Urbanization Research Articles

The Current Situation of Educational Equity Between Urban and Rural Areas in China: An Analysis of Literature Review

Since the fifth plenary session of Chinas 19th Five-Year Plan introduced the objective of "promoting educational equity and driving the balanced development in compulsory education, as well as urban-rural integration", the unequal development of compulsory education between urban and rural areas has been widely discussed by Chinese scholars as a crucial topic of educational equity. This study found through a literature review that the rate of urbanization among students during their compulsory education years surpasses that of the general population, which is related to the uneven distribution of educational resources between city and countryside, namely the phenomenon of "underdeveloped rural regions and overcrowded urban regions". Numerous scholars have analyzed the influencing factors of this disparity and proposed relevant policies and solutions, broadening public awareness about issues related to fairness in rural-urban compulsory education and promoting research work in this field. However, there are still unsolved difficulties in optimizing the urban-rural educational pattern and achieving educational equity, which are problems that China needs to address in its economic-social development processes and educational reform.

Research on the impact of digital inclusive finance on the performance of rural returnee entrepreneurs in China

Using data from the 2019 China Household Finance Survey (CHFS), this paper explores the impact of digital inclusive finance on the entrepreneurial performance of returning rural migrants. The study first finds that digital inclusive finance can enhance the entrepreneurial performance of returning rural migrants. Second, it significantly improves entrepreneurial performance in three dimensions: the degree of digitization in inclusive finance, the depth of digital financial usage, and the breadth of digital financial coverage. Third, farmers’ digital participation, digital usage, and the extent of digital usage are crucial pathways through which digital inclusive finance influences their entrepreneurial performance. Fourth, the impact of digital inclusive finance on entrepreneurial performance varies according to different types of migration, duration of migration, scale of entrepreneurship, educational attainment, and credit access channels. The findings of this study help validate the real effects of digital inclusive finance on entrepreneurial outcomes in rural populations.

Exploring the urban-rural dichotomies in post-pandemic migration intention: Empirical evidence from Europe

Since the beginning of the 21st century, we have been living in the ‘urban century’, characterised by a rise in the number of cities and mega-cities and a structural population increase in most cities, to the detriment of rural areas. Given the declining interest in rurality, the aims and scope of this paper are to map out the complex force field of rurality versus urbanity, and explore if the COVID pandemic has become a ‘game changer’ that thus may swift the existing patterns. Relying on multilevel modelling, to also account for between-country differences, and using Eurobarometer data on post-pandemic migration intention in both rural and urban areas, our results do not find support for a major post-covid urban exodus. Younger individuals from large cities are indeed more willing to leave for rural areas when they are convinced that they can play an active role in the local decision-making process. Teleworking, as well as EU concrete actions for addressing environmental issues, may also drive more migration toward rural areas. On the other hand, poor access to health services may push individuals towards urban areas. In policy terms, our findings advocate for improving access to public services in rural areas. In addition, the study reinforces the role of the Cohesion Policy to urge the twin transition, as facilitating teleworking and strengthening the environmental commitment were shown to make rural areas more appealing.

Impact on the Mental Health of Children Aged 8-13, Differentiating Between Children with or Without Green Space in Selected Areas of Pune City

This research explores the intricate relationship between green spaces and the mental well-being of children aged 8-13 in the context of global urbanization, with a focus on selected areas in Pune city. The study employs a comparative descriptive design to differentiate between children with and without access to green spaces. Findings indicate a significant difference in mental well-being based on the presence or absence of green spaces. Implications underscore the importance of urban planning integrating green spaces, promoting outdoor education, and raising community awareness. The study advocates for public health initiatives, safety measures, and a balanced approach to technology and outdoor play. The long-term impact on public health, support for green initiatives, and interdisciplinary collaboration are discussed, urging policymakers to consider green spaces in global urbanization plans.

Research on the Impact and Spillover Effects of Urbanization Process on Grain Production

Food security is an important strategic issue for the country. With the advancement of urbanization, food security needs to be re examined. Based on panel data from 31 provinces (regions, cities) in China from 2011 to 2022, this study analyzed the cluster effect of grain production using Moran index, and explored the impact of urbanization process on grain production and its spatial spillover effects through spatial Durbin model. Finally, the convergence of grain production was studied based on alpha and beta convergence models. The research results show that: (1) there is a significant cluster effect in grain production in various provinces, manifested as high-value clustering and low value clustering; (2) The urbanization rate promotes grain production in the province while suppressing grain production in neighboring provinces, while economic activity suppresses grain production in the province but promotes grain production in neighboring provinces. Overall, the urbanization rate significantly promotes grain production, while economic activities have a significant inhibitory effect on grain production; (3) There is no "catch-up effect" in grain production among provinces and grain functional zones, and the gap is showing a widening trend. This study aims to provide a reference basis for formulating food security policies.

