Urban Sci., Volume 9, Issue 7 (July 2025) – 47 articles

Urban flooding presents a growing challenge amid rapid urbanization, climate variability, and fragmented governance. Although simulation and risk assessment tools have advanced considerably, their integration into urban planning remains limited. This study utilized a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of 1293 articles from the Scopus database, selected through a PRISMA-guided workflow, to examine the temporal, structural, and conceptual evolution of simulation, flood risk, and planning in urban flood research from 1980 to 2025. The findings reveal a thematic progression from engineering-centric approaches to broader discourses on resilience, adaptation, and systemic risk. However, disciplinary fragmentation persists, with technical modeling, infrastructure planning, and governance still weakly connected. Despite a shared vocabulary around climate risk and resilience, practical integration into decision-making frameworks remains underdeveloped. The study highlights the need for more cohesive research-practice linkages and calls for frameworks that better align simulation outputs with urban planning imperatives. Full article

This article examines how governance structures and procedural timing influence the effectiveness of Territorial Management Instruments (TMIs) in Portugal. Anchored in a comparative analysis of two key legal reforms (Decree-Law No. 380/1999 and Decree-Law No. 80/2015), the study explores the tensions between democratic legitimacy and regulatory complexity. While the 1999 framework emphasized vertical coordination and participatory rights, it often led to procedural rigidity and institutional inertia. Conversely, the 2015 reform promoted digital tools and streamlined processes but introduced new governance gaps, reduced stakeholder diversity, and compressed consultation timelines. Drawing on a qualitative analysis of legal texts, policy documents, and technical documentation, the article introduces the concept of temporal governance, the idea that planning time is not merely a constraint but a governable resource. Through this lens, planning delays are reframed as either pathological (caused by inefficiency and fragmentation) or productive (used strategically to enhance environmental assessment and stakeholder engagement). A new conceptual framework is proposed to classify types of planning time, differentiate delays, and support temporal calibration in governance design. Findings show that effective planning outcomes hinge not only on legal architecture or participatory norms but also on the institutional ability to balance speed with deliberation and strategic foresight with procedural pragmatism. The paper concludes by calling for adaptive governance models that integrate time as a dynamic dimension of spatial planning, with implications for environmental resilience, democratic value, and, above all, institutional trust. Full article

Smart cities leverage digital marketing to promote sustainability and build a distinctive global branding. Despite its growing significance, the role digital marketing in smart city development remains underexplored. This study aims to fill this gap by employing bibliometric analysis of 1908 articles indexed in the Scopus database (2000–2024), using the Bibliometrix R-Studio (version 1.4.1743) and VOSviewer (version 1.6.20). The analysis reveals two thematic clusters: (1) “Digital Innovation and Sustainability”, which emphasizes technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and big data for energy efficiency and green urban development; and (2) “Governance and Policy”, which highlights digital marketing’s role in enabling participatory governance, citizen engagement, and inclusive urban policies. Findings underscore that digital marketing is not only a strategic communication channel but also a driver of sustainable urban transformation. By synthesizing insights from urban planning, technology, and sustainability, this paper provides a novel perspective on the intersection of digital marketing and smart cities. The results provide valuable guidance for policymakers, city planners, and researchers to harness digital marketing in promoting sustainability and further develop the smart city concept. Full article

Data is the starting point for generating information and knowledge in the decision-making process. Open data, which is information disclosed free of charge through open licenses and reusable formats, has great potential for value creation. Therefore, the objective of this research is to evaluate Spanish autonomous communities’ open data initiatives in a category of information of vital importance: housing. The methodology employed was a population analysis of datasets labeled as housing, followed by a necessary data cleansing process due to the identification of various errors, which reduced the number of labeled datasets from 1000 to 599. Only 12 of the 17 autonomous communities provided this type of information. The analysis of the results reveals that autonomous communities’ approaches to open data initiatives are highly heterogeneous and that the supply is irregular, with the Basque Country accounting for 70% of the datasets considered in the research. The creation of an indicator that equally assesses the existence of information and file formats (breadth and reusability) continues to identify the Basque Country as the undisputed leader, with Catalonia and Cantabria in second and third place, the only autonomous communities to exceed 50 points out of a possible 100. The study concludes by highlighting that the lack of uniformity in the formulation and implementation of open data policies will limit the use of information and, consequently, its value. Therefore, a series of recommendations is issued in this regard. Full article

