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Search Results (558)

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Keywords = Science of the Total Environment

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39 pages, 2969 KB  
Review
Bicuspid Aortic Valve Disease-Associated Aortopathy in Pediatric Subjects—From Traditional Assessment to Current Advances and Future Perspectives: A Narrative Review
by Oana Iulia Man, Lucia Agoston-Coldea and Cecilia Lazea
Med. Sci. 2026, 14(5), 567; https://doi.org/10.3390/medsci14050567 (registering DOI) - 13 Sep 2026
Abstract
Background: Bicuspid aortic valve disease (BAVD) is the most frequent congenital heart disease, occurring either as an isolated lesion or in association with other congenital cardiovascular malformations, with variable patterns of progression and risk of valvular and vascular complications. Studies addressing pediatric [...] Read more.
Background: Bicuspid aortic valve disease (BAVD) is the most frequent congenital heart disease, occurring either as an isolated lesion or in association with other congenital cardiovascular malformations, with variable patterns of progression and risk of valvular and vascular complications. Studies addressing pediatric bicuspid aortopathy are still in their infancy. This narrative review aims to provide a comprehensive perspective on the current scientific evidence regarding BAVD-associated aortopathy in pediatric patients, underscoring multiple challenges in initial diagnosis, long-term surveillance, and therapeutic decision-making, and focusing on the potential roles of circulating biomarkers and advanced multimodal imaging tools that may improve individualized risk stratification. Methods: Despite the narrative design of this review, a structured search of the current available literature was performed to identify studies addressing pediatric BAV, associated aortopathy, biomarkers, vascular remodeling, and multimodal imaging. Priority was given to pediatric cohorts, longitudinal studies, consensus documents, and contemporary guidelines. The search was conducted in the online databases PubMed/Medline and Web of Science for English-language original articles published in the last 10 years, up to May 2026. We used the following main terms: “Bicuspid Aortic Valve Disease” [MeSH], “Aorta” [MeSH], “Infant” [MeSH], “Child” [MeSH], “Adolescent” [MeSH], combined by Boolean operators with secondary keywords: “pathogenesis”, “mechanism”, “progression”, “multimodal imaging”, “echocardiography”, “cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging”, “computed tomography”, “circulating biomarkers”. The retrieved studies were screened for eligibility using previously established inclusion and exclusion criteria. A total of 63 studies were included in the analysis for this narrative review. Results: Two main theories underpin the etiopathogenesis of aortopathy associated with the bicuspid aortic valve, positing that genetic factors predispose the aortic wall to remodeling in an abnormal hemodynamic environment. Embryological development and dysregulation of molecular and cellular structures are also intertwined during the formation and progression of the aortic valve with two semilunar cusps, resulting in consequent alterations in the aortic wall’s architectural organization. Advances in molecular studies have highlighted circulating biomarkers with potential utility in predicting aortopathy, as they are involved in extracellular matrix remodeling, endothelial dysfunction, and aortic valve calcification, including matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), and microRNAs. In addition, multimodal imaging techniques have emerged as essential tools for assessing the morphology and function of cardiovascular structures, particularly aortic biomechanical properties and hemodynamic abnormalities, at the time of initial diagnosis and during regular monitoring. Taken together, blood biomarkers and imaging parameters of aortic remodeling and flow disturbances might gain increasing prognostic value in pediatric BAVD-associated aortopathy. However, larger longitudinal studies are required for clinical validation beyond research settings. Although guidelines on the management of BAVD are available for adults, they are not entirely applicable to children, who are undergoing continuous somatic growth that affects diagnostic possibilities and therapeutic options. Conclusions: Despite growing literature in the realm of BAVD and related conditions, the management of pediatric patients remains challenging in daily clinical practice, as adult guidelines cannot be completely applied to children. Given the heterogeneity and complexity of pathogenic mechanisms, clinical presentations, natural history, and outcomes, future research is warranted to explore the progression profiles of valvular and vascular disorders associated with BAV in children and to achieve an optimal approach to pediatric bicuspid aortopathy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cardiovascular Disease)
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51 pages, 2014 KB  
Systematic Review
An Integrated Conceptual Framework for Industry 5.0-Enabled Smart Education in Smart City Ecosystems: Insights from a Systematic Literature Review
by Oluwafemi Ayotunde Oke, Nuriye Sancar and Nadire Cavus
Sustainability 2026, 18(18), 9363; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18189363 - 11 Sep 2026
Abstract
This systematic review aims to analyze Industry 5.0-enabled smart education in smart city ecosystems. A search was conducted in Scopus, Web of Science, and ERIC using a predefined search string. In total, 4631 records were identified, and 40 peer-reviewed articles published between 2022 [...] Read more.
