Latest news with #urban
BBC News
a day ago
- Health
- BBC News
Bradford Council teaches children on city's pollution risks
Children in Bradford have been celebrating on Clean Air Day as the council attempts to reduce the risk posed to young people by vehicle emissions. Bradford Council hosted pupils from 13 schools to learn about air quality, the environment and how air pollution affects researchers found that GP visits for lung health in Bradford had reduced by 25% since the city's Clean Air Zone (CAZ) was implemented in September council said children growing up in urban areas were particularly at-risk and that pollutants traced to vehicles could lead to respiratory infections, decreased lung function, heart problems, and can worsen symptoms of asthma. Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
CNA
a day ago
- Business
- CNA
Bike-sharing companies shift rental bike locations to cater to rising demand in residential areas
Bike-sharing companies are shifting their rental bikes' locations to cater to rising demand in residential areas. Instead of putting the bicycles in recreational areas like parks, the operators are placing them near transport hubs. This comes as more are using the bikes as part of their daily commute. Ivy Chok and Claudia Lim report.
Medscape
a day ago
- Health
- Medscape
Vaccination Tied to Better Survival in COVID-Linked AKI
Among patients hospitalized with COVID and acute kidney injury (AKI), unvaccinated individuals had longer hospital stays, more frequent need for continuous renal replacement therapy, higher dependence on dialysis at discharge, and substantially higher rates of in-hospital and long-term mortality than their vaccinated peers. METHODOLOGY: AKI affects up to 28%-46% of patients hospitalized with COVID, with effects ranging from mild decline in renal function to dependency on dialysis; however, long-term renal and survival outcomes of these patients remain poorly understood. Researchers conducted a single-center cohort study to evaluate renal outcomes in 972 vaccinated and unvaccinated patients with COVID and AKI admitted to a large urban academic quaternary care hospital from March 1, 2020, to March 30, 2022. Among the included patients, 411 (median age at COVID diagnosis, 67 years; 37% women) were unvaccinated, whereas 467 (median age at COVID diagnosis, 67.4 years; 38.5% women) had received at least two primary-series doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna mRNA COVID vaccine or a single dose of the Johnson & Johnson Janssen COVID vaccine prior to hospitalization. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality, whereas secondary outcomes included long-term mortality, length of hospital stay, and need for renal replacement therapy at discharge. The median follow-up duration was 232 days. TAKEAWAY: Unvaccinated patients had significantly higher rates of in-hospital mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 5.54; 95% CI, 3.36-9.13) and long-term follow-up mortality (adjusted HR, 4.78; 95% CI, 3.39-6.73) than vaccinated patients. They were also more likely to require continuous renal replacement therapy during hospitalization than vaccinated patients (15.8% vs 10.9%; P = .03); the need for this therapy was associated with increased risks for in-hospital death (adjusted HR, 2.82; 95% CI, 1.88-4.25) and long-term mortality (adjusted HR, 2.44; 95% CI, 1.73-3.42). = .03); the need for this therapy was associated with increased risks for in-hospital death (adjusted HR, 2.82; 95% CI, 1.88-4.25) and long-term mortality (adjusted HR, 2.44; 95% CI, 1.73-3.42). Unvaccinated patients had higher odds of being discharged on renal replacement therapy (odds ratio, 2.56; 95% CI, 1.52-4.30) and had a significantly longer median length of hospital stay (12 days vs 8 days) than vaccinated patients. IN PRACTICE: 'Patients who completed the primary vaccine series with COVID-19 infection and AKI had a lower mortality rate and were less likely to remain on renal replacement therapy at the time of discharge,' the authors wrote. SOURCE: This study was led by Niloofar Nobakht, MD, Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles. It was published online on June 17, 2025, in Kidney Medicine . LIMITATIONS: Missing baseline creatinine data limited the ability to stage AKI and likely contributed to the significant differences in AKI staging observed between the vaccinated and unvaccinated cohorts. This study lacked data on ventilation status and other indicators of infection severity in patients admitted to ICUs who received continuous renal replacement therapy. Information regarding COVID booster vaccinations was not available. DISCLOSURES: One author received support from the National Institutes of Health, the Smidt Family Foundation, the Factor Family Foundation, the Davita Allen Nissenson Research Fund, and the Ralph Block Family Foundation.