Young women in cities: Urbanization and gender-biased migration

Young women outnumber young men in cities in many countries during periods of economic growth and urbanization. This gender imbalance among young urbanites is more pronounced in larger cities. We use the gradual rollout of Special Economic Zones across China as a quasi-experiment to establish the causal impact of urbanization on gender-differentiated incentives to migrate. We highlight the role of the marriage market in increasing rural women’s chance of marrying and marrying up in urban areas during rapid urbanization.

Do Migrants Exhibit More Grit? A Research Note.

Strong expectations exist for the selectivity of migration along key demographic characteristics, such as age, sex, and education, which are often linked to social and economic drivers. Scholars acknowledge, however, that migratory behavior is also likely to be selective on characteristics that are less readily observable. This research note expands the list by examining "grit"-in other words, a measure of perseverance in the face of adversity. We test for a relationship between South African rural-urban migration, net of other standard covariates, and an established composite psychosocial measure of grit. We draw on two waves of survey data originating from a demographic surveillance platform but with respondents followed irrespective of their subsequent geographic mobility. Simple bivariate regressions suggest that grit is strongly associated with migration. Using multivariate models, we continue to detect a statistically significant association of migration with grit in the presence of controls. When the model is further refined to stratify by sex and separate geographic destinations, a sex differential emerges, with grit being more predictive for females. We conclude by suggesting that such findings should encourage broader inquiries that consider grit and other psychological characteristics, particularly investigations that might help further illuminate differentials by the experience of gender.

Assessing the Dynamics of Ecological Footprint in Relation to Economic and Energy Factors: A Comparative Analysis of Finland and Japan

AbstractThe ecological footprint (EF) has a complex relationship with several key factors, including economic growth, nuclear energy, urban population, and renewables. The scope of this paper is to analyze the effect of renewables (REN), GDP per capita, urbanization (URB), and nuclear energy (NUK) on EF by means of the ARDL model for Finland and Japan. The ARDL long-run estimated coefficients are validated by supplementary tests, such as FMOLS, DOLS, and CCR. While Finland and Japan share similarities in education, technology, and quality of life, they differ significantly in geography, population density, cultural practices, economic structure, and historical backgrounds. The main results indicate that in the long term, REN and NUK exhibit a negative impact on EF, while GDP and URB exhibit a positive impact on EF for Finland. Additionally, REN, URB, and NUK exert a negative impact on EF, while GDP exerts a positive impact on EF for Japan. The ECT of − 1.96 for Finland indicates a very fast and strong correction towards equilibrium in the EF following any short-term disturbances. Furthermore, an ECT of − 1.01 in the ARDL model for Japan indicates a very fast adjustment of the EF to its long-term equilibrium following any short-term disturbances caused by changes in REN, GDP, URB, or NUK. Our research proposes some policy implications for both economies. Its main contributions enhance the understanding of the complex relationships between economic growth, energy sources, urbanization, and environmental impact, providing guidance for sustainable development policies.

Responses to Livelihood Precarity in Dryland India: Diversifying Out of Agrarian Distress

ABSTRACTScholars of critical agrarian political economy see agriculture in liberalization‐era India as a form of disguised unemployment, part of wider agrarian distress. This article engages with literature differentiating the class/caste responses to agrarian and non‐farm livelihood distress in India to understand the different diversification options that households have available. The article draws on research carried out in a village in dryland, Bt cotton‐dependent Telangana in south India to show these variegated practices. While Other Backward Caste households invested in livestock to cope with heavy Bt cotton investments and losses, Scheduled Caste households focused on the educated rural youth, relying on their non‐farm wage labour in jobs such as taxi driving. Despite rural–urban migration and higher levels of education, under/unemployment remains persistent for rural youth. In this context, Ryuthu Bandhu, a cash transfer programme pioneered in Telangana in 2018, proved crucial for rural livelihood survival in the study village, contributing up to 22 per cent of annual household incomes. However, negative average net incomes across all households show that attempts to diversify out of distress have been largely unsuccessful.

Impact of urban productive safety net program on urban households' asset accumulation and food consumption rate in Dessie City, South Wollo Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia.

