urban Forest Planning and Sustainable Management

Despite growing recognition of nature-based solutions (NBS), there remains a research gap in understanding their implementation in urban areas, which poses a significant challenge for urban forest development. Therefore, our paper aims to explore the intersection of NBS with urban forests (UF), identify current barriers, propose strategies to maximize the potential of urban forests as nature-based solutions (UF-NBS) in effectively improving the resilience of urban forests, and enhance the service capacity of urban forest ecosystems. To achieve our objective, we conducted a comprehensive analysis that included a bibliometric review to summarize the evolution of the UF-NBS literature and classify UF-NBS types for the first time. Subsequently, we identified and organized current challenges faced by UF-NBS. Additionally, we proposed an original technological framework system for urban forest development based on NBS principles. The results show the significance of UF-NBS for enhancing urban resilience and human wellbeing, with multiple successful implementations in both China and Europe, validating their effectiveness. However, the implementation of UF-NBS faces several challenges, including inadequate financing, the gap between scientific knowledge and practical implementation, the absence of region-specific information, and the need for interdisciplinary collaboration. This study contributes to establishing a scientific theoretical basis for integrating UF and NBS and provides a systematic approach for decision-makers in urban forest management. Future research should focus on exploring the integration of UF within the NBS framework and prioritize knowledge sharing, international cooperation, and education initiatives to promote the global adoption of UF-NBS and address pressing urban challenges.

A transformative shift in urban ecology toward a more active and relevant future for the field and for cities

This paper builds on the expansion of urban ecology from a biologically based discipline—ecology in the city—to an increasingly interdisciplinary field—ecology of the city—to a transdisciplinary, knowledge to action endeavor—an ecology for and with the city. We build on this “prepositional journey” by proposing a transformative shift in urban ecology, and we present a framework for how the field may continue this shift. We conceptualize that urban ecology is in a state of flux, and that this shift is needed to transform urban ecology into a more engaged and action based field, and one that includes a diversity of actors willing to participate in the future of their cities. In this transformative shift, these actors will engage, collaborate, and participate in a continuous spiral of knowledge → action → knowledge spiral and back to knowledge loop, with the goal of co producing sustainable and resilient solutions to myriad urban challenges. Our framework for this transformative shift includes three pathways: (1) a repeating knowledge → action → knowledge spiral of ideas, information, and solutions produced by a diverse community of agents of urban change working together in an “urban sandbox”; (2) incorporation of a social–ecological–technological systems framework in this spiral and expanding the spiral temporally to include the “deep future,” where future scenarios are based on a visioning of seemingly unimaginable or plausible future states of cities that are sustainable and resilient; and (3) the expansion of the spiral in space, to include rural areas and places that are not yet cities. The three interrelated pathways that define the transformative shift demonstrate the power of an urban ecology that has moved beyond urban systems science and into a realm where collaborations among diverse knowledges and voices are working together to understand cities and what is urban while producing sustainable solutions to contemporary challenges and envisioning futures of socially, ecologically, and technologically resilient cities. We present case study examples of each of the three pathways that make up this transformative shift in urban ecology and discuss both limitations and opportunities for future research and action with this transdisciplinary broadening of the field.

Vertical Farming: Revolutionizing Sustainable Agriculture in the 21st Century

Vertical farming has emerged as a revolutionary approach to sustainable agriculture in the 21st century, addressing the challenges of population growth, urbanization, and climate change. This article provides a comprehensive overview of vertical farming technologies, strategies for soil and water conservation, and the potential benefits and limitations of this innovative agricultural system. The article explores the history and development of vertical farming, the various types of vertical farming systems, and the key components and technologies involved. It also discusses the environmental, economic, and social implications of vertical farming, including its potential to reduce land use, water consumption, and carbon emissions, while increasing crop yields and food security. The article presents case studies of successful vertical farming projects around the world and identifies future research and development needs to further advance this field. The potential of vertical farming to transform the agricultural landscape and contribute to sustainable urban development is highlighted, along with the challenges and opportunities for widespread adoption. The article concludes with recommendations for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners to support the growth and development of vertical farming as a sustainable solution for meeting the food demands of a growing global population.

Using public participation gis to understand texas coastal communities’ perceptions and preferences for urban green space development in connection to their perceptions of flood risk

Urban green spaces, a form of green infrastructure, provide cities with a number of opportunities to build urban resilience to withstand a wide range of urban challenges, such as land-use change, climate change, biodiversity loss, and physical and mental health. Despite their benefits to communities, urban green spaces are among the most valuable and attractive areas for development and are most susceptible to urban development. Therefore, careful planning of the green space network is needed,requiring diverse voices from not only city policymakers and planning experts but also local residents. This study investigated residents’ perceptions and preferences for green space development and its association with perceived flood risk. Data were collected from residents residing in two Texas Gulf Coast cities via a Public Participation Geographic Information System (PPGIS) platform. Our analyses revealed that Texas Gulf Coast residents assigned a full spectrum of landscape values to their existing urban green spaces with aesthetic and recreation values being most frequently identified. Notably, across the city landscape, urban green spaces that were most favored by residents tended to be green spaces with water bodies, large in scale and offered a broader array of facilities/amenities. These spaces were also identified as flood-prone areas, presenting opportunities for green space improvement, flood protection, and preservation. In addition, we observed a significant association between residents’ risk perception and the number of locations across the city landscape they perceived as posing the greatest flooding threat. Our findings illustrate a need to promote multiple landscape values of urban green spaces, especially in its ability to protect the city from future flooding. This research highlights how PPGIS can support green infrastructure planning as well as enhance public participation in green infrastructure planning processes.

