Cities In Countries Research Articles

The Platformization of Student Housing and the Rise of Mid‐Term Rentals. The Case of Uniplaces in Lisbon

AbstractThe most common approach to student housing has been articulated by studentification literature. Furthermore, authors have highlighted how student demand attracts institutional investors to develop Purpose‐Built Student Accommodation (PBSA). In this paper, we complement these approaches with a conceptualization of how digital platforms have restructured the supply of student rooms in houses of multiple occupation. Relying on business and software understandings of platforms, we first explore the case of Uniplaces in Lisbon, a platform that has imitated the Airbnb model and today is present in more than 130 cities in various countries. Second, we depict Uniplaces within a landscape of mid‐term rental platforms that cater for different profiles of mobile populations, who stay in destinations for a short‐ or mid‐term period of time. We conclude with a discussion about the potential of this market to further advance processes of transnational gentrification and weaken the position of tenants.

Evaluation of the Impact of COVID-19 Restrictions on Air Pollution in Russia’s Largest Cities

Governments around the world took unprecedented measures, such as social distancing and the minimization of public/industrial activity, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. This provided a unique chance to assess the relationships between key air pollutant emissions and track the reductions in these emissions in various countries during the lockdown. This study considers atmospheric air pollution in the 78 largest Russian cities (with populations over 250,000) in March–June of 2019–2021. This is the first such study for the largest cities in Russia. The initial data were the TROPOMI measurements (Sentinel-5P satellite) of such pollutants as carbon monoxide (CO), formaldehyde (HCHO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2), which are the main anthropogenic pollutants. The data were downloaded from the Google Earth Engine’s cloud-based geospatial data platform. This provided L3-level information for subsequent analysis. The TROPOMI data indicated a decrease in the atmospheric content of the air pollutants in the largest Russian cities during the lockdown compared to the pre-pandemic and post-pandemic periods. The reduced economic activity due to the COVID-19 pandemic had the greatest impact on NO2 concentrations. The average reduction was −30.7%, while the maximum reduction was found within Moscow city limits that existed before 01.07.2012 (−41% with respect to the 2019 level). For sulfur dioxide, the average decrease was only 7%, with a further drop in 2021 (almost 20% relative to 2019). For formaldehyde and carbon monoxide, there were no reductions during the 2020 lockdown period (99.4% and 100.9%, respectively, with respect to 2019). The identified impacts of the COVID-19 lockdown on NO2, SO2, HCHO, and CO NO2 concentrations in major Russian cities generally followed the patterns observed in other industrialized cities in China, India, Turkey, and European countries. The COVID-19 pandemic had a local impact on NO2 concentration reductions in major Russian cities. The differences leveled off over time, and the baseline pollution level for each pollutant was restored.

4E Transient Analysis of a Solar-Hybrid Gas-Turbine Cycle Equipped with Heliostat and MED

The current study investigates a cogeneration cycle of power and freshwater integrated with a solar system. The solar system is of the heliostat type, which is considered to preheat the inlet air in the combustion chamber of a 25-MW gas turbine. The waste heat of the turbine output stream is used to produce freshwater. Parameters such as the ambient temperature and solar irradiance significantly affect the system’s performance; hence, all analyses, including those pertaining to energy, exergy, economics, and environment, were conducted transiently, with a one-hour time step throughout the year so that the impacts of these effective parameters could be examined. Besides the analysis assuming a constant mass flow rate for the air entering the compressor, the calculations were repeated with the assumption of a constant volumetric flow rate to evaluate the cycle in the same conditions as those of natural gas power plants. Given the constant volumetric flow rate, for every 10-degree increase in temperature, the compressor power consumption decreased by approximately 2%. Moreover, a sensitivity analysis of the cycle performance in terms of ambient temperature was performed, and the corresponding results are presented. Finally, some correlations are presented to estimate variations in compressor power consumption and net turbine power due to temperature variations. The results demonstrate that in Bushehr, Iran, every one-degree increase in ambient temperature leads to an approximately 0.67 percentage decrease in net-generated power. In the end, the performance of the cycle was investigated under climatic conditions and solar irradiation intensities in several cities in Iran and some cities in different countries in which heliostat power plants have already been established. The results obtained in these cities were compared; it was concluded that the lowest annual cost of electricity generation is related to Isfahan in Iran, which reduces the cost of electricity generation by more than 20% (2.32 Cents/kWh) compared to the base cycle.

