scholarly journals Imbalanced Development and Economic Burden for Urban and Rural Wastewater Treatment in China—Discharge Limit Legislation

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 2597 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meishu Wang ◽  
Hui Gong
Keyword(s):  
Wastewater Treatment ◽  
Rural Development ◽  
Economic Burden ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Financial Burden ◽  
Urban Regions ◽  
Rural And Urban ◽  
Water Legislation ◽  
Urban Rural ◽  
Rural Wastewater

Water pollution control is a great challenge for China. Compared with urban regions, the wastewater treatment in rural areas is much undeveloped, which is highly related with the much delayed legislation for rural wastewater. Imbalanced urban-rural development and the economic burden of urban and rural wastewater treatment in China was investigated from the perspective of discharge limit legislation. For now, the national discharge limit for rural wastewater is still vacant, although the national discharge limit for urban wastewater had been released for more than ten years. Recently, local rural wastewater discharge limits from several provinces were released, however, based on quite different principles. Some categories emphasized environmental sensitivity with the discharge limit equal and were more strict than urban standards, while some focused on resource recovery for rural regions with loose discharge limits. This study compared the financial burden between rural and urban regions in 31 provinces under different discharge limit legislation conditions. It was revealed that the resources recovery category discharge principle helped to decrease the financial burden imbalance with a reduced Gini coefficient from 0.37 to 0.17. The reduced economic burden from the implementation of a suitably designed rural discharge limit promoted balancing the rural-urban gap and lowering uncertainties and risk of sustainable rural wastewater treatment. This study also revealed the urgency of rural water legislation and proposed development with a balanced financial burden for urban and rural residents under suitable discharge limits, providing a profound insight for environmental management with a focus on balanced urban-rural development for the policy-makers in developing countries.

scholarly journals Expected Rural Wastewater Treatment Promoted by Provincial Local Discharge Limit Legislation in China

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. 2756 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meishu Wang ◽  
Hui Gong
Keyword(s):  
Wastewater Treatment ◽  
Economic Burden ◽  
Wastewater Treatment Plants ◽  
Pollutant Removal ◽  
Central China ◽  
Financial Policy ◽  
Rural And Urban ◽  
Fast Development ◽  
Urban Wastewater Treatment ◽  
Rural Wastewater

Wastewater treatment in a rural region in China was undeveloped both in treatment capacity and legislation. The successful fast development of urban wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) demonstrated the importance of legislation, including discharge limits. However, most provinces, with as high as 79.8% of the rural population in China, released no specific local discharge limits. Newly issued top-designed nationwide policy in September of 2018 by central China government required all provinces to issue their local rural wastewater discharge limits before June 2019. For the first time, this research analyzed the requirements of the newly issued policy and their inconsistence with several existing provincial limits. It proposed flexible principles for determination of discharge limits under various conditions to improve the rural residential environment as a whole. This study also proposed the use of the ratio between wastewater treatment cost and life expense to describe economic burden. Economic burden calculation for wastewater treatment in rural and urban regions was established respectively. Based on three conditions described in the new policy, the average burden for all urban residents was estimated as 0.122 ± 0.038% of the total life expense. In comparison, average nationwide rural burden was 0.087 ± 0.035% and 0.564 ± 0.196% for condition I (Total nitrogen(TN)/total phosphorus(TP) for resource recovery) and condition III (TN/TP for pollutant removal), respectively. It was also revealed that a stringent rural discharge limit lead to a Gini value as high as 0.38, indicting policy-related subsidies for rural residents should be carefully considered to ensure a balanced burden. Local discharge limit legislation and suitable financial policy is expected to promote rural wastewater treatment in China in the near future.

scholarly journals Delineation of the Urban-Rural Boundary through Data Fusion: Applications to Improve Urban and Rural Environments and Promote Intensive and Healthy Urban Development

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (13) ◽  
pp. 7180
Author(s):  
Jun Zhang ◽  
Xiaodie Yuan ◽  
Xueping Tan ◽  
Xue Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Wavelet Transform ◽  
Rural Development ◽  
Data Fusion ◽  
Urban Development ◽  
Urban Sprawl ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Healthy Development ◽  
Kappa Value ◽  
Urban Rural ◽  
Urban And Rural Areas

