Transportation Facilities Research Articles

The relationship between accessibility and land prices: A focus on accessibility to transit in the 15-min city

In the context of local residents’ travel activities, access to transportation facilities is crucial and a key factor in achieving the goals of a 15-min city. However, current research on accessibility and land prices seldom fully considers the exploration of the relationship between the two using machine learning models. In this study, we conduct an analysis based on land price and accessibility in Beijing. Firstly, factors such as accessibility, population density, land use types, the number of Points of Interest (POI), and housing prices are selected as independent variables for the model, with land price as the dependent variable. Secondly, the CatBoost model is employed to investigate the complex relationship between accessibility to transit and land prices. Finally, the study introduces the XGBoost model and the ordinary least squares (OLS) method for comparison, validating the effectiveness of the CatBoost model in studying the complex relationship between accessibility and land prices through the comparison of model performance evaluation metrics. A clear nonlinear relationship exists between public transportation accessibility and land prices. Accessibility to bus within a 15-min bicycle is positively associated with land price; its trend shows a sharp increase followed by a gradual increase, and then another sharp increase. Accessibility to metro within the multistage distance threshold walk has a roughly positive association with land price within a certain range. While accessibility to bus within a 15-min walk and accessibility to bus within the multistage distance threshold walk have a negative association with land price. The nonlinear patterns between the four accessibility variables and land prices differ and exhibit significant spatial heterogeneity. Both housing prices and population density positively correlate with land prices. Housing prices sharply increase, then gradually, while population density gradually rises, then sharply. This paper explores the relationship between the two, reinforcing research on the mutual influence of public transportation facilities and surrounding environmental elements. It provides a theoretical basis for promoting transit-oriented development (TOD) and city planning.

Landslide Susceptibility Mapping in Nigeria Using Remote Sensing, GIS, and Machine Learning Models

Landslide situations remain a significant concern in Nigeria, as they pose a great risk to human lives, property, and the natural environment, particularly in regions with steep slopes, heavy rainfall, and unfavorable human interference, including deforestation and urbanization. Nigeria’s diverse geographical structure, ranging from urban areas such as Lagos and Abuja to rural regions, underscores the importance of accurate predictions for risk management and avoidance techniques. This research utilized remote sensing and GIS assessment to analyze landslide susceptibility in several regions of Nigeria. Data related to terrain, vegetation, soil moisture, and ground deformation were gathered using high-resolution satellite imagery from sources such as SPOT, ASTER, differential synthetic aperture radar interferometry (D-InSAR), and Landsat TM. GIS data layers included DEM, LULC, soil and geological maps, as well as hydrological maps and data. Methods applied in this study include logistic regression, STAT-R, frequency ratio, and the Random Forest tree-based model. The research produced detailed landslide susceptibility maps for various regions in Nigeria and identified significant factors such as slope, elevation, land use, precipitation, and access to transportation facilities. The Random Forest model demonstrated the most robust predictive capability. The integration of remote sensing with GIS was particularly significant, enhancing the precision of predictions and improving the efficacy of planning and management strategies. By incorporating remote sensing, GIS, and various machine learning algorithms, the researchers have developed a reliable tool for landslide risk prediction and management in Nigeria. Future research should focus on improving data quality and enhancing the generalizability of results to other regions.

Measuring and optimizing the spatial accessibility of primary health care in remote and rural areas: a case study of Liannan Yao Autonomous County in China

