Public transport is a critical instrument for mitigating traffic congestion, reducing environmental pollution, and promoting social inclusion in urban areas. This study presents the results of a quantitative survey conducted among 406 residents of Łódź, Poland, aimed at identifying the determinants of public transport use and the factors influencing modal choices. The findings indicate that 89% of respondents had used public transport within the past three years, with over half reporting the use of both buses and trams. However, public transport is predominantly chosen out of necessity rather than preference, driven by limited access to private vehicles, absence of a driver’s license, or the high costs of car ownership. Environmental considerations and service quality factors play a comparatively minor role. User satisfaction with public transport services in Łódź is moderate, and current users express limited intention to increase their usage or actively recommend the system, suggesting constrained potential for demand growth. In contrast, non-users declare a willingness to shift to public transport if travel costs are reduced and service quality is improved. Measures aimed at restricting private car use demonstrate limited motivational impact, whereas enhancing the reliability, accessibility, and affordability of public transport emerges as the most effective strategy. Methodologically, the study contributes by combining bibliometric mapping with quantitative survey analysis, providing a replicable framework for assessing urban mobility determinants in other cities with similar socio-economic and transport contexts.

Understanding the relationship between air pollution and farmers' subjective satisfaction in ore-agriculture zone is crucial for rural revitalization and improving farmers' well-being in China. However, existing research lacks multi-perspective and multi-time-frame analyses of this relationship. This study develops a three-dimensional satisfaction framework encompassing life, environmental, and government dimensions and adopts a multi-temporal approach covering short-, medium-, and long-term horizons. Using data from air pollution measurements and questionnaire surveys (n = 600) focusing on farmers in the ore-agriculture zone. An ordinary least squares (OLS) method is applied to assess the effect of the air quality index (AQI) on farmers' subjective satisfaction across different time frames in the region. The results indicate the following: (1) Air pollution significantly reduces farmers' subjective satisfaction, encompassing life satisfaction, atmospheric environmental satisfaction, and government satisfaction. (2) The short-term effects of air pollution on farmers' subjective satisfaction are insignificant or weakly negatively significant, while medium-term and long-term exposure to air pollution results in a significant reduction in subjective satisfaction, with the most pronounced negative impact observed during medium-term exposure. (3) Individual characteristics and socio-economic factors show significant heterogeneous effects on subjective satisfaction. Above results further illustrate the extension of environmental perception theory to rural resource-dependent areas. These findings provide constructing a multi-dimensional and multi-time-frame analytical framework to fill the gap of single-perspective or long-term-focused satisfaction research. The government should regard mid-term air pollution control as a core task of rural revitalization; value farmers' subjective evaluations of governance work; and strengthen rural infrastructure investments including housing conditions, water quality, and transportation accessibility to mitigate the negative impacts of air pollution.

Partitioning dynamics and microbial responses drive the fate of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in a plateau lake.

The organization of travel in contemporary digital space presupposes the integration of various platforms to make an itinerary, book a room, choose the mean of transportation, and monitor the expenses. The current systems have separate services, yet they are not integrated into a cost-conscious, real-time adaptive framework for end-to-end travel management .This disintegration results to poor planning, budget increase and poor coordination among group travelers. The current paper introduces a real-time intelligent travel planning and cost management system that is based on API-driven architecture. The suggested system includes several real-time data services, namely location-based search, distance calculations, transportation availability, and weather forecasting APIs designed as one decision-supporting system. The system is dynamic whereby personalised day-by-day itineraries are generated according to user-specified conditions, including destination, amount of time to travel, budgetary limit, and number of people to travel with. An allocation system that is budget conscious is also built-in to apportion total travel cost on large expense areas such as transportation, accommodation, food and activities. Live data synchronization allows adjusting an itinerary in response to the situational conditions, including route delays or changes in the weather. Also, the system facilitates group travel by enabling automated expenses tracking and cost sharing. Modularity, scalability, and interoperability of the proposed architecture is focused on due to the incorporation of RESTful APIs. The experimental assessment shows that there is better planning efficiency, less manual work, and better cost transparency than in the traditional multi-platform planning systems. The findings show that intelligent integration based on API will be able to enhance real-time travel coordination and budget control to a significant extent.

