Major Urban Centers Research Articles

Assessing PM2.5 Dynamics and Source Contributions in Southwestern China: Insights from Winter Haze Analysis

Despite enhancements in pollution control measures in southwestern China, detailed assessments of PM2.5 dynamics following the implementation of the Clean Air Action remain limited. This study explores the PM2.5 concentrations and their chemical compositions during the winter haze period of 2017 across four major urban centers—Chengdu, Chongqing, Guiyang, and Kunming. Significant variability in mean PM2.5 concentrations was observed: Chengdu (71.8 μg m−3) and Chongqing (53.3 μg m−3) recorded the highest levels, substantially exceeding national air quality standards, while Guiyang and Kunming reported lower concentrations, suggestive of comparatively milder pollution. The analysis revealed that sulfate, nitrate, and ammonium (collectively referred to as SNA) constituted a substantial portion of the PM2.5 mass—47.2% in Chengdu, 62.2% in Chongqing, 59.9% in Guiyang, and 32.0% in Kunming—highlighting the critical role of secondary aerosol formation. The ratio of NO3−/SO42− and nitrogen oxidation ratio to sulfur oxidation ratio (NOR/SOR) indicate a significant transformation of NO2 under conditions of heavy pollution, with nitrate formation playing an increasingly central role in the haze dynamics, particularly in Chengdu and Chongqing. Utilizing PMF for source apportionment, in Chengdu, vehicle emissions were the predominant contributor, accounting for 33.1%. Chongqing showed a similar profile, with secondary aerosols constituting 36%, followed closely by vehicle emissions. In contrast, Guiyang’s PM2.5 burden was heavily influenced by coal combustion, which contributed 46.3%, reflecting the city’s strong industrial base. Kunming presented a more balanced source distribution. Back trajectory analysis further confirmed the regional transport of pollutants, illustrating the complex interplay between local and distant sources. These insights underscore the need for tailored, region-specific air quality management strategies in southwestern China, thereby enhancing our understanding of the multifaceted sources and dynamics of PM2.5 pollution amidst ongoing urban and industrial development.

61Cu-PSMA-Targeted PET for Prostate Cancer: From Radiotracer Development to First-in-Human Imaging.

