Urban Population Research Articles

Physiology evolves convergently but lags behind warming in cities.

Cities, through the generation of urban heat islands, provide a venue for exploring contemporary convergent evolution to climatic warming. We quantified how repeatable the evolution of heat tolerance, cold tolerance, and body size were among diverse lineages in response to urban heat islands. Our study revealed significant shifts towards higher heat tolerance and diminished cold tolerance among urban populations. We further found that the magnitude of trait divergence was significantly and positively associated with the magnitude of the urban heat island, suggesting that temperature played a major role in the observed divergence in thermal tolerance. Despite these trends, the magnitude of trait responses lagged behind environmental warming. Heat tolerance responses exhibited a deficit of 0.84°C for every 1°C increase in warming, suggesting limits on adaptive evolution and consequent adaptational lags. Other moderators were predictive of greater divergence in heat tolerance, including lower baseline tolerance and greater divergence in body size. Although terrestrial species did not exhibit systematic shifts towards larger or smaller body size, aquatic species exhibited significant shifts towards smaller body size in urban habitats. Our study demonstrates how cities can be used to address long-standing questions in evolutionary biology regarding the repeatability of evolution. Importantly, this work also shows how cities can be used as forecasting tools by quantifying adaptational lags and by developing trait-based associations with responses to contemporary warming.

Blueprints for Progress: Unveiling the Pillars of Urban Evolution in Contemporary American Metropolises

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of urban development dynamics within the United States, using a dataset provided by the International City/County Management Association (ICMA). The study aims to identify and understand the factors that significantly affect urban growth and sustainability. Through rigorous preprocessing and validation processes, including factor analysis and comparative studies, the study examined variables such as infrastructure development, forms of local government, regional influences, and service provisions. The results highlighted the critical role of infrastructure development in urban growth, with a strong correlation between well-developed infrastructure and sustainable urban development. The form of government and regional characteristics also emerged as influential factors, affecting policy formulation and resource allocation. Notably, services provided by local governments were found to be crucial in supporting urban development. This study sheds light on the complexities of urban development dynamics and offers insights into how policy, governance, and infrastructure impact urban growth and sustainability. It underscores the necessity for tailored approaches that consider local contexts and the specific needs of urban populations. The paper concludes with recommendations for future research, emphasizing the need for longitudinal studies, qualitative insights, and policy impact assessments to build upon the findings and support the development of effective urban development strategies.

Complex patterns of morphological diversity across multiple populations of an urban bird species.

Urbanization presents a natural evolutionary experiment because selection pressures in cities can be strongly mismatched with those found in species' historic habitats. However, some species have managed to adapt and even thrive in these novel conditions. When a species persists across multiple cities, a fundamental question arises: do we see similar traits evolve under similar novel environments? By testing if and how similar phenotypes emerge across multiple urban populations, we can begin to assess the predictability of population response to anthropogenic change. Here, we examine variation within and across multiple populations of a songbird, the dark-eyed junco (Junco hyemalis). We measured morphological variations in juncos across urban and non-urban populations in Southern California. We investigated whether the variations we observed are due to differences in environmental conditions across cities. Bill shape differed across urban populations; Los Angeles and Santa Barbara juncos had shorter, deeper bills than non-urban juncos, but San Diego juncos did not. On the other hand, wing length decreased with the built environment, regardless of the population. Southern Californian urban juncos exhibit both similarities and differences in morphological traits. Studying multiple urban populations can help us determine the predictability of phenotypic evolutionary response to novel environments.

Racist dogs and classist rats?

