Urban Level Research Articles

Analysis of the planning, functional, and volumetric-spatial organization of temporary settlements

This article examines the experience of planning temporary settlements for the affected and displaced persons, evaluating global and domestic approaches. The analysis encompasses urban planning situations, volumetric-spatial, and functional-planning organization of temporary residential structures, defining typological characteristics and categorizing them. The main focus is on the functioning of temporary settlements using open, semi-open, and closed systems within the structure of habitation. The analysis of global practical experience reveals that at the urban planning level, temporary settlements constitute a structural and planning element primarily constrained by the population size and the potential use of existing service infrastructure. These indicators dictate the placement of this element (temporary settlement) within the settlement system and its functional purpose (transit or long-term settlements), consequently influencing the operational period (from a few months to half a year, up to 1 year, over 1 year, or indefinitely). The most common type is a settlement with a population capacity of up to 500 individuals, with the distinction of a residential zone as the main, and in some cases, the only zone (without the development of a public area or a common space core). Less widespread are settlements with a population capacity of over 500 to 1000 individuals, where a public center with facilities for domestic services, recreation, education, and work-related activities begins to form, mainly in the central core of the structure. An uncommon type of settlement is a residential structure with a capacity exceeding 1000 individuals, featuring the development of a comprehensive public center with a hierarchical network of sub-centers for social and domestic services and recreation, serving as nuclei for the formation of residential groups. Such settlements operate as closed self-servicing systems, meaning they are not dependent on functional connections with the community or the city within the settlement system. The planning aspects derived from global and Ukrainian experiences necessitate defining a temporary settlement as a new element in the urban planning system. Additionally, there is a need for further typological grouping of the reviewed examples of temporary settlements based on their interdependent developmental characteristics.

The Principle of "Polyfunctionality and Recombination of Functions" of the Complex Process of Restorative-Reconstructive Transformations of the Historical Urban Environment

The article examines the special principle formulated by the author of "Poly functionality and recombination of functions" of the complex process of restorative-reconstructive transformations (RRT) of the historical urban environment. Its compliance with the defined functional system level of the integrated RRT process is shown. Specific techniques that make it possible to implement this principle of transformation are considered in detail. They are recommended by the author to ensure the activity, increase the quality and attractiveness of any historical and architectural value and destruction of the historical urban environment, and transform it into a multi-comfortable one for a long-term stay during the implementation of restorative-reconstructive transformations at the functional level. The relevance of the use of this principle in the implementation of restorative-reconstructive transformations for various degrees of historical and architectural value and destruction of the historical urban environment with the use of the appropriate complex of RRT methods is shown. Depending on the determined degrees of historical and architectural value and destruction of a certain urban environment, it is recommended to apply to it the appropriate methods possible for it, formed into a discrete complex of RRT methods "4C", when each method from the urban planning level pulls its corresponding methods from the volumetric and functional levels. The correspondence of the principle and methods of restorative-reconstructive transformations of the functional level is determined. Recommendations are provided on the application of the most effective combination of functional-level methods for various combinations of degrees of historical and architectural value and destruction of the historical urban environment to transform it into a multi-comfortable one.

Decomposition and Driving Factors of Total Factor Productivity of Food Crops in the Yellow River Basin, China

The urgency of enhancing agricultural productivity within the Yellow River Basin cannot be overstated, given its critical role in ensuring food security amidst the challenges posed by climate change, natural disasters, and the increasing demand for food crops. Utilizing panel data from nine provinces within the Yellow River Basin for the period 2001 to 2020, this study examines the temporal characteristics and spatial distribution of Total Factor Productivity (TFP) for key grain crops—namely wheat, corn, and soybean—through the application of the Malmquist index which can be decomposed through the DEA-Malmquist index methodology. The empirical results demonstrate that TFP growth rates for these crops have exhibited significant phase variations, with soybean recording the highest TFP growth rate in the basin. Additionally, this study underscores marked regional disparities in soybean productivity. TFP decomposition reveals that the primary drivers of TFP improvement across these crops are attributed to technical progress, with gains in overall technical efficiency largely due to scale efficiency enhancements, whereas pure technical efficiency has shown limited progress. Regional analysis indicates that Inner Mongolia leads in TFP growth for all crops, while Ningxia, Sichuan, and Shaanxi lag behind in wheat, corn, and soybean. Additionally, our analysis delineates natural disasters as a significant barrier to Total Factor Productivity (TFP), notably obstructing technological advancements in wheat cultivation. The investigation further reveals a positive relationship between regional per capita income and the growth of wheat TFP, in contrast to a negative relationship with the TFP growth of corn and soybeans. Moreover, investing in agriculture, forestry, water management, and road infrastructure supports the growth of wheat TFP, while urbanization levels pose constraints. Conclusively, an uptick in annual rural electricity usage, along with improved per capita postal and telecommunication services, exerts a favorable influence on TFP for corn and soybeans.