This systematic review aims to analyze Industry 5.0-enabled smart education in smart city ecosystems. A search was conducted in Scopus, Web of Science, and ERIC using a predefined search string. In total, 4631 records were identified, and 40 peer-reviewed articles published between 2022 and April 2026 were selected for descriptive and thematic analyses. Results indicate that Industry 5.0-based smart education forms an integrated ecosystem that includes human-centered approaches, intelligent technologies, stakeholders’ collaboration, and sustainable governance. The reviewed literature suggests that Industry 5.0-enabled smart education may support educational quality, human-capital development, digital inclusion, and sustainable smart-city development. The main technological enablers are AI, IoT, Digital Twins, immersive technologies, learning analytics, blockchain, and human–AI collaboration. Smart education also faces technological, organizational, ethical, and policy barriers. The review provides an integrated conceptual framework for Industry 5.0, smart education, and smart city ecosystems, and provides recommendations for researchers, educators, educational institutions, policymakers, technology providers, and other stakeholders involved in smart cities to design future-proof educational systems that prepare learners to address the challenges of sustainable development and rapidly changing societies by acquiring the competencies required in these environments. Full article
18 pages, 5714 KB  
Systematic Review
The Role of Healthy Built Environments in Frailty Prevention: A Review of Systematic Reviews
by Anja Jutraž, Vesna Viher Hrženjak, Katja Benčin, Nina Pirnat and Branko Gabrovec
Buildings 2026, 16(18), 3569; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16183569 - 8 Sep 2026
Viewed by 176
Abstract
Frailty represents a significant challenge for aging populations, as population age and the prevalence of functional decline, chronic conditions, and complex health needs increase. This study examines the role of the built environment in the prevention and management of pre-frailty and frailty, with [...] Read more.
Frailty represents a significant challenge for aging populations, as population age and the prevalence of functional decline, chronic conditions, and complex health needs increase. This study examines the role of the built environment in the prevention and management of pre-frailty and frailty, with the aim of identifying and synthesizing evidence on environmental elements that influence physical, mental, and social health. The review also explores different interventions and planning approaches that may help reduce the risk of frailty or delay its onset. This study used an umbrella review approach based on existing systematic reviews and meta-analyses focusing on adults aged 45 years and older. Eligible reviews focused on built environment characteristics in relation to frailty, healthy aging, or related health outcomes; reviews of institutionalized populations or those without relevant built-environment or health outcomes were excluded. PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, the Cochrane Library, and COBISS were searched, with final searches conducted on 1–2 July 2025. Methodological quality was assessed using the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist, and findings were synthesized narratively. A total of 26 reviews were included. The findings suggest that built environments that support and promote physical activity, social interaction, accessibility of services, and community engagement are consistently associated with a lower risk of (pre-)frailty and improved quality of life. In particular, high-quality green and blue spaces, safe and walkable neighborhoods with good connectivity, and accessible housing play an important role in maintaining functional independence. Furthermore, the review highlights the importance of subjective perceptions of safety, social cohesion, and neighborhood quality. The evidence is limited by methodological heterogeneity and by the frequent use of indirect frailty-related outcomes. These results provide a basis for the development of evidence-informed recommendations, planning guidelines, and spatial measures to support active and healthy aging in the community. The review was co-financed by the European Union and by the Republic of Slovenia’s State Budget under the European Cohesion Policy Programme 2021–2027 in Slovenia. The review was not registered. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Age-Friendly Built Environment and Sustainable Architectural Design)
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25 pages, 2893 KB  
Review
Beyond Carbohydrates: Nutritional Co-Strategies Supporting Post-Exercise Glycogen Resynthesis: A Narrative Review
by Eui-Jae Lee and Jooyoung Kim
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(17), 8713; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16178713 - 2 Sep 2026
Viewed by 325
