Northern Cities Research Articles

Vertical and spatial differences in ozone formation sensitivities under different ozone pollution levels in eastern Chinese cities

Ozone is the primary air pollutant in eastern China during the warm season. Clarifying the differences in the spatio–temporal evolution of the ozone formation sensitivity between ozone polluted days and clean air days is key for the precise formulation of ozone prevention policies. By combining ground–and satellite–based remote sensing with ground station observations, we identified large spatio–temporal differences in the ozone formation sensitivity in eastern Chinese cities under different ozone pollution levels. Diurnally, the NO2 concentration was higher in the morning and lower at noon on the ozone exceedance days. The HCHO concentration was higher throughout the day, and the transition limited regime or NOx–limited regime contributed more to the ozone formation sensitivity on the ozone exceedance days. Vertically, the ratio of HCHO to NO2 (FNR) was higher on ozone exceedance days, and the contributions of NOx–limited regime at 0–2 km and the transition limited regime at 0–1 km on ozone exceedance days increased considerably. Spatially, HCHO in the North China Plain and middle–lower Yangtze River Plain was significantly increased on ozone exceedance days, while the NO2 concentration in the southeast hills was increased on ozone exceedance days. The difference in FNR values between northern and southern cities in eastern China on O3 exceedance days narrowed, and the ozone formation sensitivity in eastern China tended to be under a transition limited regime. The shifts in the ozone formation sensitivity under different ozone pollution levels implies that controlling only one of the precursors cannot achieve the best O3 prevention effect, and the most appropriate ratio of O3 precursor emission reductions should be designed according to ozone formation sensitivity in the different regions.

The Northern City Wall of Jerusalem on the Eve of the First Crusade (Excavations at the ‘Jordanian Garden’) (Hebrew, pp. 49*–53*; English summary, p. 238)

The Northern City Wall of Jerusalem on the Eve of the First Crusade (Excavations at the ‘Jordanian Garden’) (Hebrew, pp. 49*–53*; English summary, p. 238)

Study on the Spatiotemporal Evolution Relationship Between Ecological Resilience and Land Use Intensity in Hebei Province and Scenario Simulation

The ecological health of Hebei Province is critical to the sustainable development of the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region. However, the increasing intensity of land use in recent years has placed significant pressure on local ecosystems, making it essential to understand how land use changes affect ecological resilience across different regions and time periods. This study takes Hebei Province as the research area and selects four time points—1990, 2000, 2010, and 2020—to systematically evaluate the spatiotemporal variations in ecological resilience and land use intensity using indicators such as the water resource supply, climate regulation, hydrological regulation, biodiversity, the landscape pattern index, and land use types. This study employs spatial analysis methodologies, including the spatial autocorrelation model and the Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) model, to systematically analyze spatial clustering patterns, spatial heterogeneity, and influencing mechanisms. Scenario simulations are also conducted to predict ecological resilience trends in 2030 under a sustainable development scenario. The results indicate that (1) over the past 30 years, both ecological resilience and land use intensity in Hebei Province have generally increased, with notable spatial disparities among cities. (2) Moreover, a significant negative correlation exists between ecological resilience and land use intensity, with the GWR model revealing pronounced spatial heterogeneity. The impact of land use intensity on ecological resilience is relatively minor in highly urbanized central and southern regions, while northern and northwestern regions are more sensitive to changes, highlighting the need for better coordination between land use planning and ecological protection. (3) Finally, scenario simulations predict a slight overall decline in ecological resilience by 2030, with central and southern cities projected to experience the largest decreases, while some northern cities are expected to see modest improvements. These findings underscore the importance of regionally differentiated land use management and ecological protection strategies. This study provides scientific evidence and planning recommendations to improve ecological resilience and environmental protection in Hebei Province. At the same time, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of how land use dynamics influence ecological resilience. The methodologies and findings presented in this study can also be applied to guide sustainable development planning in other rapidly urbanizing areas, providing a valuable framework for addressing regions facing similar ecological challenges.

