Journal Description
Smart Cities
Smart Cities
is an international, scientific, peer-reviewed, open access journal on the science and technology of smart cities, published bimonthly online by MDPI.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, ESCI (Web of Science), Inspec, AGRIS, and other databases.
- Journal Rank: CiteScore - Q1 (Urban Studies)
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 20.2 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 4.6 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2023).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
Impact Factor:
6.4 (2022);
5-Year Impact Factor:
6.1 (2022)
Latest Articles
Integrating Multi-Criteria Decision Models in Smart Urban Planning: A Case Study of Architectural and Urban Design Competitions
Smart Cities 2024, 7(2), 786-805; https://doi.org/10.3390/smartcities7020033 - 18 Mar 2024
Abstract
The focus of this study is to integrate the DEX (Decision EXpert) decision-modeling method in architectural and urban design (A & UD) competitions. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of integrating the DEX (Decision EXpert) decision-modeling method into the evaluation process of
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The focus of this study is to integrate the DEX (Decision EXpert) decision-modeling method in architectural and urban design (A & UD) competitions. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of integrating the DEX (Decision EXpert) decision-modeling method into the evaluation process of A & UD competitions to enhance decision-making transparency, objectivity, and efficiency. By using symbolic values in decision models, the approach offers a more user-friendly alternative to the conventional jury decision-making process. The practical application of the DEX method is demonstrated in the Rhinoceros 3D environment to show its effectiveness in evaluating A & UD competition project solutions related to the development of the smart city. The results indicate that the DEX method, with its hierarchical and symbolic values, significantly improves the simplicity of the evaluation process in A & UD competitions, aligning it with the objectives of the smart cities. This method provides an efficient, accessible, and viable alternative to other multi-criteria decision-making approaches. This study importantly contributes to the field of architectural decision making by merging qualitative multi-criteria decision models into the CAD environment, thus supporting more informed, objective, and transparent decision-making processes in the planning and development of smart cities.
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(This article belongs to the Topic Artificial Intelligence Models, Tools and Applications)
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Reduced Complexity Sequential Digital Predistortion Technique for 5G Applications
by
Moustafa Abdelnaby, Reem Alnajjar, Souheil Bensmida and Oualid Hammi
Smart Cities 2024, 7(2), 772-785; https://doi.org/10.3390/smartcities7020032 - 18 Mar 2024
Abstract
Wireless communication infrastructure is a key enabling technology for smart cities. This paper investigates a novel technique to enhance the performance of 5G base stations by addressing the compensation of nonlinear distortions caused by radiofrequency power amplifiers. For this purpose, a sequential digital
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Wireless communication infrastructure is a key enabling technology for smart cities. This paper investigates a novel technique to enhance the performance of 5G base stations by addressing the compensation of nonlinear distortions caused by radiofrequency power amplifiers. For this purpose, a sequential digital predistortion approach that uses twin nonlinear two-box structure along with reduced sampling rates in the feedback path is proposed to implement a linearization system. Such a system is shown to have a correction bandwidth that exceeds the bandwidth of the feedback path. This is achieved by synthesizing the predistortion function in two successive characterization iterations. Both characterizations use the same hardware, which has a reduced sampling rate in the feedback path. Hence, the proposed predistorter scheme does not require any additional hardware compared to standard schemes. Moreover, coarse delay alignment is performed while identifying the memory polynomial function in order to further reduce the computational complexity of the proposed system. Experimental results using an inverse Class-F power amplifier demonstrate the ability of the proposed predistorter to achieve a correction bandwidth of 100 MHz with a feedback sampling rate as low as 25 MSa/s.
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(This article belongs to the Section Energy and ICT)
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Open AccessFeature PaperArticle
Video Compression Prototype for Autonomous Vehicles
by
Yair Wiseman
Smart Cities 2024, 7(2), 758-771; https://doi.org/10.3390/smartcities7020031 - 08 Mar 2024
Abstract
There are several standards for representing and compressing video information. These standards are adapted to the vision of the human eye. Autonomous cars see and perceive objects in a different way than humans and, therefore, the common standards are not suitable for them.
