Search Results (452)

With the rapid pace of urbanization, cities are increasingly facing severe challenges related to environmental pollution, ecological degradation, and climate change. Extreme climate events—such as heatwaves, droughts, heavy rainfall, and wildfires—have intensified public concern about sustainability, environmental protection, and low-carbon development. Ensuring environmental preservation while maintaining residents’ quality of life has become a central focus of urban governance. In this context, evaluating green indicators and predicting urban greenness is both necessary and urgent. This study incorporates international frameworks such as the EU Green City Index, the European Green Capital Award, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to assess urban sustainability. The Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) algorithm is employed to predict the green level of cities and to develop multiple optimized models. Comparative analysis with traditional models demonstrates that XGBoost achieves superior performance, with an accuracy of 0.84 and an F1-score of 0.81. Case study findings identify “Greenhouse Gas Emissions per Person” and “Per Capita Emissions from Transport” as the most critical indicators. These results provide practical guidance for policymakers, suggesting that targeted regulations based on these key factors can effectively support emission reduction and urban sustainability goals. Full article

Smart cities are technologically advanced urban environments where interconnected systems and data-driven technologies enhance public service delivery and quality of life. These cities rely on information and communication technologies, the Internet of Things, big data, cloud computing, and other Industry 4.0 tools to support efficient city management and foster citizen engagement. Often referred to as digital cities, they integrate intelligent infrastructures and real-time data analytics to improve mobility, security, and sustainability. Ubiquitous sensors, paired with Artificial Intelligence, enable cities to monitor infrastructure, respond to residents’ needs, and optimize urban conditions dynamically. Given the increasing significance of Industry 4.0 in urban development, this study adopts a bibliometric approach to systematically review the application of these technologies within smart cities. Utilizing major academic databases such as Scopus and Web of Science the research aims to identify the primary Industry 4.0 technologies implemented in smart cities, assess their impact on infrastructure, economic systems, and urban communities, and explore the challenges and benefits associated with their integration. The bibliometric analysis included publications from 2016 to 2023, since the emergence of urban researchers’ interest in the technologies of the new industrial revolution. The task is to contribute to a deeper understanding of how smart cities evolve through the adoption of advanced technological frameworks. Research indicates that IoT and AI are the most commonly used tools in urban spaces, particularly in smart mobility and smart environments. Full article

At the Politecnica Salesiana University (UPS) in Guayaquil, Ecuador, urban mobility challenges were addressed with the aim of improving students’ quality of life and promoting sustainability. This study evaluated the technical, economic, and social feasibility of implementing a shared transportation (carpooling) system using a quantitative-descriptive approach. Surveys were applied to a stratified sample of 256 students to analyze transportation habits. Route planning was performed using ArcGIS software, and costs were calculated with Microsoft Excel. Social impact assessment involved focus groups and analysis of variables such as changes in mobility patterns, system acceptance, and perceived safety, comfort, and accessibility. Key indicators included the percentage of students willing to participate in the pilot (82.7%), satisfaction with travel time savings (85.7% fully satisfied), and positive perceptions of safety and comfort. The results suggest that the proposed system is not only economically viable but also widely accepted by students, contributing to reduced stress, travel time, and single-occupancy vehicle use. This study demonstrates the feasibility of shared transport in urban universities and provides a replicable model to guide sustainable mobility policies that improve safety, comfort, and efficiency in student commuting. Full article

