Urban Sector Research Articles

Sexual harassment in rural workplaces in India and the human rights discourse: a case study of select Hindi films

ABSTRACT This article explores the issue of sexual harassment (SH) in rural workplaces in India through a case study of two Hindi films, Mirch Masala [Directed by Ketan Mehta. Bollywood, Mumbai: National Film Development Corporation, 1987] and Bawandar [Directed by Jagmohan Mundhra. Bollywood, Mumbai: Smriti Pictures, 2000]. While the global #MeToo movement in 2017 brought attention to workplace harassment, it largely overlooked women in India’s informal sector, particularly in agriculture. This article highlights how rural women, especially from marginalised communities, face SH in rural workplaces where caste and patriarchy further exacerbate their vulnerability. Drawing on Kamir's [Framed: Women in Law and Film. Duke University Press, xii, 2006] theory of ‘dignitarian feminism’, and Nayar's [Human Rights and Literature: Writing Rights. Springer, 2016] concept of ‘Human Rights Literature’, this study employs textual and discourse analysis of the films to examine how caste and honour-based social structures perpetuate SH. We argue that these films provide critical insights into the socio-cultural dynamics of SH in rural settings, illustrating the intersection of caste, gender, and patriarchy. By focusing on Dalit women's experiences, this paper calls for greater legal protection and cultural awareness to address SH in rural workplaces, beyond urban and formal sectors.

How can we adapt together? Assessing how legal frameworks address collaboration between the urban water sector and spatial planning

ABSTRACT Climate change presents novel challenges for water management, both in the context of water excess and scarcity, and it is expected to afflict the world in the coming years. The necessity of strong collaboration between urban water management and spatial planning to facilitate adaptation to climate change has been underlined in the literature. Considering the potential of the legislative context to foster this collaboration, this article examines how the objectives and measures for collaboration are foreseen in a set of legal documents. The article focuses on the Portuguese legal context. As a southern European country, Portugal is situated in one region most susceptible to climate change impacts, including water scarcity and flooding. A systematic document analysis was conducted to examine how collaboration is formally foreseen in a set of legislation, plans, programs, and water management-related contracts. The findings reveal that although plans and programs include recommendations for collaboration, this inclusion is much poorer in regulations where the establishment of the necessary steps remains weak. Contractual arrangements between water sector grantors and concessionaires have shown to be even poorer at fostering such collaboration. Further studies applied to other countries could shed light on this challenge.

Diversity analysis, distribution and abundance of mosquito (Diptera: Culicidae) assemblages at urban sector from southwestern Colombia

Diversity analysis, distribution and abundance of mosquito (Diptera: Culicidae) assemblages at urban sector from southwestern Colombia

Urban Arterial Lane Width Versus Speed and Crash Rates: A Comprehensive Study of Road Safety

Reducing vehicle lane widths has been proposed as an effective strategy to decrease vehicle speeds and enhance road safety. However, the safety benefits of narrower travel lanes remain a topic of debate due to mixed findings in the literature. This study examines the relationship between lane width, vehicle speed, and crash occurrence to comprehensively understand their impact on road safety and transportation planning. Using data from 320 urban arterial sections in Utah, the analysis reveals that narrower lane widths are associated with reduced vehicle speeds. For every additional foot of lane width, 85th and 95th percentile speeds increase by 1.012 mph and 1.088 mph, respectively. Furthermore, injury crash modeling indicates that a one-foot increase in lane width is associated with a 38.3% increase in the odds of an injury crash on a roadway section. These findings contribute to the growing evidence supporting the implementation of narrower lane widths as a strategy to improve road safety, foster multimodal infrastructure, and promote sustainable urban transportation systems. We recommend that UDOT adopt a minimum lane width of 10 or 11 feet for arterials in highly urbanized areas, such as downtowns and major activity centers.

