Defining pathways to healthy sustainable urban development

Association of urbanization-related factors with tuberculosis incidence among 1992 counties in China from 2005 to 2019: a nationwide observational study

BACKGROUND

Most high tuberculosis (TB) burden countries are in low- and middle-income regions undergoing rapid urbanization. We aimed to assess the association between urbanization factors and TB incidence in China.

METHODS

We evaluated urbanization at the county level in China from 2005 to 2019 using a composite index integrating population density, gross domestic product (GDP, per capita), hospital beds per 1000 population, nighttime light (NTL), and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). The annual incidence rate and number of TB cases were obtained from the national Tuberculosis Information Management System, maintained by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Fixed-effects models were used to examine the association between urbanization factors and TB incidence. A subgroup analysis was performed by dividing counties into four regions: northeast, eastern, central, and western.

RESULTS

A total of 1992 counties in China were included in this study. Overall, urbanization scores were associated with reduced TB incidence (β = - 0.0114, P < 0.001), corresponding to a 1.1% reduction in TB incidence per unit score. Quadratic models presented a U-shaped relationship between urbanization and TB incidence with an inflection point at 52.94 urbanization units. For each indicator of urbanization, population density and the number of hospital beds were positively associated with TB incidence, with incidence rate ratios of 11.384 [95% confidence interval (CI): 9.337 to 13.881], and 1.015 (95% CI: 1.011 to 1.019), respectively, while GDP, NTL, and NDVI exhibited protective effects. Central China displayed an increase trend that urbanization score was linked to a 1.8% rise in TB incidence.

CONCLUSIONS

Urbanization-related factors, including GDP, NTL and NDVI, were inversely associated with TB incidence. Central China's contrasting results highlighted region-specific challenges. Therefore, governments in developing countries should adopt integrated approaches that promote both economic growth and sustainable development of environment during urbanization to optimize TB control efforts.

The epidemiologic case for urban health: conceptualizing and measuring the magnitude of challenges and potential benefits

We discuss how epidemiology has been and can continue to be used to advance understanding of the links between urban areas and health informed by an existing urban-health conceptual framework. This framework considers urban areas as contexts for health, determinants of health and modifiers of health pathways, and part of a complex system that affects health. We highlight opportunities for descriptive epidemiology to inform the context of urban health, for example, by characterizing the social and physical environments that give rise to health and the actions that change those conditions. We then describe inferential tools for evaluating the impact of group-level actions (e.g., interventions, policies) on urban health, providing some examples, and describing assumptions and challenges. Finally, we discuss opportunities and challenges of applying systems thinking and methods to advance urban health. While different conceptual frames lead to different insights, each perspective demonstrates that urban health is a major and growing challenge. The effectiveness of urban health knowledge, action, and policy as the world continues to urbanize can be informed by applying and expanding upon research and surveillance methods described here.

High-resolution isotopic data link settlement complexification to infant diets within the Roman Empire

Our study explores the potential relationship between infant feeding practices and settlement complexity in the Roman Empire through high-resolution Bayesian-modeled stable isotope measurements from incremental dentine. We compiled isotopic data from permanent first molars of individuals from various Roman sites: five from Bainesse (UK), 30 from Thessaloniki (Greece), along with new carbon and nitrogen isotope analyses from four individuals from Pompeii and six from Ostia Via del Mare (AVM). Our results reveal significant inter-site variability in breastfeeding durations, ranging from 1.5 years to approximately 5 years. Notably, individuals from the highly complex urban centers of Pompeii and Thessaloniki ceased breastfeeding around or below the 2-year weaning threshold recommended by Roman physicians. In contrast, individuals from the rural site of Ostia AVM and the site of Bainesse, near the northern frontier of the Roman Empire, generally ceased breastfeeding after 2 years of age. The link between settlement complexity and duration of breastfeeding observed in our study may have resulted from adherence to medical guidelines, support infrastructures, and/or strategies to mitigate financial constraints within households.

The impact of urban agglomeration planning on depression in older adults

Introduction

The residential environment significantly impacts the mental health of older adults. Urban agglomeration planning, while fostering regional economic development, also influences the psychological well-being of this demographic.

Methods

This study investigates the effects of urban agglomeration planning on depression levels in older adults, utilizing cohort data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) and the multi-temporal double-difference-in-differences (DID) model.

Results

Our findings reveal that urban agglomeration planning alleviates depression by enhancing green spaces, improving air quality, and advancing digital infrastructure development. Moreover, these benefits are particularly pronounced among older females, residents of Central and Western regions, and those with lower educational attainment.

Conclusion

Based on our research findings, we recommend expediting the dissemination of urban agglomeration construction experiences to alleviate depression among older adults. In the implementation of policies, it is essential to consider objective conditions such as geographical location and educational level. The formulation of differentiated urban agglomeration planning to promote mental health among older adults.

Commentary: A road map for future data-driven urban planning and environmental health research

Recent advances in data science and urban environmental health research utilise large-scale databases (100s-1000s of cities) to explore the complex interplay of urban characteristics such as city form and size, climate, mobility, exposure, and environmental health impacts. Cities are still hotspots of air pollution and noise, suffer urban heat island effects and lack of green space, which leads to disease and mortality burdens preventable with better knowledge. Better understanding through harmonising and analysing data in large numbers of cities is essential to identifying the most effective means of disease prevention and understanding context dependencies important for policy.

"A place where I have lost and made friends": A photovoice study on adolescents' perspectives on health in a new residential development area in Munich, Germany

Worldwide, the number and proportion of people living in cities continue to grow. Building new districts creates opportunities for designing urban environments that promote the health of their residents from the get-go. In this study, we used the photovoice methodology to explore the perspectives of adolescents on health and well-being in a new urban development area in Munich, Germany. Eleven adolescents aged 13-19 years were recruited in the new residential development area of Freiham on the Southwestern outskirts of Munich. Participants were given ten days to take photographs in the study area, focusing on objects or sceneries they considered to be important for their health. We then conducted qualitative interviews related to these photographs. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis. We identified eight recurring themes: emotional well-being, meeting peers, being physically active, growing as a person, safety, waste, development of the urban environment, aesthetics of the urban environment. Adolescents highlighted aspects of mental and social health when assessing the urban environment. Interacting with other young people was an important reason for our participants to visit public places. Public health professionals and urban planners should consider the specific needs of this age group when building new urban areas, and especially provide safe and clean public spaces that adolescents can use for recreation and social interactions.