As one of the most important methods for limiting urban sprawl, the accurate delineation of the urban–rural boundary not only promotes the intensive use of urban resources, but also helps to alleviate the urban issues caused by urban sprawl, realizing the intensive and healthy development of urban cities. Previous studies on delineating urban–rural boundaries were only based on the level of urban and rural development reflected by night-time light (NTL) data, ignoring the differences in the spatial development between urban and rural areas; so, the comprehensive consideration of NTL and point of interest (POI) data can help improve the accuracy of urban–rural boundary delineation. In this study, the NTL and POI data were fused using wavelet transform, and then the urban–rural boundary before and after data fusion was delineated by multiresolution segmentation. Finally, the delineation results were verified. The verification result shows that the accuracy of delineating the urban–rural boundary using only NTL data is 84.20%, and the Kappa value is 0.6549; the accuracy using the fusion of NTL and POI data on the basis of wavelet transform is 93.2%, and the Kappa value is 0.8132. Therefore, we concluded that the proposed method of using wavelet transform to fuse NTL and POI data considers the differences between urban and rural development, which significantly improves the accuracy of the delineation of urban–rural boundaries. Accurate delineation of urban–rural boundaries is helpful for optimizing internal spatial structure in both urban and rural areas, alleviating environmental problems resulting from urban development, assisting the formulation of development policies for urban and rural fringes, and promoting the intensive and healthy development of urban areas.

scholarly journals Urban–rural disparity in cancer incidence in China, 2008–2012: a cross-sectional analysis of data from 36 cancer registers

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. e042762
Author(s):  
Shuai Yuan ◽  
Shao-Hua Xie
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Incidence ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Incidence Rates ◽  
Cancer Type ◽  
Anatomic Site ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Rural And Urban Areas ◽  
Rural And Urban ◽  
Urban Rural

ObjectiveThe substantial differences in socioeconomic and lifestyle exposures between urban and rural areas in China may lead to urban–rural disparity in cancer risk. This study aimed to assess the urban–rural disparity in cancer incidence in China.MethodsUsing data from 36 regional cancer registries in China in 2008–2012, we compared the age-standardised incidence rates of cancer by sex and anatomic site between rural and urban areas. We calculated the rate difference and rate ratio comparing rates in rural versus urban areas by sex and cancer type.ResultsThe incidence rate of all cancers in women was slightly lower in rural areas than in urban areas, but the total cancer rate in men was higher in rural areas than in urban areas. The incidence rates in women were higher in rural areas than in urban areas for cancers of the oesophagus, stomach, and liver and biliary passages, but lower for cancers of thyroid and breast. Men residing in rural areas had higher incidence rates for cancers of the oesophagus, stomach, and liver and biliary passages, but lower rates for prostate cancer, lip, oral cavity and pharynx cancer, and colorectal cancer.ConclusionsOur findings suggest substantial urban–rural disparity in cancer incidence in China, which varies across cancer types and the sexes. Cancer prevention strategies should be tailored for common cancers in rural and urban areas.

scholarly journals China: A New Trajectory Prioritizing Rural Rather Than Urban Development?

Land ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 514
Author(s):  
Hongzhang Xu ◽  
Jamie Pittock ◽  
Katherine A. Daniell
Keyword(s):  
Rural Development ◽  
Development Strategy ◽  
Rural Community ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Policy ◽  
Local Governance ◽  
National Development ◽  
Rapid Urbanization ◽  
Rural And Urban ◽  
Global Concern

The adverse effects of rapid urbanization are of global concern. Careful planning for and accommodation of accelerating urbanization and citizenization (i.e., migrants gaining official urban residency) may be the best approach to limit some of the worst impacts. However, we find that another trajectory may be possible: one linked to the rural development plan adopted in the latest Chinese national development strategy. This plan aims to build rural areas as attractive areas for settlement by 2050 rather than to further urbanize with more people in cities. We assess the political motivations and challenges behind this choice to develop rural areas based on a literature review and empirical case analysis. After assessing the rural and urban policy subsystem, we find five socio-political drivers behind China’s rural development strategy, namely ensuring food security, promoting culture and heritage, addressing overcapacity, emphasizing environmental protection and eradicating poverty. To develop rural areas, China needs to effectively resolve three dilemmas: (1) implementing decentralized policies under central supervision; (2) deploying limited resources efficiently to achieve targets; and (3) addressing competing narratives in current policies. Involving more rural community voices, adopting multiple forms of local governance, and identifying and mitigating negative project impacts can be the starting points to manage these dilemmas.

