Search Results (112)

This article presents a spatial analysis of projects selected by city residents and implemented in five successive editions (2015–2019) of the participatory budgeting in Częstochowa, Poland. The study examines the relationship between the type of hard projects (small investments in public infrastructure and landscaping) and the pre-existing characteristics of the land use of each district. Kernel density estimation and Spearman correlation analysis were used. The highest spatial density occurred in projects related to the modernization of roads and sidewalks, recreation, and greenery, indicating a relatively high number of proposals within or near residential areas. Key correlations included the following: (1) greenery projects were more common in districts lacking green areas; (2) recreational infrastructure was more frequently chosen in areas with significant water features; (3) street furniture projects were mostly selected in districts with sparse development, scattered buildings, and postindustrial sites; (4) educational infrastructure was often chosen in low-density, but developing districts. The selected projects often reflect local deficits in specific land use or public infrastructure, but also stress the predestination of the recreational use of waterside areas. Full article

Air pollution monitoring in ungauged zones presents unique challenges yet remains critical for understanding environmental health impacts and socioeconomic dynamics in the Eastern Mediterranean region. This study investigates air pollution patterns in northwestern Syria during 2019–2024, analyzing NO₂ and CO concentrations using Sentinel-5P TROPOMI satellite data processed through Google Earth Engine. Monthly concentration averages were examined across eight key locations using linear regression analysis to determine temporal trends, with Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients calculated between pollutant levels and five meteorological parameters (temperature, humidity, wind speed, atmospheric pressure, and precipitation) to determine the influence of political governance, economic conditions, and environmental sustainability factors on pollution dynamics. Quality assurance filtering retained only measurements with values ≥ 0.75, and statistical significance was assessed at a p < 0.05 level. The findings reveal distinctive spatiotemporal patterns that reflect the region’s complex political-economic landscape. NO₂ concentrations exhibited clear political signatures, with opposition-controlled territories showing upward trends (Al-Rai: 6.18 × 10⁻⁸ mol/m²) and weak correlations with climatic variables (<0.20), indicating consistent industrial operations. In contrast, government-controlled areas demonstrated significant downward trends (Hessia: −2.6 × 10⁻⁷ mol/m²) with stronger climate–pollutant correlations (0.30–0.45), reflecting the impact of economic sanctions on industrial activities. CO concentrations showed uniform downward trends across all locations regardless of political control. This study contributes significantly to multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), providing critical baseline data for SDG 3 (Health and Well-being), mapping urban pollution hotspots for SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities), demonstrating climate–pollution correlations for SDG 13 (Climate Action), revealing governance impacts on environmental patterns for SDG 16 (Peace and Justice), and developing transferable methodologies for SDG 17 (Partnerships). These findings underscore the importance of incorporating environmental safeguards into post-conflict reconstruction planning to ensure sustainable development. Full article

This study aimed to investigate land-use and land-cover change and the associated change in the ecological stability of the model area Dobrá–Opatová (district of Trenčín, Slovakia), where increasing landscape transformation has raised concerns about declining ecological resilience. Despite the importance of sustainable land management, few studies in this region have addressed long-term landscape dynamics in relation to ecological stability. This research fills that gap by evaluating historical and recent LULC changes and their ecological consequences. Four time horizons were analysed: 1850, 1949, 2009, and 2024. Although the selected time periods are irregular, they reflect key milestones in the region’s land development, such as pre-industrial land use, post-war collectivisation, and recent land consolidation. These activities significantly altered the structure of the landscape. To assess future trends, we used the MOLUSCE plug-in in QGIS to simulate ecological stability for the future. The greatest structural landscape changes occurred between 1850 and 1949. Significant transformation in agricultural areas was observed between 1949 and 2009, when collectivisation reshaped small plots into large block structures and major water management projects were implemented. The 2009–2024 period was marked by land consolidation, mainly resulting in the construction of gravel roads. These structural changes have contributed to a continuous decrease in ecological stability, calculated using the coefficient of ecological stability derived from LULC categories. To explore future trends, we simulated ecological stability for the year 2030 and the simulation confirmed a continued decline in ecological stability, highlighting the need for sustainable land-use planning in the area. Full article

