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A special issue of Smart Cities (ISSN 2624-6511).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (29 February 2024) | Viewed by 52540

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Dr. Katarzyna Turoń

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Guest Editor

Department of Road Transport, Faculty of Transport and Aviation Engineering, Silesian University of Technology, 40-019 Katowice, Poland
Interests: shared mobility; car-sharing; bike-sharing; scooter-sharing; new mobility; electromobility; electric mobility; electric shared mobility; sustainable transport systems
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Andrzej Kubik

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Guest Editor

Department of Road Transport, Faculty of Transport and Aviation Engineering, Silesian University of Technology, 40-019 Katowice, Poland
Interests: civil engineering; materials enginering; smart cities; smart systems; mobility as a service; MaaS systems; shared mobility; mobility management; electric mobility; e-mobility; wear; sustainable transport
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, urban centers have been developing at an ever-increasing pace. Along with the development of technology, there are also more and more solutions that shall lead to cities becoming more sustainable and smarter. However, in order to talk about fully intelligent cities, it is necessary to provide, apart from the appropriate technology:

- Opportunities for the development of creative populations;

- Effective operating institutions and procedures in the field of knowledge creation, enabling its acquisition, adaptation and development;

- Developed broadband infrastructure, digital spaces, e-services and online tools for knowledge management;

- Capacity to innovate, manage and solve problems, especially innovative issues.

These aspects are necessary for the proper development of smart economy, smart mobility, smart environment, smart living and smart governance. However, these issues are relatively new scientific areas requiring in-depth scientific consideration.

This Special Issue is dedicated to promoting research on the latest multidisciplinary research on the concepts of smart economy, smart mobility, smart environment, smart living and smart governance applied in smart cities in order to develop the idea of smart cities. Any research that includes analysis on smart cities, developed mathematical, business and descriptive models, calculations, forecasts, plans and development analyses, comparative analyses, advanced literature reviews, reviews, case studies, guidelines and theoretical and practical studies are warmly welcome.

Dr. Katarzyna Turoń
Dr. Andrzej Kubik
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Smart Cities is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2000 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

smart cities
transportation engineering
new technologies in smart cities
sustainable solutions for smart cities
smart economy
smart mobility
smart environment
smart living
smart governance

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Published Papers (12 papers)

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Research

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33 pages, 5311 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Spatiotemporal Comparative Analysis of Docked and Dockless Shared Micromobility Services

by Sara Hassam, Nuno Alpalhão and Miguel de Castro Neto

Smart Cities 2024, 7(2), 880-912; https://doi.org/10.3390/smartcities7020037 - 5 Apr 2024

Viewed by 1177

Abstract

Sustainable urban mobility is an imperative concern in contemporary cities, and shared micromobility systems, such as docked bike-sharing, dockless bike-sharing, and dockless e-scooter-sharing, are recognized as essential contributors to sustainable behaviors in cities, both complementing and enhancing public transport options. Most of the literature on this subject predominantly focuses on individual assessments of these systems, overlooking the comparative analysis necessary for a comprehensive understanding. This study aims to bridge this gap by conducting a spatiotemporal analysis of two different shared micromobility modes of transportation, docked bike-sharing systems and dockless e-scooter-sharing systems operating in the municipality of Lisbon. The analysis is further segmented into arrivals and departures on weekdays and weekends. Additionally, this study explores the impact of sociodemographic factors, the population’s commuting modes, and points of interest (POIs) on the demand for both docked bike-sharing and dockless e-scooter-sharing. Multiscale Geographically Weighted Regression (MGWR) models are employed to estimate the influence of these factors on system usage in different parishes in Lisbon. Comparative analysis reveals that the temporal distribution of trips is similar for both docked bike-sharing and dockless e-scooter-sharing systems on weekdays and weekends. However, differences in spatial distribution between the two systems were observed. The MGWR results indicate that the number of individuals commuting by bike in each parish has a positive effect on docked bike-sharing, while it exerts a negative influence on dockless e-scooter-sharing. Also, the number of commercial points of interest (POIs) for weekday arrivals positively affects the usage of both systems. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of shared micromobility patterns in urban environments and can aid cities in developing effective strategies that not only promote and increase the utilization of these shared micromobility systems but also contribute to sustainable urban mobility. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multidisciplinary Research on Smart Cities)