Engaging in nightlife activities is an essential form of leisure, especially among young people. However, it also presents considerable risks associated with the occurrence of various forms of violence. Recently, increasing attention has been directed toward sexual violence occurring in nightlife settings. Despite numerous preventive efforts, such as awareness raising, bystander intervention training, alcohol policies, and situational preventive measures, sexual violence remains a persistent issue in nightlife contexts. With the extended usage of smartphones, mobile apps represent a promising approach that complements sexual violence prevention. This article presents findings from a systematic literature review and an online overview of mobile apps aimed at the intervention and prevention of sexual violence, focusing on identifying features suitable for nightlife contexts. The literature review revealed limited academic resources addressing such mobile apps, with only six articles found across four databases. An online review highlighted a wide range of mobile apps that tackle violence. However, when it comes to sexual violence, only 18 apps explicitly focus on prevention or intervention. Although many apps address some aspects of the problem, we noticed a lack of a comprehensive approach that would target all relevant stakeholders. Based on the conducted mobile app’s feature assessment, we propose a set of functionalities that should be incorporated into a holistic mobile app for nightlife sexual violence prevention, which may complement existing educational, community-based, and structural prevention efforts. Full article

The thermal environment problem is one of the main focuses of current urban environment research. At present, there are various methods used in urban space thermal environment (USTE) research. As a simulation method to quantify the USTE, the urban weather generator (UWG) has undergone great development and achieved many progressive results. It is necessary to establish and review its current research status by synthesizing UWG multi-scale applications. This review adopts a literature review approach, leveraging the Web of Science Core Collection to obtain previous relevant publications from 2010 to 2025 using “urban weather generator” and “thermal environment” as keywords. The literature is categorized by research themes, including model development, parameter optimization, and application cases. Through innovative analyses of spatio-temporal-scale classification, parameter optimization, the integration of anthropogenic heat emissions, and the multi-domain simulation potential of the UWG, this review synthesizes the application outcomes of the UWG model in multi-scale research, addressing gaps in current urban climate studies. The paper aims to elaborate and analyze the model’s current research status considering the following six aspects. First, the basic parameters in UWG simulation are introduced, including the data and parameter determination settings used in such simulations. Secondly, we introduce the simulation model and its basic principles, the simulation process, and the main steps of this process. Third, we classify and define UWG simulations of spatial thermal environments at different time scales and spatial scales. Fourth, regarding how to improve the accuracy of the UWG model, the deterministic parameters and uncertainty parameters settings are analyzed, respectively. Then, the impacts of anthropogenic heat during the simulation process are also discussed. Fifth, the applications of the UWG model in some major fields and its possible future development directions are addressed. Finally, the existing problems are summarized, the future development trends are prospected, and research on possible expected mitigation measures for the USTE is described. Full article

Residential segregation remains a persistent challenge in European urban environments and is an increasing focal point in urban policy debates. This study investigates the changing geographies of ethnic diversity and residential segregation in Riga, the capital city of Latvia. The research addresses the complex dynamics of ethnic residential patterns within the distinctive context of post-socialist urban transformation, examining how historical legacies of ethnic diversity interact with contemporary migration flows to reshape neighborhood ethnic composition. Using geo-referenced data from 2000, 2011, and 2021 census rounds, we examined changes in the spatial distribution of five major ethnic groups. Our analysis employs the Dissimilarity Index to measure ethnic residential segregation and the Location Quotient to identify the residential concentration of ethnic groups across the city. The findings reveal that Riga’s ethnic landscape is undergoing a gradual yet impactful transformation. The spatial distribution of ethnic groups is shifting, with the increasing segregation of certain groups, particularly traditional ethnic minorities, coupled with a growing concentration of Europeans and non-Europeans in the inner city. The findings reveal distinctive patterns of ethnic diversification and demographic change, wherein long-term trends intersect with contemporary migration dynamics to produce unique trajectories of ethnic residential segregation, which differ from those observed in Western European contexts. However, the specific dynamics in Riga, particularly the persistence of traditional ethnic minority communities and the emergence of new ethnic groups, highlight the unique context of post-socialist urban landscapes. Full article

