Urban Dwellers Research Articles

Awareness about colorectal cancer among young adults in Poland

Purpose: The present study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and awareness level concerning colorectal cancer epidemiology, risk factors, symptoms, and prevention among young people in Poland. Methods: The knowledge was examined with an anonymous survey between February and March 2021. The data were collected anonymously, and the participation was voluntary. Statistical analysis was performed, and differences were considered significant if the p-value obtained was smaller than the assumed level of significance p ≤0.05. Results: Respondents were mostly female, living in a city with a population of over 500,000. The results confirmed that education, family/friends’ history of CRC, and a place of residence differentiate knowledge and awareness about CRC. Conclusion: The study acquired information that might guide educators about knowledge deficits among young people in Poland. The survey results revealed a significant knowledge gap between rural and urban inhabitants as well as between medical and non-medical groups.

The morphological diagnosis of 2 economically important subterranean termites in Western Indonesia, Coptotermes curvignathus and Coptotermes gestroi (Blattodea, Rhinotermitidae).

In Indonesia, the control of Coptotermes curvignathus populations as living tree termite pests has been carried out since the early 20th century. Recently, C. curvignathus has been considered the main termite pest and designated as the only species model for wood and wood products resistance tests against subterranean termite attack testing protocol in the Indonesian National Standard (SNI). However, the species distribution range of C. curvignathus has been long questioned as Coptotermes gestroi is commonly reported as a species found in urban areas of Southeast Asian region, particularly in Indonesia. One of the reasons for the species distribution discrepancies is the lack of morphological markers to distinguish both species in the field. Thus, limiting the field inspection effectiveness in termite pest management in Indonesia. This study reexamined and clarified the morphological differences between C. curvignathus and C. gestroi, based on soldier caste. The head shape, mandible shape, and distribution of genal setae on the ventro-anterior head part and pronotum marked the difference between the 2 species. These current results support previous findings of C. curvignathus as the forest dweller while clarifying C. gestroi as the common urban dweller in Indonesia. The putative benefit of morphological features related to the head, mandible, and setae distribution to the defensive adaptation in their common habitat was discussed. Ultimately, the inclusion of C. gestroi into the Indonesian National Standard (SNI) as an alternative species for efficacy tests against subterranean termites is highly recommended.

Differences in the environmental awareness of the Polish population

Motives: A fundamental tenet of sustainable development (SD) posits that all human endeavors should prioritize ecological safety. This underscores the significance of the knowledge about the ways in which these activities manifest in social attitudes, as an indicator of environmental awareness (EA) levels. Given the relevance of environmental EA, this issue should be examined across diverse communities and social groups, such as urban and rural residents, to catalyze the adoption of SD principles. It is assumed that the concentration of the population and societal structures in urban centers stimulate the development of concepts and solutions that subsequently disseminate to rural areas through urbanization and modernization patterns. Consequently, the potential disparities in EA and pro-environmental behaviors should be analyzed based on community members’ place of residence and economic status. Aim: The objective of this study was to assess differences in EA levels within the Polish population in the context of SD principles, based on demographic and social characteristics, as well as the respondents’ place of residence. Results: The study revealed several connections between attitudes toward sustainability and pro- -environmental activities. The identified attitudes were associated with demographic, economic, and spatial factors. The results indicate that EA levels are relatively high among Polish residents, irrespective of spatial distribution. Furthermore, significantly higher levels of EA-related activities were noted among urban dwellers, particularly the young and well-educated. Interestingly, a similar trend was noted among the residents of suburban zones. In contrast, rural inhabitants exhibited lower levels of EA compared to their urban counterparts.

Determinants of virological failure among HIV clients on second-line antiretroviral treatment at Felege-hiwot and University of Gondar comprehensive specialized hospitals in the Amhara Region, Northwest Ethiopia: A case-control study.

