Search Results (211)

Urban green spaces (UGSs) and forests play a vital role in shaping sustainable and livable cities, offering not only ecological benefits but also spaces that are essential for human well-being, social interactions, and everyday life. Understanding the landscape features that resonate most with public preferences is essential for enhancing the appeal, accessibility, and functionality of these environments. However, traditional approaches—such as surveys or single-data analyses—often lack the nuance needed to capture the complex and multisensory nature of human responses to green spaces. This study explores a cross-modal methodology that integrates natural language processing (NLP) and deep learning techniques to analyze text and image data collected from public reviews of 19 urban parks in Nanjing. By capturing both subjective emotional expressions and objective visual impressions, this study reveals a consistent public preference for natural landscapes, particularly those featuring evergreen trees, shrubs, and floral elements. Text-based data reflect users’ lived experiences and nuanced perceptions, while image data offers insights into visual appeal and spatial composition. By bridging human-centered insights with data-driven analysis, this research provides a robust framework for evaluating landscape preferences. It also underscores the importance of designing green spaces that are not only ecologically sound but also emotionally resonant and socially inclusive. The findings offer valuable guidance for the planning, design, and adaptive management of urban green infrastructure in ways that support healthier, more responsive, and smarter urban environments. Full article

With China’s high-speed rail network undergoing rapid expansion, turnouts constitute critical elements whose safety and stability are essential to railway operation. At present, the efficiency of wheel–rail force safety monitoring conducted in the small hours reserved for the construction and maintenance of operating lines without marking train operation lines is relatively low. To enhance the efficiency of turnout safety monitoring, in this study, a three-dimensional BIM model of the No. 42 turnout was established and a corresponding wheel–rail force monitoring scheme was devised. Collision detection for monitoring equipment placement and construction process simulation was conducted using Navisworks, such that the rationality of cable routing and the precision of construction sequence alignment were improved. A train wheel–rail force analysis program was developed in MATLAB R2022b to perform signal filtering, and static calibration was applied to calculate key safety evaluation indices—namely, the coefficient of derailment and the rate of wheel load reduction—which were subsequently analyzed. The safety of the No. 42 turnout and the effectiveness of the proposed monitoring scheme were validated, theoretical support was provided for train operational safety and turnout maintenance, and technical guidance was offered for whole-life-cycle management and green, sustainable development of railway infrastructure. Full article

Against the backdrop of the energy crisis and a rapidly advancing digital economy, electricity–computing synergy has become a strategic pathway to resolve energy constraints in computing power center and overcome renewable energy consumption challenges. This study breaks through the existing single-factor fragmented analysis method and systematically constructs a vertically progressive and horizontally coupled electricity–computing synergy planning model to deconstruct the core elements of computing power center construction and reconstruct the path of electricity–computing value co-creation. It proposes a multi-objective site selection decision-making method for computing power center based on linear weighting and the principle of reusability and universality, effectively avoiding the problem of overall system efficiency loss caused by single-objective optimization. Based on the empirical results from data from 31 provinces in China, this study classifies the endowments for computing power center construction, conducts targeted analyses of each province’s situation, and finds three major contradictions facing China’s computing power center: a spatial mismatch between green energy resources and service demand, a dynamic imbalance between electricity price advantages and comprehensive costs, and structural contradictions between talent reserves and sustainable development. Finally, a multi-dimensional integrated strategy was systematically constructed, encompassing demand-driven initiatives, electricity price adjustments, talent innovation, natural cold-source activation, and network upgrades, to provide guidance and policy toolkits for the government planning of computing power infrastructure development. Full article

