Search Results (75)

This paper examines how the growth and decline of agglomerations and peripheries in metropolitan regions can be understood in the context of Advanced Producer Service (APS) firm decisions, regional conditions and institutional policies. Focusing on Germany, it responds to divergent quantitative findings for Munich and Dresden and to outcome-oriented studies documenting spatial patterns, leaving underlying mechanisms under-specified. This study adopts an embedded qualitative case study design, analysing Munich and Dresden as contrasting metropolitan subunits within a shared national framework. Drawing on documentation, archival records and expert interviews with economic development and regional governance actors, it uses explanation building and template analysis to link empirical material to an analytical framework integrating firm, location and public authority perspectives. The results identify four recurrent configurations in the firm–location–policy nexus: reinforcing agglomeration, emerging limits to agglomeration, balancing peripheral growth and reinforced peripheral decline. These configurations show how the same metropolitan region can simultaneously exhibit core growth, constraints on further concentration, selective peripheral upgrading and cumulative peripheral disadvantage. Conceptually, this paper develops a mechanism-based account of APS-driven metropolitan development and proposes refined propositions that help reinterpret outcome-based studies on Munich and Dresden. More broadly, the configurations offer an analytical lens for analysing APS location dynamics and metropolitan governance challenges in other polycentric and federal contexts. Full article

Vegetation serves as a critical ecological barrier on tropical islands, but conventional assessments often emphasize greening magnitude while overlooking persistence, structural quality, and scale-dependent attribution. In this study, we reconstructed a high-precision fractional vegetation cover (FVC) dataset for Hainan Island, China, covering the period from 2000 to 2024 using Google Earth Engine (GEE). We then combined trend analysis, emerging hot spot analysis (EHSA), the coupling coordination degree model (CCDM), RESTREND, and Geodetector to examine vegetation change from complementary perspectives. The results show that FVC increased overall and gradually shifted toward a more stable state over time. EHSA further revealed a distinct core-periphery pattern, with persistent hot spots concentrated in the central mountainous region, persistent cold spots distributed along the coastal urban belt, and oscillating hot spots occurring within agricultural transition zones. Regarding quantity-structure coupling, FVC and the aggregation index (AI) generally improved together across the island; however, some agricultural ecotones exhibited weaker structural improvement despite increasing vegetation cover, suggesting potential risks of homogenization and structural simplification. In the broad attribution analysis, vegetation recovery was primarily associated with the combined influence of climatic and human-related improvement. In the factor-specific analysis, land cover and slope showed the strongest explanatory power, and their interactions with other variables further enhanced spatial differentiation. These results demonstrate that greening magnitude alone is insufficient for evaluating vegetation change on tropical islands. Structural coordination and scale-dependent attribution should also be considered when interpreting ecological improvement and related management implications. Full article

Understanding how sustainable urban competitiveness evolves within megaregions has become a central concern in urban and regional studies, particularly under the pressures of carbon neutrality, spatial inequality, and network-driven urbanization. This study develops a multidimensional framework to assess the sustainable competitiveness of cities in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei “2 + 36” urban agglomeration and examines its spatio-temporal evolution and relational structure. Using a 30-indicator system grounded in factor foundations, economic performance, innovation capacity, openness, and environmental livability, we construct a composite competitiveness index through principal component analysis (PCA). Kernel density estimation reveals a pattern of overall improvement accompanied by widening disparities, characterized by selective agglomeration and the emergence of a pronounced high-value tail. Spatial autocorrelation consistently indicates significant spatial dependence, while LISA analysis identifies persistent low–low clusters and limited spillover absorption around core cities. A modified gravity model further uncovers a transition from a linear, corridor-based linkage structure to a more polycentric and networked competitiveness system, albeit with enduring peripheral weak nodes. The study contributes theoretically by conceptualizing sustainable urban competitiveness as a multidimensional nexus shaped jointly by territorial attributes and relational network structures. It demonstrates that competitiveness dynamics in megaregions emerge from the interplay of hierarchical consolidation, spatial divergence, and network reconfiguration—challenging the traditional assumption of simple core-to-periphery diffusion. The findings offer broader global implications, showing that the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei case mirrors worldwide megaregional patterns, where proximity alone is insufficient to ensure functional integration, and where coordinated governance, network embeddedness and sustainability transitions increasingly determine regional competitiveness. This research provides a comprehensive analytical foundation for understanding and governing megaregional competitiveness in the era of sustainable development. Full article