The Impact of Heating Methods on Respiratory and Allergic Diseases in Preschool Children: A Repeated Cross-Sectional Survey Across Northern and Southern China

Indoor heating methods may influence the prevalence of respiratory and allergic diseases among preschool children. However, limited research has explored the relationship between indoor heating methods and childhood illnesses over time or on a large urban scale, and particularly the relationship between heating methods and asthma or allergic rhinitis among preschoolers from 2010 to 2019. This study conducted cross-sectional investigations in two northern cities (Taiyuan and Urumqi) and two southern cities (Chongqing and Changsha) in China during two periods: Period I (2010) and Period II (2019). Using Pearson’s chi-squared tests, we analyzed the associations between four indoor heating methods—convective heating (CH), convective and radiant heating (CH&RH), radiant heating (RH), and polluting heating (PH)—and nine respiratory and allergic diseases. Logistic regression models were employed to explore the relationships between heating methods and disease prevalence. The results revealed substantial differences in heating method choices between northern and southern Chinese cities (p < 0.001). These differences were significantly associated with the prevalence of respiratory and allergic diseases in preschoolers. Heating behaviors may have contributed to a decrease in the lifetime prevalence of asthma, pneumonia, rhinitis, and the 12-month prevalence of eczema in preschool children. In southern households, CH was linked to a lower risk of lifetime asthma (AOR: 0.63) and 12-month wheezing (AOR: 0.53). However, RH in southern households increased disease risks (AOR: 0.53). This study provides insights into the associations between heating methods and the prevalence of diseases among preschoolers across two periods in China. The findings offer new perspectives and guidance for families in selecting appropriate heating methods.

Growing up in a cage: challenges of outdoor play for urban children in a northern Bangladesh city

Growing up in a cage: challenges of outdoor play for urban children in a northern Bangladesh city

Distribution Characteristic and Environment Response of DOM in Different Regions of Northern City

To explore the source information and composition characteristics of dissolved organic matter （DOM） in different regions of water bodies in northern cities, considering the urban water system of Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province as an example, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy （UV-vis） and three-dimensional fluorescence parallel factor analysis （EEM-PARAFAC） were used to explain the optical parameters, abundance, and proportion of different components of DOM in water bodies of different regions. The results showed that： ① The concentrations of NO3--N, NO2--N, NH4+-N, TN, TP, and COD in the upstream were significantly lower than those in urban water bodies and downstream （P<0.01）, and TSIM increased after the water entered the city. ② The ultraviolet parameter a254 indicated that the concentration of DOM significantly increased after entering the city （P<0.001）. E2/E3 showed that the relative molecular weight of DOM in different regions was： upstream<urban water<downstream, and the SR of DOM in different regions was >1, indicating that the main source of DOM was endogenous input. ③ Three fluorescent components were identified, namely C1 （visible light region fulvic acid）, C2 （tryptophan）, and C3 （long wave humic substance）. The upstream and urban water bodies were mainly composed of protein-like components （C2）, while the downstream humic substances （C1+C3） accounted for a relatively high proportion （80.1%）. The PCA analysis showed significant spatial distribution differences. According to the results, SR>1, FI>1.8, and HIX<4 indicated that DOM exhibited low humification and strong autogenesis in different regions. ④ A significant correlation （P<0.01） was observed between C1 and C3 in the upstream and downstream. C1, C2, and C3 in urban water bodies were all significantly correlated （P<0.01）. In addition, C1 and C3 posed a significant correlation with NO3--N in different regional water bodies. RDA indicated that NO2--N, TDN, TDP, and COD were the main environmental driving factors for DOM distributions. In summary, the multiple pressures of the city exhibited a significant influence on the spectral properties of DOM in the flowing water system.

Carotenoid profile in maternal and cord plasma and its trends in breast milk during lactation: a comparative study among three cities in northern China.