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There are several standards for representing and compressing video information. These standards are adapted to the vision of the human eye. Autonomous cars see and perceive objects in a different way than humans and, therefore, the common standards are not suitable for them. In this paper, we will present a way of adjusting the common standards to be appropriate for the vision of autonomous cars. The focus of this paper will be on the H.264 format, but a similar order can be adapted to other standards as well.
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(This article belongs to the Topic Advanced Array Signal Processing for B5G/6G: Models, Algorithms, and Applications)
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Enhancing Waste-to-Energy and Hydrogen Production through Urban–Industrial Symbiosis: A Multi-Objective Optimisation Model Incorporating a Bayesian Best-Worst Method
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Alessandro Neri, Maria Angela Butturi, Francesco Lolli and Rita Gamberini
Smart Cities 2024, 7(2), 735-757; https://doi.org/10.3390/smartcities7020030 - 28 Feb 2024
Abstract
A surging demand for sustainable energy and the urgency to lower greenhouse gas emissions is driving industrial systems towards more eco-friendly and cost-effective models. Biogas from agricultural and municipal organic waste is gaining momentum as a renewable energy source. Concurrently, the European Hydrogen
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A surging demand for sustainable energy and the urgency to lower greenhouse gas emissions is driving industrial systems towards more eco-friendly and cost-effective models. Biogas from agricultural and municipal organic waste is gaining momentum as a renewable energy source. Concurrently, the European Hydrogen Strategy focuses on green hydrogen for decarbonising the industrial and transportation sectors. This paper presents a multi-objective network design model for urban–industrial symbiosis, incorporating anaerobic digestion, cogeneration, photovoltaic, and hydrogen production technologies. Additionally, a Bayesian best-worst method is used to evaluate the weights of the sustainability aspects by decision-makers, integrating these into the mathematical model. The model optimises industrial plant locations considering economic, environmental, and social parameters, including the net present value, energy consumption, and carbon footprint. The model’s functionalities are demonstrated through a real-world case study based in Emilia Romagna, Italy. It is subject to sensitivity analysis to evaluate how changes in the inputs affect the outcomes and highlights feasible trade-offs through the exploration of the -constraint. The findings demonstrate that the model substantially boosts energy and hydrogen production. It is not only economically viable but also reduces the carbon footprint associated with fossil fuels and landfilling. Additionally, it contributes to job creation. This research has significant implications, with potential future studies intended to focus on system resilience, plant location optimisation, and sustainability assessment.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Cities and Industry 4.0)
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Contextualizing the Smart City in Africa: Balancing Human-Centered and Techno-Centric Perspectives for Smart Urban Performance
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Nessrine Moumen, Hassan Radoine, Kh Md Nahiduzzaman and Hassane Jarar Oulidi
Smart Cities 2024, 7(2), 712-734; https://doi.org/10.3390/smartcities7020029 - 27 Feb 2024
Abstract
The continuous growth of urban populations and the complexities of their current management in Africa have driven local governments to explore new technologies to optimize their urban and territorial performance. These governments and related stakeholders’ resort to the term “smart city” to orient
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The continuous growth of urban populations and the complexities of their current management in Africa have driven local governments to explore new technologies to optimize their urban and territorial performance. These governments and related stakeholders’ resort to the term “smart city” to orient the current urban planning policies and practices to be more efficient and adequate. Nevertheless, the issue that remains is how to contextualize this global term that has not yet been fully adopted by African cities that have claimed to be “Smart”. This contextualization becomes more complex in this critical context, where the city has not yet reached an ideal performance. Therefore, to reach this prospective African smart city, a critical review of how it would be both human-centered and techno-centered is imperative. This paper would review accordingly the above argument and set key performance indicator-based methodology on how to evaluate the smartness of a city in the African context.