The pursuit of sustainable alternatives to portland cement has become a global imperative within the construction sector, driven by the need to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and energy consumption. Among the promising alternatives, agricultural ashes have garnered attention for their potential as alternative supplementary cementitious materials (ASCMs), owing to their inherent pozzolanic properties when appropriately processed. However, the availability and utilization of these ashes have predominantly been concentrated in tropical and subtropical regions, where such biomass is more abundant. This review offers a comprehensive bibliometric analysis to identify and assess agricultural ashes (specifically switchgrass, barley, sunflower, and oat husks) that are cultivated in temperate and cold climates and exhibit potential for SCM application. The analysis aims to bridge the knowledge gap by systematically mapping the existing research landscape and highlighting underexplored resources suitable for cold-region implementation. Key processing parameters, including incineration temperature, retention duration, and post-combustion grinding techniques, are critically examined for their influence on the resulting ash’s physicochemical characteristics and pozzolanic reactivity. In addition, the effect on fresh, hardened, and durability properties was evaluated. Findings reveal that several crops grown in colder regions may produce ashes rich in reactive silica, thereby qualifying them as viable ASCM candidates and bioenergy sources. Notably, the ashes derived from switchgrass, barley, oats, and sunflowers demonstrate significant reactive silica content, reinforcing their potential in sustainable construction practices. Hence, this study underscores the multifaceted benefits of contributing to the decarbonization of the cement industry and circular economy, while addressing environmental challenges associated with biomass waste disposal and uncontrolled open-air combustion. Full article

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in construction project management is revolutionising the industry; offering innovative solutions to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve decision making. This structured literature review explored the current applications, benefits, challenges, and future trends of AI in construction project management. This study synthesised findings from 135 peer-reviewed articles published between 1985 and 2024; representing Industry 3.0 (3IR), Industry 4.0 (4IR), and Industry 4.0 Post COVID-19 (4IR PC). Analysis showed that the Planning and Monitoring and Control phases of the project have the greatest application of AI, while decision making, prediction, optimisation, and performance improvement are the most common purposes of AI use in the construction industry. The drivers of AI adoption within the construction industry include technology availability, project outcome and performance improvement, a competitive advantage, and a focus on sustainability. Despite these advancements, the review revealed several barriers to AI adoption, including data integration issues, the high cost of AI implementation, resistance to change among stakeholders, and ethical concerns surrounding data privacy, amongst others. This review also identified future ongoing applications of AI in the construction industry, such as sustainability and energy efficiency, digital twins, advanced robotics and autonomous construction, and optimisation. By providing a comprehensive analysis of the evolution of practices and the future direction of AI application, this study serves as a resource for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers seeking to understand the evolving landscape of AI in construction project management. Full article

Background: The integration of mining and urban spaces in coal-resource-based cities holds significant implications for urban transformation and sustainable development. However, existing research lacks an in-depth analysis of its characteristics and driving factors. Methods: This study takes the central urban area of Huaibei City as a case, utilizing historical documents, POI data, and spatial analysis methods to explore the evolution patterns and influencing factors of mining–urban spatial integration. Standard deviation ellipse analysis was employed to examine historical spatial changes, while a binary logistic regression model and principal component analysis were constructed based on 300 m × 300 m grid units to assess the roles of 11 factors, including location, transportation, commerce, and natural environment. Results: The results indicate that mining–urban spatial integration exhibits characteristics of lag, clustering, transportation dominance, and continuity. Commercial activity density, particularly leisure, dining, and shopping facilities, serves as a core driving factor. Road network density, along with the areas of educational and residential zones, positively promotes integration, whereas water surface areas (such as subsidence zones) significantly inhibit it. Among high-integration areas, Xiangshan District stands as the most economically prosperous city center; Lieshan–Yangzhuang mining area blends traditional and modern elements; and Zhuzhuang–Zhangzhuang mining area reflects the industrial landscape post-transformation. Conclusions: The study reveals diverse integration patterns under the synergistic effects of multiple factors, providing a scientific basis for optimizing spatial layouts and coordinating mining–urban development in coal-resource-based cities. Future research should continue to pay attention to the dynamic changes of spatial integration of mining cities, explore more effective integrated development models, and promote the rational and efficient use of urban space and the sustainable development of cities. Full article