Spatial and temporal changes of air quality in Shandong Province from 2016 to 2022 and model prediction

This study investigates the spatial and temporal dynamics of air quality in Shandong Province from 2016 to 2022. The Air Quality Index (AQI) showed a seasonal pattern, with higher values in winter due to temperature inversions and heating emissions, and lower values in summer aided by favorable dispersion conditions. The AQI improved significantly, decreasing by approximately 39.4 % from 6.44 to 3.90. Coastal cities exhibited better air quality than inland areas, influenced by industrial activities and geographical features. For instance, Zibo's geography restricts pollutant dispersion, resulting in poor air quality. CO levels remained stable, while O3 increased seasonally due to photochemical reactions in summer, with correlation coefficients indicating a strong positive correlation with temperature (r = 0.65). Winter saw elevated NO2 levels linked to heating and vehicular emissions, with an observed increase in correlation with AQI (r = 0.78). PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations were higher in colder months due to heating and atmospheric dust, showing a significant decrease of 45 % and 40 %, respectively, over the study period. Predictive modeling forecasts continued air quality improvements, contingent on sustained policy enforcement and technological advancements. This approach provides a comprehensive framework for future air quality management and improvement.

Exploring the nexus of urban form, transport, environment and health in large-scale urban studies: A state-of-the-art scoping review

BACKGROUND

As the world becomes increasingly urbanised, there is recognition that public and planetary health relies upon a ubiquitous transition to sustainable cities. Disentanglement of the complex pathways of urban design, environmental exposures, and health, and the magnitude of these associations, remains a challenge. A state-of-the-art account of large-scale urban health studies is required to shape future research priorities and equity- and evidence-informed policies.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this review was to synthesise evidence from large-scale urban studies focused on the interaction between urban form, transport, environmental exposures, and health. This review sought to determine common methodologies applied, limitations, and future opportunities for improved research practice.

METHODS

Based on a literature search, 2958 articles were reviewed that covered three themes of: urban form; urban environmental health; and urban indicators. Studies were prioritised for inclusion that analysed at least 90 cities to ensure broad geographic representation and generalisability. Of the initially identified studies, following expert consultation and exclusion criteria, 66 were included.

RESULTS

The complexity of the urban ecosystem on health was evidenced from the context dependent effects of urban form variables on environmental exposures and health. Compact city designs were generally advantageous for reducing harmful environmental exposure and promoting health, with some exceptions. Methodological heterogeneity was indicative of key urban research challenges; notable limitations included exposure and health data at varied spatial scales and resolutions, limited availability of local-level sociodemographic data, and the lack of consensus on robust methodologies that encompass best research practice.

CONCLUSION

Future urban environmental health research for evidence-informed urban planning and policies requires a multi-faceted approach. Advances in geospatial and AI-driven techniques and urban indicators offer promising developments; however, there remains a wider call for increased data availability at local-levels, transparent and robust methodologies of large-scale urban studies, and greater exploration of urban health vulnerabilities and inequities.

Psychometric properties of the newly developed self-report environmental determinants of health questionnaire (EDH-Q): development and validation

BACKGROUND

The environmental determinants of health (EDH) have a significant impact on people's physical, mental, and social wellbeing. Everyone needs access to environmental resources of all types, including food, materials, and energy, to survive. Currently, no valid and reliable instrument exists for evaluating individuals' perceived levels of EDH. Hence, the purpose of this study was to develop and validate the environmental determinants of health questionnaire (EDH-Q) among undergraduate students in Nigeria.

METHOD

We conducted a cross-sectional survey among undergraduate students in Nigeria to assess the psychometric properties of the newly developed Environmental Determinants of Health Questionnaire (EDH-Q). Respondents were selected using a convenience sampling approach to evaluate their perceptions of environmental determinants of health. The Content Validity Index (CVI) and Face Validity Index (FVI) were calculated to ascertain the scale's content validity and response process validity, respectively. Additionally, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), composite reliability (CR), average variance extracted (AVE), Cronbach's alpha, and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were computed to assess the scale's construct validity.

RESULTS

The study involved 300 respondents in the EFA (males 55.7%, females 44.3%) and 430 respondents in the CFA (males 54.0%, females 46.0%). In the EFA, two constructs were identified (the natural environment and the built environment). The EFA model was able to explain 63.57% of the total cumulative variance, and the factor correlation was 0.671. The whole scale Cronbach's alpha value was 0.947, while the two constructs' Cronbach's alpha values were 0.918 (natural environment) and 0.935 (built environment). In the CFA, six pairs of error covariances were included between items within the same construct to improve the fit indices of the initial proposed measurement model. The final re-specified measurement model showed that the EDH-Q, which has two constructs and 18 items, has adequate construct validity (CFI = 0.948, TLI = 0.938, SRMR = 0.046, RMSEA = 0.052, and RMSEA p-value = 0.344). The CRs were 0.845 (natural environment) and 0.854 (built environment). The ICCs were 0.976 (natural environment) and 0.970 (built environment).

CONCLUSION

The results show that the newly created EDH-Q has sufficient construct validity and may be utilized to assess participants' perceptions of their level of EDH. Researchers should examine this instrument in populations with different age ranges and other demographic characteristics, as the present study only applied it to undergraduate students who may share similar characteristics.

The spatial heterogeneity of urban green space distribution and configuration in Lilongwe City, Malawi

Urban green spaces provide several benefits related to the quality of urban life. The existence and spatial arrangement of these spaces within neighbourhoods and functional land uses have significant implications for the well-being of urban dwellers. Previous studies on green spaces in urban areas of Malawi have focused on a broader and macro-level perspective, offering insightful information on general trends in different cities. However, there is a significant research shortage in localised understanding, which requires carrying out micro-level assessments concentrating on land use zones and neighbourhoods within these cities. In this study, we used remote sensing data and landscape metrics to understand the distribution and configuration of urban green spaces in the city's neighbourhoods and functional land uses and their relationship with urban form. The study revealed that 20% of neighbourhoods fail to meet the WHO-recommended standard of 9 m2 of green space per person, with a predominant concentration of these undersupplied areas in high-density and quasi-residential zones. In addition, 56.2% of Lilongwe City's total green area was contained under functional land uses. Particularly, high-rise residential, medium-density residential, low-density residential, quasi-residential, high-rise flat area, commercial class, high-rise commercial, heavy industry, light industry, and government land use zones contained 17.3%, 12.0%, 22.2%, 12.0%, 4.1%, 6.4%, 6.1%, 5.0%, 1.6%, and 13.3% of the total green spaces in functional land uses, respectively. Importantly, this research found significant correlations between urban form metrics, namely building coverage, building density, building perimeter area ratio, road density, and the distribution and configuration of urban green spaces. This necessitates an integrated approach to urban planning and design, emphasising the importance of balancing development with green space preservation.