The need for equitable access to primary healthcare services in the current global context has attracted widespread attention, prompting nations to continuously enhance their grassroots medical service levels. In response, China launched the "Healthy China" initiative, which prioritizes the enhancement of national health as a core goal of the healthcare system and uses this opportunity to deepen reforms aimed at strengthening primary care. However, in remote and rural areas, the optimization of medical resource allocation and the achievement of balanced service development remain critical challenges owing to limited resources. This study selected Liannan Yao Autonomous County, which is situated in the northwestern corner of Guangdong Province, as a case study due to its remote mountainous location, underdeveloped economy, and minority region characteristics. Through field research and interviews, this study thoroughly explored the needs of both supply and demand, factoring in elements such as the service capability of healthcare facilities and residents' travel thresholds to enhance the two-step floating catchment area model, thus making it more applicable to remote villages. By integrating electric bikes and cars, which are the primary means of transportation in rural areas, this study conducted a thorough analysis and comparison of the accessibility of medical services in Liannan Yao Autonomous County (Liannan County) . The results reveal significant disparities in healthcare accessibility, an uneven distribution of medical resources, and varying impacts of transportation conditions and facility service capabilities on accessibility. Notably, the study revealed that improving transportation conditions alone has limited effects in rural areas; the key lies in balancing medical service capabilities and the rationality of overall layouts. From the perspectives of equity and efficiency, this study employs the equitable coverage model and the efficiency-driven model to construct two scenarios, comparing accessibility changes in Liannan County under both conditions and proposing strategies to improve the spatial layout of local healthcare facilities. This research not only deepens the understanding of healthcare service accessibility in rural areas but also provides a scientific basis for optimizing resource allocation and enhancing primary medical services, offering valuable guidance and reference for Liannan County and other similar rural regions.

Ultra-lean hydrogen-air flames initiated by a hot surface

The benefits of using hydrogen as a fuel for rocket engines dictate the necessity of a deep understanding of possible scenarios of hydrogen ignition and subsequent combustion. Safety requirements on launch sites and hydrogen transportation and storage facilities should be elaborated based on a thorough investigation of hydrogen flame development. The paper aims to provide a detailed numerical analysis of the hot wall ignition of hydrogen-air mixtures with compositions near low flammability limits. It is shown that the development of ultra-lean flames initiated by a hot spot on the solid wall possesses several features compared to ultra-lean flames ignited by a point energy source. Three modes of flame development are observed: stable flame column with bow-shaped flame structure on top, individual flame kernel, and unstable flame column with multiple kernels generation. Effects of mixture composition, along with the impact of hot spot size, are analyzed. Column tip acceleration mechanism is determined. All of the combustion modes obtained are grouped in the diagram, providing information on the limits of various combustion modes depending on the mixture concentration and hot spot size.

Analyzing the tourism in Chitwan National Park from Visitors’ Perspective

Protected areas are the cornerstone of global biodiversity conservation initiatives, and people’s support is pivotal for their success. However, in many protected areas, particularly those with restricted human interaction, the park-people relations deviated towards negativity, and the major cause is the inability of the park to connect conservation with the people’s livelihood. Better-planned tourism can serve as a vehicle to link conservation with livelihood, particularly in protected areas like Chitwan National Park (CNP), where the flow of tourists is already higher. However, there is a need to understand consumer satisfaction and link those to ensure a sustainable tourism business in the park. The aspect has been explored to a limited extent in the park; thus, we have attempted to partially address that void. To address the issue, we have collected the perceptions of the people through a face-to-face interview using a structured questionnaire with 142 tourists encountered in and around the Sauraha area of CNP. The data was collected in January 2020, was managed using Microsoft Excel, and was analyzed using R software. Natural attractions around the national park were found to be the important drivers that drive tourists to CNP, and they admired the accommodation (79% positive response), food (65% positive response), hospitality (75% positive response), and behavior of the local people (74% positive response). The majority of the tourists have a positive response towards other tourism amenities. Tourists were highly satisfied with the elephant safari and Jeep safari activities. However, many have suggested improving the transportation facility and solid waste management in the park. The findings of the studies can be used by the relevant stakeholders to improve the services and amenities offered to tourists, which will ensure the sustainability of tourism businesses in and around the park.