Environmental comfort and air pollution are among the most important indicators for assessing the population’s quality of life in urban agglomerations. This study aims to explore long-term memory in air pollution time series by analyzing the dynamics of the Hurst exponent and evaluating the predictability index. This type of statistical pre-forecast analysis is essential for developing accurate forecasting models for such time series. The effectiveness of air quality monitoring systems largely depends on the precision of these forecasts. The Ekibastuz coal-mining center, which houses one of the largest coal-fired power stations in Kazakhstan and the world, with a capacity of about 4000 MW, was chosen as an example for the study. Data for the period from 1 March 2023 to 31 December 2024 were collected and analyzed at the Ekibastuz coal-fired power station. During the specified period, 14 indicators (67,527 observations) were collected at 10 min intervals, including mass concentrations of CO, NO, NO₂, SO₂, PM_2.5, and PM₁₀, as well as current mass consumption of CO, NO, NO₂, SO₂, dust, and NO_x. The detrended fluctuation analysis of a time series of air pollution indicators was used to calculate the Hurst exponent and identify long-term memory. Changes in the Hurst exponent in regards to dynamics were also investigated, and a predictability index was calculated to monitor emissions of pollutants in the air. Long-term memory is recorded in the structure of all the time series of air pollution indicators. Dynamic analysis of the Hurst exponent confirmed persistent time series characteristics, with an average Hurst exponent of about 0.7. Identifying the time series plots for which the Hurst exponent is falling (analysis of the indicator of dynamics), along with the predictability index, is a sign of an increase in the influence of random factors on the time series. This is a sign of changes in the dynamics of the pollutant release concentrations and may indicate possible excess emissions that need to be controlled. Calculating the dynamic changes in the Hurst exponent for the emission time series made it possible to identify two distinct clusters corresponding to periods of persistence and randomness in the operation of the coal-fired power station. The study shows that evaluating the predictability index helps fine-tune the parameters of time series forecasting models, which is crucial for developing reliable air pollution monitoring systems. The results obtained in this study allow us to conclude that the method of trended fluctuation analysis can be the basis for creating an indicator of the level of air pollution, which allows us to quickly respond to possible deviations from the established standards. Environmental services can use the results to build reliable monitoring systems for air pollution from coal combustion emissions, especially near populated areas. Full article

Agroecological transitions in collective urban gardens in Toulouse region were studied through the prism of global health (2011–2022). The specific meaning of “global health” in the context of urban gardens concerns the health of gardeners (well-being and physical health), plants, soil, and animals, as well as the interactions between humans and non-humans, which are crucial for gardeners. A sociotechnical research project was developed on four different collective gardening sites, consisting of the following: 1. surveys issued to 100 garden stakeholders to highlight issues and practices, participation in meetings with the social centers in charge of events, and focus groups; 2. participative agronomic and environmental measurements and field observations, including soil quality analyses; and 3. analysis of the available documentary corpus. In order to produce the results, these three research methods (surveys, agronomy, document analysis) were combined through a transdisciplinary approach, in that both the field experimentation outcomes and retrieved scientific publications and technical documents informed the discussions with gardeners. Consideration of the four different sites enabled the exploration of various contextual factors—such as soil or air quality—affecting the production of vegetables. A rise in the concerns of gardeners about the impacts of their activities on global health was observed, including aspects such as creating and enjoying landscapes, taking care of the soil and biodiversity, developing social connections through the transmission of practices, and regular outside physical activity and healthier eating. The increased consideration for global health issues by all stakeholders promotes the implementation of agroecological practices in gardens to improve biodiversity and adherence to circular economy principles. Four concepts emerged from the interviews: health, production of vegetables, living soil, and social interactions. Notably, nuances between the studied sites were observed, according to their history, environment, and organization. These collective gardens can thus be considered as accessible laboratories for social and agroecological experimentation, being areas that can strongly contribute to urban ecosystem services. Full article

Compared to multiple other European countries, Germany still lists among those countries restricting the operation of most retail activities on Sundays as well as public holidays. For a long time, the German populace backed this decision. The COVID-19 crisis had distinct effects on retail behavior, expectations, and perceptions among broad strata of German society. To quantify these changes, this study implements the results of two surveys from 2018 and 2025. Both samples were drawn from among the population of the fourth-largest German city of Cologne and visitors to the city. The results of t-tests and multiple multivariate regression analyses indicate that visitors still attend retail Sundays for hedonistic motives, i.e., related events, but in 2025 utilitarian motives have become more essential. While the amount of money spent during retail Sundays increased, this development is primarily driven by visitors not native to Cologne. However, city events continue to draw visitors and should be continued by city management. The financial potential for retailers by abolishing the German Shop Closing Act consequently remains limited, and its abolishment would only increase the ease of shoppers. Thus, legal changes to the act will have only limited potential for urban economic development. Full article

