Peripheral Areas Research Articles

Geophysical Surveys to Highlight Buried Ancient Walls of Ugento (Lecce, Italy)

Geophysics is a fundamental tool to detect buried structures of archaeological interest through non-destructive techniques. The Messapian city walls in Ugento (Puglia, southern Italy) are of great archaeological importance, and some sections are still visible. In order to locate a stretch of the city walls, geophysical prospections were performed using the low-frequency electromagnetic method and ground-penetrating radar. The surveys were carried out in a peripheral area of Ugento, near a visible section of the city walls. The analysis and interpretation of the measured data revealed clear anomalies that could be ascribed to the city walls that aligned with an adjacent section of the visible walls. Archaeological excavation campaigns found a part of the walls and some important elements, as identified by the geophysical data interpretation.

Exploring the spatial spillover effects of climate mitigation policies on the upgrading of industrial structure: Evidence from 31 provinces of China

In the context of the formidable challenge posed by global climate change, achieving high-quality and sustainable economic development has become a topic of widespread concern. Since the signing of the Kyoto Protocol, nations worldwide have actively engaged in the fight against climate change. As the largest emitter of greenhouse gases globally, China has introduced a series of low-carbon policies to attain its sustainability goals. Based on the panel data of 31 provinces in China from 2005 to 2019, this paper investigates the spatial spillover effects of the carbon Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) on the industrial structure upgrading and its transmission mechanisms by constructing spatial econometric models and a multiple mediation effect model. The results indicate that ETS exerts a promotional effect on industrial structure upgrading within policy pilot regions. However, in the peripheral areas outside the pilot regions, there exists a negative spillover effect, and the inhibitory effect is stronger than the promotional effect. Moreover, consumer upgrading and technological innovation emerge as two major pathways through which ETS stimulates the upgrading of industrial structures. Results from two sets of heterogeneity tests reveal that the impact of low-carbon policies on industrial structure upgrading is most pronounced in the eastern regions and areas characterized by high pollution.

Urban biodiversity conservation: A framework for ecological network construction and priority areas identification considering habit differences within species

The construction of ecological networks within the context of urbanization is an effective approach to cope with the challenges of urban biodiversity decline, representing a crucial goal in urban planning and development. However, existing studies often overlook the richness and uniqueness within species communities by homogenizing traits of species in the same class. This study proposes a framework for constructing and optimizing ecological networks focused on differential conservation within the same class. By classifying birds into three groups (specialists of water, forest or urban areas) based on their ecological requirements and urbanization tolerance, we constructed an ecological network tailored to their distinct migratory dispersal patterns. We then identified strategic areas including pinch points, barriers, and breakpoints specific to each bird group. Our findings reveal notable variations in suitable habitat distribution among different bird groups in urban environments. Corridor layouts varied according to habitat preferences and migratory dispersal patterns. Despite these differences, urban built-up areas persist as central hubs for the distribution of suitable habitats for 75% of bird species, with peripheral mountain-plain transition areas constituting 63% of crucial dispersal corridors. This emphasizes the critical role of urban built-up areas in maintaining biodiversity and ecological connectivity. Prioritizing connectivity between central urban areas and distant natural spaces is imperative. Our approach innovatively classifies and constructs networks to identify strategic areas with diverse species-specific attributes, providing valuable spatial information for land planning and guiding solutions to enhance target species. While the primary focus is on bird conservation in Beijing, our framework is broadly applicable to global biodiversity management and green planning under urbanization challenges. Overall, this study offers innovative insights for urban planning development and serves as decision support for prioritizing urban actions.

Practical aspects of measuring camera‐based indicators of alcohol intoxication in manual and automated driving

AbstractCamera‐based Driver Monitoring Systems (DMS) have the potential to exploit eye tracking correlates of alcohol intoxication to detect drunk driving. This study investigates how glance, blink, saccade, and fixation metrics are affected by alcohol, and whether possible effects remain stable across three different camera setups, as well as when the driver is out‐of‐the‐loop during level 4 automated driving (Wizard‐of‐Oz setup). Thirty‐five participants drove on a test track first sober and then with increasing intoxication levels reaching a breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) of 1‰. Linear Mixed‐Effects Regression analyses showed that with increasing intoxication levels, eye blinks became longer and slower, glances and fixations became fewer and longer, and more attention was directed to the road area, at the expense of more peripheral areas. Fixation and blink metrics were more robust to changes in automation mode, whereas glance‐based metrics were highly context dependent. Not all effects of alcohol intoxication could be measured with all eye tracking setups, where one‐camera systems showed lower data availability and higher noise levels compared to a five‐camera system. This means that lab findings based on higher quality eye tracking data might not be directly applied to production settings because of hardware limitations.