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15 pages, 1417 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Engaging Young People in the Development of Innovative Nature-Inspired Technologies for Carbon Sequestration in Cities: Case Studies from Portugal

by 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

Viewed by 1620

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 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. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multidisciplinary Research on Smart Cities)

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21 pages, 5360 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Intelligent Waste-Volume Management Method in the Smart City Concept

by Khrystyna Lipianina-Honcharenko, Myroslav Komar, Oleksandr Osolinskyi, Volodymyr Shymanskyi, Myroslav Havryliuk and Vita Semaniuk

Smart Cities 2024, 7(1), 78-98; https://doi.org/10.3390/smartcities7010004 - 29 Dec 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1766

Abstract

This research paper proposes an innovative approach to urban waste management using intelligent methods of classification, clustering, and forecasting. The application of this approach allows for more efficient waste management and contributes to the sustainable development of the urban environment. The aim of this research is to develop an intelligent method for urban waste management, which includes clustering of waste sources, accurate forecasting of waste volumes, and evaluation of forecast results. To achieve this goal, a real dataset with city characteristics and waste data was used. On account of the war in Ukraine, the authors faced the problem of obtaining open data on waste in Ukraine, so it was decided to use data from another city (Singapore). The results show the high efficiency of the developed method. Comparison of the obtained results with the results of the nearest similar works shows that the main feature of this study is the high accuracy of waste-volume forecasting using the XGBoost model, which reached a level of up to 98%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multidisciplinary Research on Smart Cities)

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23 pages, 6734 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Unveiling the Socio-Economic Fragility of a Major Urban Touristic Destination through Open Data and Airbnb Data: The Case Study of Bologna, Italy

by Alessandro Nalin, Leonardo Cameli, Margherita Pazzini, Andrea Simone, Valeria Vignali and Claudio Lantieri

Smart Cities 2023, 6(6), 3138-3160; https://doi.org/10.3390/smartcities6060140 - 20 Nov 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2286

Abstract

In the last decades, tourism in urban areas has been constantly increasing. The need for short-term accommodations has been coupled with the emergence of internet-based services, which makes it easier to match demand (i.e., tourists) and supply (i.e., housing). As a new mass tourist destination, Bologna, Italy, has been experiencing tensions between tourists and long-, mid-, or short-term renters. The possibility of easy profits for lessees has led to an increase in such housing, which can be rented out either for touristic reasons or not. This paper aims to unveil the contribution of short-term rental accommodations in distorting the real estate market and conditioning social and economic inequalities. To do this, multiple linear regression analyses (MLR) were performed between accommodation density, real estate market information, and indicators about social, economic, and demographic vulnerability and fragility. Analyses were based on official open data and datasets from a major web-based hospitality exchange platform, i.e., Airbnb, able to provide information on registered accommodations, e.g., type, characteristics (e.g., number of bedrooms and average rating), and location. Outputs of the analyses reveal the role of Airbnb in both rental market and social, economic, and demographic vulnerability and fragility and, hence, can be a solid tool for public policies, both housing- and tourism-related. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multidisciplinary Research on Smart Cities)

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23 pages, 5372 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

A Comparative Analysis of Multi-Label Deep Learning Classifiers for Real-Time Vehicle Detection to Support Intelligent Transportation Systems

by Danesh Shokri, Christian Larouche and Saeid Homayouni

Smart Cities 2023, 6(5), 2982-3004; https://doi.org/10.3390/smartcities6050134 - 23 Oct 2023

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 2872

Abstract

An Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) is a vital component of smart cities due to the growing number of vehicles year after year. In the last decade, vehicle detection, as a primary component of ITS, has attracted scientific attention because by knowing vehicle information (i.e., type, size, numbers, location speed, etc.), the ITS parameters can be acquired. This has led to developing and deploying numerous deep learning algorithms for vehicle detection. Single Shot Detector (SSD), Region Convolutional Neural Network (RCNN), and You Only Look Once (YOLO) are three popular deep structures for object detection, including vehicles. This study evaluated these methodologies on nine fully challenging datasets to see their performance in diverse environments. Generally, YOLO versions had the best performance in detecting and localizing vehicles compared to SSD and RCNN. Between YOLO versions (YOLOv8, v7, v6, and v5), YOLOv7 has shown better detection and classification (car, truck, bus) procedures, while slower response in computation time. The YOLO versions have achieved more than 95% accuracy in detection and 90% in Overall Accuracy (OA) for the classification of vehicles, including cars, trucks and buses. The computation time on the CPU processor was between 150 milliseconds (YOLOv8, v6, and v5) and around 800 milliseconds (YOLOv7). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multidisciplinary Research on Smart Cities)