Second-line HIV treatment failure has become increasing worldwide, mainly in sub-Sahara Africa including Ethiopia. Even though the problem becomes increasing, inadequate information was available about its magnitude and associated factors in the current study area. To assess the factors of second-line Anti-Retroviral Treatment virological failure among second-line ART users. Institutional-based unmatched case-control study design was conducted from September to December 2021 at Felege Hiowt and University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospitals; Amhara region, Northwest Ethiopia. A total of 216 patients (60 cases and 156 controls) were recruited by a simple random sampling technique with a 1:3 cases-to-controls ratio. Patients who had two viral load results >1000 copies/ml within a 3-month interval after taking ART drugs for at least 6 months were cases and those who had ≤1,000 copies/ mL were controls. The sample size was calculated by using Epi-Info version 7.2.4. Structured questionnaires were used to gather the required information. SPSS version 26 was used to summarize the findings. In bivariate logistic regression model, Variables with two-tailed P-value ≤ 0.25 at 95% confidence interval were transferred into multivariate binary logistic regression model and P value at ≤ 0.05 was set as statistically significant. Out of 216 patients recruited, 212 have participated with a response rate of 98.2%. From these participants, 117(55.2%) were males and 187(88.2%) were urban dwellers. Among the total respondents, 208(98.1%) had age > 24 years, 200(94.3) were at HIV clinical stage I, 72(34%) had poor ART adherence and 112(52.8) did not disclose their HIV status. Likewise, most of the patients 147(69.37) didn't use condoms. The associated factors were not disclosing HIV status (AOR = 3.4, 95% CI: 1.52-7.79), medium adherence (AOR = 3.7, 95% CI = 1.3-10.7), poor adherence level (AOR = 5.27, 95% CI: 2.2-12.5), not using condoms (AOR = 4.47, 95% CI: 1.63-12.2) and Viral load (>150 copies/ml) when switched to second-line ART (AOR = 3.56, 95% CI: 1.5-8). Non-disclosure, poor or medium adherence, not using condoms and high Viral load (>150 copes/ml) when switched to second-line ART were the main factors for second-line Anti-Retroviral Treatment virological failure. Disclosure about HIV status, using condoms and improving treatment adherence level are crucial to reduce second-line virological failure.

Multimorbidity, health Literacy, and quality of life among older adults in an urban slum in India: a community-based cross-sectional study

BackgroundIndia is experiencing a rising burden of chronic disease multimorbidity due to an aging population and epidemiological transition. Older adults residing in urban slums are especially vulnerable due to challenges in managing multimorbidity amid deprived living conditions. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of multimorbidity, associated health literacy, and quality of life impact in this population.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 800 adults aged ≥ 65 years in an urban slum in Gujarat, India. Data on sociodemographics, physical and mental health conditions, health literacy (HLS-SF-47), quality of life (Short Form-12 scale), and social determinants of health were collected. Multimorbidity is ≥ 2 physical or mental health conditions in one person.ResultsThe prevalence of multimorbidity was 62.5% (500/800). Multimorbidity was significantly associated with lower physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) scores on the SF-12 (p < 0.001). After adjusting for sociodemographic variables, the odds ratio of 0.81 indicates that for every 1 unit increase in the health literacy score, the odds of having multimorbidity decrease by 19%. Older age within the older adult cohort (per year increase) was associated with greater odds of multimorbidity (AOR 1.05, 95% CI 1.02–1.09). Physical inactivity (AOR 1.68, 95% CI 1.027–2.77) and lack of social support (AOR 1.57, 95% CI 1.01–2.45) also increased the likelihood of multimorbidity.ConclusionThere is a substantial burden of multimorbidity among urban slum dwellers aged ≥ 65 years in India, strongly linked to modifiable risk factors like poor health literacy and social determinants of health. Targeted interventions are essential to alleviate this disproportionate burden among urban slum older adults.

Impacts of urbanization on multiple dimensions of bird diversity in Atlantic forest landscapes

Urbanization is resulting in habitat loss and fragmentation around the world, but its effects on biodiversity remain poorly understood. We investigated how the increase of urban cover surrounding nine Brazilian Atlantic forest reserves (14 ha - 1058 ha) affects the taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic diversity of bird communities, considering forest and non-forest species separately. Using a multi-scale local landscape approach, we estimated the percentage of urban cover in circular buffers of varying radii (200–1000 m). We calculated 10 complementary metrics of bird diversity and modelled them against the percentage of urban cover using generalized additive models. Urbanization had a negative, non-linear impact on the taxonomic diversity of bird communities, with a sharp decrease of up to 50 % in the effective number of rare, typical and dominant species in landscapes with 20–40 % of urbanization. This decrease was not restricted to forest species (urban avoiders), but also affected non-forest ones (urban utilizers and dwellers). The impact of urbanization on functional and phylogenetic diversity were less evident, suggesting that the vulnerability to urbanization has a weak phylogenetic and phenotypic signal. We conclude that urbanization impacts a broad spectrum of bird clades and traits and drastically reduce the taxonomic diversity of bird communities.