The demand for PET tracers that target prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) continues to increase. Meeting this demand with approved 68Ga- and 18F-labeled PSMA tracers is challenging outside of major urban centers. This is because the short physical half-life of these radionuclides makes it necessary to produce them near their sites of usage. To overcome this challenge, we propose cyclotron-produced 61Cu for labeling PSMA PET tracers. 61Cu can be produced on a large scale, and its 3.33-h half-life allows shipping over considerably longer distances than possible for 68Ga and 18F. Production of true theranostic twins using 61Cu and the β--emitter 67Cu is also feasible. Methods: PSMA-I&T (DOTAGA-(l-y)fk(sub-KuE)) and its derivative in which the DOTAGA chelator was replaced by NODAGA (NODAGA-(l-y)fk(sub-KuE)), herein reported as DOTAGA-PSMA-I&T and NODAGA-PSMA-I&T, respectively, were labeled with 61Cu and compared with [68Ga]Ga-DOTAGA-PSMA-I&T, [68Ga]Ga-NODAGA-PSMA-I&T, [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11, and [18F]PSMA-1007. In vitro (lipophilicity, affinity, cellular uptake, and distribution) and invivo (PET/CT, biodistribution, and stability) studies were performed in LNCaP cells and xenografts. Human dosimetry estimates were calculated for [61Cu]Cu-NODAGA-PSMA-I&T. First-in-human imaging with [61Cu]Cu-NODAGA-PSMA-I&T was performed in a patient with metastatic prostate cancer. Results: [61Cu]Cu-DOTAGA-PSMA-I&T and [61Cu]Cu-NODAGA-PSMA-I&T were synthesized with radiochemical purity of more than 97%, at an apparent molar activity of 24 MBq/nmol, without purification after labeling. In vitro, natural Cu (natCu)-DOTAGA-PSMA-I&T and natCu-NODAGA-PSMA-I&T showed high affinity for PSMA (inhibitory concentration of 50%, 11.2 ± 2.3 and 9.3 ± 1.8 nM, respectively), although lower than the reference natGa-PSMA-11 (inhibitory concentration of 50%, 2.4 ± 0.4 nM). Their cellular uptake and distribution were comparable to those of [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11. In vivo, [61Cu]Cu-NODAGA-PSMA-I&T showed significantly lower uptake in nontargeted tissues than [61Cu]Cu-DOTAGA-PSMA-I&T and higher tumor uptake (14.0 ± 5.0 percentage injected activity per gram of tissue [%IA/g]) than [61Cu]Cu-DOTAGA-PSMA-I&T (6.06 ± 0.25 %IA/g, P = 0.0059), [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 (10.2 ± 1.5 %IA/g, P = 0.0972), and [18F]PSMA-1007 (9.70 ± 2.57 %IA/g, P = 0.080) at 1 h after injection. Tumor uptake was also higher for [61Cu]Cu-NODAGA-PSMA-I&T at 4 h after injection (10.7 ± 3.3 %IA/g) than for [61Cu]Cu-DOTAGA-PSMA-I&T (4.88 ± 0.63 %IA/g, P = 0.0014) and [18F]PSMA-1007 (6.28 ± 2.19 %IA/g, P = 0.0145). Tumor-to-nontumor ratios of [61Cu]Cu-NODAGA-PSMA-I&T were superior to those of [61Cu]Cu-DOTAGA-PSMA-I&T and comparable to those of [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 and [18F]PSMA-1007 at 1 h after injection and increased significantly between 1 and 4 h after injection in most cases. Human dosimetry estimates for [61Cu]Cu-NODAGA-PSMA-I&T were similar to the ones reported for 18F-PSMA ligands. First-in-human imaging demonstrated multifocal osseous and hepatic metastases. Conclusion: [61Cu]Cu-NODAGA-PSMA-I&T is a promising PSMA radiotracer that compares favorably with [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 and [18F]PSMA-1007, while allowing delayed imaging.

Granular Cities

This study extends the concept of granularity from firms to cities, examining how large cities influence national economic dynamics beyond their relative size. By applying Zipf’s law, which describes the power law distribution of city sizes, we investigate the interplay between granularity and business cycles. Our aim is to test the granular hypothesis that large cities have a significant impact on the business cycle beyond their relative size. We analyze data from American and Brazilian cities between 2003 and 2019 assessing the granular residuals and their explanatory power. Our findings reveal that in the United States, the granular city size is three metropolitan areas or five counties when redefined. In Brazil, it equates to three municipalities. These results emphasize the substantial role large cities play in national economic fluctuations, suggesting that policy interventions that target infrastructure, education, and innovation in major urban centers could have widespread economic benefits. This paper’s contribution to the literature is to highlight a spatial component of granularity not considered so far.

More Water at Moatra: Archaeology, Geomorphology and Toponymy in the Territory of Sagalassos

While evidence of ancient place names is a crucial element for our understanding of the historical landscape, many of those toponyms, other than those of major urban centres, have often disappeared in the course of history. The traditional localization of one such ancient toponym, Moatra in the territory of Sagalassos, at the present-day village of Bereket in the central district of Burdur Province (SW Türkiye) has recently been questioned. Allegedly, the vicinity of the modern village presents insufficient remains to support an identification of an ancient settlement there during the Roman Imperial period and this caused scholars to look for its location elsewhere in the area. This article presents an overview of the archaeological evidence from the Bereket intramontane basin and combines it with other strands of evidence to contest this new localization and explain why Moatra could not have been situated anywhere else but at Bereket. These arguments are based on the combination of the results of past and ongoing archaeological, geomorphological and paleo-environmental research, as well as toponymic study. These data help to shed light on the long occupation of the area and clarify the somewhat exceptional nature of the settlement of Moatra within the territory of Sagalassos, providing an outstanding example of how different disciplines can contribute to our understanding of the ancient settlement landscape and the human-environment relationship in the Late Holocene.

The development and validation of a conceptual definition of avoidable transitions from long-term care to the emergency department: A mixed methods study.