Community Empowerment in Waste Management through the Pede Message Program in Cemenggaon Traditional Village, Gianyar Regency, Bali Province

In terms of waste management, Gianyar Regency still lacks access to facilities and infrastructure in reaching certain sub-districts to certain villages. In addition, the lack of knowledge about the impact of waste and how to manage it as well as the benefits obtained by the community in the waste management process is also a factual problem in Gianyar Regency. The Gianyar Regency Government, of course, is well aware of the waste problem so it is considered necessary to have a waste management system that is overcome starting from the upstream. This study aims to find out community empowerment in managing waste through the Pesan Pede program, inhibiting factors and efforts to overcome inhibiting factors in community empowerment in managing waste through the Pesan Pade program in Cemenggaon Traditional Village, Gianyar Regency. The method used is a descriptive qualitative research design. Data collection was carried out by semi-structured interviews, observations, and documentation. Data analysis is carried out through the stages of data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawn. The results of the study show that the implementation of empowerment in waste management through the PESAN PEDE program in Customary Villages has been carried out well. This is marked by the activities carried out by the Village Government through the Cemenggaon Traditional Village Waste Management Agency, Celuk, Gianyar Regency, Bali Province. The inhibiting factors in the implementation of this empowerment are the community's lack of understanding in managing waste, the limitations of processing tools, and the application of waste banks that are not optimal. The efforts made to overcome the inhibiting factors are the implementation of education, holding regular meetings, increasing the capacity of the Waste Management Agency management, and optimizing waste transportation facilities.

Upaya Pencegahan Terhadap Pencemaran Lingkungan Hidup Akibat Kegiatan Usaha Bengkel di Kelurahan Sumerta

The high population correlates with the level of pollution that occurs, considering the high level of mobility of each person makes the need for transportation facilities even greater. The existence of so many workshops affects the surrounding environmental conditions. The formulation of the issues raised is (1) How are the legal protection efforts against the environment from pollution due to workshop business activities in Sumerta Village?, (2) What are the obstacles in environmental protection due to workshop business activities in Sumerta Village? This thesis research uses empirical legal research methods. The results of the study found that there were prevention efforts made to the environment from pollution due to workshop business activities, namely by conducting socialization from the Environment and Hygiene Service and Sumerta Village to workshop business actors. Obstacles in enforcing environmental protection due to workshop business activities in Sumerta Village there are several factors such as factors of legal facilities, law enforcement officials, facilities and facilities, licensing, public legal awareness of the environment, and a large number of workshops and even distribution make supervision difficult.

EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF HYDRATE FORMATION PECULIARITIES FOR CONDITIONS OF THE TURNO AND CENOMANIAN DEPOSITS: Part II

This paper is the second part of the research devoted to the study of hydrate formation features for the conditions of Turonian and Cenomanian deposits. The launch of new gas projects at the Turon and Senoman production facilities in Western Siberia provided a good opportunity to critically analyze the known methods of protecting production, gathering and transportation facilities of the gas field from the formation of solid gas hydrates. The paper presents the experience of implementing a program of laboratory studies of conditions of gas hydrate formation with their subsequent processing and in-depth analysis. The research program covered the area of thermobaric parameters typical for the conditions of Turon-Senoman deposits exploitation with localization of hydrate-hazardous areas in the conditions of Technological Regimes for full development. The description of laboratory studies is given, in which two gas compositions of Senoman and Turon objects, different variants of mineralization and ionic composition corresponding to formation and condensation water, as well as hydrate formation conditions under changing dosages of basic inhibitor on the basis of methanol were considered. The details of the experiment based on the method of swinging cells and the subsequent analysis of the results of the completed experiments to determine the thermobaric conditions of formation and decomposition of hydrates are given. The main features of the experiment are specified, estimates of the rate of change of the influencing parameters of the experiment on its quality are given. In the process of implementation of the experimental program, the optimal values of these parameters were selected, which allowed us to significantly reduce the variation of experimental results to determine the thermobaric conditions of hydrate formation. It is experimentally established that the temperature of hydrate decomposition is higher than the temperature of its formation at all investigated gas compositions and water mineralization.