Impact of urban and rural residents medical insurance on self-rated health of residents in China: a panel study from the China family panel studies national baseline survey.

This study aimed to investigate the health performance of the Urban and Rural Residents Medical Insurance (URRMI) scheme in China and to make practical recommendations and scientific references for its full implementation in China. This is a panel study that uses data from the China Family Panel Studies from 2018 to 2020, which is separated into treated and control groups each year, utilizing the key approach of propensity score matching and difference-in-difference (PSM-DID). Using 1-to-1 k-nearest neighbor matching, we proportionate the baseline data. Using difference-in-difference model, we examine the mean treatment impact of the outcome variables. Using a 500-time random sample regression model, we validate the robustness of the model estimation. The result was credible after matching, minimizing discrepancies. Good overall performance of self-rated health with an average Hukou status of, respectively, 0.8 and 0.4 in the treated and control group, primarily in rural and urban regions separately. The participation of URRMI significantly impacted self-rated health of residents, with a 0.456-unit improvement probabilities observed (p < 0.1). Additionally, the individuals are categorized into urban and rural, and those with urban hukou had a 0.311 expansion in the probability of having better health status compared to rural hukou (p < 0.05). Other factors, such as age, highest education, annual income, medical expenditure, hospital scale, clinic satisfaction, and napping, also impacted self-rated health. Moreover, elder individuals, higher education levels, and higher medical expenditure having a higher probability of improvement. The study utilized a placebo test to verify the robustness of the URRMI regression. The estimated coefficients showed that basic medical insurance did not significantly improve the health of insured residents under the URRMI scheme. The study demonstrates the crucial role of PSM-DID in determining the influence of URRMI on self-rated health status. It indicates that purchasing in URRMI has a favorable influence on the health of residents, advancing enhanced self-rated health effectiveness. It does, however, reveal geographical disparities in health, with urban dwellers faring far better than those who live in the suburb. Study suggests expanding URRMI coverage, narrowing urban-rural divide, increasing insurance subsidies, reforming laws, and developing effective advertising strategies.

Associations between COVID-19 therapies and outcomes in rural and urban America: A multisite, temporal analysis from the Alpha to Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variants.

To investigate the enduring disparities in adverse COVID-19 events between urban and rural communities in the United States, focusing on the effects of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and therapeutic advances on patient outcomes. Using National COVID Cohort Collaborative (N3C) data from 2021 to 2023, this retrospective cohort study examined COVID-19 hospitalization, inpatient death, and other adverse events. Populations were categorized into urban, urban-adjacent rural (UAR), and nonurban-adjacent rural (NAR). Adjustments included demographics, variant-dominant waves, comorbidities, region, and SARS-CoV-2 treatment and vaccination. Statistical methods included Kaplan-Meier survival estimates, multivariable logistic, and Cox regression. The study included 3,018,646 patients, with rural residents constituting 506,204. These rural dwellers were older, had more comorbidities, and were less vaccinated than their urban counterparts. Adjusted analyses revealed higher hospitalization odds in UAR and NAR (aOR 1.07 [1.05-1.08] and 1.06 [1.03-1.08]), greater inpatient death hazard (aHR 1.30 [1.26-1.35] UAR and 1.37 [1.30-1.45] NAR), and greater risk of other adverse events compared to urban dwellers. Delta increased, while Omicron decreased, inpatient adverse events relative to pre-Delta, with rural disparities persisting throughout. Treatment effectiveness and vaccination were similarly protective across all cohorts, but dexamethasone post-ventilation was effective only in urban areas. Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir and molnupiravir better protected rural residents against hospitalization. Despite advancements in treatment and vaccinations, disparities in adverse COVID-19 outcomes persist between urban and rural communities. The effectiveness of some therapeutic agents appears to vary based on rurality, suggesting a nuanced relationship between treatment and geographic location while highlighting the need for targeted rural health care strategies.