Agriculture Biomaterial Industry in Romania

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 32-44
Author(s):  
Irina Bancescu
Keyword(s):  
Rural Development ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Rural Poverty ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Poverty Rate ◽  
Economic Implications ◽  
Income Gap ◽  
Rural Income ◽  
Urban Rural

Rural areas in Romania are underdeveloped, with the main economic activity being agriculture. Urban-rural income gap and poverty levels are indicative of an underdeveloped rural area. Urban-rural absolute income gap for average monthly income increased from 352 RON in 2007 to 663 RON in 2017. Moreover, the work poverty rate is higher in rural areas than in urban areas. Economic rural development can be achieved by improvements of the labour market and introduction of new value-added products. Agricultural and non-agricultural activities are dependent on each other for a successful rural development leading to poverty alleviation. An industry that combines the two types of economic activities is agriculture biomaterial industry. In this paper, the authos investigates the factors influencing rural poverty and analyses the current stage of the bioplastics market in Romania and its economic implications. Bioplastics industry can reduce urban-rural income gaps and poverty in rural areas.

scholarly journals Back to the Countryside: Rural Development and the Spatial Patterns of Population Migration in Zhejiang, China

Agriculture ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 788
Author(s):  
Weiming Tong ◽  
Kevin Lo
Keyword(s):  
Rural Development ◽  
Spatial Patterns ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Return Migration ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Population Migration ◽  
Dominant Form ◽  
Rural And Urban Areas ◽  
Rural And Urban ◽  
Level Data

This study examines how rural development in China shapes new trends in population migration. Using first-hand, village-level data from Zhejiang—an economically developed province in China—we investigated the patterns and influencing factors of population migration between rural and urban areas. We conceptualized three types of migration in rural areas: rural out-migration, rural in-migration, and rural return-migration. First-hand data were collected from 347 villages. The results show that although rural out-migration remains the dominant form of migration, rural in-migration and return-migration are also common, and the latter two are positively correlated. Further, we found evidence to support the conclusion that rural economic, social, and spatial development encourages rural in-migration and return-migration but does not have a significant impact on rural out-migration. Therefore, it is foreseeable that rural in-migration and return-migration will become increasingly common in China.

scholarly journals Major Forces Affecting Rural Regions in 2020

2021 ◽  
pp. 13-26
Author(s):  
David Freshwater
Keyword(s):  
Rural Development ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Information And Communications Technology ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Rural Regions ◽  
Rural And Urban ◽  
Effective Policy ◽  
Political Differences ◽  
National Governments ◽  
Urban People

Rural regions in OECD countries have always faced development challenges, resulting from their: reliance on natural resources, small labour forces, and long distances from markets, as well as the effects of globalization. Now, in addition, their development opportunities are further constrained by: climate change requirements, increased economic fragility resulting from COVID and the lingering effects of the 2008 recession, and the uneven impacts of the Internet economy. But, from a rural development policy perspective, perhaps the most important new challenge is the rise of rural populism. While rural areas and people have long been seen as distinct from their urban counterparts, in the last two decades these gaps have grown. Importantly, while the internet and information and communications technology (ICT) were initially seen as providing opportunities to improve social cohesion and link rural and urban people and places, instead they seem to have increased tensions. Because the core values of urban and rural people have grown so far apart, it is more difficult to establish the political compromises that are required to form effective policy. Absent some reconciliation of these social and political differences, it is difficult to see how national government policy can evolve to meet new challenges. Consequently, the likelihood of national governments being able to identify and implement coherent rural development policies is reduced.