A Dynamic Prediction Framework for Urban Public Space Vitality: From Hypothesis to Algorithm and Verification

Predicting and assessing the vitality of public urban spaces is crucial for effective urban design, aiming to prevent issues such as “ghost streets” and minimize resource wastage. However, existing assessment methods often lack temporal dynamics or heavily rely on historical big data, limiting their ability to accurately predict outcomes for unbuilt projects. To address these challenges, this study integrates previous methodologies with observations of crowd characteristics in public spaces. It introduces the crowd-frequency hypothesis and develops an algorithm to establish a time-dimensional urban vitality dynamic prediction model. Through a case study of the Rundle Mall neighborhood in Adelaide, Australia, the effectiveness of the prediction model was validated using on-site observation sampling and comparative verification. The prediction model framework allows for the determination of urban vitality within specific time ranges by directly inputting basic information, providing valuable support to urban planners and government officials during the design and decision-making processes. It offers a cost-effective approach to achieve sustainable urban vitality construction. Furthermore, machine learning techniques, specifically the decision tree model, were applied to case data to develop a set of preliminary algorithm tools, which enable output of reference urban vitality levels (high-medium-low).

Evaluating the representativeness of mobile big data: A comparative analysis between China's mobile big data and census data at the county level

Mobile big data has emerged as an essential tool for various scientific research fields. However, the credibility of mobile big data and the extent to which it can represent the real-world population remain unclear. This study evaluated the representativeness of mobile big data by comparing it to the most recent census data at the county level in China. Using power-law and multiple linear regression models, we aim to determine the accuracy and reliability of mobile big data in reflecting the population dynamics and characteristics of different geographical areas. Our results indicate that disparities among individuals with different socioeconomic statuses, demographic characteristics, or geographic locations may contribute to biased estimations of the actual population density. Higher illiteracy rates and median ages may be associated with underestimating population density. In contrast, higher GDP per capita, elevated urbanization levels, and larger percentages of the 15–64 year age group may be associated with overestimating population density. Our research highlights the importance of cross-validating population estimates and offering practical statistical methods for addressing potential biases and estimating population dynamics in future applications of mobile big data.

Coupled Coordination and Drivers of Green Technology Innovation and Carbon Emission Efficiency

The coupled and coordinated development of green technology innovation and carbon emission efficiency in the Yangtze River Economic Belt is crucial for its realization of green and low-carbon transformation. Based on the panel data of the Yangtze River Economic Belt from 2011 to 2021, the comprehensive evaluation levels of green technological innovation and carbon emission efficiency were measured, and the coupling degree of coordination model and panel Tobit model were constructed to empirically analyze the coupling degree of coordination and driving factors of the two. The results show that, overall, the comprehensive evaluation value of green technology innovation level in the Yangtze River Economic Zone shows an upward trend; the value of carbon emission efficiency first rises and then falls. From the perspective of spatial distribution, both of them present the characteristic of “high in the east and low in the west”. The coupling coordination degree shows a growing trend and initially realizes the basic coordination. The coupling degree of coordination shows a significant negative correlation between the energy structure and the coupling degree of both of them, while urbanization level, environmental regulation, industrial structure, level of economic development, degree of openness, and labor level all show a significant positive correlation.