In cities across the world, animals reflect, reproduce and transform urban inequalities – yet their role in mediating social hierarchies remains undertheorized. Urban scholars have begun to highlight the importance of infrastructures and technologies in configuring access to essential goods and services. While this research provides key insights into how non-human entities mediate unequal relations, it has largely overlooked how certain animals – „political animals“ – also co-produce inequalities. This article focuses on two critical urban domains, security and public health, that are often characterized by stark inequalities, and takes the role of key animals within these domains – dogs and rats, respectively – as a new analytical entry-point. Security dogs are socialized to identify threatening individuals on the basis of classed and raced markers. Rats thrive in upscale neighborhoods with historical architecture and abundant green space – yet the public health risks and the stigma associated with these rodents may disproportionately affect low-income residents. Drawing on research on security dogs in Kingston, Jamaica and rats in Amsterdam, this talk discusses the role of animals in the formation of sociospatial boundaries, and the distribution of resources and risks across urban spaces and populations. Focusing on the interactions these two types of „political animals“ have with both humans and infrastructure, it sets out a research agenda for studying how animals’ everyday encounters with their cultural and material environments combine to result in (in-)equitable social outcomes.

Long-term, medium-term and acute stress response of urban populations of Eurasian red squirrels affected by different levels of human disturbance.

Animals in urban areas often encounter novel and potentially stressful conditions. It is important to understand how wildlife cope with anthropogenic disturbance. To investigate this specific adaptation we live-trapped squirrels in two study sites in Warsaw: a forest reserve and an urban park and we estimated stress responses at three levels: long-term and medium-term stress (the level of stress hormones, i.e. cortisol and cortisone concentrations, in hair and feces) and acute reaction to human-induced stress (measured during handling with the aid of the three indices: breath rate, struggle rate, and vocalization). According to GLMM models no difference in the stress hormones level was found between the two populations. The only differences in cortisol concentrations clearly depended on the season, i.e. being higher in autumn and winter comparying to other seasons. There was no influence of sex, or reproductive status on stress hormones. Forest squirrels had significantly higher breath rates, suggesting they were more stressed by handling. There was no difference in the struggle rate between study areas, this index was mostly affected by season (i.e. being highest in winter). First-trapped squirrels vocalized less than during the subsequent trappings. Assumingly, during the first, and more stressful trapping, squirrels used 'freezing' and/or little vocalization, while during next captures they used alarm calls to warn conspecifics. Overall, we showed that the two squirrel populations differed only in terms of their breath rate. This suggests that they did not differ in medium-term and long-term stress in general, but they can differ in acute response to handling. This also suggests that both populations were similarly affected by environmental factors. The lack of clear effects may also be due to population heterogeneity. Thus, in order to assess the effects of anthropogenic stressors a broader range of indicators and diverse analytical methods, including behavioral analyses, should be employed.

Impact of human capital and natural resources on environmental quality in South Asia

AbstractThis study examines the importance of human capital and natural resources on environmental quality in South Asia by using panel data that ranges from 1975 to 2021. Advanced cointegration approaches establish the long-term linkages between human capital, natural resources, economic growth, economic growth squared, urban population, industrial value added, and ecological footprint. To explore the long and short-run association among these variables, this study applied the panel autoregressive distributed lags (ARDL) model. The outcome designates that human capital has a negative and significant alliance with environmental quality, whereas economic growth and economic growth square affect environmental quality positively and negatively, confirming the existence of the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) hypothesis. Urban population growth and natural resources have significant negative associations with environmental pollution, whereas industrial value added increases the pollution levels in South Asia. Lastly, the outcome of the interaction between human capital and natural resource rent on the ecological footprint has a significant positive effect. This study recommends that South Asian nations improve their human capital to promote industrial modernization, expansion of green technology, and energy-efficient habits. Utilizing natural resources also helps South Asian nations maintain a clean ecosystem. Additionally, South Asian nations ought to vigilantly track the negative consequences of industrialization on the atmosphere. Thus, ecological sustainability requires human capital and natural resources.