This paper analyzes the factors affecting the willingness to pay of urban households concerned with efficient waste management in Bangladesh. The multistage random sampling approach selected 1400 families from seven major cities in Bangladesh. This study addresses the socioeconomic and environmental factors that influence urban households’ willingness to pay for improved waste management services in Bangladesh. This study uniquely contributes to the literature by providing a large-scale empirical analysis of 1470 households using a logit model, revealing income, education, and environmental awareness as key predictors of WTP. Detailed survey data from respondents were then analyzed using a logit model based on the contingent valuation method. Indeed, the logit model showed that six variables (education, monthly income, value of the asset, knowledge of environment, and climate change) had a statistically significant effect on the WTP of the households. The results show that 63% of respondents were willing to pay BDT 250 or more per month. The most influential factors driving this willingness to pay were income (OR = 1.35), education level (OR = 1.45), and environmental awareness (OR = 3.56). These variables all contribute positively towards WTP. The idea is that families have some socioeconomic characteristics, regardless of which they are ready to pay for a higher level of waste collection. It is recommended that government interference be affected through various approaches, as listed below: support for public–private sector undertaking and disposal, an extensive cleaning campaign, decentralized management, cutting waste transport costs, and privatization of some waste management systems. These could be used to develop solutions to better waste management systems and improve public health. Full article

Urban mobility resilience plays a central role in sustainable urban planning discussions, especially considering the challenges of extreme events, climate change, and the increasing scarcity of fossil fuels. This study evaluates urban mobility resilience in Petrópolis (RJ), incorporating socio-spatial heterogeneity and energy vulnerability. This research fills methodological gaps in the literature by proposing a composite resilience index that integrates technical, socioeconomic, and fossil fuel dependency variables within a robust multicriteria framework. We selected eleven variables relevant to urban mobility and organized them into inference blocks. We normalized the variables using Gaussian functions, respecting their maximization or minimization characteristics. We applied the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to assign weights to the criteria and then aggregated and ranked the results using multicriteria analysis. The final index represents the adaptive capacity of urban territories facing the energy crisis, and we applied it spatially to the neighborhoods of Petrópolis. The analysis identified a significant concentration of neighborhoods with low resilience, particularly in quadrants, combining deficiencies in public transportation, high dependence on fossil fuels, and socioeconomic constraints. Factors such as limited pedestrian access, insufficient motorized public transport coverage, and a high proportion of elderly residents emerged as significant constraints on urban resilience. Intervention strategies that promote active mobility, improve accessibility, and diversify transportation modes proved essential for strengthening local resilience. The results emphasize the urgent need for public policies to reduce energy vulnerability, foster active mobility, and promote equity in access to transportation infrastructure. Full article

The analysis of the spatial location of tourists is essential for effective tourism management. This study explores the potential effects of large language models (LLMs) on urban travel planning. Despite growing academic interest in LLMs, empirical research on their specific impact on urban tourist locations remains limited, even though these models may significantly affect tourist behavior and spatial dynamics. This article compares the location of heritage sites in the city of Barcelona that are traditionally visited by tourists (as identified through Instagram) with those recommended by ChatGPT. The results show that ChatGPT tends to recommend a much smaller and more spatially concentrated number of tourist attractions than those shared on Instagram. The findings indicate that ChatGPT reinforces mainstream representations of cities by prioritizing well-known landmarks, potentially overlooking emerging or local attractions. This simplification can lead to tourist overcrowding and the marginalization of less-visited areas. Likewise, it may entail new needs for the management of urban spaces. Urban planners and tourism managers may need to intervene to redistribute tourist flows in a context where various models of tourist behavior will coexist. Full article

This research aims to assess the contribution of artificial intelligence (AI)-driven digital twin technology in improving the predictive planning of European smart cities, particularly in Greece. It considers the effect of specific elements including simulation accuracy, real-time data processing, artificial intelligence tools, and system readiness on the urban planning process. Structured questionnaires were administered to 301 urban professionals working in smart cities across Greece, focusing on their perceptions of the impact of digital twin features on predictive urban planning effectiveness. Respondents were asked how crucial they found the different features of digital twins in actually improving predictive urban planning. Measurement data were described using the arithmetic mean, standard deviation, and coefficient of variation, while categorical data were described using frequency distribution tables and percentages. This study revealed that the simulation fidelity, available real-time data integration, artificial intelligence analytics, and results- oriented monitoring system maturity have a positive impact on the accuracy, speed, and flexibility of urban planning. Some of the respondents noted these features as very useful for the prediction of urban conditions and decision-making purposes. Nevertheless, some drawbacks related to the computational load and data flow were also revealed. AI-driven digital twins are useful for improving the effectiveness of urban planning. However, they encounter technical issues; therefore, seeking to focus on system maturity and data integration is necessary for their successful implementation. Cities should adopt advanced digital twin technologies and enhance the compatibility of data and maintain AI transparency for better urban planning results. Full article