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Carbohydrate ingestion is the cornerstone of post-exercise muscle glycogen resynthesis, but high intake rates may be limited by gastrointestinal tolerance and other recovery demands are not addressed. This narrative review aimed to classify nutritional co-strategies by their primary role in glycogen recovery, [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Carbohydrate ingestion is the cornerstone of post-exercise muscle glycogen resynthesis, but high intake rates may be limited by gastrointestinal tolerance and other recovery demands are not addressed. This narrative review aimed to classify nutritional co-strategies by their primary role in glycogen recovery, evaluate the supporting evidence, and develop a constraint-based framework for practical decision-making. Methods: The relevant literature was identified through targeted searches of PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and SPORTDiscus from database inception through May 2026, supplemented by manual reference screening. Evidence was synthesized according to the directness and consistency of glycogen-specific evidence and the primary role of each strategy in acute glycogen recovery, multi-day glycogen accumulation, supportive recovery, or emerging contextual modification. Results: Protein co-ingestion may be most relevant when carbohydrate or total energy provision is suboptimal, whereas direct glycogen-specific evidence for caffeine remains limited and inconsistent, with greater relevance to subsequent performance. Creatine appears more applicable to multi-day glycogen accumulation than to acute post-exercise resynthesis. Fluid and sodium replacement and polyphenol-rich foods primarily support the broader recovery environment, whereas microbiome-targeted and chrononutritional approaches remain emerging contextual modifiers. Conclusions: Nutritional co-strategies should be selected according to the constraint limiting recovery, the available recovery time, and the strength of evidence. This framework may support more individualized and evidence-informed recovery nutrition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sport Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism, 2nd Edition)
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33 pages, 24148 KB  
Article
Knowledge Graph-Based Stock Enhancement Development in China: Revealing the Current Status of and Strategic Trends in the Marine Sector
by Yifan Liu, Liangmin Huang, Yapeng Hui, Qiuyu Wu, Xue Hong and Ta-Jen Chu
Water 2026, 18(17), 2158; https://doi.org/10.3390/w18172158 - 1 Sep 2026
Viewed by 300
Abstract
In recent years, as a critical measure of marine fishery resource conservation and ecological restoration in China, stock enhancement has become a hotspot in fishery science research both domestically and internationally. Stock enhancement refers to the replenishment and restoration of biological resources in [...] Read more.
In recent years, as a critical measure of marine fishery resource conservation and ecological restoration in China, stock enhancement has become a hotspot in fishery science research both domestically and internationally. Stock enhancement refers to the replenishment and restoration of biological resources in natural waters through artificial propagation, seed rearing, and releasing, thereby alleviating fishing pressure, improving the ecological environment, and promoting the sustainable utilization of fishery resources. As a major marine fishery nation, China attaches great importance to stock enhancement, utilizing it as an important means to advance the construction of marine ecological civilization, promote green fishery development, and achieve fishery resource recovery. Bibliometric methods allow for the systematic review and visual analysis of massive academic literature, helping to identify research hotspots, reveal knowledge structures, and track disciplinary evolutionary trends. This study systematically investigates literature related to stock enhancement in the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and the Web of Science (WoS) core databases by combining bibliometric analysis, CiteSpace visualization analysis, and Excel statistical analysis. A total of 495 relevant publications were retrieved from CNKI, and 489 from WoS. Concurrently, policy documents from China over the past two decades concerning stock enhancement, aquatic biological resource conservation, and ecological restoration were compiled and analyzed. The results indicate that current research hotspots are primarily concentrated on resource recovery, release effect evaluation, artificial reefs, genetic diversity, ecological restoration, and the collaborative construction of marine ranching. Furthermore, research methodologies have progressively evolved from traditional resource replenishment evaluation toward more refined techniques, such as molecular markers, otolith marking, acoustic telemetry, and ecosystem level assessments. Overall, China’s stock enhancement research is steadily transitioning toward ecological, scientific, precise, and intelligent paradigms, with the long-term monitoring of release effects, collaborative ecosystem restoration, and smart resource management emerging as pivotal future research trends. This study provides a valuable reference for theoretical research, policy formulation, and resource conservation practices in China’s stock enhancement domain. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aquaculture, Fisheries, Ecology and Environment, 2nd Edition)
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22 pages, 7567 KB  
Review
A Scoping Review of Virtual Reality in Blue Space Research
by Mingli Wang, Chenxiao Liu, Dongxin Shen, Yang Liu, Yanglu Shi, Mo Han and Simon Bell
Land 2026, 15(9), 1565; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15091565 - 26 Aug 2026
Viewed by 210
Abstract
This study aims to systematically review the current applications and development trends of virtual reality (VR) technology in blue space research. It clarifies the main research methods, technical pathways, application scenarios, and existing knowledge gaps, and integrates the advantages of VR technology with [...] Read more.