Effective monitoring and evaluation (M&E) are essential for ensuring that Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) contributes to the sustainable development of the blue economy while maintaining alignment with institutional frameworks. The study presented in this paper develops a stakeholder-driven M&E framework for sustainable MSP, emphasizing a participatory methodology to enhance the relevance and applicability of performance assessment. Using a structured mutual learning approach, the research engaged stakeholders in two iterative rounds: the first identified key strategic objectives for a sustainable blue economy through dialogue and a complementary questionnaire survey, while the second refined these into corresponding specific objectives. This process was applied in the context of a case study in Greece, where MSP implementation is shaped by national and EU regulatory frameworks and the socio-economic dynamics of the coastal and maritime sectors. The case study provided a practical testing ground for the proposed methodology, involving stakeholders from government, industry, and civil society to ensure a comprehensive perspective. The insights gained informed the design of a key performance indicator (KPI) framework, integrating qualitative and quantitative metrics tailored to the regional maritime governance landscape. These metrics were selected based on the SMARTIE (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-Bound, Inclusive, Equitable) criteria and were clearly aligned with the established objectives. The frequency of measurements, appropriate data collection methods, and indicative data sources were also defined to provide a complete KPIs framework. This stakeholder-driven methodology strengthens the adaptive capacity of MSP by ensuring continuous assessment and revision aligned with sustainability objectives and facilitating ex ante, intermediate, and ex post evaluations. The proposed framework is scalable and transferable, offering a systematic approach to improving policy coherence and decision-making across different geographic, administrative, and sectoral contexts, enabling sustainable governance and maritime governance. Full article

In the post-digital era, virtual reality (VR) technology is increasingly being utilized in the real estate industry. In this study, the influence of functional experience with VR technology (e.g., interactivity and flexibility) on consumers’ offline house viewing intentions is explored. On the basis of efficiency–flexibility ambidexterity and customer inspiration theory, a structural equation model was employed to analyze empirical data collected from 388 consumers in the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area. The key findings are as follows: (1) VR technology features have significant positive effects on customer inspiration, which in turn enhances customers’ willingness to view houses offline; (2) VR presence, enjoyment, interactivity, and flexibility all contribute to customer inspiration, with VR presence having the most substantial impact; and (3) VR knowledge and consumer demand for uniqueness significantly moderate the relationship between VR technology features and customer inspiration. For example, consumers with substantial VR knowledge can more effectively leverage VR technology, whereas those with a strong need for uniqueness are more likely to be inspired by the innovative aspects of VR. This research provides theoretical support for the application of VR technology in real estate marketing and practical guidance for enterprises to optimize VR marketing strategies, improve consumer experiences, and drive offline transactions. These insights can help companies better understand consumer psychology and behaviour in the digital marketing landscape. Full article

This article explores the challenges surrounding the Scottish media graduate landscape after the COVID-19 pandemic. Contributing factors that impact Scotland-based students and educators include a shift in the jobs market, altering pedagogies during and post-pandemic, and social drivers including fewer students choosing media pathways of study due to the cost-of-living crisis. This study draws on insights from 40 students at five Scottish universities, all of whom graduated in the summer of 2023. The research presents a window into the mindset and expectations of this post-pandemic graduating class while drawing on current and relevant literature. In addition, the paper includes reaction from industry and academic experts in Scotland and questions what can be done to address trends surrounding the stability and sustainability of journalism education. The experts include senior broadcasters, an established media educator who has worked across further education and higher education in Scotland while also being a national news editor, and one of Scotland’s most experienced journalism educators who is the chair of the World Journalism Education Council. This work is predominantly qualitative, drawing on a mixed research approach of expert interviewing and surveys while providing recommendations for journalism educators. Full article

