Zones Of City Research Articles

Pursuing cycling equity? A mixed-methods analysis of cycling plans in European cities

Although equity issues are emphasised in sustainable mobility policy worldwide, there is evidence that cycling planning often prioritises advantaged areas and central zones of cities. To overcome such an inequitable scenario, scholars have called for greater attention towards disadvantaged representatives within the planning and decision-making processes.This study contributes to this debate by exploring the equity impacts of cycling plans and infrastructure allocation in three European cities using a mixed-methods approach. First, through GIS and statistical analysis, we quantitively assessed the equity gap of each cycling plan, measuring the distribution of infrastructure and accessibility gains across socio-economic advantaged and disadvantaged groups. In addition, this study performed an inductive content analysis of each plan to investigate to what extent equity issues are addressed and prioritised in planning practice.The main results suggest the most equitable scenario in a city with a long tradition of cycling planning, which has been providing denser cycling infrastructure to connect important activities and neighbourhoods within central zones and outskirts. Conversely, the implementation of the cycling plan in central areas is likely to overlook disadvantaged socio-economic zones. Despite increasing attention towards accessibility, social inclusion and safety issues within the planning guidelines, findings suggest that the evaluated plans did not prioritise or appraise equity in cycling planning practice.

Towards resilience effectiveness: Assessing its patterns and determinants to identify optimal geographic zones

Resilience has a critical role to promote human well-being in turbulent environments. However, extensive interventions and stimulus measures not only achieve resilience goals with numerous unacceptable consequences, but also highlight the narrow definition of resilience. The study proposes the concept of resilience effectiveness to constrain the unsustainability of resilience in concept and practice. The resilience effectiveness of Chinese cities in the early stages of the pandemic is first implemented for evaluation based on input-output relationship, and then patterns and determinants are investigated using the GIS methods and the geographically optimal zones-based heterogeneity (GOZH) model. The study finds that the average resilience effectiveness is not high, indicating that China's strong resilience is the loss of safety, greenness, inclusiveness, and efficiency in the early stage of the pandemic. Resilience effectiveness has significant spatial heterogeneity and is dominated by innovation ability. The optimal geographic zones of Chinese cities for resilience effectiveness are identified, revealing that it is a complex and multifactorial process. This paper broadens resilience research and provides implications for city planning in the post-pandemic era.

Liquefaction of industrial zone against earthquake loading using laboratory and field measurements

Purpose. To assess the liquefaction of Kirkuk’s industrial region following a series of earthquakes that struck the city during the previous five years based on the current earthquake activity in the region. Methodology. Initially, substantial relationships for shear wave velocity in different types of soil were collected and studied, where the majority of these correlations necessitated the use of standard penetration tests in the field. Indeed, two boreholes were drilled up to a maximum depth of 10 m, and the numbers of blows for conventional penetration tests were measured at various depths in each borehole. The stated shear wave velocity values from the literature, as well as the maximum and lowest shear wave velocity constraints, were employed in a simple technique to estimate the cyclic shear stress induced by earthquake loading. Findings. Based on laboratory and field data, the safety factor against earthquake-induced liquefaction can be determined. When the worst-case scenario was examined using the suggested values of shear wave velocity, the factor of safety against earthquake was reduced by 94 % as the depth increased from 3.5 to 9 m. Originality. No previous study has tried to quantify the liquefaction impact of industrial zone of Kirkuk city as such an important rich-oil area was influenced by series of earthquakes occurrence. More importantly, for the first time field soil samples from on-site boreholes in Kirkuk city have been collected and used for liquefaction assessment since such real field data can be utilized properly in liquefaction evaluation process in the absence of any comparable quantification for the investigated area. Practical value. Precious liquefaction analysis should be performed prior to any proposed project construction in the light of increased earthquake activity in the industrial zone in Kirkuk city (Iraq).

Humanitarian sector (international non-governmental organisations) support to the community in Goma city/DRC during the COVID-19 pandemic period: Expectations and reality.