Reducing air pollution through smart energy management in industrial clusters of India

AbstractSmart energy management, along with clean technologies and advanced pollution control measures has proven to be an effective strategy for reducing air pollution in both developed and transitioning economies and holds significant potential to reduce emissions from industries and power plants—two of the major sources of air pollution in many of India's urban areas.This manuscript presents the results from a project and provides a critical proof of concept to show that developing country cities can achieve significant, measurable reductions in air pollution, Volatile Organic Compound emissions and greenhouse gas emissions through investing in smart energy management and advance control technologies. Achieving this goal, however, requires addressing two key challenges: (1) lack of a demonstrated link between smart energy management and air quality improvements in India; and (2) the need to scale up development, financing, and implementation of smart energy solutions, including energy efficiency and clean technology measures that can help address air pollution in industrialized urban areas, critically polluted areas by offsetting fossil fuel use for diesel‐ and coal‐fired electricity generation.

The Influence of Service Quality and Station Facilities on Mass Rapid Transit Jakarta Passengers' Satisfaction

Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) is an effective and convenient electric rail-based transportation system which has proven to have positive results since it is applied in large cities in various countries. Various facilities at MRT stations are provided to facilitate customer service. This study aimed to determine the effect of service quality and station facilities on user satisfaction when using the Jakarta MRT. The research method used was quantitative research using a questionnaire. The sample was 100 respondents from MRT user data using the Slovin Formula. The results indicated that the quality of service and station facilities has an influence of 52.7% and strongly relates to user satisfaction.
 Keywords: Service Quality, Facilities, Passenger Satisfaction

How and When Ethics Lead to Organizational Performance: Evidence from South Asian Firms

The objective of this paper was to examine the influence of determinants of business ethics, for instance, HR management ethics, ethics in corporate governance, and ethics in sales and marketing on organizational performance. The paper also examined mediation of human capital, structural capital and relational capital (dimensions of intellectual capital) in the connection between business ethics and organizational performance. Additionally, this research examined show technological change moderates between business ethics and organizational performance. Researchers collected 474 responses from March 2022 to November 2022 from the information technology sector in various cities in South Asian countries, including India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, through structured questionnaires. PLS-SEM modeling was used for data analysis; we evaluated the measurement and structural models for this purpose. The research results suggest that ethics in corporate governance, HR management ethics, and ethics in sales and marketing have a notably positive effect on business ethics, leading to a substantial and affirmative impact on organizational performance. The findings also revealed a significant mediating influence of human capital, structural capital, and relational capital between exogenous variables and organizational performance. The findings further suggest that technological change significantly and positively moderates the relationship between business ethics and organizational performance in the high-tech industry. This research offers a novel modified conceptual framework that provides substantial theoretical and managerial implications to research scholars and industry practitioners.

Stakeholder demands and corporate social responsibility: Evidence from the Olympic Games

We propose that stakeholder demand can explain firms’ corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities and empirically test our proposition using 2002–2016 panel data from multiple countries. We select the Olympic Games as our experimental context and use a difference-in-differences design. We find that firms domiciled in countries that host the Olympic Games subsequently experience a significantly smaller increase in CSR commitment than firms in countries that unsuccessfully bid to host the Olympics. We also find that firms domiciled in cities that host the Olympic Games exhibit a significantly smaller increase in CSR than those domiciled in other cities in the same country. Additional tests indicate that firms in host countries with greater increases in the levels of happiness tend to experience an even smaller increase in CSR. Our findings are consistent with the stakeholder demand explanation, as stakeholders are less likely to require local firms to invest in CSR if utilities, such as those from environmental improvement, increase.Running head: Olympic Games and CSR.

