Major Urban Centers Research Articles

Drought in south-west Australia links to urban immigration across multiple avian taxa

Background Urban areas are a significant and rapidly expanding part of the global landscape. Urban expansion occurs alongside climate change, with both linked to declines in native species. However, urban environments can offer alternative resources during extreme climatic events such as droughts. Aims We sought to identify bird species that had an increased presence in the major urban center of south-west Western Australia during a climate anomaly characterized by record low rainfall and high temperatures. Methods Using eBird data, we analyzed changes in the reporting rates of all bird species in the period from January 2019 to August 2024. Generalized linear models were used to assess the influence of cumulative 6-month, 12-month, and 18-month rainfall on species reporting rates. Key results Reporting rates increased dramatically (up to nine times higher than average) around the time of the drought, before reducing back to the average once the drought was broken for four species: (1) the black-shouldered kite; (2) the black-tailed native-hen; (3) the tawny-crowned honeyeater; and (4) the western spinebill. Cumulative 6-month rainfall was a strong predictor for the raptor and the two honeyeaters. Other similar species showed no significant change in reporting rate, suggesting the effect is highly species dependent. Conclusions Multiple different types of birds may utilize urban areas during drought events. Further research is needed to identify what drives movement of wildlife in response to such events, and the type of urban resources the birds are using. Implications Urban ecosystems should be integrated into broader conservation plans to support species through the interacting challenges posed by climate change and urbanization.

Potential role of heterologous flavivirus immunity in preventing urban transmission of yellow fever virus

During the recent yellow fever (YF) epidemics in Brazil, human cases were attributed to spillover infections via sylvatic mosquito transmission. Despite YF virus (YFV) transmission in major urban centers with insufficient vaccination coverage and abundant populations of the domestic vector, Aedes aegypti, there was no evidence of human-amplified transmission. Furthermore, the historic absence of YF in Asia, despite abundant Ae. aegypti and an immunologically naive human population, is unexplained. We tested the hypothesis that pre-existing, heterologous flavivirus immunity, specifically from dengue (DENV) and Zika (ZIKV) viruses, limits YFV viremia and transmission by Ae. aegypti. We infected cynomolgus macaques with DENV or ZIKV, then challenged them 6–9 months later with YFV. We then measured viremia and disease and allowed Ae. aegypti mosquitoes to feed during peak macaque viremia. Although prior heterologous immunity had variable effects on disease, DENV and ZIKV immunity consistently suppressed YFV viremia. Despite no statistical difference due to a small sample size, the suppression in viremia led to a significant reduction in Ae. aegypti infection and a lack of transmission potential. These results support the hypothesis that, in DENV- and ZIKV-endemic regions such as South America and Asia, human flavivirus immunity suppresses YFV human amplification potential, reducing the risk of urban outbreaks.

Heartfelt Impact: A Descriptive Analysis of Ceftaroline-Containing Regimens in Endocarditis due to Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Infective endocarditis (IE) due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is characterized by frequent treatment failure to first-line agents and high mortality, necessitating use of alternative management strategies. Ceftaroline fosamil (CPT) is a cephalosporin antibiotic with activity against MRSA but without regulatory approval for the indication of IE. This study describes clinical experience with CPT-based regimens utilized in MRSA-IE. This is a retrospective, observational, descriptive analysis of patients from two major urban medical centers in Detroit, Michigan from 2011 to 2023. Included adult patients (≥ 18years) had ≥ 1 positive blood culture for MRSA, met definitive clinical criteria for IE, and received CPT for ≥ 72h. The primary outcome was treatment failure, defined as a composite of 30-day all-cause mortality from index culture or failure to improve or resolve infectious signs/symptoms after CPT initiation. Seventy patients were included. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) age was 51 (34-63) years and 45.7% were male. Persons with injection drug use (PWID) made up 55.7% of the cohort and right-sided IE was the most prevalent subtype (50.0%). CPT was frequently employed second-line or later, often in combination with vancomycin (10.0%) or daptomycin (72.9%). Overall, 31.4% experienced treatment failure and 30-day all-cause mortality occurred in 15.7%. These findings illustrate the challenges posed by MRSA-IE, including frequent treatment failures, and highlight the utilization of CPT as salvage therapy. Comparative studies are needed to more clearly define its role in MRSA-IE.