Socio-Cultural Factors and Components of the Digital Economy in Ethnic Minority Regions

We define the digital economy as all economic activities conducted through the use of information technologies, including activities to create new markets, expand old ones, and produce digital goods and services. The digital economy has become a major driver of sustainable development and the transition towards a greener economy. However, studies show an unequal level of progress among cities, regions, and countries. Consequently, this paper explores the associations between socio-cultural factors (such as attitudes towards marriage/raising a family) and components of the digital economy (such as expenses/investment in ICT and the proportion of personal computers and the Internet in households). This study specifically examines twenty-two ethnic minority regions in Russia with data covering a five-year period. Using the Pearson correlation coefficient, the results show that socio-cultural factors including a large urban population and high divorce rates were positively associated with the digital economy, whereas a large rural population, higher birth rates, and higher natural population growth were negatively correlated with the digital economy.

Groundwater: Sinking Cities, Urbanisation, Global Drying, Population Growth

An examination of a few examples of aquifer-use shows the importance and fragility of groundwater, with poor management leading to over-extraction by individuals and authorities producing subsidence – sinking cities. Freshwater is one of our most precious resources and it is rapidly disappearing, leading to global drying. At the same time, the global and urban populations are increasing, with civil unrest increasing due, in part, to freshwater shortages. The increasing global population and global urbanisation are driving an increase in water use, restriction of aquifer recharge and increased aquifer pollution. It is argued that urban population growth with attendant increased water use, combined with climate change and poor management, is significant in water stress. Particular attention must be paid to the effect of rising populations on local water resources, especially groundwater, and the knock-on effect on urban sustainability.

Spatial–temporal trends in leprosy burden and its associations with socioeconomic and physical geographic factors: results from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

ObjectivesThe purpose of our study was to assess the multiscalar changes in leprosy burden and its associated risk factors over the last three decades. Study designWe conducted an in-depth examination of leprosy's spatial–temporal trends at multiple geographical scale (global, regional, and national), utilizing information from Global Burden of Disease, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD 2019). MethodsIncidence and the estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) in age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) of leprosy were determined, with countries categorized based on leprosy incidence changes. We examined socioeconomic and physical geography influences on leprosy incidence via Spearman correlation analysis, using ternary phase diagrams to reveal the synergetic effects on leprosy occurrence. ResultsGlobally, incident cases of leprosy decreased by 27.86% from 1990 to 2019, with a reduction in ASIR (EAPC = −2.53), yet trends were not homogeneous across regions. ASIR and EAPC correlated positively with sociodemographic index (SDI), and an ASIR growth appeared in high SDI region (EAPC = 3.07). Leprosy burden was chiefly distributed in Tropical Latin America, Oceania, Central Sub-Saharan Africa, and South Asia. Negative correlations were detected between the incidence of leprosy and factors of SDI, GDP per capita, urban population to total population, and precipitation, whereas the number of refugee population, temperature, and elevation showed opposite positive results. ConclusionsDespite a global decline in leprosy over the past three decades, the disparities of disease occurrence at regional and national scales still persisted. Socioeconomic and physical geographic factors posed an obvious influence on the transmission risk of leprosy. The persistence and regional fluctuations of leprosy incidence necessitate the ongoing dynamic and multilayered control strategies worldwide in combating this ancient disease.

Securing Smart Cities: A Cybersecurity Perspective on Integrating IoT, AI, and Machine Learning for Digital Twin Creation