Increasing evidence suggests that carotenoids play an important role in visual and cognitive development during early life. This study aimed to depict the carotenoid profile in maternal/cord plasma and breast milk in three northern cities of China while investigating the association between dietary carotenoid intake and breast milk carotenoid levels. We enrolled 990 lactating mothers from three urban northern Chinese cities to collect breast milk (including colostrum, transitional milk, early mature milk, middle mature milk, and late mature milk). Among them, 90 participants also provided maternal/cord blood. The dietary carotenoid intake was recorded in the corresponding stages according to the Food Frequency Questionnaire and 24-hour dietary recall. The levels of carotenoids (lutein, zeaxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin, β-carotene, and lycopene) in maternal/cord plasma and breast milk were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography. We found a significant correlation between carotenoid concentrations in maternal and cord plasma. Moreover, carotenoid concentrations in maternal plasma were significantly higher than those in cord plasma. The total carotenoid levels in breast milk decreased from colostrum to late mature milk. β-Carotene predominated in colostrum, whereas lutein dominated in transitional and mature milk. We also found that breast milk carotenoid levels correlated with dietary carotenoid intake to a certain extent, particularly during the early stages of lactation. Therefore, we encourage women to appropriately increase their dietary intake of carotenoid-rich vegetables and fruits during pregnancy and lactation, particularly during work hours after lactation leave. Moreover, the variance of the carotenoid profile in maternal/cord plasma and breast milk across the three cities implied the necessity of further depicting the carotenoid status and influencing factors across different areas in China.

Characteristics of ozone pollution and VOCs source analysis in the northern cities of Zhejiang, China

Characteristics of ozone pollution and VOCs source analysis in the northern cities of Zhejiang, China

Impact of green fiscal policy on the collaborative reduction of pollution and carbon emissions: Evidence from energy saving and emission reduction policy in China

Research background: Since China is facing the dual challenges of environmental pollution and climate change, how to effectively deal with the collaborative reduction of pollution and carbon emissions (CRPCE) has become an important problem. Energy saving and emission reduction fiscal policy (ESER), as a green fiscal policy, plays an important role in solving China's environmental problems. Purpose of the article: The aim of this study is to analyze the direct impacts, mechanisms and spatial spillover effects of the ESER policy on the CRPCE through theoretical and empirical analyses, thereby providing practical and feasible fiscal-related policy proposals for developing countries like China to achieve low-carbon development. Methods: Difference-in-differences method (DID), spatial DID. Findings & value added: Based on panel data from 274 Chinese cities, this study analyzes the impact of ESER policy on the CRPCE. The findings demonstrate that the ESER policy effectively enhances the CRPCE. The mechanism analysis demonstrates that the impact of the ESER policy is realized by promoting green technology innovation, improving energy efficiency, and increasing industrial structure upgrading. The heterogeneity analysis demonstrates that the ESER policy can be more effective in enhancing the CRPCE when it is implemented in northern, resource-based, and high fiscal self-sufficiency cities. The spatial analysis results suggest that ESER policy attenuates the CRPCE of neighboring cities. In addition, the co-implementation of the ESER policy and the innovation policy is more effective in enhancing the CRPCE, but cities are required to implement the innovation policy first. This study broadens the research perspective on the synergistic effects of green fiscal policy in reducing pollutant and carbon emissions, and offers a useful guide for other developing countries on green fiscal policy.

Architectural environment of the North: Problems and prospects

The article presents an overview of some modern problems that people face in the northern regions. The emphasis is on problems in the solution of which a significant role should be given to architecture and urban planning. The principles of forming the architectural environment of northern settlements are developed by the authors, interpreted for the specific natural and climatic conditions of the northern regions and proposed as tools for solving the identified problems. The possible positive effect of applying these principles is revealed, primarily in the aspect of creating a comfortable environment for northern cities that supports the physical and psychological health of people in the North. The authors give examples of experimental projects of USUAА students for harsh conditions of northern settlements.

