Search Results (419)

Floods pose a growing threat globally, causing tragic loss of life, billions in economic damage annually, and disproportionately affecting socio-economically vulnerable populations. This paper aims to improve flood-risk communication for community leaders by exploring the application of artificial intelligence. We categorize U.S. flood information sources, review communication modalities and channels, synthesize the literature on community leaders’ roles in risk communication, and analyze existing technological tools. Our analysis reveals three key challenges: the fragmentation of flood information, information overload that impedes decision-making, and the absence of a unified communication platform to address these issues. We find that AI techniques can organize data and significantly enhance communication effectiveness, particularly when delivered through infographics and social media channels. Based on these findings, we propose FLAI (Flood Language AI), an AI-driven flood communication platform that unifies fragmented flood data sources. FLAI employs knowledge graphs to structure fragmented data sources and utilizes a retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) framework to enable large language models (LLMs) to produce contextualized narratives, including infographics, maps, and cost–benefit analyses. Beyond flood management, FLAI’s framework demonstrates how AI can transform public service data management and institutional AI readiness. By centralizing and organizing information, FLAI can significantly reduce the cognitive burden on community leaders, helping them communicate timely, actionable insights to save lives and build flood resilience. Full article

This paper presents an ethnographically informed analysis of research in Cairo and Sharm El-Sheikh (Egypt) surrounding the 2022 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of Parties (COP27) summit. I discuss the geopolitics and geopolitical disruptions of researching activism and activist lives in politically sensitive environments. As shown here, developing new methodological interventions plays a crucial role in understanding contextual methodological limitations, dealing with logistical challenges, and building authentic relationships with research participants. Here, I introduce counter-interviews as a methodological strategy to build trust and invest in researcher–participant relationships. This article draws on participant observation, conversations with environmental and climate activists and non-activists in Cairo prior to and after COP27 and in Sharm El-Sheikh during the second week of the summit, reflective field notes, and 20 semi-structured interviews conducted online between February and August 2023. Here, I use the term “environmental non-activism” to draw attention to the sensitivity, complexity, and fragility of political or apolitical environmental and climate action in an authoritarian context where any form of collective action is highly monitored, regulated, and sometimes criminalized by the state. The main argument of this paper is that examining interlocking power dynamics that shape and reshape the activist space in relation to the state is a requirement for understanding and researching the complexities and specificities of climate activism and non-activism in authoritarian contexts. Along with this argument, this paper invites climate education researchers to reevaluate what non-movements and non-activists in the Global South offer to their analyses of possible alternatives, socio-political change, and politics of hope (and to the broader field of activism in educational research, where commitment to disruption, refusal, and subversion play a key role. Full article

Equine-Assisted Services (EAS), which incorporate horses in a variety of ways in an effort to improve human wellbeing, have grown in popularity in recent years. Although much research has been conducted regarding the benefits that horses may provide for human health and wellbeing, little attention has been paid to practitioners’ experiences and perspectives of the field, despite the fact they are uniquely positioned to advance our understanding of this area. This study aimed to explore practitioners’ lived experiences of EAS, focusing on the benefits they observed, possible underlying mechanisms for any health benefits witnessed, and challenges faced in the area. Fifteen EAS practitioners from the UK/Ireland took part in qualitative semi-structured interviews, analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Five themes were identified, three of which related to the horse’s influence on building connections, relationships, and enriching the process, whilst the remainder explored challenges within the field of EAS. These themes were explored through the practitioners’ lens, where possible linking them to our current understanding of human–animal interactions and related fields in the literature. Findings showed that horses, through EAS, were considered invaluable for building relationships, relational skills, and motivation to engage in whichever service was being provided. However, EAS was also viewed as complex. Concerns regarding competencies to practice, training, and lack of governance were expressed. These areas need further exploration and progress if EAS is to grow in efficacy and attain professional status. Full article

Indoor navigation poses persistent challenges due to the limitations of traditional positioning systems within buildings. In this study, we propose a novel approach to address this issue—not by continuously tracking the user’s location, but by estimating their position based on how closely their observed behavior matches the expected progression along a predefined route. This concept, while not universally applicable, is well-suited for specific indoor navigation scenarios, such as guiding couriers or delivery personnel through complex residential buildings. We explore this idea in detail in our paper. To implement this behavior-based localization, we introduce an LSTM-based method for classifying user behavior patterns, including standing, walking, and using stairs or elevators, by analyzing velocity sequences derived from smartphone sensors’ data. The developed model achieved 75% accuracy for individual activity type classification within one-second time windows, and 98.6% for full-sequence classification through majority voting. These results confirm the viability of real-time activity recognition as the foundation for a navigation system that aligns live user behavior with pre-recorded patterns, offering a cost-effective alternative to infrastructure-heavy indoor positioning systems. Full article