The burgeoning evolution of smart cities, characterized by the integration of the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Machine Learning (ML), heralds a transformative era in urban management and citizen engagement. These technological advancements promise enhanced efficiency in city operations, improved public services, and a sustainable urban environment. However, the complexity and interconnectedness inherent in these systems introduce significant cybersecurity challenges, necessitating innovative approaches to safeguard the digital infrastructure of smart cities. This paper aims to explore the cybersecurity landscape of smart cities from the perspective of integrating IoT, AI, and ML for the creation of digital twins, offering a comprehensive analysis of the opportunities and threats within this domain. Smart cities leverage IoT to connect various components of the urban infrastructure, including transportation systems, utilities, and public services, creating an integrated network of devices that communicate and share data. The incorporation of AI and ML into this framework facilitates intelligent decision-making, enabling the automation of services and the optimization of resources. This synergy enhances the quality of life for residents, promotes economic development, and supports sustainable environmental practices. However, the dependence on digital technologies also exposes smart cities to a range of cybersecurity risks, from data breaches and privacy violations to the disruption of critical infrastructure. The integration of IoT, AI, and ML in smart cities, while offering unprecedented opportunities for urban innovation, also amplifies the complexity of the cybersecurity landscape. IoT devices, often designed with minimal security features, become potential entry points for cyber attacks. The vast amount of data generated and processed by these devices, if compromised, could lead to significant privacy and security breaches. AI and ML models, for their part, are susceptible to manipulation and bias, which can undermine the integrity of decision-making processes. The interconnectivity of systems means that a breach in one sector could have cascading effects throughout the city's infrastructure. Against this backdrop, the paper investigates the role of digital twins in mitigating cybersecurity risks in smart cities. Digital twins, digital replicas of physical entities or systems, offer a powerful tool for simulating and analyzing smart city operations, including cybersecurity scenarios. By mirroring the city's infrastructure in a virtual environment, digital twins allow for the identification of vulnerabilities, the simulation of cyber attacks, and the evaluation of potential impacts. This proactive approach to cybersecurity enables city administrators to anticipate threats and implement protective measures before real-world systems are compromised. The research questions guiding this inquiry include: How can the integration of IoT, AI, and ML enhance the resilience of smart cities against cyber threats? What are the specific cybersecurity challenges presented by these technologies, and how can they be addressed? And, most crucially, what role can digital twins play in fortifying the cybersecurity defenses of smart cities? To address these questions, the paper begins with a review of the current state of smart city technology, focusing on the integration of IoT, AI, and ML. It then delves into the cybersecurity challenges unique to this technological landscape, drawing on recent examples of cyber incidents in smart cities. The analysis highlights the vulnerabilities introduced by the widespread use of IoT devices and the complexities of securing AI and ML systems. Following this, the discussion turns to the potential of digital twins as a cybersecurity tool, examining how they can be employed to detect vulnerabilities, simulate attacks, and plan responses. The paper argues that while the integration of IoT, AI, and ML in smart cities presents significant cybersecurity challenges, it also offers opportunities for innovative solutions. Digital twins emerge as a promising approach to enhancing the cybersecurity posture of smart cities, enabling a dynamic and proactive defense mechanism. By facilitating the simulation of cyber threats in a controlled environment, digital twins allow city administrators to identify weaknesses, test the efficacy of protective measures, and develop more resilient urban infrastructures. In conclusion, the integration of IoT, AI, and ML in smart cities represents a double-edged sword, offering both remarkable opportunities for urban innovation and formidable cybersecurity challenges. This paper underscores the critical importance of adopting a cybersecurity perspective in the development and management of smart cities, highlighting the potential of digital twins as a strategic tool in mitigating these risks. As smart cities continue to evolve, embracing these technologies in a secure and responsible manner will be paramount in realizing their full potential while safeguarding the digital and physical well-being of urban populations.

Application of microencapsulated phase change materials in prefabricated building projects based on building information modeling technology

Faced with the rapidly increasing urban population, there is a surge in demand for building construction, accompanied by an incessant rise in building energy consumption. To promote sustainable development and mitigate building energy consumption, this study proposes the utilization of microencapsulated phase change materials in prefabricated buildings through the integration of building information modeling. We prepare polymethyl methacrylate/n-eicosane/wood cellulose nanocrystal microcapsules using Pickering emulsion through the solvent evaporation method. The results showed that the material exhibits optimal comprehensive performance at a core–shell ratio of 2:1, with a melting enthalpy of 152.10 J/g and a coating rate of 60.27%. However, when the core–shell ratio increases to 2.5:1, significant performance degradation occurs due to phase change material leakage. The materials show excellent cycling performance in cold-hot cycling tests, maintaining their melting enthalpy value above 97% even after 100 cycles. Moreover, materials with a core–shell ratio of 2:1 exhibit good thermal stability up to high temperatures (160 °C). In conclusion, this study has great significance for advancing the progress of prefabricated buildings and sustainable buildings.