Spatial correlation network of municipal solid waste carbon emissions and its influencing factors in China

Clarifying the provincial spatial correlation network of municipal solid waste (MSW) carbon emissions and its influencing factors is significant for reducing MSW carbon emissions and for ensuring cross-regional coordinated emission reduction. This study used a modified gravity model and social network analysis to explore the structural characteristics of the spatial correlation network of MSW carbon emissions. The quadratic assignment procedure was then used to examine the influencing factors. The results are as follows: (1) From 2005 to 2020, the MSW carbon emissions spatial correlation network showed an intuitive and complex network structure. The tightness of the network increased with fluctuations but still needs improvement, while the network structure exhibited good accessibility and stability. (2) The spatial network exhibited a significant “core-edge” distribution, with Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Fujian being at the center of the spatial correlation network and playing leading roles. (3) The spatial correlation network of MSW carbon emissions was divided into four parts, with the four parts having few internal connections but with the relationships between them being close. (4) Geographical adjacency, economic development level, science and technology level, and MSW treatment structure significantly influenced spatial correlations, while the urbanization level and degree of government intervention had no significant influence on spatial correlations.

Study on the coupled and coordinated development of urban resilience and urbanization level in the Yellow River Basin

Study on the coupled and coordinated development of urban resilience and urbanization level in the Yellow River Basin

Optimizing Triage Practice in Pediatric Trauma: Lessons From Under-triage and Over-triage Rates and Risk Factors.

Triage accuracy is essential for delivering effective trauma care, especially in the pediatric population where unique challenges exist. The purpose of this study was to investigate risk factors contributing to under-triage and over-triage in an urban pediatric trauma center. This retrospective cohort study included all trauma activations at an urban level 1 trauma center between January 1, 2021, and July 31, 2023 (patients <18years old.) Patients who were under- or over-triaged were identified based on the level of trauma activation and injury severity score. There were 1094 trauma activations included in this study. The rate of under-triage was 3.8% (n = 42) and over-triage was 13.6% (n = 149). Infants aged 0-1 years had the highest rate of under-triage (10.9%, n = 19, P < .001), while those aged 11-17 had the highest rate of over-triage (17.0%, n = 82, P = .003). Non-accidental trauma was the strongest risk factor for under-triage (OR 30.2 [6.4-142.8] P < .001). Penetrating mechanism was the strongest risk factor for over-triage (OR 12.2 [5.6-26.2] P < .001). This study reveals the complexity of trauma triage in the pediatric population. We identified key predictive factors, such as age, comorbidities, and mechanism of injury, that can be used to refine triage practices and improve the care of pediatric trauma patients.

O blood type is not associated with worse coagulopathy or outcome in exsanguinating trauma

BackgroundDespite improving understanding of trauma-induced coagulopathy (TIC), mortality and morbidity due to exsanguinating trauma remain high. Increased complications due to hemorrhage have been reported in blood group O, possibly due to reduced levels of von Willebrand factor (vWF). MethodsAn urban level 1 adult trauma center registry was retrospectively queried. Patients receiving ≥6 units of pRBC within 4 ​h of presentation were included. Patient demographics, admission labs and outcomes were obtained. Univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed. Results562 patients were identified. There were no significant differences in demographics, admission labs, or outcome between different ABO groups. After adjustment, Type A patients were more likely to be hypocoagulable compared to Type O patients (p ​= ​0.014). No mortality differences were seen between ABO types in multiple regression analysis. ConclusionsNo outcome or mortality differences were seen between ABO types, therefore factors other than vWF expression should be considered to explain coagulopathy in trauma patients.

How have US colorectal cancer mortality trends changed in the past 20 years?