Agriculture is the driver of economic growth in many developing countries like Ethiopia, where it often represents at least 25% of gross domestic product. But the quality and productivity of the land depends on the way agriculture is practiced. Better agricultural techniques are necessarily including Productive Safety net Program. Urban Productive Safety Net Program is designed to support the poor households and establish urban safety net mechanisms. While several studies have examined the effects of rural productive safety net programs, the outcomes of similar programs in urban areas are not well documented. This knowledge gap hinders the ability to effectively design and implement urban productive safety net programs. The main objective of this study was to assess the impact of urban productive safety net program on asset accumulation and consumption rate in Dessie city. Both primary and secondary data sources were used. A total of 112 households were selected randomly among the public work Urban Productive Safety Net Program beneficiary and non-beneficiary households. Descriptive analysis, inferential statistics and econometric models were used for analysis. Based on the econometric estimation results the demographic and socio-economic variables such as education, access to credit, access to extension services and adult male labor force revealed positive relation to public work urban productive safety net program beneficiary and non-beneficiary household's asset accumulation and consumption. The impact of program participation was also found to be positive and significant for both home asset and community asset. While food and non-food consumption even the total consumption and food security status are also positive. Generally, the result indicated that, due to program participation beneficiary households have higher home asset and community asset and better consumption and food security status.

Dengue outbreaks in northern Nigeria: Evaluating the recommended Takeda vaccine and future prevention strategies.

Dengue fever, caused by the dengue virus (DENV), poses a significant public health challenge globally, with Nigeria experiencing sporadic outbreaks. A clear understanding of the dengue burden has not been achieved in Nigeria, just as in other African countries. Understanding the epidemiology and burden of dengue fever is essential for effective prevention and control strategies. This paper examines the recent dengue outbreaks in northern Nigeria, particularly in Sokoto state, and evaluates the recommended Takeda dengue vaccine (TDV) along with future prevention strategies. Despite limited surveillance and underreporting, dengue fever is endemic in Nigeria (with over 5 million cases and 5000 dengue-related deaths in 2023), with recent outbreaks indicating a growing concern. The TDV, a live attenuated tetravalent vaccine, has shown promise in preventing dengue fever, but challenges such as vaccine acceptance and accessibility need to be addressed. Global urbanization contributes to the disease's spread, which is influenced by factors such as population density, cultural beliefs, water storage practices, hygiene, and water supply accessibility. Future prevention strategies must focus on government intervention, community practices, and innovative vector control measures to mitigate the spread of DENV in Nigeria. This study will serve as a valuable reference for policymakers, researchers, and clinicians in the management and control of DENV in Nigeria and Africa as a whole.

Positive character and psychological well-being: A nuanced examination among adolescents from diverse rural-urban and migration contexts.

Positive character is an integral component of positive youth development that relates to psychological well-being among adolescents, yet the literature has largely overlooked its within-group variation. This study examined the latent profiles of positive character and explored their variation in psychological well-being across four adolescent groups (i.e., migrant, left-behind, rural local, and urban local adolescents) within each profile. A diverse sample of 15,895 adolescents from 10 provinces of China (Meanage = 13.16, SD = 2.53; 47.5% girls) completed a cross-sectional survey on positive character and psychological well-being in 2017. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was conducted based on four positive characters. We investigated the distribution of each positive character profile across subgroups, as well as if and how the psychological well-being varied across different adolescent groups within each profile. LPA revealed three subgroups, including "Thriving" (53.6%), "Moderate" (39.1%), and "Lagging" (7.4%) positive character profiles. The "Thriving" profile was more prevalent among the urban local (58.5%) and migrant (55.8%) adolescent groups, while the "Lagging" profile was most prevalent among the left-behind adolescent group (11.6%). Urban local and migrant adolescents tended to show better psychological well-being compared to rural local and left-behind adolescents, and the disparities were generally more pronounced under the "Thriving" profile as compared to the "Moderate" and "Lagging" profiles. Three positive character profiles were captured among four groups of Chinese adolescents varied in parental migration status and rural-urban residency. Tailored youth development programs are needed for different groups of adolescents varying in positive character profiles.