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(This article belongs to the Topic Smart Cities: Infrastructure, Innovation, Technology, Governance and Citizenship)
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Open AccessReview
Edge Offloading in Smart Grid
by
Gabriel Ioan Arcas, Tudor Cioara, Ionut Anghel, Dragos Lazea and Anca Hangan
Smart Cities 2024, 7(1), 680-711; https://doi.org/10.3390/smartcities7010028 - 19 Feb 2024
Abstract
The management of decentralized energy resources and smart grids needs novel data-driven low-latency applications and services to improve resilience and responsiveness and ensure closer to real-time control. However, the large-scale integration of Internet of Things (IoT) devices has led to the generation of
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The management of decentralized energy resources and smart grids needs novel data-driven low-latency applications and services to improve resilience and responsiveness and ensure closer to real-time control. However, the large-scale integration of Internet of Things (IoT) devices has led to the generation of significant amounts of data at the edge of the grid, posing challenges for the traditional cloud-based smart-grid architectures to meet the stringent latency and response time requirements of emerging applications. In this paper, we delve into the energy grid and computational distribution architectures, including edge–fog–cloud models, computational orchestration, and smart-grid frameworks to support the design and offloading of grid applications across the computational continuum. Key factors influencing the offloading process, such as network performance, data and Artificial Intelligence (AI) processes, computational requirements, application-specific factors, and energy efficiency, are analyzed considering the smart-grid operational requirements. We conduct a comprehensive overview of the current research landscape to support decision-making regarding offloading strategies from cloud to fog or edge. The focus is on metaheuristics for identifying near-optimal solutions and reinforcement learning for adaptively optimizing the process. A macro perspective on determining when and what to offload in the smart grid is provided for the next-generation AI applications, offering an overview of the features and trade-offs for selecting between federated learning and edge AI solutions. Finally, the work contributes to a comprehensive understanding of edge offloading in smart grids, providing a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis to support cost–benefit analysis in decision-making regarding offloading strategies.
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(This article belongs to the Section Smart Grids)
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Flood-Resilient Smart Cities: A Data-Driven Risk Assessment Approach Based on Geographical Risks and Emergency Response Infrastructure
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João Paulo Just Peixoto, Daniel G. Costa, Paulo Portugal and Francisco Vasques
Smart Cities 2024, 7(1), 662-679; https://doi.org/10.3390/smartcities7010027 - 16 Feb 2024
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Flooding in urban areas is expected to become even more common due to climatic changes, putting pressure on cities to implement effective response measures. Practical mechanisms for assessing flood risk have become highly desired, but existing solutions have been devoted to evaluating only
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Flooding in urban areas is expected to become even more common due to climatic changes, putting pressure on cities to implement effective response measures. Practical mechanisms for assessing flood risk have become highly desired, but existing solutions have been devoted to evaluating only specific cities and consider only limited risk perspectives, constraining their general applicability. This article presents an innovative approach for assessing the flood risk of delimited urban areas by exploiting geospatial information from publicly available databases, providing a method that is applicable to any city in the world and requiring minimum configurations. A set of mathematical equations is defined for numerically assessing risk levels based on elevation, slope, and proximity to rivers, while the existence of emergency-related urban infrastructure is considered as a risk reduction factor. Then, computed risk levels are used to classify areas, allowing easy visualisation of flood risk for a city. This smart city approach not only serves as a valuable tool for assessing the expected flood risk based on different parameters but also facilitates the implementation of cutting-edge strategies to effectively mitigate critical situations, ultimately enhancing urban resilience to flood-related disaster.
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Toward Establishing a Tourism Data Space: Innovative Geo-Dashboard Development for Tourism Research and Management
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Dolores Ordóñez-Martínez, Joana Maria Seguí-Pons and Maurici Ruiz-Pérez
Smart Cities 2024, 7(1), 633-661; https://doi.org/10.3390/smartcities7010026 - 14 Feb 2024
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The data sharing strategy involves understanding the challenges and problems that can be solved through the collaboration of different entities sharing their data. The implementation of a data space in Mallorca is based on understanding the available data and identifying the problems that
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The data sharing strategy involves understanding the challenges and problems that can be solved through the collaboration of different entities sharing their data. The implementation of a data space in Mallorca is based on understanding the available data and identifying the problems that can be solved using them. The use of data through data spaces will contribute to the transformation of destinations into smart tourism destinations. Smart tourism destinations are considered as smart cities in which the tourism industry offers a new layer of complexity in which technologies, digitalization, and intelligence are powered by data. This study analyzes four scenarios in which geo-dashboards are developed: flood exposure of tourist accommodation, land-cover changes, human pressure, and tourist uses in urban areas. The results of applying the geo-dashboards to these different scenarios provide tourists and destination managers with valuable information for decision-making, highlighting the utility of this type of tool, and laying the foundations for a future tourism data space in Mallorca.
