Search Results (42)

This research aimed to examine which of the selected strategies can most effectively influence households to reduce their total municipal waste and thus protect the environment. To achieve this goal, a sample of 202 households from the Brčko District of BiH was used. Respondents evaluated six strategies against ten criteria, expressing their assessments through linguistic values. These linguistic inputs were modeled using symmetric fuzzy numbers, ensuring a consistent and mathematically robust representation of uncertainty and subjective judgment. The research used the fuzzy SiWeC (Simple Weight Calculation) method to determine the importance of the criteria, and the fuzzy TOPSIS (Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution), ARAS (Additive Ratio Assessment), and SAW (Simple Additive Weighted) methods to rank the strategies. The application of several methods in decision-making helps validate results and verify the robustness of strategy selection. These methods identified “waste reduction efficiency” as the most important criterion and “Strategy 3—Packaging return machines” as the most effective overall. Furthermore, analysis of demographic subgroups revealed significant variations in the perceived value of alternative strategies. Consequently, this study concludes that to optimize municipal waste management, strategies should be tailored to specific demographic profiles. This targeted approach would enhance waste reduction at the source, divert more waste from landfills, and promote the broader implementation of circular economy principles. The use of symmetric fuzzy numbers provided a reliable and stable foundation for this multi-criteria decision-making analysis. Full article

Medium-sized cities are increasingly affected by processes of urban fragmentation and residential segregation, despite having traditionally been perceived as more socially cohesive and territorially balanced than large metropolitan areas. Acting as functional connectors between metropolitan hubs and rural regions, these cities are particularly vulnerable to unplanned suburban growth, housing market polarization and uneven access to urban opportunities. This study develops and applies a multidimensional Urban Territorial Index (UTI) to diagnose socio-spatial inequality in medium-sized cities, using Ciudad Real (central Spain) and its functional urban area as a case study. The UTI integrates six indicators across three analytical dimensions—socioeconomic, sociodemographic and housing—through a PCA-informed weighting scheme and GIS-based spatial analysis. The index is calculated at census-tract and neighborhood scales and is validated through internal consistency checks, external comparison with a local Human Development Index (r = 0.87; p < 0.001), and qualitative robustness assessments. Results reveal a pronounced core–periphery polarization: central and strategically located neighborhoods associated with key infrastructures (university, high-speed rail station and hospital) concentrate higher income levels, educational attainment and land values, while peripheral municipalities and disadvantaged neighborhoods exhibit higher unemployment, lower housing values and greater social vulnerability. The analysis also identifies population–housing mismatches linked to suburban expansion without equivalent functional integration. Beyond the local case, the study provides a transparent and replicable methodological framework tailored to medium-sized cities, where metropolitan-scale indices often fail to capture fine-grained socio-spatial disparities. The UTI offers a practical tool for comparative analysis, temporal monitoring and evidence-based urban policy, supporting more inclusive and territorially balanced development strategies in diverse institutional and geographical contexts. Full article

Urban green is a key component of municipal natural resources management (MNRM) in metropolitan areas, providing ecosystem services (ESs) related to climate regulation, environmental quality, and citizens’ well-being. However, these ESs are often weakly integrated into municipal management practices, and this may be due to the absence of structured accountability and reporting mechanisms. This study examines whether a topic-specific Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting framework for urban green could support the integration of ecosystem services into MNRM. The research is based on semi-structured interviews with representatives from 23 municipalities across Greece, exploring awareness of ESG concepts, views on accountability and stakeholder engagement, and perceptions of urban green as a managed natural resource. The findings indicate broad recognition of the multifunctional role of urban green and strong agreement on the value of systematic reporting and accountability. At the same time, municipalities identify the lack of an appropriate reporting framework as a key constraint, alongside organizational and staffing limitations. Drawing on stakeholder and impression management theory, the study shows the respondents support that urban green ESG reporting can function as a governance tool, enhancing transparency and stakeholder involvement. A municipal ESG reporting framework is perceived as a tool that could support operationalizing ESs within local governance structures, contributing to a more effective MNRM. Full article