The role of edible mushrooms in the Brazilian diet: a comprehensive analysis

Purpose This study aims to examine the role of edible mushrooms in the Brazilian diet, considering their strategic significance in meeting nutritional goals within sustainable development. Despite their potential in the nutrition of the Brazilian population, significant knowledge gaps still exist. To address this, the authors formulated this study into five main sections: the consumption of edible mushrooms in Brazil, the factors influencing the consumption, the occurrence of edible mushrooms in Brazil, the nutritional contribution of mushrooms consumed in Brazil and sustainable mushroom production in Brazil. Design/methodology/approach The authors compiled current literature to develop this viewpoint paper using systematic review, systematic search and narrative review search methods. Findings Mushrooms are sporadically consumed in Brazil, primarily by the urban population, with challenges in estimating the most used species. Social, economic and cultural factors, health considerations and reduced meat consumption influence mushroom consumption behavior. While Pleurotus ostreatus, Lentinula edodes and Agaricus bisporus are primary species, ethnomycological studies highlight a more diverse consumption among traditional indigenous communities. Brazil hosts approximately 133 wild mushroom species safe for human consumption. Some can be sustainably cultivated using substrates derived from agricultural and urban waste, offering high-protein, high-fiber, low-fat foods with bioactive compounds holding antioxidant and prebiotic potential. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no previous study has investigated how edible mushrooms contribute to the food and nutrition of the Brazilian population. This study emphasizes the crucial role of edible mushrooms in preserving Brazil’s cultural heritage, contributing to food and nutritional security and enhancing the overall diet quality.

Exploring the role of spending on malaria incidence in Uganda using the auto-regressive distributed lag approach.

Malaria has remained a persistent global health problem. Despite multiple government and donor initiatives to eradicate malaria and its detrimental effects on Uganda's health outcomes, the incidence of malaria is worrying as it appears higher than the average of 219 cases per 1000 for sub-Saharan Africa for the period 2017-2018. This study investigated the effect of public and private healthcare spending on the incidence of malaria in Uganda. Employing time series data spanning over 20years from the first quarter of 2000 to the last quarter of 2019, the study builds a model based on the Grossman framework for analysing demand for health. The estimation technique used was the ARDL approach that takes into account reverse causality and incidental relationships. Prior to the adoption of the technique, a bounds test was performed to determine whether the variables contained in the model have a long-term relationship. Several diagnostic tests for serial correlation, functional normality, and heteroskedastic specification error were carried out to verify the ARDL model's goodness of fit. Additionally, the cumulative sum of recursive (CUSUM) and cumulative sum of squares of recursive residuals (CUSUMSQ) were used to test model stability. The results indicate that in the long run, an increase in public spending of one percent significantly reduces malaria incidence by 0.196 at the 10 percent level of significance. On the other hand, there is no significant evidence of private health expenditure's effect on malaria incidence. However, in the short run, public spending reduces malaria incidence by a smaller magnitude of 0.158 percent relative to the long-run. Still, private expenditure is found to exhibit no significant effect. Additional findings point to the importance of GDP per capita and urban population growth in reducing malaria incidence, whereas female unemployment, income inequality, as well as female-headed household. In the short run, however, the female-headed households and urban population growth are found to significantly reduce malaria incidence while an improvement in regulatory quality decreases malaria incidence by 0.129 percent. There is need for further government interventions to reduce malaria incidence in the country via budget allocation, as well as the strengthening of programmes to raise household income to support private health spending, in addition to the development of strategies to promote well-planned and organized urban centres.

