Search Results (194)

Public spaces in peri-urban towns are becoming key focal points of urban regeneration in China due to their geographic advantages, resource endowments, and diverse populations. Substantial investments have been made to improve residents’ living environments and well-being. As over-commercialized urban centers increasingly face congestion and homogenization, the distinctive landscapes and authentic everyday life of peri-urban towns are attracting growing attention from tourists. Understanding both residents’ and visitors’ perceptions of these public spaces is therefore essential for successful regeneration. This study examines Nanquan Street, which lies ina peri-urban heritage town in Wuxi, Jiangnan region, China. Drawing on user-generated content from major Chinese social media platforms (Xiaohongshu and Dianping) and field observations guided by the AEIOU framework, a three-stage grounded theory approach was employed to identify the key factors influencing user satisfaction. The analysis identified twelve sub-dimensions grouped into three overarching categories: foundational preconditions, social developmental factors, and spatial-operational factors, which collectively shape sustained satisfaction in Peri-urban heritage towns. By translating the satisfaction model into sustainable design strategies, this study proposes a set of renewal pathways applicable not only to Nanquan Street but also to similar peri-urban towns facing comparable challenges. Emphasizing multi-user experience, low-intervention strategies, and contextual adaptability, this research contributes to theoretical understandings of sustainable renewal in peri-urban towns. It provides actionable guidance for balancing everyday life, cultural heritage, and sustainable tourism development. Full article

As the foundational carrier of socio-economic development and ecological security, territorial space reflects the degree of coordination between functional structure and efficiency output. However, most existing evaluation methods overlook the heterogeneous functional endowments of spatial units and therefore cannot reasonably assess the efficiency that each unit should achieve under comparable conditions. To address this limitation, this study proposes a function-oriented and interpretable framework for territorial spatial efficiency evaluation based on the Production–Living–Ecological (PLE) paradigm. An entropy-weighted indicator system is constructed to measure production, living, and ecological efficiency, and an XGBoost–SHAP model is developed to infer the nonlinear mapping between functional attributes and efficiency performance and to estimate the ideal efficiency of each spatial unit under Quanzhou’s prevailing macro-environment. By comparing ideal and observed efficiency, functional–efficiency deviations are identified and spatially diagnosed. The results show that territorial efficiency exhibits strong spatial heterogeneity: production and living efficiency concentrate in the southeastern coastal belt, whereas ecological efficiency dominates in the northwestern mountainous region. The mechanisms differ substantially across dimensions. Production efficiency is primarily driven by neighborhood living and productive conditions; living efficiency is dominated by structural inheritance and strengthened by service-related spillovers; and ecological efficiency depends overwhelmingly on local ecological endowments with additional neighborhood synergy. Approximately 45% of spatial units achieve functional–efficiency alignment, while peri-urban transition zones and hilly areas present significant negative deviations. This study advances territorial efficiency research by linking functional structure to efficiency generation through explainable machine learning, providing an interpretable analytical tool and actionable guidance for place-based spatial optimization and high-quality territorial governance. Full article

This study aimed to examine the potential influence of backyard poultry farming, which can be readily established in urban and peri-urban environments, on the production capacity of backyard poultry and its potential contribution to food security among low-income households. Publicly accessible secondary microdata from the 2022 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey were used. To account for the non-random nature of backyard poultry-keeping decisions, the Heckman selection model was applied to estimate both the probability of engaging in poultry farming and the number of birds raised. The study revealed that over 20% of urban households and more than 30% of the poorest 11% households engaged in poultry farming. Although the number of birds raised is generally lower, the proportion of households raising poultry is higher among poorer households than among wealthier households. Among the poorest 11% households, the estimated per capita production of meat and eggs from backyard poultry farming was expected to be 5.4 g and 6.8 g per day, respectively. Due to data constraints, we compare production estimates with stratum-level consumption averages, providing an indication of potential contribution rather than household-level self-sufficiency. This comparison suggests that backyard poultry could serve as an important supplementary source, potentially contributing to approximately 15% of meat consumption and 47% of egg consumption for participating households from the lowest income strata. Full article

The overconsumption of plastic packaging has alarming repercussions on the environment, notably through waste accumulation in public spaces and clogged drains. This study identifies factors driving plastic proliferation, analyzes their impacts, and proposes strategies for sustainable waste management. A cross-sectional design combined document review, field observations, and interviews with 156 households and 24 informants. Descriptive statistics characterized consumption patterns and service access. Impacts were assessed through litter hotspots, blocked drains, flood-prone points, and reported health risks. Households used five to six plastic bags daily, while collection coverage remained below 50%, sustaining persistent leakage. Findings reveal excessive reliance on plastics, shaped by technical, social, and institutional gaps, including weak segregation and limited pre-collection. Agoè-Nyivé 4, a fast-growing peri-urban commune within Greater Lomé, faces limited services but high consumption, making it a relevant case for rapidly growing municipalities. Yet the population often adopts counterproductive practices, hampering responsible waste management. A policy mix is outlined: expanding pre-collection and door-to-door services, integrating informal collectors, and targeted community sensitization. Without urgent interventions, plastic leakage will intensify environmental degradation, flooding, and health risks. The study recommends integrated policy measures to curb single-use dependence and foster a local circular economy. Full article