Associations between neighbourhood-level median household income and outpatients' risk of antibiotic non-susceptible uropathogens in a major urban centre, USA.

Resistance to first-line antibiotics among urinary tract infections continues to rise, but how neighbourhood-level socioeconomic status impacts this risk remains unclear. We examined the effect of neighbourhood-level income on a patient's risk of having a uropathogen non-susceptible to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) or nitrofurantoin. We used electronic health record data and antibiotic susceptibility test results for urinary Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae collected at Emory Healthcare outpatient facilities in greater Atlanta between October 2022 and September 2023. We determined patients' block group median household income (MHI) using their residential addresses and 2017-21 US census data. We performed a logistic regression with a priori risk factors using a generalized estimating equation, with subgroup analysis by organism and for patients with diabetes mellitus. We included 9325 urine E. coli and K. pneumoniae isolates from 3867 outpatients. Compared to uropathogenic E. coli, K. pneumoniae were more likely to be non-susceptible to nitrofurantoin (P < 0.001) and less likely to be non-susceptible to TMP/SMX (P < 0.001). Compared to the lowest MHI quintile, patients in the highest MHI quintile neighbourhoods had 0.78 odds of harbouring a non-susceptible uropathogen (95% CI: 0.64, 0.95) after controlling for patient age, sex and race/ethnicity, along with neighbourhood-level characteristics. This association was stronger for K. pneumoniae infections and non-significant among people with diabetes. Higher neighbourhood-level MHI was associated with lower individual risk of harbouring a first-line antibiotic-non-susceptible uropathogen.

Impact of Trauma on the Lives of Black Men With Multiple Arrests

A mixed-methods study was carried out to better characterize the life course experiences, with a focus on trauma, of men who had perpetrated gun violence and other violent crime, and who had multiple arrests and incarcerations. A small sample of 13 men with a history of a minimum of 12 arrests each as well as histories of gun violence, other violent crime, and incarceration was drawn from a social program providing cognitive therapy and job skills training in a major urban center. Participants completed the Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 and completed an in-depth interview. Results demonstrated that the participants had extraordinarily significant levels of trauma exposure but that they had minimal avowed trauma symptoms. The exception is that every participant demonstrated a clinically relevant score on the Arousal subscale (Criterion E). Participants in interviews discussed a number of characteristics of their developmental years. They described near constant exposure to traumatic events, in some cases starting from very young ages. Most participants described a personal experience of numbing or desensitization to their experiences. They described the impact of gangs on both protecting them from trauma and exposing them to trauma, and they described their subsequent experiences of incarceration. They offered recommendations for strategies to minimize violent crime in communities.

Impact of COVID-19 on cardiology and neurology services in a peripheral hospital in Northern Israel

Abstract Background The indirect impact of COVID-19 pandemic on clinical services remains incompletely described in secondary care hospitals outside major urban centers. We compared clinical outcomes before and during the pandemic in a disrupted service (Neurology) and a non-disrupted one (Cardiology) in a peripheral hospital in Israel, using Cerebral Vascular Accident (CVA) and ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) as clinical indicators, respectively. Methods We compared demographics, treatment and outcomes from CVA and STEMI patients who attended Ziv Medical Center, Israel, during the pandemic (15/3/2020-15/4/2022) and before (1/1/2018-14/3/2020), Using chi-square, t-test and Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney tests. Results 1029 CVA and 497 STEMI patients were included. Those who arrived during the pandemic were demographically comparable to those arriving before. Compared to pre-pandemic, intra-pandemic median time for CVA patients from arrival to imaging was longer (23 vs. 19 minutes, p = 0.001). However, timing from arrival to tissue Plasminogen Activator administration was similar (49 vs. 45 min, p = 0.61). The likelihood of transfer to another hospital was higher (20.3% vs. 14.4% p = 0.01) and median length of stay (LOS) was shorter (3 vs. 4 days, p &amp;lt; 0.05). Among STEMI patients, median time from arrival to percutaneous coronary intervention during the pandemic was shorter than before (45 vs. 50 minutes p = 0.02) and median ejection fraction at discharge was higher (50% vs. 45% p = 0.02). Mean LOS was shorter (3.86 vs. 4.48 p = 0.01), and unplanned re-admission to the ED was less frequent (7.8% vs. 14.6% p = 0.01). No significant changes in mortality were observed. Conclusions Our data shows no major negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on CVA and STEMI outcomes, and possibly improved care in the less disrupted department. Follow-up qualitative studies with neurology and cardiology staff already in action to comprehend how quality of care was maintained during the crises. Key messages • In peripheral setting, COVID-19 hadn’t negatively impact Neurology or Cardiology acute clinical outcomes. • The consequences of maintaining clinical performance when working under adverse conditions requires further research.