Transitions to and from Emergency Departments (EDs) can be detrimental to long-term care (LTC) residents and burden the healthcare system. While reducing avoidable transfers is imperative, various terms are used interchangeably including inappropriate, preventable, or unnecessary transitions. Our study objectives were to develop a conceptual definition of avoidable LTC-ED transitions and to verify the level of stakeholder agreement with this definition. The EXamining Aged Care Transitions study adopted an exploratory sequential mixed-method design. The study was conducted in 2015-2016 in 16 LTC facilities, 1 ED, and 1 Emergency Medical Service (EMS) in a major urban center in western Canada. Phase 1 included 80 participants, (healthcare aides, licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, LTC managers, family members of residents, and EMS staff). We conducted semistructured interviews (n = 25) and focus groups (n = 19). In Phase 2, 327 ED staff, EMS staff, LTC staff, and medical directors responded to a survey based on the qualitative findings. Avoidable transitions were attributed to limited resources in LTC, insufficient preventive care, and resident or family wishes. The definition generated was: A transition of an LTC resident to the ED is considered avoidable if: (a) Diagnostic testing, medical assessment, and treatment can be accessed in a timely manner by other means; (b) the reasons for a transfer are unclear and the transition would increase the disorientation, pain, or discomfort of a resident, outweighing a clear benefit of a transfer; and (c) the transition is against the wishes expressed by the resident over time, including through informal and undocumented conversations. There was a high level of agreement with the definition across the four participant groups. To effectively reduce LTC resident avoidable transitions, stakeholders must share a common definition. Our conceptual definition may significantly contribute to improved care for LTC residents.

Students speak: Academic, career, and sociocultural experiences of African American college students

This manuscript presents the outcomes of a qualitative research investigation centered on the experiences of African American college students in terms of their preparation for high school, college, and careers within a Predominantly White Institution (PWI) situated in rural southeastern Wisconsin. At the time of this research, the comprehensive public university had an undergraduate enrollment of 10,196 students. Among these students, 82.1% self-identified as White, 7.8% as Hispanic or Latinx, 5.4% as African American, 3.2% as Asian or Southeast Asian, and 0.9% as American Indian or Alaskan Native. Using semi-structured interviews with willing student participants, the primary objectives of this study were twofold: (1) to recognize the sociocultural and institutional elements that influence the career trajectories of African American students attending the institution and (2) to effectively capture the educational and career viewpoints and voices of these students as they navigate the complex sociocultural and institutional landscape. Key findings from the research highlight the students’ perspectives on the substantial connections between their high school experiences, particularly those in and around a major urban center in the Midwest, and their subsequent college and career paths. Additionally, the study underscores the challenges these students encounter while navigating the physical and social spaces on a rural PWI campus. Recommendations are made for creating a more welcoming space for African American students and for supporting those engaged in the work.

Shared e-bike operational planning under different relocation schemes: A smart campus case

Major urban centers are grappling with challenges related to urban mobility and elevated greenhouse gas emissions. Shared electric bicycles (e-bikes) present a potential solution to these issues. Nonetheless, many ventures of this nature have previously faltered due to high operational costs. This paper aims to assess the optimal decisions for a shared e-bike company serving a university community. To this end, we consider two relocation strategies: one led by the operator and another by the user. Additionally, we examine elements inherent to a smart campus, such as photovoltaic systems and advanced energy tariffs, like time-of-use and real-time tariffs. We modeled the optimization problem as a mixed-integer nonlinear program, further linearized to a mixed-integer linear program using the Big-M method. Our case study focuses on the academic community at Universidade Federal Fluminense in Niterói, Brazil. Findings suggest a trade-off between operator and user relocation tariffs. They also underscore an enhancement in meeting demand, from 51 % to 69 %, when both mechanisms are employed. Lastly, the smart campus influences the operator's decisions, highlighting the importance of considering the interplay between energy and rental tariffs during planning.