Diagnosis of Empyema as a Complication of Liver Abscess in Peripheral Area

Right pleural empyema is one of the rare complications in liver abscess. This condition is life-threatening as it causes breathing difficulties and requires immediate life-saving. This case report aims to diagnose and manage empyema in a male patient with a liver abscess in a limited diagnostic setting. Methods: According to medical records, a 44-year-old man came to the emergency room (ER) of Umbu Rara Meha General Hospital with complaints of shortness of breath that had been getting worse for two months, accompanied by a cough with phlegm for one week, fever, and weight loss. The patient also complained of pain in the right upper abdomen for the last four months. History of pulmonary tuberculosis, diabetes mellitus, or hypertension was denied. The patient is not a smoker. On physical examination, there was an increase in the frequency of breathing and a decrease in the vesicular sounds on the right side. Right thorax X-ray examination revealed massive right pleural effusion without pulmonary infiltrates. Abdominal ultrasound showed a liver abscess. Emergency pleural puncture was performed in the ER, and 1600 cc of purulent pleural fluid was removed, followed by Water Sealed Draignase (WSD) installation. The patient was given intravenous broad-spectrum antibiotics and treated for 12 days. Conclusion: Empyema can be a rare but life-threatening complication of liver abscess. Medical action must be taken immediately in the ER to save the patient. Delaying pus drainage can increase morbidity and mortality rates.

Heritage tourism in peripheral areas : the case of Saint George of Ioannina, a symbol of social resilience in southern Albania

Heritage tourism in peripheral areas : the case of Saint George of Ioannina, a symbol of social resilience in southern Albania

Rural Area Resilience during the COVID-19 Pandemic as Exemplified by Urban–Rural Communes in Poland

The purpose of the paper is to characterize the outcomes of the COVID-19 pandemic for farms and resilience activities performed by farmers in response to the economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in the context of building rural area resilience. Research was carried out in all 87 urban–rural communes in Poland and focused on special determinants of rural resilience such as connections between small cities and rural areas, as well as the location of the territorial unit (peripheral versus non-peripheral). The purpose of the survey was to poll local government representatives on the outcomes of the COVID-19 pandemic for farms and identify resilience activities performed by farmers in response to the economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Empirical research was performed from September to October 2021. The results emphasize the significance of the diversification of farms and networks for strategies for coping with the COVID-19 crisis. The research revealed processes wherein farms adapted, even if to a small extent, to crisis conditions. The COVID-19 pandemic brought new challenges, at the same time stimulating innovative responses in communities and businesses in rural areas. This study also confirms the role of ITC solutions in the process of adaptation to the crisis and implies a need to strengthen local links between the rural area and the city, especially those relevant to peripheral areas. Local government authorities play a crucial role in this process.

Optimizing Public Space in High-Rise Residences: A Whole Life Cycle Perspective with Kruskal Algorithm—A Case Study of a Shanghai High-Rise Residential Project

In response to the intensification of urbanization, characterized by increasingly dense land use, the proliferation of high-rise residences has emerged as a predominant housing solution, particularly evident in developed cities like those in China. With a primary aim of enhancing the residential living environment within high-rise structures, this study advocates for a comprehensive whole life cycle perspective. By employing digital technology and conducting experiments centered on a representative case study, this paper focuses on optimizing the functional layout of public activity spaces within high-rise residential projects. Specifically, this article aims to address challenges such as the inadequate configuration and articulation of various public spaces, along with the underutilization of peripheral activity areas. Central to the optimization efforts is the utilization of the Kruskal algorithm, which enables the analysis of flow lines and functions, ultimately leading to the derivation of optimal solutions. Through a detailed analysis of our case study, this paper provides actionable insights into enhancing the feasibility and effectiveness of public spaces within high-rise residential projects. Recognizing the pivotal role of public space layout in shaping residents’ living experiences, the importance of addressing this issue early in the design phase was emphasized. By integrating scientifically driven digital technology solutions, smart, inclusive, and convenient communities that cater to the diverse needs of their inhabitants are aspired to be created.

Assessing the land use dynamics and thermal environment using geospatial techniques in the industrial city of Chotanagpur Plateau Region, India.