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Open AccessArticle
Urban Design and Planning Participation in the Digital Age: Lessons from an Experimental Online Platform
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Stephen Marshall, David Farndon, Andrew Hudson-Smith, Athanasios Kourniotis and Nikos Karadimitriou
Smart Cities 2024, 7(1), 615-632; https://doi.org/10.3390/smartcities7010025 - 13 Feb 2024
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There is increasing use of digital technologies in urban planning, including in the generation of designs and the participative side of planning. We examine this digital planning by reporting on the application of an experimental online participatory platform in the regeneration of a
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There is increasing use of digital technologies in urban planning, including in the generation of designs and the participative side of planning. We examine this digital planning by reporting on the application of an experimental online participatory platform in the regeneration of a London housing estate, enabling reflection on participation processes and outcomes. Drawing on lessons learned, the paper synthesises a conceptual representation of online participation and a relational framework for understanding the participatory platform and its context. We subsequently develop a ‘matrix of participative space’, building on Arnstein’s ‘ladder of participation’, to present a two-dimensional framework of online participation, identifying cases of ‘participative deficit’ and ‘democratic deficit’. We conclude with implications for future digital participation in urban planning and design.
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Bibliometric Study on the Conceptualisation of Smart City and Education
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Debora Scala, Ángel Ignacio Aguilar Cuesta, Maria Ángeles Rodríguez-Domenech and María del Carmen Cañizares Ruiz
Smart Cities 2024, 7(1), 597-614; https://doi.org/10.3390/smartcities7010024 - 10 Feb 2024
Abstract
In recent years, research in the smart city sector has experienced exponential growth, establishing itself as a fundamental and multifaceted field of study. Education is one of the sectors of interest in smart cities. Concurrently, the extensive academic literature on smart cities makes
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In recent years, research in the smart city sector has experienced exponential growth, establishing itself as a fundamental and multifaceted field of study. Education is one of the sectors of interest in smart cities. Concurrently, the extensive academic literature on smart cities makes identifying the main areas of interest related to education, leading institutions and authors, potential interconnections between different disciplines, and existing gaps more complicated. This article maps the knowledge domain of education in smart cities through a bibliometric analysis to identify current trends, research networks, and topics of greatest interest. A total of 88 articles, published between 2000 and 2023, were examined using an interdisciplinary approach. The leading countries are mainly located in Europe and North America and include China. Bibliometrics provides an intellectual configuration of knowledge on education in smart cities; a co-word analysis identifies conceptual sub-domains in specific themes. In general, education within smart cities represents a universal challenge that requires a structured and interdisciplinary approach at all levels. Finally, this paper offers some suggestions for future research, adopting a more comprehensive view of the areas of investigation through a holistic analysis of stakeholders.
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(This article belongs to the Topic Smart Cities: Infrastructure, Innovation, Technology, Governance and Citizenship)
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Climate Change Mitigation through Modular Construction
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Zeerak Waryam Sajid, Fahim Ullah, Siddra Qayyum and Rehan Masood
Smart Cities 2024, 7(1), 566-596; https://doi.org/10.3390/smartcities7010023 - 08 Feb 2024
Abstract
Modular construction (MC) is a promising concept with the potential to revolutionize the construction industry (CI). The sustainability aspects of MC, among its other encouraging facets, have garnered escalated interest and acclaim among the research community, especially in the context of climate change
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Modular construction (MC) is a promising concept with the potential to revolutionize the construction industry (CI). The sustainability aspects of MC, among its other encouraging facets, have garnered escalated interest and acclaim among the research community, especially in the context of climate change (CC) mitigation efforts. Despite numerous scholarly studies contributing to the understanding of MC, a holistic review of the prevailing literature that systematically documents the impact of utilizing MC on CC mitigation remains scarce. The study conducts a systematic literature review (SLR) of the pertinent literature retrieved from the Scopus repository to explore the relationship between MC and CC mitigation. Employing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol, the SLR was conducted on 31 shortlisted articles published between 2010 and 2023. The findings of the study reveal that MC can mitigate the climate crisis by reducing GHG emissions, curtailing resource intensiveness by enabling a circular economy (CE), fomenting energy efficiency, and fostering resourceful land use and management in the CI. A conceptual framework based on the findings of the previous literature is proposed in this study, which outlines several strategies for CC mitigation that can be implemented by the adoption of MC in the CI. The current study is a humble effort to review various offerings of MC to help mitigate CC in the era of striving for global sustainability. For industry practitioners and policymakers, this study highlights the viability of leveraging MC for CC mitigation, aiming to inspire better decision making for sustainable development in the CI. Similarly, for researchers, it presents MC as a potential tool for CC mitigation that can be further explored in terms of its associated factors, and focused frameworks can be developed.