How urban growth dynamics impact the air quality? A case of eight Indian metropolitan cities

Air pollution is a matter of great significance that confronts the sustainable progress of urban areas. Against India's swift urbanization, several urban areas exhibit the coexistence of escalating populace and expansion in developed regions alongside extensive spatial heterogeneity. The interaction mechanism between the growth of urban areas and the expansion of cities holds immense importance for the remediation of air pollution. Henceforth, the present investigation utilizes geographically weighted regression (GWR) to examine the influence of urban expansion and population growth on air quality. The examination will use a decade of data on the variation in PM2.5 levels from 2010 to 2020 in eight Indian metropolitan cities. The study's findings demonstrate a spatial heterogeneity between urban growth dynamics and air pollution levels. Urban growth and the expansion of cities demonstrate notable positive impacts on air quality, although the growth of infilling within expanding urban areas can significantly affect air quality. Given the unique trajectories of urban development in developing countries, this research provides many suggestions for urban administrators to foster sustainable urban growth.

The coupling coordination characteristics of China's health production efficiency and new urbanization and its influencing factors

Urbanization leads to dramatic changes in habitat quality, which significantly affects population health. Research on the coupling coordination relationship between new urbanization and health production efficiency is conducive to improving residents' well-being and urban sustainable development. In this article, we adopted the super-efficient SBM model and entropy value method separately to evaluate the spatiotemporal variation characteristics of health production efficiency and new urbanization in China. Then, we used the coupling coordination degree model to investigate the interactive coercing relationship between new urbanization and health production efficiency. Finally, the panel Tobit model is used to analyze the factors influencing the coupled coordination of the two systems. The results showed that the new urbanization levels of 31 provinces in China have all steadily increased from 2003 to 2018. Health production efficiency exhibited a fluctuating but increasing trend, and its regional differences are gradually narrowing. Health production efficiency and new urbanization have developed in a more coordinated direction, with a spatial pattern of "high in the southeast and low in the northwest." Meanwhile, the relative development characteristics between the two systems have constantly changed, from the new urbanization lagged type to the two systems synchronized type and the health production efficiency lagged type. Population density, economic development level, government financial investment, and government health investment positively impact the coupling coordination degree of the two systems. In comparison, individual health investment harms the harmonization of the two systems.

The resilience-sustainability-quality of life nexus

Social-ecological resilience (SER), sustainability (SUS) and quality of life including wellbeing (QOL) are distinct but highly interconnected goals that are essential for human survival, development, and adaptation to environmental and socioeconomic changes. However, these goals are often addressed in silos or pairs, and a framework explicitly linking all three is currently lacking. In this paper, we present the SER-SUS-QOL nexus framework and discuss how social and ecological changes affect these goals. The main thrust of this nexus is that efforts toward SER and SUS need to be explicitly framed in terms of the ultimate goal, which has to be the QOL of the present and future generations. We contend that critically assessing the dynamic interplay between SER, SUS and QOL, as well as the factors impacting them, can help promote transformative governance and planning in the contemporary era. Understanding the multifaceted interrelationship between these goals is crucial to empower planners and decision-makers to navigate the complexities of our rapidly changing world and address the challenges brought by interrelated social and ecological changes. To deepen our understanding of this nexus, more research is needed on various issues, including, but not limited to, trade-offs and synergies, cascading effects, spatiotemporal dynamics of SER, SUS and QOL outcomes, potential inconsistencies between SER and transformative changes toward SUS, and the role of local/indigenous/traditional ecological knowledge in transformative governance and planning.

Urbanicity and child health in 26 sub-Saharan African countries: Settlement type and its association with mortality and morbidity

Urbanization and changing settlement patterns have affected health environments in African countries. A profound understanding of the intricate association between urbanicity and health is imperative for formulating effective interventions. This study aims to classify settlement types based on urbanicity and assess their effects on child health in 26 African countries, utilizing data from the Demographic and Health Survey and the Global Human Settlements Layer. The advanced settlement classification incorporates a multidimensional urbanicity scale and globally standardized urban extents, along with identifying urban slums. This approach derives six distinct settlement types: urban center, urban cluster, deprived urban settlement, rural town, rural cluster, and rural village. A multilevel logistic regression model examines the relationship between settlement types and health outcomes, encompassing mortality, fever, anemia, diarrhea, and cough in children under five. The analysis reveals that children living in rural villages and deprived urban settlements face a high burden of adverse health conditions. However, the size and direction of urbanicity's effects vary depending on the specific outcome. These findings highlight the significance of tailored interventions acknowledging health environments within each settlement to promote health equity.

[City Planning, Urban Initiatives and Health]

Urban planning and public health are main fields of action when looking at urban development from a health perspective. In both fields of action, politics and administration as well as urban initiatives play a formative role. Action is oriented towards common overarching themes of sustainability, social justice and environmental justice. These commonalities are reflected in different memoranda. Despite the common basis of urban planning and health, there are areas of tension that are rooted, among other things, in different legal frameworks and logic of action. Against this complex background, recommendations are formulated for science, the funding landscape, practice as well as education and training in these areas.

Research on the relationship between population distribution pattern and urban industrial facility agglomeration in China

Investigating the impact of industrial facility agglomeration on population distribution provides valuable insights for advancing urban and regional development, as well as aiding in planning, forecasting, and achieving regional equilibrium. However, there remains a notable gap in understanding the influence and mechanisms of industrial facility agglomeration on population distribution, particularly when considering different industry types and diverse regions comprehensively. Additionally, conventional panel data used to assess industrial facility agglomeration are constrained by limitations in coverage and timeliness. In contrast, Point of Interest (POI) data offers a superior solution with its real-time, fine-grained, and innovative advantages. This study utilizes real-time and fine-grained POI data in conjunction with the LandScan population raster dataset to precisely assess industrial facility agglomeration in 352 administrative units at the prefecture level and above in China. The key findings of this research can be summarized as follows: (1) factors influencing urban population growth rates have evolved, with increased significance attributed to Government Agencies and Social Groups, alongside a consistent impact from Science, Education, and Cultural Services. (2) The correlation between industrial facility agglomerations and population growth rates displayed linear relationships in 2015 and 2021, with varying strengths and directional shifts. (3) Regional disparities in industrial facility agglomeration patterns underscore the necessity for customized strategies to optimize industrial structures, foster innovation-driven sectors, and promote sustainable population growth.

Joint associations and pathways from greenspace, traffic-related air pollution, and noise to poor self-rated general health: A population-based study in Sofia, Bulgaria

BACKGROUND

Little is still known of how multiple urban exposures interact as health determinants. This study investigated various ways in which greenspace, traffic-related air pollution, and noise could operate together, influencing general health status.

METHODS

In 2022, a cross-sectional population-based survey was conducted in Sofia, Bulgaria. Included were 917 long-term adult residents who completed questionnaires on poor self-rated health (PSRH), total time spent in physical activity (PA), home garden presence, time spent in urban greenspace and nature, and sociodemographics. Residential greenspace was operationalized using the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), tree cover density, number of trees, and access to local greenspace and parks. Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) was modeled for the study area. Road traffic, railway, and aircraft day-evening-night sound levels (L_den) were extracted from EU noise maps. Area-level income and urbanicity were considered. Analyses included multivariate ordinal regressions, interactions, and structural equation modeling (SEM).