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12 pages, 3039 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Should Smart Cities Introduce a New Form of Public Transport Vehicles?

by Maciej Kruszyna

Smart Cities 2023, 6(5), 2932-2943; https://doi.org/10.3390/smartcities6050131 - 20 Oct 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2050

Abstract

This study shows the concept of an innovative road and rail vehicle as a new form of public transport. Our literature review shows that the idea of a “smart city” contains not only new tools but also vehicles or infrastructure. The new vehicle is proposed based on the observed development of urban public transport means and other novel solutions. A slight innovation proposed here could allow the use of typical and operated tram routes for modified buses. A new type of vehicle could use both the existing tram routes and newly constructed sections with no tracks. It is assumed that new vehicles would drive with trams on the same, shared tracks. All of the conditions should reduce the costs of developing public transport networks in many cities where tram networks already exist. This paper contains a description of the idea and a potential case study location. The implementation conditions are outlined in the Discussion section. The title’s question is also considered there: “Should smart cities introduce a new form of public transport vehicles?” In addition, the potential benefits as well as threats are presented. Conclusions define the next steps for the research. So, this paper is an introduction to the wider research. It will popularize the idea of a new vehicle and could motivate the industry to construct a prototype. At this stage, no models or detailed calculations were conducted. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multidisciplinary Research on Smart Cities)

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24 pages, 2443 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Converged Security and Information Management System as a Tool for Smart City Infrastructure Resilience Assessment

by Martin Hromada, David Rehak, Bartosz Skobiej and Martin Bajer

Smart Cities 2023, 6(5), 2221-2244; https://doi.org/10.3390/smartcities6050102 - 25 Aug 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2612

Abstract

Current research on smart cities is primarily focused on the area of applicability of information and communication technologies. However, in the context of a multidisciplinary approach, it is also necessary to pay attention to the resilience and converged security of individual infrastructures. Converged security represents a particular security type based on a selected spectrum of certain convergent security types of, assuming the creation of a complementary whole. Considering the outputs of the analysis of security breaches manifestations, this kind of security makes it possible to detect emerging security breaches earlier (still in the symptom stage), thus providing a more efficient and targeted solution suitable for building smart city infrastructure. In its essence, the article refers to the practical application of the converged security theoretical principles presented in the publication to a functional sample, deployed and tested in practical conditions in context of selected smart city infrastructure protection and resilience. Considering the nature of the practical application, the convergence of a wider spectrum of smart security alarm systems in the resilience assessment context is defined. In the beginning, the general principles of security/safety and the need for their convergence are presented. In this context, the mathematical model called Converged Resilience Assessment (CRA) method is presented for better understanding. Subsequently, Physical Security Information Management (PSIM) and Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems are described as a technological concept that can be used for resilience assessment. The most beneficial part is the structural, process, and functional description of the Converged Security and Information Management System (CSIM) using the concept of smart security alarm systems converged security. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multidisciplinary Research on Smart Cities)

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19 pages, 666 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Knowledge Management for Smart Cities—Standardization and Replication as Policy Instruments to Foster the Implementation of Smart City Solutions

by Patrick Ruess and René Lindner

Smart Cities 2023, 6(4), 2106-2124; https://doi.org/10.3390/smartcities6040097 - 18 Aug 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2868

Abstract

As cities tackle a variety of recent challenges, such as climate change or resilience against natural hazards, the concept of smart cities has increasingly moved into the spotlight to provide technological solutions as appropriate countermeasures. European policymakers chose the systematic funding of smart city initiatives to incentivize and accelerate innovation and sustainability transitions by disseminating knowledge, data, and information. As this undertaking is complex, there is a pressing need to involve and engage capable stakeholders to successfully implement and operate smart city projects. To ensure the diffusion and effectiveness of these initiatives, activities towards replication and standardization as knowledge management instruments have been applied in some of these research projects. However, there is a knowledge gap on how standardization can be combined with replication efforts. As one possible answer, the lighthouse project Smarter Together has actively integrated standardization in its replication activities, resulting in the development of the CEN Workshop Agreement 17381 for describing and assessing smart city solutions. The analysis of these activities resulted in the development of 11 assumptions, which show the role of standardization as a knowledge carrier for replication activities and as a facilitator for stakeholder engagement. These findings reinforce the chosen and future policy decisions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multidisciplinary Research on Smart Cities)