Unveiling the Spatial Dimensions of Light Pollution in Pakistan: An Emerging Environmental Challenge

The study aims to investigates about the growing and serious concern of light pollution as an emerging environmental challenge in Pakistan. The study also attempts to analyze the spatial dimensions of this issue, including its implications for biodiversity and public health. The study also attempts to analyze the spatial dimensions of this issue, including its implications for biodiversity and public health. In Pakistan, a notable research gap exists regarding the environmental impact of light pollution. Despite the absence of policies regulating artificial lighting, and a lack of public awareness on this issue, there is a pressing need for comprehensive research to address and mitigate the adverse effects of excessive artificial light in the country. This descriptive study employs spatial mapping techniques to investigate and highlight the pervasive issue of light pollution in Pakistan. Utilizing geographic information, the research analyzes and visually represents the spatial distribution of artificial lighting, providing a comprehensive understanding of the extent and intensity of light pollution across the country. It is found that the most light-polluted regions in Pakistan encompass the northern, eastern, and central sectors of Punjab, the southwestern and central areas of Sindh, the central part of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the western region of Baluchistan. The study indicate that artificial sources of nightlight primarily cause light pollution in urban areas. This heightened light pollution coincides with major urban centers such as Rawalpindi, Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Multan, Karachi, Hyderabad, Peshawar, and Quetta situated in these areas. Due to strong spatial effects, the light pollution extends from urban regions to their neighboring rural areas and depleting their dark spaces. Similarly, it is observed that, this strong spatial effect also causing light pollution alongside Indian border, substantiate the fact that light pollution from the urban regions of India creating light pollution in Pakistan. Furthermore, the study recommends comprehensive policy measures, including zoning regulations, public awareness campaigns, and technological solutions, to mitigate the adverse effects and spatial spread of light pollution.

A Political Economy Analysis of Social Work’s Development in China: A Social Development Perspective

This paper examines the phenomenal growth of social work in China and the complexities and challenges faced by the profession and related stakeholders in the context of neoliberal economic practice within a hierarchical top-down political system. It proposes developmental social work as a viable indigenous social work practice mode. This analysis based on a collection of academic papers and relevant government reports sheds light on the interplay between welfare developmentalism, institutional dynamics, and professional challenges in the broader sociopolitical context, not least the neoliberal co-optation of social development aligned increasingly with economic goals to the detriment of broader social and structural issues. It shows how the political parameters of the Chinese Communist Party and its pursuit of community integration and social development shaped China’s approach to social work. It sees the necessity for a system of welfare services to address socio-structural issues and the indigenization and cultural adaption of social work in China as an expressly political process. Regarding the former, the government’s strategy of outsourcing public services to accord with its agenda has resulted in a contractual relationship between social organizations, including nongovernment and social work organizations, and the state. This has limited the independence and hindered the development of a strong civil society, and curtailed social workers’ autonomy, exacerbating professional challenges relating inter alia to the low number of qualified social work practitioners, limited job opportunities outside major urban centers, high staff turnover, and poor quality services provided by those without formal social work training. To enhance professional recognition in China, the paper suggests a holistic developmental approach that involves the resolution of individual problems through investing in people, helping them to build their capacity, drawing on social capital, and capitalizing on market opportunities to promote self-reliance, thereby contributing to community and social development.

Distribution and dynamics ofAnopheles gambiaes.l. larval habitats in threeSenegalesecities with high urban malaria incidence.