Although radiotherapy is an essential part of comprehensive cancer care, access is heavily limited in most sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries. Patients' barriers to care can be grouped as availability, accessibility, accommodation, affordability, and acceptability. We aimed to assess cancer patient- and caregiver-reported barriers in nine SSAn countries (Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Gabon, Kenya, Mali, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe). We conducted a telephone-based survey among 553 randomly selected patients with breast, cervical, colorectal, and prostate cancer, Kaposi sarcoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosed between 2018 and 2019 registered in population-based registries of the African Cancer Registry Network. We inquired about receipt of radiotherapy and barriers irrespective of recalling a recommendation. Among all categories, 21.6% (Use of alternative medicine) to 39.6% (Cost of treatment) of patients reported severe barriers. Most common was problematic Cost of treatment (69.0% overall). A high share of patients from Congo, Kenya, Nigeria, and Tanzania reported barriers. Higher education and wealth were associated with reduced problems in all categories except increased problems with Fear and Use of alternative medicine. Receipt of radiotherapy was associated with fewer problems with Availability of transport (odds ratio [OR]: 0.34; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.13-0.88) and Trust in healthcare workers (OR: 0.44; 95% CI, 0.24-0.8), and increased Fear (OR: 2.33; 95% CI, 1.33-4.05). Seeing that one-third of the patients reported severe problems in all dimensions, shortage of radiotherapy units is not the only problematic aspect of access to radiotherapy. Improvements in affordability, patient-healthcare worker communication, and psychosocial support are needed.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has outlined eight domains central to age-friendly environments. Since their introduction in 2007, developments have focused mainly on urban areas. This study explores which factors older adults view as crucial for creating age-friendly environments in a rural Swedish context. This qualitative study consisted of five focus groups with 17 participants. A deductive approach was used for the analysis. Discussions were linked to all eight WHO domains, with a particular emphasis on digitalization, transportation, and discrimination, especially related to digital and social inclusion, which cut across several domains. For instance, digitalization influenced both transportation and communication in rural areas with long distances and limited services. Social inclusion and non-discrimination highlighted needs for greater adaptation within specific domains, especially for people with mobility limitations, declining health, or financial difficulties. Overlaps among domains were evident, such as the need for accessible and affordable transport to enable healthcare access and social participation. To create age-friendly rural environments adaptations are needed within all domains in the WHO framework. Digitalization should be emphasized to enable inclusion and reduce discrimination. Accessible and affordable transportation is also crucial for older adults to participate socially, engage civically, and access healthcare. The WHO framework appears sufficient in a rural context. Therefore, we suggest using the framework for age-friendly environments in practice to consider aspects of the environment that older adults perceive as important.

Introduction Enhancing transportation accessibility is often viewed as a catalyst for rural revitalization, yet its compatibility with sustainable forestry remains a critical challenge. This study examines the impact of highway construction on rural forest resources in China’s underdeveloped regions. Methods Using town-level transportation and forestry data from 2009 to 2019, we exploit spatial variation in highway openings and implement a difference-in-differences (DID) framework. To address endogeneity concerns, we further employ an instrumental variable (IV) strategy based on hypothetical least-cost path spanning tree networks. Dynamic specifications and multiple validity checks are used to ensure causal interpretation. Results We find a significant negative spatial spillover effect of highway openings. Specifically, highways built in neighboring townships substantially reduce forest cover in townships that lack direct highway access, whereas the construction of non-highway roads has no statistically discernible effect. This adverse impact is transient and gradually attenuates over time. Mechanism analyses grounded in a core–periphery framework show that highways lower transportation costs and accelerate the outflow of timber and ecological capital from peripheral rural areas to central markets. Heterogeneity analyses indicate that forest loss is most pronounced near highway exits, in commercially valuable broadleaf forests, and in regions dominated by timber extraction and tourism but lacking institutional protection. Ecologically, highway-induced deforestation significantly increases greenhouse gas emissions by weakening carbon sinks, while effects on vehicle exhaust pollutants are negligible. Discussion Our findings highlight a trade-off between infrastructure-led connectivity and ecological sustainability. Achieving rural revitalization without exacerbating environmental degradation requires differentiated infrastructure investment and stronger ecological governance, particularly in peripheral rural areas vulnerable to market-driven deforestation.

ABSTRACT Durable, cost‐effective hydrogen evolution in acidic media requires electrocatalysts that can rival platinum in catalytic activity and stability. We report atomically engineered Ti 3 C 2 T x @C 2 N heterostructure exploiting robust Ti–N interfacial bonding and electronic coupling to deliver platinum‐like performance without noble metals. The hybrid catalyst exhibits ultralow overpotential of 42 mV at 10 mA cm −2 and Tafel slope of 36 mV dec −1 , approaching commercial Pt/C benchmarks. More importantly, it maintains stable operation over 550 h at 100 mA cm −2 in corrosive acidic medium, far surpassing Pt/C. Structural analyses and density functional theory reveal that Ti─N interface optimizes hydrogen adsorption free energy and lowers the kinetic barrier for O─H bond cleavage, while the porous C 2 N scaffold enhances charge transport and active site accessibility. This synergistic structural and electronic design establishes a generalizable strategy for robust heterostructures, advancing scalable platinum‐free electrocatalysts for next‐generation proton exchange membrane electrolyzers and other energy conversion technologies.