Growth of Horticultural Export Market: The implication of Post-harvest Handling Practices among Small Scale Farmers in South Rift, Kenya

The inclusion of rural smallholder farmers in the export of horticultural products has two major implications: increased household income through access to a promising global market and enhanced productivity, cumulatively contributing to the growth of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and foreign exchange. Currently, there are an estimated 2,500 smallholder farmers participating in horticultural exports South Rift of Kenya. Consequently, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between post-harvest handling practices by smallholder farmers and the growth of the horticultural export market. Quantitative data were collected using a structured questionnaire from a sample of 334 small-scale horticultural farmers, randomly selected for the study. Validity and reliability tests were conducted prior to the main study. Descriptive statistics and simple linear regression were employed to analyze the data. Post-harvest handling practices were assessed through the utilization of packaging materials, storage facilities, energy supply, hygiene, and transportation facilities. The findings indicated a statistically significant relationship between post-harvest handling practices and the growth of horticultural export markets. However, deficiencies were observed among small-scale farmers in South Rift, Kenya, in managing horticultural products after harvest. The study recommended for strategic interventions for the adoption of modern technologies in every stage of the supply chain and establishes collaborations with key stakeholders in order to minimize cost of investment per farmer and ultimately enhancing market standards compliance and competitiveness in the fruit and vegetable export market. Keywords: Post harvest, storage, packaging, Hygiene, Export, Markets

Non-linear relationship between built environment and active travel: A hybrid model considering spatial heterogeneity

Exploring the mechanisms between the built environment and active travel is crucial for promoting green transportation and fostering the sustainable development of cities. Existing literature focuses on the correlation between the built environment and active travel in urban centers, with limited studies on suburban environments, ignoring the implications of spatial heterogeneity. This paper conducts a comprehensive spatio-temporal analysis of suburban residents’ active travel behavior and explores the nonlinear relationship between suburban built environment and active travel. A novel hybrid modeling framework that combines eXtreme Gradient Boosting and Multi-scale Geographic Weighted Regression is introduced to forecast suburban active travel demand with the consideration of the nonlinearity and spatial heterogeneity in parameter estimates. Shapley additive explanation is used to elucidate the non-linear relationship between built environment variables and active travel. The results indicate that the proposed hybrid model performs the best with high predictive power and interpretability. The density of tourist attractions, transportation facilities, and household properties emerges as the three most influential factors affecting residents’ active travel behavior. Social-economic attributes contribute 15.70% to the prediction, while three categories of built environment variables (accessibility, transportation facilities, and land use) contribute 7.31%, 5.13%, and 71.87%, respectively. The hybrid model appears to be effective in identifying the nonlinear relationship and threshold effects between built environment variables and active travel. Besides, the model provides actionable insights into designing sustainable and efficient suburban environments, supporting targeted planning and policy-making efforts.

Does Urbanization Impede Environmental Sustainability? Panel Data Evidence from South Asia

Climate change and global warming are burning issues in present era and urbanization can be a factor of carbon dioxide emission expansion which erodes environment quality. Considering rapid urbanization in South Asia during last few decades, this study examines the association between urbanization and CO2 emission. Panel data time series econometric techniques such as; panel DOLS, FMOLS and granger causality are applied by using panel data for 1973-2018. The results show that urbanization increases CO2 emission in the long run and this finding is also supported by the results of individual country based analyses. Moreover, unidirectional causal linkage from urban expansion to carbon dioxide emission and from energy consumption to carbon emission prevail. Important policy implications are proposed based on the findings. Energy efficient urban public transportation facilities, industrial emission abatement policies, awareness of masses through media etc. can help to reduce carbon emission whereas provision of social amenities in rural areas can lead to ease press of human movement towards urban areas.