Land subsidence significantly threatens vulnerable coastal environments. This study aims to explore how Semarang’s government, local communities, and researchers address land subsidence and its role in exacerbating flood risk, against the backdrop of ongoing efforts within flood risk governance. Employing an integrated mixed-methods approach, the research combined quantitative geospatial analysis (InSAR and land cover change detection) with qualitative socio-political and governance analysis (interviews, FGDs, field observations). Findings show high subsidence rates in Semarang. Line of sight displacement measurements revealed a continuous downward trend from late 2014 to mid-2023, with rates varying from −8.8 to −10.1 cm/year in Karangroto and Sembungharjo. Built-up areas concurrently expanded from 21,512 hectares in 2017 to 23,755 hectares in 2023, largely displacing cropland and tree cover. Groundwater extraction was identified as the dominant driver, alongside urbanization and geological factors. A critical disconnect emerged: community views focused on flooding, often overlooking subsidence’s fundamental role as an exacerbating factor. The study concluded that multi-level collaboration, improved risk communication, and sustainable land management are critical for enhancing urban coastal resilience against dual threats of subsidence and flooding. These insights offer guidance for similar rapidly developing coastal cities. Full article

A lack of access to healthy food has been a problem for low-income residents in many developed urban areas. Due to travel time and additional transportation costs, these residents often opt for unhealthy food rather than nutritious alternatives. This study examines the spatial distribution of food deserts in Mississauga—one of Canada’s most populous cities and a city with one of the highest diabetes rates in the Province of Ontario. Network analysis was employed to map the geographic inaccessibility to essential nutritious food, defined as residential areas that are beyond a 15-min walking distance from grocery stores. Socioeconomic indicators were integrated to identify and compare the regions that are socioeconomically disadvantaged and, therefore, most affected by food inaccessibility. The results reveal the presence of several food deserts spatially dispersed in Mississauga. The implications of these findings are discussed, with a focus on the relationship between food desert locations and the socioeconomic conditions of the affected residents. This study provides a practical, replicable approach for identifying food deserts that can be easily applied in other regions. The model developed offers valuable tools for policymakers and urban planners to address food desert issues, improving access to healthy food and positively impacting the health and well-being of affected populations. Full article

This paper presents the Integrated Energy Community Performance Index (IECPI), a novel multi-criteria evaluation framework designed to assess the systemic performance of energy communities (ECs) across environmental, technological, social, and economic/institutional dimensions. Although ECs are increasingly recognized as pivotal actors in the decentralized energy transition, the absence of integrated assessment tools continues to hinder comparability, strategic planning, and long-term monitoring. The IECPI addresses this critical gap by structuring performance evaluation around nine normalized indicators, with their respective weights empirically derived from an influence matrix calibrated using interdependencies identified in 60 documented case studies. The IECPI integrates both objective and subjective metrics, capturing measurable outcomes alongside governance structures and contextual factors. The results reveal significant disparities in the performance of energy communities, allowing for the identification of five strategic typologies: Technologically Driven, Environmentally Oriented, Socially Embedded, Balanced Performance, and Structurally Fragile. The IECPI facilitates benchmarking, targeted policymaking, and cross-case learning while aligning with international frameworks such as SDG 7, EMAS, and principles of inclusive governance. As a scalable and transferable model, it provides a robust foundation for evidence-based planning, the evaluation of community resilience, and sustainability-oriented decision-making within distributed energy systems. Full article

Energy poverty, resulting from poor energy efficiency and economic and social barriers to accessing appropriate, modern, and sustainable energy services, remains a critical issue in Jordan, a country facing growing climate pressures, particularly given its history of rapid urbanization. This study examines energy poverty through a multidimensional lens, considering its spatial and socio-demographic variations across Jordan. Drawing on data from 19,475 households, we apply a novel energy poverty index and binary logistic regression to analyze key determinants of energy poverty and discuss their intersection with climate vulnerability. The energy poverty index (EPI) is structured around four pillars: housing, fuel, cooling, and wealth. The results show that 51% of households in Jordan are affected by energy poverty. Contributing factors include geographic location, gender, age, education level, dwelling type, ownership of cooling appliances, and financial stability. The results indicate that energy poverty is both a socio-economic and infrastructural issue, with the highest concentrations in the northern and southern regions of the country, areas also vulnerable to climate risks such as drought and extreme heat. Our findings emphasize the need for integrated policy approaches that simultaneously address income inequality, infrastructure deficits, and environmental stressors. Targeted strategies are needed to align social and climate policies for effective energy poverty mitigation and climate resilience planning in Jordan. Full article