Several Factors Responsible For Sick Building Syndrome in Urban Settings: Literature Review

Introduction: Urban dwellers are more susceptible to the adverse effects of air pollution and climate change. Sick building syndrome (SBS) relates to health issues experienced by workers as a result of indoor activities, air pollution, and climate change. The incidence of SBS is strongly correlated with environmental factors both within and outside the workplace. Objective: To identify current factors associated with the incidence of sick building syndrome in urban areas Method: Review of the literature compiled in both English and Indonesian from the databases of PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The literature, which is available in full text publications, was collected during the period of the last five years, from 2019 to 2024. Results: Temperature, relative humidity, microbes, air pollution, psychological factors, light, and ventilation in a room or workplace were some of the variables that affect the incidence of sick building syndrome in urban settings. Conclusion: SBS was related to a number of factors, including temperature, relative humidity, ventilation, lighting, pathogens, and psychosocial factors. These elements may have an individual or combined effect on worker productivity and the development of SBS.

Estimating alcohol and tobacco consumption of university students and urban population in Ho Chi Minh City by wastewater analysis.

The quantitative measurement of urinary biomarkers in wastewater has emerged as a robust tool for estimating alcohol and tobacco consumption in populations. In this study, we applied the wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) approach to compare alcohol and tobacco use between university students and urban inhabitants in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Ethyl sulfate and cotinine serve as markers for alcohol and tobacco use, respectively. Our findings reveal that urban inhabitants aged 15 and above consume 1.56 ± 0.23 mL of pure ethanol and 2.8 ± 0.33 mg of nicotine per day, while university students consume 0.69 ± 0.13 mL of pure alcohol and 1.2 ± 0.2mg of nicotine per day. This indicates that, on average, students consume less alcohol and tobacco compared with urban adults. A Monte Carlo simulation indicated that, on average, university students in our study smoke 1.5 cigarettes per day, while urban residents aged 15 and above smoke 4.3 cigarettes per day. Considering the smoking prevalence, a student smoker in this study consumes 6.5 cigarettes per day, a level high enough to establish addiction. On the other hand, alcohol use estimation is significantly lower than previous survey-based reports, likely due to degradation within on-site septic tanks. Future research should aim to extend the sampling period to capture seasonal variations and improve the understanding of tobacco and alcohol consumption patterns. The results from this study are crucial for decision-makers in Ho Chi Minh City to develop effective public health strategies and interventions. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Wastewater-based approach is applicable to estimate the tobacco consumption in Ho Chi Minh City. Each current smoker in the urban area of Ho Chi Minh City smokes nearly a package a day. The estimated consumption for student smokers in U-town is 6.5 cigarettes per day, a level high enough to establish addiction. The existence of septic tanks within Vietnam's drainage systems prevents reliable estimation of alcohol consumption for the entire population.

GREEN INFORMALITIES AS SOCIALLY JUST ECOLOGICAL INFRASTRUCTURE: Enduring with Dignity at the Edges of Resilient Development in Dhaka

AbstractEcological infrastructure and urban agriculture are enacting a green resurgence in cities. In the global South, however, ecological infrastructure is often premised on erasing already existing informal agricultural practices (green informalities) and leads to the displacement of marginalized urban dwellers. How, then, can ecological infrastructure be calibrated with the specific realities of the global South's green informalities? What other socially just modalities of infrastructure can be learned from the vantage point of informal settlements? Past urban scholarship has documented the crucial role of urban agriculture in addressing food insecurity and poverty in the global South, yet the symbolic, collective and political dimensions of agricultural practices are absent from these accounts. Drawing from critical urban scholarship and feminist political ecology, and based on engaged research with a collective of urban farmers facing eviction, I argue that green informalities bring together dwellers and plants in an intimate entanglement in the everyday gendered politics of endurability and collective power‐building at the settlement level. The article illustrates that the informal economic and political practices that constitute these green informalities are crucial for understanding grassroots practices vis‐à‐vis urban environments. Recognizing the political and affective dimensions of green informalities can move urban studies and governance towards a situated appreciation of informal urban agriculture as socially just ecological infrastructure that centers justice and dweller agency.

