Mapping and measuring urban-rural inequalities in accessibility to social infrastructures

Equal access to social infrastructures is a fundamental prerequisite for sustainable development,but has long been a great challenge worldwide.Previous studies have primarily focused on the accessibility to social infras-tructures in urban areas across various scales,with less attention to rural areas,where inequality can be more severe.Particularly,few have investigated the disparities of accessibility to social infrastructures between urban and rural areas.Here,using the Changsha-Zhuzhou-Xiangtan urban agglomeration,China,as an example,we investigated the inequality of accessibility in both urban and rural areas,and further compared the urban-rural difference.Accessibility was measured by travel time of residents to infrastructures.We selected four types of social infrastructures including supermarkets,bus stops,primary schools,and health care,which were funda-mentally important to both urban and rural residents.We found large disparities in accessibility between urban and rural areas,ranging from 20 min to 2 h.Rural residents had to spend one to two more hours to bus stops than urban residents,and 20 min more to the other three types of infrastructures.Furthermore,accessibility to multiple infrastructures showed greater urban-rural differences.Rural residents in more than half of the towns had no access to any infrastructure within 15 min,while more than 60%of the urban residents could access to all infrastructures within 15 min.Our results revealed quantitative accessibility gap between urban and rural areas and underscored the necessity of social infrastructures planning to address such disparities.

New roles of research data infrastructure in research paradigm evolution

Research data infrastructures form the cornerstone in both cyber and physical spaces,driving the progression of the data-intensive scientific research paradigm.This opinion paper presents an overview of global research data infrastructure,drawing insights from national roadmaps and strategic documents related to research data infrastructure.It emphasizes the pivotal role of research data infrastructures by delineating four new missions aimed at positioning them at the core of the current scientific research and communication ecosystem.The four new missions of research data infrastructures are:(1)as a pioneer,to transcend the disciplinary border and address complex,cutting-edge scientific and social challenges with problem-and data-oriented insights;(2)as an architect,to establish a digital,intelligent,flexible research and knowledge services environment;(3)as a platform,to foster the high-end academic communication;(4)as a coordinator,to balance scientific openness with ethics needs.

A novel framework to intercept GPS-denied,bomb-carrying,nonmilitary,kamikaze drones:Towards protecting critical infrastructures

Protection of urban critical infrastructures(CIs)from GPS-denied,bomb-carrying kamikaze drones(G-BKDs)is very challenging.Previous approaches based on drone jamming,spoofing,communication interruption and hijacking cannot be applied in the case under examination,since G-B-KDs are uncontrolled.On the other hand,drone capturing schemes and electromagnetic pulse(EMP)weapons seem to be effective.However,again,existing approaches present various limitations,while most of them do not examine the case of G-B-KDs.This paper,focuses on the aforementioned under-researched field,where the G-B-KD is confronted by two defensive drones.The first neutralizes and captures the kamikaze drone,while the second captures the bomb.Both defensive drones are equipped with a net-gun and an innovative algorithm,which,among others,estimates the locations of interception,using a real-world trajectory model.Additionally,one of the defensive drones is also equipped with an EMP weapon to damage the electronics equipment of the kamikaze drone and reduce the capturing time and the overall risk.Extensive simulated experiments and comparisons to state-of-art methods,reveal the advantages and limitations of the proposed approach.More specifically,compared to state-of-art,the proposed approach improves:(a)time to neutralize the target by at least 6.89%,(b)maximum number of missions by at least 1.27%and(c)total cost by at least 5.15%.

Enhancing the Trustworthiness of 6G Based on Trusted Multi-Cloud Infrastructure:A Practice of Cryptography Approach

Due to the need for massive device connectivity,low communication latency,and various customizations in 6G architecture,a distributed cloud deployment approach will be more relevant to the space-air-ground-sea integrated network scenario.However,the openness and heterogeneity of the 6G network cause the problems of network security.To improve the trustworthiness of 6G networks,we propose a trusted computing-based approach for establishing trust relationships inmulti-cloud scenarios.The proposed method shows the relationship of trust based on dual-level verification.It separates the trustworthy states of multiple complex cloud units in 6G architecture into the state within and between cloud units.Firstly,SM3 algorithm establishes the chain of trust for the system’s trusted boot phase.Then,the remote attestation server(RAS)of distributed cloud units verifies the physical servers.Meanwhile,the physical servers use a ring approach to verify the cloud servers.Eventually,the centralized RAS takes one-time authentication to the critical evidence information of distributed cloud unit servers.Simultaneously,the centralized RAS also verifies the evidence of distributed RAS.We establish our proposed approach in a natural OpenStack-based cloud environment.The simulation results show that the proposed method achieves higher security with less than a 1%system performance loss.