As contemporary role models in the digital space, influencers are seen as one of the actors able to engage users with their posts, which also affects the image of a destination, and thus contributes to the co-creation process. At the same time, less information seems to be available on what elements influencers use and to what extent they influence the engagement of their followers. Through content analysis, the contributions to this image have been analysed by comparing different types of destinations and influencers. The results show that natural resources and undiscovered destinations generate a high level of engagement, a key element for co-creation. In addition, influencers, as the ambassadors of destinations, can have a positive impact on their sustainable development. Full article

This study provides a PRISMA-guided bibliometric analysis of scholarly research at the intersection of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) efforts, green accounting, and sustainable urbanization. This study employs 130 peer-reviewed articles obtained from the Scopus database (2014–2025) and applies Biblioshiny (version 4.1) and VOSviewer (version 1.6.20) to analyze publishing trends, topic clusters, conceptual frameworks, and citation patterns. The results demonstrate a growing convergence of ESG frameworks and environmental accounting practices in urban governance discussions, driven by elevated demands for transparency, performance evaluation, and sustainable change. Green accounting is an essential instrument for executing ESG principles at the municipal level, enhancing the credibility of sustainability reporting and enabling data-driven urban decision-making. Thematic mapping and hierarchical clustering illustrate a dynamic and varied research ecosystem, defined by distinct clusters focused on ESG transparency, urban resilience, governance innovation, and green technology integration. This study contributes to the literature by clarifying the structural and conceptual evolution of this emerging field and by suggesting a research agenda to promote integrated governance models that align financial, environmental, and social goals within urban systems. Full article

Despite the importance of Urban Green Infrastructure (UGI) as a provider of multiple Ecosystem Services (ESs), some concerns have been raised regarding Ecosystem Disservices (EDs) associated with UGI design and management, namely, the link between Urban Green Spaces’ (UGSs) attributes and invasion spatial patterns. This research takes the UGI of Coimbra, a medium-sized Portuguese city, as a case study to explore the relationships between UGS attributes and the occurrence of invasive plant species. The methodology involved aerial photo-interpretation and full patch survey to collect data about UGSs types, maintenance level and occurrence of invasive plant species, and landscape metrics analysis. Our results showed that the UGI of Coimbra exhibits a large prevalence of small UGSs with regular maintenance and the occurrence of invasive plant species in a low number of patches (17%). Although these patches correspond to 64% of the UGI. The area of recent sprawl (zone 2) registers higher occurrence of invasive plant species across different UGSs types, with higher prevalence in patches with no or low maintenance. Mapping the occurrence of invasive plant species in UGS is of utmost importance to implement appropriate maintenance practices, allowing medium-sized cities like Coimbra to optimize ESs associated with UGI and minimize potential EDs. Full article

Sound source localization represents one of the major challenges for soundscapes due to the dynamicity of a large variety of signals. Many applications are found related to ecosystems to study the migration process of birds and animals other than other terrestrial environments to survey wildlife. Other applications on sound recording are supported by sensors to detect animal movement. This paper deals with the immersive 3D soundscape by using a multi-channel spherical microphone probe, in combination with a 360° camera. The soundscape has been carried out in three Italian squares across the city of Parma. The acoustic maps obtained from the data processing detect the directivity of dynamic sound sources as typical of an urban environment. The analysis of the objective environmental parameters (like loudness, roughness, sharpness, and prominence) was conducted alongside the investigations on the historical importance of Italian squares as places for social inclusivity. A dedicated listening playback is provided by the AGORA project with a portable listening room characterized by modular unit of soundbars. Full article

This article reviews and discusses the behaviours and patterns associated with panic evacuations, as documented in the literature, which must be considered when analysing and modelling such events. This article does not take the form of a typical research article but, rather, a review of previous studies alongside its own commentary. The studies analysed in this article were selected according their ability to provide a new perspective. Where possible, diverse perspectives from existing research have been contrasted with the author’s own observations and reflections. Structured as an overview, this article introduces subsequent analyses and highlights several non-intuitive questions that arose during the investigation. This study examines the relationship between movement velocity and crowd density, comparing experimental data with simulations conducted to date. It also explores the connections between flow rate, crowd density, and velocity and suggests potential directions for further research in this field. Additionally, this article addresses the loss of evacuation coordination under crowding conditions and presents studies that demonstrate optimal evacuation at speeds that differ from the so-called comfortable pace. The positive effects of strategically placed obstacles in reducing congestion and improving evacuation times are also analysed. This literature review is conducted from a practical perspective, with the primary aim of deepening our understanding of panic evacuation phenomena. Furthermore, this article categorises the impact of various phenomena associated with stampedes and panic evacuations on the requirements for safe evacuation. A tabular summary of the technical and structural measures for evacuation is provided, which may prove useful in designing effective evacuation strategies when dealing with heightened emotional states among evacuees. Full article