Undernutrition levels in Scottish older-adult population: a secondary data analysis of the Scottish Health Survey 2021

The proportion of the UK population over 65 years old is predicted to increase from 18.7% to 26% by 2066(1). However, healthy life expectancy (HLE) and disability free life expectancy (DLE) are decreasing(2, 3), which is particularly concerning in Scotland which also has the lowest overall life expectancy(4). Diet is a major modifiable factor in healthy aging(5) and should be a target to address declining HLE and DLE, but nutrient deficiencies in over 65s in Scotland are poorly understood. This study aimed to understand the presence and extent of inadequate intake of protein, fibre, vitamins, and minerals within over 60 year olds in Scotland.Secondary data analysis of the Scottish Health Survey 2021(6) was performed. Dietary data of older adults (≥ 60 years old, n = 1344) were analysed for protein, fibre, and micronutrient (from food sources) inadequacies, defined as percentage below estimated average requirement, reference nutrient intake or adequate intake(7, 8). Wald Z-test was used to analyse inadequacy between males and females, and urban and rural populations. Differences between Scottish index of multiple deprivation (SIMD) levels (1 [most deprived] to 5 [least deprived]) were analysed using χ2 test and cellwise sub-analysis(9) with Bonferroni corrections.The percentage of over 60s that had inadequate nutrient intake was highest for vitamin D (97%), fibre (93%), selenium (90%), potassium (79%) and Zinc (65%). Compared to males, females were at a greater risk of undernutrition in 18 of the 25 nutrients analysed, of which 11 were significant (p&lt;0.05). Compared to rural populations, urban populations were at a greater risk of undernutrition in 22 of 25 nutrients analysed, of which 10 were significant. People in SIMD 1 were at a greater risk of undernutrition in 20 of 25 nutrients analysed, of which 14 were significant. 40% of over 60s had inadequate protein intake. Risk of inadequate protein intake was greatest for people in SIMD 1 (56%, p&lt;0.001). 24% of over 60s had inadequate folate intake which was significantly higher in females than males (28% and 18%, respectively; p&lt;.001), urban than rural (26% and 19%, respectively; p&lt;.01), and in SIMD1 (36%; p&lt;.001). Inadequate fibre intake was significantly higher in females than males (95% and 91% respectively, p&lt;.01), and urban than rural (95% and 89%, respectively, p&lt;.001). 26% of over 60s had inadequate calcium intake. Inadequate calcium intake was significantly higher in females than males (25% and 17%, respectively; p&lt;.001).These data highlight a considerable undernutrition risk, both overall and within specific nutrients important for healthy aging, in Scotland’s older adult population. Those in SIMD 1, females, and urban dwelling demographics being particularly vulnerable. Although the extent of potential health implications, are dependent on key aspects such as nutrient absorption and utilisation.

Urban Agriculture in Times of Crises: A Review

Urban agriculture has been utilized as a temporary and long-term solution concerning food security issues acrossvarious regions and cities throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. Urban agriculture has enabled urban dwellers tocultivate food within available urban spaces, and by doing that, it has enhanced their access to fresh local food. Thisarticle reviews four different scenarios—global conflict, economic decline, political instability, and post-conflicttimes—and explores various ways in which urban agriculture has been adopted in each of them. In order to gatherdata, a literature review was conducted, and relevant research articles, books, and theses were reviewed. In summary,this research demonstrates that during times of crises, such as global conflicts, economic decline, political instability,and post-conflict times, urban agriculture empowered urban dwellers to cultivate food. By doing so, it positivelycontributed to urban food resilience and sustainable urban development by enhancing urban dwellers’s access toaffordable local food.