Loss of transportation access is likely to compromise individuals' ability to get to work. Taking an interdisciplinary approach, we triangulate across complementary methodologies to examine the far-reaching impact of driver's license suspension for nonpayment of court-ordered legal fees. Reflexive thematic analysis of preliminary qualitative interview data (N = 21) yielded themes related to compromised social mobility and well-being, with subthemes indicative of job/income loss and un(der)employment resulting from unpaid fines and license suspension, inability to afford additional fees, subsequent transportation challenges, resource acquisition beyond the formal workforce, and a desire for betterment. We build on this qualitative richness via a two-study approach. In Study 1, we draw on quantitative survey data (N = 879), evidencing a positive association between license suspension and unemployment, and indicating that this relationship is mediated by compromised access to transportation. License suspension was also positively associated with turning toward the informal shadow economy for employment, with some individuals reporting turning to sex work and crime to make ends meet. Data bore out a number of employment- and well-being-related consequences of nonpayment policies, and suggested that effects may function differentially by race, with Black individuals experiencing disproportionately negative effects. In Study 2, archival data indicated that enforcement of license suspensions is likely to result in a net loss to state revenue, incentivizing policy revision. Collectively, our data suggest that fine and fee imposition, and associated driver's license suspension, are likely to have a number of negative effects for individuals, employers, and society alike. We offer policy and practice implications related to reevaluating license suspension for nonpayment of court-ordered legal financial obligations. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).

The spatial distribution of immigrants and associated patterns of residential segregation and integration can manifest not only at the metropolitan scale but also at finer micro-spatial resolutions, reflecting the interaction between path dependence and structural reconfiguration. This article examines the micro-spatial residential patterns of Chinese immigrants in Seoul under institutional and market constraints. Using a Spatial Durbin Model and Multiscale Geographically Weighted Regression, it shows that from 2011 to 2025, immigrant settlements shifted from a monocentric pattern to a polycentric, functionally differentiated, and networked structure. While overall spatial embeddedness is high and segregation remains low, traditional cores such as Guro–Daerim persist. Selective clustering is shaped by path-dependent migrant networks, urban redevelopment policies, and intra-group differentiation, while infrastructure homogenization renders transportation accessibility a background condition. The findings support segmented assimilation theory in high-density East Asian cities and underscore the importance of incorporating immigrant needs into urban policy to promote inclusive integration.

Two-dimensional (2D) MXenes transition-metal carbides, nitrides, and carbonitrides have emerged as a versatile class of materials with exceptional electrical conductivity, tunable work function, rich surface chemistry, and structural adaptability. While their application in individual energy technologies such as photodetectors, solar cells, or supercapacitors has been extensively explored, a unified understanding of their multifunctional capabilities across these domains remains lacking. This review provides a mechanism-driven, cross-application analysis of MXenes, elucidating the shared physicochemical attributes that underpin their performance in optoelectronic and electrochemical energy devices. The synthesis structure–property relationships are systematically discussed, with emphasis on termination engineering, interlayer spacing control, and heterostructure design as universal performance-enhancement strategies. Comparative evaluations reveal that MXene integration can simultaneously boost responsivity in photodetectors, power conversion efficiency in solar cells, and capacitance in supercapacitors through synergistic improvements in charge transport, light absorption, and ion accessibility. Importantly, this work introduces the concept of universal MXene architectures single material platforms engineered to function across multiple device types opening new pathways toward integrated energy harvesting, storage, and sensing systems. We further outline key challenges, including stability under ambient conditions, scalable fabrication, and multifunctionality optimization, and propose future research directions leveraging green synthesis, computationally guided design, and emerging MXene quantum dot technologies. By bridging currently isolated research efforts, this review establishes MXenes as a pivotal enabler for next-generation, high-efficiency, and sustainable multifunctional energy devices.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to compare public transportation accessibility according to different shared micro-mobility devices (SMDs) in the Multifunctional Administrative City (MAC) of Sejong where SMD services are currently operating, considering ramps, pick-up and return locations, and delay times at intersections. Public bicycle share (PBS) incorporated dock access time and pick-up/return time, while electric bicycle share (EBS) and electric scooter share (ESS) reflected access and rental processes. To estimate travel speed under varying terrain, a linear regression model was developed using driving-experiment data, and service areas were computed accordingly. The results show that ESS exhibited the smallest speed reduction on steeper slopes, followed by EBS and PBS. Incorporating slope-dependent travel speed and operational delays significantly influenced service-area estimates. SMDs enhanced access to bus stops in residential, commercial, and administrative districts; however, their supplemental effect was limited in suburban areas with sparse dock locations or challenging topography. These findings demonstrate that accessibility assessments using uniform speeds risk service coverage. By integrating slope-sensitive travel models and operational factors, this study provides a more empirical framework for evaluating public transportation accessibility by SMD uses and highlights the need to strategically plan SMD placement and device types in areas with low public transportation accessibility.

