City Region Research Articles

Traumatic dental injuries in the first year of life and related risk factors in three regions of Brazil: a multicenter birth cohort study

BackgroundTraumatic dental injuries (TDIs) in early childhood exert a negative impact on the quality of life of children and their families. However, there is no evidence from cohort studies on which to base prevention strategies at the beginning of life, when children are entirely dependent upon supervision. The aim of the present study was to estimate the incidence of TDI in the first year of life and explore risk factors in a birth cohort followed up in three major cities in different regions of Brazil.MethodsA birth cohort study was conducted with children in the cities of Porto Alegre, Salvador, and Manaus. Socioeconomic, demographic, and anthropometric characteristics were collected at baseline. Behavioral characteristics were collected when the children were six and 12 months of age. After the first year of life, clinical examinations were performed by trained, calibrated dentists for the assessment of TDI (Andreasen’s criteria). Poisson regression models were used to estimate associations between the independent variables and TDI, with the calculation of crude and adjusted relative risk (RR) and respective 95% confidence intervals (CI).ResultsThe incidence of TDI in the first year of life (range: 12 to 16 months) was 18.1% (95% CI: 13.6–22.6%). The multivariable analysis revealed a significantly greater risk of TDI in children from non-nuclear families (RR = 1.83; 95% CI: 1.11-3.00) as well as those whose mothers had a higher level of schooling (RR = 2.42; 95% CI: 1.04–5.63) and when tooth eruption began up to six months of age (RR = 2.30; 95% CI: 1.34–3.95). Being the first-born child was a protective factor (RR = 0.48; 95% CI: 0.27–0.87) for the occurrence of the outcome.ConclusionThe high incidence of TDI in the first year of life indicates the need for primary prevention strategies with an emphasis on active supervision in the first months of life. Risk factors associated with TDI related to the family, mother and child suggest pathways for the planning of such strategies.

Nesting density and nest site selection of the Magpie Pica pica in Kaliningrad, south-east of the Baltic Sea area

Over the past decades, the Magpie, which has ecological and behavioral flexibility, has colonized many cities. In this study, we examine the effect of urban disturbance on nesting density of the Magpie and nest height in a city in the south-eastern Baltic region. The studies were carried out in Kaliningrad (54°43’N, 20°30’E) during the leafless period in 2018–2021 in green residential areas with a predominance of 5-storey buildings (“residential area”) and low-rise individual housing areas (“individual houses”). In the residential area, nest counts were carried out separately in the central part of the city and outside the city center. Based on literature data on urban populations of the Magpie in other cities, we predict that: (1) in the central part of the city there will be a higher nesting density of magpies and (2) in the central part of the city, nests will be located higher than outside the central part of the city. The results obtained did not confirm these assumptions. The average nesting density in residential areas in the city center and outside the city center was virtually the same. And, in addition, in the residential area in the city center, nests were on average located lower than in the residential area outside the central part of the city, but the differences were not statistically significant and the median values of these city zones coincide. The work also provides data on the placement of nests on various types of trees and shrubs. The Hooded crow, being the main predator and competitor of the Magpie, shares the same habitats in Kaliningrad. This coexistence could potentially slow down the increase in Magpie nesting density, especially in the residential area of the city centre, where the nesting density of the Hooded crow is significantly higher than outside the city centre.

Culturally diverse storytelling for inclusive emergency communication: Insights from CALD communities

ABSTRACT Organizations including corporations face significant challenges in communicating emergencies with culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities, one of the hard-to-reach populations in this increasingly diverse landscape. Lacking inclusivity in organization-led emergency communication can pose life-threatening challenges to CALD communities. Moreover, simply translating emergency information does not represent an adequate diversity-infused strategic approach. Authentic engagement through storytelling can enliven awareness, preparedness, response, and resilience among CALD communities when facing emergencies. Through multicultural service organizations, we recruited 28 participants from CALD communities in a regional Australian city. Using narrative inquiry, we unearthed personal accounts of lived experiences about emergencies, engaging participants as active agents in diverse sense-making. The findings highlight new opportunities to enhance inclusive emergency communication that is applicable to wide-ranging organizations. The multicultural resources identified from storytelling offer practical implications for diversifying emergency communication strategies.