Historic cities across the globe have experienced profound changes in their spatial and functional characteristics over time, and the historic core of Patan, Nepal, is no exception. The area surrounding Patan Durbar Square was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. Between 2003 and 2007, the Kathmandu Valley was placed on UNESCO’s List of World Heritage in Danger, largely due to various factors, including the rapid and unsympathetic transformation of its buffer zone. This study focuses on the Nagbahal neighborhood, a culturally significant locality within this buffer area, to explore a community-rooted and sustainable approach to conservation. Employing a mixed-methods research design, the study integrates qualitative and quantitative data gathered through interviews and surveys of native residents. It investigates the drivers and impacts of changes in the function, ownership, and physical form of traditional residential buildings, and assesses whether these changes align with principles of sustainable heritage conservation—social, cultural, economic, and environmental. While challenges persist, including the proliferation of reinforced concrete structures and limited enforcement of heritage policies, the findings reveal that Nagbahal remains resilient due to strong local traditions, active religious institutions, and cohesive social practices. The study offers transferable lessons for sustainable conservation in living heritage buffer zones globally. Full article

The transition to a decarbonised energy system in Ireland presents significant socio-technical challenges. This paper, focused on the work of the SMARTLAB project at the Citizen Innovation Lab in Limerick city, investigated the potential of a localised living lab approach to address these challenges. Engaging across 70 buildings and their inhabitants, the project captured the evolution of attitudes and intentions towards the clean energy transition in ways directly relevant to future policy implementation across grid redevelopment, smart service design, and national retrofit. Project methodology was framed by a living lab approach, with wireless energy and indoor environment sensors installed in participant buildings and participant journeys developed by harnessing the Citizen Innovation Lab ecosystem. The results indicate behaviour changes among participants, particularly focusing on indoor environmental conditions. The study concludes that embedded, localised living labs offer a methodological framework which can capture diverse datasets and encompass complex contemporary contexts towards transition goals. Full article

Objective: To explore the experiences and self-efficacy of parent-caregivers providing care for a child with a tracheostomy tube. Study Design: Parent-caregivers completed surveys and participated in semi-structured interviews about their experiences learning to care for their child with a tracheostomy tube. Survey data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically through coding. Results: Fifteen parent-caregivers participated in the survey, 13 of whom completed an interview. After receiving a tracheostomy, children were hospitalized a median of 6 months prior to discharge home. At the time of our study, children had been home for a median of 3.5 years. Parent-caregivers felt more prepared to perform routine daily care compared to triaging a change in medical status. Parent-caregiver self-efficacy in performing tracheostomy care skills improved with experience at home. Four themes were identified from interviews: new identity formation, enduring education, child and family biopsychosocial support, and establishing normalcy. Parent-caregivers shared that education was more than just acquiring skills; it also involved discovering diverse ways of learning and building confidence in one’s own abilities to fulfill the many types of roles they serve to successfully care for and keep their child safe while supporting their social and emotional needs as parent-caregivers. Conclusions: Parent-caregivers’ reflections on their experiences provide critical insight into their psychosocial needs and challenges in providing care to children with tracheostomies. Further investigation of lived experiences is vital to shaping a community that can support families of medically complex children. Full article

Throughout history, communities have struggled to build homes in places actively hostile to their presence, a challenge long faced by African descendants in the American diaspora. In cities across the U.S., including Washington, D.C., efforts have often been made to erase Black cultural identity. D.C., once a hub of Black culture, saw its urban fabric devastated during the 1968 riots following Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination. Since then, redevelopment has been slow and, more recently, marked by gentrification, which has further displaced Black communities. Amid this context, Black architects such as Michael Marshall, FAIA, and Sean Pichon, AIA, have emerged as visionary leaders. Their work exemplifies Value-Inclusive Design and aligns with Roberto Verganti’s Design-Driven Innovation by embedding cultural relevance and community needs into development projects. These architects propose an intentional approach that centers Black identity and brings culturally meaningful businesses into urban redevelopment, shifting the paradigm of design practice in D.C. This collective case study (methodology) argues that their work represents a distinct architectural style, Black Modernism, characterized by cultural preservation, community engagement, and spatial justice. This research examines two central questions: Where does Black Modernism begin, and where does it end? How does it fit within and expand beyond the broader American Modernist architectural movement? It explores the consequences of the destruction of Black communities, the lived experiences of Black architects, and how those experiences are reflected in their designs. Additionally, the research suggests that the work of Black architects aligns with heutagogical pedagogy, which views community stakeholders not just as beneficiaries, but as educators and knowledge-holders in architectural preservation. Findings reveal that Black Modernism, therefore, is not only a design style but a method of reclaiming identity, telling untold histories, and building more inclusive cities. Full article