The phenomenon of urban heat island (UHI) is characterized by industrial, economic development, unplanned and unregulated land use as well as a rapid increase in urban population, resulting a warmer inner core in contrast to the surrounding natural environment, thus requiring immediate attention for a sustainable urban environment. This study examined the land use/land cover (LULC) change, pattern of spectral indices (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, NDVI; Normalized Difference Water Index, NDWI; Normalized Difference Built-up Index, NDBI and Normalized Difference Bareness Index, NDBaI), retrieval of land surface temperature (LST) and Urban Thermal Field Variance Index (UTFVI) as well as identification of UHI from 2000 to 2022. The relationship among LST and LULC spectral indices was estimated using Pearson's correlation coefficient. The Landsat-5 (TM) and Landsat-8 (OLI/TIRS) satellite data have been used, and all tasks were completed through various geospatial tools like ArcGIS 10.8, Google Earth Engine (GEE), Erdas Imagine 2014 and R-Programming. The result of this study depicts over the period that built-up area and water bodies increased by 119.78 and 35.70%, respectively. On the contrary, fallow and barren decreased by 55.33 and 32.31% respectively over the period. The mean and maximum LST increased by 3.61 °C and 2.62 °C, and the study reveals that a high concentration of UTFVI and UHI in industrial areas, coal mining sites and their surroundings, but the core urban area has observed low LST and intensity of UHI than the peripheral areas due to maintained vegetation cover and water bodies. An inverse relationship has been found among LST, NDVI and NDWI, while adverse relationships were observed among LST, NDBI and NDBaI throughout the period. Sustainable environment planning is needful for the urban area, as well as the periphery region and plantation is one of the controlling measures of LST and UHI increment. This work provides the scientific base for the study of the thermal environment which can be one of the variables for planning of Asansol City and likewise other cities of the country as well as the world.

Geospatial based soil loss rate and land degradation assessment in Debre Berhan Regio-Politan city, Upper Blue Nile Basin, Central Ethiopia

In Ethiopia’s central highlands, soil erosion and degradation are the most challenging and persistent issues, owing to their rough topography and human activities. Planning land use and managing natural resources, as well as agricultural output, depend on the evaluation of land degradation (LD). Thus, this study was carried out with the objective to quantify and evaluate soil loss rates, sediment yield (SY), and identify degradation hotspot areas in the Debre Berhan Regio-Politan City, Central Highlands of Ethiopia. The city has an area of 127191.7 ha. The Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model was applied to generate soil erosion severity map. An empirical equation based on topography was utilized to calculate sediment yield, in addition to the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method for evaluating land LD. The results showed that the city’s average annual estimated soil loss was 38.5 t ha−1 yr−1. Serious risks of soil loss are especially present in large portions of the city’s hilly eastern, northwest, and north peripheral areas. The city’s yearly average SY varies from 0–32 t ha−1 yr−1, with plain areas generally contributing 0 tons, while the hilly/barren areas contributing 32 tons. The LD severity class indicated that about 15197.65 ha (11.91%), 38018.49 ha (29.85%), 40287.86 ha (31.67%), 19869.97 ha (15.61%), and 13817.73 ha (10.96%) portion is categorized as very low, low, moderate, high, and very high, respectively. To prevent soil loss and LD and increase agricultural productivity, it is crucial to implement nature-based climate-smart agricultural practices and provide capacity-building training in line with the SDGs, Africa Agenda 2063, and national strategies and policies of the country.

Effect of river discharge on spawning grounds around the Yellow River Estuary

The Yellow River discharge is unevenly distributed on a time scale, and the river discharge into the sea reached its peak in the past 20 years in 2021. River discharge has a great impact on the temperature and salinity distribution and fish spawning grounds around the Yellow River estuary and Laizhou Bay. This paper analyzes the variation trend of the Yellow River discharge in the past 20 years, and simulates the temperature and salinity distribution around the Yellow River estuary from 2020 to 2022 through a numerical model. The effects of river discharge on the distribution of ocean temperature, salinity and spawning grounds were studied. According to the temperature and salinity of the sampling location, the temperature of main spawning grounds is about 16 ℃, and the salinity range is 30 to 30.5 psu (practical salinity scale). Key spawning grounds are more distributed in the peripheral areas where the Yellow River water is mixed and has less impact. Meanwhile, the key spawning grounds are far away from the main axis of the freshwater diffusion. The key spawning grounds will change with the Yellow River discharge diffusion structure, and moved westward in 2022.

Inscriptions in stone, literacy in question: The confusion between <b> and <v> in inscriptions from Roman Africa

AbstractIn this paper, a quantitative and qualitative analysis is conducted on the <b>/<v> alternations found in the epigraphic texts from three representative subsets of Roman African inscriptions from both urban centres and more peripheral areas (1st century BCE – 7th century CE). The distribution of the confusion has been related to the dating and provenance place of the inscriptions and the level of literacy of those involved in their crafting. The results show a difference in the distribution of <b>/<v> confusions in the three areas examined, with a higher incidence in later inscriptions from Sabratha. Thus, it is discussed whether the different distribution of the <b>/<v> confusions observed in the different regions might be a cue for internal diatopic variation.

