City Region Research Articles

Prevalence and disease burden of chronic cough in nine cities of China: an observational study

BackgroundChronic cough (CC) is common in the general population of China, creating a difficult-to-ignore public health burden. However, there is a lack of research on the nationwide prevalence and disease burden of CC in the Chinese population. We aim to use an insurance claims database to assess the prevalence and the corresponding economic burden owing to CC in China.MethodsThis was a retrospective observational study based on an administrative medical insurance database in 2015, 2016 and 2017, from nine cities in North, South, East, South-West, and North-West regions of China. The study population was Chinese adults (≥ 18 years old) who had been identified as CC patients. Descriptive data analyses were used in statistical analysis.ResultsA total of 44,472, 55,565, and 56,439 patients with mean ages of 53.2 (16.3) years were identified as patients with CC in 2015, 2016, and 2017, respectively. Of these, 55.24% were women. In addition, 8.90%, 9.46%, and 8.37% of all patients in 2015, 2016, and 2017, who had applied for medical insurance, had CC, respectively, with a three-year average probability of 8.88%. The median number of outpatient visits within a calendar year was 27 per year due to any reason during the period of 2015–2017. The median medical cost of each patient per year increased from 935.30 USD to 1191.47 USD from 2015 to 2017.ConclusionCC is common among medical insurance users, with a substantial utilization of medical resources, highlighting the huge burden of CC in China.

How much rainwater contributes to a spring discharge in the Guarani Aquifer System: insights from stable isotopes and a mass balance model

ABSTRACT Outcrops play an important role in groundwater recharge. Understanding groundwater origins, dynamics and its correlation with different water sources is essential for effective water resources management and planning in terms of quantity and quality. In the case of the Guarani Aquifer System (GAS) outcrop areas are particularly vulnerable to groundwater pollution due to direct recharge processes. This study focuses on the Alto Jacaré-Pepira sub-basin, a watershed near Brotas, a city in the central region of the state of São Paulo, Brazil, where groundwater is vital for supporting tourism, agriculture, urban water supply, creeks, river and wetlands. The area has a humid tropical climate with periods of both intense rainfall and drought, and the rivers remain perennial throughout the year. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the interconnections between a spring and its potential sources of contribution, namely rain and groundwater, in order to elucidate the relationships between the different water sources. To achieve this, on-site monitoring of groundwater depth, rainfall amount, and stable isotope ratios (deuterium (2H) and oxygen-18 (18O)) from rain, spring discharge, and a monitoring well was carried out from 2013 to 2021. The results indicate that the mean and standard deviations for δ18O in rainwater exhibit higher variability, resulting in −4.49 ± 3.18 ‰ VSMOW, while δ18O values from the well show minor variations, similar to those of the spring, recording −7.25 ± 0.32 ‰ and −6.94 ± 0.28 ‰ VSMOW, respectively. The mixing model’s outcomes reveal seasonal variations in water sources contribution and indicate that groundwater accounts for approximately 80 % of spring discharge throughout the year. Incorporating stable isotopes into hydrological monitoring provides valuable data for complementing watershed analysis. The values obtained support the significance of the aquifer as a primary source, thereby offering critical insights into stream dynamics of the region.

Consultations With Muslims From Minoritised Ethnic Communities Living in Deprived Areas: Identifying Inequities in Mental Health Care and Support.

Limited research concerning existing inequities in mental health care and support services in the United Kingdom captures perceptions and lived experiences of the significantly underrepresented Muslim population. Underpinned by social constructivist theory, we used consultation to facilitate public and patient involvement and engagement (PPIE) to identify inequities in mental health care and support experienced by Muslims from minoritised ethnic communities living in deprived areas in Liverpool, UK. The rationale was to (a) better inform standards and policies in healthcare and (b) provide a psychologically safe space to members of the Muslim community to share perceptions and experiences of mental health care and support services. To ensure trustworthiness of the data, member checking was adopted. This paper describes the procedure to achieving this consultation, including our recruitment strategy, data collection and analysis as well as key findings. Twenty-seven consultees attended the women's consultation and eight consultees attended the men's consultation. Consultees were from Yemeni, Somali, Sudanese, Egyptian, Algerian, Pakistani and Moroccan communities and share the Islamic faith. Four key interlinked themes were identified from consultees' narratives: (1) broken cycle of trust; (2) an overmedicalised model of care; (3) community mental health prevention initiatives; and (4) culturally conscious training and education. The Muslim population has identified numerous barriers to accessing mental health support and there is a need to resource activities that would aid deeper understanding of mental health support needs through continuous and meaningful community initiatives. This would afford mental health practitioners and organisations opportunities for developing realistic anti-racism strategies, effectively adopting social prescription, strengthening partnerships and collaborations aimed at supporting delivery of evidence-based mental health care provisions to tackle mental health inequities. This paper reports on the involvement and engagement of Muslims from minoritised ethnic communities living in the Liverpool city region.