Analyzing the transportation infrastructure-rural industry integration relationship in China

Transportation infrastructure is crucial to China’s economic growth because it substantially contributes to the holistic development of rural primary,secondary,and tertiary industries.This study innovatively examines transportation infrastructure and urbanization levels to explore,both theoretically and empirically,their relationship with the holistic development of primary,secondary,and tertiary industries in rural China,and the mediating role of urbanization on this relationship.We employed fixed-effects models,the entropy weight approach,mixed regression,and generalized method of moments to analyze the data of 30 provinces across China from 2013 to 2020.The results indicate that the construction of transportation infrastructure directly fosters the collective advancement of such industries in rural areas and that urbanization partially mediates the transportation infrastructure-rural industry integration relationship.However,the western region shows disparities in the integrated development of these sectors.Further analysis reveals that foreign investments amplify the positive influence of transportation infrastructure on rural industry integration.Essentially,the enhancement of rural transportation infrastructure,promotion of urbanization,implementation of strategic planning,and strengthening of support mechanisms are crucial aspects in the comprehensive development of rural industries and the achievement of rural revitalization in China.

Digital Infrastructure and Common Prosperity: An Influence Mechanism and Effect Test

Common prosperity is an important goal of China’s modernization efforts,and narrowing the income gap among different regions and populations is crucial to achieving common prosperity.The construction of digital infrastructure has significantly boosted productivity and facilitated the diffusion of technology in less developed regions,leading to notable changes in labor employment and the income gap,which aligns with the goal of common prosperity.This paper explores the mechanism through which digital infrastructure influences common prosperity with a focus on employment,using panel data from 30 provinces in China between 2011 and 2021 for an empirical test.The research finds that digital infrastructure significantly promotes common prosperity.By expanding employment and increasing labor remuneration,the influence of digital infrastructure on common prosperity exhibits regional heterogeneity and a nonlinear threshold effect.The research suggests that the government should enhance investment in and construction of digital infrastructure,reduce the digital divide through policy support in rural areas,promote digital employment and skills training,and encourage industrial integration and enterprise participation.

Building a Stronger Foundation for Web3:Advantages of 5G Infrastructure

The emergence of Web3 technologies promises to revolutionize the Internet and redefine our interactions with digital assets and applications.This essay explores the pivotal role of 5G infrastructure in bolstering the growth and potential of Web3.By focusing on several crucial aspects—network speed,edge computing,network capacity,security and power consumption—we shed light on how 5G technology offers a robust and transformative foundation for the decentralized future of the Internet.Prior to delving into the specifics,we undertake a technical review of the historical progression and development of Internet and telecommunication technologies.

Developing Healthcare Infrastructure in Saudi Arabia Using Smart Technologies: Challenges and Opportunities

This study aims to explore the challenges and opportunities associated with developing healthcare infrastructure in Saudi Arabia through the implementation of smart technologies. The healthcare sector in Saudi Arabia is undergoing significant transformation, and the integration of smart technologies has the potential to revolutionize healthcare delivery, improve patient outcomes, and enhance the overall healthcare experience. However, several challenges need to be addressed in order to fully leverage the benefits of smart technologies in healthcare infrastructure development. This research identifies and analyzes these challenges while also highlighting the opportunities that arise from the adoption of smart technologies in the Saudi Arabian healthcare system. The findings contribute to the understanding of the current state of healthcare infrastructure in Saudi Arabia and provide insights into the strategies and policies required to overcome challenges and maximize the benefits of smart technologies in healthcare.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Consultants’ Roles in Improving Value for Money in Public Infrastructure Projects in Ghana

Ghanaian construction projects encounter a number of challenges, including low health, safety, and environmental requirements, poor performance, and time and cost overruns. To provide value for money (VFM) on government infrastructure projects in Ghana, this research assesses the roles of project consultants, specifically architects and quantity surveyors, and highlights important obstacles. A cross-sectional survey design involving architects and quantity surveyors yielded a 96% response rate after 100 questionnaires were distributed. Consultants’ responsibilities also include monitoring standards compliance, providing advice on delays, controlling budgets, and advising on project completion dates. Difficulties encompass a lack of promptness in decision-making, unethical conduct, political pressure, and inadequate focus on contract administration and construction audits. Project urgency, longevity, political clout, timely decision-making, and team experience are important variables that impact VFM. Policy makers and construction management practitioners should take note of the implications for Ghana’s public infrastructure projects.