Resilience and vulnerabilities of urban food environments in the Asia‐Pacific region

Rapid urbanisation in the Asia-Pacific region is associated with complex changes to urban food environments. The impact of changing food environments on food purchasing and consumption and the diets and nutritional status of vulnerable groups, especially women and young children, is not well researched in low- and middle-income country cities. This paper aimed to examine: the risks and opportunities for healthy diets for low income populations offered by modernising urban centres; the concept of food deserts in relation to urban food environments in the Asia-Pacific region and how these could be mitigated; and measures to strengthen the resilience of food environments in the region using a case study of the impact of COVID-19 on informal food vendors. Our findings indicate that the dynamic changes in urban food environments in the Asia- Pacific region need to be understood by examining not only modern retail food outlets but also wet markets and informal food outlets, including street foods. Efforts should be made to ensure both modern and traditional outlets provide complementary platforms for convenient, affordable and accessible nutritious foods for urban populations. The resilience of urban food environments to environmental, physical and socio-economic shocks can be strengthened by shortening food supply chains and maximising food production in cities. Support mechanisms targeting urban informal food outlets and street vendors can also strengthen resilience and improve food security. Further research is needed on the impact of urbanising food environments on consumer choices, preferences, diets and health outcomes.

Hotspot Spatial Patterns Using SNNP-VIIRS for Fire Potential Monitoring

The province of East Kalimantan is officially designated as the State Capital because the area has the least risk of disaster, even though it cannot be separated from disasters such as forest and land fires. This study aims to determine the spatial pattern of hotspots using SNPP-VIIRS for monitoring potential fires. The research used the descriptive-analytic method to identify the research area and collect secondary data. Secondary data is spatial and nonspatial data consisting of hotspot data from the recording of the SNPP -VIIRS image, including frequency and distribution of hotspots. The data usage from 2012–2021 using SNPP-VIIRS morning and evening recordings. The study results show that the spatial pattern of potential hotspots in the capital city of a new country is quite varied. The spatial pattern of hotspots shows that Kutai Kartanegara Regency as one of the locations for the new State Capital, has the highest number of hotspots, namely 38,970 with the highest accuracy in East Kalimantan Province, namely, 1,616 (low), 36,253 (nominal), and 1,101 (high). The potential for fire disasters in Kutai Kartanegara Regency as an IKN location is high, so planning is urgently needed for future fire prevention, mitigation, and prevention strategies. The spatial pattern of hotspots is known, so it can be used to monitor potential fires and minimize fire occurrences.

Pandemic vulnerability index of US cities: A hybrid knowledge-based and data-driven approach

Cities become mission-critical zones during pandemics and it is vital to develop a better understanding of the factors that are associated with infection levels. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted many cities severely; however, there is significant variance in its impact across cities. Pandemic infection levels are associated with inherent features of cities (e.g., population size, density, mobility patterns, socioeconomic condition, and health & environment), which need to be better understood. Intuitively, the infection levels are expected to be higher in big urban agglomerations, but the measurable influence of a specific urban feature is unclear. The present study examines 41 variables and their potential influence on the incidence of COVID-19 infection cases. The study uses a multi-method approach to study the influence of variables, classified as demographic, socioeconomic, mobility and connectivity, urban form and density, and health and environment dimensions. This study develops an index dubbed the pandemic vulnerability index at city level (PVI-CI) for classifying the pandemic vulnerability levels of cities, grouping them into five vulnerability classes, from very high to very low. Furthermore, clustering and outlier analysis provides insights on the spatial clustering of cities with high and low vulnerability scores. This study provides strategic insights into levels of influence of key variables upon the spread of infections, along with an objective ranking for the vulnerability of cities. Thus, it provides critical wisdom needed for urban healthcare policy and resource management. The calculation method for the pandemic vulnerability index and the associated analytical process present a blueprint for the development of similar indices for cities in other countries, leading to a better understanding and improved pandemic management for urban areas, and more resilient planning for future pandemics in cities across the world.