Identifying the spatio-temporal dynamics of mega city region range and hinterland: A perspective of inter-city flows

Mega city regions (MCRs) have emerged in many countries in the process of urbanisation. Understanding the spatio-temporal dynamics of MCRs is crucial for sustainable urban development. However, the spatial scales and boundaries of these MCRs remain poorly defined, and their temporal dynamics have received limited attention. To address these gaps, we propose a new framework and GSMA algorithm that considers inter-city flows to identify MCRs' central cities, ranges and hinterlands. By utilising comprehensive data of over 30 million inter-city flow records covering 369 cities from Amap and Tencent, calibrated with official data from the Ministry of Transport, we identify 10 MCRs and 16 central cities in China, providing a clearer understanding of the spatial ranges and core areas of MCRs. We find that MCR ranges show relative stability during routine activities and expansions during holiday periods. Compared with previous methods, the proposed framework and algorithm have two prominent advantages. First, our methodology incorporates the directional characteristics of flows into the identification of MCRs' central cities. Second, we strike a balance between enlarging regional influence and tightening the internal connections in MCR delineation. In addition, by incorporating temporal changes in inter-city flows, the study reveals the temporal dynamics of MCRs which reflects the intricate interplay between human activities and urban system dynamics.

Molecular, immunological, and histological study of Cryptosporidium parvum in local duck Anas platyrhnchos in some regions of Mosul city, Iraq

Molecular, immunological, and histological study of Cryptosporidium parvum in local duck Anas platyrhnchos in some regions of Mosul city, Iraq

Knowledge of Diabetes Mellitus and Practices Regarding Lifestyle Factors and Diabetes Management in a General Adult Population of Aseer Region, Saudi Arabia.

Many studies report a lack of public awareness of the risk factors and complications of Diabetes Mellitus. Adequate glycemic control is crucial in preventing or delaying the onset of type 2 diabetes complications, and medication adherence is one of the key factors in achieving this goal. This study aimed to measure the knowledge about diabetes mellitus and practices regarding lifestyle factors and diabetes management in the study population in the Aseer region, of Saudi Arabia. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted in Abha, a city in the Aseer region of Saudi Arabia. The general population of 18 years of age and above, who were residing in the study area during the period of study, ie, January 2023 to June 2023, were included. The questionnaire was distributed through social media and e-mail for data collection. The descriptive variables were presented using frequency, percentage, and graphs. Pearson's chi-square test was used at a 5% level of significance. Multivariate tests were applied to further explore the findings of univariate analysis. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. Out of the total 348 participants, a higher proportion was males (56.3%). About 78.7% of the participants were ever diagnosed with diabetes mellitus and 21.3% were never diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. Nearly 31.6% knew that the major cause of diabetes mellitus was obesity and 31.3% knew that it was a hereditary disease. About 42.2% of respondents exercised regularly and 27.6% were smokers. Adherence to prescribed anti-diabetic medications was seen in 63.2% of the respondents. Self-alterations in the timing and dose of prescribed anti-diabetic drugswere seen in 36.5% and 34.8%, respectively. About 60.1% had a moderate level of self-rated knowledge about Diabetes Mellitus, and 27.6% and 12.4% had good and poor self-rated knowledge levels of Diabetes mellitus, respectively. On multivariate analysis, the age group 60-69 years had significant variations as compared to the other age groups on DM, bachelor's degree holders had significant variations as compared to other education variables, being married had significant differences as compared to those unmarried, those employed had significant variations as compared to the other occupation categories, and smokers had a significant impact on DM as compared to non-smokers. Findings indicated less number of respondents exercised regularly, low adherence to prescribed anti-diabetic medications and low levels of self-rated knowledge of diabetes mellitus. Enhancing the patients' knowledge of diabetes mellitus and improving their self-management and adherence to its medications is necessary through public health education.