Smart city Infrastructure for Sustainable Urban Logistics

The necessity for smart city infrastructure to enable sustainable urban logistics has been brought to light by the global trend of urbanization and the rising demand for cost-effective and environmentally friendly logistics solutions. The main elements, enabling technologies, and implementation difficulties related to creating smart city infrastructure for urban logistics are allthoroughly reviewed in this study. Cities are finding it more difficult to manage the logistics of providing products and services to citizens and companies in a sustainable and effective way as urban populations continue to rise. Conventional urban logistics models are frequently in effective because they depend on disjointed systems and exacerbate problems like air pollution, traffic jams, and greenhouse gas emissions. On the other hand, new chances to improve urbanlogistics and make it more sustainable are presented by the rise of smart city technologies. This study looks at how more sustainable urban logistics can be made possible by smart city infrastructure. Intelligent transportation systems, automated delivery systems, real-time data analytics, and integrated multimodal networks are important parts. Cities may increase vehicle usage, streamline delivery routes, and transition to green reforms of transportation like electric cars by utilizing these technologies. Overall, this research shows how smart city infrastructuremay play a key role in facilitating sustainable urban logistics, enabling cities to minimize the negative effects of goods movement while simultaneously meeting the changing needs of businesses and citizens. Creating integrated, data-driven logistics systems will be crucial to creating more livable, sustainable urban environments as cities continue to grow.

Accelerating renewables: Unveiling the role of green energy markets

The innovative local grey forecasting model for energy production prediction emerges as a pivotal tool in the shift towards renewable energy, embodying the essence of adaptability and precision for the urgent need for sustainable solutions. The integration of such forecasting models is imperative for comprehending the complexities of energy production and market dynamics, ultimately facilitating a seamless transition to a sustainable energy future. Given this, the current study investigates the connections between renewable energy consumption and its determinants, focusing on the role of green energy markets across 12 countries from 2003 to 2021. Employing a novel quantile regression approach, this study analyzes the impact of green energy markets, GDP per capita, urban population, and environmental policies on renewable energy consumption, introducing a renewable energy consumption index for novel insights. Rooted in grey system theory, this study offers a unique approach to predicting energy outputs, crucial for guiding the strategic decisions in green energy markets. The quantile regression analysis reveals that green energy markets have a differential impact on renewable energy consumption whereas Renewable Energy Installed Capacity positively affects renewable energy consumption across all quantiles. Environmental Stringency Policies consistently show a negative impact across all quantiles. By providing reliable predictions of energy production, these findings empower policymakers, investors, and operators to make strategic, data-driven decisions that align with the fluctuating demands of the market and the overarching goals of sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Participatory research processes for the production of plant material in food security context

The production of quality seed constitutes one of the main challenges for food security and sovereignty of both urban and rural populations, requiring processes that recognize not only the potential of the territories but also the diversity associated withpeasant communities and their forms of production. , so as to reduce the gaps resulting from the use of seeds of low or no physical, genetic, physiological and sanitary quality that reduce the impact on the yields of banana, pineapple and cassava crops. To this end, a participatory research process was carried out to meet the demand for projects that improve the food and nutritional security of the population of the department of Casanare -Colombia. As a result, the methodology was implemented based on meetings with producers of productive systems for the construction of knowledge from social cartography, the preparation of economic calendars and mappings of actors and needs. This reading of the environments allowed the development of activities for the participatory selection of planting materials, processes of intensive multiplication of materials, as well as the transformation and production of banana, pineapple and cassava derivatives. The conclusions have to do with the importance of considering the producer as an active participant in the research processes in the construction of knowledge that contributes to the generation and appropriation of solutions based on science, technology and innovation in favor of food security and with this the reduction of poverty. In the near future, it is planned to carry out a training process for trainers with allied universities to leave installed capacities and to promote access and availability of quality seed.