Assessment of the Current Situation and Solutions to Attract Australian FDI Capital to Vietnam in the Context of International Integration

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has played a pivotal role in Vietnam’s economic transformation, significantly contributing to industrialization, job creation, and export growth. Since the introduction of the Law on Foreign Investment in 1987 and Vietnam’s accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2007, the country has emerged as a leading destination for foreign investors in Southeast Asia. Key sectors attracting FDI include manufacturing, real estate, and services, which have driven economic development and facilitated Vietnam’s integration into the global economy. Despite these successes, challenges remain that hinder FDI’s full potential, including administrative inefficiencies, complex regulations, corruption, and inadequate infrastructure. The shortage of highly skilled labor, especially in technology-driven fields, also limits the country's ability to attract higher-value FDI projects. Moreover, there are regional disparities in FDI distribution, with major urban centers like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi receiving most investments, while rural areas are often overlooked. The impact of new-generation Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), is also examined. These agreements enhance market access, legal protections for investors, and reduce trade barriers, making Vietnam increasingly attractive for high-tech and service industries. This paper assesses the current FDI landscape in Vietnam, identifying opportunities and challenges for foreign investors. Recommendations include simplifying business procedures, implementing anti-corruption measures, improving infrastructure, and enhancing workforce training to address skills gaps. By adopting these reforms, Vietnam can attract higher-quality investments, strengthen ties with global supply chains, and foster sustainable economic growth. Additionally, the research emphasizes the importance of building stronger partnerships between FDI enterprises and local firms to ensure the widespread distribution of investment benefits across the economy. With a more favorable investment climate, Vietnam can reinforce its position as a premier destination for global investors and enhance its role in the international market.

Trends in head and neck cancer incidence in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam between 1996 and 2015

IntroductionThis study provides an analysis of head and neck cancer (HNC) cases over a 20-year period in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. It aims to shed light on HNC's characteristics and trends in this highly populated urban region. MethodsThe analysis encompasses 8974 HNC cases, emphasising incidence rates, gender distribution, and the prevalence of different subtypes, including oral cavity, nasopharyngeal, oropharyngeal, and laryngeal/pharyngeal cancers. Ho Chi Minh City was chosen due to its extensive cancer reporting systems and its role as a major urban healthcare centre attracting a wide range of patients. ResultsThe study reveals an increasing incidence of HNC in Ho Chi Minh City, with a notable predominance of male patients (73 %). The breakdown of HNC cases shows oral cavity cancer at 34 %, nasopharyngeal at 33 %, oropharyngeal at 12 %, and laryngeal/pharyngeal at 21 %. Compared to global averages, Vietnamese patients are diagnosed at an earlier age, with a noticeable trend of decreasing mean age of diagnosis over the study period. ConclusionThis comprehensive study provides valuable insights into the HNC landscape in Ho Chi Minh City, revealing a slightly lower overall incidence but an earlier age of diagnosis compared to global trends. These findings suggest the need for region-specific public health initiatives and further research to clarify the epidemiological features of HNC in Vietnam.