Digitalization is the driver of regional competitiveness and sustainable development, but its geographical impacts differ significantly across Europe. This study was conducted to determine if digital transformation results in regional sustainability or if it increases spatial inequalities, concentrating on European NUTS-1 regions for the period 2021–2025. A composite Regional Digitalization Index was developed by means of Principal Component Analysis (PCA) based on indicators measuring internet access, internet usage, and the availability of digital public services. Dynamic spatial panel econometric models were used for empirical investigation, including a Spatial Autoregressive (SAR) model and a Spatial Durbin model (SDM), which facilitated the exploration of both temporal dependence and spatial spillover. Three main conclusions can be derived from the results, as follows: The level of digitalization in a region is highly stable over time, whereby the development depends most on previous paths. Subsequently, human capital is highly significant for digital development, and its effects are not only local but also spill over to neighboring regions. Lastly, spatial interactions consist of two opposite forces—the positive diffusion from digitally advanced neighboring regions and the competitive effects related to the economic strength of neighboring regions—that further intensify the core–periphery divide. Full article

The shift from the central place paradigm to the network paradigm in regional relation research emphasizes the need to elucidate the factors and mechanisms driving urban network dynamics. Leveraging firm-level big data—including a headquarters–branch relationships database (29,359 headquarters and 114,679 branches) and an investment relationships database (21,843 investing firms and 69,733 recipients)—this study constructs an urban network integrating both vertical and horizontal enterprise connections. Using exponential random graph models (ERGMs), it analyzes the influencing factors and driving mechanisms of urban network dynamics in the Yellow River Basin (YRB). This study found that the urban network in the YRB is characterized by multiple isolated “core–periphery” radial networks. Strong connections are concentrated within each province’s major cities and their immediate surroundings, while horizontal connections across provincial borders are weaker. From 2000 to 2020, the urban network has evolved from isolated “core–periphery” radial networks to corridor networks where some core nodes are interconnected. The urban network dynamics in the YRB result from the combined influences of the preferential attachment mechanism, the network self-organization mechanism, the multi-dimensional proximity mechanisms, and the geographical boundary effect. Enterprises tend to establish branches or investments in cities with spatial proximity and larger economic scales. Reciprocal and transitive structures significantly facilitate urban network formation. Additionally, institutional proximity, geographical proximity, cultural proximity, cognitive proximity, and geomorphological division all exert varying degrees of influence on enterprise connections between cities. Full article

As a highly integrated and increasingly complex high-risk process industry, the petrochemical sector plays a critical role in industrial continuity and social stability, yet faces significant governance adaptability challenges under normalized public health emergencies. Taking a Chinese petrochemical enterprise as a case study, this paper develops an integrated framework combining STAMP/STPA, complex network analysis, and robustness analysis. Based on a reconstructed four-level hierarchical control and feedback structure, STPA was applied to identify 20 unsafe control actions (UCAs). These UCAs and their precursor factors were further abstracted into a relational network of control deficiencies for topological analysis and Monte Carlo-based robustness testing under random failure and targeted attack. The results show pronounced small-world and core–periphery structural characteristics, with vulnerability concentrated in a limited number of high-centrality source and hub nodes. Systemic resilience constraints mainly arise from governmental deficiencies in response experience and training, enterprise-level amplification at hub nodes, and pressure accumulation at frontline execution nodes. Accordingly, three resilience protocols are proposed: distributed authorization for source nodes; digitized dual-channel feedback for hub nodes; and minimum operational redundancy with cross-replacement for terminal nodes. This study provides theoretical basis and strategies for high-risk industrial systems to enhance resilience and sustainable development in uncertain environments. Full article