Impact of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and of seasonal variations on the innate immune inflammatory response

IntroductionThe innate immune response is an important first checkpoint in the evolution of an infection. Although adaptive immunity is generally considered the immune component that retains antigenic memory, innate immune responses can also be affected by previous stimulations. This study evaluated the impact of vaccination on innate cell activation by TLR7/8 agonist R848, as well as seasonal variations.MethodsTo this end, blood samples from a cohort of 304 food and retail workers from the Quebec City region were collected during three visits at 12-week intervals. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells and polymorphonuclear neutrophils were isolated during the first and third visits and were stimulated with R848 to assess the innate immune response.ResultsOur results show that IL-8 production after stimulation decreased after vaccination. In addition, the IL-8 response was significantly different depending on the season when the visit occurred, for both COVID-19 vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals.DiscussionThis study highlights that innate immune responses can be affected by SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and fluctuate seasonally.

Evaluating the impact of high-speed rail on local tourism economy in China: A quasi-natural experiment

In the context of the green transformation, the tourism economy, as a model of the high-quality service industry, is the key driving force for regional economic growth. The high-speed rail (HSR) has rapidly expanded in China, which has a substantial impact on the tourism economies of cities along these routes. The importance of this study is that it highlights the economic impact of HSR on tourism, and it provides a new perspective on understanding how HSR shapes regional development. This study leverages the staggered differences-in-differences (DiD) method to assess HSR’s impact on local tourism economic development by treating its introduction as a quasi-natural experiment. Panel data from 348 prefectural-level cities in China spanning the period from 2007 to 2020 were collected. The findings indicate that HSR’s introduction significantly promotes the local economic growth of tourism, with the most pronounced effects observed in western cities, which are followed by cities in the central region. However, HSR’s impact on cities in the eastern region is not statistically significant. Furthermore, HSR’s positive impact on tourism is more substantial in larger cities. To fully harness the potential of HSR in fostering local tourism economic development, cities along the routes should optimize the integration of transportation infrastructure, implement differentiated tourism strategies, and enhance regional cooperation. Tailored tourism development strategies should be advocated, catering to the distinct needs of regions and cities with varying scales. These measures are essential for improving the quality of tourism services, increasing tourism attraction, and achieving mutually beneficial development across regions.

A Review of Air Pollution Research in Panzhihua City from 2018 to 2023

Air pollution is a critical issue of concern to society, and researches on this topic has notably increased in recent years. Panzhihua City, a key resource-consuming and heavy industrial city in the southwestern region of China, places air pollution prevention and control at the top of its priorities. However, there is currently a lack of comprehensive reviews on air pollution studies specific to Panzhihua. This paper reviews the research conducted on air pollution and its control methods in Panzhihua City between 2018 and 2023. Ten relevant studies were included, the pollution levels of heavy metals and mineral particles in atmospheric dustfall, PM2.5, PM10, SO2, CO, NO2, and O3 were summarized. The paper also outlined the trends, potential causes of air pollution in Panzhihua, and suggested control measures, aiming to provide a reference for future research and offer a scientific basis for local government policy-making regarding air pollution control

The Optimization of River Network Water Pollution Control Based on Hydrological Connectivity Measures

Urbanization, driven by socio-economic development, has significantly impacted river ecosystems, particularly in plain city regions, leading to disruptions in river network structure and function. These changes have exacerbated hydrological fluctuations and ecological degradation. This study focuses on the central urban area of Changzhou using a MIKE11 model to assess the effects of four hydrological connectivity strategies—water diversion scheduling, river connectivity, river dredging, and sluice connectivity—across 13 different scenarios. The results show that water diversion, river dredging, and sluice connectivity scenarios provide the greatest improvements in water environmental capacity, with maximum increases of 54.76%, 41.97%, and 25.62%, respectively. The spatial distribution of improvements reveals significant regional variation, with some areas, particularly in Tianning and Zhonglou districts, experiencing declines in environmental capacity under sluice diversion and river-connectivity scenarios. In addition, the Lao Zaogang River is identified as crucial for improving the overall water quality in the network. Based on a multi-objective evaluation, combining environmental and economic factors, the study recommends optimizing water diversion scheduling at sluices (Weicun, Zaogang, and Xiaohe) with flow rates between 20–40 m3/s, enhancing connectivity at key river hubs, and focusing management efforts on the Lao Zaogang and Xinmeng rivers to strengthen hydrological and water quality linkages within the network.