Urban diabetes: analysis of diabetes prevalence in cities of the Lombardy region participating in the cities changing diabetes project.

The urban population increases by about 60 million people/year. Urbanization, unhealthy lifestyle and aging of the population are reflected in a constant growth in the prevalence of diabetes. In 2014, Steno Diabetes Centre in Copenhagen, University College London and Novo Nordisk, launched the Cities Changing Diabetes® program with the aim of creating a unified movement that would stimulate policy-makers to prioritize urban diabetes. The socio-demographic data derive from (1) ISTAT (National Institute of Statistics of Italy), (2) ATS Metropolitan City of Milan, (3) ATS Val Padana-Cremona, (4) ATS Insubria-Varese, (5) The unemployment rates of the various municipalities have been extrapolated from an ISTAT-MEF elaboration published by Sole 24 Orejournal. In the different sanitary districts of the Metropolitan City of Milan, a strong linear correlation was found between the prevalence of diabetes and the prevalence of heart disease (R = 0.695, p < 0.001), as well as between the prevalence of diabetes and of nephropathies (R = 0.316, p < 0.001). The analysis concerning the province of Cremona showed a fair correlation between the prevalence of diabetes and cardiovascular disease (R = 0.658, p < 0.001). Even for the municipalities of Varese, the analysis documented a good correlation between the prevalence of diabetes and heart disease (R = 0.419, p < 0.001), but not between diabetes and nephropathies. Interesting differences in the relationship of diabetes prevalence with several diseases and socio-demographic factors have been found when comparing the metropolitan City of Milan with two smaller size cities as Varese and Cremona. Our present data confirm the hypothesis that urban diabetes will be the challenge for our society during the next decades.

The Role of Organizational Innovative Capabilities in Achieving Strategic Agility: An analytical study of the opinions of administrative leaders in private universities in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq

The changes in the business environment have caused organizations to focus a lot on improving their organizational innovative capabilities to achieve a sustainable competitive advantage by keeping pace with these changes and developing their strategic agility to meet the demands of their customers. This research investigates the role of organizational innovative capabilities in achieving strategic agility among administrative leaders in private universities in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Based on the nature of the research and the objectives it seeks to achieve, a descriptive-analytical approach has been relied upon. In this research quantitative method was used through questionnaires to collect data and the target samples were 238 administrative leaders, including deans of faculties/colleges, vice deans, heads of departments, coordinators of departments, and unit administrators who were selected through simple random sampling as academic and administrative leaders in private universities in all the cities in the Kurdistan region. The data has been analyzed with the help of several statistical methods, the correlation coefficient, and multiple linear regressions as a measure of the strength of the linear relationship and impact between the two variables of organizational innovative capabilities and strategic agility. Statistical data were analyzed and hypotheses were tested using the SPSS program. The results of the research showed that organizational innovative capabilities have a strong relationship with strategic agility.

Prakiraan Jumlah Curah Hujan Berdasarkan Data Parameter Cuaca Tahun 2011-2021 di Kota Pangkalpinang

Tropical weather prevails in the Pangkalpinang city region, complemented with a changeable rainy season that experiences monthly variations. This phenomena results in a considerable amount of precipitation in the city of Pangkalpinang, making the area known for its extreme rainfall. Using multiple linear regression approaches to anticipate monthly precipitation is the aim of this work. Rainfall (RR), air temperature (T), air humidity (RH), and air pressure are all part of the dataset that was collected over an 11-year period (2011–2021). The information was obtained from the meteorological station in Depati Amir Pangkalpinang. This study uses the multiple linear regression method. The rainfall forecast results are compared to the observed actual rainfall amounts. Based on air temperature and air humidity as predictors, the results show that the estimation of cumulative monthly precipitation in the Pangkalpinang city region for the year 2021 produced an average root mean square error (RSME) value of 112.6 mm/month. Furthermore, the T-test analysis produced a 0.9 result. With air temperature, humidity, and pressure as predictors, the total monthly rainfall for 2021 was predicted with an average root mean square error (RMSE) value of 107.9 mm/month. A T-test was also performed, and the result was 0.4. The results of this study show that the monthly rainfall forecast model for the city of Pangkalpinang that includes factors related to temperature, humidity, and pressure produces better results than the model that only includes these variables. November and December are the months with the greatest variations.