This study examines the integration and sustainability of solar energy technologies as a tool for rural electrification in Ghana, using the Lofetsume community as a case study. Persistent electricity access deficits in rural areas, coupled with unreliable grid systems and high energy costs, underscore the need for alternative energy solutions. Through semi-structured interviews and surveys, the study explores community perspectives and expert views on the viability of solar energy in rural Ghana. Findings reveal strong grassroots support for solar energy due to its reliability and environmental benefits, despite barriers such as high upfront installation costs and maintenance challenges. The study recommends multi-stakeholder partnerships, innovative financing models, and capacity-building initiatives to enhance solar energy adoption. By prioritizing solar energy technologies, the government, private sector, and local communities can collaborate to develop sustainable and affordable electrification solutions, ultimately improving living standards in remote areas and contributing to Ghana’s broader energy sustainability goals. Full article

The objective of this study is to design, develop, and analyze a tri-wheeled trolley integrated with a motor that incorporates adjustable and foldable features. The purpose of a trolley is to allow users to easily transport items from one place to another. However, problems arise when transporting objects across challenging surfaces, such as up a flight of stairs, using a conventional cart. This innovation uses multiple engineering skills to determine and develop the best possible design for a stair-climbing trolley. A tri-wheel mechanism is integrated into its motorized design, meticulously engineered for adjustability, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of staircase dimensions. The designed trolley was constructed considering elements and processes such as a literature review, conceptual design, concept screening, concept scoring, 3D modelling, engineering design calculations, and simulations. The trolley was tested, and the measured pulling force data were compared with the theoretical calculations. A graph of the pulling force vs. load was plotted, in which both datasets showed similar increasing trends; hence, the designed trolley worked as expected. The development of this stair-climbing trolley can benefit people living in rural areas or low-cost buildings that are not equipped with elevators and can reduce injuries among the elderly. The designed stair-climbing trolley will not only minimize the user’s physical effort but also enhance safety. On top of that, the adjustable and foldable features of the stair-climbing trolley would benefit users living in areas with limited space. Full article

Background: After an older person moves into a nursing home, the next of kin often continues to participate in the care provided there. This participation in care may contribute valuable knowledge of the preferences and wishes of the older person, thereby helping nursing staff deliver personalised care. Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore how next of kin experience their participation in the care of older persons residing in nursing homes after educating nursing staff about participation in palliative care. Methods: This follow-up study used a qualitative design based on semi-structured interviews with 37 next of kin. A thematic analysis was applied. Results: Participation of the next of kin involved active communication and collaboration with nursing staff, expressed in three themes: striving to achieve co-created care, navigating involvement through presence, and building commitment through communication and information. The dual role of being an emotionally close next of kin and a participant in the relative’s care was challenging and became increasingly burdensome and often overwhelming when the older person’s health deteriorated. Conclusions: This study reveals the need to develop and implement a policy for the participation of next of kin in the care of older people living in nursing homes. In addition, support groups can increase well-being through dialogue with other next of kin, thereby alleviating emotional strain. Increased implementation of life stories and the use of digital communication would keep the next of kin informed about the older person’s condition, especially when they cannot be present in person. Life story is a valuable tool for person-centred care and strengthens the relationships between the next of kin, the older person, and the nursing staff. Full article