Abrasive waterjet technology is a promising sustainable and green technology for cutting underground structures. Abrasive waterjet usage in demolition promotes sustainable and green construction practices by reduction of noise, dust, secondary waste, and disturbances to the surrounding infrastructure. In this study, a numerical framework based on a coupled Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH)–Finite Element Method (FEM) algorithm incorporating the Riedel–Hiermaier–Thoma (RHT) constitutive model is proposed to investigate the damage mechanism of concrete subjected to abrasive waterjet. Numerical simulation results show a stratified damage observation in the concrete, consisting of a crushing zone (plastic damage), crack formation zone (plastic and brittle damage), and crack propagation zone (brittle damage). Furthermore, concrete undergoes plastic failure when the shear stress on an element exceeds 5 MPa. Brittle failure due to tensile stress occurs only when both the maximum principal stress (σ₁) and the minimum principal stress (σ₃) are greater than zero at the same time. The damage degree ($\chi$) of the concrete is observed to increase with jet diameter, concentration of abrasive particles, and velocity of jet. A series of orthogonal tests are performed to analyze the influence of velocity of jet, concentration of abrasive particles, and jet diameter on the damage degree and impact depth (h). The parametric numerical studies indicates that jet diameter has the most significant influence on damage degree, followed by abrasive concentration and jet velocity, respectively, whereas the primary determinant of impact depth is the abrasive concentration followed by jet velocity and jet diameter. Based on the parametric analysis, two optimized abrasive waterjet configurations are proposed: one tailored for rock fragmentation in tunnel boring machine (TBM) operations; and another for cutting reinforced concrete piles in shield tunneling applications. These configurations aim to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of excavation and tunneling processes through improved material removal performance and reduced mechanical wear. Full article

Stormwater pollution from residual chlorine after outdoor disinfection with sodium hypochlorite is an increasing environmental challenge due to its potential negative impact on aquatic ecosystems. Even at low concentrations, residual chlorine can disrupt the stability of water ecosystems. In this regard, stormwater treatment requires innovative and green solutions such as green infrastructure (rain gardens) using the plant phytoremediation technique to reduce the amount of residual chlorine. This study explores the interactions between residual chlorine retained by plants in a rain garden and different microelements. Selected plants were analyzed via spectroscopy, and possible interactions with elements such as chlorine (Cl), phosphorus (P), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), calcium (Ca), potassium (K), nickel (Ni), silicon (Si), manganese (Mn), magnesium (Mg), chromium (Cr), and cadmium (Cd) were determined using Python-based analysis. Chlorine presented significant positive correlations with cadmium (0.39–0.53) and potassium (0.51–0.55), while negative correlations were found between silicon and chlorine (−0.48–−0.54) and chlorine and iron (−0.45–−0.51). The correlations between chlorine and microelements suggest both common uptake mechanisms and mutual interactions. These results provide a better understanding of the behavior of chlorine in rain gardens and its interactions with other materials, which is especially valuable for designing green infrastructure. This research can help to develop sustainable solutions that reduce environmental pollution and strengthen urban adaptation to climate change. Full article

This study investigates the enhancement of axial and shear strength in brick masonry walls reinforced with steel and fiberglass meshes. The novelty of this study lies in its thorough evaluation of various reinforcement types and their influence on both axial and shear strength, offering valuable insights to enhance the performance of brick masonry structures. By using steel and fiberglass meshes for reinforcement, the study promotes the use of durable materials that can extend the lifespan of brick masonry structures, reducing the need for frequent repairs and replacements. The findings reveal that double-layer steel mesh delivers the highest strength, effectively reducing brittleness and improving deformation capacity in both single- and double-brick walls. Specifically, single-brick walls exhibited increases in compressive strength of 38.8% with single-layer steel mesh, 31.2% with fiberglass mesh, and 19.7% with plaster. In contrast, double-brick walls showed enhancements of 73.6% with double-layer steel mesh and 43.5% with fiberglass mesh. For shear strength, single-brick walls improved by 115.1% with single-layer steel mesh, 91.3% with fiberglass mesh, and 42.1% with plaster, while double-brick walls experienced increases of 162.7% with double-layer steel mesh and 132.5% with fiberglass mesh. Additionally, Abaqus modeling under axial and diagonal compression closely matched experimental results, revealing less than a 10% discrepancy across all reinforcement types. Full article

