Assessing the impact of implementing circular economy strategies in the construction industry: A case study in the Ruhr Area in Germany.

Urban sprawl is one of the major challenges facing urbanizing societies. This study quantifies the extent of urban sprawl in southern Poland's four most populous metropolitan areas, encompassing 164 municipalities, and assesses the effectiveness of spatial planning strategies aimed at limiting sprawl. The first phase of the research establishes comparative parameters for evaluating sprawl across these urban regions. To measure it, we apply the weighted urban proliferation (WUP) method, which comprises three indicators: the proportion of built-up land, the degree of spatial dispersion, and land consumption per capita. The most dispersed metropolitan areas are Rzeszów and Upper Silesia-Zagłębiowska and the most compact are Kraków and Wrocław. In the second phase, we analyze sprawl at the municipal level and examine how specific planning instruments—namely local spatial development plans (MPZPs) and decisions on land development and management conditions (WZs)—influence its occurrence. We correlate the WUP metrics for each municipality with the percentage of land covered by MPZPs in 2018 and the total number of WZs issued from 2009 to 2018. The analysis reveals diverse sprawl patterns, shaped by differing historical contexts, planning coverage (MPZPs), and intensity of WZ decisions. Notably, the number of WZs per square kilometer appears to exert a stronger impact on sprawl dynamics than the mere extent of MPZP coverage. Our findings indicate only weak to moderate correlations between the presence of MPZPs and sprawling development, suggesting the need for more targeted and effective anti-sprawl planning policies. This study highlights the critical role of well-designed spatial management tools for coping with urban expansion. • Weighted urban proliferation (WUP), integrating land use, dispersion, and population density, is applied in Poland. • The most dispersed metro areas are Rzeszów and Upper Silesia-Zagłębiowska and the most compact are Kraków and Wrocław. • Certain regions are more dispersed due to historical legacies, weak planning, and high intensity of land development. • Due to the low effectiveness of local spatial development plans, new tools should be used to limit urban sprawl. • The WUP method enables new empirical evidence of planning effectiveness in Polish cities.

Air pollution and Type 2 Diabetes in Europe: Insights from nonlinear exposure-response modelling.

The association between social isolation and cognitive function in older adults in urban, fringe and rural regions of Lebanon: A secondary data analysis of two national cross-sectional studies

Canine vector-borne diseases in Lebanon: Unveiling prevalence trends and risk factors for public health and disease control.

Guided by developmental psychopathology and evolutionary developmental psychology models, the aim of the present study was to investigate the role of executive functioning (EF) in associations between neighborhood harshness and adolescent internalizing symptomology, for youth who both were and were not exposed to child maltreatment. Data were obtained from a sample of 234 children (52.3% male; 59.2% Black/African American, 12.4% White, 9.2% Latine/Hispanic, 13.7% biracial or multiracial, 5.6% other race) who were recruited from an urban region to participate in a longitudinal study beginning at, approximately, 4 years old. The present study included data collected at age 9 and age 11 timepoints. Child maltreatment data were coded from Child Protective Services records. Results showed that child maltreatment occurring birth through early adolescence was not directly associated with adolescents' EF. EF moderated the association between harsh neighborhood contexts and prospective internalizing symptomology for adolescents with and without exposure to child maltreatment. In addition, the pattern of results was significantly different for adolescents with and without maltreatment exposure. Lower EF scores were associated with fewer internalizing symptoms for adolescents with maltreatment exposure who were living in harsh neighborhoods. Moderation results differed by type of EF task. Overall, findings underscore the need to approach research on early life adversity and the development of psychopathology from an adaptation-based perspective, and to consider the impact of neighborhood context on the development of internalizing psychopathology during adolescence. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).

Urbanization intensified the risks of neonicotinoids to estuarine and marine ecosystems under a backdrop of agricultural cultivation.

Multi-media occurrence, risk assessment, and island-specific management implications of emerging contaminants in Hainan Island, China

Conducted in 2024at the time of the Government of Canada's announcement about a new National School Food Program (NSFP), this study explores parents' and educators' perspectives on food, funding, and preferred attributes of an NSFP. Using an Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility (EDIA) lens, we consider how to create socially just School Food Programs (SFPs). We conducted a mixed-methods study in publicly funded primary schools in two urban regions of Ontario, Canada. Parents/caregivers completed an online survey about family socio-demographics and views on SFPs with 267 valid responses. Twenty-seven parents participated in six focus groups and six primary school educators were interviewed. Equitable accessibility, cultural food, and including interest holders and community partners were organizing themes from qualitative findings that were compared to quantitative survey data. Equitable accessibility to SFPs was conceptualized as universally affordable but not necessarily universally free. Accessibility for students with dietary requirements was considered with concerns about logistical challenges. Consideration of cultural food in SFPs encompassed student representation, educational benefits, and challenges for incorporating it. Some parents advocated for the inclusion of key interest holders - students and parents - in planning and implementation along with broader community partners. Many participants envisioned SFPs that consider universal accessibility, cultural food diversity, and inclusive participation. Embedding EDIA in program design is key to socially just SFPs but questions remain about how to achieve this. We recommend that local level data are collected with interest holder consultation.