Abstract 13706: Differences in the Distribution of Systolic Blood Pressure by Rural and Urban Residence

Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 142 (Suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Brittain Heindl ◽  
George Howard ◽  
Elizabeth A Jackson
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Systolic Blood Pressure ◽  
Racial Differences ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Census Bureau ◽  
Urban Group ◽  
Rural And Urban ◽  
Urban Rural ◽  
The Difference

Introduction: The incidence of stroke is higher in rural areas. Hypertension is the leading risk factor for stroke, but the difference in systolic blood pressure (SBP) for those living in rural and urban areas is unknown. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that rural residence is associated with higher SBP levels, and this difference is modified by race, sex, and United States (US) division. Methods: We analyzed 26,113 participants enrolled in the REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) Study, recruited between 2003 and 2007. Participants were grouped based on the Rural-Urban Commuting Area (RUCA) scheme into urban, large-rural, and small-isolated rural groups. Resting SBP was measured during the initial home visit. Differences in percentiles of SBP distribution were compared using multivariate models with adjustment for age, race, sex, and US Census Bureau division. Results: Of the participants, 20,976 (80.3%) were classified as urban, 3,020 (11.6%) as large-rural, and 2,137 (8.2%) as small-isolated rural, reflecting the distribution of the population. The large-rural group had a 0.09 mmHg higher mean SBP compared to the urban group (95% CI, 0.33 to 1.52 mmHg, p = 0.0023), but the difference in SBP at the 95th percentile between these groups was 3.23 mmHg (95% CI, 1.43 to 4.73 mmHg, p = 0.0006). A similar difference was present between the small-isolated rural and urban groups at the highest percentiles. No urban-rural interaction was observed by race, sex, or US division. However, large SBP differences were present between US divisions, especially at the highest percentiles. To illustrate, SBP at the 95th percentile was 9.51 mmHg higher in the East North Central division than in the Pacific (95% CI, 6.41 to 12.61 mmHg, p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Residence in a rural area is associated with higher SBP, with larger differences at the highest percentiles of distribution. SBP differences are present between US divisions, independent of urban-rural status.

scholarly journals Rural Accessibility, Rural Development, and Natural Disasters in Bangladesh

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 391-411 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saleh Ahmed ◽  
Elizabeth Eklund
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Economic Development ◽  
Rural Development ◽  
Natural Disasters ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
National Development ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Rural And Urban ◽  
Social And Economic Development

Rural accessibility means more than just reliable roads and cost-effective transportation networks. Rural accessibility is critical for achieving social and economic development in low-income developing countries such as Bangladesh where both rural and urban development are constrained by significant infrastructural deficiencies. It is also an important factor that determines the effects of natural disasters on these resource-constrained societies, since both disaster responses and sustainable development are compromised by poor rural accessibility. Using two contrasting case studies from Bangladesh, this article reveals the significance of improved rural accessibility on rural development and the effects of natural disasters on rural areas. The findings of this article suggest that the improvement of rural accessibility should be a top national development priority, since it increases the opportunities for sustainable social and economic development and reduces the adverse effects of natural disasters on the rural areas in developing countries such as Bangladesh.

scholarly journals Smart Villages: Comprehensive Review of Initiatives and Practices

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 2559 ◽  
Author(s):  
Veronika Zavratnik ◽  
Andrej Kos ◽  
Emilija Stojmenova Duh
Keyword(s):  
Rural Development ◽  
Urban Communities ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Digital Transformation ◽  
Main Argument ◽  
Comprehensive Review ◽  
Economic Changes ◽  
Rural And Urban ◽  
Technological Developments ◽  
Eu Policies

Over recent decades, people’s (rural and urban) communities are facing numerous social and economic changes and challenges. Some of those challenges have been increasingly addressed through the lenses of technological developments and digitalization. In this paper, we have made a review of already existing practices while focusing on the existing implementations of the Smart Village concept and the importance of digital transformation for rural areas. We give special attention to EU policies that we are using as an already existing framework for understanding our own forthcoming examples. We have shown the parallels between the findings and insights from different regions and made an evaluation of presented practices. Our main argument stems from our own previous experiences and experiences of other research approaches, and is grounded on the argument that rural areas are not uniform, and that smart rural development has to be applied in combination with place-based approach. We present the cases of Slovenian pilot practices and support our argument by proposing the FabVillage concept.

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