This study aims to systematically review the current applications and development trends of virtual reality (VR) technology in blue space research. It clarifies the main research methods, technical pathways, application scenarios, and existing knowledge gaps, and integrates the advantages of VR technology with the characteristics of blue spaces to provide references for future urban renewal and urban management research. Following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines, this study searched literature published up to January 2026 in the Web of Science and Scopus databases. A total of 41 original studies were included. A scoping review approach was adopted, employing descriptive statistics, cross-analysis, and classification methods. Existing studies mainly focus on blue space types such as rivers and lakes, with immersive head-mounted displays as the primary method. Most experiments adopt single session, short term exposure designs, suggesting potential positive effects of virtual blue spaces in reducing stress, improving mood, and restoring attention. Other studies demonstrate the application of VR technology in environmental education, design assessment, and urban management within blue spaces. As an indirect exposure and supplementary intervention tool, VR shows significant potential in blue space research, particularly in supporting vulnerable populations, large-scale urban planning and design assessment, and risk management. However, current research still faces several limitations, including insufficient multisensory integration, limited capability in simulating dynamic water environments, lack of methodological standardization, uneven sample distribution, absence of longitudinal studies, and weak interactive and social dimensions. The findings highlight the need for further research on these specific aspects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Landscapes for Human-Oriented Smart Cities)
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19 pages, 3556 KB  
Article
Nonlinear Dynamics of Social Exclusion via a Dynamic Extension of the Classical “Market for Lemons” Theory: Scapegoating as a Critical Phenomenon and Optimal Intervention Strategies
by Yasuko Kawahata
Games 2026, 17(5), 44; https://doi.org/10.3390/g17050044 - 24 Aug 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 271
Abstract
Akerlof’s classical theory of the “Market for Lemons,” which conceptualizes adverse selection driven by information asymmetry, established the foundation of information economics. While the traditional model assumes static equilibria among a limited number of agents, analyzing its behavioral dynamics within large-scale, complex network [...] Read more.
Akerlof’s classical theory of the “Market for Lemons,” which conceptualizes adverse selection driven by information asymmetry, established the foundation of information economics. While the traditional model assumes static equilibria among a limited number of agents, analyzing its behavioral dynamics within large-scale, complex network environments remains a highly relevant task in computational social science. This study extends the classical lemon market model into a nonlinear dynamical system on adaptive networks. We mathematically elucidate macro-level social phase transitions—specifically structural exclusion such as scapegoating and collective ostracism—induced by computational cognitive limits, and evaluate optimal intervention strategies to mitigate these systemic failures. Multi-agent simulations utilizing large-scale tensor operations demonstrate that autonomous edge rewiring under incomplete information does not merely result in the uniform displacement of high-quality goods as predicted by static theory. Instead, the network self-organizes into an irreversible structural division: a core group of influential agents monopolizes high-quality information, while marginalized agents are isolated into a peripheral “lemon echo chamber” where only low-quality information circulates. To address this structural pathology under a resource constraint limiting intervention to 10% of the total agents, we evaluated two distinct approaches. The results indicate that providing informational support to influential hubs functions as a trap that exacerbates systemic inequality, superficially elevating the overall market evaluation but permanently fixing the exclusion gap. Conversely, the forced maintenance and protection of “weak ties” bridging disconnected clusters constitutes the mathematically optimal solution to dissolve fragmentation, effectively eliminating the price gap and facilitating social inclusion. Furthermore, this study demonstrates that the mechanism of social exclusion exhibits strong hysteresis effects. A distinct tipping point governs the progression toward a fragmented lemon echo chamber. Interventions implemented after crossing this critical threshold fail to restore the system to its baseline state despite identical resource expenditure, confirming the presence of an irreversible phase transition. These findings establish that the collapse dynamics outlined in the classical lemon market serve as a generalized model for explaining contemporary collective ostracism driven by information cascades. Consequently, the analysis highlights the necessity of early intervention prior to critical thresholds and the systemic preservation of structural bypasses rather than post-hoc remediation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Algorithmic and Computational Game Theory)
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18 pages, 2264 KB  
Review
The Role of Nurse Managers in Promoting Psychological Safety and Patient Safety Culture in Nursing Teams: A Scoping Review
by Cristina Augusto, Soraia Pereira, Daniel Cunha, Inês Rocha, Maria José Lumini, Renata Santos and Patrícia Gonçalves
Healthcare 2026, 14(16), 2590; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14162590 - 18 Aug 2026
Viewed by 1172