COVID-19 was the largest public health emergency to disrupt social life and health systems worldwide. The pandemic affected all world continents creating fear and stress in many aspects of social life. The pandemic spread from China to Europe, then to Africa carrying with it all the negative impacts affecting population wellbeing. The COVID-19 pandemic was declared in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in March 2020 and created huge shock and stress countrywide. Goma city accommodates more than 30 international non-governmental humanitarian organisations (HO) who have sought to support local communities to help them overcome COVID-19 stress. Few studies to date have considered the role of these HO from the perspective of the beneficiary populations. This is a descriptive, analytical study, reporting data collected from a survey questionnaire to 100 community members (including 21 healthcare professionals) in Karisimbi health zone in Goma city in DRC. The study's main aim was to explore how community members viewed the contribution and impact of HO actions during COVID-19 in Goma city. We identified some important mis-matches between community expectations and HO actions which must be addressed in future outbreaks. First, community members had big expectations of HO in terms of practice support to tackle the pandemic (including providing handwashing devices and mobile support teams), yet the vast majority of respondents reported seeing little or no such actions. This can create resentment against HO and it is critically important that they rapidly engage with communities at the start of any outbreak to understand their needs and concerns and develop strategies to directly respond to these. Second, HO played a very limited role in dissemination of information about COVID-19 and were not trusted messengers. Our findings showed that most people's preferred source of information about COVID-19, specifically vaccines, was local healthcare workers-particularly those who were known well and therefore trusted. HO (and national responders) should therefore map trusted spokespersons (including healthcare professionals) in the targeted communities and involve them in the planning and implementation of interventions as essential steps in the response. Among our respondents, social media played a large role in information sharing. Further research is needed to understand the role that social media (particularly Facebook and WhatsApp which were most frequently used) could play in sharing messages from trusted sources, including official government communications. Collectively, these actions could help create a positive attitude towards COVID-19 vaccine and similar interventions in future outbreaks.

Comparing Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) and bidirectional LSTM deep neural networks for power consumption prediction

Electric consumption prediction methods are investigated for many reasons, such as decision-making related to energy efficiency as well as for anticipating demand and the dynamics of the energy market. The objective of the present work is to compare two Deep Learning models, namely the Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) model, and the Bi-directional LSTM (BLSTM) for univariate electric consumption Time Series (TS) short-term forecast model. The Data Sets (DSs) were selected for their different contexts and scales, with the goal of assessing the robustness of the models. Four DSs were used, related to the power consumption of: (a) a household in France; (b) a university building in Santarém, Brazil; (c) the Tétouan city zones, in Morocco; and (d) the aggregated electric demand of Singapore. The metrics RMSE, MAE, MAPE and R2 were calculated in a TS cross-validation scheme. Friedman’s test was applied to normalized RMSE (NRMSE) results, showing that BLSTM outperforms LSTM with statistically significant difference (p = 0.0455), corroborating the fact that bidirectional weight updating significantly improves the LSTM performance with respect to different scales of electric power consumption. The present work provides statistical evidence supporting the conclusion that BLSTM outperforms LSTM models according to the tests performed, based on a complete methodology for TS prediction, and also establishes a baseline for future investigation of electric consumption TS prediction.

Is there a downside to plant ecological services in the city? Influences of particulate matter on the two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) foraging on the small-leaved lime in urban conditions

The aim of this research was to examine how particulate matter (PM) pollution affects the life history of the two-spotted spider mite (TSSM), Tetranychus urticae (Trombidiformes: Tetranychidae), in modelled urban conditions. For this purpose, experimental populations of TSSM were cultured on the foliage of small-leaved lime (Tilia cordata) contaminated with PM at intensities corresponding to differing city zones such as a park, a busy road and an industrial area. The control samples in the study were washed, unpolluted leaves. The spider mite was selected as a model organism due to its cosmopolitan distribution, broad host spectrum, resistance to a variety of pesticides and food-intake mode involving cell-content sucking, while T. cordata is widely planted in cities and has demonstrated a considerable capability for PM capture. Data on the longevity and mortality of particular instars and on female fecundity at different pollution levels were collected and statistically evaluated. Concentrations of PM typical for roads and industrial city zones significantly reduced total female fecundity (avg. 53.9 and 55.9 eggs/female, respectively, vs 79.2 in control), which entailed a slower population increase, while the survival rate of particular developmental instars (P = 0.52) and fertility curves (P = 0.19) remained unchanged. The presence of PM caused physiological effects in the mites, despite the lack of direct consumption of the pollutant by adult and juvenile instars. Considering the incomparable resilience of TSSM to unfavourable environmental factors, it is predicted that the detrimental influence of PM on other representatives of urban arthropods may be even more severe. The results suggest that there is a need for further investigations into the ecological ramifications of air purification provided by urban green spaces.