Heterogeneous fertility reponses to the two-child policy: growth-induced domestic migration and income effect

ABSTRACT The deteriorating demographic structure in China has already invalidated its one-child policy ineffective. However, smoothing the ripple effects generated by this policy will require more comprehensive population policies. This context led to the introduction of the two-child policy in China. This paper examines the effects of the two-child policy by observing the regions that were previously subject to the one-child rule. The findings indicate that a geographic mismatch between people’s willingness to have children and household income has resulted in an uneven distribution of birth rates following the implementation of the two-child policy, with higher birth rates concentrated in rural areas experiencing rapid urbanization. As the Chinese economy progresses towards a higher level of urbanization, population policies aimed at encouraging larger families will become less effective, as fertility norms will have permanently altered in tandem with the rising costs of urban living. With more affluent populations less likely to have more than one child, understanding how to increase fertility rates in demographic groups that have not fully transitioned to the advanced urban sector will be crucial for developing effective population growth policies.

Effect of Pavement Conditions on Urban Road Accidents

Traffic accidents represent a serious problem in Jordan. The major objective of this study was to investigate the effect of pavement conditions on urban road accidents. To achieve the objective of the study, 25 urban pavement sections were selected. A comprehensive data base, including pavement conditions in terms of pavement condition index (PCI), traffic volume, and traffic accidents, for the selected sections, was developed. Regression analyses were carried out to explore possible relationships between PCI and the number of accidents and accident rates. The results of the statistical analysis indicated that urban pavement conditions had a significant effect on accident occurrences and accident rates. The relationship between accidents and PCI had a parabolic shape. The regression models explained 69% and 61% of the variation in accident frequency and rate, respectively. It was found that urban pavement sections with PCI lower than 50 were consistently associated with higher accident frequency or accident rate. Also, a notable increase in accidents was observed for all sections having a PCI greater than 85. The results of the study are comparable with the results found for rural pavement sections. To provide a safe urban environment; therefore, municipal engineers should keep urban pavement in fair conditions and implement appropriate calming measures for good pavement conditions. Keywords: Accident occurrence, Accident rate, Road safety, Pavement condition index (PCI), PAVER system, Pavement management system (PMS), Pavement distresses.

Accessible infrastructure´s diagnosis with mobility emphasis, about educational and guberment institutions. Ciudad Valles, S. L. P. Mx

This document is to promote the citizens interest through parent associations, urban sector improvement committees; educational and governm institutions heads; to participate in the first Ranking about accessible infrastructure of the schools and government buildings. The construction elements are analyzed at the time that may lead establishment of indicators to identify opportunity areas to Institutions; with a technical justification aligned at current standards; can support urban-architectural intervention, remodeling and expansion projects, which they can participate for obtain financial support from government programs or private initiatives.

An Analysis of Portfolio Management Strategies with Special Reference to Larsen and Toubro Finance, Bangalore North

This study examines L&T Finance's portfolio management strategies in Bangalore North, emphasizing the company's focus on retail finance growth, digital transformation, and sustainability. Key pillars such as enhancing customer acquisition, optimizing credit risk models, and leveraging digital technologies are analyzed to understand their impact on regional financial inclusion. With retail disbursements exceeding ₹54,000 crore in FY24 and strong growth in urban and rural finance sectors, LTF's approach reflects a robust blend of innovation and market responsiveness. This research highlights how LTF’s strategies in Bangalore North align with its broader organizational goals, contributing to consistent financial performance and sustainable stakeholder value creation.