Towards comprehensive urban sustainability: navigating predominant urban challenges and assessing their severity differential in Bangladeshi city corporations

Purpose Despite city authorities in Bangladesh being concerned about urban sustainability, they often face difficulties in addressing predominant urban challenges threatening urban sustainability, due to limited relevant literature. To reduce this gap, this study aims to address the predominant urban challenges and assess their severity levels in four city corporations of Bangladesh, e.g. Rajshahi, Sylhet, Barishal, and Gazipur. Design/methodology/approach Using a mixed-method approach, this study rigorously analyzed field-level data obtained from 1,200 residents across selected cities using diverse statistical techniques. The quantitative analysis included descriptive analysis, exploratory factor analysis, and chi-square tests, whereas qualitative insights were derived through thematic analysis. Findings The study uncovered nine predominant urban challenges under two crucial factors “Feeble Urban Management” and “Illicit Activities” that collectively explain 62.20% variance. “Feeble Urban Management” explains 44.17% variance, whereas “Illicit Activities” accounts for 18.13%. Within these challenges, uncontrolled urban sprawl, inadequate disaster management, congested roads, and shabby drainage and waste management pose significant threats to urban sustainability. Illicit activities, manifested by encroachment on water sources, grabbing roadside, destruction of natural properties, and activities undermining social security, compound the urban sustainability issue. Severity analysis reveals Sylhet (54.5%), Rajshahi (46.4%), and Barishal (31.2%) as highly impacted, whereas Gazipur exhibits moderate severity (66.7%). Originality/value The findings of this study reveal intrinsic insights into urban challenges in Bangladesh that will provide valuable guidance to city authorities, equipping them to implement integrated and effective initiatives and programs that overcome these predominant urban challenges, with a specific focus on Rajshahi, Sylhet, and Barishal city corporations.

Towards urban energy sustainability and resiliency through smart agriculture and effective renewable resource allocation

Urban energy sustainability and resiliency are paramount in addressing the challenges of modern urbanization. This paper introduces a novel framework that seamlessly integrates smart agriculture practices with an effective renewable resource allocation strategy to optimize energy utilization in urban and suburban areas. The optimization models employ a Multifactorial Evolutionary Algorithm, providing a dynamic and adaptive approach to fine-tune system parameters. The results, presented through numeric tables and colorful figures, showcase optimized agricultural production levels, renewable resource utilization, and the impact of specific factors and parameters on algorithmic performance. Notably, the study reveals the intricate balance achieved through the integration of smart agriculture and renewable energy, offering actionable insights for sustainable urban development. The visualizations not only enhance result comprehension but also serve as powerful tools for effective communication. This research contributes to the evolving discourse on urban energy sustainability, providing a systematic approach for future investigations at the intersection of agriculture, renewable energy, and optimization algorithms.

Empowering Smart Cities with AI and RPA: Strategies for Intelligent Urban Management and Sustainable Development

This research explores the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotic Process Automation (RPA) in empowering smart cities to achieve intelligent urban management and sustainable development. Through a comprehensive analysis of literature, case studies, and qualitative research methods, the paper identifies key strategies for leveraging AI and RPA to address urban challenges and promote sustainable urban development. The integration of AI and RPA technologies enables data-driven decision-making processes, streamlines administrative workflows, and enhances service delivery in smart cities. Furthermore, AI and RPA contribute to promoting sustainable development goals by optimizing resource utilization, improving environmental management practices, and enhancing resilience to climate change. However, the widespread adoption of AI and RPA in smart cities faces challenges related to privacy, data security, and equity, which must be carefully addressed to ensure responsible and equitable deployment of these technologies. By adopting comprehensive strategies, fostering collaboration between stakeholders, and embracing a culture of innovation, cities can harness the full potential of AI and RPA to build smarter, more resilient, and sustainable urban environments for all residents. This research provides valuable insights for policymakers, urban planners, and technology providers seeking to leverage AI and RPA to address urban challenges and promote sustainable development in smart cities.

A Novel Approach Integrating IoT and WSN with Predictive Modeling and Optimization for Enhancing Efficiency and Sustainability in Smart Cities

The development of smart city solutions is necessary for traffic management and environmental sustainability to meet the challenges of global urbanization. Based on this idea, the paper presents a new way to amalgamate IoT and Wireless Sensor Networks with predictive modeling and optimization methods for use in smart city management. To this end, we have installed traffic sensors (infrared, ultrasonic) and environmental sensors (air quality, humidity, gas) at strategic points throughout the city where they can collect real-time data on traffic and pollution. Then, this data is used together with machine learning models such as ANN (Artificial Neural Network), DT or Decision Trees, KNN (K-Nearest Neighbors), and RF or Random Forests. In practical terms, it is through iterative training processes that our models have achieved ever greater accuracy over time. Now they can actually learn and adapt to changing urban dynamics. The holistic solution of this approach pertains to informed decision-making in smart city infrastructure management. Urban stakeholders can make data-driven decisions by leveraging advanced sensor technologies and machine learning algorithms to deal with traffic congestion, reduce pollution and enhance the quality of life for smart cities. Urban planners, policymakers and technologists working on smart city solutions to improve urban mobility and environmental quality will all be interested in the outcomes of this study.