Mortality was predicted by depression and functional dependence in a cohort of elderly adults of Italian descent from southern Brazil

The older population has an increasing burden of non-communicable disease, which can potentially be associated with physical and mental disabilities and shorten life spam. To investigate whether depression, loss of functionality for activities of daily living, and lower social support are associated with all-cause mortality in the older population of Italian descent. This population-based cohort study was conducted in Veranópolis, a country city from southern Brazil, among individuals aged 60 years or older. Interviews were performed in a systematic random sampling regarding demographic, socioeconomic, and psychosocial variables, in addition to depression (Geriatric Depression Scale), activities of daily living (Barthel Index), and social support (Medical Outcomes Study scale). In the follow-up, participants were reinterviewed or, in case of death, the next of kin, and hospital records were revised. Hierarchical analysis was used to determine characteristics independently associated with all-cause mortality, using Poisson regression with robust variance, expressed as relative risk with 95% confidence intervals (RR; 95%CI). A total of 997 participants were enrolled and 882 participants completed the study, after 7.24 ± 2.41 years; with 581 remaining alive. The mean age was 73.12 ± 8.03 years, 4% were nonagenarians or centennials, and 62% were women. Symptoms of depression (RR: 1.04; 1.01–1.06) and functional dependence for ADL (RR: 1.00; 0.99–1.00) were associated with all-cause mortality, even after controlling for confounding factors. Lower social support was not associated with mortality (RR: 1.00; 0.99–1.01). Depression and functional dependence are independent predictors of all-cause mortality in the older population from Italian descent.

Smart Traffic Light: Diwaniyah City District Center As A Case Study

Traffic congestion is a significant problem in many cities in India and other countries. Failure of signals, poor law enforcement, and bad traffic management have led to traffic congestion. One of the major problems with Indian cities is that the existing infrastructure cannot be expanded more, and thus, the only option available is better traffic management. Traffic congestion hurts the economy, the environment, and the overall quality of life. Hence, it is high time we effectively managed the traffic congestion problem. There are various methods available for traffic management, such as video data analysis, infrared sensors, inductive loop detection, wireless sensor networks, etc. All these methods are effective methods of intelligent traffic management. However, the problem with these systems is that the installation time and the cost incurred for installing and maintaining the system are very high. Hence, a new technology called Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is introduced, which can be coupled with the existing signaling system and act as a key to intelligent traffic management in real-time. This new technology will require less time for installation and will have fewer costs compared to other methods of traffic congestion management. The use of this new technology will lead to reduced traffic congestion. Bottlenecks will be detected early, so early preventive measures can be taken, thus saving the driver time and money.

Assessing free-fare public transport in Chilean cities through optimization models

Many public transport services receive operating subsidies from national, regional, or local Governments, part of which are directed to reducing fares. In recent years, different cities, most of them located in Europe, have advanced in the provision of free-fare public transport, which could help reduce car use and thus limit negative externalities related to its use. Using cost minimization models with variable mode share, in a circular structure with radial lines, optimal fares for bus services were estimated for 33 small and medium-sized cities in Chile. Through a linear regression model, we determined that the optimal fares decrease for cities with higher population, lower average income, a higher proportion of students, and with a CBD surrounded by natural boundaries such as seacoast. Based on the model's results, together with feasibility criteria that included competition of buses with other transportation modes, the regulation of existing systems and the quality of available data, recommendations are provided to select the best cities for a test of free-fare public transport in Chile. The methodology is applicable to cities in other countries, and future research may incorporate the effect of the valuation of crowding by users, as well as the generation of additional trips due to a drop in bus fares.