The Long-Run Impacts of Public Industrial Investment on Local Development and Economic Mobility: Evidence from World War II

Abstract This paper studies the long-run effects of government-led construction of manufacturing plants on the regions where they were built and on individuals from those regions. Specifically, we examine publicly financed plants built in dispersed locations outside of major urban centers for security reasons during the United States’ industrial mobilization for World War II. Wartime plant construction had large and persistent impacts on local development, characterized by an expansion of relatively high-wage manufacturing employment throughout the postwar era. These benefits were shared by incumbent residents; we find men born before WWII in counties where plants were built earned ${\$}$1,200 (in 2020 dollars) or 2.5 percent more per year in adulthood relative to those born in counterfactual comparison regions, with larger benefits accruing to children of lower-income parents. The balance of evidence suggests that these individuals benefited primarily from the local expansion of higher-wage jobs to which they had access as adults, rather than because of developmental effects from exposure to better environments during childhood.

Suicide in the Austrian Littoral at the turn of the 20th century

The paper seeks to examine the social image of suicide at the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century, especially in the case of Trieste as a major Austrian urban centre, where the suicide rates were more visibly increasing at least from the 1870s onwards. The perception of the growing presence of suicide in society made it possible to observe what the reflections on suicide from the last quarter of the 19th century brought from different parts of Europe (Morselli, Masaryk, Durkheim) and at the same time how the discourses around suicide shed light on a somewhat broader picture of society, including its fears (of social problems and change, not least the potential threat of the imitative effect that the daily press was believed to create by reporting on suicides). The newspaper discourse usually followed the scientific publications of the time, and the contemporaneous observations on the mass of suicides were confirmed through statistical analyses and medical, sociological, philosophical and other debates, while also raising many other social issues with which suicide in urban areas could be linked (alcoholism, the growth of the proletariat, poverty, changing values, etc.). All of this shaped the public debate on suicide as a problem of modern society, with an emphasis on (big) cities, where the problem of suicide was much more pronounced than in smaller non-industrial towns or in the countryside of the Austrian Littoral.

Aflatoxins Levels in Concentrate Feeds Collected from Specialized Dairy Farms and Local Markets in Selected Urban Centers of Eastern Ethiopia.

Aflatoxin constitutes a significant concern for food and feed safety, posing detrimental health risks to both animals and humans. This study aimed to examine the prevalence and concentration of aflatoxins in maize feed, total mixed ration, and wheat bran collected from specialized dairy farms and local markets in three major urban centers in eastern Ethiopia. A total of 180 feed samples were collected from September 2021 to January 2022 in Chiro town, Dire Dawa city, and Harar city. These samples underwent thorough extraction and immunoaffinity clean-up before aflatoxin analysis using HPLC/FLD. The results revealed that AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, AFG2, and TAF contamination was detected in 72.2%, 66.1%, 71.1%, 68.7%, and 82.8% of the feed samples, respectively. The corresponding mean levels of each aflatoxin were 28.15 ± 3.50, 3.3 ± 0.40, 19.87 ± 1.87, 2.7 ± 0.32, and 54.01 ± 4.72 µg/kg, respectively. The occurrence and levels of aflatoxin varied across different study sites and feed types. Notably, feeds from Dire Dawa city exhibited significantly higher mean levels of AFB1 (43.98 ± 5.3 µg/kg), AFB2 (5.69 ± 0.6 µg/kg), AFG1 (32.25 ± 2.7 µg/kg), and AFG2 (5.01 ± 0.5 µg/kg) than feeds from other urban centers did. Additionally, a significantly higher occurrence of AFB1 (29.4%) and AFG1 (28.3%) was detected in feed from Dire Dawa city. Similarly, the total mixed ration (TMR) displayed significantly higher levels of AFB1 (50.67 ± 5.2 µg/kg), AFB2 (4.74 ± 0.6 µg/kg), AFG1 (32.87 ± 2.6 µg/kg), and AFG2 (3.86 ± 0.5 µg/kg) compared to the other feed types. Moreover, a significantly higher occurrence of AFB1 (30.7%) and AFG1 (28.7%) was detected in the TMR. Furthermore, a moderate correlation was observed between the count of aflatoxigenic Aspergillus species and the levels of TAF in the feed samples. Overall, this study underscores the widespread presence of aflatoxin contamination in dairy feeds in eastern Ethiopia, highlighting the urgent need for stringent monitoring and mitigation measures to ensure food and feed safety, as well as public health.