Inheritance mode and metabolic mechanism of bromopropylate resistance in a field strain of Panonychus citri (Acari: Tetranychidae)

ABSTRACT Panonychus citri is a serious pest of citrus orchards all around the world. In this study, biochemical and resistance inheritance mechanisms of bromopropylate were evaluated on a field population of P. citri. The resistance inheritance of bromopropylate in P. citri has been studied by crossing resistant (As) and susceptible (So) populations, derived from collected populations in northern cities of Iran. The resistance ratios were estimated at 11.45, 3.45, 3.49, 3.72, and 6.16- folds in As, F1, F´1, F2, and F´2 in comparison to the So, respectively. The results of the response showed that resistance was inherited as a bromopropylate incomplete recessive inheritance (D = −0.01 and −0.02) that was detected as polygenic autosomal. The DEM, TPP, and PBO synergism assays in the As population reached 2.27, 2.24, and 1.66- folds, respectively. The in vivo enzyme assays suggested minor involvement of cytochrome P450 monooxygenases, esterases, and GSTs in the P. citri population resistance to bromopropylate, with the highest ratio related to esterases.

Социально-экономическое развитие города Магадана в условиях плановой и рыночной экономики (1960–2020 гг.)

The development of Russian northern cities and their unique transformation during the post-Soviet period present a compelling subject for research in terms of identifying both general trends and differences. Although northern cities are relatively younger than their central and southern counterparts, they serve as strategic hubs for the development of critical territories, including the Arctic. One such city is Magadan, located in the Russian Far East. This research provides a comprehensive analysis of the key economic sectors in Magadan, evaluating management practices and the effectiveness of government support under distinct economic systems from 1960 to 2020. The study aims to assess the socio-economic development of Magadan and identify the main factors influencing its trajectory under both planned and market economies. A combination of historical, economic, statistical, and comparative analyses was employed, alongside visualization and elements of systems analysis. Archival data from 1960–1990, characterizing the city's socio-economic development, were examined and are now introduced into scientific discourse for the first time. The findings reveal that during the planned economy era, Magadan experienced major growth, with integrated development across industries, population increase, and economic appeal driven by northern benefits provided by the government. In contrast, the market economy era saw economic contraction, reduced living standards compared to the national average, and migration shifts, including a population decline both regionally and within the city itself. Magadan transitioned from a dynamically growing city under the planned economy to a declining one under market conditions. The primary drivers of these changes were shifts in management principles and the diminishing effectiveness of northern benefits as a policy tool. The results of this study have implications for developing socio-economic strategies and government programs supporting northern and northeastern cities. Future research will focus on identifying a viable “smart shrinking” model to address these challenges.

Democratic change and alter-political cooperativism: A critical view from Thessaloniki, Greece

In recent years, theorists and activists championing the ‘commons’ have propounded a socio-centric idea of democratic resistance and renewal with a global address. This conception holds that the making of new social relations and practices here and now should be the main pillar of activity aiming at wide-ranging social reconstruction. The present paper complicates and qualifies this thesis. Socio-economic and technological breakthroughs can effectively serve as a catalyst for democratic change if they are adequately politicised, that is, deliberately oriented and embedded in a broader counter-hegemonic project. As a first step, the paper reviews socio-centrism and brings out its limits. But the main part is a critical inquiry into alternative cooperative enterprises set up in recent years in the northern city of Thessaloniki, Greece: a cooperative bookstore and publishing house (‘Akyvernites Politeies’), a self-organised factory (‘Vio.Me’), and a consumer cooperative (‘Bios Coop’). The three ventures are construed as ‘alter-political’ economic initiatives to highlight their distinctive political self-construction. The case study corroborates the theoretical argument by indicating that socio-economic enterprises aspiring to radical democratisation are deliberately political from the outset. Second, such social innovation needs to be integrated into, and bolstered by, expansive counter-hegemonic politics and movements, as their actors themselves point out.

Can Information Consumption Promote the Digital Transformation of Enterprises? Empirical Evidence from China

