Purpose – This study aims to explore the intricate relationship between housing prices and transaction volumes in Tehran, a city with diverse socioeconomic and regional characteristics. This research addresses a critical gap in understanding the role of local spatial factors, which previous studies have often overlooked, focusing instead on macroeconomic variables.

Design/methodology/approach – Using a data set of housing transactions of Metropolitan Tehran from 2010 to 2020 sourced from secondary data, this study uses generalized linear mixed models and spatial clustering techniques. These methods enable an examination of geographical clustering and the effects of local contextual variables on the dynamics between housing prices and transaction volumes.

Findings – Results indicate significant spatial heterogeneity within Tehran’s housing market. Higher prices and transaction volumes are concentrated in the northern and western regions, influenced by factors such as employment rates, rental housing supply and the physical attributes of the housing stock. The findings suggest that macroeconomic policies alone are insufficient to address housing challenges in Tehran; targeted, localized interventions are necessary.

Research limitations/implications – This study’s reliance on secondary data and its focus on a single urban environment may limit the generalizability of the findings. Further research incorporating a wider range of local and macro variables could strengthen the applicability of the results across different contexts.

Practical implications – This study underscores the need for region-specific housing policies that consider local economic, social and spatial conditions. Policymakers could improve housing affordability and accessibility in Tehran by implementing tailored strategies to address the distinct needs of different districts.

Originality/value – This study offers a novel perspective by integrating spatial and contextual factors in housing market analysis, providing insights that challenge the traditional macroeconomic focus. The use of advanced statistical and spatial analysis techniques contributes to a deeper understanding of urban housing market dynamics.

With pleasure, I welcome the April edition of the International Journal of Higher Education to be published immediately. This new issue collects material from Japan, Mongolia, the USA, Kenya and Mexico, that directly impacts one of the most urgent issues for contemporary higher education: how to enrich the learning of higher education students through innovation, engagement, and the thoughtful integration of future technologies.

In many countries across the world, universities continue to negotiate the new terrain of education and instruction as digital platforms, heterogenous student populations and shifting societal expectation forces teachers to rethink conventional teaching practices. This dynamic landscape is mirrored in this paper's additions (both conceptual and practical) that advance our understanding of successful teaching, especially in the context of higher education.

Purpose– Response times of emergency medical services (EMS) are critical for patient outcomes and survival rates. This review synthesizes evidence on factors affecting EMS response times and their impacts, aiming to identify disparities and recommend optimization strategies.

Design/methodology/approach – A systematic search was conducted in Web of Science, PubMed and Scopus for English-language studies published between January 1, 2000, and October 20, 2024. Inclusion criteria focused on studies examining EMS response times and associated outcomes, such as mortality and disparities. Exclusion criteria ruled out studies on non-EMS services, case reports and non-English publications. Two independent reviewers screened studies, and risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool for randomized controlled trials and the Joanna Briggs Institute for observational studies. A narrative synthesis was performed, and meta-analysis was considered where data permitted.

Findings – Of 105 initial articles, 45 studies met the inclusion criteria. Key Findings identified five domains impacting EMS response times: ambulance deployment strategies, mortality correlations, optimal placement of ambulances, socioeconomic and geographic disparities and specialized service performance. Quantitative analysis demonstrated that strategic ambulance placement and addressing inequities reduced response times and improved survival rates.

Research limitations/implications – This research highlights several limitations, including data limitations, challenges in addressing geographic and socioeconomic disparities and the need to overcome technological and ethical hurdles. Key research implications include fostering multidisciplinary collaboration, conducting longitudinal studies and prioritizing cost-effectiveness. Addressing inequities in access to care is paramount, requiring targeted interventions and a focus on patient-centred care. Integrating technology while ensuring data security and privacy is crucial. Finally, standardized data collection methods and a focus on continuous improvement through rigorous evaluation are essential for optimizing EMS systems globally.

Originality/value – Although previous systematic reviews have analysed EMS response times and patient outcomes, these studies often fail to address the impact of socio-economic disparities and geographic isolation comprehensively. Furthermore, methodological inconsistencies, including varying definitions of response times, limit comparability across studies.

We report a comprehensive theoretical investigation of the mixed boron and magnesium B₁₈Mg₆ ^0/+/2+ clusters, revealing their structural robustness across neutral, cationic, and dicationic states. All charge states exhibit a spheroidal geometry, indicating that the cluster maintains its framework during sequential charge–discharge processes. The dication B₁₈Mg₆²⁺ possesses a stabilized π electron configuration with a HOMO–LUMO gap of 2.1 eV, while the cationic and neutral forms arise from controlled electron addition, leading to distinct spin states. The hydrogen storage performance of B₁₈Mg₆ ^0/+/2+ is assessed across different charge states, demonstrating a large adsorption of up to 24H₂ molecules (12.44 wt%) at 0K. Under practical conditions, being 70 MPa type IV compressed hydrogen storage tanks, room temperature, the doubly charged cation B₁₈Mg₆²⁺ achieves a maximum uptake of 21H₂ molecules (11.06 wt%), and charge-assisted desorption enables complete H₂ release below 3 MPa at room temperature. This charge-controlled desorption allows a full hydrogen release under milder pressure swings than conventional temperature/pressure-swing or chemical storage methods.