The multifunctionality of green infrastructure (GI) can be enhanced through intentional planning that promotes synergies among various functions while minimizing trade-offs. Despite its significance, methodologies for implementing this approach remain underexplored. This paper presents an application-oriented framework for GI planning that emphasizes the relationship between GI functional performance and the provision of ecosystem services. By reframing the issues of multifunctional synergies and trade-offs as quantifiable and spatially explicit problems associated with ecosystem services, the framework offers both a conceptual foundation and technical protocols for practical application. This framework was implemented in the Qinling–Daba Mountain Area (QDMB) in China to evaluate its practicality and identify potential challenges. The planned GI system aims to fulfill multiple functions, including biodiversity maintenance, water and soil conservation, eco-farming, and ecotourism development. Additionally, 73 wildlife corridors were established to connect GI elements, thereby enhancing habitat services for biodiversity. Furthermore, the analysis identified 245 townships and 273 sites as strategic areas and points requiring targeted intervention to mitigate potential multifunctional trade-offs. These locations are characterized by their location within protected areas, protected buffer zones, or wildlife corridors, or at the intersection of wildlife corridors with existing transportation infrastructure. The findings validate the framework’s practicality and highlight the necessity for additional research into the capacity of GI to support diverse human activities and the approaches to enhance GI elements’ connectivity for multifunctionality. Full article

Urban parks, key components of green infrastructure (GI), offer paved open spaces that significantly impact physical activity (PA) among older adults. However, the environmental features of these spaces and their effects on PA remain underexplored. Existing studies often overlook factors like spatial configuration, planar morphology, and bag storage facilities, and lack a systematic analytical framework. Many also rely on simplistic PA measurements and struggle with multicollinearity in data analysis. This study addresses these gaps by proposing a comprehensive framework examining four environmental dimensions: spatial configuration, planar morphology, facility provision, and visual greenery. Using GPS-tracked mobility data, behavioral audits, and multicollinearity-robust Partial Least Squares (PLS) regression, we analyze the impact of these features on PA. Results show that functional elements—higher spatial integration (VIP = 1.04), larger activity areas (VIP = 1.82), sufficient bag storage (VIP = 1.64), outdoor fitness equipment (VIP = 1.30), and diverse greenery (VIP = 1.23)—significantly enhance PA. In contrast, factors like floral diversity (VIP = 0.67), water visibility (VIP = 0.48), and shape complexity (VIP = 0.16) have minimal effects. This study provides theoretical insights and practical strategies for retrofitting paved park spaces, contributing to age-friendly urban GI. Full article

The main objective of this study is to assess the environmental life cycle of the materials, components, and elements of a mono-Si photovoltaic power plant towards their sustainable development. Currently, photovoltaic installations are considered to be environmentally friendly systems that produce “green” energy. During their exploitation, no pollutants are emitted into the environment. However, the processes of manufacturing and post-used management of their materials, components and elements are associated with both high demand for energy and matter, as well as with emissions of harmful substances into the atmosphere, water, and soil. For this reason, from the perspective of the entire life cycle, photovoltaic power plants may contribute to the deterioration of human health, the reduction in the quality of the environment, and the depletion of non-renewable fossil resources. Due to these potential threats, it was considered appropriate to conduct a Life Cycle Assessment of a real 2 MW photovoltaic power plant located in northern Poland, in terms of compliance with the main assumptions of sustainable development. The analysis was conducted using the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology (the ReCiPe 2016 model). Impacts on the environment was assessed in three areas: human health, ecosystem quality, and material resources. Two scenarios were adopted for the post-used management of materials, components, and elements: landfill disposal and recycling. Based on the conducted research, it was found that, among the assessed groups of photovoltaic power plant components (photovoltaic modules, supporting structure, inverter station, and electrical infra-structure), photovoltaic modules have the highest level of harmful impact on the environment (especially the manufacturing stage). The use of recycling processes at the end of their use would reduce their harmful impact over the entire life cycle of a photovoltaic power plant and better fit with the main principles of sustainable development. Full article