RESULTS

Associations with PSRH were per 0.10 NDVI _300 m: OR = 0.65 (0.42-1.01), home garden: OR = 0.72 (0.49-1.07), per 5 μg/m³ NO₂: OR = 1.57 (1.00-2.48), per 5 dB(A) L_den road traffic: OR = 1.06 (0.91-1.23), railway: OR = 1.11 (1.03-1.20), and aircraft: OR = 1.22 (1.11-1.34). Spending >30 min/week in nature related to better health. In multi-exposure models, only associations with aircraft and railway L_den persisted. People with lower education and financial difficulties or living in poorer districts experienced some exposures stronger. In SEM, time spent in nature and PA mediated the effect of greenspace.

CONCLUSIONS

Greenspace was associated with better general health, with time spent in nature and PA emerging as intermediate pathways. NO₂, railway, and aircraft noise were associated with poorer general health. These results could inform decision-makers, urban planners, and civil society organizations facing urban development problems. Mitigation and abatement policies and measures should target socioeconomically disadvantaged citizens.

Neurobiological effects of urban built and natural environment on mental health: systematic review

Although rapid global urbanization improves people in many ways, it also increases the prevalence of major mental disorders in urban communities. Exposure to natural surroundings, whether real or virtual, on the other hand, has been found to reduce arousal and stress. The purpose of this study is to provide an overview of the existing literature on how brain function changes when exposed to natural and urban settings. As a highly effective technique for determining human brain activity, this review considers literature using neuroimaging techniques, i.e., electroencephalography (EEG), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). SCOPUS and PubMed were searched for peer-reviewed literature published prior to September 2021. Twenty-six sources were included, returning 263 papers; 18 empirical articles published from 1991 to 2021 were included in the final synthesis. EEG findings were generally consistent with those obtained from fMRI/NIRS data. Natural settings were linked to greater alpha EEG values and fewer demands on information processing and stronger functional connectivity in fMRI/NIRS studies, which indicate feelings of relaxation and restoration. These findings offer a better understanding of the functional activities during environmental exposures and also imply that nature exposure improves cognitive functions and mental health.

Premature mortality attributable to NO2 exposure in cities and the role of built environment: A global analysis

BACKGROUND

Environmental risks accumulate in cities, including polluted air and health disparities, but these risks can be reduced through scientific city planning. The purpose of this study was to investigate the global burden of premature mortality attributable to NO₂ exposure in urban areas and the role of the built environment in this regard.

METHODS

An approach based on health impact assessment was used to estimate the premature mortality burdens associated with NO₂ exposure in 13,169 urban areas around the world using globally gridded NO₂ and population estimates, baseline mortality, and epidemiologically derived exposure-response functions. We used the most recent WHO recommended value (i.e.,10 μg/m³) as a counterfactual concentration. Finally, the relationship between the characteristics of the built environment at the city level and the burden of NO₂-related mortality was evaluated.

RESULTS

Worldwide, 549,715(95%CI: 276204-815,023) cases of death attributable to NO₂ exposure in urban areas could be prevented if compliance with the latest WHO guideline, accounting for 2.7 % (95%CI:1.4 %-4.0 %) of total mortalities in 2019. Across cities around the world, the age-standardized mortality rate (per 100,000 people) attributable to NO₂ exposure ranged from 51.3 (95%CI:25.8-76.0) in Central Asia to 3.4(95%CI: 1.7-5.1) in Oceania. Although there was a significant decrease in premature mortality attributable to NO₂ exposure globally, considerable regional heterogeneity exists, with cities in Central Asia and Andean Latin America in particular exhibiting an upward trend. Further, we discovered a positive association between population density and street connectivity with mortality attributable to NO₂. While the increase in green and blue space were significantly associated with a lower NO₂-associated mortality.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study provided a comprehensive understanding of the premature mortality burden due to NO₂ in cities throughout the world and the role that urban planning policies can play in reducing the health burden associated with air pollution.

The Role of the COVID-19 Crisis in Shaping Urban Planning for Improved Public Health: A Triangulated Study

This paper aims to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the link between urban planning practices and public health. A triangulated study was conducted to gain a comprehensive understanding of the topic. The first phase consisted of semi-structured interviews with health and urban planning experts, which were analyzed with the aid of Artificial Intelligence tools. The second phase involved an on-site investigation in the city of Algiers, including a survey, site visits, and a thorough analysis of the master plan for land use and urban planning. The findings emphasize the critical importance of a comprehensive health-centric approach to city design, improved governance and management practices, community involvement, and political commitment to prioritize health in urban planning. Furthermore, the results proved a strong correlation between prioritizing public health in urban planning practices and residents' satisfaction with the city's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In conclusion, it is necessary to consider public health as a priority in urban planning practices and as a need for all stakeholders to work towards a healthier and more equitable urban environment.

Cellular mechanisms linking to outdoor and indoor air pollution damage during pregnancy

Pregnancies are a critical window period for environmental influences over the mother and the offspring. There is a growing body of evidence associating indoor and outdoor air pollution exposure to adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preterm birth and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Particulate matter (PM) could trigger oxi-inflammation and could also reach the placenta leading to placental damage with fetal consequences. The combination of strategies such as risk assessment, advise about risks of environmental exposures to pregnant women, together with nutritional strategies and digital solutions to monitor air quality can be effective in mitigating the effects of air pollution during pregnancy.

Cities and neuroscience research: A systematic literature review

Background

Cities are becoming the socio-economic hubs for most of the world's population. Understanding how our surroundings can mentally affect everyday life has become crucial to integrate environmental sustainability into urban development. The present review aims to explore the empirical studies investigating neural mechanisms underlying cognitive and emotional processes elicited by the exposure to different urban built and natural spaces. It also tries to identify new research questions and to leverage neurourbanism as a framework to achieve healthier and sustainable cities.

Methods

By following the PRISMA framework, we conducted a structured search on PubMed, ProQuest, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. Only articles related to how urban environment-built or natural-affects brain activity through objective measurement (with either imaging or electrophysiological techniques) were considered. Further inclusion criteria were studies on human adult populations, peer-reviewed, and in English language.

Results

Sixty-two articles met the inclusion criteria. They were qualitatively assessed and analyzed to determine the main findings and emerging concepts. Overall, the results suggest that urban built exposure (when compared to natural spaces) elicit activations in brain regions or networks strongly related to perceptual, attentional, and (spatial) cognitive demands. The city's-built environment also triggers neural circuits linked to stress and negative affect. Convergence of these findings was observed across neuroscience techniques, and for both laboratory and real-life settings. Additionally, evidence also showed associations between neural social stress processing with urban upbringing or current city living-suggesting a mechanistic link to certain mood and anxiety disorders. Finally, environmental diversity was found to be critical for positive affect and individual well-being.