Between plaza and peak: a montological perspective on verticality and urbanization in highland Peru

Under the influence of concentrated and extended urbanization, Andean cities and the different altitudinal zones of their “hinterlands” are experiencing profound changes in land cover — from the central plazas up to the highest peaks. The complex regional-geographic characteristics of these socioecological systems, such as the vertical complementarity of land use, require a montological perspective on verticality and urbanization: it transcends disciplinary approaches and can be crucial to properly interpret the trajectories of land cover change and formulate hypotheses for future practice-oriented research. Which trajectories of land cover change characterized altitudinal zones of Andean cities and their surroundings over the last three decades? Are there similarities that allow for the formulation of more general hypotheses? Using the Peruvian cases of Cusco and Huaraz, and combining a traditional altitudinal zonation model of land use in Peru with direct field observations and GIS-based analyses of remotely sensed data from 1991, 2001, 2011, and 2021, this study identifies the main trajectories of land cover change in the Quechua (>2300–3500 m), Suni (>3500–4000 m), and Puna (>4000–4800 m) regions — and finds insightful similarities between Cusco and Huaraz: (1) an impressive area of built-up land substitutes grassland in the Quechua, which, following regional altitudinal zonation models, is characterized by irrigated and rain-fed cropland; (2) an unexpected expansion of irrigated cropland takes place in the Suni, which, in theory, often lacks irrigation infrastructure and is mostly used for rain-fed tuber cultivation; and (3) a clear change from “other land” to grassland occurs in the Puna — where grassland is thought to predominate, anyway, since pre-Hispanic times. Hypothesizing that these changes reflect the interplay between speculative fallow, agricultural intensification, and ecological restoration, the results can be read as vertically complementary, local manifestations of concentrated and extended urbanization in a formerly peripheral mountain region of the Global South — and they underscore the need to overcome mental city-mountain dichotomies for a socially inclusive and ecologically balanced Andean development between plaza and peak.

Опыт использования беспилотных летательных аппаратов для выявления мест размещения отходов в водоохранных зонах

Disposal of industrial and consumer waste in water protection zones of water bodies is a violation of water legislation of the Russian Federation. The use of materials obtained with the help of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) significantly expands the possibilities for determining stored waste. UAVs are used for prompt identification of unauthorized waste disposal sites within the boundaries of the water protection zones of the Tsimlyansk reservoir. The paper presents the possibilities of using orthophotoplans and photo materials obtained during field surveys carried out by the Russian Research Institute for the Integrated Use and Protection of Water Resources in 2019-2021. According to the research results, the largest accumulation of solid household waste is localized in the water protection zone of large cities and villages. The largest amount of waste stored in the water protection zone is located in the Dubovsky and Tsimplansk districts of the Rostov region, as well as in the Kalachyovsky district of the Volgograd region. Dumping sites detected with the help of UAVs based on the composition of the predominant waste were divided into five groups: solid household waste, construction waste, organic waste, metal, and waste of unknown composition. Up to 42 % of landfill waste in the water protection zone of the reservoir is solid domestic waste, at least 25 % of landfill sites are construction waste and 20 % are organ waste.

Urban Tourism Destinations in the World

Abstract In recent decades, cities have faced numerous problems related to the accelerated process of urbanization, which leads to ecological, spatial and social consequences. At the same time, globalization destroyed productive activities and created structural problems related to unemployment. For these reasons, cities are trying to attract new and growing industries that will provide jobs and enable the physical and economic regeneration of cities. One of the activities that increases employment and enables the urban regeneration of certain city zones is tourism. Urban tourism at the end of the 20th and beginning of the 21st century, with the process of globalization and the use of shorter vacations by tourists, experienced an expansion in the number of visitors, as well as the number of urban destinations. Urban destinations, as powerful financial, traffic, political, trade, etc. centers, in addition to cultural, architectural, construction, artistic, historical and environmental heritage, provide diversity and quality of tourist offer, completed by organizing congresses, professional gatherings, sports fairs, etc. Large world agglomerations, as the most important destinations of urban tourism, are visited annually by several million tourists.