Urban malaria has become a challenge for most African countries due to urbanization, with increasing population sizes, overcrowding, and movement into cities from rural localities. The rapid expansion of cities with inappropriate water drainage systems, abundance of water storage habitats, coupled with recurrent flooding represents a concern for water-associated vector borne diseases, including malaria. This situation could threaten progress made towards malaria elimination in sub-Saharan countries, including Senegal, where urban malaria has presented as a threat to national elimination gains. To assess drivers of urban malaria in Senegal, a 5-month study was carried out from August to December 2019 in three major urban areas and hotspots for malaria incidence (Diourbel, Touba, and Kaolack) including the rainy season (August-October) and partly dry season (November-December). The aim was to characterize malaria vector larval habitats, vector dynamics across both seasons, and to identify the primary eco- environmental entomological factors contributing to observed urban malaria transmission. A total of 145 Anopheles larval habitats were found, mapped, and monitored monthly. This included 32 in Diourbel, 83 in Touba, and 30 in Kaolack. The number of larval habitats fluctuated seasonally, with a decrease during the dry season. In Diourbel, 22 of the 32 monitored larval habitats (68.75%) were dried out by December and considered temporary, while the remaining 10 (31.25%) were classified as permanent. In the city of Touba 28 (33.73%) were temporary habitats, and of those 57%, 71% and 100% dried up respectively by October, November, and December. However, 55 (66.27%) habitats were permanent water storage basins which persisted throughout the study. In Kaolack, 12 (40%) permanent and 18 (60%) temporary Anopheles larval habitats were found and monitored during the study. Three malaria vectors (An. arabiensis, An. pharoensis and An. funestus s.l.) were found across the surveyed larval habitats, and An. arabiensis was found in all three cities and was the only species found in the city of Diourbel, while An. arabiensis, An. pharoensis, and An. funestus s.l. were detected in the cities of Touba and Kaolack. The spatiotemporal observations of immature malaria vectors in Senegal provide evidence of permanent productive malaria vector larval habitats year-round in three major urban centers in Senegal, which may be driving high urban malaria incidence. This study aimed to assess the presence and type of anopheline larvae habitats in urban areas. The preliminary data will better inform subsequent detailed additional studies and seasonally appropriate, cost-effective, and sustainable larval source management (LSM) strategies by the National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP).

Leaving the Big City: New Patterns of Migration in Canada

Big cities have always been attractive places for people to settle. However, recent trends, including work-from-home and hybrid work arrangements, along with the rising cost of housing in big cities, mean more Canadians of all age groups are relocating to smaller communities. Much of this movement is to smaller areas within the same province, so that communities which traditionally saw an out-migration of population are now dealing with the challenges createdby a significant influx of new residents. Focusing on the exodus from the three largest Canadian Census Metropolitan Areas (CMAs) of Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver, this paper examines the challenges and consequences for smaller communities. The proportion of people living in these three CMAs has grown from 28.9 per cent in 1981 to35.5 per cent in 2021. This increase reflects the fact that the fastest growing industries, suchas finance, technology and communications, are located in major urban areas. However, the pandemic, combined with the technology that allows people to work from anywhere, means that more people are moving to smaller communities where they can enjoy lower housing costs and other benefits that less dense places offer. While younger people willing to tolerate the occasional commute to the city in hybrid working arrangements are relocating to smaller communities, some retirees are downsizing and also leaving the big city behind. This out-migration has created challenges for big cities. With workers resisting a return to the downtown office, urban cores are left with vast amounts of empty office space. Companies are thus reducing the size of their leased space or not renewing current leases. Public transit and shopping malls have seen usage drop, and a subsequent rise in crime and social disorder in some cities is encouraging even more people to consider moving elsewhere. The COVID-19 pandemic certainly contributed to the increasing exodus from the largest cities.A post-pandemic return to normal economic activity could slow departures from the big cities. The largest CMAs are still growing, due to an increasing number of immigrants, many of whom prefer to settle in big cities where people who arrived previously from their homelands have located. Canada’s commitment to expanded immigration has meant continued growth for major urban centres while the exodus of people from those centres has renewed the growth of mid-size and smaller communities. For the community of Cowansville, Quebec, for example, the flow of people out of Montrealhas produced renewed growth. The newcomers, especially those who bring significant resources with them, stimulate the local economy. Greater demand for products and services helps local businesses and can create employment opportunities for local residents. It will be important to monitor these migration trends in the coming years in order to ensure that infrastructure, funding and services adapt to the challenges so that everyone, whether they choose to live in a big city or in a small community, has access to the services and infrastructure they need in order to enjoy an optimum quality of life.

Assessing the Vulnerability and Adaptation Needs of Mozambique's Health Sector to Climate: A Comprehensive Study.