In Korea, rural regions increasingly function as peri-urban zones integrated into urban systems. To assess vulnerabilities in these transitional areas characterized by mixed land use and uneven access to infrastructure, this study developed a three-tiered peri-urban livability vulnerability framework by integrating the analytic hierarchy process and the entropy weight method. The results indicated that medical facilities, childcare and education centers, and village communities consistently emerged as key indicators, linking peri-urban livability directly to the stability of settlement environments and the quality of life of residents. Contrastingly, expert evaluations and data-driven outcomes related to road networks and agricultural infrastructure displayed substantial discrepancies, revealing gaps between perceived importance and actual provision levels. Such differences highlight the risk of underestimating infrastructure-related vulnerabilities when subjective assessments are employed exclusively. By synthesizing subjective and objective weights, this study advances urban and environmental analysis and supports evidence-based decision-making for policy prioritization. The findings demonstrate that peri-urban vulnerability is shaped less by productive capacity than by social infrastructure and community stability. This conclusion offers crucial insights for enhancing livability and guiding urban planning strategies. Full article

Environmental education (EE) is central to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly where inequalities constrain access to quality learning. Following PRISMA 2020, this review synthesizes 35 peer-reviewed studies and policy documents to examine Morocco’s EE policies and practices against global frameworks and post-pandemic challenges. A systematic search was conducted in Scopus, Web of Science, ERIC, ProQuest/EBSCO, Google Scholar, and national repositories (January 2000–December 2024; executed 15–17 March 2024). Findings show strong discursive alignment with SDG 4.7 and UNESCO’s ESD 2030 Roadmap but persistent implementation gaps: rural and peri-urban schools face resource shortages; teacher preparation for participatory, interdisciplinary approaches remains limited; and environmental clubs often rely on short-term projects without stable institutional support. The COVID-19 period exacerbated these pressures yet opened opportunities to integrate health–environment linkages, digital tools, and adaptive pedagogy. Equity reporting was limited (31% gender; 37% residence; 9% socio-economic status). Arabic-only records were identified (n = 42) and title/abstract-screened (n = 17) but excluded due to translation constraints (language bias). To advance transformative EE, we recommend prioritizing participatory, place-based teacher education; institutionalizing school clubs with light monitoring and baseline grants; targeting support to reduce territorial inequities; and developing an SDG-aligned national dashboard. Expanding longitudinal, quasi-experimental, and participatory designs is critical to strengthen causal claims and inform policy. Full article

Floods are among the most frequent and destructive natural hazards worldwide, with increasingly severe socioeconomic consequences due to rapid urbanization, land use changes, and climate variability. While the combination of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) with models such as HEC-RAS has been extensively explored for flood risk management, many existing studies remain limited to one-dimensional (1D) models or use coarse-resolution terrain data, often underestimating flood risk and failing to produce critical multivariate flood characteristics in densely built urban areas. This study applies a two-dimensional (2D) hydraulic modeling framework in HEC-RAS combined with GIS-based spatial analysis, using a high-resolution (1 × 1 m) LiDAR-derived Digital Terrain Model (DTM) and a hybrid mesh refined between 2 × 2 m and 8 × 8 m, with the main contributions represented by the specific application context and methodological choices. A key methodological aspect is the direct integration of synthetic hydrographs with defined exceedance probabilities (10%, 1%, and 0.1%) into the 2D model, thereby reducing the need for extensive hydrological simulations and defining a data-driven approach for resource-constrained environments. The primary novelty is the application of this high-resolution urban modeling framework to a Romanian urban–peri-urban setting, where detailed hydrological observations are scarce. Unlike previous studies in Romania, this approach applies detailed channel and floodplain discretization at high spatial resolution, explicitly incorporating anthropogenic features like buildings and detailed land use roughness for the accurate representation of local hydraulic dynamics. The resulting outputs (inundation extents, depths, and velocities) support risk assessment and spatial planning in the Ungheni locality (Iași County, Romania), providing a practical, transferable workflow adapted to data-scarce regions. Scenario results quantify vulnerability: for the 0.1% exceedance probability scenario (with a calibration accuracy of ±15–30 min deviation for peak flow timing), the flood risk may affect 882 buildings, 42 land parcels, and 13.5 km of infrastructure. This framework contributes to evidence-based decision-making for climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction strategies, improving urban resilience. Full article