Rainfall in California: Special Reference to 2023 Rains That Caused Floods

After years of crippling drought, California experienced a barrage of intense atmospheric river storms starting from late 2022 and continuing into early 2023 after so many years of extensive drought. This resulted in extensive flooding across the northern and central parts of the state. Major urban centers like San Francisco and Sacramento saw their wettest January on record, with damage to infrastructure and thousands evacuated in flooded areas. Southern California also saw higher than average rainfall. The extensive rainfall provided much-needed relief from the recent drought, helping to replenish reservoirs and groundwater basins, but also causing lot of catastrophic events due to California’s insufficient flood control infrastructure. Decades of underfunding and lack of coordination have left dams, levees, and urban flood control channels unable to handle increased precipitation, putting communities at risk. Historically, California has experienced periodic droughts, where precipitation falls well below average for multiple seasons or years. Significant droughts were observed in the past century such as in the years 1976–1977, 1987–1992, and 2012–2016. The most recent drought from 2012–2022 ranked as one of the most severe and most prolonged droughts on record in California. Although the 2023 storms helped in recovery from drought conditions, California must bolster its flood control systems and water storage capabilities. The state must prepare for a future where climate change drives intense precipitation alongside more intense droughts. Sustainable infrastructure and coordinated management will be vital for withstanding increased hydrological extremes. This article examines the rainfall extremes of 2023 within the context of California’s drought history and makes recommendations for long-term water security to overcome increased climate variability.

P021 PROPORTION AND GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION OF HYPERTENSION PATIENTS AND THEIR ASSOCIATED SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS IN COLOMBIA, 2019-2023

Background and Objectives: A substantial underreporting of hypertension data in Colombia has been documented, with a lack of recent updates. Access to updated data is crucial for planning effective public health interventions in our country. We aimed to determine both the proportion and the geographic distribution of patients with hypertension in Colombia, along with their associated demographic and regional factors Methods: We conducted a descriptive, cross-sectional, observational study. Data on the frequency and geographic distribution of individuals diagnosed with hypertension from 2019 to 2023 were collected, along with sociodemographic characteristics like age, gender, and socioeconomic status. These data were extracted from the SISPRO platform based on diagnoses coded according to the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-10). Results: During the study period, we identified a hypertension prevalence of 12.86% (6,719,193 individuals) across Colombia. Regionally, Bogotá D.C. and Antioquia reported the highest proportion of hypertension—19.21% (1,290,882 people) and 16.15% (1,085,420 people), respectively. Conversely, the lowest rates were found in Vaupés (0.01%, corresponding to 960 people) and Guainía (0.02%, corresponding to 1,592 people). The prevalence was significantly higher in females (60,80%) compared to males (39,20%). Additionally, the highest prevalence was found among individuals aged 55 to 74, accounting for 69,67% of cases. The highest frequency of diagnosis was noted in the contributory regime (68.95%), with the lowest in displaced persons, irrespective of their insurance status (0.33%). Conclusions: The prevalence of hypertension is notably higher in Colombia's major urban centers, while significantly lower in remote regions and among vulnerable populations, suggesting significant underreporting. This underreporting likely results in untreated conditions and increased future health complications. It is imperative to develop strategies to enhance the recording and diagnosis of hypertension in Colombia, particularly in remote and vulnerable groups.

Integrated Approach for the Assessment of Real Risk of Population Exposure in Industrial Areas

Research goal is to identify an integrated approach for assessing real risk exposure of population located in areas of extractive industries. We focused on environmental data evaluation (diffusion model), figures and contextual analysis of active health surveillance data of the population (questionnaire, chemistry panel, spirometry and activation of a biobank). Environmental exposure data crossed with the calculation of the AQI (Air Quality Index) did not highlight any critical issues. A cohort of 600 locals subjected to health surveillance was analysed by calculating risk perception; a questionnaire aimed at assessing risk perception was administered to the population sample.All data (environmental and clinical) were georeferenced and analysed using GIS (Geographic Information System) software; study of contaminant distribution was carried out using a Q-GIS software shows average exposure conditions well below regulatory limits, with minor exceptions relative to concentrations of finer particulate matter (PM 2.5) and with reference only to the major urban centers; analysis of risk perception evince “incorrect” perception, with little confidence in relation to the environmental monitoring of the Regional Agencies.