Tunnel, Infrastructure Convergences/Monitoring and Engineering Role

Worldwide we see that the construction industry is expanding, requiring new directions, new perspectives that can help reduce time, cost, and make transportation easy, safe, and affordable. For decades now, most of the large cities have completed their surface infrastructure. It has become urgent to address their issues for overpopulated cities where nowadays all infrastructure is overwhelmed, these issues must be addressed, solved and have vision to build underground infrastructure. Developed countries are focused on expanding their infrastructure for road systems, subway network, railway, storm, and sanitary systems. The emergency for underground infrastructure development requires more large-scale projects to be built and it is becoming more crucial building tunnels/underground structures for the future than ever before. Engineering focus, scientific searches are looking to develop their ideas for designing and delivering project underground, but government, agencies and engineers are concerned about the safety, durability, functionality, and the lifetime of this structures planned to be functional for decades. To address all this concerns this study provides information of how to identify the risk on tunnels and underground structures by capturing data from the beginning phases of construction, to analyze, evaluate and produce bulletins and engineering reports through convergences and monitoring. Convergences are the key factor on development of infrastructure underground as it is the only way to explore and analyze the rock mass disturbance during excavation. Convergences and monitoring in infrastructure are the safety coefficient for building underground, preventing accidents, and assessing real risks associated with tunnel/mine works and ensuring progress of the construction in underground structures. This study delves into the engineering role of convergence monitoring, during construction activities on project excavated using New Austrian Tunnelling method and Sequential Excavation Method. The primary objective of convergence monitoring is to gather critical information on ground movements and disturbances, thereby enhancing safety measures during tunnel construction. The monitoring process serves as an early warning system offering evidence of the real risks associated with underground infrastructure, bringing results and engineering data to be used for the design as key coefficient for structural design, type of material, type and strength of the concrete, rebars, concrete mix design. By using the convergence and monitoring system on underground infrastructure this study represents information that can contribute to risk assessment, structural analysis, and the lifetime of a project.

Mapping Energy Expansion: Remote Sensing Insights into Oil and Gas Infrastructure and Land Use Changes in Midland, TX

Rapid expansion in global energy demand driven primarily by oil and gas consumption has spurred significant environmental concerns. This study delves into the intricate relationship between energy development and environmental impacts focusing on Midland County, Texas, a pivotal region within the Permian Basin. Leveraging satellite imagery and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) techniques, the research meticulously examines land use dynamics from 2001 to 2019. The findings illuminate a marked decline in vegetation health and density attributable to the burgeoning oil and gas infrastructure in the area. Moreover, the analysis underscores the emergence of barren lands and the displacement of agricultural areas, indicative of the profound alterations in land cover patterns over the study period. These insights underscore the urgent need for concerted efforts to mitigate the adverse environmental effects of energy expansion, emphasizing the importance of collaborative approaches to foster sustainable land use practices. Additionally, the study explores the socio-economic implications of land use changes, addressing how energy expansion affects local communities and economies. Previous studies have emphasized the need for comprehensive assessments of cumulative environmental impacts, advocating for the implementation of effective mitigation strategies.

Telecommunications and Energy Infrastructure Sharing: Technical and Socio-Economic Impact Analysis in a Multi-Operator Environment in Burundi

The sharing of telecommunications infrastructure and power supply equipment is currently an applicable and very common model for grouping signal transmission and reception equipment and their power supply on the same site to ensure coverage of fixed, mobile, Internet and radio and television broadcasting networks. This study consists of producing an inventory of telecommunications and energy infrastructure sharing, focusing on the one hand on analyzing the impacts of active and passive sharing of telecommunications infrastructure from a technical point of view, particularly in terms of legal framework, deployment, coverage and exposure to electromagnetic radiation, and on the other hand on identifying the effects of infrastructure sharing from a socio-economic point of view in a multi-operator mobile telephony environment, by indicating the economic value of the revenue generated as a result of infrastructure sharing. Finally, the results will contribute to identify strategies for ensuring maximum deployment and coverage of the country, and for developing the information and communication technologies (ICT) sector in order to contribute to the digital transformation by digitising services using mobile telephony and the Internet in Burundi.

Digital Transformation Trend of the Pharmaceutical Distribution Industry in the Context of New Infrastructure in China

Objective To study the pharmaceutical distribution industry against the background of new infrastructure construction since it is vital to the health and life of the public,and to offer some suggestions to further improve the industry quality and achieve industry upgrading.Methods The national strategies for new infrastructure as well as the underlying logic for enterprise digital transformation were analyzed to provide the outlook on the digital transformation trend of the pharmaceutical distribution industry.Results and Conclusion In the future,the pharmaceutical distribution industry shall transform the pattern,channel,management and control,and experience in the entire business chain in a digital way by focusing on connection efficiency,data efficiency and decision-making efficiency.

The Effects of Infrastructure Projects on House Prices and Rents:Evidence from the HS2 Extension Cancellation in the UK

This paper uses the HS2 extension cancellation in November 2021 as a quasi-experiment to study its impact on house prices and rents in Leeds.Using a DiD approach on repeat sales and monthly rents,I compare property values near the HS2 station and proposed construction site before and after the announcement.Results show a 3.6%decrease in house prices and a 3.9%decline in rents near the station,while properties near the construction site experienced a 2.4%increase in prices and a 2.1%rise in rents.This is the first paper to analyse the HS2 cancellation effect using panel data methods.