Nutritional Quality of Diets of Adults (20-40 Years) in Delhi, India

Rise in prevalence of diet related non communicable diseases can be prevented by following balanced and healthy diets. The study aimed to assess adequacy of nutrient and food group intakes along with frequency of consumption of foods High in Fat, Sugar and Salt (HFSS). The study was a cross-sectional study with non-probability purposive sampling method. A total of 589 adults (20-40 years) were selected from housing colonies from four geographical zones of city. Dietary intake was assessed using 24-hour dietary recall method. Frequency and amount of foods consumed was recorded using a semi quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). The differences in food groups and nutrient intakes across socio-demographic groups were assessed using Independent sample t-test and Mann-Whitney U test. Statistical significance was assumed at 5% level (p<0.05). Most participants had nutrient intakes lower than the EAR for calcium (97%), zinc (98%), riboflavin (100%), niacin (68%), vitamin B6 (96%) and vitamin A (60%). All participants had lower intakes of pulses, green leafy vegetables, other vegetables, fruits, milk and milk products, oilseed and nuts when compared to the recommended intakes. HFSS foods-sweet plain biscuits (46%), fried namkeen (37%), roasted namkeen (30%), non-carbonated drinks (29%) and deep-fried foods (25%) were eaten regularly by more than one fourth of participants. Participants occasionally consumed pizzas (60%), chat (54%), dosa (50%) and burgers (48%). Therefore, reducing the share of foods high in fat, sugar and salt and enabling healthier selection of food groups through behaviour change communication strategies will ensure adequate nutrient intakes.

The impact of transformation zone representation on the frequency of abnormal cervical cytological results

ObjectiveTo compare the frequency of abnormal cervical cytological results with and without representation of the transformation zone (TZ) in a medium-sized city in Brazil according to the Bethesda categorization. MethodsWe performed an analytical observational study evaluating cytological results over 15 years from conventional smears collected within the Public Brazilian Health System in Araçatuba, Brazil. Tests were stratified by age and cytological result according to Brazilian guidelines and the Bethesda System. ResultsThere were 261,881 examinations, 159,251 with and 102,630 without TZ representation. The global frequency of abnormal results was higher in smears with TZ representation (crude odds ratio [OR] 4.03; 95% confidence interval [CI] [3.71–4.38]). Considering only women between 25 and 64 years (the target of the national guidelines), there were higher results for high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (OR 11.54; 95% CI 6.74–19.78), low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (OR 2.82; 95% CI 2.17–3.67) atypical squamous cell in which high-grade intraepithelial lesion cannot be excluded (OR 6.90; 95% CI 4.91–9.66) and atypical squamous cell of undetermined significance (OR 3.53; 95% CI 3.11–4.01) among cases with TZ representation. ConclusionSamples with TZ representation were associated with higher rates of abnormal results. Health professionals should be regularly trained to understand the weakness of cytological examinations when the TZ is not represented, especially in developing countries.

Spatio-temporal analysis of the impact of land urbanization on the gross primary productivity of vegetation in the Middle Reaches of the Yangtze River Urban Agglomeration: new evidence from the township scale