Indonesia's Strategic Interest in High-Speed Rail Cooperation with China: Analyzing the Jakarta-Bandung Project Under Jokowi's Infrastructure Vision

This study examines Indonesia's strategic interests in cooperating with China on high-speed rail development, focusing on the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway project initiated under President Joko Widodo's administration. Using a national interest as a theoretical framework, the research analyses how this flagship infrastructure project aligns with Indonesia's broader development goals and foreign policy objectives. This research uses qualitative approach through a comprehensive review of government policies, official statements, and expert analyses, the study explores the economic, political, and technological motivations behind Indonesia's engagement with China's Belt and Road Initiative in the railway sector. The study reveals that the project serves as a linchpin for Indonesia’s infrastructure-driven development agenda under President Joko Widodo, embodying ambitions of modernization and economic growth. By significantly reducing travel time between Jakarta and Bandung, the project aims to boost economic activities and regional connectivity, aligning with Indonesia's goals to foster development in its urban and industrial sectors. In addition, strategically, partnering with China under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) reflects Indonesia's geopolitical balancing act, where it leverages international partnerships to access advanced technology and substantial funding. The collaboration not only facilitates technology transfer, thereby building local expertise, but also contributes to Indonesia’s regional aspirations, positioning the country as a leader in modern infrastructure within Southeast Asia. The findings reveal a complex interplay of domestic infrastructure needs, regional strategic considerations, and aspirations for technological advancement driving Indonesia's decision-making. This research contributes to the understanding of emerging economies' approaches to large-scale infrastructure partnerships and the evolving dynamics of Sino-Indonesian relations in the context of China's growing influence in Southeast Asia.

Reforms and Inequality: Examining the Impact of China’s Primary Distribution System Reforms on Wage Inequality (1989–2015)

ABSTRACT This study provides a comprehensive analysis of wage inequality in China during its economic transition from 1989 to 2015, with a particular emphasis on the impact of primary distribution system reforms. Utilizing data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS), the paper employs a quantile regression-based decomposition methodology to examine the dynamics of wage inequality. The study focuses on wage inequality across both urban and rural sectors. The findings indicate that the primary distribution system reforms significantly influenced wage inequality across all income strata. From 1989 to 1997, wage inequality was mainly driven by unexplained wage variances. However, between 1997 and 2006, reforms became a key factor exacerbating wage inequality, which was further accentuated by rising educational levels and shifts in employment sectors. After 2006, the reforms shifted towards promoting equity, helping to mitigate wage inequality. This research fills a gap in the literature by offering a detailed exploration of wage inequality in China during its transformative economic phase and by evaluating the effectiveness of primary distribution system reforms.

Targets for Urban Stormwater Management in Australia

Increasing urbanisation is occurring in Australia’s major cities and in almost every country in the world. This creates a challenge for the urban water sector, which not only needs to provide traditional water services (i.e., wastewater, domestic water) for a rapidly growing population, but also to service potential additional demands to contribute to enhanced amenity, and to do so in the context of climate change. This paper is focused on stormwater management controls for the develop of new greenfield urban sites in the three major east coast Australian cities—Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. While stormwater management in all three cities is focused on the protection of community values of the waterways, including environment (ecology), amenity and recreation, the scale or type of the waterways considered is considerably different—Melbourne has adopted a regional waterway strategy, while the Sydney and Brisbane approach is more localised. Pollution load reduction targets (TSS, TP, TN and litter) from new urban areas have been enforced in all three cities for many years, although there is concern that these targets primarily aimed at protecting the values of downstream bays (e.g., Port Phillip Bay, Sydney Harbour and Morton Bay) will not necessarily protect the values of the contributing waterways. However, targets to control stormwater volumes entering waterways are proving to be considerably more difficult to both develop and implement. These targets are typically expressed as volumes of stormwater to be harvested and/or infiltrated for every additional hectare of directly connected impervious (DCI) surface created as a result of urban development. The three cities have approached the setting of stormwater flow targets somewhat differently, as is apparent from the details provided in the paper. Additionally, we argue that there is a need for the development of new targets related to the reuse of stormwater and its integration with wastewater and domestic water management.