In the last two decades, colorectal cancer (CRC) mortality has been decreasing in the United States. However, the mortality trends for the different subtypes of CRC, including different sides of colon, rectosigmoid, and rectal cancer remain unclear. We analyzed the mortality trends of different subtypes of CRC based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research data from 1999 to 2020. We calculated age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMR) per 100,000 individuals and examined the trends over time by estimating the average annual percent change (AAPC) using the Joinpoint Regression Program. Our study shows that the overall CRC rates decreased significantly from 26.42 to 15.98 per 100,000 individuals, with an AAPC of -2.41. However, the AAMR of rectosigmoid cancer increased significantly from 0.82 to 1.08 per 100,000 individuals, with the AAPC of +1.10. Men and Black individuals had the highest AAMRs respectively (23.90 vs. 26.93 per 100,000 individuals). The overall AAMR of CRC decreased for those aged ≥50 years but increased significantly from 1.02 to 1.58 per 100,000 individuals for those aged 15-49 years, with an AAPC of +0.75. Rural populations had a higher AAMR than the urban populations (22.40 vs. 19.60 per 100,000 individuals). Although overall CRC mortality declined, rising trends in young-onset CRC and rectosigmoid cancer warrant attention. Disparities persist in terms of sex, race, and geographic region, and urbanization level, emphasizing the need for targeted public health measures.

Spatio-Temporal Evolution Characteristics and Influencing Factors of INGO Activities in Myanmar

Myanmar is among the regions with the most frequent activities of International Non-Government Organizations (INGOs). Analyzing the spatio-temporal patterns of these activities holds crucial importance for optimizing organizational coordination and enhancing governmental oversight. This study focuses on the spatio-temporal evolution characteristics and influencing factors of INGO activities in Myanmar from 2010 to 2021, utilizing spatial autocorrelation and regression analysis. The results show that the number of INGOs in Myanmar has shown a gradual slowdown in growth trends, with the number of activities exhibiting a wave-like pattern, primarily driven by spontaneous activities of INGOs. The spatial distribution of INGO activities in Myanmar is concentrated in the southern plains, with the core located in Yangon, Naypyitaw, and Loilen. Furthermore, there is significant spatial polarization in the hotspot area of INGO acticities. The hotspots followed an evolutionary path from “South Myanmar” to “North Myanmar” and then back to “South Myanmar”. INGO activities in Myanmar are more focused on the local economic level, urbanization level, medical level, education level, and total population size, providing the necessary support and services for the local society and making up for the “government malfunction” and “market malfunction”.

Socioeconomic inequality and urban-rural disparity of antenatal care visits in Bangladesh: A trend and decomposition analysis.

Socioeconomic inequality in antenatal care visits is a great concern in developing countries including Bangladesh; however, there is a scarcity of investigation to assess the factors of inequality and these changes over time. In this study, we investigated the trend of socioeconomic inequalities (2004-2017) in 1+ANC and 4+ANC visits, and extracted determinants contributions to the observed inequalities and urban-rural disparities in Bangladesh over the period from 2011 to 2017. The data from the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Surveys (BDHS) conducted in 2004, 2007, 2011 and 2017 were analyzed in this study. The analysis began with exploratory and bivariate analysis, followed by the application of logistic regression models. To measure the inequalities, the Erreygers concentration index was used, and regression-based decomposition analyses were utilized to unravel the determinant's contribution to the observed inequalities. The Blinder-Oaxaca type decomposition is also used to decompose the urban-rural disparity into the factors. Our analysis results showed that the prevalence of 1+ANC and 4+ANC visits has increased across all the determinants, although the rate of 4+ANC visits remains notably low. The magnitudes of socioeconomic inequality in 4+ANC visits represented an irregular pattern at both the national and urban levels, whereas it increased gradually in rural Bangladesh. However, inequalities in 1+ANC visits declined substantially after 2011 across the national, rural and urban areas of Bangladesh. Decomposition analyses have suggested that wealth status, women's education, place of residence (only for 4+ANC visits), caesarean delivery, husband education, and watching television (TV) are the main determinants to attribute and changes in the level of inequality and urban-rural disparity between the years 2011 and 2017. According to the findings of our study, it is imperative for authorities to ensure antenatal care visits are more accessible for rural and underprivileged women. Additionally, should focus on delivering high-quality education, ensuring the completion of education, reducing income disparity as well as launching a program to enhance awareness about health facilities, and the impact of caesarean delivery.

Green urbanization’s role in mitigating oil market shocks on China’s macroeconomy: evidence from panel data analyses

ABSTRACT Our study assesses the extent of green urbanization in China’s provinces. We conduct an empirical analysis at the provincial level, using the IPVAR model to explore the relationship between oil market supply shocks and macroeconomic impacts in the context of local green urbanization levels. The findings indicate that increased green urbanization at the local level can mitigate the macroeconomic impact of oil market disruptions. Furthermore, this mitigating effect tends to strengthen over time.