Research on carbon storage is crucial for guiding regional sustainable development. However, Sichuan Province lacks long-term systematic analyses of carbon storage, and the driving mechanisms behind its changes remain unclear. This study systematically examines the spatiotemporal evolution of LUCC(land use/cover change) and carbon storage in Sichuan from 1980 to 2020, analyzes driving factors of carbon storage changes, and simulates future carbon storage distribution under different scenarios, based on LUCC data and 13 driving factors. Key findings include: (1) Over the 40-year period, land use was dominated by grassland, forest land, and farmland, maintaining a stable "grassland/forest land in the west, farmland in the east" pattern, with notable farmland and water body shrinkage alongside grassland and construction land expansion. (2) Total carbon storage showed minor fluctuations (9,201.53-9,209.52 Tg) but exhibited significant spatial heterogeneity, persistently displaying a "high in the west and low in the east" distribution. Water body-to-grassland and farmland-to-forest land conversions substantially increased carbon storage, while forest land-to-grassland and farmland-to-construction land transitions decreased it. (3) Spatial autocorrelation analysis revealed a negative correlation between carbon storage and land use intensity, with pronounced spatial clustering-High-High clusters concentrated in western regions and Low-Low clusters distributed peripherally. (4) Temperature and Digital Elevation Model emerged as dominant factors, while transportation accessibility and precipitation showed minimal influence. Human activities demonstrated moderate regulatory effects, with factor interactions significantly enhancing explanatory power, indicating multi-factor driven changes. (5) Multi-scenario projections (2030-2050) maintained the "high in the west and low in the east" pattern. Compared to 2020, SSP1-1.9 (Shared Socioeconomic Pathway 1-1.9) showed minimal change (10,711.94 ~ 10,712.16 Tg), SSP2-4.5 (Shared Socioeconomic Pathway 2-4.5) exhibited the largest decline (9,243.73 ~ 9,202.01 Tg), and SSP5-8.5 (Shared Socioeconomic Pathway 5-8.5) also decreased notably (9,015.01 ~ 8,980.07 Tg). This study provides a scientific basis for future land use optimization and carbon sink management in Sichuan Province.

In this study, a novel hybrid electrode of phosphidated tungsten oxide (WO₃-P) and polyaniline (PANI) is synthesized on a nickel foam substrate (PANI@WO3-P/NF). The hierarchical structure combines the pseudocapacitive properties of WO₃-P with the high conductivity and redox activity of PANI, while the 3D porous nickel foam enhances electron transport and electrolyte access. The synergistic PANI@WO3-P interaction significantly improves the electrochemical performance, delivering a specific capacity of 1210C g- 1 at 1 A g- 1 and retaining 90.85% capacitance after 10,000 cycles, ideal for energy storage. Asymmetric two-electrode device achieves an energy density of 60.44 Wh kg⁻¹ at 1 A g⁻¹ with a power density of 637.21W kg⁻¹, underscoring its supercapacitor (SC) potential. In addition, platinum (Pt) electrodeposition enhances the catalytic activity of the PANI@WO₃-P/NF electrode for methanol oxidation, paving the way for advanced energy conversion in next-generation direct methanol fuel cells. The maximum current density reaches 19.85mA mg⁻1 Pt, and the electrode retains 80.64% of its original activity even after 1000 cycles, demonstrating that the Pt/PANI@WO-P/NF electrode has good stability. This versatile dual-functional hybrid electrode platform uniquely combines high-performance Pt-free supercapacitor behavior with remarkable electrocatalytic MOR activity achieved through minimal Pt modification, highlighting its potential for advanced multifunctional energy applications.