It never rains but it pours: Austerity and mortality rate in peripheral areas

This study examines the impact of austerity measures on mortality rates across Italian regions from 2003 to 2018. Since 2007, regions experiencing substantial healthcare financial deficits have been required to implement recovery plans (RPs). We use a recent difference-in-differences staggered matching estimator to assess the effects of this austerity policy on municipal-level monthly mortality rates. This allows us to evaluate the policy’s spatial heterogeneity across treated municipalities, accounting for their distance from the nearest hospital. The analysis reveals a significant negative impact of austerity measures on health, particularly in peripheral areas and among vulnerable populations. Mortality rates are higher in regions under RPs, with this effect escalating with increasing distance from hospitals. The policy’s impact is also more pronounced among vulnerable populations, with differences observed between genders and across seasons.

Analysis of the Location Factors Affecting the Price of Tourist Houses: The Role of Accessibility to Public Transport Stations in Madrid

The location of tourist properties is a fundamental aspect in the determination of price, but in cities with dense and efficient public transport systems, the location being in the periphery can offer alternative advantages to central locations (such as better accessibility by private vehicles). This study analyses how the price of tourist housing is influenced by the characteristics of the accommodation itself and its location, using a hedonic pricing regression model estimated by ordinary least squares (OLS) in two periods of time: the high season (October 2022) and the low season (February 2023). The obtained results suggest that the characteristics of the properties, the local environment and the elements in the area influence the price of tourist accommodation. Similarly, the proximity to public transport stations and stops has a relevant influence on the choice of tourist properties. This latter factor is highly important for designing public policies that favour a denser public transport network in peripheral areas of the city. This would increase the number of tourist properties in these areas further away from the centre and, therefore, the number of reservations. In turn, the income of these more vulnerable areas would improve together with the social cohesion of the municipality.

Mirogabalin as a Therapeutic Option for Neuropathic Pain Emerging Post-endodontic Treatment: A Two-Case Report

IntroductionOcclusal and percussion pain may manifest occasionally following endodontic treatment, influencing retreatment decisions. Two cases of periapical neuropathic pain, classified as post-traumatic trigeminal neuropathic pain according to the International Classification of Orofacial Pain, are presented. Although mirogabalin is effective in managing neuropathic pain, there is a lack of clinical reports on its use for occasional post-traumatic trigeminal neuropathic pain after endodontic treatment. These cases highlight clinical symptoms and successful treatment with mirogabalin for post-traumatic trigeminal neuropathic pain after endodontic treatment, providing clinicians a “take-away” lesson for improving patient condition. MethodsThe patients, referred by their primary dentist due to postendodontic abnormal pain, found no relief with antibiotics or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Although no findings including swelling or periapical radiolucency were observed around the tooth, they experienced occlusal and percussion pain. Local anesthetic testing showed that the pain originated from the peripheral area around the tooth rather than from central sensitization. Dental radiography and cone-beam computed tomography revealed no abnormal findings. Root canal retreatment was performed by a specialist in endodontic treatment. Although endodontic retreatment drastically decreased visual analog scale pain score, pain persisted. Based on the International Classification of Orofacial Pain criteria, diseases other than post-traumatic trigeminal neuropathic pain were excluded. Mirogabalin (10 mg/d) was prescribed once daily before bedtime. ResultsVisual analog scale scores gradually and drastically decreased 2 weeks after mirogabalin therapy. Several months later, no recurrence of postendodontic pain was observed after tapering off and discontinuing mirogabalin. ConclusionsThese findings suggest the possibility of a new treatment method for post-traumatic trigeminal neuropathic pain after endodontic treatment.

A baseline cross-sectional study to assess patient satisfaction (18-60 years) toward Apli Chikitsa (free of cost medical laboratory tests) services provided at an urban health training center: A PPP model.