Didelphis aurita is a widely distributed neotropical marsupial frequently found in peri-urban environments and known to harbor various pathogens, including hemoparasites of the genus Hepatozoon. However, the systemic physiological responses of naturally infected individuals remain poorly understood. This study aimed to characterize the serum proteomic profile of Didelphis aurita naturally infected with Hepatozoon sp., providing insights into host–parasite interactions and potential biomarkers of infection. Serum samples were analyzed using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), followed by functional annotation based on Gene Ontology and KEGG pathway enrichment. A total of 67 proteins were identified, 33 of which were exclusive to infected animals. The most abundant proteins included albumin, hemoglobin subunits, and venom metalloproteinase inhibitors (DM43 and DM64). Functional enrichment revealed significant involvement in complement and coagulation cascades, protease inhibition, antioxidant defense, and extracellular vesicle localization. Key proteins such as fibrinogen, plasminogen, antithrombin, SERPIN family members, vitronectin, and fibronectin suggest an integrated host response involving hemostasis, inflammation control, and tissue remodeling. This is the first report of the serum proteome of Didelphis aurita naturally infected with Hepatozoon sp. Despite the absence of protein validation, the findings provide novel insights into marsupial immunophysiology and offer a foundation for future biomarker research and ecoimmunological surveillance in synanthropic species. Full article

Microplastic (MP) pollution in urban areas is a growing global concern due to its health risks and environmental effects. This study investigates the sources, spatial distribution, and health risks of MPs in road dust across industrial, capital city, and peri-urban areas of Bangladesh. Street dust samples were collected from 15 heavily congested traffic sites across Dhaka and its surrounding areas. The samples were analyzed using fluorescence microscopy and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to identify MP types and their morphological characteristics. We have identified six types of polymers, including Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP), Polystyrene (PS), Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) and High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), with industrial areas exhibiting the highest levels of MPs followed by capital city and peri-urban zones. PP was the most prevalent MP polymer, with the highest level in industrial areas (14.1 ± 1.7 MPs/g), followed by capital city (9.6 ± 1.92 MPs/g) and peri-urban areas (7.2 ± 1.56 MPs/g). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) identified traffic emissions, industrial activities, and mismanaged plastic waste as the primary sources of MPs. Health risk evaluations indicated that children are more susceptible to MP exposure through ingestion and inhalation, with industrial areas posing the highest carcinogenic risk. The findings underscore the pressing demand for better waste management systems and stricter regulatory measures to mitigate MP pollution and safeguard public health in urban environments. Addressing these challenges is essential to reduce the growing threat of MPs and their long-term effects on ecosystems and human well-being. Full article

Bats host a wide range of viruses, including several high-profile pathogens of humans and other animals. The COVID-19 pandemic raised the level of concern regarding the risk of spillover of bat-borne viruses to humans and, conversely, human-borne viruses to bats. From August 2020 to July 2021, we conducted viral surveillance on 254 bats from 10 species across urban, periurban, and rural environments in New Mexico, USA. We used a pan-coronavirus RT-PCR to assay rectal swabs and performed metagenomic sequencing on a representative subset of 14 rectal swabs and colon samples. No coronaviruses were detected by either RT-PCR or metagenomic sequencing. However, four novel viruses were identified: an adenovirus (proposed name lacepfus virus, LCPV), an adeno-associated virus (AAV), an astrovirus (AstV), and a genomovirus (GV). LCPV, detected in a big brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus), is more closely related to canine adenoviruses than to other bat adenoviruses, suggesting historical transmission between bats and dogs. All virus-positive bats were either juvenile or adult individuals captured in urban environments; none exhibited obvious clinical signs of disease. Our findings suggest limited or no circulation of enzootic coronaviruses or SARS-CoV-2 in southwestern U.S. bat populations during the study period. The discovery of a genetically distinct adenovirus related to canine adenoviruses highlights the potential for cross-species viral transmission and underscores the value of continued virome surveillance in animals living with and near humans. Full article