Overview of Walking Rates, Walking Safety, and Government Policies to Encourage More and Safer Walking in Europe and North America

Walking is the most sustainable means of daily travel for short trip distances and is a key component of the overall transport system. This paper documents variation in walking rates among countries, cities in the same country, and in different parts of the same city. Our international analysis of official government statistics shows that walking rates are highest for short trips, higher for women than for men, decline with increasing income, and remain constant as age increases. Walking fatality rates are much higher in the USA compared with the other countries we examined, both per capita and per km walked. Government policies that would increase walking rates while improving pedestrian safety include: integrated networks of safe and convenient walking infrastructure; roadways and intersections designed for the needs of pedestrians; land-use regulations that encourage mixed uses and short trip distances; lower city-wide speed limits and traffic calming in residential neighborhoods; reduced supply and increased price of parking; traffic laws that give priority to pedestrians; improved traffic education for motorists and non-motorists; tax surcharges on large personal vehicles; and strict enforcement of laws against drink and distracted driving. Five decades of success with these policies in many European cities provide practical examples for car-oriented cities to follow, especially in North America.

Healthcare providers perspectives on home blood pressure management in Peru and Cameroon: Findings from the BPMONITOR study

Home blood pressure management, including self-monitoring and medication self-titration, is an efficient and cost-effective tool. Although its use is increasing globally, little is known about the feasibility of such interventions in low and middle-income countries. Further, the perspectives and experiences of healthcare providers who play a big role in ensuring the success of home blood pressure management interventions have not been documented. This qualitative study was conducted with a total of 35 healthcare providers (60% female, mean [SD] age = 37.3 [6.9 years] years), through 4 in-depth interviews from Peru, and 8 in-depth interviews and 4 focus groups from Cameroon. Study participants (healthcare providers) include physicians (primary care physicians), specialists (cardiologists and geriatricians), and nurses that were purposively recruited from two hospitals in two of the largest cities in both countries. Results were thematically analyzed by two researchers. Themes derived were related to feasibility and acceptability, and largely reflected providers in both countries endorsing home blood pressure management. Providers’ concerns were in three main areas; 1) safety of patients when they self-titrate medications, 2) resources such as healthcare financing, local hospital policies that support communications with patients for home blood pressure management, and 3) sustainability through patient adherence, incorporating home blood pressure management within clinical guidelines and hospital policies, and complementing with continued health education and lifestyle modifications. According to providers, home blood pressure management may be feasible and acceptable if tailored multi-faceted protocols were introduced bearing in mind local contexts.

The relationship between multiple hazards and deprivation using open geospatial data and machine learning

Deprived settlements, usually referred to as slums, are often located in hazardous areas. However, there have been very few studies to examine this notion. In this study, we leverage the advancements in open geospatial data, earth observation (EO), and machine learning to create a multi-hazard susceptibility index and a transferrable disaster risk approach to be adapted in low- and middle-income country (LMIC) cities, with low-cost methods. Specifically, we identify multi-hazards in Nairobi's selected case study area and construct a susceptibility index. Then, we test the predictability of deprived settlements using the multi-hazard susceptibility index in comparison with EO texture-based methods. Lastly, we survey 100 households in two deprived settlements (typical and atypical slums) in Nairobi and use the survey outcomes to validate the multi-hazard susceptibility index. To test the assumption that deprived areas are dominantly located in areas with higher susceptibility to multiple hazards, we contrast morphologically identified deprived settlements with non-deprived settlements. We find that deprived settlements are generally more exposed to hazards. However, there are variations between central and peripheral settlements. In testing the predictability of deprivation using multi-hazards, the multi-hazard-based model performs better for deprived settlements than for other classes. In contrast, the texture-based model is better at classifying all types of morphological settlements. Lastly, by contrasting the survey outcomes to the household interviews, we conclude that proxies used for the multi-hazard susceptibility index adequately capture the hazards. However, more localized proxies can be used to improve the index performance.