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(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable and Smart Building)
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Enhancing Smart Cities through Third-Party Logistics: Predicting Delivery Intensity
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Mariusz Kmiecik and Aleksandra Wierzbicka
Smart Cities 2024, 7(1), 541-565; https://doi.org/10.3390/smartcities7010022 - 08 Feb 2024
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This article addresses the key and current issues of smart cities in the context of last-mile supply management. Specifically, it explores how third-party logistics (3PL) activities impact last-mile delivery management in smart cities. It examines how 3PL affects delivery volumes, expanding the predictive
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This article addresses the key and current issues of smart cities in the context of last-mile supply management. Specifically, it explores how third-party logistics (3PL) activities impact last-mile delivery management in smart cities. It examines how 3PL affects delivery volumes, expanding the predictive capabilities of logistics operators. A research question included in the Introduction of this paper is also posed to explore the problem in depth. The research conducted focuses mainly on a case study conducted on the operations of an international 3PL logistics operator. In addition, predictive methods are used to analyse the shipment volume data for individual barcodes in the two analysed cities in Poland. Currently, the concept of a smart city assumes the limited participation of logistics operators in creating improvements for cities. The case study analysis shows that in the cities studied, 3PL companies, through predictive actions, can regulate the flow of vehicles out of the logistics centre and into the city, thus influencing the traffic volume in the city. The research is limited to two cities in Poland implementing smart city solutions and one logistics operator. The research also does not include e-commerce. The authors acknowledge that the results obtained cannot be generalised to a larger scale. This paper bridges the research gap on 3PL activities for last-mile logistics improvements. In addition, the paper proposes the first concept related to the implementation of a 3PL company’s predictive activities associated with the operator’s ability to control the impact on urban traffic.
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Safety and Mobility Evaluation of Cumulative-Anticipative Car-Following Model for Connected Autonomous Vehicles
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Hafiz Usman Ahmed, Salman Ahmad, Xinyi Yang, Pan Lu and Ying Huang
Smart Cities 2024, 7(1), 518-540; https://doi.org/10.3390/smartcities7010021 - 06 Feb 2024
Abstract
In the typical landscape of road transportation, about 90% of traffic accidents result from human errors. Vehicle automation enhances road safety by reducing driver fatigue and errors and improves overall mobility efficiency. The advancement of autonomous vehicle technology will significantly impact traffic safety,
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In the typical landscape of road transportation, about 90% of traffic accidents result from human errors. Vehicle automation enhances road safety by reducing driver fatigue and errors and improves overall mobility efficiency. The advancement of autonomous vehicle technology will significantly impact traffic safety, potentially saving more than 30,000 lives annually in the United States alone. The widespread acceptance of autonomous and connected autonomous vehicles (AVs and CAVs) will be a process spanning multiple decades, requiring their coexistence with traditional vehicles. This study explores the mobility and safety performance of CAVs in mixed-traffic environments using the cumulative-anticipative car-following (CACF) model. This research compares the CACF model with established Wiedemann 99 and cooperative adaptive cruise control (CACC) models using a VISSIM platform. The simulations include single-lane and multi-lane networks, incorporating sensitivity tests for mobility and safety parameters. The study reveals increased throughput, reduced delays, and enhanced travel times with CACF, emphasizing its advantages over CACC. Safety analyses demonstrate CACF’s ability to prevent traffic shockwaves and bottlenecks, emphasizing the significance of communication range and acceleration coefficients. The research recommends early investment in vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication technology, refining CACC logic, and expanding the study to diverse road scenarios.