Analysis of Village Fund Management in Efforts to Improve Community Welfare in Setuta Janapria Village, Central Lombok 2020-2022

The allocation of village budget in Setuta Village has not been evenly distributed in each region. Unequal management of village funds causes inequality in development and community welfare. The primary objective of this study was to analyse the impact of village fund management on improving community welfare in Setuta Village, Janapria Sub-district, Central Lombok Regency. This descriptive quantitative research uses primary data collected from 44 households as samples. The results showed that the management of village funds in Setuta Village was not fully in accordance with applicable regulations. The impact of village fund management on community welfare is in the medium category. The positive impact of village fund management can be seen in the education sector, health, health services, and settlement facilities such as the provision of clean water sources for the community. However, the management of village finances has not yet had a significant impact on increasing income, expenses, living conditions, and transportation facilities.

Understanding the spatial pattern and structural characteristics of cities in late feudal China: evidence from the local chronicle maps of the qing dynasty (1644–1911)

ABSTRACT Our study analyzes the spatial pattern and structural characteristics of cities in late feudal China based on multiple correlation and geographic information system spatial analysis, using 58 local Chinese chronicle maps of Jiangsu in the Qing Dynasty as research material. The elements in the city map were dominated by the types of official buildings, transportation facilities, and religious buildings. The urban spatial pattern can be classified into four types, such as extraverted and introverted, with each type having an aggregated spatial distribution and a gradual introverted orientation in time. The urban spatial structure can also be divided into four types: traditional, axial, random, and composite. Spatial distribution of each type is relatively stable, with little change over time. The geographic environment and the traditional concept of city building are the basic reasons for the formation of the spatial pattern and structure. The flood disaster, commercial and military factors contribute to the diverse structures. Our study demonstrates the feasibility of quantifying the ancient Chinese chronicles’ city maps. The findings have important value for contemporary ancient city restoration and shaping urban characteristics.

Spatial analysis of the impact of urban built environment on cardiovascular diseases: a case study in Xixiangtang, China

BackgroundThe built environment, as a critical factor influencing residents' cardiovascular health, has a significant potential impact on the incidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).MethodsTaking Xixiangtang District in Nanning City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of China as a case study, we utilized the geographic location information of CVD patients, detailed road network data, and urban points of interest (POI) data. Kernel density estimation (KDE) and spatial autocorrelation analysis were specifically employed to identify the spatial distribution patterns, spatial clustering, and spatial correlations of built environment elements and diseases. The GeoDetector method (GDM) was used to assess the impact of environmental factors on diseases, and geographically weighted regression (GWR) analysis was adopted to reveal the spatial heterogeneity effect of environmental factors on CVD risk.ResultsThe results indicate that the built environment elements and CVDs samples exhibit significant clustering characteristics in their spatial distribution, with a positive correlation between the distribution density of environmental elements and the incidence of CVDs (Moran’s I > 0, p < 0.01). Further factor detection revealed that the distribution of healthcare facilities had the most significant impact on CVDs (q = 0.532, p < 0.01), followed by shopping and consumption (q = 0.493, p < 0.01), dining (q = 0.433, p < 0.01), and transportation facilities (q = 0.423, p < 0.01), while the impact of parks and squares (q = 0.174, p < 0.01) and road networks (q = 0.159, p < 0.01) was relatively smaller. Additionally, the interaction between different built environment elements exhibited a bi-factor enhancement effect on CVDs. In the local analysis, the spatial heterogeneity of different built environment elements on CVDs further revealed the regional differences and complexities.ConclusionsThe spatial distribution of built environment elements is significantly correlated with CVDs to varying degrees and impacts differently across regions, underscoring the importance of the built environment on cardiovascular health. When planning and improving urban environments, elements and areas that have a more significant impact on CVDs should be given priority consideration.