INFLUENCE OF COUNTRY OF ORIGIN, BRAND IMAGE, AND PERCEIVED QUALITY ON INTEREST IN BUYING NMAX BRAND MOTORS IN PONOROGO (CASE STUDY OF PONOROGO DISTRICT COMMUNITY)

General Background: In the competitive motorcycle industry, factors such as Country of Origin (COO), Brand Image, and Perceived Quality significantly influence consumer purchasing decisions. Specific Background: Understanding the influence of these factors on consumer interest, particularly for popular models like the Yamaha NMAX, is crucial for effective marketing strategies in specific regions such as Ponorogo. Knowledge Gap: However, limited research has been conducted to explore the simultaneous effects of these variables on consumer purchasing interest, especially in less urbanized areas like Ponorogo, where consumer preferences may differ from urban centers. Aims: This study aims to analyze the influence of COO, Brand Image, and Perceived Quality on the interest in purchasing Yamaha NMAX motorcycles in Ponorogo, both individually and collectively. Results: The findings indicate that while COO has a statistically significant influence, the relationship is negative, suggesting that other factors outweigh the impact of COO in shaping purchase interest. Conversely, Brand Image and Perceived Quality both exhibit positive and significant effects on consumer interest, highlighting their roles as critical determinants in the purchasing decision process. Novelty: The study's novelty lies in its exploration of these variables in a less-studied, regional context, providing new insights into consumer behavior outside major urban centers. Implications: The results suggest that marketing strategies for Yamaha NMAX in Ponorogo should prioritize enhancing Brand Image and Perceived Quality rather than emphasizing COO, as these factors are more influential in driving purchase interest. These findings contribute to a nuanced understanding of regional consumer behavior, which can inform targeted marketing efforts and product positioning in similar contexts.

Planning for Introducing Electric Buses Based on Ecological and Financial Impacts

The transition from fossil fuel-powered buses to electric buses has emerged as a central concern in recent years. Governments worldwide are urging this shift in major urban centers as a strategic response to ecological challenges, particularly issues related to pollution and carbon emissions. The primary impediment to the electrification transition lies in real-world financial constraints. Consequently, comprehending both the ecological benefits and financial intricacies of transitioning bus fleets is paramount.In the initial section of this paper, we formulate a mathematical model to assess the reduction in carbon emissions and pollution resulting from a complete transition of the bus fleet. This model is then applied to the city of Sendai, Japan. By comparing the carbon dioxide and emission gases released by conventional buses with those emitted by electric buses, we can discern the impact of employing electric buses on the urban ecological environment.Moving on to the second section, we present a mathematical model delineating the financial aspects of the transition. We use Sendai as a real-world exemplar for our model. The economic model is categorized into expenditures and revenues. Expenditures encompass the acquisition of electric buses, maintenance costs, and carbon taxes. On the income side, we consider bus fares, revenue from bus advertising, the budget of the bus company, and government subsidies. By subtracting expenditures from revenues, we can ascertain the financial ramifications of transitioning to electric buses.Following the evaluation from both ecological and financial perspectives of the bus fleet's electric transition, a third model is constructed mathematically to address the optimal planning solution for a city aiming to fully electrify its bus fleet within a decade. The objective is to achieve cost-efficiency: to be the most economical while meeting ecological goals. Finally, the cities of Sendai, Kunshan, and Nashville serve as subjects for our model, each providing a tailored solution to the transition planning.

The Role of Gender in Household Financial Decision-Making: A Survey-Based Analysis in Urban India

This research paper explores the role of gender in household financial decision-making within urban India, focusing on the disparities between male and female respondents in financial literacy, investment behaviors, risk preferences, and decision-making authority. A survey-based methodology was employed, targeting 500 households across five major urban centers in North India. The study found that males generally exhibited higher financial literacy, were more likely to engage in riskier investments such as mutual funds and stocks, and predominantly controlled major financial decisions. In contrast, females preferred safer investments like gold and fixed deposits and were primarily responsible for daily expenses and savings. Education and employment emerged as critical factors influencing financial behaviors, with higher educational attainment and active economic participation correlating with better financial literacy and decision-making capabilities. These findings underscore the need for targeted financial education programs, policies promoting higher education and employment for women, and improved access to professional financial advice. By addressing these disparities, stakeholders can enhance women's financial empowerment and promote gender equality in financial decision-making, contributing to the broader economic development and stability of urban India.