Urban agglomerations play a pivotal role in the economic and social progress of regions and countries. Substantial urban expansion, particularly in metropolitan areas, has been generally associated with economic and population growth. This study investigates the spatio-temporal urban expansion of Romania’s major metropolitan areas using Cellular Automata (CA). Focusing on eight metropolitan areas, the paper analyzes land cover dynamics from 2015 to 2020 and it develops a model of urban growth for the years 2025 and 2030. The novelty of the paper is represented by the combination of the CA algorithm and economic complexity for predicting the expansion of built-up areas. To our knowledge it is the first attempt to combine these two aspects in modelling urban growth. The analysis incorporates six variables such as land use, population density, distance to roads, slope, restricted areas and economic complexity to offer insights into future urbanization trends. Our study concluded that CA proved to be a valuable approach for modelling urban growth. The great added value of the paper is related to the integration of the economic complexity index into urban growth model. Doing so, our results not only summarize both economic development and demographic dynamics within major metropolitan areas, but they have provided the urban growth model with a novel and more robust basis for prediction. The results indicate variations in the growth rates and spatial patterns of urbanization, emphasizing the importance of informed urban planning for a sustainable urban development. A major conclusion of the paper is that the actual urban fabric will not suffer significant changes, as it is already compact. Only at the peripheries of the major urban centres there are free space reserves which can be densified by future constructions. Thus, the lack of free space in the city’s core areas and the expensive costs drive the expansion of the built-up areas towards the suburban localities located near the urban centres. Full article

The coupling coordination between Urbanization Quality (UQ) and Water Ecological Carrying Capacity (WECC) represents a critical nexus for sustainable regional development within the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB). Focusing on 16 cities in Hubei Province over the period 2020–2024, this study constructed comprehensive indicator systems for UQ and WECC, Spatial Autocorrelation Analysis and Key Factor Analysis are then applied to analyze spatiotemporal evolution, identify key influencing factors. The results reveal that: (1) Both UQ and WECC demonstrated upward trajectories, with UQ increasing from 0.369 to 0.409, although WECC exhibited fluctuating patterns; (2) Spatial analysis identified pronounced “core–periphery” clustering effects with Wuhan as the dominant center, confirmed by the positive Global Moran’s I; (3) Hubei’s CCD advanced from 0.626 to 0.661, progressing toward initially coordinated stages, with Wuhan pioneering this transition, while 81.25% of cities remained at the moderately coordinated stage; (4) Grey relational analysis identified aquatic biological resources as the principal constraint, with piscivore biomass ratios and pension insurance participation rates (γ = 0.752) emerging as key biophysical and socioeconomic drivers, respectively. These findings provide empirical evidence for targeted interventions promoting balanced urban–water ecological development in the YREB, while contributing a novel analytical framework for examining UQ-WECC interactions in rapidly urbanizing regions globally. Full article

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is a neurotropic alphaherpesvirus that interacts dynamically with host cells within structured tissue environments. Conventional two-dimensional (2D) cultures do not fully recapitulate these spatial and microenvironmental features. In this study, we established a three-dimensional (3D) culture system using the self-assembling peptide RADA16-I to generate an extracellular matrix–mimetic hydrogel scaffold. This platform supported the formation of stable Vero cell spheroids that remained viable for more than 30 days. Following HSV-1 infection, viral spread initiated at the spheroid periphery and progressively extended toward the core. Sustained viral replication was detected for up to 22 days, indicating long-term maintenance of infection within the 3D structure. Ultrastructural examination identified viral particles and vesicular compartments consistent with autophagy-related organelles. Comparative analysis of autophagy-associated markers revealed distinct temporal patterns between 2D monolayer cultures and 3D spheroids. In the 3D system, LC3B-II levels progressively increased, accompanied by a reduction in p62, suggesting altered regulation of autophagic flux relative to conventional 2D conditions. These findings demonstrate that the RADA16-I-based 3D culture model supports prolonged HSV-1 infection and reproduces key spatial features of viral dissemination. The differential autophagic responses observed between 2D and 3D systems highlight the influence of cellular architecture on host–virus interactions and support the application of 3D culture platforms for mechanistic studies of HSV-1 pathogenesis. Full article