Suitable Bus Stop Locations for a Proposed Bus Rapid Transit Corridor in a Developing Country City: An Analytical Hierarchy Process Approach

Suitable Bus Stop Locations for a Proposed Bus Rapid Transit Corridor in a Developing Country City: An Analytical Hierarchy Process Approach

Evaluating green city development in China using an integrated analytical toolbox

Promoting green city development has become a core measure to deliver eco-civilization in China, and China's practice in this regard could provide an insightful reference for the sustainable transformation of cities in other countries. However, multi-city empirical research on green city assessment in China has so far been limited, leaving plenty of room for improvement in the understanding of the issues regarding (1) characterization of disparities in the green development status among cities; (2) identification of key factors leading to the disparities; and (3) exploration of potential approaches to promoting green city development. This study integrates comprehensive index analysis, coordination analysis, difference analysis, and correlation analysis into an analytical toolbox, and investigates the green development of 36 major cities in China in 2015. The overall performance of these cities was not high, and showed clear regional imbalance. Relatively small cities, and the green transformation of consumption, deserve more concern in the near future. Other than a conventional comprehensive index, coordination degree brings a novel perspective to understand the green development status of cities. The key indicators contributing to the performance difference among the cities were generally related to sustainable lifestyles and decoupling consumption from resources and environmental pressures. In the end, increase of economic development quality, stimulation of social innovation, improvement of urban infrastructure, and appropriate urban density are proposed as policy suggestions to facilitate cities' green transition.

How Does Urban-Rural Capital Flow Affect Rural Reconstruction near Metropolitan Areas? Evidence from Shanghai, China

Capital outflow during industrialization and urbanization is a primary reason for global rural recession, and China is no exception. Since China focuses on the integrated development of urban and rural areas, urban-rural capital flow affects the transformation and sustainable development of rural areas. However, few studies have focused on this issue. Based on long-term field observations of Wufang Village in Shanghai, we established an analytical framework to describe how urban-rural capital flow promotes rural reconstruction. The research results show that the influx of urban industrial and commercial capital results in market-oriented organization and reconstruction focusing on land, industry, and capital: (1) Land-use optimization changes the land ownership and spatial structure of rural areas and improves the spatial value of rural areas. (2) Industrial development is focused on diverse development and the integration of primary, secondary, and tertiary industries in rural areas. (3) Capital investment is performed by a consortium of state-owned enterprises, private enterprises, and rural collective enterprises—which jointly invest, obtain revenue, and share profits—while considering the balance between attracting capital to rural areas and achieving independent development. The experience of Wufang Village has implications for the rural transformation policies of other large cities in China and other countries in Asia and Africa during urbanization.

Exploring geographical differences and disparities of COVID-19 cases and understand the gaps in responses in South Asian countries: A three-month analysis of cases and responses

Background and Aim: Response in a beginning of an infection is important to prevent and control any infectious disease. It has never been studied how the countries in South Asia responded in the beginning of COVID-19 infections. The aim of this study was to explore the gap in responses by geographical variations and inequalities of COVID-19 cases in South Asian Countries.Methods: Covid-19 cases, geographic and demographic data for South-Asian countries were abstracted from the news medias, Johns Hopkins University dashboard, and countries government websites. The coverage period was until May 7, 2020. Descriptive analyses of COVID-19 cases were stratified by gender and age group. Clustering and spatial analysis was performed to show the COVID-19 case distribution.Results: Over 100000 confirmed cases were found in South-Asian countries until May 7, 2020, and 95% of them are in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Alarmingly, a sharp increase in new cases was observed in Bangladesh and India in early May. In this region, India reported 56% of total cases, with the highest case fatality rate of 3.4%. Approximately 70% of infected cases in this region were found in men. Approximately 42% of confirmed cases were found between the ages of 20-40, and about 20% of infected cases were found over 50 years or older. All big, economically important cities in this region were mainly infected. Bangladesh and Afghanistan reported a slow rate of recovery with 16% and 13%, respectively while India reported 29%. Afghanistan used only four tests to detect a case while India used 25 tests to detect a case showing poor numbers and insufficient test facilities in Afghanistan. Conclusion: The biggest and most economically-important cities in every South-Asian country were infected with COVID-19, where returning the migrant workers to work was a significant challenge after lifting the restrictions. Data from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh suggest that these countries did not show the peak in the first six months. In South Asia, men were at higher risk for both infection and death, regardless of age. There were many underreported cases in these regions. Scale up services to improve the testing facilities and start a surveillance system to identify the cases rapidly especially from the marginalized population and women could reduce the burden of any infections.