The urgent need to maintain ecosystem provisioning services and achieve urban sustainable development goals has led to a long-standing focus on the driving effects of land urbanization (LU) in the Middle Reaches of the Yangtze River Urban Agglomeration (MRYRU) on vegetation cover system productivity. Previous studies have lacked consideration for the long-term correlation between land urbanization (LU) and the Gross Primary Productivity (GPP) of vegetation, as well as the spatial non-stationarity of LU’s impact in the region. This study is based on land cover remote sensing data and GPP imagery data to monitor the long-term evolution trends of LU and GPP in MRYRU from the perspectives of townships and grids. It further investigates the spatial correlation and clustering characteristics between the two using bivariate spatial autocorrelation method. Additionally, a Geographically and Temporally Weighted Regression (GTWR) model was employed to analyze the spatial effects of LU on GPP. The results indicate that the GPP of MRYRU grows to 1572.88gCm-2a-1 with an average annual growth rate of 0.848% from 2000 to 2020. High-value areas are distributed in the central and eastern mountainous of the urban agglomeration, while low-value areas gradually formed an “n”-shaped clustered distribution pattern. The negative spatial autocorrelation between LU and GPP shows a general upward trend, and Low-High is the dominant agglomeration type, concentrated in Hengyang and some mountainous cities in Jiangxi Province. The overall negative impact of land urbanization on GPP in MRYRU is maintained in the spatially nonstationary pattern of driving coefficients, with negative impact areas mostly concentrated in the city’s main city zone and positive impact areas concentrated in the urban agglomeration’s mountainous townships. This study provides support for MRYRU to adopt more resilient land optimization management strategies and vegetation ecological restoration plans.

Geospatial and statistical analysis of urban heat islands and thermally vulnerable zones in Bangalore and Hyderabad cities in India

Urban Heat Island (UHI) effects caused by urbanization and associated anthropogenic activities have adverse environmental and social impacts. The social impacts of UHIs on Indian cities are not well documented. To fill this void, the current paper examines the spatial variation of the UHI effects on the populations of two Indian cities: Bangalore and Hyderabad. Land Surface Temperature (LST) data for the past two decades is obtained from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) sensor to analyse the spatial and temporal variation of the thermal environment of the cities. The regions experiencing different levels of UHI effects within the cities, along with the population in these zones, are identified in the study. The average UHI intensity for the past two decades in Bangalore and Hyderabad is found to be 1.9 °C and 2.44 °C, respectively. The UHI intensity in Bangalore and Hyderabad is found to be increasing annually at a rate of 0.040 °C per year and 0.033 °C per year, respectively. Around 1 million people in Bangalore and 1.8 million people in Hyderabad are inhabitants of the high temperate zone, experiencing an average LST of 3.14 °C and 3.55 °C higher than the rest of the population, respectively. The study emphasizes the need for regionally scaled UHI mitigation strategies and identifies the most vulnerable regions within the study area to prioritize mitigation strategies.

ORIBATID MITES (ORIBATEI) IN THE MESOFAUNA OF PARK ZONES CITIES OF ODESA (UKRAINE)

Introduction. The data about mesofauna of the soils of the park areas of Odesa are presented for the first time in this article. Aim. To study the species composition and main ecological characteristics of groups of armored ticks in the soils of the park zones of Odesa city. Methods. In the course of the study, generally accepted methods of soil microarthropod research were used, namely: taking soil samples, extraction of microarthropods in thermoelectrics, and making permanent micropreparations. The main results. According to the results of the study, it was shown that the mesofauna of the soils of the park zones of Odesa contains phonon groups of invertebrates: Enoplea, Malacostraca, Arachnida, Myriapoda, Entognatha, Insecta. Mites (Prostigmata, Mesostigmata, Astigmata) and springtails (Collembola) predominated in all studied biotopes. It is shown that according to the vertical distribution in the soil, mites predominate in the surface layers of the soil (0–5 cm), and springtails prevail in the deeper ones (5–10 cm). 18 species of oribatid mites were identified, which were given the main ecological characteristics: life forms and dominance structure. An environmental assessment was carried out based on the integral index of groups of oribatid mites. Conclusions. According to the analysis of groups of oribatid mites, it is shown that the ecological state of the environment in the parks of the city of Odesa is estimated as “average level of deviations from the norm” in the Shevchenko Park and Youth Square and “slight deviations from the norm” in the Peremogy Arboretum.