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Psychological safety is increasingly recognized as a key factor in promoting communication, learning, and teamwork in healthcare, with implications for patient safety culture. Although psychological safety and patient safety culture have been reviewed separately, evidence on how nurse managers contribute to both [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Psychological safety is increasingly recognized as a key factor in promoting communication, learning, and teamwork in healthcare, with implications for patient safety culture. Although psychological safety and patient safety culture have been reviewed separately, evidence on how nurse managers contribute to both constructs within nursing teams remains fragmented. This scoping review aimed to map the available evidence on the role of nurse managers in promoting psychological safety and patient safety culture in nursing teams, identify leadership behaviors, strategies, and competencies, and highlight facilitating factors and barriers. This review provides an integrated synthesis of evidence on how nurse managers contribute to fostering both psychological safety and patient safety culture within nursing teams, addressing a gap in the existing literature. Methods: A scoping review was conducted following established methodological frameworks and prospectively registered in the Open Science Framework. Systematic searches were conducted in MEDLINE (PubMed), CINAHL, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, Scopus, BVS, and WorldCat for gray literature, with the final search performed on 11 May 2026. A total of 229 records were identified, with 112 duplicates removed. The remaining 117 records were screened, resulting in 25 studies included for analysis. Data were extracted and synthesized using thematic analysis. Results: Twenty-five sources were included, comprising predominantly quantitative (mainly cross-sectional) studies, together with qualitative studies, systematic reviews, conceptual papers, expert opinion papers, and gray literature. The findings highlight a close and interdependent relationship between psychological safety and patient safety culture. Nurse managers’ relational leadership behaviors—such as visible presence, active listening, emotional support, and constructive feedback—emerged as key strategies for fostering psychologically safe environments. The reviewed evidence suggests that psychological safety may mediate the relationship between leadership practices and communication, speaking up, incident reporting, and organizational learning. Facilitators include supportive leadership and a just culture, while barriers encompass punitive environments, hierarchical structures, workload pressures, and resource constraints. Conclusions: The findings suggest that psychological safety may be an important mechanism through which nurse managers contribute to patient safety culture. However, leadership alone is insufficient, requiring alignment with organizational conditions and system-level support. These findings support strategies to strengthen safety culture and guide leadership development. Full article
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52 pages, 3640 KB  
Systematic Review
Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning for Cooperative Manipulation in Industrial Robotics: A Systematic Review of Trends, Gaps and Research Drivers
by Francisco J. Huertos, Oihane Bañales, Pedro Alvarez and Itziar Cabanes
Robotics 2026, 15(8), 156; https://doi.org/10.3390/robotics15080156 - 12 Aug 2026
Viewed by 583
Abstract
Modern manufacturing faces increasing demands for flexibility, customization, and productivity under dynamic conditions. Multi-robot systems offer a promising solution by enabling cooperative execution of complex tasks, such as assembly and cooperative manipulation. In this context, Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning (MARL) has emerged as a [...] Read more.
Modern manufacturing faces increasing demands for flexibility, customization, and productivity under dynamic conditions. Multi-robot systems offer a promising solution by enabling cooperative execution of complex tasks, such as assembly and cooperative manipulation. In this context, Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning (MARL) has emerged as a promising paradigm to enhance coordination and adaptability in industrial settings. MARL enables multiple agents to learn and interact in shared environments to achieve common goals within complex and dynamic industrial processes. In this paper, a deep analysis of MARL applied to industrial multi-robot systems based on a systematic review is presented, with particular focus on cooperative manipulation tasks. Following PRISMA guidelines, we analyze a total of 30 articles published between 2016 and 2026, selected independently by two of the authors from an initial pool of 102 records retrieved from Scopus and Web of Science. These articles were used to address five key questions regarding MARL algorithms, control architectures, industrial applications and validation practices. These research questions seek to examine gaps and trends at the research level which are important for the development of multi-agent control technologies. This review shows a clear prevalence of model-free algorithms under Centralized Training with Decentralized Execution (CTDE) architectures, with validation mainly performed in simulation. Despite promising results and high potential for impact, critical gaps remain in scalability, reproducibility, and sim-to-real transfer, limiting real deployment in manufacturing environments. To address these challenges and fill current gaps, we outline actionable research directions, such as hybrid MARL approaches, standardized industrial benchmarks, digital twin pipelines, and safety-aware deployment strategies, to accelerate MARL adoption in industrial environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Industrial Robots and Automation)
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22 pages, 3093 KB  
Article
Living Structure + AI: A New Episteme for Liberal Arts and Whole-Person Education in the Era of Artificial Intelligence
by Bin Jiang
Educ. Sci. 2026, 16(8), 1273; https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci16081273 - 10 Aug 2026
Viewed by 408
Abstract
The rapid integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into higher education marks a radical epistemic shift, unsettling long-held assumptions about how knowledge is made, taught, and judged. This paper argues that the theory of living structure offers a timely foundation for liberal arts and [...] Read more.