Amid China’s “Manufacturing Power” push, full-chain digital restructuring in the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area remains hampered by mismatches among technology, organization, and environment. We therefore explored how shop floor actors perceive and shape this Technology–Organization–Environment (TOE) interplay. Semi-structured interviews with frontline operators, maintainers, and supply chain staff from GBA manufacturers were inductively coded, yielding 36 concepts, 10 categories, and 3 core TOE aggregates that were woven into a grounded model. The analysis shows that industrial internet platforms and smart equipment only create value when matched by flexible shop floor structures, cross-department data protocols, and skilled teams; otherwise, data silos, simulation–production deviations, and “buy-but-not-build” procurement stall adoption. Market pressure for customized, short-lead-time products and divergent municipal pilot policies further intensify the TOE balancing act, particularly for SMEs with weak absorptive capacity. By revealing a grassroots “technology-driven → organization-adapted → environment-adjusted” spiral that is moderated by frontline feedback, the study extends the TOE framework to micro-level, regional innovation theory and offers policy–practice levers for differentiated, cross-city manufacturing upgrading. Full article

This study examines the psychosocial factors predicting municipal solid waste separation in Italy, applying and extending a model originally developed for Southern regions. The model integrates the Theory of Reasoned Action and the Value-Belief-Norm framework to explain how values, norms, and attitudes shape waste separation intentions and behaviours. Using data from 321 online survey respondents, this study tests the model’s validity in Northern Italy. Additionally, the study examines the relationships among the variables under investigation in people residing in the Northern and Southern regions of Italy. Findings confirm the model (χ² (10) = 28.118, p = 0.002, CFI = 0.956; RMSEA = 0.075; AIC = 8.118): bio-altruistic values and social norms significantly predict positive attitudes, which in turn determine behavioural intentions. Perceived distributive unfairness is negatively associated with attitudes toward waste separation. Separation behaviour is mainly influenced by internal attributions and knowledge, while egoistic values show a negative relationship. The multi-group analysis indicates a good model fit for both Northern and Southern samples (χ² (31) = 45.059, p = 0.049, CFI = 0.969; RMSEA = 0.053; AIC = −16.941), suggesting consistent psychosocial mechanisms. By integrating psychosocial insights with behavioural data, this research highlights the importance of knowledge, fairness, and social norms in promoting sustainable waste management. The findings provide practical guidance for policymakers and practitioners to design regionally communication and participation strategies that enhance the long-term sustainability of waste separation systems in Italy. Full article

Coastality, the degree to which a place or community is functionally, spatially, or symbolically oriented toward the ocean, has received limited attention in Ocean Literacy research. This study introduces perceived coastality as a youth-centered construct and develops the Coastality Gap Index (CGI), a spatial indicator measuring the divergence between students’ coastal-inland identity and their actual geographic proximity to the sea. A mixed-methods design was applied to data from 645 students aged 10–17 across 11 schools in five municipalities in Mallorca (Spain). The questionnaire explored emotional, cognitive, and experiential connections to the ocean, while K-means clustering identified perceptual profiles and GIS analysis examined their spatial distribution. Five distinct profiles emerged, ranging from students who perceive themselves as coastal with strong ocean ties, to others who live near the coast yet exhibit limited awareness or connection. The CGI revealed that 14 of 29 population centers studied were inland-oriented despite coastal proximity, with values ranging from −0.07 to +0.72. Notable disconnects occurred in municipalities like Manacor (CGI = 0.41) and Artà (CGI = 0.34), where majority of students identified as “inland” despite living within 13 km of the coast, well within the EU’s 20 km coastal belt definition. The perceptual typology and spatial indicator provide a transferable framework for rethinking blue education strategies and designing context-sensitive Ocean Literacy interventions that account for symbolic as well as geographic dimensions of marine identity. Full article

What determines whether the public favors anthropocentric or biocentric signage in urban contexts? We conceptualize signage not only as a communicative device but also as a governance instrument that encodes environmental values into urban spaces. We study a city-level case of human–wildlife coexistence involving wild boars in Mount Carmel and Nesher (Israel) using a public opinion survey of residents (N = 405) and an operationalization that combines open-ended coding of the proposed sign content with structured items on sign design preferences. Analyses (correlations and regression models with mediation and moderation tests) indicate that higher perceived harm is associated with stronger anthropocentric preferences; this relationship is partly transmitted via support for local environmental morality policies and is conditioned by political ideology. These findings collectively show that socio-cultural stability, perceived harm, and political worldview jointly shape whether residents endorse signage that emphasizes human safety or ecological coexistence. Design choices also align with the spectrum: biocentric preferences co-occur with instructional/informational content, softer color palettes, family-oriented iconography, and humorous tones. By empirically operationalizing signage preference and linking it to socio-cultural and political drivers, this study clarifies how “design governance” can shape human–wildlife interactions. By demonstrating how governance instruments such as signage reflect deeper social, environmental, and political dynamics, this study advances our theoretical understanding of “design governance” and its role in urban sustainability. We discuss practical implications for municipalities seeking to foster coexistence through clear, behaviorally informed signage. Full article