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23 pages, 4320 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Digitalization and Smartification of Urban Services to Enhance Urban Resilience in the Post-Pandemic Era: The Case of the Pilgrimage City of Makkah

by Yusuf A. Aina, Ismaila Rimi Abubakar, Abdulaziz I. Almulhim, Umar Lawal Dano, Mohammad Javad Maghsoodi Tilaki and Sharifah R. S. Dawood

Smart Cities 2023, 6(4), 1973-1995; https://doi.org/10.3390/smartcities6040092 - 11 Aug 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4470

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted human socioeconomic activities, leaving an everlasting impact on urban systems. As a result, there is a growing scholarly focus on exploring how urban planning strategies and tools can help create resilient cities. In Saudi Arabia, the pilgrimage city of Makkah, which has always faced the challenge of managing crowds during the annual pilgrimage, was left deserted due to lockdowns and social distancing measures. To quickly revive socioeconomic and pilgrimage activities in the city, a set of digital tools and communication technologies were deployed to manage crowds and enforce social distancing to minimize the spread of the COVID-19 virus. This study examines the role of digitalization and smartification in reviving the city and the importance of context in building urban resilience. This study used desktop research and case study analysis to highlight the transformation to the new normal and the development of future smart technologies for the city. Smart solutions provided valuable support in reducing the impacts of the pandemic and restarting Makkah’s economy. Although most activities have been restored, some facilities and services are still operating below capacity. Digitalization and smartification of urban services could play a major role in improving service delivery and urban resilience. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multidisciplinary Research on Smart Cities)

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21 pages, 5536 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Assessment of User Routes in Shared Mobility Systems in Smart Cities

by Andrzej Kubik

Smart Cities 2023, 6(4), 1858-1878; https://doi.org/10.3390/smartcities6040086 - 1 Aug 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1830

Abstract

The use of artificial intelligence in solutions used in smart cities is becoming more and more popular. An example of the use of machine learning is the improvement of the management of shared mobility systems in terms of assessing the accuracy of user journeys. Due to the fact that vehicle-sharing systems are appearing in increasing numbers in city centers and outskirts, and the way vehicles are used is not controlled by operators in real mode, there is a need to fill this research gap. The article presents a built machine learning model, which is a supplement to existing research and is updated with new data from the existing system. The developed model is used to determine and assess the accuracy of trips made by users of shared mobility systems. In addition, an application was also created showing an example of using the model in practice. The aim of the article is therefore to indicate the possibility of correct identification of journeys with vehicles from shared mobility systems. Studies have shown that the prediction efficiency of the data generated by the model reached the level of 95% agreement. In addition, the research results indicate that it is possible to automate the process of evaluating journeys made in shared mobility systems. The application of the model in practice will facilitate management and, above all, it is open to further updates. The use of many machine learning models will allow solving many problems that will occur in an increasing number of smart cities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multidisciplinary Research on Smart Cities)

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Review

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44 pages, 908 KiB

Open AccessReview

Artificial Intelligence in Smart Cities—Applications, Barriers, and Future Directions: A Review

by Radosław Wolniak and Kinga Stecuła

Smart Cities 2024, 7(3), 1346-1389; https://doi.org/10.3390/smartcities7030057 - 10 Jun 2024

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 16285

Abstract

As urbanization continues to pose new challenges for cities around the world, the concept of smart cities is a promising solution, with artificial intelligence (AI) playing a central role in this transformation. This paper presents a literature review of AI solutions applied in smart cities, focusing on its six main areas: smart mobility, smart environment, smart governance, smart living, smart economy, and smart people. The analysis covers publications from 2021 to 2024 available on Scopus. This paper examines the application of AI in each area and identifies barriers, advances, and future directions. The authors set the following goals of the analysis: (1) to identify solutions and applications using artificial intelligence in smart cities; (2) to identify the barriers to implementation of artificial intelligence in smart cities; and (3) to explore directions of the usage of artificial intelligence in smart cities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multidisciplinary Research on Smart Cities)

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31 pages, 4041 KiB

Open AccessReview

Smart Cities and Urban Energy Planning: An Advanced Review of Promises and Challenges

by 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

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 10436

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 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. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multidisciplinary Research on Smart Cities)

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