The relationships between teacher self‐efficacy, optimism, perceived social support, and burnout: A moderated mediation analysis using the revised job demands–resources model

AbstractUsing the revised job demands–resources model, this study aimed to analyze the direct relationship of teacher self‐efficacy with burnout and its indirect relationship through perceived social support as well as the moderating roles of teacher optimism in these relationships. The study used a Bayesian estimator with structural equation modeling to examine the structural relationships among self‐efficacy, optimism, perceived social support, and burnout, using data collected from a sample of 288 teachers in Elâzığ, a city in the eastern region of Turkey. The results demonstrated the negative relationships between teacher self‐efficacy and optimism with burnout, and the indirect negative relationship between teacher self‐efficacy and burnout through perceived social support. In addition, the present study revealed that the direct relationship between teacher self‐efficacy and perceived social support and the indirect relationship between teacher self‐efficacy and burnout through perceived social support can be strengthened depending on the level of optimism. Recommendations for practitioners, policymakers, and researchers are presented.

Analysis of the Heterogeneous Coordination between Urban Development Levels and the Ecological Environment in the Chinese Grassland Region (2000–2020): A Case Study of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region

Scientifically identifying the impact of urban development levels on the ecological environment in China’s grassland regions from a classification perspective is crucial for stabilizing grassland ecosystems and optimizing urban development in grassland cities. Using the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region as a case study, this research constructs a conceptual analysis framework for the coordinated state between the urban development level and the ecological environment in China’s grassland regions based on the theory of dual economic structures. Employing the Granger causality test, nonlinear fitting, and coupling coordination degree model methods, the heterogeneity and coordination between urban development levels and ecological environment in China’s grassland areas from 2000 to 2020 are comprehensively analyzed. The findings reveal the following: (1) Capital-type central cities and growing resource-based cities, with high levels of development, positively nurture the grassland ecology, exhibit high labor mobility, and experience low endogenous and exogenous pressures, resulting in high coordination. (2) Pure agro-pastoral cities, with low development levels, negatively impact the grassland ecology, have low labor mobility, and face high endogenous and exogenous pressures, resulting in low coordination. (3) Regional central cities, with moderate development levels, exert a neutral counterbalance effect on the grassland ecology, with opposing endogenous and exogenous pressures, leading to moderate coordination. (4) When the impact relationship ranges from “positive-neutral-negative,” the endogenous and exogenous pressures on the grassland ecology by declining resource-based cities and developing agro-pastoral cities are determined by their specific development levels, showing variations from “large → balance → small” to “small → balance → large,” with coordination fluctuating between “high-moderate-low”. (5) Special ecological cities are less affected by urban development levels, with coordination levels determined by the ecological foundation. Analyzing the heterogeneous coordination between urban development levels and the ecological environment for different types of cities in grassland regions is significant for improving the overall quality of the grassland ecological environment and exploring distinctive urban development models.

General content and main objectives of the research of professional-public interaction in the post-war reconstruction of Beirut

The readers are offered the third in a series of publications dedicated to the interaction between the cultural community, urban planning specialists, city and state authorities during the reconstruction of the Lebanese capital Beirut after the civil war of 1975-1990. The example of Beirut is the most important historical precedent, on which, in particular, the development of a general strategy for promoting the revival of the destroyed cities of the Arab world can be oriented. Beirut has a number of features common to almost every major Arab city, including ethnic fragmentation and economic diversity, political divisions that are sharp to the point of antagonism, and multi-denominationalism. For the first time in modern history, the reconstruction of Beirut was carried out under the strong influence of civil society and its organizations, and not only political parties, but also non-governmental organizations (so-called third sector organizations), as well as new target groups, movements and currents. The story of Beirut's post-war reconstruction and civil influence on it can be seen as a unique example of a long-lasting and quite fruitful participation program. Studying the genesis of such large-scale, multi-professional and multi-purpose public participation could be the key to developing organic and effective approaches to large cities in various regions affected by the consequences of wars, civil conflicts or natural disasters. The methodology of such research should be based on the reconstruction of the chronological sequence (timeline) of key events during the post-war reconstruction of the Lebanese capital. On this schedule, it is necessary to pay special attention to situations of intervention of public organizations and/or the third sector in the processes of implementation of design and construction, distinguishing at the same time the modes (stages) of preparation and implementation of influence. The general goal of this research is to reveal the content, mechanisms of implementation and stages of deployment multifaceted processes of discovering and preserving the rich historical heritage of Beirut, which took place in a constant dialogue between specialists of various professions, scientists and public activists. The purpose of this publication is to build a work plan of the research, define its specific components and characterize the expected scientific and practical results.