Urban sprawl and suburbanization are reshaping peri-urban areas, challenging urban planning and community well-being. Our study investigates questions regarding the perception of Cultural Ecosystem Services (CES) and development preferences (DP) related to Green Infrastructure (GI) in Vác, Hungary, including how CES and DP indicators related to GI vary spatially; how they align with municipal DI designations; how they relate to sociodemographic factors; and how they are applicable to urban planning practices. We used PPGIS and structured interviews with 375 residents to collect over 4900 spatial data points in order to analyze how perceived values, development preferences, officially designated GI elements and sociodemographic characteristics, relate to each other. The results show that CES are strongly associated with GI elements, especially along the riverfront and in downtown areas. However, development preferences, especially congestion and safety concerns, were more dispersed, often located in outer residential areas and along transportation routes. Statistical analyses showed significant differences across age, marital status, and co-residence with children, influencing both CES perception and development preferences. Our study highlights the gap between official GI designations and community-valued spaces, emphasizing the importance of participatory planning and the integration of sociodemographic dimensions into planning practices in rapidly transforming suburban environments. Full article

This study investigates how inclusive leadership, mentorship, and digital tools shape conflict prevention and social cohesion within the Greek public sector. Employing a cross-sectional quantitative design, data were collected from 203 employees across municipalities, ministries, regional, and decentralized administrations. The survey instrument captured four dimensions: leadership and mediation for social cohesion, mentorship for the empowerment of vulnerable groups, use of digital tools, and the perceived social impact of inadequate conflict management. Data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to test direct and indirect effects, evaluate the explanatory and predictive power of the model, and explore the mediation mechanisms linking leadership, mentorship, and digital tools to social cohesion. The results demonstrate that both leadership and mentorship are positively perceived and significantly interrelated, jointly enhancing workplace cohesion and trust. Mentorship emerged as a critical predictor of digital tool adoption, highlighting its role as a bridge for digital inclusion and organizational innovation. In contrast, digital tools, despite their high importance in the model, remain underutilized and require further investment in training and integration. Poor conflict management is perceived as a major organizational risk, strongly linked to increased stress, diminished trust, and a deteriorated workplace climate. These findings highlight the value of integrating mentorship and inclusive leadership with mediation and digital technologies, supporting the development of hybrid strategies for conflict management. The study enriches theoretical debates on organizational resilience and social cohesion, while offering practical recommendations for modernizing public administration through participatory leadership, targeted mentoring programs, and the thoughtful adoption of digital solutions. Full article

Urban green spaces play a critical role in promoting health, well-being and social inclusion. However, many such spaces remain underutilized by women due to perceived safety risks and inadequate infrastructure. The aim of this study is to understand the level of accessibility of these areas for women of different ages, considering their diverse needs related to physical activity and the sense of safety in public space. This research investigates the behavioural experiences of women in Zielona Góra, Poland, focusing on municipal parks and forests. A mixed-methods approach was applied, including on-site observations, in-depth interviews, online surveys and scenario modelling using Fuzzy Cognitive Maps (FCMs), involving 204 women aged 15–85. The results show that 48% of respondents avoid green areas due to barriers such as poor lighting, fear of wild animals or unpredictable individuals and insufficient infrastructure. Women preferred afternoon visits and valued the presence of others for increased safety. The five most frequented parks were identified based on accessibility and infrastructure quality. Scenario simulations confirmed that even single targeted interventions could improve perceived safety and increase usage. This study highlights the need for inclusive urban design that addresses the specific experiences and requirements of women in public green spaces. Full article

Rising energy costs and a desire for sustainability have led municipalities to implement measures such as reducing artificial public lighting at night (ALAN). However, under pressure from residents, some municipalities are being forced to reverse their decision. Although important, the social relationship of individuals to public lighting and its impact on decisions to reduce or modify is still little considered. This study examines how residents of a municipality in southern France perceive a policy of reducing artificial night lighting from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. A survey of 91 participants was used to assess their understanding of the positive (safety, nightlife…) and negative (effects on biodiversity, health…) impacts of ALAN, their attitudes towards the measure, and their opinions regarding its extension. The results indicate that participants who recognise the negative impacts of ALAN are more inclined to support its reduction (r = 0.56, p < 0.001; ß = 0.44, t = 3.12, p = 0.003), while those who appreciate its positive impacts are more reluctant to accept the measure (r = −0.57, p < 0.001; ß = −0.70, t = −5.30, p < 0.001). Hierarchical regression analysis revealed that specific attitudes towards these lighting-off measures were the main predictor of support for the policy (ß = 0.60, t = 6.70, p < 0.001) than general beliefs about the impacts of lighting. These results suggest that implementing such policies requires balancing ecological considerations with social expectations and building trust between local authorities and residents to improve public acceptance of lighting strategies. This study contributes to the still scarce research on the positioning of individuals in real projects to reduce or even switch off lighting and demonstrates the value of studying the relationship between individuals and policies to reduce public lighting. Full article