Understanding how urbanisation and habitat fragmentation influence wildlife is critical for biodiversity conservation. Fragmentation and population isolation can reduce genetic diversity, yet few studies have assessed these genetic impacts in urbanised environments. Eastern grey kangaroos (Macropus giganteus), widespread across eastern Australia, often inhabit landscapes shaped by urbanisation. Using single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data from scat and tissue samples, we compared genetic characteristics of kangaroo populations in urban and non-urban areas across three regions. We assessed the influence of habitat isolation on genetic diversity and relatedness at 18 study sites. Overall, urban populations did not show significantly lower genetic diversity than those in less developed areas (p > 0.05; Urban mean H_O = 0.196, Non-urban mean H_O = 0.188). However, populations fully isolated by roads, buildings, and fences exhibited reduced genetic diversity and increased inbreeding. Additionally, significant genetic differences were observed among regions. These findings suggest that while urbanisation alone may not always reduce genetic diversity, complete physical isolation poses greater risks to population genetic health. This study highlights how urban landscape features can shape the genetics of large terrestrial mammals and underscores the need for spatially informed urban planning and management strategies that maintain or restore habitat connectivity. Full article

Exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) has become an increasing public health concern, particularly in urban areas facing severe air pollution. In response, individuals are increasingly turning to real-time tracking systems and self-monitoring tools. This study aimed to examine the association between PM2.5 risk perception, self-monitoring behaviors, and anxiety levels in the general population of Thailand. A cross-sectional survey was conducted during the dry season using an online questionnaire, which included the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scale. A total of 921 participants residing in Bangkok and Chiang Mai were included. Binary logistic regression analysis, adjusted for sex, age, marital status, monthly income, and years of residence, revealed a significant association between anxiety and perceived health risks of PM2.5 exposure (OR = 1.09; 95% CI: 1.06–1.13). Daily self-monitoring of air quality over the past two weeks was also significantly linked to higher anxiety levels compared to non-monitoring individuals: OR = 1.92 (95% CI: 1.11–3.33) for websites, OR = 1.65 (95% CI: 1.01–2.72) for mobile apps, OR = 1.72 (95% CI: 1.12–2.64) for air purifiers, and OR = 3.34 (95% CI: 1.77–6.31) for air quality detectors. Monitoring 4–6 days per week using apps and air detectors was similarly associated with increased anxiety (OR = 1.64 and 2.30, respectively). Heightened perception of PM2.5 health risks and frequent self-monitoring behaviors are associated with increased anxiety among urban residents in Thailand. Public health interventions should consider implementing targeted alert systems during high-pollution periods and prioritize strategies to reduce PM2.5 emissions to alleviate public anxiety. Full article

In this paper, a very fast and reliable strategy for load restoration utilizing optimal distribution feeder reconfiguration (DFR) is developed. The automated network configuration switches can improve the resilience of a microgrid (MG) equipped with a centralized and coordinated energy management system (EMS). The EMS has the authority to reconfigure the distribution network to fulfil high priority loads in the entire network, at the lowest cost, while maintaining the voltage at desirable bounds. In the case of islanded operation, the EMS is responsible for serving the high priority loads, including the establishment of new MGs, if necessary. This paper discusses the main functionality of the EMS in both grid-connected and islanded operation modes of MGs. The proposed model is developed based on a mixed-integer quadratically constrained program (MIQCP), including an optimal power flow (OPF) problem to minimize the power losses in normal operation and the load shedding in islanded operation, while keeping voltage and capacity constraints. The proposed framework is implemented on a modified IEEE 33-bus test system and the results show that the model is fast and accurate enough to be utilized in real-life situations without a loss of accuracy. Full article

Malawi’s Blantyre City faces escalating waste management challenges due to increased urbanization and inadequate waste collection services. This research utilized remote sensing (RS) and geographic information system (GIS) techniques to map potential illegal dump sites (PIDSs). MODIS and Sentinel-5P satellite imagery and GPS locations of dumpsites were used to extract environmental and spatial variables, including land surface temperature (LST), the enhanced vegetation index (EVI), Formaldehyde (HCHO), and distances from highways, rivers, and official dumps. An analytical hierarchical process (AHP) pairwise comparison matrix was used to assign weights for the six-factor variables. Further, fuzzy logic was applied, and weighted overlay analysis was used to generate the PIDS map. The results indicated that 10.27% of the study area has a “very high” probability of illegal dumping, while only 2% exhibited a “very low” probability. Validation with field data showed that the GIS and RS were effective, as about 89% of the illegal dumping sites were identified. Zonal statistics identified rivers as the most significant contributor to PIDS identification. The findings of this study underscore the significance of mapping PIDS in low-resource regions like Blantyre, Malawi, where inadequate waste management and illegal dumping are prevalent. Future studies should consider additional factors and account for seasonal variations. Full article