One of the emerging services provided by roadside green infrastructure is its contribution to the quality of landscape phenology, which is measured through the succession of colours and forms throughout the seasons. In the seasonal dynamics of space, flowering phenological patterns play a key role, particularly in early blooming species such as Cornus mas L. Therefore, this paper aims to highlight the significance of the Cornelian cherry as a component of roadside green infrastructure in the southwestern suburban zone of Belgrade. Through an integrative approach to phenological and climatic elements, and by means of a specific case study covering the period from 2007 to 2025, under climate change conditions, the influence of air temperature and precipitation on local flowering patterns of the Cornelian cherry has been assessed. Based on 1140 phenological observations conducted over 19 consecutive years, from January to April, key flowering elements were identified—those that influence pollination, fruiting, and the species’ practical potential. The Mann–Kendall, Sen’s slope, Rayleigh, and Watson–Williams tests were used to examine spatio-temporal changes in flowering patterns, while the Spearman Rank test and circular statistics were applied to quantify correlations among the analysed parameters. The results confirm that Cornelian cherry is an adaptive and sustainable species that continuously provides visual identity during its flowering period, while simultaneously reflecting climate change through phenological responses. These phenological responses are closely linked to local climatic conditions. In addition to enriching landscape phenology with vibrant visual features during the colder months, Cornelian cherry also enhances biodiversity by providing ecosystem services as a nectar-producing species, with its pollen serving as an early and valuable food source for bees. The study also confirms that the seasonal dynamics of landscape phenology can be used as a scientifically valid criterion for assessing the ecological quality of roadside green infrastructure. Full article

The purpose of the research is to identify the features of development of a pattern of green infrastructure of megapolises as a basis of sustainable development. The advancement algorithm of green infrastructure of megapolises is implemented for the first time and it is a scientific novelty. The structural features of green infrastructure, namely the division of surface elements into central and peripheral cores, and the division of linear elements into natural and natural–artificial corridors are highlighted by means of an example of Shymkent city, (Republic of Kazakhstan). Their maps were made taking into account the territorial and industrialized structure. Proposals were made to improve the functioning of the green infrastructure of Shymkent city, promoting sustainable development and creating a population-friendly environment. The analysis of green infrastructure and the impact of socio-economic and demographic infrastructure on the environment was carried out on the advancement of the green infrastructure of megapolises; the main methodological principles were determined. The statistical, cartographic, analytical, comparative and empirical methods were used in this research. The work was carried out using the following software: CorelDraw X4, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, 2Gis 3.16, Adobe Photoshop. Full article

Significant shortfalls in meeting the climate mitigation targets and volatile energy markets make evident the need for an urgent transition from fossil fuels to sustainable alternatives. However, the integration of zero-carbon fuels like green hydrogen and ammonia is an immense project and will take time and the construction of new infrastructure. It is during this transitional period that lower-carbon natural gas alternatives are essential. In this study, the industrial sectors of Lithuania are analysed based on their energy consumption. The industrial sectors that are the most energy-intensive are food, chemical, and wood-product manufacturing. Synthetic natural gas (SNG) has become a viable substitute, and biomethane has also become viable given a feedstock price of 21 EUR/MWh in the twelfth year of operation and 24 EUR/MWh in the eighth year, assuming an electricity price of 140 EUR/MWh and a natural gas price of 50 EUR/MWh. Nevertheless, the scale of investment in hydrogen production is comparable to the scale of investment in the production of other chemical elements; however, hydrogen production is constrained by its high electricity demand—about 3.8 to 4.4 kWh/Nm³—which makes it economically viable only at negative electricity prices. This analysis shows the techno-economic viability of biomethane and the SNG as transition pathways towards a low-carbon energy future. Full article