Acoustic resonant metasurfaces with roughened necks for effective low-frequency sound absorption

The rise in environmental low-frequency noise from human-induced activities due to global urbanization has had a noticeable effect on the health and life quality of urban residents. Despite the implementation of conventional noise mitigation methods, they are only effective within a narrowband frequency range and their efficiency deteriorates when dealing with low-frequency noise. To address the existing problem in noise attenuation, an acoustic resonant metasurface that incorporates sliced Helmholtz-resonator-like substructures with embedded roughened necks is designed to achieve low-frequency sound absorption within a subwavelength scale. The theoretical model of this metasurface is first established, and then parametric studies are conducted to analyze the impact of various geometrical parameters on the sound absorption effect of the proposed metasurface. Subsequently, the sound absorption performance of the proposed design is investigated through numerical and experimental studies using two samples at both single and broadband frequencies. Excellent absorption performances by the samples at a low-frequency spectrum have been achieved. To understand the underlying absorptive mechanism of the proposed metasurface models, theoretical investigations are conducted for acoustic impedance and complex frequency, while numerical studies are also carried out to examine the distribution of acoustic pressure, acoustic velocity and thermoviscous power dissipation density. The research findings presented in this study may facilitate the development of an effective acoustic barrier for low-frequency noise (≤ 200 Hz).

Structural Response Analysis and Comfort Evaluation of Residential Buildings: A Combined Wind Tunnel and FEM Approach

With global urbanization accelerating, high-rise buildings have become a common feature in the urban landscape, especially in coastal cities, where they encounter unique wind-load challenges. This study aims to quantify the structural response and occupant comfort of a high-rise residential building under wind-induced accelerations by integrating wind tunnel testing with finite element analysis (FEA). The research focuses on critical response parameters, including displacement, acceleration, and stress, to evaluate the building’s performance. Wind tunnel tests provided detailed wind pressure distribution data across the building’s surface, while multi-degree-of-freedom and finite element models facilitated precise numerical simulations. The findings highlight a significant directional and temporal variability in wind-load responses, with the most pronounced effects observed at a wind-direction angle of 105° relative to the building’s front-facing axis (0°). The study confirms that the combined application of wind tunnel tests and FEA offers a comprehensive approach to understanding wind-induced responses, essential for the scientifically accurate and effective design of high-rise structures.

EarthWorks: Zero waste 3D printed earthen formwork for shape-optimized, reinforced concrete construction

Rapid global urbanization is driving governments and builders to seek paradigm-shifting technologies to speed the construction of housing and infrastructure at a low economic and carbon cost. Here, we present a novel method for fabricating materially efficient, shape-optimized, code-compliant, reinforced concrete structures cast in directly recyclable 3D printed earth formwork, hereby referred to as EarthWorks. This research demonstrates the potential of zero waste, circular formwork that can be manufactured with construction waste soils directly on site. Methods are described for formwork design and toolpathing that accounts for hydrostatic pressure, conventional reinforcement, high accuracy connections, and the fabrication of complex, 3D-shaped geometry with continuous extrusion. In addition, the building design and performance potential of the EarthWorks method are assessed and compared to existing additive formwork technologies from a carbon perspective. Case studies are fabricated demonstrating cast-in-place, tilt-up, and on-site prefab methods to produce bespoke columns, beams, and frames designed to California building code.

Social network analysis of regional transport carbon emissions in China: Based on motif analysis and exponential random graph model

Given the significant impact of transportation-related carbon emissions on air quality and climate change, understanding the regional dynamics of these emissions is crucial. Despite numerous studies on carbon emissions, there is a lack of comprehensive analysis of China's interprovincial transport carbon emission correlation network. Based on China's provincial data from 2007 to 2021, we analyzed the network's basic structural characteristics and categorized it into four significant plates to investigate their interactions. Subsequently, motif analysis is employed to examine the micro-correlation patterns within the network, and the Exponential random graph model (ERGM) is utilized to analyze the network's formation mechanism. Findings reveal that: (1) Provinces with high correlation intensity are predominantly concentrated in the eastern region, such as Shanghai and Beijing. Additionally, provinces in the eastern region assume a central role in the transport carbon emission correlation network, mainly receiving carbon emissions from other provinces. In contrast, the western region primarily emits carbon emissions to other provinces, continuously converging towards the center. (2) The network is segmented into net beneficiary plate, net overflow plate, bidirectional spillover plate, and broker plate, with distinct roles and influences across different years. (3) Bidirectional correlation motif structures emerge as primary influencers within the network, although specific structures impede interregional communication and collaborative emission reduction. (4) Internal network's structural variables, such as mutuality, cyclic triple, and geometrically weighted edgewise shared partner, along with influencing factors including government intervention, urbanization rate, openness, fiscal expenditure on transport, and province adjacency significantly impact the formation of the transport carbon emission correlation network. The above transportation network research provides a theoretical basis for the country to promote low-carbon transportation and improve air quality, and also has important guiding significance for the cross-regional collaborative emission reduction work of provinces.