Assessing the Effect of Negative Externalities of Urban Transport on Travel Satisfaction for Work Trips

Research on the importance and performance of work trip attributes for users of different transportation modes—such as public transit, two-wheelers, and four-wheelers—and their impact on travel satisfaction remains limited. This gap is particularly evident when considering the influence of negative externalities of urban transport on travel satisfaction in developing countries. This study seeks to fill this gap by performing an importance-performance analysis of work trip attributes and evaluating the impact of these attributes on travel satisfaction through the use of an ordered hybrid choice model. Findings underscore the significant impact of negative externalities on work trip-related travel satisfaction across all mode users. Additionally, a higher travel cost is negatively associated while a lower travel time is positively associated with travel satisfaction. Higher-income individuals and four-wheeler users exhibit relatively high travel satisfaction compared with two-wheeler and public transit users. Furthermore, the analysis of work trip attributes reveals that the most crucial factors are the access time for public transit users, travel time reliability and travel time delay for four-wheeler users, and the risk of road crashes for two-wheeler users. The study's findings offer insights for policymakers and planners when prioritizing strategies within the urban transport sector in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). On a global research scale, the study advocates for the inclusion of negative externalities in travel satisfaction research, emphasizing their pivotal role in shaping the travel experience.

Cafe geography tells how locations vary across retail models

Urban retail sector plays a vital role in economies, with various models like traditional retail, new retail, and community retail emerging due to economic development and changing consumer habits. This study analyzed spatial differences in location distribution and influencing factors using Starbucks, Luckin Coffee, and community cafes as examples. Results show significant variations in the number, distribution, and coverage of these establishments. The study highlights the importance of synergistic effects in retail site selection, with traditional retail thriving in economically developed and mobile regions, new retail in high-density office areas, and community retail in affluent residential areas. These findings provide insights for urban retail spatial planning.

Study of Distribution of Free Flow Speeds on Urban Road Sections Depending on Their Functional Purpose and One-Way Traffic—Evidence from Kharkiv (Ukraine)

Data on the distribution of the free flow speed (FFS) of cars are used to solve a wide range of tasks in the field of road transport, starting from road design and ending with the development of traffic modeling and simulation programs. The purpose of this study was to obtain the distribution of vehicle speeds on typical sections of the city road network, characterized by the presence of one-way traffic. The data were obtained by field observations using a portable radar. As a result, statistical characteristics and speed distribution laws for four sections of streets in the city of Kharkiv were analyzed. It was shown that the characteristics of FFS distributions differ depending on the functional class of the streets. Average FFS values on main street segments were on average 19 km/h higher. The one-way traffic has less impact on the FFS distribution, especially for arterial streets. The characteristics of FFS distributions differ depending on the type and functional class of streets; they can be described with sufficient accuracy by typical distribution laws, such as Normal, Log-normal, Gamma, and Chi-square. The results of this study can be useful for traffic modeling problems.

Ghana's water safety journey: A review of efforts toward a risked-based water quality management.

In 2015, Ghana launched the National Drinking Water Quality Management Framework (NDWQMF) to promote a risk-based approach to water quality through water safety plans (WSPs). This study uses a narrative review to synthesize WSP implementation progress in Ghana, identify gaps in practice, and provide recommendations for enhanced effectiveness and scale-up. Findings show limited uptake: only three of 88 urban water supply systems have adopted WSPs, while in the rural sector, the Community Water and Sanitation Agency has implemented WSPs in 177 of 1,022 small-town systems, and the safe water network in 46 systems. However, community-managed water systems overseen by local governments are yet to initiate WSPs. For those that have begun, significant documentation and implementation gaps are noted, including incomplete hazard listings, insufficient improvement plans, and absent standard operating procedures. To strengthen WSP implementation, this study emphasizes the need for robust regulatory mechanisms across urban and rural sectors, along with tailored guidelines and support structures to enable effective WSP adoption across diverse water systems.