Assessment of public space potential for climate change adaptation in three Colombian cities: nature-based solutions and urban design guidelines

Abstract Cities need to interact more harmoniously with their environment, especially with regard to the urban water cycle. Currently, public space design standards in Colombia do not include rainwater management for reuse in buildings and irrigation of green spaces, wasting treated water on activities that do not require it. The environmental design of public spaces can also help reduce urban temperatures, especially in dense urban areas. Adapting cities and public spaces to climate change is crucial, especially in geographic contexts such as Colombia, where the El Niño and La Niña climate oscillations will further increase precipitations or droughts in regions of Colombia, making urban and rural populations more vulnerable to flooding, landslides and sea level rise. This study aims to assess the public space potential for the adoption of nature-based solutions (NBSs) in three Colombian cities with different hydrological conditions, climates and urban morphologies: Bogotá, Bucaramanga and Cartagena. The potential for NBSs in urban context was assessed with land suitability analysis and MCDA tools. The results showed that adoption of NBS in public spaces and urban design guidelines can be a valuable strategy to prepare our cities for climate change and provide a better support for urban ecosystem services in Colombia.

A study on driving factors for enhancing financial performance and customer-centricity through digital banking

Purpose This study aims to develop a customer-centric model based on an online customer experience (OCE) construct relating to e-loyalty, e-trust and e-satisfaction, resulting in improved Net Promoter Score for Indian digital banks. Design/methodology/approach This study used an online survey method to gather data from a sample of 485 digital banking users, from which usable questionnaires were obtained. The obtained data were subjected to thorough analysis using partial least squares structural equation modelling to further investigate the research hypotheses. Findings The main factors determining digital banks’ OCE were perceived customer centrality, perceived value and perceived usability. Additionally, relevant constructs were evaluated using importance-performance map analysis. Research limitations/implications This study used convenience sampling for the urban population using digital banking services; therefore, the outcome may be generalized to a limited extent. To further strengthen digital banking, it would be valuable to imitate studies in other countries. Originality/value There is a lack of research on digital banking and OCE in India; thus, this study will help rectify this issue while providing valuable insights. This study differs from others in that it examines the connections between online customer satisfaction, loyalty, trust and the bottom line of financial institutions using these factors as dependent variables instead of traditional measures.

Research on the Driving Factors and Prediction Model of Urban Underground Space Demand in China

The development and utilization of urban underground space (UUS) have emerged as critical strategies to address the challenges posed by urban population growth and land resource depletion. Accurate prediction of UUS demand serves as the cornerstone for scientifically planning underground space and promoting sustainable urban development. In this study, statistical analysis methods were used to investigate the relationship between potential driving factors and UUS demand based on collected data from 16 cities in China. The identification of primary driving factors involves correlation, path, and determination coefficient analyses. Subsequently, univariate regression, multiple linear regression, and LASSO regression methods are employed to construct prediction models for UUS demand. Additionally, the link between historical data and UUS demand in each city was studied separately. The findings reveal that GDP per km2 and GDP per capita comprehensively capture the influence of urban population, economy, and transportation on UUS demand. Notably, GDP per km2 makes the most significant contribution to the proposed regression models, followed by GDP per capita. The application of LASSO regression proves effective in selecting potential factors while maximizing data utilization, presenting itself as a valuable auxiliary tool for UUS planning.

Urban population of blackbird (Turdus merula) in Minsk: identical scenario of the origin two centuries later

A recently formed urban group of blackbirds in Minsk differs from forest populations of the species in several ecological characteristics. In the western part of Europe, blackbirds began moving into cities around two hundred years ago, starting from Germany. It was assumed that later birds from the urban population began moving from one city to another in the eastern, northern, and southern directions. Based on the results of the molecular genetic analysis, it is clarified whether the blackbird population in Belarus is a single population or whether there exists a differentiation between groups from urban and forest habitats. To perform a microsatellite analysis, samples were collected from urban (п = 15) and forest (п = 21) blackbirds from different regions of Belarus.It was discovered that there is a constant exchange of genes within and between the populations from natural and urban habitats. The obtained data suggest the local origin of blackbirds in Minsk, which means that the formation of the urban birds is happening in the same way as in Germany almost two centuries ago.