Conclusion

Contemporary human-environment interactions and planetary challenges imply greater understanding of the neurological underpinnings on how the urban space affects cognition and emotion. This review provides scientific evidence that could be applied for policy making on improved urban mental health. Several studies showed that high-quality green or blue spaces, and bio-diverse urban areas, are important allies for positive neural, cognitive, and emotional processes. Nonetheless, the spatial perception in social contexts (e.g., city overcrowding) deserves further attention by urban planners and scientists. The implications of these observations for some theories in environmental psychology and research are discussed. Future work should take advantage of technological advancements to better characterize behavior, brain physiology, and environmental factors and apply them to the remaining complexity of contemporary cities.

Agent-based modeling of urban exposome interventions: prospects, model architectures, and methodological challenges

With ever more people living in cities worldwide, it becomes increasingly important to understand and improve the impact of the urban habitat on livability, health behaviors, and health outcomes. However, implementing interventions that tackle the exposome in complex urban systems can be costly and have long-term, sometimes unforeseen, impacts. Hence, it is crucial to assess the health impact, cost-effectiveness, and social distributional impacts of possible urban exposome interventions (UEIs) before implementing them. Spatial agent-based modeling (ABM) can capture complex behavior-environment interactions, exposure dynamics, and social outcomes in a spatial context. This article discusses model architectures and methodological challenges for successfully modeling UEIs using spatial ABM. We review the potential and limitations of the method; model components required to capture active and passive exposure and intervention effects; human-environment interactions and their integration into the macro-level health impact assessment and social costs benefit analysis; and strategies for model calibration. Major challenges for a successful application of ABM to UEI assessment are (1) the design of realistic behavioral models that can capture different types of exposure and that respond to urban interventions, (2) the mismatch between the possible granularity of exposure estimates and the evidence for corresponding exposure-response functions, (3) the scalability issues that emerge when aiming to estimate long-term effects such as health and social impacts based on high-resolution models of human-environment interactions, (4) as well as the data- and computational complexity of calibrating the resulting agent-based model. Although challenges exist, strategies are proposed to improve the implementation of ABM in exposome research.

Urban Environment, Green Urban Areas, and Life Quality of Citizens-The Case of Warsaw

The increased migration of people from rural areas to cities has prompted researchers to take an interest in the problem of the quality of life (QOL) of the urban population in different contexts. The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between the level of satisfaction of Warsaw residents with urban infrastructure (SUI) and their QOL, the impact of the SUI on the perception of a neighborhood as an ideal place to live and the relationship between the amount of green areas and and the SUI of Warsaw residents and their QOL. The quantitative survey was conducted using the CAWI method on a sample of 381 adults. The WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire was used to measure QOL, the scale used in earlier surveys was used to assess SUI, areas of of Warsaw with different amounts of green space were distinguished using cluster analysis. The study showed a relationship between the SUI declared by residents and their QOL, mainly in the environmental domain. The discriminant analysis showed that satisfaction with greenery is one of the most important determinants of the subjective perception of a neighborhood as an ideal place to live. There was no direct effect of the amount of green areas in objective terms on the QOL of Warsawians, but a relationship was noted between the amount of green areas and SUI, with the highest level of satisfaction noted for the Green-balanced Cluster, characterized by the most favorable combination of quality and utility of urban area.

Urban-rural differences in hypertension prevalence in low-income and middle-income countries, 1990-2020: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The influence of urbanicity on hypertension prevalence remains poorly understood. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the difference in hypertension prevalence between urban and rural areas in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs), where the most pronounced urbanisation is underway.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase, from 01/01/1990 to 10/03/2022. We included population-based studies with ≥400 participants 15 years and older, selected by using a valid sampling technique, from LMICs that reported the urban-rural difference in hypertension prevalence using similar blood pressure measurements. We excluded abstracts, reviews, non-English studies, and those with exclusively self-reported hypertension prevalence. Study selection, quality assessment, and data extraction were performed by 2 independent reviewers following a standardised protocol. Our primary outcome was the urban minus rural prevalence of hypertension. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure ≥140 mm Hg and/or diastolic blood pressure as ≥90 mm Hg and could include use of antihypertensive medication, self-reported diagnosis, or both. We investigated heterogeneity using study-level and socioeconomic country-level indicators. We conducted meta-analysis and meta-regression using random-effects models. This systematic review and meta-analysis has been registered with PROSPERO (CRD42018091671). We included 299 surveys from 66 LMICs, including 19,770,946 participants (mean age 45.4 ± SD = 9 years, 53.0% females and 63.1% from rural areas). The pooled prevalence of hypertension was 30.5% (95% CI, 28.9, 32.0) in urban areas and 27.9% (95% CI, 26.3, 29.6) in rural areas, resulting in a pooled urban-rural difference of 2.45% (95% CI, 1.57, 3.33, I-square: 99.71%, tau-square: 0.00524, Pheterogeneity < 0.001). Hypertension prevalence increased over time and the rate of change was greater in rural compared to urban areas, resulting in a pooled urban-rural difference of 5.75% (95% CI, 4.02, 7.48) in the period 1990 to 2004 and 1.38% (95% CI, 0.40, 2.37) in the period 2005 to 2020, p < 0.001 for time period. We observed substantial heterogeneity in the urban-rural difference of hypertension, which was partially explained by urban-rural definition, probably high risk of bias in sampling, country income status, region, and socioeconomic indicators. The urban-rural difference was 5.67% (95% CI, 4.22, 7.13) in low, 2.74% (95% CI, 1.41, 4.07) in lower-middle and -1.22% (95% CI, -2.73, 0.28) in upper-middle-income countries in the period 1990 to 2020, p < 0.001 for country income. The urban-rural difference was highest for South Asia (7.50%, 95% CI, 5.73, 9.26), followed by sub-Saharan Africa (4.24%, 95% CI, 2.62, 5.86) and reversed for Europe and Central Asia (-6.04%, 95% CI, -9.06, -3.01), in the period 1990 to 2020, p < 0.001 for region. Finally, the urban-rural difference in hypertension prevalence decreased nonlinearly with improvements in Human Development Index and infant mortality rate. Limitations included lack of data available from all LMICs and variability in urban and rural definitions in the literature.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of hypertension in LMICs increased between 1990 and 2020 in both urban and rural areas, but with a stronger trend in rural areas. The urban minus rural hypertension difference decreased with time, and with country-level socioeconomic development. Focused action, particularly in rural areas, is needed to tackle the burden of hypertension in LMICs.