Land surface temperature and socioeconomic residential segregation in the Metropolitan Zone of San Luis Potosí, Mexico

Economic growth and urban sprawl in territorial systems produce an uneven distribution of infrastructure and services. This creates residential areas with high capital gains that are affordable only for the middle and upper classes. For lower-income groups, the only options are depressed urban areas with limited infrastructure. The economic dynamics of urban systems require large amounts of energy that contribute to an increase in the land surface temperature (LST). The objective of this research was to analyze urban heat and exposure inequalities of socioeconomically segregated groups during the last thirty years in the Metropolitan Zone of San Luis Potosí–Soledad de Graciano Sánchez, Mexico. A spatial and temporal analysis of Landsat 5 and 8 satellite imagery was used to determine the variation in LST over the last three decades. Socioeconomic residential segregation was calculated using the Theil index. With this data, a self-segregated sector with high capital gains was identified. This sector exhibited significant differences (p < 0.05) of −2.00 °C and −1.58 °C in average LST in the spring months compared to the most depressed urban sectors characterized by the largest concentrations of overcrowded social housing and the lowest educational indexes. The spatio-temporal patterns suggest that urban expansion has led to an unequal distribution of ecosystem services for temperature regulation, leaving the most vulnerable groups with higher exposure to the effects of urban heat.

Social Vulnerability and Illegal Occupation in Urban APP Areas: Legal and Environmental Perspectives in Brazil

Objective: This study aims to critically investigate the conflicts generated by the illegal occupation of urban Permanent Preservation Areas (APPs) to analyze the tensions between environmental preservation and the social rights of vulnerable populations. Theoretical Framework: The theoretical foundation is based on critical urbanization theories, as proposed by Lefebvre, Harvey, and Rolnik, which question socio-spatial segregation and the commodification of urban space, providing a solid basis for understanding the conflicts between environmental and social interests in urban areas. Method: The methodology adopted for this research is qualitative, including case studies and analysis of secondary data, such as public policies on land regularization and relevant legal documents. These methods enable an in-depth analysis of the socio-spatial conditions in occupied APPs. Results and Discussion: The results revealed the socio-spatial exclusion that drives marginalized groups to occupy environmentally sensitive areas. The discussion highlights the need for public policies that do not criminalize vulnerable populations but instead integrate housing and environmental preservation fairly. The limitations of the current legal framework and its implications are also discussed. Research Implications: The implications of this research suggest a systemic change in urban public policies, directly influencing urban planning and environmental justice sectors. This study provides insights for the formulation of more inclusive and sustainable policies aligned with the principles of the right to the city and environmental justice. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by offering a critical analysis of conflicts in urban APPs, proposing alternatives that reconcile social justice and environmental preservation. The relevance of this work lies in its contribution to developing more equitable and effective public policies for environmentally sensitive areas in urban contexts.

How does shared mobility impact metro-based urban commercial travel accessibility and Equity?

The integration of shared mobility services, such as bike-sharing and ride-hailing services, with metro systems enhances the effectiveness and convenience of urban mobility. Various transportation modes significantly impact the accessibility and equity of commercial travel for the purpose of shopping, entertainment, tourism, and catering, due to the diversity of options, destinations, and origins. This study, based on the primary urban regions of Chengdu in 2023, employs the Gaussian two-step floating catchment area model, Gini Index, and Lorenz curve to examine the effects of shared mobility on the accessibility pattern and spatial equity of commercial services. It shows that the bike-sharing-metro travel mode enhances overall commercial accessibility, whereas the ride-hailing-metro travel mode has a substantial impact on accessibility distribution. Additionally, the commercial accessibility distribution pertains to the arrangement of commercial establishments in short-distance travel, whereas it exhibits a central hub and peripheral locations for long-distance travel. While the equity of commercial services improves effectively, metro transportation remains situated at the core of the transportation mode. The creation of the metro transit-oriented development should thoroughly assess the impact of shared mobility on the station area and prioritize the equilibrium between urban commercial and residential sectors.