Duration of effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine in Japan: a retrospective cohort study using large-scale population-based registry data

BackgroundMost evidence of the waning of vaccine effectiveness is limited to a relatively short period after vaccination.MethodsData obtained from a linked database of healthcare administrative claims and vaccination records maintained by the municipality of a city in the Kanto region of Japan were used in this study. The study period extended from April 1, 2020, to December 31, 2022. The duration of the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine was analyzed using a time-dependent piecewise Cox proportional hazard model using the age, sex and history of cancer, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, chronic kidney disease, and cardiovascular disease as covariates.ResultsAmong the 174,757 eligible individuals, 14,416 (8.3%) were diagnosed with COVID-19 and 936 (0.54%) were hospitalized for COVID-19. Multivariate analysis based on the time-dependent Cox regression model with reference of non-vaccine group revealed a lower incidence of COVID-19 in the one-dose group (hazard ratio, 0.76 [95% confidence interval, 0.63–0.91]), two-dose (0.89 [0.85–0.93]), three-dose (0.80 [0.76–0.85]), four-dose (0.93 [0.88–1.00]), and five-dose (0.72 [0.62–0.84]) groups. A lower incidence of COVID-19-related hospitalization was observed in the one-dose group (0.42 [0.21–0.81]), two-dose (0.44 [0.35–0.56]), three-dose (0.38 [0.30–0.47]), four-dose (0.20 [0.14–0.28]), and five-dose (0.11 [0.014–0.86]) groups. Multivariable analyses based on the time-dependent piecewise Cox proportional hazard model with reference of non-vaccine group revealed significant preventive effects of the vaccine for 4 months for the incidence of COVID-19 and ≥ 6 months for hospitalization.ConclusionsVaccine effectiveness showed gradual attenuation with time after vaccination; however, protective effects against the incidence of COVID-19 and hospitalization were maintained for 4 months and ≥ 6 months, respectively. These results may aid in formulating routine vaccination plans after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Spatial relevance of synergistic effects between air pollutants and carbon dioxide emission reductions: A case study in the Bohai Rim region of China

Analyzing the spatial correlation of synergistic effect of reducing air pollutants and carbon dioxide (SERAC) between cities, which are spatial hubs characterized by dense populations, industries, and energy usage, provides a foundation for devising regional joint prevention and control policies tailored to local circumstances at this scale. The study analyzed 43 cities in the Bohai Rim region, assessing synergistic emission reduction effects from 2006 to 2020 using a coupled coordination model based on air pollutants (AP) and carbon dioxide (CO2) emission trends. Social network analysis is employed to investigate the structural characteristics and robustness of the spatial correlation network and to unveil the position and significance of each city within the network. The study found that: (1) AP emission equivalent peaked in 2011, while the growth rate of CO2 emission equivalent slowed down in the Bohai Rim region. (2) The low-value areas for the SERAC are spatially clustered in Beijing, Tianjin, and Tangshan, with 90% of the cities in a coordinated state. (3) The network showcasing the spatial correlation between the SERAC features both “local clustering” and “global correlation” coexisting, and its robustness needs improvement. (4) Membership within the plates is relatively stable. On this basis, it is proposed that the Bohai Rim region can enhance the SERAC by establishing a “lead-follow” inter-city mechanism, strengthen the stabilizing role of core entities, implement differentiated emission reduction measures in communities, and expand regional cooperation, ultimately reducing costs and increasing efficiency.