Climate change poses severe consequences, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where poverty rates may escalate by 2050 without significant climate and development action. The health impacts are diverse, encompassing communicable and non-communicable diseases. Mozambique, a climate-vulnerable nation, has experienced significant natural disasters in the past 42 years, impacting its health system. This study aims to assess Mozambique's health sector's vulnerability and adaptation needs to climate change. Following a methodology proposed by the World Health Organization and the Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change, a six-step vulnerability and adaptation assessment was conducted to conduct the Health Vulnerability Index (HVI) for Mozambique's regions (n=161). The HVI integrates historical climate, epidemiological, and socio-economic data at the district level, and was computed using exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity dimensions. The results revealed spatial patterns in exposure to climate variables, extreme weather events, and variations in sensitivity and adaptive capacity across the country. The HVI mirrored the exposure findings. Notably, high vulnerability was observed in several districts, while major urban centers displayed lower vulnerability. These findings highlight the country's vulnerability to climate change and underscore the potential for adverse impacts on livelihoods, the economy, and human health. The study provides a foundation for developing strategies and adaptation actions.

Субрегиональные различия в отношении к бытовой коррупции на Дальнем Востоке России

This study examines differences in experiences with petty corruption and attitudes toward it among residents of four major urban centers in Russia’s Far East, the country’s largest but understudied macro-region. Analyzing our own survey data, we find that one subregion stands out from the other three considered in the study. Residents of the Sakha Republic (Yakutia) demonstrate more negative attitudes toward corruption and report less frequent occurrences of petty corruption. Our qualitative findings confirm the existence of a distinct subregional pattern in perceived petty corruption. We hypothesize that the detected difference in attitudes may be rooted in the national composition of the Sakha Republic (Yakutia), which, in contrast to the other regions under study, is dominated by native people. As an extension of our main analysis, we explore the conditional correlations between individual characteristics and perceptions of corruption (while accounting for region of residence) and observe several interesting patterns.

Epidemiology of Substance Abuse Among the Youths in Makueni County, Kenya

Introduction: Majority of youths all over the world ignorantly rely on one or more types of drugs for their everyday activities, including Mandrax, Cocaine, Tobacco, Heroine, Khat, Morphine, Alcohol, Amphetamines, Ephedrine, and Glue among others. This study’s purpose was to evaluate the epidemiology of substance abuse among the youths in Makueni County, Kenya. The broad objectives that guided the study was; to determine the epidemiology of substance abuse among the youths in Makueni County, Kenya. Methodology: -A Cross-sectional mixed-method study design was undertaken, with the target population consisting of all youths from Makueni County's eight main marketplaces. Purposive sampling was employed to obtain the 8 Major urban centres while simple random selection approach was employed to obtain respondents in each market. Qualitative data was collected using 8 key informants to supplement the quantitative data collected from the youths. A self-administered questionnaire was employed. Quantitative data was analysed using Descriptive as well as inferential statistics while qualitative narrative data was grouped into themes and was presented inform of texts with verbatim quotes used to amplify the voice of the informants. Results: The study sampled 384 respondents from Makueni County. Prevalence of Drug/Substance abuse stood at 62.3 % with alcohol (58.3%) being the most commonly abused drug/Substance. Hard Drugs were the least abused with 96.9% reporting they had never abused. Pearson correlation between gender, age and education level on prevalence of drug abuse in Makueni showed a weak positive relationship(r=0.032), weak negative relationship (r=-0.064) and a significant negative relationship (r=-0.212) respectively. High unemployment rates 62.3%, easy availability of drugs 34.3%, Peer pressure 72.3%, cheap cost of drugs 28.3% and poverty level 15.1% are main contributory factors to drug abuse. A chi-square run on the factors contributing to drug abuse also indicated a significant positive relationship between the local music, TV programs, friends, and social media with prevalence of drug abuse in Makueni County. The chi-square results also revealed a weak positive relationship between parents and prevalence of drug abuse in Makueni County. Faith-based organizations, local leaders, religious leaders, and non-governmental organizations had a strong negative relationship with prevalence of drug abuse in Makueni County. Conclusion & Recommendations: There is high prevalence of Drug/Substance abuse among the youths in Makueni County and both the County Government, national Government and the community in general must put stringent measures to curb the easy availability, sale and buying of abusive Drugs and other substances in the county.