Digital Inclusive Finance and Carbon Emission Efficiency: Evidence from China’s Economic Zones

In the current tide of technological revolution and industrial transformation, digitalization and greening have surfaced as two prominent trends, serving as the inherent requisites and impelling forces of new productive forces. Augmenting carbon emission efficiency is a crucial pathway for attaining green development. Digital inclusive finance, as an innovative financial paradigm, is a significant determinant influencing carbon emission efficiency and the progression of green development. By harnessing panel data from 108 cities within the Yangtze River Economic Belt spanning from 2011 to 2021, this study deploys the super-efficiency SBM model to gauge carbon emission efficiency. Additionally, it employs fixed effects and mediating mechanism models to empirically scrutinize the impact of digital inclusive finance on carbon emission efficiency within urban agglomerations in the Yangtze River Economic Belt. The study further probes its spatial effects through a spatial Durbin model. The research findings disclose that digital inclusive finance can substantially augment carbon emission efficiency in regional cities along the Yangtze River Economic Belt, manifesting notable regional correlations. This enhancement is accomplished by propelling industrial structure upgrades and augmenting scientific and technological capabilities. To enhance carbon emission efficiency in the Yangtze River Economic Belt, efforts should be centered around advancing digital inclusive finance, expediting industrial structural transformation, and fortifying scientific and technological development.

Vaccine hesitancy and consequences for vaccination coverage in children at 24 months of age, born in 2017-2018, living in the state capitals, Federal District and 12 inner region cities of Brazil.

To analyze vaccine hesitancy associated factors and repercussions on vaccination coverage. Cohort of children born in 2017-2018, living in Brazilian state capitals, Federal District (FD), and 12 inner region cities, stratified by socioeconomic level. National Vaccination Coverage Survey (2020) data on hesitancy, access and programmatic difficulties were obtained by interview and coverage was calculated from vaccination card dose and date records. 37801 children were studied, 31001 in the capitals/FD, 6800 in the inner cities. Hesitation between 38.8(95%CI 33.6;44.4) and 57.9(95%CI 54.1;61.6) in high versus low stratum; 64.1(95%CI 58.9;68.9) to 41.7(95%CI 38.4;45.8) among mothers with <8 years of schooling versus 16 years or more; 42.1(95%CI 38.2;46.2) to 55.0(95%CI 52.0;54.7) among private service users versus public service only users. Coverage: full=7.2(95%CI 1.0;38.3); 25.3(95%CI 18.7;33.3) for hesitant people; and 44.7(95%CI 43.0;46.4) for the remainder. High vaccine hesitancy in several groups affecting vaccination coverage and hindering vaccination target achievement. Access problems and programmatic difficulties contribute to low coverage.

Localized regional environmental risk in mountainous urban areas of Southwest China: identification, assessment, and management strategies in Kunming.

In recent decades, the escalating frequency of environmental risk events, arising from sources such as industrial accidents, chemical spills, or other anthropogenic activities, has intensified threats to the ecological environment. The targeted identification of high-risk areas, formulation of control lists for key risk sources within regions, and the implementation of differentiated management strategies remain significant challenges. This study employed an administrative region environmental risk assessment and gridded environmental risk analysis method to comprehensively evaluate the environmental risks in the city of Kunming, China. The results indicated a fourfold increase in the number of environmental risk sources from 2012 to 2022. The sources were found to be widely distributed across the entire region but exhibited localized clustering. The environmental risk receptors were primarily concentrated around a local lake, in densely populated counties, and near rivers and drinking water sources. Risk hotspot areas within the target region were identified using the gridded environmental risk analysis method. A list of 29 key control areas was proposed, including nine industrial parks and 20 streets. Measures were proposed for handling unexpected incidents. The findings provide data useful for policy formulation and environmental management in similar regions of mountainous cities.