Factors Influencing Thai Tourists Satisfaction with SDG Adventure Destinations: Nakhon Nayok Province, Thailand

Purpose: 1) to investigate the adventure tourism information search by Thai tourists in Nakhon Nayok province 2) to examine the push motivation influences to adventure tourism in Nakhon Nayok province and 3) to examine the pull motivation influences to adventure tourism in Nakhon Nayok province. Theoretical reference: The study population consisted of Thai tourists traveling to Nakhon Nayok Province, with a sample size of 400, following the guidelines of Schumacker and Lomax (2010). Method: Data were collected using a questionnaire and analyzed using path analysis with a mathematical software program. Results and Conclusion: The results indicated that Thai tourists searched information of the adventure tourism from online in high level (Facebook and Instagram), the push motivation of Thai tourists influencing travel in SDGs adventure tourism in Nakhon Nayok was to learn something new and interesting, and the pull motivation influences to adventure tourism was good physical amenities: accommodation, transportation, and recreation facilities. Implications of research: The weight of direct effect, indirect effect and total effect of Thai tourists’information search, push factors and pull factors which influences travelling in SDGs adventure tourism were the attitude, satisfaction and expectation with a significance level of 0.01. respectively. Originality/value: Thai tourists want to visit SDGs adventure tourism in Nakhon Nayok Province not only the place ensures healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages but also availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

Understanding Market Dynamics and Profitability in Small Ruminant Marketing: An Economic Analysis in Southern Karnataka, India

Small ruminants, particularly sheep and goats, play a crucial role in India's agricultural economy, serving as a significant source of income and livelihood for millions of small and marginalized farmers. In regions like Southern Karnataka, where livestock farming is integral part of rural households as they are not only a source of meat, wool, and milk but also provide financial security during times of economic distress. Despite their importance, the marketing of small ruminants remains largely unorganized, posing significant challenges for farmers. The marketing of small ruminants such as sheep and goat involves the procurement of animals at primary markets from farmers, selling these animals at local markets, and further distribution to terminal markets through wholesalers or commission agents. For sheep and goat farmers, selecting the appropriate marketing channel is crucial, as the benefits they receive are largely dependent on this choice. The chosen channel must minimize marketing costs while maximizing the farmer's share of the consumer's rupee. So, this study was undertaken focusing on analysing the existing marketing channels for small ruminants in Karnataka, particularly sheep and goats, and to evaluate the cost structure of different marketing channels, understand the role of middlemen, and propose measures to reduce marketing costs and improve the farmers' share of profits. In the study area, four primary marketing channels were identified: (1) Farmer → Village Trader → Wholesaler/Butcher, (2) Farmer → Local Trader → Wholesaler/Butcher, (3) Farmer → Local Trader → Farmer, and (4) Farmer → Wholesaler → Distant Trader. The cost of marketing is a significant concern for sheep and goat farmers, encompassing expenses such as transportation, feeding, market fees, middlemen charges, personnel expenses, and loading/unloading fees. The average marketing cost per animal across various channels was ₹91.71, with transportation costs making up the largest portion (49.61%), followed by feeding costs (14.72%) and middlemen charges (17.01%).This highlights the challenges related to high transportation costs and inadequate market facilities, particularly for sheep and goat marketing. So, to improve the marketing efficiency and reduce costs for sheep and goat farmers, there is a need for the establishment of regulated markets for livestock and enhancing the transportation facilities in the rural areas to help farmers realize better prices for their small ruminants.