Settling beyond big cities: A scoping review of the Canadian literature on immigration to rural and smaller communities

AbstractNewcomers are living and working across rural and smaller communities in Canada. However, immigration research and policy are overwhelmingly focused on large, urban centres. Responding to this knowledge gap, this article presents the results from a scoping review of the Canadian literature on immigration outside of Canada's largest cities. An analysis of 90 studies reveals several key trends in the literature related to the geographic focus and themes addressed. The results of the review demonstrate that the majority of studies focus on regions with a high population density that are in close proximity to major urban centres, thus revealing a gap in knowledge regarding settlement across more rural and northern parts of the country. Issues related to settlement services, employment opportunities, welcoming communities, public policy, infrastructure, and retention and secondary migration were the most addressed themes across the literature and represent the diversity of rural Canada. In response to these findings, we conclude with a discussion of the potential opportunities for future research and policy change.

The House Is Burning: Assessment of Habitat Loss Due to Wildfires in Central Mexico

Fire suppression and climate change have increased the frequency and severity of wildfires, but the responses of many organisms to wildfire are still largely unknown. In this study, we assessed the risk of habitat loss for amphibians, mammals, and reptiles caused by wildfires in central Mexico. We accomplished this by: (1) determining the likelihood of wildfire occurrence over a 12-year period using historical records and the Poisson probability mass function to pinpoint the most susceptible areas to wildfire; (2) evaluating species exposure by identifying natural land use that aligns with the potential distribution areas of biodiversity; (3) assessing species vulnerability based on the classifications established by the IUCN and CONABIO. Our findings have unveiled three regions exhibiting a concentration of high-risk values. Among these, two are positioned near major urban centers, while the third lies in the southeastern sector of the Nevado de Toluca protection area. Amphibians emerged as the taxonomic group most severely impacted, with a substantial number of species falling within the Critically Endangered and Endangered categories, closely followed by mammals and reptiles. Furthermore, we have identified a correlation between the location of risk zones and agricultural areas. This study revealed hotspots that can offer valuable guidance for strategic initiatives in fire-prone regions associated to the potential distribution of amphibians, mammals, and reptiles. Moreover, future studies should contemplate integrating field data to enhance our comprehension of the actual effects of wildfires on the spatial distribution of these animal groups.

PROBLEMS AND PECULIARITIES OF CREATING A MODERN BARRIER-FREE ARCHITECTURAL ENVIRONMENT IN CHINA

Creating an accessible environment is not just a matter of convenience; it is a fundamental indicator of a nation’s level of civilisation and social development. China has significantly improved its barrier-free architecture construction system since the early 1980s. This progress commenced with the enactment of legislation focused on constructing accessible environments, particularly in major urban centres where accessibility standards are generally higher. However, despite these advancements, several challenges persist. One notable issue is the limited public awareness regarding the critical role of creating spaces that accommodate diverse needs. In addition, there is insufficient oversight over the implementation of accessibility measures, leading to inconsistencies in design and execution. These issues underscore the necessity for systemic solutions. Addressing them requires a comprehensive approach encompassing legislative reforms, enhanced enforcement mechanisms, and proactive awareness campaigns. By focusing on these challenges and developing effective strategies to overcome them, China can elevate the construction of barrier-free environments to new heights. The article delves into the intricacies of creating barrier-free architectural environments in China, shedding light on the systemic issues hindering progress. Among these challenges are legislative gaps, inadequate control mechanisms, and a lack of widespread understanding of accessibility needs. As a solution, the article offers recommendations for bolstering the legislative framework, improving enforcement mechanisms, and increasing public awareness through targeted propaganda efforts. Emphasising collaboration between governmental bodies and civil society organisations is crucial to successfully implementing these recommendations. In conclusion, the pursuit of accessible environments in China represents a practical endeavour as much as a symbolic gesture towards inclusivity and social progress. Through concerted efforts and strategic interventions, the nation can pave the way for a future where accessibility is not just a privilege but a fundamental right for all citizens. Keywords: barrier-free architectural environment, barrier-free design, accessible spaces, inclusive architecture.