A comparative evaluation of spatial cross-correlation approaches for diagnosing water-related compound risk: A case study in the Greater Bay Area, China

Background: Naturally occurring radionuclides in drinking water represent a significant pathway for internal exposure to ionizing radiation. Their occurrence is largely controlled by geological and hydrogeochemical conditions, and prolonged ingestion at elevated concentrations may pose potential health risks. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the activity concentrations of key naturally occurring radionuclides in selected groundwater and surface water sources in Nsukka Metropolis, Enugu State, Nigeria, and to evaluate their radiological safety in line with international guidelines. Methods: Six water samples were purposively collected from three surface water sources (Ohe Nsukka Lake, Ajiye Odenigbo Pond, and Iyi Mkpi Stream) and three groundwater sources (Asho Spring, Iyi Adoro Spring, and University of Nigeria Nsukka Borehole). Activity concentrations of potassium-40 (⁴⁰K), radium-226 (²²⁶Ra), and thorium-232 (²³²Th) were determined using standard gamma spectrometry at the Centre for Energy Research and Training (CERT), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Descriptive statistical analyses (mean, range, and variability) were performed and results were compared with internationally recommended reference levels. Results: The activity concentrations varied across sampling locations, reflecting underlying geological heterogeneity. Potassium-40 recorded the highest activity concentrations (44.09–81.14 Bq/L), followed by thorium-232 (16.20–30.02 Bq/L), while radium-226 exhibited the lowest levels (10.22–24.21 Bq/L). Relatively higher radionuclide concentrations were observed in Asho Spring and Ajiye Odenigbo samples, suggesting localized geogenic influences. Despite this variability, all measured values were below internationally recommended guideline limits for drinking water quality. Conclusion: The findings indicate that the investigated water sources in Nsukka Metropolis are radiologically safe for domestic consumption under current conditions. This study provides important baseline, radionuclide-specific data for an urbanizing region in southeastern Nigeria and enhances the evidence base for environmental radioactivity assessment. Continued monitoring and incorporation of dose-based risk evaluation are recommended to ensure sustained compliance with international radiation protection standards.

Dengue fever remains a growing public health threat in Bangladesh, with urbanization, temperature variability, and limited healthcare resources exacerbating recurrent outbreaks. Although many studies have modeled dengue dynamics, the explicit role of treatment under temperature variability remains poorly quantified. Here, we present a simple and interpretable Susceptible–Infected–Treated–Recovered–Susceptible (SITRS) model for humans, coupled with a mosquito Susceptible–Infected (SI) model incorporating a temperature-dependent biting rate. This framework captures how treatment access and efficacy interact non linearly with temperature-driven changes in mosquito biting behavior. Unlike typical dengue models that assume homogeneous recovery, our formulation distinguishes natural recovery from supportive care, reflecting healthcare disparities between urban and rural regions. Using Lyapunov stability theory, we establish threshold conditions for endemicity. We calibrate the model using division-level dengue surveillance and temperature data across Bangladesh. The results show that limited treatment access substantially amplifies outbreak peaks, whereas timely supportive care reduces epidemic intensity even under high-transmission conditions. Short-term forecasts for 2025 identify Dhaka Metropolitan as both treatment-sensitive and a hotspot, highlighting significant regional inequities in transmission risk. Beyond Bangladesh, this modeling framework offers a generalizable approach for integrating treatment capacity with temperature-sensitive vector dynamics, providing actionable insights for epidemic preparedness in resource-limited settings.

Population ageing has intensified the need for transport systems that support independent and inclusive mobility among older adults. In urban environments, mobility challenges often arise from declining health, driving cessation, and structural barriers within public transport systems. While on-demand mobility (ODM) services have emerged as flexible alternatives, empirical evidence on their adoption among older adults remains limited, particularly in developing contexts. This study examines the determinants of ODM usage among older adults in the Klang Valley, Malaysia. Using cross-sectional survey data from 497 respondents aged 60 years and above, binary logistic regression was employed to estimate the probability of ODM adoption. The findings reveal that perceived public transport barriers are the most significant determinant of ODM use. Older adults facing difficulties related to accessibility, waiting time, and boarding conditions are substantially more likely to rely on ODM services. Driving ability also plays a significant role, with active drivers being less likely to adopt ODM, indicating a substitution effect following driving reduction or cessation. In contrast, socio-demographic and health-related factors do not show independent significant effects. Overall, the results suggest that ODM functions as a compensatory mobility mechanism in response to structural deficiencies in public transport systems, highlighting the importance of age-friendly and integrated transport strategies in rapidly ageing urban regions.