Towards the analysis of urban livability in China: spatial-temporal changes, regional types, and influencing factors

The increasing drift of urbanization and its impact on urban human settlements are of major concern for China cities. Therefore, demystifying the spatial-temporal patterns, regional types, and affecting factors of urban livability in China is beneficial to urban planning and policy making regarding the construction of livable cities. In accordance with its connotation and denotation, this study develops a systematic evaluation and analysis framework for urban livability. Drawing on the panel data of 40 major cities in China from 2005 to 2019, an empirical research was further conducted. The results show that urban livability in China has exhibited a rising trend during the period, but this differs across dimensions. The levels of urban security and environmental health are lower than those of the three other dimensions. Spatially, cities with higher livability are mainly distributed in the first quadrant divided by the Hu Line and Bole-Taipei Line. Cities in the third quadrant are equipped with the lowest livability. In addition, the 40 major cities can be divided into five categories, and obvious differences exist in terms of the geographical distribution, overall livability level, and sub-dimensional characteristics of the different types. Furthermore, the results of the System GMM estimator indicate that the overall economic development exerts an inhibiting effect on the improvement of urban livability in present-day China, but this logical effect exhibits obvious heterogeneity in different time periods and diverse city scales. Finally, there are also differences in the influencing direction and degree of specific economic determinants.

Multi-Scenario Dynamic Simulation of Urban Agglomeration Development on the Northern Slope of the Tianshan Mountains in Xinjiang, China, with the Goal of High-Quality Urban Construction

The construction of high-quality urban agglomeration has become a guiding strategy for future urban development. Based on the current development status of urban agglomeration on the northern slope of the Tianshan Mountains, the concepts of environmental protection, harmonious coexistence, and sustainable development were combined in the present study. Land cover data for 2010 and 2020 as well as data on various driving factors and limiting factors were selected to simulate and forecast the land change of the urban agglomeration under environmental constraints. At the same time, to simulate the natural development scenario, farmland protection scenario, and ecological protection scenario for the land development of urban agglomeration on the northern slope of the Tianshan Mountains in 2030, the future land use simulation and Markov (FLUS-Markov) model and the urban growth boundary (UGB) model were combined. The following conclusions may be drawn from the results. (1) Using the land cover in 2010 to simulate the land cover in 2020, the kappa value was 0.724, the overall accuracy was 82.9%, and the FOM value was 0.245, exhibiting a high accuracy. (2) Under the three scenarios, the degree of expansion varied significantly from 2020 to 2030, but the proportion of construction area remained stable at 3%. Under the natural development scenario, urban land expansion was the most obvious, followed by the farmland protection scenario, while under the ecological protection scenario, construction land expansion was the least obvious. (3) Under the three scenarios, the expansion of construction land was mainly dominated by the encroachment of grassland, and the edge expansion mode was characterized by concentrated contiguous land. (4) The kernel density results show that the urban area exhibited a year-by-year expansion, and the best suitable development area was the surrounding farmland. (5) Under the three scenarios, the delineation of UGB in urban agglomeration at the northern slope of the Tianshan Mountains was reasonable and effective, and it can provide a relevant reference for the government’s future urban development and layout planning.

Investigating into the Coupling and Coordination Relationship between Urban Resilience and Urbanization: A Case Study of Hunan Province, China

In the context of accelerated urbanization, constructing resilient cities is an effective approach to tackling risks, such as extreme weather, and various urban challenges. The coupling and coordinated development of urbanization and urban resilience is a prominent embodiment of urban sustainable development and high-quality development capacity. In this study, Hunan Province, China, which is frequently affected by various disasters, is selected as a representative for examining the coupling and coordination relationship between urban resilience and urbanization level. The panel data are adopted to construct a dual-system evaluation framework integrating urban resilience and urbanization level based on the entropy weight-coefficient of variation (CV)-CRITIC method. The coupling coordination degree of this dual-system evaluation framework is calculated with the coupling model in physics and GM (1, 1) grey prediction model. Additionally, the spatial–temporal evolution characteristics of the coupling coordination degree are investigated and analyzed by ArcGIS and Geoda software. The following are indicated from the results: (1) The resilience of all cities is related to their geographical location and is characterized by a decrease from east to west; in addition, the resilience level of most cities presents a downward trend with time. (2) The urbanization level of most cities develops stably with time, but there is a growing gap in the urbanization level between regions. (3) There is a strong correlation between urban resilience and urbanization level in all cities; the unbalanced coupling and coordinated development emerge, specifically manifested by the polarization phenomenon. Eventually, a circle-difference spatial distribution pattern that starts from the central urban agglomeration and gradually decreases to the periphery is formed. (4) The prediction results of the coupling coordination degree suggest that there is an increasingly distinct polarization trend for the coupling and coordinated development between cities, and it is necessary to pay attention to those cities with a declined predicted value. (5) There is a significant positive spatial autocorrelation and agglomeration effects in the distribution of the coupling coordination degree of all cities, and the correlation is getting stronger with each passing year; the correlation mode is mainly characterized by homogeneity and supplemented by heterogeneity. Finally, several suggestions are proposed in this paper, in an attempt to lead the coordinated development of regions by novel urbanization and thus promote the sustainable development of cities. The methods and insights adopted in this study contribute to investigating the relationship between urban resilience and urbanization in China and other regions worldwide.

An Equity Evaluation on Accessibility of Primary Healthcare Facilities by Using V2SFCA Method: Taking Fukuoka City, Japan, as a Case Study

The primary healthcare facilities are among the most basic needs of the residents, huge in quantity and widespread. Their distributions are directly related to people’s health, which affects the sustainable development of cities. The accessibility calculation of primary level healthcare facilities and the equity evaluation of accessibility from the perspective of medical service category and urban population is very important for the decision-making of layout and configuration but has been ignored for a long time. This study took the primary healthcare facilities of Fukuoka city in Japan as research objects; it first used the variable two-step floating catchment area (V2SFCA) method to calculate the healthcare catchment areas (HCAs) of medical service providers and the population catchment area (PCAs) of medical demand locations, and then obtained the accessibility to primary healthcare facilities. Finally, the spatial disparities of accessibility were evaluated from three aspects: overall space distribution by using Global and Local Moran’s I, service quality, and the population to be served. The results showed that HCAs were from 500 m to 6400 m, PCAs ranged from 500 m to 3000 m, the use of variable catchments can improve the accuracy of accessibility assessment results; the accessibility of primary healthcare facilities was clustered and had significant spatial differences, which were high in urban center and low in suburban area; the obvious differences in the accessibility distribution characteristics of clinics in differential diagnosis and treatment departments led to different degrees of unsaturation in the types of medical services obtained by residents; although the elderly’s demand for basic medical care was many times higher than that of other age groups, the accessibility in high-demand areas was generally low, and the situation in severely high-demand areas was more serious. This work puts forward a multi-dimensional realistic evaluation system for equality accessibility of primary healthcare facilities, providing the data support for the medical resources and facilities’ allocation and the intensive land use.