Considering the development levels of countries, contributions of mineral recovery from mining tailings and urban mining wastes to sustainability criteria – A review

The need for a sustainable mining waste management/legislation and mineral recovery from tailings is increasing day by day in the world. There is a need to draw a perspective for mining companies and public authorities & Sustainable Development Organizations (SDOs) on the sustainable recovery of mine waste from both mining operations and urban mining. Although there are many publications in the literature on mineral recovery from mine wastes, there is a lack of a study that will respond to the information needs of public authorities & SDOs in terms of both mining enterprises and urban mining sector on sustainable mineral recovery by covering the latest developments in the world and making the distinction between waste and tailing. Considering this deficiency in the literature, this study firstly emphasizes the on-site mitigation of mine wastes and their environmental impacts, and briefly discusses mine wastes & tailings dams in the mining process. Then, the mitigation of negative environmental impacts in landfills and the feasibility of mineral recovery from mining tailings and urban mining wastes are evaluated. Finally, the objective of mineral recovery in the context of sustainable development and legislative efforts are discussed. The results of the study are as follows: The wastes generated as a result of mining operations have increased worldwide. These mine wastes are used to recycle mines. The necessity and nature of the recovery of minerals from wastes necessitates the efficient management of these wastes. At this point, there is a need for effective and up-to-date mining waste legislation, incentives and practices to ensure an sustainable mining waste management and optimum mineral recovery from mining tailings. The categories of "mineral recovery from mining tailings" and "mineral recycling from urban mining waste" were compared by assigning an estimated score out of ten, considering the level of development of the countries and the characteristics of the categories. In this comparison, the contribution/relationships of the activities in these categories to different sustainability criteria are shown and in-text citations are considered in the scoring. By considering these contribution levels or lack thereof, countries with different levels of development in different geographies around the world can develop their mineral waste management and mineral recovery policies in much more detail, considering their mineral requirements and waste inventories. This study may contribute to less mineral waste generation and cleaner, more efficient, and sustainable mineral recovery in mining operations, thanks to the awareness it will create for mining companies and public authorities & SDOs. This study serves as a guide for SDOs and countries’ policymakers & mining sector on mineral recovery from waste in countries.

Perspectives of patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes on barriers to diabetes care: a qualitative study

BackgroundDiabetes care incorporates multiple integrated elements like self-care practices, patient education and awareness, societal support, equitable access to healthcare facilities and trained healthcare professionals, commitment from the diabetes associations and government policies. There is a dearth of research exploring the barriers experienced by both People with Type 1 diabetes (PwT1D) and People with Type 2 diabetes (PwT2D) in accessing the holistic elements of diabetes care. This study thus aimed at exploring the perceived barriers among PwT1D and PwT2D in accessing diabetes care services in urban and rural areas of Nepal.MethodThis study was a qualitative research using phenomenological approach where an in-depth interview with 23 participants on insulin was conducted. This included 15 PwT1D and 8 PwT2D, residing in the capital and rural areas and attending the hospitals and clinic in the urban and semi-urban regions in Nepal. A semi-structured questionnaire was used for the interview. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and deductive thematic analysis was done.ResultsMajority were female participants and most had received a formal education and were visiting the hospitals located in capital city. Mean age for PwT1D was (27.86 ± 1.85) years whereas the median age for PwT2D was [47.5 (IQR, 16.5)] years. Seven themes were generated from the study representing key barriers from patient’s perspective. These were: Theme (1) Double stigma: Diabetes diagnosis and insulin use, Theme (2) Non-adherence to insulin and Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose (SMBG), Theme (3) Logistic challenges in rural areas: Scarcity of healthcare professionals and other healthcare facilities, Theme (4) Dissatisfaction with healthcare services, Theme (5) Patients seeking alternative treatment strategies over allopathic treatment, Theme (6) Limitations of health insurance scheme and Theme (7) Limited role of national diabetes organizations.ConclusionThere is a need in raising awareness among general public especially on T1DM to address the issue of diabetes stigma. An effort in implementation of policies supporting diabetes care and refinement of National Health Insurance Scheme is equally essential. Similarly, strengthening of Health Care System by ensuring availability of insulin, laboratory facilities and trained healthcare professionals in rural areas should be focused to address the inequity in access to healthcare in rural and urban sectors.