Urban green spaces face increasing pressure to reconcile ecological conservation with rising public demand as urbanization accelerates. Yet the spatial coupling of human needs and natural provisioning in the urban–rural fringe remains insufficiently understood. Focusing on the country park cluster in Beijing’s Huitian region, this study develops an integrated assessment framework—combining ecological importance, ecological connectivity potential, construction suitability, and recreational demand—to evaluate nature suitability and pinpoint spatial mismatches in human–nature interactions. Ecological importance is quantified through ecological sensitivity analysis and InVEST-based habitat-quality modeling, while ecological connectivity potential is estimated via normalized least-cost corridor analysis. Construction suitability is derived from the proportion of artificial surfaces and road network density, and recreational demand is measured by population concentration, facility density, and transport accessibility. These metrics are synthesized to map nature-suitability patterns and reveal divergences between human demand and ecological provisioning. The results show a pronounced north–south gradient in ecological importance, with Dongxiaokou Ditch and Dongxiaokou Forest Park emerging as ecological hotspots. Nineteen ecological source patches are identified, with the strongest connectivity in the southern sector of Dongxiaokou Forest Park. Areas of high construction suitability coincide with well-developed infrastructure, whereas recreational demand clusters around Tiantongyuan and Beiqing Road. Natural and artificial elements intertwine to form an ecological core of 870.74 hm², yet 13.29% of the study area exhibits mismatches—particularly residential zones lacking green-space access. Over-development within Dongxiaokou Urban Recreation Park likewise falls short of ecological expectations. The study offers targeted recommendations—ecological protection, facility optimization, green-space enhancement, and the integration of multifunctional green infrastructure—and provides a transferable framework for coordinating human and natural systems in other urban–rural fringe contexts. Full article

Urban allotment gardens are increasingly recognized as multifunctional spaces that contribute not only to ecological sustainability, but also to social cohesion, civic engagement and community resilience. This study explores the role of urban gardens in the city of Valencia as green spaces that (re)produce social capital, as well as spaces produced by consolidated social capital. Using a qualitative methodology, fifteen in-depth interviews were conducted with key informants with experience in the coordination, management, study and promotion of urban garden projects. The analysis focuses on three interconnected dimensions: the strategic objectives guiding organizations involved, the core elements of social capital (networks, belonging, trust, reciprocity and values) and the governance models underpinning these initiatives. The results reveal that urban gardens function as relational infrastructures, facilitating intergenerational learning, intercultural exchange and inclusive participation through both formal and informal mechanisms. These processes are often rooted in local traditions and are underpinned by shared responsibilities and symbolic reciprocity. However, exclusionary attitudes and fragmented governance can limit their potential. In general, the results emphasize the value of urban gardens as platforms for the (re)production of social capital and the improvement of community well-being, which entails relevant implications for urban policies and sustainable development. Full article

Sustainable development combines economic, social, and environmental aspects in pursuit of long-term stability and prosperity. Entrepreneurship plays a key role in achieving these goals, and the green economy is becoming an important part of the transformation into a more sustainable future. Companies that apply the principles of the green economy contribute to regional development and better use of territorial capital. In the process of development, the regional economy faces growing local needs, changes in the quality of life and climate, and shrinking natural resources. The answer to the problems of the region can be a green economy and entrepreneurship. This article aims to analyze and assess the spatial variation of pre-entrepreneurship in poviats in Poland in the context of the green economy. The study aims to understand how different local factors influence the development of pre-entrepreneurship in the conditions of green transformation. In addition, the paper will attempt to identify spatial disparities in the implementation of green economy initiatives. The CRITIC-TOPSIS method was used to construct the synthetic measure. The results of the analysis are presented for the years 2010, 2013, 2014, and 2021. The measure of synthetic entrepreneurship ranged from 0.24 to 0.48 in 2010 and 0.24 to 0.52 in 2021, the measure of the green economy: 0.35–0.54 and 0.34–0.57. Individual elements of the territorial capital ofthepoviats determine their ability to function. Natural resources are important factors in the process of development and the transition toward a green economy. They affect the standard of living, the social situation, public safety, and the quality of the environment. Supporting less developed regions in entrepreneurship and the green economy through dedicated infrastructure and innovation programmes should be a key action. Local governments should promote investment in green technologies and sustainable infrastructure to reduce disparities between regions. Full article