Impact of residential greenness on myocardial infarction in the population with diabetes: A sex-dependent association?

Living in urban areas with abundant greenness might provide health benefits in general population. Literature suggests that sex/gender plays a role in the association between greenness and health outcomes. But the impact of greenness in populations with moderate to high cardiovascular risk, such as persons with diabetes, is still unknown. Our aim was to evaluate the relationship between urban greenness and myocardial infarction incidence in persons with type 2 diabetes in Barcelona (Catalonia, Spain), and seek potential gender/sex differences in this association. This retrospective cohort study is based on data from the System for the Development of Research in Primary Care (SIDIAP database). We used Cox models to estimate if a 0.01 increase in Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) at census tract level was associated to reduced risk of developing a myocardial infarction. Models were adjusted by demographic and clinical characteristics at individual level, and by environmental and socioeconomic variables at census tract level. Amongst 41,463 persons with diabetes and 154,803.85 person-years of follow-up, we observed 449 incident cases of acute myocardial infarction. For each 0.01 increment in NDVI the risk of developing a myocardial infarction decreased by 6% (Hazard Ratio, HR = 0.94; 95%CI, 0.89-0.99) in the population with diabetes. When stratifying by sex, we observed a significant association only in men (HR = 0.91; 95%CI, 0.86-0.97). People with diabetes living in urban greener areas might benefit from reduced cardiovascular risk, specially men. We observed sex/gender disparities, which could be related to different exposures and activities performed in green spaces between men and women. Further studies are needed to confirm sex/gender disparities between greenness exposure and cardiovascular outcomes. Our findings contribute to improve the health of people with diabetes who should be recommended to spent time and exercise in green areas.

COVID-19 and the compact city: Implications for well-being and sustainable urban planning

This paper provides new evidence on the role of city planning, urban form, and built environment characteristics in health and well-being during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Based on survey and geographic information systems (GIS) data from Oslo and Viken in Norway, the paper investigates changes in health and well-being due to COVID-19 and how the compact city and its characteristics relate to these changes. Findings indicate that self-reported measures of health and well-being worsened due to COVID-19. The most substantial changes were reported for life satisfaction, anxiety, and satisfaction with leisure, personal relationships, and vacations. General health, happiness, and satisfaction with income also declined during COVID-19 in comparison with pre-COVID-19 times. Overall, residents of compact neighborhoods reported lower well-being during COVID-19 compared to residents of lower-density neighborhoods. Important compact city characteristics - higher neighborhood density, reliance on public transport, smaller dwellings, and less green space - were negatively associated with well-being and health outcomes during COVID-19. In contrast, another compact city attribute, the presence of numerous local facilities, was positively linked to well-being and health during COVID-19. Based on these findings, the paper presents possible implications for sustainable urban planning and compact cities.

Exploring multiple pathways and mediation effects of urban environmental factors for suicide prevention

Public health is threatened by air pollution and high temperature, especially in urban areas and areas impacted by climate change. Well-designed urban forms have co-benefits on promoting human health and mediating atmospheric environment-related threats (e.g., high temperature and air pollution). Previous studies overlooked these mediating effects of urban form on suicide mortality. This study used partial least squares modeling and countywide data in Taiwan to identify the crucial influences and pathways of urban environment, socioeconomic status, and diseases on suicide mortality. The model considered the impact of the characteristics of urban form (i.e., urban development intensity, land mix, and urban sprawl), urban industrial status (i.e., industrial level), urban greening (i.e., green coverage), disease (i.e., important diseases morbidity of human immunodeficiency virus [HIV], cerebrovascular disease [CVD], chronic liver disease and cirrhosis [CLDC], nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis [NNSN], malignant tumor [MT]), socioeconomic status (i.e., income level and aging population rate), and the atmospheric environment (i.e., air pollution and high temperature) on suicide mortality. Optimizing land mix and minimizing urban development intensity and urban sprawl have been found to reduce suicide mortality. The mediating effect of urban form on suicide mortality originated from air pollution and high temperature, and mediating air pollution was greater than high temperature. Furthermore, industrial level, important diseases (HIV, CVD, CLDC, NNSN, and MT) morbidity, an aging population rate, air pollution, and high temperature were associated with an increase in suicide mortality, whereas green coverage and income level were associated with a reduction in suicide rates. The findings demonstrate that appropriate urban policy and urban planning may lower suicide mortality, be useful strategies for suicide prevention, and be a foundation for building a healthy city. Moreover, this study provides clarity on the complex relationship of suicide and the urban environment while identifying crucial factors.

What makes cities livable? Determinants of neighborhood satisfaction and neighborhood happiness in different contexts

Shaping livable cities is an enduring issue for urban planning, which came dramatically to the forefront of relevant policies with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. This study explores what makes cities livable by using neighborhood satisfaction and neighborhood happiness as measures of urban livability. The determinants of neighborhood satisfaction and neighborhood happiness are examined and compared, using geospatial and survey data from two cities, one from the South and the other from the North European context: Thessaloniki, Greece and Oslo, Norway. A structural equation model is developed and tested. In both cities, common determinants of neighborhood satisfaction are found to be the proximity to city center, neighborhood perceived safety, and place attachment, whereas common determinants of neighborhood happiness are found to be neighborhood perceived safety, neighborhood perceived quietness, neighborhood social cohesion, place attachment, and lower neighborhood density. Important differences between the two cities were also observed. Numerous local amenities seem to positively contribute to urban livability in Thessaloniki, but not in Oslo. Parks and trees are positively linked to neighborhood happiness in Oslo, but not in Thessaloniki. These differences support the view that some of the links between neighborhood characteristics and livability depend on the local context related to local culture, attitudes, and preferences, all of which might also be influenced by the local built environment.

Determinants of Chronic Biological Stress, Measured as Hair Cortisol Concentration, in a General Population of Adolescents: From Individual and Household Characteristics to Neighborhood Urbanicity

Chronic biological stress may adversely affect adolescents' physical and mental health, but insight in the personal and environmental factors that determine chronic stress is limited. We measured 3-month cumulative hair cortisol concentration (HCC) in 419 adolescents, participating in the Flemish Environment and Health Study. Adolescents' health and lifestyle characteristics, household and neighborhood socio-economic status as well as neighborhood urbanicity were assessed as potential determinants of HCC, using multiple linear regression models. We additionally explored heterogeneity of our results by sex. HCC were significantly higher in boys from densely populated neighborhoods, the association was not significant in girls. Accordingly, boys living outside cities had significantly lower HCC than boys, living in cities. HCC was significantly lower in adolescents with an optimal vitality, a measure of a positive mental health status. In adolescent girls, menarcheal status (pre-/postmenarche) was a significant determinant of HCC. Our findings are the first to suggest that residential urbanicity may have an impact on chronic biological stress in a general population of adolescent boys.