Climate change places urban coastlines at significant risk from rising sea levels and increasing storm intensity and frequency. This paper uses Red Hook, Brooklyn, NY as a case study to identify knowledge gaps in current climate resilience efforts across low-lying, post-industrial landscapes in coastal cities. Through an analysis of the short- and long-term effects of Superstorm Sandy (29 October 2012), current city planning efforts, and resulting architectural adaptations, this paper uncovers the shortcomings and possible maladaptive planning in Red Hook and New York City’s overall coastal resilience efforts. As a response to these findings, a new framing for future resilience efforts is proposed through speculative student design proposals and international case studies, applying a more dynamic understanding of climate resilience. These proposals envision a future climate-resilient, heterogeneous model for post-industrial coastal neighborhoods, transitioning to urban landscapes that embrace their shifting shorelines. This paper’s conclusion argues that effective coastal resilience requires strategies that work at multiple scales with shifting water–land boundaries rather than against them. Full article

Honey is increasingly recognized not only as a functional food but also as a potential bioindicator of environmental pollution. This study assessed the concentrations of four potentially toxic elements (PTEs)—lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn)—in 48 multifloral honey samples collected in 2023 from seven locations across a historically polluted agro-industrial region in Romania. Samples were analyzed using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (FAAS) and Graphite Furnace AAS (GFAAS), with quality control ensured through certified reference materials. Results revealed that Pb (0.72–1.69 mg/kg) and Cd (0.02–0.37 mg/kg) levels consistently exceeded international safety thresholds, while Cu (0.62–2.22 mg/kg) and Zn (0.91–1.93 mg/kg), although essential nutrients, were found in elevated concentrations. Spatial analysis indicated a general trend of higher contamination in sites located closer to former industrial facilities, influenced by factors such as altitude and atmospheric transport. These findings confirm the persistent environmental burden in post-industrial landscapes and support the use of honey as a cost-effective tool for pollution monitoring. The study underscores the need for targeted environmental policies, sustainable apicultural practices, and continued surveillance to protect ecosystem health and food safety. Full article

This study provides a bibliometric analysis of 926 scientific publications on Argania spinosa, representing the first investigation covering all aspects of the argan tree. By combining bibliometric performance indicators and scientific mapping, based on commonly used approaches in previous studies, the analysis examines the evolution, structure, and gaps in argan-related research. The results reveal that scientific production accelerated after 1996 during an industrial exploitation period, driven by the emergence of women’s cooperatives, international certifications, and national development programs. Morocco dominates the argan research landscape, benefiting from targeted policy support, international collaborations, and the species’ endemic status. Two major research aspects were identified: the valuation of argan oil, focusing on its chemical and therapeutic properties; and ecological restoration, encompassing genetic diversity, reforestation practices, and climate adaptation strategies. Despite these advancements, critical gaps remain in operational reforestation, assisted migration, post-plantation monitoring, and the integration of ecological modeling. Research remains skewed toward oil valuation, with insufficient attention to long-term forest sustainability under climate change. Future efforts should adopt a multidisciplinary framework that integrates genomics, nursery innovation, biotechnology, molecular genetics, digital monitoring tools, and socio-institutional governance. Research should also emphasize optimizing by-product use, enhancing climate resilience, and promoting gender-equitable, community-based forest management. Full article