From Silence to Testimonio: Latina Adolescents’ Agency in Writing

This qualitative classroom-based study investigated the writing practices, choices, and reflections of Latinx high school students during an instructional unit on writing testimonio. The study was grounded in a sociocultural theory of writing and draws from LatCrit and testimonio research to understand how writing about self as testimonio shapes the writing practices Latinx, urban mujeres. The study took place in an eleventh grade class at an urban charter school in a major urban center in the southwest. Data collection included writing samples, interviews, participant observer memos, and field notes. Analysis was conducted through a testimonio and narrative analysis lens and afforded researchers and participants the opportunity to co-construct the knowledge gained from the data corpus. Findings focused on the ways participants interacted with the study unit, how they found agency as writers, took pride in their writing, and ownership of the narratives of their communities.

Maritime hinterlands and interregional interaction at Late Antique Kekova Adası, Türkiye

How do resource-poor island communities develop networks to ensure their supply of foodstuffs and basic commodities? The growth of the Late Antique (5th-7th century CE) town at Kekova Adası on the southern Turkish coast of Lycia offers an instructive case study. Underwater survey along the town’s harbor front yielded large quantities of amphoras, utilitarian and fine pottery, and ceramic building materials that testify to local consumption and transshipment activities on the island. The origins of these materials serve as proxy for the networks of exchange that underpinned life on Kekova Adası. Yet because many of the most common amphora and other pottery types were produced over wide areas of many hundreds of kilometers of coast in Late Antiquity, ceramic petrography is necessary to determine or more precisely define the origins of these materials and, in turn, the shape of the networks through which they moved. The results reveal that the inhabitants of Kekova Adası developed a hinterland for supply by sea that encompassed the coastal plain around Limyra some 40 km to the east as well as, seemingly, across the open sea to the southwest corner of Cyprus. While most of the bulk processed agricultural goods (particularly wine and oil) carried in these amphoras, and the ceramic building materials and other imported wares, derived from these two regions, this hinterland also intersected with larger networks of exchange that brought amphoras as well as fine and cooking wares from across the Levant, Cilicia, the east Aegean, and the northeast Peloponnese. This pattern articulates the integration and mutual interdependence of Kekova Adası’s local network with the particularly busy interregional route that supplied major urban centers and the state during this period. In the process, the case study highlights the necessity of ceramic petrography as a means of precisely reconstructing such networks.

Environmental, Geographical, and Economic Impacts of Inbound Tourism in China: A Mixed-Effects Gravity Model Approach

This study examines the dynamics of inbound tourism in China, utilizing a mixed-effects gravity model to analyze data from urban clusters around China’s three major airports. The research methodology of the study includes applying advanced econometric techniques, such as the Poisson pseudo-maximum likelihood estimation, to ensure robust and accurate results. The study focuses on international tourist arrivals and foreign exchange earnings, identifying key drivers such as tourism resources, transportation safety, and service quality. Our findings indicate a 10% increase in per capita GDP correlates with a 0.88% rise in inbound tourist numbers. Additionally, proximity to major urban centers like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou significantly influences tourist arrivals, with every 100 km increase in distance resulting in a 5.56% decrease in tourist numbers. The study also explores the impact of environmental factors on tourism, suggesting that improvements in green coverage and reductions in industrial waste and traffic fatalities could enhance tourist arrivals. Conversely, environmental protection measures can both positively and negatively impact tourism. This research provides a strategic blueprint for policymakers and professionals in tourism and environmental sustainability, emphasizing the importance of integrated environmental sustainability in tourism development strategies. The model accounts for up to 79% of the variability in inbound tourism flows, offering robust evidence that economic and policy dimensions impact tourism.