Leveraging regional assets for MICE tourism

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to assess the current state of MICE tourism in Campania and explore strategic opportunities for its development. By identifying the strengths and weaknesses of this sector, the research aims to provide insights into how Campania can enhance its competitiveness as a MICE destination. The study seeks to offer recommendations for leveraging the region’s unique features, such as its cultural heritage and scenic landscapes, to attract more business travelers and corporate events, ultimately contributing to the region’s economic growth and sustainability.Design/methodology/approachThis study utilizes a mixed-methods approach to evaluate the MICE tourism sector in Campania. It involves analyzing quantitative data from regional tourism statistics and economic reports, complemented by qualitative insights gathered from interviews with key stakeholders in the tourism and hospitality industries. The research also includes a comparative analysis of Campania with other regions renowned for MICE tourism, aiming to identify best practices and potential areas for improvement. This comprehensive methodology ensures a thorough understanding of Campania’s current MICE tourism landscape and its future potential.FindingsThe study reveals that Campania has substantial potential for growth in the MICE tourism sector, owing to its rich cultural assets and appealing locations. However, challenges such as inadequate infrastructure and limited marketing efforts hinder its full potential. The findings suggest that targeted investments in infrastructure improvements, particularly in transportation and event facilities, along with robust marketing strategies, could significantly enhance Campania’s appeal as a MICE destination. Emphasizing sustainable practices could further differentiate the region in the competitive global market, attracting environmentally conscious business travelers.Originality/valueThis study provides a comprehensive analysis of the MICE tourism sector in Campania, offering valuable insights into its current status and future potential. It highlights the region’s unique strengths and the challenges it faces, providing actionable recommendations for strategic development. By focusing on both economic growth and sustainability, this research contributes to a broader understanding of how regions can successfully leverage MICE tourism for long-term benefits. The findings and recommendations serve as a valuable resource for policymakers, tourism authorities and stakeholders in the hospitality industry seeking to enhance Campania’s position in the global MICE tourism market.

Discovering the spatial heterogeneous constraints of distance on migration from counties to Shenzhen in China

Distance holds significant importance in the decision-making processes of migration flows. Previous studies have predominantly adopted a global perspective to understand distance constraints. However, same spatial heterogeneity exists in distance constraints, and this heterogeneity contributes to understanding of the effect of regional characteristics in human migration. This study answers three questions: Does distance work for all counties in the same way? Why distance works for some counties but does not for others? And what makes distance decay differently among counties? We adopt geographically weighted regression, binary logistics regression, and random forest regression to analyze the migration from counties all over the China to Shenzhen to explore the spatial heterogeneity of distance decay. The results show that distance does not always work, and that demographics and transportation facilities are important determinants of whether distance works. For counties where distance works, distance decay is nonlinearly related to regional development. This non-linear relationship is due to the game between the appeal of intervention opportunities in the nearest new first-tier city, the constraints represented by the socio-economic development of the source county, and the attractiveness of Shenzhen. This further reflects the dynamic interplay between costs and opportunities, give and gain in the decision process of migration.

Adaptation measures to alleviate degradation of urban mobility by urban flooding in Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand

Since floods caused by overflowing rivers are increasing in Southeast Asia cities, reducing urban mobility, adaptation measures are required to cope with this situation. One possible measure would be to develop transportation facilities to make them passable even during flooding conditions. Another measure is to encourage people to relocate from high-risk areas to low-risk areas. Implementing an appropriate combination of these two different adaptation measures is necessary. However, there is limited research to assess the impacts of adaptation measures on flood risk and urban activity. Therefore, this study developed an urban adaptation model that could assess mobility and land use for Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand, and analyzed to what extent the decrease in urban mobility can be alleviated by combining these adaptation measures. It showed that a combination of both adaptation measures could ensure mobility under flood conditions, with benefits from travel time reduction estimated at up to 230.44 million baht (6.36 million USD) over 20 years.

Ransomware as a threat to peace and security: understanding and avoiding political worst-case scenarios

ABSTRACT Ransomware is arguably the most disruptive cyber-dependent crime to date. It not only causes considerable economic loss globally but it also threatens public services and security such as critical infrastructure including public transport and healthcare facilities. In this paper, our aim is to foster a better understanding of the threat to peace and security, as well as facilitate debates on effective institutional remedies in a multilateral context. We will, therefore, engage in scenario building to identify plausible linkages between ransomware and political escalation at various levels. Three such linkages or causal chains are conceivable in our view. First, ransomware may aggravate the under-provision of basic public services within fragile societies and thus fuel intra-state conflicts around inequality and economic disparities. Second, amid geostrategic competition, increased high-tech sanctions and export controls may be undermined by state-sponsored cybercrime. Lastly, the risk of unintended escalation stemming from misattribution or operational errors is increasing. Following a risk analysis of the three aforementioned causal chains, we will then move to possible institutional remedies and address the numerous factors hindering progress at the global level.