Unsafe disposal of unused and expired antimicrobial drugs increases their presence in the environment, thereby contributing to the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance. This study addressed the lack of sufficient data on unused and expired antimicrobial disposal practices among peri-urban residents in Ghana. This knowledge–attitude–practice (KAP)-based study offers context-specific insights to inform public health education and antimicrobial disposal policy interventions. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 310 residents in the Ho municipality using a well-structured questionnaire. Data was collected on the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of households on how they dispose of unused and leftover antimicrobials. Origin Pro 2022 software was used to analyze the data. Many respondents were males (n = 175, 56.5%) and aged between 18 and 30 years (n = 196, 63.2%). About 87.1% (n = 270) of the respondents agreed that improper disposal of unused antimicrobials could negatively affect the environment. Most of the respondents (71.9%, n = 223) had not received counseling on recommended antimicrobial disposal; 75.5% (n = 234) of respondents were not aware of institutions collecting unused or expired medicines; and 73.5% (n = 228) had never participated in a medicine-return program. Discarding antimicrobials into household trash bins was the most common way of disposal among respondents. The preferred sites to return unused/leftover antimicrobials were community pharmacies and hospitals. Although respondents showed some knowledge and positive attitudes toward safe antimicrobial disposal, further education is needed. Furthermore, most respondents disposed of antimicrobials in household trash, highlighting the need for take-back programs and community pharmacy-based collection. Incorporating disposal guidance into medication counseling and patient information leaflets can enhance awareness and promote appropriate practices. Full article

The large-scale deployment of wind energy underscores the critical need for accurate resource characterization to reduce uncertainty in power estimates and to enable the installation of wind farms in increasingly complex terrains. Accurate wind resource assessment in peri-urban and moderately complex terrains remains a significant challenge due to spatial heterogeneity in surface terrain features and atmospheric thermal stability. This study investigates the influence of surface complexity and atmospheric stratification on vertical wind profiles at a utility-scale wind turbine site in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. One year of multi-level wind data from a 106-meter-tall meteorological tower were analyzed to quantify variations in the wind shear exponent $\alpha$, wind direction veer, and horizontal turbulence intensity (TI) across open-field and complex-surface wind sectors and four thermal stability classes, defined by the bulk Richardson number $R{i}_b$. The results show that the wind shear exponent $\alpha$ increases systematically with atmospheric stability. Over the open-field terrain, $\alpha$ ranges from 0.11 in unstable conditions to 0.45 in strongly stable conditions, compared to 0.17 and 0.40 over the complex surface. A pronounced diurnal variation in $\alpha$ was observed, particularly during the summer months. Wind veer was greatest and exceeded 30° under strongly stable conditions over open terrain. Elevated TI values peaked at 32 m in height due to flow separation and wake turbulence from nearby vegetation and sloping terrain. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating terrain-induced and thermally driven variability into wind resource assessments to improve power prediction and turbine siting in complex heterogeneous terrain environments. Full article

Various scientific disciplines (economics, geography, sociology, urban planning, and environmental sciences) have analysed industrialization processes in peri-urban environments. This has given rise to a wide and diverse bibliography on which this bibliometric study, using the most advanced computer tools, offers a comprehensive overview that helps to structure existing knowledge. To this end, the Web of Science and Scopus databases were used, which, after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria and detecting duplicate works, identified a total of 626 documents involving 1484 authors. The results identify two basic lines of research, each relating to the processes of urbanization and industrialization. They also show that, since the approval of the SDGs by the UN in 2015, studies on industrialization in peri-urban environments have been growing significantly. Chinese scientific output stands out among the proliferation of these works. This study also offers a dynamic view of the lines of work that could experience greater future development and that are associated with the challenges inherent in the processes of urbanization and industrialization. Among the former are problems arising from migration or access to housing; among the latter are the challenges of land use transformation, environmental problems, and those linked to inequality. Full article

The measure of access to urban green space (UGS) informs planning and expectations for implementation, leading to suggested strategies for optimising UGS integration to urban planning to counteract sprawl developments. The article studies the meaning of access to UGS and the importance of UGS type, selection and configuration for urban planning. A literature review guided by the refined wilding (RW) concept analyses common uses and understandings of access to UGS, and the UGS types often studied and recommended. The studies reviewed are from several different countries. This conceptual guidance is explained for its role in improving sustainable urbanisation and lowering risks most responsible for the challenges faced. The meaning of access to UGS as mitigative effects and therapeutic benefits provides scope for optimised measures, monitoring, planning and design of different UGS across different urban plans and developments. Functional connectivity across UGS and transparent spaces with increases in or reserved UGS, no matter the urban development, densification, redesign of sprawl, suburbanisation or other vertical or horizontal expansions in the urban built environment is recommended. Conclusions provide discussions relevant to recommendations and strategies for planning that can decrease fragmentation and loss of natural landscape, including how peri-urban functionally connects to UGS, and an understanding of the benefits of distanced UGS access. The lessons and recommendations from existing studies of well-intentioned plans for UGS in densification planning inform recommendations and strategies for improved implementation. RW provides conceptual guidance for analysis and for urban green planning. The objective of functional urban biodiversity could provide a basis for a standard for UGS in urban planning to ensure long-term positive outcomes. Full article