Comparative Study on the Agglomeration Degree and Influencing Factors of the Urban Creative Class in the Central Area of the Yangtze River Delta

The creative class has become an important force in promoting sustainable urban development. Existing research has explored many factors for the agglomeration of the creative class, but there is still a lack of comparative studies from a heterogeneity perspective and on the design of cross-cultural adaptability factors, especially comparative studies across different regions in Chinese cities. This paper focuses on 27 central district cities in the Yangtze River Delta region of China, based on panel data from 2012 to 2019, and uses the location entropy method to measure the agglomeration degree of the creative class in different cities. Considering the cultural background of China, a model of influencing factors including five dimensions: economic foundation, living environment, cultural and educational environment, innovation environment, and ecological environment is constructed. The study finds: (1) The agglomeration degree of the creative class in the central urban cluster of the Yangtze River Delta is significantly higher than the peripheral level, forming an agglomeration distribution pattern led by Shanghai, with Nanjing, Hefei, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Ningbo, and other important node cities. The agglomeration degree of the creative class generally shows an upward trend. (2) The economic foundation, living environment, cultural and educational environment, innovation environment, and ecological environment all have a significant positive impact on the agglomeration of the creative class, among which the impact of the living environment, cultural and educational environment, and innovation environment is larger, while the economic foundation and ecological environment are relatively smaller. (3) There are differences in the influencing factors of the creative class agglomeration at the provincial levels of Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Anhui in the Yangtze River Delta. Compared with the more core provinces of Jiangsu and Zhejiang, the cultural and educational environment and ecological environment have a more significant impact, while the relatively peripheral Anhui province is more dependent on the city’s openness and innovation environment factors. This study reveals the spatial distribution rules and influencing factors of the creative class in the central cities of the Yangtze River Delta, providing insights for coordinated and sustainable regional development.

Unveiling the Driving Factors of Emerging Trends in the Ghanaian Construction Industry: An Evaluative Analysis of Push and Pull Factors

There is a significant change in the Ghanaian construction sector, driven by the convergence of emerging trends. The study investigated the underlying factors influencing these emerging trends in the Ghanaian construction industry, focusing on both pull and push factors. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining survey data with qualitative analysis, to gain a comprehensive understanding of the drivers shaping the industry's development. The study was conducted within three cities (Cape Coast, Kasoa, and Winneba) in the Central Region of Ghana. Fifteen (15) construction companies were purposively selected based on their interest in technological advancements within the construction ecosystem. Five (5) categories of construction professionals, project managers, quantity surveyors, architects, structural engineers, safety officers, and site supervisors employed by the aforementioned fifteen (15) construction companies were considered for the study. Data collected were analyzed utilizing SPSS software version 20. Push factors highlighted environmental degradation, technological innovation, and infrastructure renewal as significant motivators. Pull factors emphasized the industry's extrinsic motivations, including community development, cultural considerations, and economic growth. The analysis revealed that both push and pull factors play crucial roles in driving the trends within the industry. Qualitative interviews conducted as part of the study provided deeper insights, identifying six key themes: regulatory compliance and market competition, technological advancements, skill development, economic considerations, leadership and strategic vision, and customer demand. These themes underscore the complex relationship between external pressures and internal motivations. Correlation and regression analyses indicated significant relationships between trend recognition and both push and pull factors, emphasizing the interplay between external pressures and aspirational drivers in shaping industry trends. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the dynamic forces driving change in the Ghanaian construction sector, offering substantial insights for stakeholders. These insights can help stakeholders navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities for sustainable growth and development. The findings underscore the importance of balancing technological advancements with socio-economic goals to foster a robust and forward-thinking construction industry in Ghana.

ЦИФРОВА ТРАНСФОРМАЦІЯ РЕГІОНІВ УКРАЇНИ ЯК ПЕРЕДУМОВА ІМПЛЕМЕНТАЦІЇ КОНЦЕПЦІЇ РОЗУМНОГО МІСТА

The article is devoted to researching the processes of digital transformation of the regions of Ukraine through the implementation of the "smart city" concept, which is one of the key aspects of the modern development of urban areas. In the context of global trends towards digitization and the introduction of innovations, the concept of a smart city is becoming an important part of the strategic planning of both large megacities and medium and small cities. This is due to the need to adapt cities to the rapidly changing socio-economic environment, which requires more effective solutions for managing resources, improving the quality of life of residents and increasing competitiveness in the international arena. The article examines the relevance of the transition to "smart cities" in light of the challenges facing modern Ukraine, including economic, environmental and social aspects. The main challenges that stand in the way of implementing the concept of a smart city in Ukrainian regions are analyzed. Such challenges include an insufficient level of digital infrastructure, limited financial resources, a low level of digital literacy of the population, an incomplete legal framework, and an insufficient level of interaction between the public and private sectors. The article analyzes the current state of digital infrastructure in different regions of Ukraine, in particular, the level of access to broadband Internet and the implementation of intelligent transport management systems. In addition, a comparison of the implementation of smart city projects in Ukrainian cities with similar initiatives in Europe is presented, which emphasizes the need to accelerate digital transformation in the face of global competition.