Construction of a Multi-level Blue-Green Infrastructure Network in a Riverside City: A Case Study of Shaoxing

The rapid expansion of urbanization has led to the destruction of water network structures and the degradation of ecosystem functions in riverside cities. Blue-green infrastructure (BGI) networks are recognized as a sustainable approach to urban planning. However, previous BGI network constructions have often overlooked the role of small, discrete BGIs within urban core areas. To address this gap, this study proposes a framework for constructing a multi-level BGI network. We selected Shaoxing City, a typical riverside city in the Yangtze River Delta region of China, as the study area and integrated water-related ecosystem services into the identification of ecological sources. Following this, we constructed multiscale ecological resistance surfaces for both urban and densely populated areas. Finally, BGI hotspots and connectivity networks in these densely populated areas were identified using heat map analysis, resulting in the formation of a multi-level BGI network. The findings indicated that (a) from 2012 to 2022, the number of ecological sources and corridors diminished, alterations in blue corridors occurred, and water body structures degraded; (b) the BGI network is predominantly distributed in the central and southern regions of the study area, with canals serving as crucial blue corridors; and (c) the multi-level BGI network underscores the critical role of waterways in densely populated urban areas. (d) Based on the BGI network, we developed a spatial optimization scheme of “four cores, three corridors, and three zones”. These insights offer guidance for water ecology protection and spatial pattern optimization in Shaoxing and other similar riverside cities.

Sensitivity analysis of ozone formation and source apportionment of VOCs in a typical industrial city in the Yangtze River Delta Region during summer

Sensitivity analysis of ozone formation and source apportionment of VOCs in a typical industrial city in the Yangtze River Delta Region during summer

Urban food insecurity and its determinants among migrant households

AbstractThis study utilized the Linear Probability Model to examine the determinants of food insecurity among migrant households in the Gauteng City region of South Africa. 13,616 households were selected using random sampling and a cross‐section design. The study findings showed that age and level of education reduce the probability of skipping a meal among internal and international migrant households. Having medical aid is negatively associated with food insecurity – a sign of affordability. Part‐time jobs increase the likelihood of experiencing food insecurity for both internal and international migrants. Access to indigency and government support were associated with a higher probability of food insecurity among international migrants. Government support in food parcels is also associated with food insecurity for internal migrants. In contrast, ethnicity has no statistically significant effect on food security for internal migrants relative to native residents. Policy focus on inclusivity in social service provision, employment access and urban agriculture can likely help improve the food insecurity status of internal and international migrant households in the Gauteng City Region.

Optimal Design and Simulation Analysis of Phase Change Material Composite Self-Insulating Block in a Typical Cold Region City of China in Summer

Background:: Incorporating PCMs (Phase Change Materials) into the building envelope can achieve the purpose of regulating heat transfer and enhancing indoor comfort. In recent years, lots of patents for new phase change concretes have been proposed and applied to the envelope. Objective:: This study aimed to explore the optimum phase change temperature and installation position of PCM by optimizing different concrete blocks to improve the thermal behavior of concrete compound self-insulating blocks. Methods:: Firstly, based on the existing patents, five new types of phase change self-insulating blocks were proposed. The thermal insulation performance of different blocks was tested using ANSYS simulation. Then, the feasibility of using EnergyPlus to simulate the thermal environment of the room was verified by taking a summer south-facing room in Hohhot City as a research object. Finally, 13 phase-change block types containing 4 phase-change temperatures and 3 PCM installation locations were designed for further testing. Results:: A three-row staggered perforated block was selected, and the heat transmission coefficient of the masonry wall was 0.437 W/(m2·K). The optimal phase change temperatures of outdoor, medium- temperature, high-temperature, and low-temperature periods in summer, were 24.0oC, 30.0oC, and 28.0oC, respectively. The optimal phase change temperature in the whole summer was 26.0~ 28.0oC, and the best phase transition layer location was the inner hole of the block. Conclusion:: The PCM mounting position has a greater effect on room temperature than the PCM phase change temperature. The study results are of great significance for stabilizing room temperature and building energy conservation.