Water security: a Geospatial Framework for urban water resilience

Abstract Urban water issues impacting sustainable development can be analyzed, modeled, and mapped through cutting-edge geospatial technologies; however, the water sector in developing countries suffers various spatial data-related problems such as limited coverage, unreliable data, limited coordination, and sharing. Available spatial data are limited to the aggregate level (i.e., national, state, and district levels) and lack details to make informed policy decisions and allocations. Despite significant advancements in geospatial technologies, their application and integration at the policy and decision-making level are rare. The current research provides a broad GIS-centric framework for actionable science, which focuses on real context and facilitates geospatial maps and theoretical and practical knowledge to address various water issues. The study demonstrates the application of the proposed Geospatial Framework from technical and institutional perspectives in water-stressed zones in Pune city, showing where and how to solve problems and where proposed actions can most impact creating a sustainable water-secured future. The framework makes it possible for everyone to explore datasets that can provide a baseline for research, and analysis, contribute to the process, propose, and act on solutions, and take the benefits of the outcomes and policy recommendations.

Noise Abatement Approach Using Computer Simulation Model for Urban Indian Road of a Tier-2 City

Noise pollution is a major problem nowadays. In urban context, road traffic is the main source of noise pollution. People directly exposed to road traffic noise suffer from moderate to severe annoyance, headache, stress, feeling of exhaustion, and reduced work performance efficiency. As the sources and severity of noise pollution continue to grow, new approaches are needed to reduce the exposure. In this research, noise abatement has been investigated using a computer simulation model (SoundPLAN essential 4.0). Noise maps were developed using SoundPLAN essential 4.0 software. Noise maps are very beneficial to identify the impact of noise pollution. Data required for mapping are noise data (LAeq), road inventory data, geometric features of mapping area, category wise traffic counts, category wise vehicle speed, meteorological data such as wind velocity, humidity, temperature, air pressure. LAeq observed on all locations of the Central zone of Surat city was greater than the prescribed central pollution control board (CPCB) limits during day time and night time. This paper is focused on using acoustic software for the simulation and calculation methods of controlling the traffic noise. According to the characteristics of traffic noise and the techniques of noise reduction, road traffic noise maps were developed using SoundPLAN essential 4.0 software to predict the scope of road traffic noise. On this basis, four reasonable noise control schemes were used to control noise, and the feasibility and application effect of these control schemes can be verified by using the method of simulation modelling. The simulation results show that LAeq is reduced by up to 5 dB(A). The excess noise can be efficiently reduced by using the corresponding noise reduction methods.

A qualitative evaluation of an outdoor arts therapies group

ABSTRACT Aim To understand service user and therapist experiences of an outdoor arts therapies group, their views on its benefits and challenges. Background There is a lack of systematic research on the effectiveness of outdoor arts therapies. This article presents a systematic, qualitative evaluation of an outdoors arts therapies intervention for adults with mental health problems in the United Kingdom (UK). Methods Semi-structured interviews were held with service users and therapists providing the intervention. A thematic analysis was conducted on the interview transcripts. Results Key themes identified were: Benefits of Therapy Outdoors, Inclusive Understanding of Creativity and Engagement Challenges and Support. The outdoor setting was found to have a positive effect on group cohesion as well as on mood. Nature was experienced as an active participant in the therapy and this overlaps with an inclusive understanding of what it means to be creative. These findings broadly support the findings of the extant literature. Implications for practice/policy/future research Arts therapists should be aware of the distinct therapeutic potential of outdoors arts therapies interventions and need to be creative and flexible in adapting their practice to make it suitable to the outdoor space. Limitations This study employs only qualitative methods and lacks quantitative data. Conclusion Outdoor arts therapies can have a positive effect on participants’ mental health and wellbeing and that the natural environment plays a significant part in this. An inclusive understanding of creativity supports service users to engage creatively and therapeutically with the environment. Plain-language summary The arts therapies are generally provided in indoor settings but in recent years there has been a growth of outdoor provision. This is done in order to make use of the beneficial effects of natural environments, the experience of which becomes a source of sensory, aesthetic and psychological stimulation and thus an active element in the therapy. There is a growing literature on this type of provision but there is a lack of systematic investigation, including regarding provision for adults with mental health problems. This article reports on a qualitative evaluation of an outdoor arts therapies group for individuals with mental health problems in the UK National Health Service. The group met weekly in a carefully chosen, local green space in the outer zone of a large city. The location and the structure of sessions were designed to enable participants to safely explore personal thoughts and feelings in this public space. Interviews were conducted with service users and therapists from the group and these were then analysed to elicit themes. The theme Benefits of Therapy Outdoors included the sensory stimulation of the surroundings and how the surroundings prompted participants to look outside themselves as well as evoking positive associations. The theme Inclusive Understanding of Creativity included the use of natural materials and creative responses to the environment being about more than just art making. The theme Engagement Challenges and Support included challenges of ‘bad’ weather and anxieties about travel. The results of this evaluation broadly confirm the benefits of outdoor arts therapies as they appear in the literature. However, the data come only from people’s testimony, with no quantitative data. The authors recommend that future studies contain some quantitative data.