Sport can serve as a powerful tool for community building, fostering inclusion, challenging intolerance, and advancing social justice. It also supports positive youth development and active citizenship. When embedded in local life and accessible beyond athletics, sport creates unique conditions for community development and inclusive action. Sport and equity-focused community development are about relationships. The perspectives and behaviors stemming from youth participation in sport—what they learn about human relationships, relationship building, and life skills—carry forward through time in all phases and facets of their lives. The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), Ireland’s largest amateur sporting and cultural organization, exemplifies this potential. More than a sports organization, the GAA plays a central role in Irish society, offering opportunities for people of all ages to engage in sport, fitness, and well-being, while actively contributing to community life. GAA clubs often function as local social hubs, creating spaces for connection across generations. This article uses the GAA as a case study to explore how sport can be a unifying and inclusive structure for community building. Specifically, we will (1) examine the link between sport, youth, and active citizenship; (2) explore connections between sport, community, inclusion, and social justice; (3) offer a historical and cultural overview of the GAA; and (4) consider how organizations like the GAA can support efforts around inclusion, tolerance, and sustainability. The discussion will highlight implications for future community programming and policy. Full article

The “Green Riyadh” project in Saudi Arabia represents a major initiative to enhance urban sustainability by expanding green spaces throughout Riyadh City. The initiative aims to improve air and water quality, increase tree and plant coverage, and promote environmental well-being for city residents. However, accurately assessing the extent and quality of green spaces remains a significant challenge. Current methods for evaluating green areas and measuring tree density are limited in precision and reliability, preventing effective monitoring and planning. This paper proposes an innovative solution that leverages live satellite imagery and advanced deep learning techniques to address these challenges. We collect extensive satellite data from two sources and then build two separate analytical pipelines. These pipelines process high-resolution satellite imagery to identify trees and measure green density in vegetated areas. The experimental results show significant improvements in accuracy and efficiency, with the YOLOv11 model achieving a mAP@50 of 95.4%, precision of 94.6%, and recall of 90.2%. These findings offer a scalable and reliable alternative to traditional methods, enabling comprehensive progress evaluation and facilitating informed decision-making for urban planning. The proposed methodology not only supports the objectives of the “Green Riyadh” project but also sets a benchmark for green space evaluation that can be adopted by cities worldwide. Full article

As the aging population grows, ensuring effective and sustainable health management for elderly individuals has become a critical challenge. This study explores the integration of smart healthcare technologies and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles to enhance elderly health management through data-driven strategies. Using the MIMIC-III database, this study evaluates five machine learning models (Adaboost, Bagging, Catboost, GaussianNB, and SVC) through ten-fold cross-validation to predict 3-day and 30-day mortality rates among elderly ICU patients. The Bagging model achieved the best performance with an AUROC of 0.80, demonstrating the potential of smart healthcare in mortality prediction. These technologies enhance predictive accuracy, enabling the timely identification of high-risk patients and effective intervention. Through the application of smart data integration methods, this study demonstrates how combining clinical indicators with socioeconomic factors can improve healthcare equity and efficiency. Furthermore, by aligning smart healthcare development with ESG concepts, we emphasize the importance of sustainability, social responsibility, and governance transparency in future healthcare systems. The findings offer valuable contributions toward building an interoperable and ethical health ecosystem, supporting early risk identification, improved care outcomes, and the promotion of healthy living for the elderly population. Full article

We aimed to simulate tau abnormalities—specifically hyperphosphorylation and aggregation—that are hallmarks of tauopathies, including Alzheimer’s disease, to evaluate tau-targeting therapies. To model pathological p-tau accumulation at early disease stages, we exposed mouse cortical cultures to redox-active iron from hemin (Hm), a breakdown product of hemoglobin, or challenged them with the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate. Using the AT8 phospho-specific antibody, we demonstrate that a subtoxic concentration of Hm (3 µM) promotes pathological p-tau accumulation in a subpopulation of cultured cortical neurons and their proximal neurites. Uric acid (UA; 0.1–200 µM), the metabolic end-product of purines in humans, prevented p-tau build-up. Neither xanthine, the immediate precursor of UA, nor allantoin, its oxidized product, reproduced this effect. Live cell imaging studies revealed that UA operates by repressing iron-driven lipid peroxidation. DOT (3 µM), a brain-permeant tetracycline (TC) without antibiotic activity, mimicked UA’s anti-tau and antioxidant effects. Interestingly, both UA and DOT remained effective in preventing p-tau accumulation induced by glutamate (10 µM). To simulate tau aggregation at more advanced disease stages, we conducted a Thioflavin-T aggregation assay. Our findings revealed that UA and DOT prevented tau aggregation seeded by heparin. However, only DOT remained effective when heparin-assembled tau fibrils were used as the seeding material. In summary, our results indicate that UA-elevating agents may hold therapeutic utility for tauopathies. The non-purine compound DOT could serve as an effective alternative to UA-related therapies. Full article