Geeky Gadgets
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Geeky Gadgets
The Bold New Design of the Audi Q3
The third-generation Audi Q3 represents a significant evolution in the compact SUV segment, blending advanced technology, refined design, and enhanced efficiency. This model continues to uphold its reputation for practicality and versatility while embracing Audi's forward-thinking approach to electrification. As the automotive industry transitions toward sustainable mobility, the Q3 serves as a bridge between traditional internal combustion engines and innovative hybrid powertrains. Below, we explore the standout features and updates that define this latest iteration of the Q3. The video below from What Car gives us a detailed look at the new Audi Q3. Watch this video on YouTube. Electrification and Hybrid Technology The Audi Q3 takes a decisive step toward electrification with its range of mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains. The plug-in hybrid variant is particularly noteworthy, featuring a 19.7 kWh battery that delivers an impressive electric-only range of up to 74.6 miles. This capability makes it ideal for urban commutes and short trips, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Fast-charging technology enables the battery to reach 10-80% capacity in under 30 minutes, making sure minimal downtime during charging stops. These advancements not only improve fuel efficiency but also contribute to lower emissions, aligning with Audi's broader sustainability objectives. Whether navigating city streets or embarking on longer journeys, the Q3's hybrid options provide a balance of performance and eco-consciousness. MQB Platform and Driving Dynamics Built on the Volkswagen Group's MQB platform, the Q3 benefits from a foundation of shared engineering expertise, delivering a refined and versatile driving experience. Buyers can select from three distinct suspension options to tailor the vehicle's performance to their preferences: Standard steel springs for a balanced and comfortable ride. for a balanced and comfortable ride. Sport suspension for enhanced agility and sharper handling. for enhanced agility and sharper handling. Adaptive suspension that dynamically adjusts to road conditions, optimizing both comfort and control. This flexibility ensures the Q3 caters to a wide range of driving styles, from those seeking a smooth, relaxed ride to enthusiasts who prioritize dynamic performance. The MQB platform also contributes to the vehicle's stability and responsiveness, making it a confident choice for various driving environments. Exterior Design and Lighting Innovations The exterior of the Audi Q3 has been reimagined with a bold and modern aesthetic, drawing inspiration from its larger sibling, the Audi Q5. The redesigned front grille and sharper lines give the Q3 a more commanding presence on the road. Slightly larger dimensions, with an additional 40mm in length, enhance its road presence while maintaining agility and ease of maneuverability. One of the standout features is the optional digital matrix headlights, which dynamically adjust the light beam to improve visibility and minimize glare for other drivers. This advanced lighting technology enhances safety and adds a touch of sophistication to the vehicle's design. With 11 paint color options and alloy wheels ranging from 18 to 20 inches, the Q3 offers ample opportunities for personalization, allowing drivers to tailor the vehicle to their style preferences. Interior Updates and Advanced Technology The interior of the Q3 has been thoughtfully updated to prioritize functionality and modernity. The repositioned gear selector creates additional storage space and contributes to a cleaner, more streamlined center console. The cabin features upgraded digital displays, including a fully digital driver display and a touchscreen infotainment system that now operates on an Android-based platform. This system offers seamless compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making sure effortless connectivity for smartphones. Additionally, climate controls have been integrated into the touchscreen interface, replacing traditional physical buttons for a more contemporary look. While these updates enhance the overall usability and modern appeal of the cabin, some concerns remain regarding the perceived quality of certain interior materials. Premium finishes are available as optional upgrades, allowing buyers to elevate the cabin's luxury feel. Practicality and Versatility The Audi Q3 continues to excel in practicality, making it a versatile choice for families and individuals with active lifestyles. The rear seats provide generous legroom and headroom, making sure comfort for passengers on longer journeys. The flexible 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats enhance the vehicle's adaptability, allowing for various configurations to accommodate passengers or cargo. Boot capacity stands at 488 liters in non-hybrid models, offering ample storage space for everyday needs. However, plug-in hybrid variants see a reduction in boot capacity to 375 liters due to the placement of the battery. Despite this compromise, the Q3 remains a practical and adaptable option for a wide range of uses, from daily commutes to weekend getaways. Future Outlook and Market Position As one of Audi's final internal combustion engine vehicles, the Q3 represents a pivotal moment in the brand's transition toward electrification. Performance-focused variants, such as the SQ3 and RSQ3, are expected to follow, catering to drivers seeking higher levels of performance and excitement. Pricing for the new Q3 is anticipated to increase slightly, reflecting the inclusion of additional standard features and advanced technology. Despite this, the Q3 remains competitively positioned within the premium compact SUV segment, offering a compelling combination of practicality, innovation, and style. Sales are set to commence in the summer, with first deliveries expected in September, marking the beginning of a new chapter for this popular model. Find more information on Electrification by browsing our extensive range of articles, guides and tutorials. Source & Image Credit: What Car? Filed Under: Auto News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Zawya
2 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Saudi's ROSHN launches first phase of ALDANAH housing project
The Public Investment Fund-backed ROSHN Group has launched the first phase of ALDANAH project in Greater Dammam, which will have more than 1,000 housing units. The first phase will offer standard and premium villas, as well as duplexes, the developer said in a statement. ALDANAH will have more than 2,000 homes upon completion, More than 145,000 square metres (sqm) of the project's total footprint will be dedicated to urban green space, accompanied by naturally shaded and pedestrian-friendly living streets. The project broke ground in May 2025. (Editing by Anoop Menon) (