Ensuring equitable and inclusive access to children’s extracurricular activity facilities represents a profound manifestation of educational equity and is crucial for promoting children’s holistic development and societal sustainability. However, the underlying spatial mechanisms shaping their equity remain insufficiently explored. Using Tianjin’s central urban area as a case study, this study examines the spatial accessibility and equity of such facilities under dual government–market provision systems. The multi-mode Huff two-step floating catchment area model (MM-Huff-2SFCA) was employed to assess accessibility across walking, e-bike, public transport, and private car modes, integrating facility quality, household preference, and time-based distance decay. Equity was further evaluated using Lorenz curves and Gini coefficients across multiple spatial scales, while geographically weighted regression (GWR) identified spatial heterogeneity in factors such as child population density, transport infrastructure, household economic status, and basic education coverage. Results indicate that macro-level spatial balance masks substantial micro-scale inequities, particularly among transport-disadvantaged groups. Government and market systems exhibit contrasting spatial logics, forming a compensation–complementarity pattern across urban space. These findings underscore the need for refined and differentiated governance in extracurricular activity facilities planning, integrating spatial planning, transport accessibility, and social equity to advance child-friendly urban development and equitable public service provision.

Accurately calculating travel time-to map transport accessibility and assess transport resilience to inform sustainability-oriented decisions-remains a critical modeling and computational challenge if considering large-scale all-modal transport. Vector-based methods cannot capture movement across off-network areas and are still computationally expensive in some applications for large-scale networks, whereas conventional raster-based methods may bring considerable inaccuracies if computationally acceptable. Here, we propose an optimal local connectivity-based method to rasterize transportation networks and enable a smooth integration of all travel modes to support fastest travel time-based accessibility and resilience analysis. Experimental studies on road networks in cities worldwide, together with theoretical analyses of lattices and simulations of random planar graphs, show its capability for remarkably accurate and rapid estimation of travel time in various network conditions. Successful applications in accurately mapping national-scale accessibility to healthcare facilities and rapidly estimating the worst-case resilience against local disruption demonstrate its utility to support many research and policy needs.

The public health (PH) workforce shortage poses a significant threat to the US population. Despite an increase in PH programs attracting students, there is a need to enhance diversity within local and state PH departments. While internships are recognized as valuable entry points into the PH field, research on the effectiveness of such pathway programs for recruiting diverse candidates is limited. Sponsored by the Connecticut (CT) Department of Public Health and supported by the CDC Crisis Response Cooperative Agreement: COVID-19 Public Health Workforce Supplemental Funding, the CT Public Health Fellowship Program (PHFP) aims to generate interest in PH careers by placing students in high-quality fellowship positions in CT. Third- or fourth-year undergraduates and graduate students enrolled in PH programs receive administrative support, one-on-one coaching, orientation, and a $3500 stipend to facilitate their internships. From January 2023 to May 2024, 97 out of 205 applicants were admitted to the PHFP. Acceptance was on a rolling basis, accommodating academic schedules, personal limitations such as work/family obligation or transportation access, and host agency capacities. We analyzed program data from PHFP applications. Chi-square tests and t-tests were conducted to assess differences between PHFP fellows and non-fellows. The results were not statistically significant. Additionally, fellows were compared to a representative sample of PH students from the US, New England, and CT. The PHFP has a strong potential to help replenish and diversify the PH workforce and enhance health equity. Future research should examine the long-term impacts of such PH experiential learning initiatives on a large scale.

Multi-dimensional inequality and rail transportation access: a comparative study across three generations

Overall topological accessibility index (OTAI): A proposed indicator of urban transportation accessibility

The rate of post-inpatient control visits remains relatively low due to various factors, including accessibility. At Hospital X, 220 of non-Jaminan Kesehatan Nasional (JKN) participants scheduled for post-inpatient control visits between January and March 2025, 71.82% attended, and 28.18% did not. Patients who did not attend control visits were twice as likely to be readmitted. This study aimed to determine the relationship between accessibility and post-inpatient control visits for non-JKN participants at Hospital X. This quantitative study employed an analytical cross-sectional design, with a population of 220 patients and a sample of 142 patients selected using probability sampling. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed using the chi-square test and binary logistic regression analysis. The results showed a significant relationship between distance to the hospital (p = 0.000), availability of transportation (p = 0.000), and the condition of service infrastructure (p = 0.000) with post-inpatient control visits among non-JKN participants at Hospital X. The results also showed that the factor with the highest probability of increasing post-inpatient control visits was walking as a mode of transportation, which increased the likelihood by 11.759 times. In conclusion, distance accessibility, transportation availability, and the condition of service infrastructure were significantly associated with post-inpatient control visits among non-JKN participants at Hospital X. The hospital should consider providing telemedicine services for patients who live at a considerable distance. In addition, the hospital could provide free pick-up and drop-off services within a certain radius.