Advancing Regional–Scale Spatio–Temporal Dynamics of FFCO2 Emissions in Great Bay Area

Estimating city–scale emissions using gridded inventories lacks direct, precise measurements, resulting in significant uncertainty. A Kalman filter integrates diverse, uncertain information sources to deliver a reliable, accurate estimate of the true system state. By leveraging multiple gridded inventories and a Kalman filter fusion method, we developed an optimal city–scale (3 km) FFCO2 emission product that incorporates quantified uncertainties and connects global–regional–city scales. Our findings reveal the following: (1) Kalman fusion post–reconstruction reduces estimate uncertainties for 2000–2014 and 2015–2021 to ±9.77% and ±11.39%, respectively, outperforming other inventories and improving accuracy to 73% compared to ODIAC and EDGAR (57%, 65%). (2) Long–term trends in the Greater Bay Area (GBA) show an upward trajectory, with a 2.8% rise during the global financial crisis and a −0.19% decline during the COVID-19 pandemic. Spatial analysis uncovers a “core–subcore–periphery” emission pattern. (3) The core city GZ consistently contributes the largest emissions, followed by DG as the second–largest emitter, and HK as the seventh–highest emitter. Factors influencing the center–shift of the pattern include the urban form of cities, population migration, GDP contribution, but not electricity consumption. The reconstructed method and product offer a reliable solution for the lack of directly observed emissions, enhancing decision–making accuracy for policymakers.

Worldwide delineation of multi-tier city–regions

Urban centers are pivotal in shaping societies, yet a systematic global analysis of how countries are organized around multiple urban centers is lacking. We enhance understanding by delineating city–regions worldwide, classifying over 30,000 urban centers into four tiers—town, small, intermediate and large city—based on population size and mapping their catchment areas based on travel time, differentiating between primary and secondary city–regions. Here we identify 1,403 primary city–regions employing a 3 h travel time cutoff and increasing to 4,210 with a 1 h cutoff, which is more indicative of commuting times. Our findings reveal substantial interconnectedness among urban centers and with their surrounding areas, with 3.2 billion people having physical access to multiple tiers within an hour and 4.7 billion within 3 h. Notably, among people living in or closest to towns or small cities, twice as many have easier access to intermediate than to large cities, underscoring intermediate cities’ crucial role in connecting surrounding populations. This systematic identification of city–regions globally uncovers diverse organizational patterns across urban tiers, influenced by geography, level of development and infrastructure, offering a valuable spatial dataset for regional planning, economic development and resource management.

Identification and Mapping of Fintech Clustering Using a Qualitative-dominant Mixed Method

This research delves into the complex landscape of the fintech ecosystem, specifically focusing on the Northwest City region of Ireland, employing a mixed-method approach. The study focused on the methodology used to identify and map the fintech clusters. Different methodologies have been used to map and identify clustering due to its evolving nature. In our case, due to the lack of fintech companies' records on publicly available databases, and fintech being an emerging phenomenon, our methodology relied on a combination of approaches like desk research, stakeholder engagement, geospatial analysis, and in-depth interviews which fall under the qualitative-dominant mixed method approach. Despite a diverse range of methodologies being used to identify clusters, some known studies have used mixed methods. This research aims to provide guidelines for identifying clusters by developing a database of the companies in the fintech sector and its validation in an evolving field like Fintech. It also highlights the importance of the use of geospatial analysis in clustering by mapping the fintech companies, however at the same time questions the simple agglomeration of the firms in the region. It’s not only the physical proximity that develops the clusters but the local linkages, collaborations, and networks that play a pivotal role in reaping the benefits of clusters. The detailed interviews with the fintech companies in the region and their relationship with different components of the fintech ecosystem using the triple helix model highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of the fintech ecosystem in the region. The application of mixed methods in this research highlights the value gained in exploring fintech clustering and ecosystems. This study further enhances our understanding of the emerging phenomenon of fintech clusters and ecosystems in cluster-based economies, specifically how a combination of approaches could be used to map and identify fintech clusters. It also furthers the boundaries of knowledge in business and management methodological literature by introducing a comprehensive qualitative-dominant mixed method approach with a consolidating knowledge base on methodological approaches to clustering.