This article, based on systems thinking, explores how community organizations in Montreal providing newcomers support through the various stages of their settlement process operate within a local municipal system and a broader provincial system, both promoting integration and intercultural relations. On a local scale, the City of Montreal has set itself the goal of raising public awareness of the benefits of cultural diversity and wishes to encourage positive interactions in the public space. For those interviewed during our research, this municipal model of integration does not necessarily align with Quebec’s unique and unofficial integration model, interculturalism, which can be perceived as a political project supporting the French-speaking majority’s interests and which may seem incompatible with the social justice values espoused by community organizations. This article is based on verbatim excerpts gathered from individual and group in-depth interviews conducted with 37 community workers in the spring of 2023. Full article

The concept of resilience has gained significant prominence across various disciplines, particularly in the context of regional development. Specifically, the Social Responsibility of Local Public Administrations (SRLPA) may play a significant role in fostering resilient territories. This study proposes a second-order model utilizing Structural Equation Modeling—Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS) to investigate the complex relationships between the SRLPA and citizen participation in municipal affairs. The proposed model comprises six dimensions for the SRLPA: good governance values, efficiency, transparency, economic issues, environmental concerns, and socio-labor matters. One of the primary contributions of this study is the development and operationalization of a scale designed to measure the construct of the SRLPA. Additionally, empirical analysis shows that the relationship between the SRLPA and citizen participation is indirect. Instead, SRLPA exerts its influence through two mediating variables: citizen connection with the municipality and the perceived bond with the local government. The findings suggest that to positively impact citizen participation, the SRLPA must strengthen relationships with citizens, thereby enhancing their engagement in municipal affairs. Full article

This study evaluates the public benefits associated with different green roof systems to manage stormwater runoff in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. An internet-based stated-preference conjoint choice experiment was administered to residents of Milwaukee to ascertain the public benefits value of different potential green roof infrastructure programs. This study contributes to the literature on the public benefits of green roofs in two ways. First, this study examined the perceived value of dynamic stormwater retention facilitated using “smart” green roofs with access to real-time weather data versus traditional extensive green roofs. Second, a wider range of public benefits associated with green roofs, including improved water quality, air quality, biodiversity, and urban heat island effects, were estimated. Estimation of these public benefits allows for determination of the optimal public policy for supporting green roofs as a component of decentralized stormwater management in municipalities. Full article

The COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting public health crisis had an enormous impact on the global economy and its sectors. Most components were adversely affected, especially the tertiary industry (the part of a country’s economy that provides services), with different types and sizes of businesses suffering to varying degrees. Reports on the impact on agriculture are not lacking, and the crisis was perceived and responded to differently from the supply chain to the household level. The research question proposed in this paper concerns the impact of the early restrictions induced by COVID-19, namely the lockdown period from March to June 2020, on Romanian agriculture and more precisely Western Romanian crop production. Two counties in the West were selected: the county Timis for its highly favourable agricultural production and the county Caras Severin for its integrative agricultural production centred on mixed farms, where crop production is integrated with animal production towards a higher added value. Using secondary data from the National Agency for Payments and Interventions in Agriculture allowed the disaggregation of data at the level of each municipality for 2019 and 2020. The choice of this dataset was related to the level of precision, as the beneficiaries of direct payments in the respective areas are verified each year for both areas and crops. The paired two-tailed t-test was used to test the data for each LAU 2 municipality in each of the selected counties; as the crops sown in 2019 could not be affected by the COVID lockdown period in spring 2020 (March to June), the most important spring crops in terms of area in 2020 were selected and tested against the 2019 datasets. The results show that there is not enough evidence to conclude a significant statistical difference between the two years, and therefore, we cannot reject the null hypothesis and conclude that the pandemic lockdown did not affect the spring crops during their most restrictive period in spring 2020; thus, the overall influence of the COVID-19 lockdown on crop production in Western Romania was insignificant, observed only at the level of primary production. Spring crop production could have been severely affected by the restrictions imposed by the health crisis on access to certain inputs, freedom of movement for field work, and other activities closely linked to agricultural production, leading to early disruptions along the food chain. Full article