Analysis of the impact factors of industrial structure upgrading on green total factor productivity from the perspective of spatial spillover effects

Green development has already been a vital part of China's high-quality economic progress in the future, and accelerating the restructuring and improvement of the industrial structure plays a crucial roll in promoting a regional green economy. In this article, based on the data of 278 prefecture-level cities in China from 2011 to 2020, the SBM directional distance function and Malmquist-Luenberger (ML) index are used to gauge regional green total factor productivity (GTFP). The spatial Durbin model is also introduced to investigate the spatial spillover mechanism of GTFP and its influencing factors under the optimized and upgraded industrial structure. The study indicates that the optimization of the industrial structure have an important effect in promoting the growth of GTFP. Specifically, industrial structure integration has a greater bearing on the increase in GTFP, while there is a difference in the effectiveness of industrial structural advancement and rationalization of GTFP. Economic growth level inhibits the enhancement of GTFP, and urbanization level and industrial agglomeration have a significant negative impact on the enhancement of GTFP in the spatial dimension. On a different hand, foreign investment degree and government intervention level have a significant positive affect on regional GTFP. In addition, this study fills the research gap of the regional industrial structure upgrading influence on GTFP, which has great theory and practice value for promoting China's high quality growth of green economy.

INLA Estimation of Semi-Variable Coefficient Spatial Lag Model—Analysis of PM2.5 Influencing Factors in the Context of Urbanization in China

The Semi-variable Coefficient Spatial Lag Model (SVC-SLM) not only addresses the “dimension disaster” associated with the Varying Coefficient Spatial Lag Model(VC-SLM), but also overcomes the non-linear problem of the variable coefficient, and fully explores the hidden information of the model. In this paper, INLA is firstly used to estimate the parameters of (SVC-SLM) by using B-spline to deal with the non-parametric terms, and the comparative experimental results show that the INLA algorithm is much better than MCMCINLA in terms of both time efficiency and estimation accuracy. For the problem of identifying the constant coefficient terms in the SVC-SLM, the bootstrap test is given based on the residuals. Taking the PM2.5 data of 31 provinces in mainland China from 2015 to 2020 as an empirical example, parametric, non-parametric, and semi-parametric perspectives establish three models of Spatial Lag Model (SLM), VC-SLM, SVC-SLM, which explore the relationship between the covariate factors and the level of urbanization as well as their impacts on the concentration of PM2.5 in the context of increasing urbanization; among the three models, the SVC-SLM has the smallest values of DIC and WAIC, indicating that the SVC-SLM is optimal.

Dorsal Hook Plating of Patella Fractures With Immediate Range of Motion Results in Reliable Fixation, Low Implant Removal Rates, and Satisfactory Clinical Outcomes.

To evaluate radiographic and clinical patient-reported outcomes following dorsal hook plating of displaced patella fractures with permittance of immediate postoperative active closed chain range of motion. Retrospective review of prospectively collected data. Urban academic level 1 trauma center. Adult patients with displaced patella fractures (OTA/AO 34C1-3) who underwent dorsal plating with immediate range of motion between 2018 and 2023. Numerical Rating Scale for Pain, Knee Outcome Score (KOS-ADL), Tegner-Lysholm score, radiographic union, and wound complications were collected. Sixty-one patients were included (47 female) with an average age of 63 years (SD 14.7, range 22-86 years). The mean BMI was 24.2 (SD 3.6, range 16.6-33.3). There were 13 34-C2 and 48 34-C3 fractures. All but 2 patients (96.7%) achieved bony union after the index procedure. 89% (n = 54) of patients completed outcome surveys with at least 6-month follow-up. Six patients (9.8%) underwent removal of plate implant at a mean of 15.1 months postoperatively. The mean KOS-ADL score was 91.4, the mean Tegner-Lysholm score was 78.1, and the mean NRS was 2.7. Dorsal hook plating offers secure fixation to allow early range of motion, reliable fixation with low nonunion and implant failure rates, low implant removal rates, and satisfactory patient-reported outcomes. Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Heritagutopia: a new utopian paradigm