Urban ecological land and natural-anthropogenic environment interactively drive surface urban heat island: An urban agglomeration-level study in China

The surface urban heat island effect (SUHI) that occurs during rapid urbanization increases the health risks associated with high temperatures. Urban ecological land (UEL) has been shown to play an important role in improving urban heat stress, however, the impact of UEL interactions with the natural-anthropogenic environment on SUHI at the urban agglomeration-scale is less explored. In this study, the Google Earth Engine and GeoDetector were applied to characterize the spatiotemporal patterns of UEL and SUHI in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area from 2000 to 2020 by extracting major built-up urban areas and quantifying the impacts of UEL and its interactions with the natural-anthropogenic factors on SUHI. The results show that the evolution of the UEL landscape structure exhibits clear spatiotemporal coupling with SUHI. Specifically, the UEL underwent a dispersion and degradation process in 2000-2015 and a convergence and restoration process in 2015-2020, the SUHI correspondingly transitioned from intensification and continuity to mitigation and contraction. The UEL landscape structure showed a notable impact on the SUHI reduction, and the dominance and richness of the patches explained an average of 19.95% and 16.03% of the SUHI, respectively. Moreover, the interaction between UEL and land urbanization rate and anthropogenic heat release had a dominant effect on SUHI, but this effect significantly declined from 2015 to 2020. With the implementation of ecological restoration projects, the interaction of UEL with topography rapidly increased and the SUHI gradually dominated by the joint interaction of UEL and natural-anthropogenic factors. A synthesis of the varying effects of several factors showed that the dynamic relationship between the development stages of the urban agglomeration's regional system and SUHI may conform to the Environmental Kuznets Curve. SUHI reduction strategies should therefore comprehensively optimize the rational allocation of UEL landscape structures and natural-human elements to promote the well-being of residents.

Observed inequality in urban greenspace exposure in China

Given the important role of green environments playing in healthy cities, the inequality in urban greenspace exposure has aroused growing attentions. However, few comparative studies are available to quantify this phenomenon for cities with different population sizes across a country, especially for those in the developing world. Besides, commonly used inequality measures are always hindered by the conceptual simplification without accounting for human mobility in greenspace exposure assessments. To fill this knowledge gap, we leverage multi-source geospatial big data and a modified assessment framework to evaluate the inequality in urban greenspace exposure for 303 cities in China. Our findings reveal that the majority of Chinese cities are facing high inequality in greenspace exposure, with 207 cities having a Gini index larger than 0.6. Driven by the spatiotemporal variability of human distribution, the magnitude of inequality varies over different times of the day. We also find that exposure inequality is correlated with low greenspace provision with a statistical significance (p-value < 0.05). The inadequate provision may result from various factors, such as dry cold climate and urbanization patterns. Our study provides evidence and insights for central and local governments in China to implement more effective and sustainable greening programs adjusted to different local circumstances and incorporate the public participatory engagement to achieve a real balance between greenspace supply and demand for developing healthy cities.

Sustainable Passive Design for Building Performance of Healthy Built Environment in the Lingnan Area

Having a healthy built environment becomes increasingly important, especially under the effects of COVID-19. This paper intends to combine sustainable goals based on climate change with passive design principles to achieve a healthy built environment regarding the building performance of residential buildings. The Yuedao Residential Community in the Lingnan area was taken as an example for the research. Based on relevant standards of healthy buildings, the thermal, light, and acoustic environment requirements were determined. The methods of building performance simulation and on-site measurement were used to quantify the research object environments. Then, the outcomes were obtained based on these standards. As observed, the thermal environment’s adaptive thermal comfort level was level III. It was hot indoors, but the light and acoustic environments met the requirements. Building designs based on a built environment optimized by external shading systems aim to solve problems through building performance simulation and qualitative analysis. After optimization, the thermal environment improved. According to the literature review, this research focused on a healthy built environment with a sustainable passive design in terms of building performance. A research workflow was established that could be used for more practical research, with abundant research methods. The problems were solved to varying degrees, and the Lingnan architectural culture was preserved. Moreover, this research filled the gap in interactive research on healthy built environments with sustainable passive design regarding building performance.

Developing the building blocks to elucidate the impact of the urban exposome on cardiometabolic-pulmonary disease: The EU EXPANSE project

By 2030, more than 80% of Europe's population will live in an urban environment. The urban exposome, consisting of factors such as where we live and work, where and what we eat, our social network, and what chemical and physical hazards we are exposed to, provides important targets to improve population health. The EXPANSE (EXposome Powered tools for healthy living in urbAN SEttings) project will study the impact of the urban exposome on the major contributors to Europe's burden of disease: Cardio-Metabolic and Pulmonary Disease. EXPANSE will address one of the most pertinent questions for urban planners, policy makers, and European citizens: "How to maximize one's health in a modern urban environment?" EXPANSE will take the next step in exposome research by (1) bringing together exposome and health data of more than 55 million adult Europeans and OMICS information for more than 2 million Europeans; (2) perform personalized exposome assessment for 5,000 individuals in five urban regions; (3) applying ultra-high-resolution mass-spectrometry to screen for chemicals in 10,000 blood samples; (4) evaluating the evolution of the exposome and health through the life course; and (5) evaluating the impact of changes in the urban exposome on the burden of cardiometabolic and pulmonary disease. EXPANSE will translate its insights and innovations into research and dissemination tools that will be openly accessible via the EXPANSE toolbox. By applying innovative ethics-by-design throughout the project, the social and ethical acceptability of these tools will be safeguarded. EXPANSE is part of the European Human Exposome Network.

Earth Observation for Sustainable Infrastructure: A Review

Infrastructure is a fundamental sector for sustainable development and Earth observation has great potentials for sustainable infrastructure development (SID). However, implementations of the timely, large–scale and multi–source Earth observation are still limited in satisfying the huge global requirements of SID. This study presents a systematical literature review to identify trends of Earth observation for sustainable infrastructure (EOSI), investigate the relationship between EOSI and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and explore challenges and future directions of EOSI. Results reveal the close associations of infrastructure, urban development, ecosystems, climate, Earth observation and GIS in EOSI, and indicate their relationships. In addition, from the perspective of EOSI–SDGs relationship, the huge potentials of EOSI are demonstrated from the 70% of the infrastructure influenced targets that can be directly or indirectly derived from Earth observation data, but have not been included in current SDG indicators. Finally, typical EOSI cases are presented to indicate challenges and future research directions. This review emphasizes the contributions and potentials of Earth observation to SID and EOSI is a powerful pathway to deliver on SDGs.