Technomolecular flows in coastal cities: an anthropological approach to new materialist ethics of the anthropogenic microscale

Urban life is crisscrossed and affected by events and matter in various scales, of which the microscopic has been only partly addressed in scholarship and policymaking. In this article, I propose that it is urgent to incorporate new materialist ethics for a better urban governance of technomolecular flows, that is the multiple ways anthropogenically induced microscopic elements are affecting cities. Chemicals, minerals, fungi, viruses, bacteria, and other forms of life and matter affect human and environmental health as well as the shape and materials of the built environment. Coastal cities are particularly prone to such flows of chemical-, mineral- and bio-materials because of their location between sea and land. Existing legal and institutional frameworks tend to lag behind the uses of microscopic elements by industry and urban dwellers. A new materialist ethics would help rethink institutional architectures and responses to existing entanglements and the emerging risks they pose.

Analyzing the thermal performance of walling systems in low-income housing through computational fluid dynamics approach

The thermal properties of wall materials have a direct impact on the thermal performance of the indoor environment, by also influencing the occupant’s well-being. Coupled with airflow dynamics, the thermal performance of wall materials influences the indoor air temperature distribution thereby impacting thermal comfort, particularly in naturally ventilated (NV) spaces. However, defining the relationships between the wall characteristics, airflow dynamics, and thermal comfort for selecting the appropriate wall material for low-income NV buildings is still not evident in the current literature. Therefore, this study proposes a simulation-based framework that considers the relationships between wall materials, airflow dynamics, and thermal comfort using a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) approach by spatially plotting the thermal comfort within the NV spaces.The study analyses locally accessible wall materials, subjecting them to different operating conditions within NV dwelling units of low-income housing in India. Out of the analyzed wall materials, aerated autoclaved blocks exhibited a significant indoor temperature reduction of 20.7 % compared to the compressed stabilized earth blocks, with constrained airflow exacerbating temperature fluctuations. The global implications of these findings are substantial for urban low-income dwellers experiencing excessive heat. Mass housing efforts worldwide can benefit from using thermally efficient materials in construction thereby improving living conditions, and mitigating the impact of climate change on thermal comfort and health.

Association of early parent–child separation with depression, social and academic performance in adolescence and early adulthood: a prospective cohort study

ObjectiveThe present study aimed to investigate the long-term effects of parent–child separation during infancy and early childhood on depression, social relationships including parent–child and peer relationships, and academic performance during adolescence and early adulthood.MethodsData from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) were analyzed, which included a sample of 3829 children aged 4–15 years from 25 provinces over a period of 8 years. The study examined the association between early parent–child separation and outcomes related to depression, social and academic performance, comparing outcomes between individuals with and without early separation experiences. A series of subgroup analyses were conducted to further explore these associations.ResultsParent–child separation lasting 3 months or longer was found to be associated with moderate to severe levels of depression and impaired social relationships during adolescence and early adulthood, particularly among males, adolescents, urban dwellers, and those with less educated mothers. Children who experienced parent–child separation for 3 months or longer showed a positive correlation between separation duration and depression. Short-term separations under 3 months did not show this association. The duration of separation also had a negative correlation with parent–child and peer relationships, as well as academic performance.ConclusionEarly parent–child separation has significant adverse effects on the mental health, social and academic performance of adolescents and early adulthood, especially among males, adolescents, urban residents, and those with lower maternal education. The severity of depression was found to be related to the duration of separation, highlighting the importance of minimizing separation to less than 3 months for children under the age of 3. These findings underscore the critical role of early parental care and the need for targeted interventions for high-risk populations.

Geo-sustainable Practices in Urban Agriculture: A Study of Sustainable Land Use and Natural Resource Conservation at Household Level

This study explores urban agriculture as a solution to food insecurity in Lahore, Pakistan, amid rapid urbanization and declining agricultural productivity. Using a mixed methods approach, the research assesses the current state of urban agriculture, community willingness to adopt such practices, and the factors influencing this adoption. Data was collected from households in Johar Town and Faisal Town through surveys, complemented by a literature review of global urban agriculture policies. The findings reveal limited practice of urban agriculture but significant willingness among residents, driven by factors such as self-reliance, high food prices, and health concerns. However, barriers like lack of access to land, guidance, and time hinder widespread adoption. The socio-economic profile of respondents indicates varied interest and awareness based on age, income, and household size. The study emphasizes the need for policies promoting urban agriculture, including community gardens, vertical farms, and wastewater reuse. Educational campaigns and professional training are essential to raise awareness and build skills among urban dwellers. The research concludes that urban agriculture can enhance food security and sustainability in Lahore with robust policy support and community engagement. Future research should expand the study area, use more nuanced data collection methods, and explore the economic viability of urban agriculture initiatives. Such efforts aim to advance urban agriculture practices and policies in Lahore, making the city more self-sufficient and resilient in food production.