Assessing satisfaction with healthcare services is one of the cornerstone methods to evaluate success and identify obstacles during the process for the patients. Identifying crucial information helps in course correction and better healthcare delivery to the patients. Apli Chikitsa is a novel PPP model-based free of cost laboratory service made available to the patients by the municipal corporation. Around 150 blood tests are offered free of cost and through peripheral dispensaries to the patients. The present study was undertaken to assess the satisfaction of patients with the service and service-related aspects. A cross-sectional observational urban health center-based study was undertaken to assess the satisfaction of patients toward the Apli Chikitsa laboratory service. Institutional ethics committee clearance was obtained before commencing the study. Four hundred patients availing of the laboratory services were enrolled by alternate sampling method. A semistructured questionnaire was administered; five-point Likert scale was used to assess satisfaction toward the service and related aspects. Results were summarized using tables and charts, and percentages and proportions were used wherever necessary. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel. Among the study participants, overall satisfaction was observed among 71.25%, and 100% satisfaction was observed in relation to cost of service, maintenance of privacy and confidentiality, and getting all the requested tests done. The problem of overcrowding (96.75%) was observed by a majority. Satisfaction was low regarding the cleanliness of toilets (48.75%). Based on the findings, it can be concluded that the overall satisfaction is the Apli Chikitsa laboratory service is good, and it is a good model for replication for laboratory service delivery in peripheral areas away from tertiary care centers. Overcrowding should be managed, and cleanliness of toilets to done at frequent intervals, along with proper and visible use of signages, should be done to improve the satisfaction of the patients.

Dividing the Periphery: The First Decade of Jurisdictional Delineation Between Development Towns and Regional Councils in The State of Israel

ABSTRACT: The distribution of land in peripheral areas during Israel's first decade stemmed, it is generally held, from the discriminatory practices of Mapai, then the country's dominant political party, against Mizrahi Jews. The present article seeks to shed light on hitherto unexamined aspects of jurisdictional delineation, with a focus on the balance of power between Ofakim and the Merhavim Regional Council, and the circumstances, considerations and ramifications of the decisions taken by Israel's Ministry of Interior. Although the circumstances which led the Ministry to adopt its decisions entailed geographical segregation that led to potential economic inequality, the decisions themselves were not, as revealed by archival material, purposely discriminatory, at least not on ethnic grounds, and the economic inequality was not an inevitable result of those decisions.

Community Functions of Schools and Municipal Support of Schools on the Continuum of the Rural Periphery – Town

Abstract The article compares the community functions of schools and the support to schools from the municipality representatives and community depending on the location of the school – in peripheral or semi-peripheral rural areas, rural small towns, outer suburbs and also in towns, i.e., at various distances from the town. It is based on controlled interviews with school headmasters and mayors of the respective municipalities and on the collection of information from annual school reports and school inspection reports. A total of 57 schools of two districts in the south-west of Czechia were evaluated. The assumption that complete rural schools in peripheries have the greatest community functions was confirmed; but complete rural schools in semi-peripheries also received similar assessment. However, a fully functioning rural "community school" was not found in the case study area. Schools in towns show weak community functions, because community functions in towns are provided by other institutions and facilities.

Application of 9-component S-wave 3D seismic data to study sedimentary facies and reservoirs in a biogas-bearing area: A case study on the Pleistocene Qigequan Formation in Taidong area, Sanhu Depression, Qaidam Basin, NW China

To solve the problems in restoring sedimentary facies and predicting reservoirs in loose gas-bearing sediment, based on seismic sedimentologic analysis of the first 9-component S-wave 3D seismic dataset of China, a fourth-order isochronous stratigraphic framework was set up and then sedimentary facies and reservoirs in the Pleistocene Qigequan Formation in Taidong area of Qaidam Basin were studied by seismic geomorphology and seismic lithology. The study method and thought are as following. Firstly, techniques of phase rotation, frequency decomposition and fusion, and stratal slicing were applied to the 9-component S-wave seismic data to restore sedimentary facies of major marker beds based on sedimentary models reflected by satellite images. Then, techniques of seismic attribute extraction, principal component analysis, and random fitting were applied to calculate the reservoir thickness and physical parameters of a key sandbody, and the results are satisfactory and confirmed by blind testing wells. Study results reveal that the dominant sedimentary facies in the Qigequan Formation within the study area are delta front and shallow lake. The RGB fused slices indicate that there are two cycles with three sets of underwater distributary channel systems in one period. Among them, sandstones in the distributary channels of middle-low Qigequan Formation are thick and broad with superior physical properties, which are favorable reservoirs. The reservoir permeability is also affected by diagenesis. Distributary channel sandstone reservoirs extend further to the west of Sebei-1 gas field, which provides a basis to expand exploration to the western peripheral area.

Considerations on the status of nonce words

This article reviews various interpretations on the status of nonce words, as well as the similarities and differences between the nonce words and the neologisms. On the basis of existing research in the specialized literature, there is formulated a definition of this speech phenomenon which, although it is placed in the peripheral area of the vocabulary, is an indispensable part of communicative acts.