China's Infrastructure Development and Supply-Side Structural Reforms

Despite significant improvements in transport, energy and information communication technology （ICT） infrastructures, inadequacies still exist in China＇s infrastructure development in light of emerging demand and industrial transition and upgrade. China lags far behind advanced economies such as the United States, Germany and Japan in terms of the quality of transport infrastructures except railroad,＂ electricity infrastructure is insufficient and service efficiency needs improvement; ICT infrastructure requires all-round upgrade and gaps in Internet bandwidth are striking. This paper suggests that, based on the needs of supply-side structural reform, China must reform its investment and financing systems to enhance the efficiency of infrastructure investment. Efforts must be made to enhance air transport and port infrastructure to support industrial upgrade; to develop the energy Internet to address emerging demands; and to forge a new generation of ICT infrastructure with industrial Internet as the priority to prepare China for the new round of industrial competition.

Spatial spillover effects of transport infrastructure on regional economic growth

Spatial spillover effects,either positive or negative,of transport infrastructure,highways/expressways,etc.,on regional economic growth are proposed.Using the panel data for 11 cities of Zhejiang province from 1994 to 2003,a spatial production function is applied to examine the spatial spillovers which can be generated as a positive output spillover from the transport infrastructure between neighboring cities.Some spatial weighted matrices are adopted to define different neighboring cities to measure how easily factors or economic activities can migrate between regions.The estimation results show that the output elasticity of the highway infrastructure in 11 cities are all insignificant at a 5% significance level;hence,highway infrastructure in a region cannot explain the same region's economic growth.On the other hand,the highway infrastructure of other contiguous regions has positive spillover effects on a same region's economic growth.

谈应用Infrastructure模式组建无线局域网

Infrastructure模式是目前主流无线局域网组网方式,本文描述了Infrastructure模式组建无线局域网的过程,结合具体实践分析了无线局域网网络设备和参数的配置方法。

Future Performance Prediction of Research Infrastructure Based on Past Performance

Research infrastructure is crucial for development of research,and thus the evaluation of its performance is important.However,existing researches mostly focus on its past observations,lacking of a prediction for future. In this paper, procedures are proposed to predict the distribution for the number of papers published in a certain future year. The publication reliability,which is defined as the probability that the number of published papers in the future year is bigger than a pre-specified number,is evaluated. Illustrative examples are proposed to show the applications of the model.

Review of optimized layout of electric vehicle charging infrastructures

Electric vehicle is a kind of new energy vehicle which uses batteries as energy supply unit.A huge gap in charging infrastructures will be created by the expansion of electric vehicles.The effectiveness and rationality of charging facilities will directly affect the convenience and economy of the users,as well as the safe operation of the power grid.Three types of charging facilities:charging pile,charging station and battery swap station are introduced in this paper.According to the different methods of charging infrastructure planning,the research status of the method of determining charging demand points is expounded.And the spatial distribution of charging demand points extracted by the current site selection method has a certain deviation.Then the models and algorithms of charging infrastructure optimized layout are reviewed.Currently,many researches focus on three categories optimization objectives:benefit of power company side,investment cost of charging facility and user side cost,and the genetic algorithm and particle swarm optimization are the main solving algorithms.Finally,the relative methods and development trend of the charging infrastructures optimized layout are summarized,and some suggestions on the optimized layout of electric vehicle charging infrastructures are given forward.

Spatial Process of Green Infrastructure Changes Associated with Rapid Urbanization in Shenzhen,China

Through a case study of Shenzhen City,China,this study focused on a quantitative method for analyzing the spatial processes involved in green infrastructure changes associated with rapid urbanization.Based on RS,GIS and SPSS statistics software,the approach includes selection of the square analysis units and representative landscape metrics,quantification of the change types of landscape metrics in all analysis units through two indices and hierarchical cluster analysis of the above analysis units with different landscape metric change types(i.e.spatial attributes).The analyses verify that there is a significant sequence of continuous changes in green infrastructure in Shenzhen.They are the perforation,the segmentation,the fragmentation,the evanescence and the filling-in processes,which have a good spatio-temporal correspondence with urbanization and reflect the synthetic influence of urban planning,government policies and landforms.Compared with other studies on quantifying the spatial pattern,this study provides an alternative probe into linking the spatial pattern to spatial processes and the corresponding ecological processes in the future.These spatio-temporal processes offer many opportunities for identifying,protecting and restoring key elements in an urban green infrastructure network for areas in the early stages of urbanization or for non-urbanized areas.