Host density and anthropogenic stress are drivers of variability in dark spot disease in Siderastrea siderea across the Florida Reef Tract

Dark spot disease (DSD) was first reported within Florida's coral reefs in the 1990s but factors affecting its spatial distribution have not been well studied. We used a 14-yr (2005–2019) coral monitoring data set, utilizing 2242 surveys collected along Florida's coral reefs (about 530 linear km) to explore the spatial and temporal patterns of DSD occurrence. We built predictive statistical models to test for correlations between a suite of environmental and human impact factors and the occurrence of DSD in the reef coral, Siderastrea siderea. DSD in S. siderea is a chronic disease which occurred in all 14 yrs of the study. Annual DSD prevalence ranged from 0.45% to 4.4% and the proportion of survey sites that had DSD ranged from 4.8% to 30.9%. During the study period, DSD became more widespread across Florida's coral reefs and affected a higher proportion of S. siderea populations. Spatial variations in DSD correlated with environmental and human factors which together explained 64.4% of the underlying variability. The most influential factors were concentration of silica in the surface waters (a proxy for freshwater input), the total number of coral hosts, and distance to septic areas. DSD occurred in all regions, but the highest cumulative prevalence occurred in the upper Keys on reefs around major urban centers with links to coastal water discharges. Our results support the hypothesis that coastal water quality is a key component of DSD disease dynamics in Florida and provides motivation for addressing land–sea connections to ameliorate disease occurrence in the region.

The Main Factors Controlling Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Variability Due to Epistemic Uncertainty in Greece: Results from a One-Factor-at-a-Time Analysis

Abstract We present a one-factor-at-a-time (OFAT) sensitivity study for the Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Assessment (PSHA) in Greece. The analysis examines several PSHA controlling factors, such as seismic source model (geometry, etc.), active tectonics (faulting type, etc.), as well as the employed ground-motion prediction equations (GMPEs). We have considered only peak ground acceleration (PGA) and peak ground velocity (PGV) for a typical PSHA scenario (10% probability of exceedance in 50 yr). OFAT results are presented using Tornado diagrams for 42 major urban centers of Greece that cover the study area revealing regions of different PSHA uncertainty. In general, the most critical factors controlling PSHA uncertainties are the Gutenberg–Richter (G-R) parameters (a and b), as well as the employed GMPE. However, significant spatial variability of these factors is observed with large differences between high- and low-seismicity regions, as well as between PGA and PGV. The results not only provide an objective assessment of the variability of PSHA uncertainties but also verify the need for additional work to minimize epistemic PSHA uncertainties, focusing on the most critical factors that control PSHA.

The effect of mixed layer across air mass trajectory pathways on PM2.5 constituent levels: The case of a major urban center in the Eastern Mediterranean

Αn advanced three dimensional (3D) version of air mass Concentration Weighted Trajectory (CWT) model was applied, coupled with Mixed Layer Depth (MLD) estimations across the trajectory pathways. Three years daily PM2.5 composition measurements from an urban background site in Athens (Greece) were incorporated in the 3D-CWT model, to identify the atmospheric circulation patterns affecting PM2.5 constituent levels during cold (October 16th to April 15th) and warm (April 16th to October 15th) periods. The recirculation of local air masses inside the Mixed Layer (ML) during the cold period, was associated with accumulation of all PM2.5 constituents emitted from combustion sources (EC, OC, SO42−, NO3−, NH4+ and K+), whilst regional contributions of the same species were mainly associated with Northern airflows above the ML through Balkan Peninsula. In the cold period, transport of sea spray (Cl−, Na+ and Mg2+) and dust (Ca2+), from the Mediterranean and the Sahara desert respectively, was detected mainly through the ML, whilst sea salt from the Black Sea and dust from Balkan Peninsula were also transferred with Northern airflows above the ML. Contrariwise, transport from the Balkans area especially above the ML enriched the levels of all constituents of anthropogenic origin during the warm period, whilst the pattern of Saharan dust advections was also vertically extended above the ML. Conclusively, the implemented 3D-CWT model revealed a more detailed description of PM2.5 transport pathways in Athens, in comparison with the classic CWT model, by including the effect of MLD across the air mass trajectories.