Social impact of decarbonization objectives through smart homes: Survey and analysis

The technological development and economic growth of renewable energy are the key solution for almost full decarbonization of the energy systems. The sustainability and energy efficiency, artificial intelligence and connectivity will be the determining elements towards reaching this ambitious goal. Household appliances and tools for controlling energy consumption, temperature, lighting, etc. In the smart home will play a key role to increase awareness of families' energy consumption. IoT (Internet of Things) devices for the smart home allow us to monitor consumption and pay attention to efficiently energy use. However, savings are not the only important element of the smart home. Together with the digital control of the home these are elements that include a fundamental dimension: decarbonization, which is the cornerstone of the energy transition, which must involve an epochal change of mentality to our society where digitalization and people's well-being meet. The paper deals with social analysis of large cities population perception on integrating renewable energy sources and necessary devices to transform existing houses in smart homes towards economic wellbeing and decarbonization of the energy sector. Different classes of respondents were interviewed – owned and rented fome, rural and urban inhabitants, different segments of age, various number of inhabitants in urban areas and the capital, women and men, high-income and low-income, different levels of education – to support or disregard smart home technological development and reveal the different perception towards further usage of smart devices for daily benefits.

Big data insights into urban park use in the pandemic: Changes in visitation patterns and exacerbated social inequalities in the U.S.

Urban parks are essential to maintaining healthy, livable, and sustainable cities. It is vital to ensure urban parks serve the communities equally, particularly during the pandemic and for traditionally disadvantaged groups. This study examined how the COVID-19 pandemic changed urban dwellers' visitation patterns to urban parks and assessed whether the pandemic exacerbated the inequalities of urban park access among different sociodemographic groups in the U.S. We investigated urban dwellers' visitation patterns from two aspects (origin and destination) and used a big data approach by integrating mobility data from mobile devices, remote sensing/geospatial data, socioeconomic data, etc. This study found urban dwellers preferred visiting urban parks that were remoter, larger, greener, less crowded, less noisy, and with less human activities during the pandemic (i.e., 2020 and 2021) vs. pre-pandemic (i.e., 2019). Our results also highlighted that the pandemic exacerbated social inequalities in urban park access. The urban dwellers from block groups with higher percentages of racial/ethnic minorities, higher unemployment and poverty rates, and lower income were more negatively influenced by the pandemic and became less likely to visit urban parks. More importantly, such social inequalities further increased in 2021 compared with the early pandemic period of 2020.

Comorbid Chronic Pain and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder: Current Rates and Psychiatric Comorbidities Among U.S. Military Veterans.

This study reports rates of comorbid chronic pain and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among U.S. military veterans and rates of psychiatric comorbidities among those with both chronic pain and PTSD. This study utilized National Veterans Affairs (VA) administrative data to identify all veterans treated for chronic pain or PTSD in 2023. Multivariable logistic regression models determined the likelihood of each psychiatric comorbidity for those with chronic pain and PTSD relative to those with chronic pain only and separately to those with PTSD only, after adjusting for demographic variables and all other psychiatric comorbidities. Of the 5,846,453 service users of the VA in 2023, a total of 2,091,391 (35.8%) met the criteria for chronic pain and 850,191 (14.5%) met the criteria for PTSD. Furthermore, 21.6% of those with chronic pain also had PTSD and over half (53.2%) of those with PTSD also met the criteria for chronic pain (n = 452,113). Veterans with chronic pain and PTSD were significantly more likely to be women, Black or African American, Hispanic or Latina, and urban dwelling. Veterans with chronic pain and PTSD had significantly higher rates of all selected comorbidities relative to veterans with chronic pain only. Patients with comorbid chronic pain and PTSD may benefit from tailored treatments to address the additive impact of these conditions.