Information consumption (IC) has emerged as a critical driver of the digital transformation of enterprises (DTE) and sustainable corporate development, garnering significant attention in recent years. Nevertheless, research focused on the role of IC as a driving factor of the DTE remains relatively scarce. The information consumption pilot policy (ICPP), a key initiative aiming to foster the consumption of information products and services, plays an essential role in refining consumption systems and mechanisms, enhancing demand-side management, and facilitating the DTE. Using data from Chinese A-share listed companies, this study leverages the ICPP as a quasi-natural experiment and employs a difference-in-differences (DID) model to evaluate the effects and underlying mechanisms of IC on the DTE, with the objective of elucidating how IC drives the DTE. The findings indicate that IC significantly accelerates the DTE, a conclusion that remains robust across multiple validation tests. Further investigation reveals that IC has a stronger impact on digital transformation in non-state-owned enterprises, capital-intensive enterprises, technology-intensive enterprises, and growth-stage enterprises than in state-owned enterprises, labor-intensive enterprises, and enterprises in the maturity or decline stage. Similarly, IC demonstrates a more substantial influence on digital transformation in enterprises situated in southern cities, large-scale cities, and non-resource-dependent cities than in enterprises located in northern cities, small-scale cities, and resource-dependent cities. Mechanism analyses suggest that IC primarily drives the DTE through pathways such as technological innovation, the expansion of household consumption, and the advancement of financial digitization. Additionally, intellectual property protection is found to significantly enhance the impact of IC on the DTE. By investigating the drivers of the DTE from the perspective of digital consumption, this study not only provides a theoretical foundation for the advancement of China’s digital economy but also offers practical guidance and insights for fostering the DTE on a global scale.

Raw acoustic vs. normalized phonetic convergence: Imitation of the Northern Cities Shift in the American Midwest

Word shadowing tasks elicit phonetic convergence to the stimulus model talkers, suggesting a tight perception-production link. The magnitude of this convergence is affected by linguistic and social factors, suggesting that the perception-production link is mediated by higher-level phonological and social structures. The current study explored the nature of the perception-production link in an explicit comparison of raw acoustic vs. normalized phonetic convergence in word shadowing. American Midwestern participants repeated words after a model talker with features of the Northern Cities Shift vowels in one of three instruction conditions, which varied in whether participants were primed with the regional background of the model talker and in whether they were asked explicitly to imitate her. The results revealed normalized phonetic convergence to the model talker’s Northern Cities Shift vowels, even when this convergence entailed divergence from the raw acoustics, and token-by-token variability in her productions, consistent with a tight perception-production link that is mediated by linguistic structure. Modest effects of instruction condition on the magnitude of phonetic convergence were also observed, consistent with social information mediating this perception-production link. The results of this study provide converging evidence for phonetic convergence that is both phonetically-detailed and subject to constraint by higher-level representations.

Breeding sites, migration paths and phylogenetic relationships of mosquitoes in seven cities in northern and southern China.

Mosquito-borne diseases have wreaked havoc on human health, with consequences dramatically increasing in recent years. The incidence of mosquito-borne diseases is closely linked to the locations that are chosen for urban development. The aim of this study was to provide characteristics of mosquito breeding sites in northern and southern China and to document the most important arbovirus vectors found in the study area, the evidence generated here is critical for early prevention and control inter ventions. This research involved a random selection of various sites across four provinces, spanning both the northern and southern regions of China. The dwellings and accessible water storage containers in these sites were investigated to detect the presence of immature mosquitoes. Samples were then collected, mosquitoes were nurtured to adulthood, and the species that were present were identified. A total of 1 249 samples were collected during this survey of the mosquito breeding sites. A total of 80 samples were processed using the Chelex method to extract mosquito DNA from all the samples. The ITS2 gene fragment was then amplified by PCR and sequenced. A subsequent BLAST comparison allowed the identification of the mosquito species, and MEGA11 software was used for phylogenetic analysis. The results showed that there were four species of mosquitoes, including Aedes albopictus, Culex quinquefasciatus, Lutzia fuscanus and Armigeres subalbatus. The primary mosquito breeding grounds in the four provinces of China consisted of storm drains, discarded containers, garbage bins, and areas with standing water. Still-water environments, such as rice fields were the primary breeding locations in the southern cities. In contrast, in the northern regions, most breeding occurred at construction sites, and in similar water-prone areas. The most prevalent mosquitoes in the four provinces of China were of the genus Aedes, with a significant number originating from Fujian Province, China. This information sheds light on the migration patterns of mosquitoes and significantly enhances community-based protection measures and mobilization efforts.

Source variations of atmospheric particles in response to control measures in northern China during 2022 winter olympics and paralympics: Evidence from microscopic analysis.