The rapid integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into higher education marks a radical epistemic shift, unsettling long-held assumptions about how knowledge is made, taught, and judged. This paper argues that the theory of living structure offers a timely foundation for liberal arts and whole-person education in the era of AI. Living structure—Christopher Alexander’s term for the recurrent hierarchical order that makes environments feel alive—is treated here as two faces of one phenomenon: living, the right-brain perception of wholeness, and structure, the left-brain order that can be computed through fifteen geometric properties, two fundamental laws, two design principles, and the computable L- and B-scores. From this basis the paper develops a Living Structure + AI paradigm, a new episteme for higher education, deliberately so ordered because living structure is held to be more fundamental than AI: structure is the order of nature and culture, while AI is a tool that gives that order new expression. The argument is grounded in teaching practice led by LivableCityLAB, under its own teaching-research project and in partnership with Residential College 1, spanning architecture and city-science courses or theses, an undergraduate whole-person common-core course (Self and Wholeness), and a new postgraduate course (Experiential Learning: Living Structure + AI Inspired Design). Across these settings, students read built environments structurally, declare a skeleton, and use AI as a structural mediator while making and inhabiting real spaces. Across four campus renovations (total N = 33 students) and the two courses (N = 49 undergraduates; N = 7 postgraduates), structural scores (the L- and B-scores) rose in every renovated case, and these architectural and perceptual measures converged with preference tests and visual-attention analysis; course-embedded, rubric-based assignments provide complementary, though not psychometrically validated, evidence of students’ engagement with the paradigm. This paper closes by arguing that the deepest contribution of Living Structure + AI to liberal arts education is not on paper or on screens but down to earth—in the daily life spaces in which students learn to feel, measure, and remake wholeness. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Architectural Education)
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33 pages, 1087 KB  
Systematic Review
Air Quality Evidence in Road and Rail Transport Corridors: A Comparative Systematic Mapping Review
by Michał Urbaniak
Sustainability 2026, 18(16), 8131; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18168131 - 10 Aug 2026
Viewed by 253
Abstract
Aerosol emission and dispersion in transport corridors are central to urban air quality, human exposure assessment and transport planning. Although near-road air pollution has been widely studied, much less is known about analogous processes in rail-related environments, especially in at-grade and semi-open rail [...] Read more.
Aerosol emission and dispersion in transport corridors are central to urban air quality, human exposure assessment and transport planning. Although near-road air pollution has been widely studied, much less is known about analogous processes in rail-related environments, especially in at-grade and semi-open rail corridors. This study presents a comparative systematic mapping review of evidence on air quality, with a focus on aerosol emission, dispersion and exposure in road and rail transport corridors. The literature search was conducted in Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection and PubMed for publications published between 2000 and 28 June 2026, using a PRISMA-based screening procedure. A total of 2958 records were identified. After deduplication, 1693 records were screened, and 1431 records were retained for thematic analysis. Retained set consisted of 885 road/near-road only records, 337 rail/near-rail only records, 193 shared/comparative records and 16 records assigned to other transport microenvironments. The road literature was well developed in relation to concentration gradients, dispersion, monitoring, modelling and exposure assessment. In contrast, the rail literature was dominated by metro systems, underground railways, tunnels and underground stations, which accounted for 435 records, or 82.1% of rail-related records. Only 95 rail records addressed at-grade, open, semi-open or general rail environments. The main research gap concerns aerosol emission, dispersion and human exposure in at-grade railway, tram and light rail corridors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Air Quality and the Built Environment, 2nd Edition)
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27 pages, 1410 KB  
Article
Translating Fragmented Wetland Evidence into Consistent Spatial Metrics for Planning: An Ecosystem Accounting Framework for Assessing Wetlands from a Multi-Scalar Perspective
by Bo Pang and Brian Deal
Sustainability 2026, 18(15), 8013; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18158013 - 6 Aug 2026
Viewed by 403
Abstract
Wetlands have been noted to provide us with a wide range of ecosystem services—climate, water quality, flood regulation, and habitat benefits among others. The evidence that supports these service benefits is fairly well documented in the literature. However, it is often scattered across [...] Read more.