Analyzing the Accessibility of Trolley Bus Stops in the City of Salzburg

Public transport promotes sustainable mobility by enhancing connectivity, safety, comfort and health. The location, type, condition and spacing of stops play a pivotal role in determining the accessibility to public transport. Poor accessibility to public transport can lead to increased cost and time of travel, poor mobility, traffic congestion and social exclusion. This study uses Multi Criteria Analysis to provide a holistic measure of accessibility in terms of Transit Accessibility Index (TAI) for all the trolley bus stops in the city of Salzburg. Five quantitative indicators are combined and weighted appropriately to obtain the final accessibility score. An overall accessibility assessment is performed to further classify the bus stops into five performance categories based on their final accessibility score. Ideal Point Method is employed to determine the values of indicators for the ideal bus stop and compare the values with those of the existing stops. The result from the analysis shows that the most accessible trolley bus stops are located in the core region of Salzburg city near the city center and the main train station. This kind of analysis is crucial for sustainable transport planning and thus helps to promote smart mobility and better habitability of the city.

LIFE SATISFACTION OF OLDER ADULTS: IMPACT OF LEISURE PARTICIPATION AND REGIONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Abstract As Korea is transitioning into an aged-society, improving well-being of older adults has become important, and literature has demonstrated various individual and societal factors that impact their well-being. The purpose of this study is to explore the role of individual and regional factors that are associated with older adults’life satisfaction. Specifically, we used leisure participation as individual factor and regional characteristics include perceived stress and volunteer participation rate. Data were drawn from the 2020 National Survey of Korean Elderly and Statistics Korea. As the individual data were nested in regions (cities and provinces), we used hierarchical linear modeling to analyze the data. Findings show that volunteering, traveling, and participating in club activities were positively related to life satisfaction of older adults. The relationship observed between older adults’ participation in travel, club activities, volunteering, and life satisfaction suggests that engaging in productive leisure activities is a crucial aspect of daily life of older adults. At regional level, perceived stress level was negatively associated with life satisfaction whereas volunteer participation rate was positively related to life satisfaction. The negative correlation between older adults’ perceived local stress and life satisfaction, and the positive correlation between local social volunteer participation rate and life satisfaction suggest that stress perceived by individuals due to their residential area or surrounding environment has a negative impact on their lives. A statistically significant cross-level interaction was observed indicating that the impact of volunteer participation rate on life satisfaction was stronger in regions with higher levels of perceived stress rate.

Identity and Daily Life of Turkish Women in Turkestan Region and Shimkent City

The paper focuses on the results of a qualitative study conducted in the southern part of Kazakhstan for 1 year in 2023. The paper analyzes the results of the research project "Women from ethnic communities (Turkestan region and Shymkent city) as a channel for the reproduction and formation of civic and ethnic identity", funded by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The paper focuses on the analysis of the socio-cultural characteristics of Kazakhistani Turkish women, their role in the family and society. The key theme of the paper is the identification of Turkic women and their social portrate. The study is based on qualitative methods and includes in-depth interviews with representatives of the Turkic diaspora of the Turkestan region and Shymkent city (large regions of Kazakhstan). The results of the study show that Kazakhistani Turks deported during the Soviet period have preserved a significant part of their ethnic identity, including language, traditions and family values. Despite the traditional division of gender roles, many Turkish women have university degrees and actively participate in the social life of their communities. The study also reveals that Kazakhistani Turks have successfully integrated into Kazakhistani society while preserving their ethnic identity. As a result, the study emphasizes that although they actively participate in the political life of the country, they also take into account many issues in daily life, such as the role of women in society, their dreams and disappointments.