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(This article belongs to the Section Smart Transportation)
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An Artificial Intelligence and Industrial Internet of Things-Based Framework for Sustainable Hydropower Plant Operations
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Fation T. Fera and Christos Spandonidis
Smart Cities 2024, 7(1), 496-517; https://doi.org/10.3390/smartcities7010020 - 06 Feb 2024
Abstract
Hydropower plays a crucial role in supplying electricity to developed nations and is projected to expand its capacity in various developing countries such as Sub-Saharan Africa, Argentina, Colombia, and Turkey. With the increasing demand for sustainable energy and the emphasis on reducing carbon
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Hydropower plays a crucial role in supplying electricity to developed nations and is projected to expand its capacity in various developing countries such as Sub-Saharan Africa, Argentina, Colombia, and Turkey. With the increasing demand for sustainable energy and the emphasis on reducing carbon emissions, the significance of hydropower plants is growing. Nevertheless, numerous challenges arise for these plants due to their aging infrastructure, impacting both their efficiency and structural stability. In order to tackle these issues, the present study has formulated a specialized real-time framework for identifying damage, with a particular focus on detecting corrosion in the conductors of generators within hydropower plants. It should be noted that corrosion processes can be highly complex and nonlinear, making it challenging to develop accurate physics-based models that capture all the nuances. Therefore, the proposed framework leverages autoencoder, an unsupervised, data-driven AI technology with the Mahalanobis distance, to capture the intricacies of corrosion and automate its detection. Rigorous testing shows that it can identify slight variations indicating conductor corrosion with over 80% sensitivity and a 5% false alarm rate for ‘medium’ to ‘high’ severity damage. By detecting and resolving corrosion early, the system reduces disruptions, streamlines maintenance, and mitigates unscheduled repairs’ negative effects on the environment. This enhances energy generation effectiveness, promotes hydroelectric facilities’ long-term viability, and fosters community prosperity.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Cities and Industry 4.0)
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The Cybersecurity Applied by Online Travel Agencies and Hotels to Protect Users’ Private Data in Smart Cities
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Lázaro Florido-Benítez
Smart Cities 2024, 7(1), 475-495; https://doi.org/10.3390/smartcities7010019 - 04 Feb 2024
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to analyse the cybersecurity in online travel agencies (OTAs) and hotel sectors to protect users’ private data in smart cities. Methodologically, this research uses a sample of information about cyberattacks that occurred during the period of 2000–2023
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The purpose of this paper is to analyse the cybersecurity in online travel agencies (OTAs) and hotel sectors to protect users’ private data in smart cities. Methodologically, this research uses a sample of information about cyberattacks that occurred during the period of 2000–2023 in companies operating as OTAs and in the travel, tourism, and food sectors, which was obtained from research articles. Then, we had to expand the research to include updated information about cyberattacks from digital newspapers, regulatory sources, and state data breach notification sites like CSIS, KonBriefing, EUROCONTROL, and GlobalData. The findings of the current research prove that hotels and OTAs were constantly exposed to cyberattacks in the period analysed, especially by data breaches and malware attacks; in fact, this is the main novelty of this research. In addition, these incidents were severe for both guests and tourism companies because their vulnerabilities and consequences affect the reputation of companies and smart cities where these firms operate, as well as consumer confidence. The results also showed that most of the cyberattacks examined in this manuscript were aimed at stealing information about the companies’ and users’ private data such as email addresses; credit card numbers, security codes, and expiration dates; and encoded magstripe data; among many other types of data. Cyberattacks and cyberthreats never disappear completely in the travel and tourism sectors because these illegal activities are closely related to the hacker’s thirst for power, fame, and wealth.