Assessing urban resilience under compound shocks requires observable and comparable process evidence that can inform resilient land governance and cross-jurisdiction planning. Using China’s Pilot Free Trade Zones (PFTZs) as a staged institutional setting, this research examines whether institutional exposure is associated with deviation–recovery trajectories of urban activity during the 2020 COVID-19 shock and whether these associations propagate through spatial spillovers with an identifiable scale profile. Institutional exposure is operationalized by the prefecture-level cities actually covered by PFTZ functional areas. With harmonized administrative boundaries, we construct an annual city-level VIIRS nighttime light (NTL) series for 2013–2024 and treat NTL as an activity-change signal rather than a direct proxy for output. We trace shock deviation in 2020 and subsequent recovery via staged differencing. Spatial interaction frictions are represented by least-cost path distance (LCPD) derived from a multi-source cost surface, which is used to build a gravity-based spatial weight matrix. Estimation relies on the Spatial Durbin Model (SDM), with LeSage–Pace impact decomposition to distinguish direct and spillover effects, complemented by distance-threshold diagnostics to map attenuation patterns. Results indicate persistent clustering within the PFTZ-related urban system. The shock year is characterized by compressed connectivity and fragmented brightening, whereas recovery proceeds in a layered manner with earlier core repair, partial corridor reconnection, and weaker adjustment at the periphery. Spatial dependence in activity change is statistically significant. Associations linked to institutional exposure are realized primarily locally, while structural and scale conditions more readily operate through spatial externalities. Spillovers are most detectable at meso-scales and attenuate gradually across distance thresholds. Overall, the integrated earth-observation and spatial-econometric framework provides replicable geospatial evidence to support resilient land governance and regional coordination under common shocks. Full article

Urban protected areas are increasingly recognized as essential for human well-being, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience; however, their role in post-industrial cities remains insufficiently understood. To address this gap, we examine Văcărești Nature Park (VNP) (IUCN Category V), a 183-hectare urban wetland in Bucharest, Romania, formed through spontaneous ecological restoration within a post-industrial landscape. Using a mixed-methods approach that integrates ecological assessment, participatory mapping, and public perception analysis, we evaluate the park’s ecosystem services (ES) and social dynamics. Cultural ES—particularly recreation, wildlife observation, and biodiversity appreciation—dominate public valuation, while regulating services such as microclimate regulation are less recognized and provisioning services remain marginal. This pattern highlights the importance of experiential and relational values in shaping how urban nature is perceived and used. Spatial analysis reveals intensive use of biodiverse interior zones and the avoidance of peripheral areas, primarily driven by infrastructure degradation and perceived safety risks. The resulting core–periphery differentiation points to an uneven distribution of ES benefits with direct implications for urban ecosystem governance and social inclusiveness. Overall use is predominantly passive, centered on immersion in natural settings rather than interactive or educational engagement. By demonstrating how participatory surveys combined with spatial mapping can reveal both ES demand and latent governance challenges, this study shows that spontaneously restored urban wetlands can function as high-value, multifunctional assets and provide generally applicable insights for adaptive management in rapidly changing cities. Full article

As the “brain” of the information industry and modern manufacturing, chips have emerged as a focal point in global competition over critical technologies. Based on global chip trade data from 2010 to 2023, this study employs social network analysis to investigate the structural evolution of the chip trade network and applies the quadratic assignment procedure (QAP) to examine the driving mechanisms of network reconstruction. The findings are as follows: First, the global chip trade network exhibits a loosely connected core-periphery structure, characterized by clustering and polarization, with a pronounced short-term deglobalization trend. Second, China, the United States, Germany, France, South Korea, and Singapore have long dominated central positions in competitive dynamics, while developing economies such as Mexico, Malaysia, and the Philippines have significantly risen in prominence in recent years. Third, the network takes on a core–subcore–periphery configuration with clearly delineated trade communities, reflecting a community-based, multi-centric, and hierarchical pattern. Fourth, political relations serve as a key driver of network restructuring, with their promotional effect on chip trade being negatively moderated by technological distance yet positively moderated by economic-complexity distance. Full article