The physicochemical properties of atmospheric particles including morphologies and composition are directly related to their sources and formation mechanisms. However, most previous studies have been limited to a few sites and small numbers of particles. In this study, we employed computer-controlled scanning electron microscopy (CCSEM) to enhance measurement efficiency and enable long-term observations across multiple sites. To investigate properties and source variations of atmospheric particles in response to control measures before, during, and after the 2022 Winter Olympic Games (WOG) and Winter Paralympic Games (WPG), ambient particles were passively collected in 15 northern Chinese cities and automatically analyzed by an advanced CCSEM (IntelliSEM EPAS). Variations in particle numbers (PN), size distribution, elemental composition, and sources were comprehensively analyzed. Over one million particles were classified into mineral, carbonaceous, fly ash, sulfur-related, metal-containing, salt, and biological particles using the user-defined classification rules. The results showed that improved air quality was witnessed during the WOG with reduced PN and anthropogenic particles, but deteriorated during the WPG due to increased coarse-mode PN, mineral, and sulfur-related particles. Beijing and Zhangjiakou exhibited lower AQI, PN, and anthropogenic particles, while non-competition cities experienced higher levels of anthropogenic and sulfur-related particles. Notably, Taiyuan and Shijiazhuang showed distinct emission reductions during the WOG, while Baoding and Tangshan demonstrated less effective control with high levels of sulfur-related and anthropogenic Fe-rich particles. This study shows the capability of CCSEM to provide microscopic evidence of particle sources and behaviors, offering valuable insights into the efficacy of control measures during major events.

Teachers’ Perception of Professional Development through Lesson Study to Implement the Vietnamese General Education Program 2028

Professional development through lesson study is a teacher training model that is widely applied around the world. This exploratory research was conducted to understand teachers' perceptions of professional development through lesson study to implement the general education program 2018 at lower secondary schools in Thai Nguyen City, a northern city in Vietnam. 90 English teachers from 37 lower secondary schools in Thai Nguyen City were chosen as the subjects of this study. Questionnaires and interviews were employed as the two data collection instruments to collect information about teachers' perceptions of professional development through lesson study. The data collected was analyzed quantitatively using Microsoft Excel to calculate the percentages and qualitatively using the conceptual content analysis method, then the data was familiarized, coded and analyzed. The research findings reveal that while teachers recognize the benefits of lesson study for professional development, its implementation at Thai Nguyen lower secondary schools has been limited in both frequency and attention. Most teachers agreed that lesson study significantly improves lesson planning quality and enhances teachers' knowledge, which in turn positively impacts students' achievement. These findings were consistent across both the online questionnaires and face-to-face interviews. However, challenges were also identified, including a lack of understanding of the lesson study process due to time constraints and limited knowledge. Additionally, many teachers prefer working in isolation, making it difficult to organize collaborative groups. These challenges were echoed in both the quantitative and qualitative data, highlighting key areas for improvement in fostering a more collaborative and supportive professional development environment for teachers in Thai Nguyen City.

Using the Hamburger Model to Enhance Paragraph Writing Performance for 6th graders at a secondary school in Thai Nguyen

Writing has remained a relatively challenging skill in English language teaching and learning for many learners, including the Vietnamese. This study aims to improve the paragraph writing performance of 6th graders at a lower secondary school in a northern city of Vietnam by incorporating the Hamburger Model in writing lessons. 40 students were selected as the participants, who applied the Hamburger Model for their paragraph writing. Tests and questionnaires were used as the two main data collection tools to assess the extent of improvement in students’ writing skills, and examine their attitudes toward the use of the Hamburger Model for paragraph writing. The findings revealed a significant difference between the pre-test and post-test scores, demonstrating substantial improvement after the model's implementation. Additionally, students displayed increased confidence in their writing abilities, highlighting the effectiveness of the Hamburger Model in enhancing writing competence.

Northern “Mosaic”: Territorial Identity in Toponyms of Northern Cities in Ural Federal District

Northern “Mosaic”: Territorial Identity in Toponyms of Northern Cities in Ural Federal District