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Predicting Autonomous Driving Behavior through Human Factor Considerations in Safety-Critical Events
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Jamal Raiyn and Galia Weidl
Smart Cities 2024, 7(1), 460-474; https://doi.org/10.3390/smartcities7010018 - 01 Feb 2024
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This paper investigates the ability of autonomous driving systems to predict outcomes by considering human factors like gender, age, and driving experience, particularly in the context of safety-critical events. The primary objective is to equip autonomous vehicles with the capacity to make plausible
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This paper investigates the ability of autonomous driving systems to predict outcomes by considering human factors like gender, age, and driving experience, particularly in the context of safety-critical events. The primary objective is to equip autonomous vehicles with the capacity to make plausible deductions, handle conflicting data, and adjust their responses in real-time during safety-critical situations. A foundational dataset, which encompasses various driving scenarios such as lane changes, merging, and navigating complex intersections, is employed to enable vehicles to exhibit appropriate behavior and make sound decisions in critical safety events. The deep learning model incorporates personalized cognitive agents for each driver, considering their distinct preferences, characteristics, and requirements. This personalized approach aims to enhance the safety and efficiency of autonomous driving, contributing to the ongoing development of intelligent transportation systems. The efforts made contribute to advancements in safety, efficiency, and overall performance within autonomous driving systems. To describe the causal relationship between external factors like weather conditions and human factors, and safety-critical driver behaviors, various data mining techniques can be applied. One commonly used method is regression analysis. Additionally, correlation analysis is employed to reveal relationships between different factors, helping to identify the strength and direction of their impact on safety-critical driver behavior.
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Engaging Young People in the Development of Innovative Nature-Inspired Technologies for Carbon Sequestration in Cities: Case Studies from Portugal
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Manuela Moreira da Silva, Lurdes Ferreira, Teresa Sarmento and Catarina Selada
Smart Cities 2024, 7(1), 445-459; https://doi.org/10.3390/smartcities7010017 - 31 Jan 2024
Abstract
Currently, cities are the most vulnerable places on the planet to the effects of global change, both anthropogenic and climate-related, and this is not compatible with harmony and well-being regarding the economy, nature, and future generations. Young people have a unique potential to
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Currently, cities are the most vulnerable places on the planet to the effects of global change, both anthropogenic and climate-related, and this is not compatible with harmony and well-being regarding the economy, nature, and future generations. Young people have a unique potential to catalyze the transformative sustainable change that the planet needs now, as they are the first generation to grow up with tangible impacts of climate change. We tested a new strategy to empower young people to foster carbon neutrality in cities by engaging them in ecosystem services quantification and technological innovation to increase CO2 sequestration in two Portuguese cities. The species with best performance for carbon sequestration were M. exelsa in Porto and O. europea in Loulé, and for air pollutant removal and hydrological regulation were P. hispanica in Porto and P. pinea in Loulé. Through the innovative advanced summer program SLI, a nature-based learning experience, young people developed two new concepts of technological solutions to accelerate city decarbonization by designing a hedge for air pollution hotspots and a biodevice to be placed at bus stops using autochthonous shrubs and mosses. Initiatives like SLI contribute to a greater awareness among young people about the drivers that brought us to the current climate emergency, motivating them towards more balanced lifestyles and creating innovative nature-based solutions towards a smart and sustainable city.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multidisciplinary Research on Smart Cities)
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Smart Cities and Urban Energy Planning: An Advanced Review of Promises and Challenges
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Saeed Esfandi, Safiyeh Tayebi, John Byrne, Job Taminiau, Golkou Giyahchi and Seyed Ali Alavi
Smart Cities 2024, 7(1), 414-444; https://doi.org/10.3390/smartcities7010016 - 31 Jan 2024
Abstract
This review explores the relationship between urban energy planning and smart city evolution, addressing three primary questions: How has research on smart cities and urban energy planning evolved in the past thirty years? What promises and hurdles do smart city initiatives introduce to
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This review explores the relationship between urban energy planning and smart city evolution, addressing three primary questions: How has research on smart cities and urban energy planning evolved in the past thirty years? What promises and hurdles do smart city initiatives introduce to urban energy planning? And why do some smart city projects surpass energy efficiency and emission reduction targets while others fall short? Based on a bibliometric analysis of 9320 papers published between January 1992 and May 2023, five dimensions were identified by researchers trying to address these three questions: (1) energy use at the building scale, (2) urban design and planning integration, (3) transportation and mobility, (4) grid modernization and smart grids, and (5) policy and regulatory frameworks. A comprehensive review of 193 papers discovered that previous research prioritized technological advancements in the first four dimensions. However, there was a notable gap in adequately addressing the inherent policy and regulatory challenges. This gap often led to smart city endeavors underperforming relative to their intended objectives. Overcoming the gap requires a better understanding of broader issues such as environmental impacts, social justice, resilience, safety and security, and the affordability of such initiatives.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multidisciplinary Research on Smart Cities)