Geographic and socioeconomic disparities in mortality burden attributable to long-term exposure to NO2 across 231 cities in China from 2015 to 2019

ABSTRACT Research on geographic and socioeconomic disparities of NO2 attributed mortality burden is limited. This study aims to quantify the geographic and socioeconomic differences in the association between long-term exposure to NO2 and mortality burden in China. We estimated the all-cause mortality burden of adults over 16 years old attributable to NO2 exposure above 10 µg/m3 for 231 Chinese cities from 2015 to 2019, and geographic and socioeconomic differences . Attributed fraction (AF), attributed deaths (AD), attributed mortality rate (AMR) and total value of statistical life lost (VSL) were used as the mortality burden measurements. Between 2015 and 2019, we estimated 1356.3 thousand deaths (95% CI: 513.7–2050.7) attributed to NO2 exposure above 10 µg/m3 per year and VSL of 958.2 billion USD (95% CI: 362.9–1448.8). Cities in the northern region, cities with high levels of GDP per capita (PGDP) and urbanization suffered the highest mortality burden and corresponding economic loss. Consequently, significant geographic and socioeconomic disparities of NO2 attributed mortality burden exist across cities in China.

Association between serum albumin levels at admission and clinical outcomes in pediatric intensive care units: a multi-center study

BackgroundAlbumin, a vital component in regulating human blood oncotic pressure, plays an important role in the prediction of prognosis in pediatric patients.Previous research identified significant differences in serum albumin levels of healthy and critically ill children.MethodsThe present study aims to investigate the correlation between albumin levels measured during pediatric intensive care unit(PICU) admission and clinical outcomes. In 2022, a comprehensive analysis of the records was conducted retrospectively in four tertiary hospital PICUs in different cities in the south-east region of Turkey. We then conducted a ROC analysis to predict mortality based on hypoalbuminemia.A cut-off value was determined, and the patients were divided into two groups: hypoalbuminemic and normoalbuminemic.Based on this cut-off level, we evaluated the association between admission serum albumin levels and mortality, length of stay, laboratories, need for mechanical ventilation, and extracorporeal treatments.ResultsA total of 1329 patients admitted to the PICUs between January 1, 2022 and January 1, 2023 were included. The mortality rate amounted to 16.2%.The mean albumin level was 4.03 ± 0.69 g/dl in the surviving and 3.35 ± 0.90 g/dl in the non-surviving group(p < 0.001).The average length of stay in the PICU amounted to 8.98 ± 17.07, while the mean length of hospital stay was 11.23 ± 18.81days.Patients with hypoalbuminemia had significantly longer stays in the PICU and hospital as compared to those with normal albumin levels(p = 0.025 and p < 0.001,respectively).We found robust evidence that albumin levels are a strong predictor of mortality, with a predictive rate of 84.5%(OR:0.322, 95% CI:0.263–0.395, p < 0.001).The cut-off value was 3.785(AUC:0.731, Sensitivity:68.3%, Specificity:67%). A negative correlation was identified between albumin levels and lactate, C- reactive protein (CRP), and Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels across all patients. Conversely, a positive correlation was observed between neutrophil, lymphocyte, platelet, hemoglobin, sodium, and glucose levels. However, in patients with a cut-off point of 3.785 for albumin levels, a negative correlation was observed between albumin and lactate, CRP, and creatine levels. Conversely, a positive correlation was found between bicarbonate, platelet, hemoglobin, and glucose levels. Based on these findings, we conclude that hypoalbuminemia is associated with a higher rate of inotrope therapy and mechanical ventilation support. Furthermore, the rates of plasmapheresis, continuous renal replacement therapy, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation initiation were markedly reduced in patients with elevated albumin levels (p < 0.001).ConclusionThe serum albumin, which is an excellent and cost-effective biomarker that can be readily and economically evaluated in any center worldwide, as evidenced by the findings of our study, is a highly efficacious indicator of admission albumin levels for the prediction of mortality and outcomes in PICUs. Furthermore, it predicts the selection of appropriate treatment and mechanical supports. It is straightforward to utilise, as it does not necessitate the use of scoring systems or tests that require lengthy and intricate analyses, and it is readily available.

Assessment of seasonal and spatial patterns of AOD, urban heat island and urban aerosol pollution island during change in agriculture cycles over a city region along Indo-Gangetic Plain

Assessment of seasonal and spatial patterns of AOD, urban heat island and urban aerosol pollution island during change in agriculture cycles over a city region along Indo-Gangetic Plain