Food insecurity is not merely an outcome of individual deprivation but a place-based expression of how urban food systems operate within unequal socio-spatial contexts. Using the Drivers–Pressures–State–Impacts–Responses (DPSIR) framework as a policy-relevant analytical lens, this study examines the Metropolitan Region of Rome to show how structural inequalities and uneven food infrastructures shape exposure to food-related risks. The results show that vulnerability is amplified by food price inflation, the rising cost of a healthy diet, and spatial gaps in retail provision—captured through the combined presence of food deserts and food blackouts—disproportionately affecting peripheral municipalities. State indicators, including the Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES), the Food Affordability Index (FAI), and the spatial distribution of FEAD beneficiaries, reveal a markedly uneven geography of food poverty, mirroring a higher prevalence of overweight, obesity, and diabetes. These spatial configurations point to obesogenic environments in which constrained affordability and limited accessibility restrict the capacity to maintain healthy diets, generating hidden social and health costs that disproportionately burden peripheral areas. Overall, food insecurity in Rome follows a pronounced centre–periphery gradient rooted in structural and institutional arrangements rather than incidental variation. Addressing this condition requires place-based, justice-oriented interventions that strengthen food infrastructures, improve coordination across governance scales, and place food security at the core of an integrated metropolitan Food Policy. Full article

The aim of this study was to map global research on community-based strategies to reduce risky alcohol consumption and promote health, aiming to clarify growth, leading contributors, thematic structure, and integration with public-health frameworks. Using a PubMed corpus, we analyzed production, authorship, and collaboration indicators, built a thematic map (centrality/density) to identify core topics, and applied Multiple Correspondence Analysis to assess conceptual proximity between alcohol-specific and broader prevention domains. The dataset comprised 2607 documents across 916 sources, with output led by the USA, with substantial contributions from Australia, Canada, the UK, and rising activity in sub-Saharan Africa. The thematic map showed a mature core centered on adolescents and pregnancy, cross-cutting foundations in health education and sexual behavior with substance-related disorders, measurement-oriented niches at the periphery, and emerging work linking family planning. The Multiple Correspondence Analysis positioned alcohol-prevention terms close to health promotion, primary prevention, and epidemiology, with maternal–child health bridging community programs and clinical prevention. Overall, community-based alcohol prevention is expanding, globally distributed, and embedded in mainstream public-health practice. Limitations include the absence of citation data in PubMed, and future work should integrate citation-enabled databases and compare patterns across income groups. Full article

As sustainability was declared a priority goal of modern society, the basis for the assessment of Service- or Product-Service Systems is fundamental. The objective of this article is to identify and systematically categorize environmental and economic indicators, which are frequently highly cited in articles and proceedings. As eco-efficiency relates to both environmental impact and economic value, the indicators for each dimension have to be identified and selected in advance. In the case of Service- and Product-Service Systems, there is no overview of possible eco-efficiency indicators for the assessment. Therefore, this research aims to identify environmental and economic eco-efficiency indicators for the evaluation of Service- and Product-Service Systems. We searched Web of Science and Dimensions (1999–30 September 2025) and included 54 studies after screening. A systematic literature review was conducted, which resulted in the collection of 49 environmental and 25 economic indicators. These indicators were then grouped into twelve indicator groups and evaluated descriptively. Furthermore, the study reveals that eco-efficiency indicators for Services or Product-Service Systems are implemented to a limited extent. The co-occurrence analysis reveals a core-periphery-like structure. Environmental indicators form a dense core, while economic indicators are barely connected and weakly linked to the environmental dimension, indicating a fragmented and only partially integrated eco-efficiency assessment practice. Full article