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On the Adoption of Smart Home Technology in Switzerland: Results from a Survey Study Focusing on Prevention and Active Healthy Aging Aspects
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Raphael Iten, Joël Wagner and Angela Zeier Röschmann
Smart Cities 2024, 7(1), 370-413; https://doi.org/10.3390/smartcities7010015 - 30 Jan 2024
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Smart home (SH) technologies offer advancements in comfort, energy management, health, and safety. There is increasing interest in technology-enabled home services from scholars and professionals, particularly to meet the needs of a growing aging population. Yet, current research focuses on assisted living scenarios
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Smart home (SH) technologies offer advancements in comfort, energy management, health, and safety. There is increasing interest in technology-enabled home services from scholars and professionals, particularly to meet the needs of a growing aging population. Yet, current research focuses on assisted living scenarios developed for elderly individuals with health impairments, and neglects to explore the potential of SHs in prevention. We aim to improve comprehension and guide future research on the value of SH technology for risk prevention with a survey assessing the adoption of SHs by older adults based on novel ad hoc collected data. Our survey is based on the theoretical background derived from the extant body of literature. In addition to established adoption factors and user characteristics, it includes previously unexamined elements such as active and healthy aging parameters, risk and insurance considerations, and social and hedonic dimensions. Descriptive results and regression analyses indicate that a vast majority of individuals acknowledge the preventive benefits of SHs. Additionally, we observe that individuals with higher levels of social activity, technology affinity, and knowledge of SHs tend to report greater interest. Moreover, perceived enjoyment and perceived risk emerge as central elements for SH adoption. Our research indicates that considering lifestyle factors when examining technology adoption and emphasizing the preventive benefits present possibilities for both future studies and practical implementations.
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Open AccessReview
The Convergence of Intelligent Tutoring, Robotics, and IoT in Smart Education for the Transition from Industry 4.0 to 5.0
by
Amr Adel
Smart Cities 2024, 7(1), 325-369; https://doi.org/10.3390/smartcities7010014 - 30 Jan 2024
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This review paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the automation of smart education in the context of Industry 5.0 from 78 papers, focusing on the integration of advanced technologies and the development of innovative, effective, and ethical educational solutions for the future workforce.
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This review paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the automation of smart education in the context of Industry 5.0 from 78 papers, focusing on the integration of advanced technologies and the development of innovative, effective, and ethical educational solutions for the future workforce. As the world transitions into an era characterized by human–machine collaboration and rapidly evolving technologies, there is an urgent need to recognize the pivotal role of smart education in preparing individuals for the opportunities and challenges presented by the new industrial landscape. The paper examines key components of smart education, including intelligent tutoring systems, adaptive learning environments, learning analytics, and the application of the Internet of Things (IoT) in education. It also discusses the role of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), robotics, and augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) in shaping personalized and immersive learning experiences. The review highlights the importance of smart education in addressing the growing demand for upskilling and reskilling, fostering a culture of lifelong learning, and promoting adaptability, resilience, and self-improvement among learners. Furthermore, the paper delves into the challenges and ethical considerations associated with the implementation of smart education, addressing issues such as data privacy, the digital divide, teacher and student readiness, and the potential biases in AI-driven systems. Through a presentation of case studies and examples of successful smart education initiatives, the review aims to inspire educators, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to collaborate and innovate in the design and implementation of effective smart education solutions. Conclusively, the paper outlines emerging trends, future directions, and potential research opportunities in the field of smart education, emphasizing the importance of continuous improvement and the integration of new technologies to ensure that education remains relevant and effective in the context of Industry 5.0. By providing a holistic understanding of the key components, challenges, and potential solutions associated with smart education, this review paper seeks to contribute to the ongoing discourse surrounding the automation of smart education and its role in preparing the workforce for the future of work.
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