<p class="ql-align-justify">This article examines parents’ lived experiences concerning their secondary and senior secondary school children during the COVID-19 pandemic in India. Employing the Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) approach, the study highlights parental involvement in mitigating the challenges of remote learning. Findings reveal that parents’ involvement was pivotal in addressing technological and educational challenges, with disparities evident between rural and urban households. The primary reasons for the pronounced and widened educational access gap between children from rural and urban regions included challenges in arranging technological tools and differences in parental awareness concerning online education. Based on the findings, we propose a Parental Involvement Matrix (PIM) that categorizes parental roles based on their engagement in problem identification and resolution. Parents reported that online learning strengthened children’s technical skills and self-reliance but highlighted issues such as reduced teacher-student interaction and increased screen time. Finally, the parents emphasized the importance of physical learning environments in cultivating holistic educational experiences.</p>

ABSTRACT Higher education institutions (HEIs) are increasingly recognised for their roles in regional innovation ecosystems (RIEs). In addition to traditional roles related to education and research, HEIs also advance a third mission to contribute to society. However, innovation models predominantly focus on academic universities, overlooking the practice-based and regionally embedded Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS). Moreover, there is limited understanding about the roles related to the third mission of UAS in the context of RIEs. This paper aims to identify the roles of UAS related to the third mission by analysing knowledge transfer interactions (KTI) with other actors in RIEs. The research utilises a qualitative case study approach. Primary data are gathered through semi-structured interviews and a focus group session with stakeholders in the healthcare sector across different rural and urbanised regions of a selected UAS. Findings demonstrate several derived roles related to the third mission of UAS in RIEs, including relational, connector, facilitator, and supportive roles, accompanying different types of KTI. Several factors, including firm size, regional context, and proximity dimensions, influence KTI. UAS can fulfil diverse roles to enhance KTI with targeted management strategies to strengthen their third mission in the region.

The urbanisation of desert cities and regions is a vital yet often overlooked issue, given that over one billion people reside in desert cities and hot-arid areas worldwide, some of which are among the fastest-growing urban regions. This article contends that the desert suburbanisation of cities such as Las Vegas, Phoenix, Riyadh, Dubai, and Cairo results in an ever-expanding, mono-functional, and car-dependent periphery, frequently manifesting as gated communities. It aims to envisage a more resourceful model for future desert cities, promoting a nuanced understanding of this type of periphery and its effects on the surrounding desert landscape and the lives of its residents. However, the relationship between ‘periphery’ and ‘desert’ is more complex and intricate than it might first appear. The article examines Superstudio's provocative projects for the desert and concludes with a series of design proposals from the author's recent design research studios, focusing on an area just north of the renowned Strip — the Las Vegas Arts District. This district is characterised by its low density, numerous parking lots, and a diverse mix of industrial and residential uses. The studio's urban strategy is to preserve and enhance existing structures while invigorating the area with a thoughtful combination of fast and slow-paced programmatic elements, aiming to create a highly sustainable, future-proof urban hub. This approach seeks to densify and activate the area with a blend of work, living and leisure, educational, and desert green spaces.

Declining nitrogen oxide (NOx = NO + NO2) emissions have transformed oxidation pathways in urban atmospheres, with implications for air quality. Organic peroxy radicals (RO2), key intermediates in volatile organic compound oxidation, typically react with NO to form ozone (O3). Under lower-NO conditions, alternative RO2 fates, including isomerization forming highly oxidized organic molecules (HOMs), can enhance secondary organic aerosol (SOA) production. We combine aircraft observations over four major North American cities with geostationary satellite data to characterize isoprene-derived RO2 fate across urban environments. We infer RO2 bimolecular lifetimes (τbi) as a proxy for isomerization potential, finding longer τbi (17 ± 11 seconds) in New York, Chicago, and Toronto compared to Los Angeles (7 ± 6 seconds). Satellite measurements reveal that long τbi is widespread across urban North America, suggesting that declining NOx is likely to lead to greater HOM formation in urban regions. These findings indicate that atmospheric models omitting RO2 isomerization chemistry may incorrectly simulate organic oxidation and the subsequent oxidation state of volatile organic compounds and SOA.

Improved O3 attribution and health impact assessment using RSM-based inverse emission inventories in the greater bay area.

Placental growth factor (PlGF)-based testing is a promising strategy to improve risk stratification of pregnant individuals presenting with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in Canada. However, implementation of PlGF-based testing may have different implications in urban versus rural regions. In this review we summarize key evidence on PlGF-based testing for individuals with suspected or confirmed preeclampsia and describe differences in how it may translate to urban and rural practice settings. We use clinical vignettes to illustrate practical impacts and challenges of using PlGF-based testing for a typical clinical scenario presenting to Canadian centres.

Molecular marker-based source apportionment of PM2.5-Associated organic compounds in a transboundary-influenced urbanized receptor region.