Wetlands have been noted to provide us with a wide range of ecosystem services—climate, water quality, flood regulation, and habitat benefits among others. The evidence that supports these service benefits is fairly well documented in the literature. However, it is often scattered across studies, metrics, and valuation methods, making it difficult for planners and landscape architects to use in physical projects and plans. The empirical result of this difficulty is that wetlands are often overlooked and under-utilized as part of broader ecosystem and land based planning solution sets. This paper addresses this usability deficiency using an ecosystem accounting framework that translates wetland science into spatially specific design and planning metrics. The framework follows the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting-Ecosystem Accounting (SEEA EA), an international statistical framework adopted by the UN to measure the environment’s contribution to the economy and human well-being. In our study, wetland extents in the state of Illinois are mapped on a statewide 30 m × 30 m grid. Individual wetland system conditions are estimated from floristic quality using a generalized additive model trained on 244 wetland sites that are part of the long-term Critical Trends Assessment Program (CTAP) at the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). A floristic condition scalar, w(x), provides a screening-level measure of ecological condition. It is applied only to a nonmonetary habitat-condition account and is not used to scale the monetary service accounts. Climate regulation, water purification, and flood regulation are quantified through service-specific physical models and reported as carbon-price and replacement-cost proxies. Under the central scenarios, these three monetary proxy accounts produce a combined subtotal of USD 1408.6 million per year. The annualized surface-storage replacement-cost scenario accounts for USD 1048.5 million, load-gated nitrogen-removal replacement cost for USD 338.0 million, and the climate-regulation carbon-price proxy for USD 22.1 million. These estimates are planning proxies rather than observed market benefits or realized avoided damages. The separate habitat-condition account totals 198,280 condition-weighted hectares, with a statewide mean w(x) of 0.502, and is not added to the monetary subtotal. Climate performance varies across wetland types: methane emissions cause some emergent wetland categories to function as net greenhouse-gas sources under the central assumptions, while other categories remain net sinks. A protection-gap analysis shows that Tier 4 wetlands contain 70.1% of the classified vegetated-wetland area and 67.0% of the condition-weighted habitat area within the classified domain. Broadly, the framework demonstrates how ecosystem accounting can translate fragmented wetland evidence into consistent spatial metrics for planning. The resulting layers support statewide screening, comparison among wetland categories, conservation and restoration screening, and protection-gap analysis while preserving the distinction between monetary service proxies and nonmonetary ecological condition. Full article
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29 pages, 38998 KB  
Review
Global Hotspots and Trends in Microbial Plastic Biodegradation for Plastic Waste Management: A Mini-Review and Bibliometric Analysis
by Haibo Wang, Zhikang Guo, Yunan Liu, Hao Shen, Fang Chen and Mu Peng
Microorganisms 2026, 14(8), 1695; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms14081695 - 2 Aug 2026
Viewed by 583
Abstract
The accumulation and persistence of plastic waste have made microbial plastic biodegradation an important topic in pollution control, environmental remediation, and sustainable materials management. This study combines a mini-review with bibliometric analysis to link mechanistic understanding with global research trends in microbial plastic [...] Read more.
The accumulation and persistence of plastic waste have made microbial plastic biodegradation an important topic in pollution control, environmental remediation, and sustainable materials management. This study combines a mini-review with bibliometric analysis to link mechanistic understanding with global research trends in microbial plastic biodegradation from 2000 to 2025. The mini-review summarizes polymer weathering and fragmentation, microbial colonization and biofilm formation, extracellular depolymerization or oxidative chain cleavage, uptake and intracellular catabolism of plastic-derived intermediates, physiological regulation, ecological interactions, and potential applications in bioremediation and upcycling. Bibliographic records were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection and analyzed using bibliometrix, VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and SCImago Graphica. A total of 2959 publications were identified. Publication output increased markedly, especially after 2018, reaching 617 publications in 2025; cumulative citations reached 31,373. China, India, and the United States were the leading contributors. Journal and keyword analyses showed strong links among environmental science, polymer science, microbiology, biotechnology, and engineering. Highly cited publications mainly focused on plastic biodegradability, biodegradable polymers, engineered PET depolymerization, polyethylene degradation, and microbial or enzymatic degradation mechanisms. Keyword evolution revealed a shift from material-oriented topics, including polymer blends, poly(vinyl alcohol), polyesters, morphology, mechanical properties, composites, and polyhydroxyalkanoates, toward degrading enzymes, cutinase-like enzymes, plastic-degrading strains, microbial colonization, fungi, and marine environmental degradation. Overall, microbial plastic biodegradation has evolved from material-centered biodegradability evaluation toward a mechanism-oriented and environment-oriented interdisciplinary field. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Biodegradation and Environmental Microbiomes)
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23 pages, 15529 KB  
Systematic Review
Systematic Review of Urban Heat Island Effects on Human Well-Being: Global Research Trends, Collaboration Networks, and Emerging Themes
by Balbine Alindekon, Bopaki Phogole and Kowiyou Yessoufou
Urban Sci. 2026, 10(8), 436; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci10080436 - 1 Aug 2026
Viewed by 494
Abstract
Urban Heat Island (UHI) effects are increasingly acknowledged as a critical urban climate challenge with far-reaching consequences for human health and overall well-being. However, the conceptual structure, temporal evolution, and intellectual landscape of studies examining the relationships between UHI and human well-being remain [...] Read more.