Revolutionizing Urban Mobility: Smart Transportation & Vehicle-to-Infrastructure Communication – A Review

The burgeoning popularity of IoT technology has significantly altered transportation, with an extensive variety of repercussions. Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) are at the vanguard of this change, which has the potential to fundamentally change urban transportation for both individuals and businesses. ITS has expanded considerably in recent years, owing to global urbanization and industrialization advancements. It is regarded as a game-changing technology that improves road safety, improves traffic flow, and improves the entire driving experience. Despite many research efforts on ITS applications and simulation platforms, formal semantic descriptions for intelligent transportation systems have been noticeably lacking. Rising rates of accidents suggest the necessity for a robust Smart Transport System (STS) that prioritizes improving mobility, and reliability, as well as reducing carbon dioxide and methane emissions from automobiles beyond dispersing gains throughout everywhere. Multiple traffic signal management approaches have been designed to enhance real-time traffic movement at intersections, but none have achieved seamless, congestion-free traffic movements. The creation of an interconnected unified framework that integrates and links vehicles with VANET, IoT, and AI technologies will significantly affect the establishment of an innovative reliable mobility network. Internet of Vehicles (IoV) systems will connect several automobiles to share vital information through an IoT-enabled network. Vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication is essential in developing intelligent transportation and rail traffic management systems, significantly improving road traffic safety and efficiency. A V2I system integrates transmission and analysis capabilities into vehicles and corresponding infrastructure. Wireless sensors are strategically positioned along highways or driving zones in this system. The significance of safe and effective V2X communication between automobiles and facilities expands substantially as intelligent modes of transport progress.

Social care provision for older adults in China: Regional disparities and driving factors

AbstractIn the context of rapid ageing, the scale and distribution of social care resources for older adults in China are undergoing significant changes. Based on the macroscopic samples of the National Statistical Yearbooks from 2011 to 2021, this study examines the regional disparities, dynamic evolution, and drivers of social care provision for older adults in China. The results reveal that while the overall level of social care provision for older adults has consistently improved, significant regional disparities persist. The most abundant social care resources have long been concentrated in the economically prosperous coastal regions. Although overall disparities have shown a fluctuating downward trend over time, the absolute gaps across certain economic regions continue to widen. Furthermore, this study identifies several driving factors behind senior social care provision, including regional economic conditions, government preferences for welfare fiscal expenditure, regional consumption patterns, and urbanisation rates. However, the increase in local financial autonomy has a negative impact on the provision of social care for older adults. The findings highlight the importance of developing a more scientific fiscal oversight mechanism, creating region‐specific policies, and addressing the needs of older migrants to achieve the goal of equalising social care provision for older adults.

Augmenting the availability of historical GDP per capita estimates through machine learning

Can we use data on the biographies of historical figures to estimate the GDP per capita of countries and regions? Here, we introduce a machine learning method to estimate the GDP per capita of dozens of countries and hundreds of regions in Europe and North America for the past seven centuries starting from data on the places of birth, death, and occupations of hundreds of thousands of historical figures. We build an elastic net regression model to perform feature selection and generate out-of-sample estimates that explain 90% of the variance in known historical income levels. We use this model to generate GDP per capita estimates for countries, regions, and time periods for which these data are not available and externally validate our estimates by comparing them with four proxies of economic output: urbanization rates in the past 500 y, body height in the 18th century, well-being in 1850, and church building activity in the 14th and 15th century. Additionally, we show our estimates reproduce the well-known reversal of fortune between southwestern and northwestern Europe between 1300 and 1800 and find this is largely driven by countries and regions engaged in Atlantic trade. These findings validate the use of fine-grained biographical data as a method to augment historical GDP per capita estimates. We publish our estimates with CI together with all collected source data in a comprehensive dataset.

Farmers' Insights on the Migration from Rural to Urban Areas in Bangladesh

This research uses a qualitative methodology to investigate the complex dynamics of rural-urban migration among Bangladeshi farmers via in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The main objectives are to determine the main causes of migration, comprehend the difficulties farmers have when migrating, and evaluate the effects of migration on their communities and means of subsistence. According to the research, three main factors influence migration: social goals, environmental concerns, and economic incentives. Numerous obstacles, such as unstable work, skill gaps, excessive living expenses, and subpar housing, negatively impact the well-being of migrant farmers. Notwithstanding these obstacles, migration offers chances for greater access to services, skill development, and economic progress. The results underline the need for all-encompassing policy interventions, stressing the significance of job assistance, training programs, and sustainable rural development projects to help migrant farmers. To improve the resilience and well-being of migrant farmers and their communities, this study offers policymakers practical suggestions for creating more inclusive and prosperous migration policies.