This review explores the evolving landscape of sustainable textile manufacturing, with a focus on rubber-based materials for various industrial applications. The textile and rubber industries are shifting towards eco-friendly practices, driven by environmental concerns and the need to reduce carbon footprints. The integration of sustainable textiles in rubber-based products, such as tires, conveyor belts, and defense products, is becoming increasingly prominent. This review discusses the adoption of natural fibers like flax, jute, and hemp, which offer biodegradability and improved mechanical properties. Additionally, it highlights sustainable elastomer sources, including natural rubber from Hevea brasiliensis and alternative plants like Guayule and Russian dandelion, as well as bio-based synthetic rubbers derived from terpenes and biomass. The review also covers sustainable additives, such as silica fillers, nanoclay, and bio-based plasticizers, which enhance performance while reducing environmental impact. Textile–rubber composites offer a cost-effective alternative to traditional fiber-reinforced polymers when high flexibility and impact resistance are needed. Rubber matrices enhance fatigue life under cyclic loading, and sustainable textiles like jute can reduce environmental impact. The manufacturing process involves rubber preparation, composite assembly, consolidation/curing, and post-processing, with precise control over temperature and pressure during curing being critical. These composites are versatile and robust, finding applications in tires, conveyor belts, insulation, and more. The review also highlights the advantages of textile–rubber composites, innovative recycling and upcycling initiatives, addressing current challenges and outlining future perspectives for achieving a circular economy in the textile and rubber sectors. Full article

This study explores the spatiotemporal distribution and formation mechanisms of urban heat islands (UHIs) in Nanjing during summer, utilizing temperature data from 82 automatic weather stations (AWSs) distributed across five concentric zones. The results demonstrate the substantial impact of urbanization on UHI patterns, with industrial and densely populated areas exhibiting higher UHI intensity (UHII), while regions with natural landscapes such as mountains and water bodies display lower temperatures. The analysis reveals that the most pronounced night-time UHI effect occurs in the highly urbanized central zones, whereas the weakest effect is observed during midday. Transitional UHI phases are identified around sunrise and sunset, with increased long-wave radiation post-sunset amplifying the UHI effect. Additionally, this study underscores the directional characteristics of UHI distribution in Nanjing. Notably, Hexi New Town has emerged as a new high-temperature hotspot due to rapid urbanization, while Jiangning New Town and Xianlin Sub-City maintain lower temperatures owing to their proximity to agricultural and forested areas. By selecting representative AWSs from different zones, this study introduces a novel and practical method for calculating UHII. Although the approach has limitations in precision, it provides an accessible tool for UHI analysis and can be adapted for use in other cities. This research offers valuable insights into the influence of urban development on local climate and presents a practical framework for future UHI studies and urban planning strategies aimed at mitigating UHI effects. Full article

The confluence of the Internet of Things (IoT) and cloud computing heralds a paradigm shift in data-driven applications, promising unprecedented insights and automation across critical sectors like healthcare, smart cities, and industrial automation. However, this transformative synergy introduces a complex tapestry of security vulnerabilities stemming from the intrinsic resource limitations of IoT devices and the inherent complexities of cloud infrastructures. This survey delves into the escalating threats—from conventional data breaches and Application programming interface (API) exploits to emerging vectors such as adversarial artificial intelligence (AI), quantum-resistant attacks, and sophisticated insider threats—that imperil the integrity and resilience of IoT–cloud ecosystems. We critically evaluated existing security paradigms, including encryption, access control, and service-level agreements, juxtaposed with cutting-edge approaches like AI-driven anomaly detection, blockchain-secured frameworks, and lightweight cryptographic solutions. By systematically mapping the landscape of security challenges and mitigation strategies, this work identified the following critical research imperatives: the development of standardized, end-to-end security architectures, the integration of post-quantum cryptography for resource-constrained IoT devices, and the fortification of resource isolation in multi-tenant cloud environments. A comprehensive comparative analysis of prior research, coupled with an in-depth case study on IoT–cloud security within the healthcare domain, illuminates the practical challenges and innovative solutions crucial for real-world deployment. Ultimately, this survey advocates for the development of scalable, adaptive security frameworks that leverage the synergistic power of AI and blockchain, ensuring the secure and efficient evolution of IoT–cloud ecosystems in the face of evolving cyber threats. Full article