Urban Heat Island (UHI) effects are increasingly acknowledged as a critical urban climate challenge with far-reaching consequences for human health and overall well-being. However, the conceptual structure, temporal evolution, and intellectual landscape of studies examining the relationships between UHI and human well-being remain fragmented, thereby constraining the development of integrated knowledge frameworks needed to guide future research, urban adaptation strategies, and evidence-based policy interventions. To this end, a total of 4857 studies were retrieved from the Scopus and Web of Science databases and screened following the PRISMA guidelines. These studies were then analyzed using Bibliometrix and VOSviewer. The results reveal a rapid and exponential growth in scientific output, particularly after 2010, with the output reaching its highest level in recent years. These outputs were shaped mostly in China and the United States with a well-established international collaboration network, while the Global South remain significantly underrepresented in scientific productions. We also found that studies are primarily structured around four dominant research clusters: urban heat island, thermal comfort, land surface temperature, and climate change. Furthermore, early studies predominantly focused on urban surface properties and built-environment characteristics, while recent research has increasingly shifted toward human health impacts, thermal stress, heat vulnerability, and well-being. Emerging research directions further highlight growing interest in nature-based solutions for mitigating UHI effects, alongside the application of advanced technologies such as machine learning and remote sensing for high-resolution urban climate assessment. Overall, our findings indicate a transition toward a more integrated urban climate–health–well-being research framework, while simultaneously revealing persistent geographical and conceptual gaps, particularly across the Global South. We therefore advocate for increased empirical research, stronger international collaboration, and context-specific urban adaptation strategies to better safeguard human well-being under intensifying urban heat conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Heat Exposure: Health Risks and Socioeconomic Impacts)
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23 pages, 1825 KB  
Review
Advances and Emerging Trends in Zeolite-Based Materials for Water–Wastewater Treatment and Soil Remediation: A Quantitative Review
by Madhusudhan Bangalore Ramu, Motasem Y. D. Alazaiza, Dia Eddin Nassani, Obie Farobie, Mohammed F. M. Abushammala and Aiman A. Bin Mokaizh
Environments 2026, 13(8), 429; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13080429 - 31 Jul 2026
Viewed by 900
Abstract
Natural, synthetic, and modified zeolites are widely recognized as versatile materials for environmental remediation due to their high capacity for cation-exchange, adjustable pore structure, and strong chemical stability. These properties enable their effective application in removing diverse contaminants, including heavy metals, ammonium ions, [...] Read more.
Natural, synthetic, and modified zeolites are widely recognized as versatile materials for environmental remediation due to their high capacity for cation-exchange, adjustable pore structure, and strong chemical stability. These properties enable their effective application in removing diverse contaminants, including heavy metals, ammonium ions, dyes, and various organic pollutants, making them highly relevant in water, wastewater, and soil treatment systems. However, although research in this field has expanded considerably, the overall global development patterns and knowledge structure of zeolite-related studies have not been thoroughly quantified. This study conducts a bibliometric assessment of global research on zeolite applications in water, wastewater, and soil remediation covering the period from 2010 to 2024, using a dataset of 203 peer-reviewed Scopus-indexed publications. The analysis was carried out using VOSviewer to examine publication trends, leading authors, productive countries and institutions, as well as thematic clusters and emerging research directions. The findings indicate a consistent increase in scientific output over the study period, with China, India, Malaysia, and the United States emerging as the most influential contributors in terms of both publication volume and citation impact. Key journals publishing in this area include the Journal of Hazardous Materials, Chemosphere, and Science of the Total Environment. Keyword co-occurrence mapping reveals dominant research themes such as adsorption processes, ion exchange mechanisms, heavy metal remediation, nanostructured materials, and advanced oxidation technologies, highlighting a clear shift toward integrated and hybrid remediation approaches. Overall, the results emphasize the growing significance of modified and composite zeolite materials in enhancing pollutant removal efficiency and supporting sustainable environmental management. This bibliometric evaluation provides a structured overview of the research landscape and offers insights into future directions for zeolite-based remediation technologies. Full article
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