Processes of spatial concentration and specialisation of industry by the intensity of R&D work in the Lower Silesian Voivodeship (Poland)

The aim of this article is to assess the spatial diversity and to identify the spatial distribution of industry, as well as the directions and scales of its transformations based on the processes of spatial concentration and specialisation of the industrial activity from the perspective of the intensity of research and development (R&D) work in the areas of the Lower Silesian Voivodeship. The analysis of the location of industrial activity was conducted based on the entities registered in section C (manufacturing) of the Polish Classification of Activity (PKD). Spatial structures of the industry innovation are presented by applying the classification of manufacturing concerning the intensity of R&D for high-technology, medium high-technology, medium low-technology and low-technology industries. The research was conducted for municipalities divided into cities and rural areas. The results indicate significant changes that took place in the years 2009–2020 in the spatial structure of the whole region, as well as in the urban spatial distribution due to the occurring processes of concentration and specialisation of industrial activity. These changes were simultaneously accompanied by the decreasing level of the concentration of industrial production. Additionally, the Lower Silesian Voivodeship is also characterised by significant spatial diversity of the concentration and specialisation processes of industrial activity. The identified regularities demonstrate the growing role of the suburban zones of large cities, which is particularly visible in the example of Wrocław, an area of intensive diffusion of industrial activity from the central hub. These processes also diffuse into smaller urban centres in the voivodeship.

A Novel Authentication and Communication Protocol for Urban Traffic Monitoring in VANETs Based on Cluster Management

City zones have become increasingly overcrowded due to the extensive population widening ratio and the swift relocation of people from villages. The traffic monitoring process is a significant issue in these areas due to the massive traffic flow on the roads. This research proposed a cluster-based improved authentication and communication protocol for an Intelligent Transportation System in Vehicular AdHoc Networks (VANETs). Our primary objective is to optimize resource sharing in vehicular communication. We enhanced the reliability, scalability, and stability of fast-moving VANETs by introducing cluster-based routing protocols for Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) and Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) communications. We used a third-party certification authority for vehicle authentication to address security and privacy concerns. Our proposed protocol support minimizes the end-to-end (E2E) delay and route request and reduces link failure. Our protocol’s leading yield includes throughput enhancement, TCP Socket Initialization time minimization, TCP handshake response speedup, and DNS lookup improvement. The protocols are centered on short-range peer-to-peer (P2P) wireless communication in a 400 m radius cluster. They include innovative P2P wireless communications on VANET using minimized resources. The proposed protocols deliver a secure authentication mechanism with a securely generated vehicle authentication key provided by a certification authority. Furthermore, we have developed RESTful APIs in vehicular communication for implementation purposes and also offered and implemented algorithms for resource sharing regarding V2V and V2I communication. Ultimately, we evaluated the performance of our experiments.

Correlation between residential area, service facilities, research and production zone of Russian science cities

Purpose: Identification of the correlation between service facilities, research and production zone of Russian science cities.Research findings: Based on the difference in the urban development, calculations include individual objects, taking into account the number of floors, rather than functional zones. The cities of Protvino, Pushchino, Chernogolovka, Fryazino, Troitsk and Koltsovo are analyzed; the population can be compared with the estimated number of new scientific towns. Despite a significant difference in the size of urban areas and the development of the research and production base, these science cities have a close ratio of housing, service facilities and research and production areas, i.e., 60, 10 and 30 %, respectively. The basic layout of science campuses does not change, while economic, demographic and scientific development is observed.Practical implication: The detected correlation can be called rational and used at the initial stage of planning a new science city.