The imperative for building managers, in the face of high-density urban environments, is to drive existing chiller plants to greater operational efficiency through the application of advanced technological interventions. The case for applying Supervisory Control (SC) and a Building Automation System (SC+BAS) for optimizing chiller plants is the subject of investigation here, through the lens of a typical commercial shopping mall in the high-density infrastructure of Hong Kong. The application of SC+BAS falls into the realm of advanced Trim/Respond algorithms coupled with sophisticated sequencing algorithms that allow for refined optimization of the chiller operations in response to the dynamic demands of urban infrastructure. The SC+BAS features an array of optimizations specifically for the chiller plant. Incentive parameters such as cooling capacity, energy usage, and Coefficient of Performance (COP) were thoroughly studied through 12 months’ worth of data, before and after the implementation of the SC+BAS. Empirical observations indicate a statistically significant 17.6% energy usage decrease, coupled with a 15.3% decrease in the related energy expenditure costs. Furthermore, the environmental impact is calculated, with an estimated 61.1 tons reduction in the amount of CO₂ emissions, hence emphasizing the capacity for SC+BAS in offsetting the carbon footprint for commercial buildings. These data prove convincingly that the implementation of SC+BAS can increase the energy efficiency in chiller plants in commercial buildings, supporting the overall sustainability of the urban infrastructure. In turn, the authors suggest other areas for optimization through the advanced sequencing of chillers and demand-based cooling strategies. This highlights the ability of SC+BAS in creating more economical and green building operations regarding urban microclimates, occupant behavior patterns, and interactivity with the power grid, leading ultimately to the holistic optimization of chiller plant performance within the urban framework. Full article

The concept of the 15-minutes city [15 MC] focuses on providing important services within proximity and accessibility through active travel like walking or biking. While this model is becoming popular in urban planning and academic discourse, its implementation faces challenges in both densely populated developing and developed countries. This study aims to conduct a systematic review of recent literature to (1) identify the core components of the 15 MC model, (2) examine planning tools and strategies used in its implementation, (3) compare successes and challenges across global contexts, particularly in densely populated and resource-constrained areas, and (4) offer practical recommendations for adapting the model to meet local needs. The study reviewed 33 research papers published in the last five years [2019–2024]. Following PRISMA guidelines, a structured screening and selection process was conducted using databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Thematic analysis revealed major challenges for implementing the 15 MC in the Global South, including urban informality, gaps in infrastructure, and complex governance issues. Moreover, the review points out the potential risks of exclusion and gentrification if the specific needs of different contexts are not considered. While high-income countries tend to focus on sustainability and making neighborhoods walkable, developing countries struggle with deeper structural problems that make equitable implementation harder. This study emphasizes the need for locally adaptive frameworks in planning 15 MCs and aims to develop inclusive urban policies that support Sustainable Development Goal 11, which seeks to make cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. Full article

Light pollution, most visible in large cities through the absence of star-filled night skies, has become a growing issue of concern across many disciplines. It is not just an esthetic or astronomical problem, but a complex phenomenon with widespread effects on various sectors. The scientific literature highlights several key areas impacted either directly or indirectly by light pollution: astronomy, ecology and biodiversity, the environment and climate change, human health and well-being, the ongoing energy crisis, economy, tourism, public safety and security, and finally politics. A survey was conducted to explore two main objectives. The first was to evaluate public awareness of light pollution, particularly how individuals perceive its impact across different societal sectors. The second objective was to consult lighting experts to obtain detailed insights into how severely each sector is affected by light pollution. The data collected from both the general public and lighting experts were analyzed and compared to provide a clearer picture of light pollution’s actual consequences. This dual-perspective approach aims to identify potential gaps between public perception and expert knowledge. Understanding these gaps is essential for shaping effective awareness campaigns and informing policy decisions. Ultimately, this research serves as a foundational step toward prioritizing mitigation strategies. By aligning scientific data with social understanding, stakeholders can develop targeted interventions that reduce light pollution’s negative effects while promoting sustainable lighting practices for the future. Full article