The progress of humanity has always, and sometimes even unconsciously, been confronted with the concept of utopia at the social, economic, political, and urban level. The strength of every utopian vision lies in the disruptive factor inherent in the idea of metamorphosis of the status quo. In the urban context, it represents the pillar on which the vision of modern society and its city are based and understood as potential and progress for mankind. Authors such as Bauman, Bloch, Calvino, More, Mumford, Tafuri, and others, have formed the theoretical framework of the dialectic on which this study is based. As we know, the history of architecture and urban planning provides multiple models of utopia that have alternated over time, such as the ones proposed in the 60 and 70 s by Archigram, Superstudio, Yona Friedman or the Japanese Metabolist movement, just to name a few. Starting from these experiences at the urban scale, and supported by contributions from disciplines such as philosophy, literature, and sociology, this research defines a new model of utopia called “Heritagutopia”. It is a new utopian paradigm, and not dystopian as it will be demonstrated, which is based on the symbiosis between urban historical heritage and abandoned industrial areas or run-down infrastructures. The first one, due to the centripetal economic dynamics, leaves its current location to find exile in the second one, through parasitic urban tactics. It is a migration, or an exile in some ways. However, in both cases this new condition allows the two contexts not to vanish and to regain possession of their lost identity, or rather to regenerate themselves, acquiring a new life. It allows to break into custom with a vision that undermines the state of affairs, subverts its factors, by proposing an alternative vision, sometimes dreamlike, but deliberately provocative as every utopia wants to be.

Better off in the city? Economic outcomes of rural out‐migration in Sweden—sibling study of cohorts 1960–1984

AbstractThis study examines disparities in income levels and employment status between individuals who migrate from rural areas and their siblings who remained in rural settings in Sweden for cohorts born 1960–1984. Utilizing comprehensive Swedish register data, we track the economic outcomes at age 35 or rural residents who migrated between ages 15 and 25, comparing them to non‐migrating siblings. Our analysis, employing binomial logit and log‐linear models for employment odds and income levels, respectively, reveals that while rural out‐migration generally leads to higher income, it does not significantly impact employment status. The study underscores the role of individual and family‐specific factors—such as gender and education—and broader time‐ and place‐dependent structures in mediating migration's effects. We find that income disparity between migrants and non‐migrants has increased since the 1990s and that the differences increase with the urbanization level of the destination.

Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma (EAST) vs Western Trauma Association (WTA): How a Level 1 Trauma Center Splits the Difference in Resuscitative Thoracotomy.

Background Resuscitative thoracotomy (RT) is performed in severe trauma cases as a final lifesaving effort. Prominent, yet differing, practice management guidelines exist from Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma (EAST) and Western Trauma Association (WTA). This study evaluates all RTs performed from 2012 to 2019 at an urban Level 1 trauma center for management guideline indication and subsequent outcomes. Methods Our trauma registry was queried to identify RT cases from 2012 to 2019. Data was collected on patient demographics, prehospital presentation, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) requirements, and resuscitation provided. Survival to the operating room, intensive care unit, and overall were recorded. Information was compared with regard to EAST and WTA criteria. Results Eighty-seven patients who underwent RTs were included. WTA guidelines were met in 78/87 (89.7%) of cases, comparatively EAST guidelines were met in every case. Within the EAST criteria, conditional and strong recommendations were met in 70/87 (80.4%) and 17/87 (19.5%) of cases, respectively. In nine cases (10.3%) indications were discordant, each meeting conditional indication by EAST and no indication by WTA. All patients that survived to the operating room (OR), ICU admission, and overall met EAST criteria. Conclusion All RTs performed at our Level 1 trauma center met indications provided by EAST criteria. WTA guidelines were not applicable in nine salvaging encounters due to the protracted duration of CPR before proceeding to RT. Furthermore, more patients that survived to OR and ICU admission met EAST guidelines suggesting an improved potential for patient survivability. As increased data is derived, management guidelines will likely be re-established for optimized patient outcomes.