The mental and physical health of college students, especially in urban environments like Shanghai, is crucial given the high academic and urban stressors, which were intensified by the COVID-19 lockdown. Prior research has shown gender differences in health impacts during public health crises, with females often more vulnerable to mental health issues. Objective: This study aimed to comprehensively assess the physical and psychological health of Chinese college students post-lockdown, focusing on the relationship between stress, anxiety, depression, sleep patterns, and physical health, with a particular emphasis on gender differences. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 116 students in Shanghai, utilizing psychological scales (HAMA, IPAQ, PSQI, SDS, FS 14, PSS, SF-36) and physical fitness tests (resting heart rate, blood pressure, hand grip, forced vital capacity, standing long jump, sit-and-reach, one-minute sit-up test and the one-minute squat test, single-leg stand test with eyes closed), to analyze health and behavior during the pandemic lockdown. All students have undergone the same life habits during the pandemic. Results: The HAMA scores indicated no significant levels of physical or mental anxiety. The PSS results (42.45 ± 8.93) reflected a high overall stress level. Furthermore, the PSQI scores (5.4 ± 2.91) suggested that the participants experienced mild insomnia. The IPAQ scores indicated higher levels of job-related activity (1261.49 ± 2144.58), transportation activity (1253.65 ± 987.57), walking intensity (1580.78 ± 1412.20), and moderate-intensity activity (1353.03 ± 1675.27) among college students following the lockdown. Hand grip strength (right) (p = 0.001), sit-and-reach test (p = 0.001), standing long jump (p = 0.001), and HAMA total score (p = 0.033) showed significant differences between males and females. Three principal components were identified in males: HAMA, FS14, and PSQI, explaining a total variance of 70.473%. Similarly, three principal components were extracted in females: HAMA, PSQI, and FS14, explaining a total variance of 69.100%. Conclusions: Our study underscores the complex interplay between physical activity (PA), mental health, and quality of life, emphasizing the need for gender-specific interventions. The persistent high stress, poor sleep quality, and reduced PA levels call for a reorganized teaching schedule to enhance student well-being without increasing academic pressure. Full article

Public open spaces have recently attracted significant attention in the national development programs aimed at improving urban livability and quality of life in Saudi Arabia. While many studies have examined the design quality of public open spaces in the country, a contextualized evaluation index that takes into account users’ preferences and the nation’s social context is still lacking. This gap calls for additional field studies to better understand users’ needs and their interactions with the current urban design practices of public open spaces. This study provides deeper insights into the design quality of public open spaces in Saudi Arabia. The study first identified 16 attributes of design quality of public open spaces, and then assessed a case study, Alrabie Park in Al-Khobar city, based on field observation and a survey of users’ satisfaction levels in relation to these quality attributes The findings revealed that the average of users’ satisfaction was 3.76 out of 5.0, indicating a neutral to satisfied response. Key strengths were noted in accessibility and users’ comfort, while areas needing improvement included environmental quality and amenities and services. The study recommends the development of a national evaluation index for public open spaces to create inclusive, safe, and vibrant environments that reflect Saudi Arabia’s urban and socio-cultural context. It also emphasizes the importance of community engagement in this regard to ensure that the design of public spaces aligns well with the users’ needs and helps to create sustainable urban spaces in the city. Full article

The Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration, characterized by high population density, an advanced transportation system, and a concentration of industrial activity, is one of the regions severely affected by O₃ pollution in central and eastern China. Using data collected from 251 monitoring stations between 2015 and 2025, this paper analyzed the spatio-temporal variation of 8 h O₃ concentrations and instances of exceedance. On the basis of exploring the influence of meteorological factors on regional 8 h O₃ concentration, the potential source contribution areas of pollutants under the exceedance condition were investigated using the HYSPLIT model. The results indicate a rapid increase in the 8 h O₃ concentration at a rate of 0.91 ± 0.98 μg·m⁻³·a⁻¹, with the average number of days exceeding concentration standards reaching 41.05 in the Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration. Spatially, the 8 h O₃ concentrations were higher in coastal areas and lower in inland regions, as well as elevated in plains compared to hilly terrains. This distribution was significantly distinct from the concentration growth trend characterized by higher levels in the northwest and lower levels in the southeast. Furthermore, it diverged from the spatial characteristics where exceedances primarily occurred in the heavily industrialized northeastern region and the lightly industrialized central region, indicating that the growth and exceedance of 8 h O₃ concentrations were influenced by disparate factors. Local human activities have intensified the emissions of ozone precursor substances, which could be the key driving factor for the significant increase in regional 8 h O₃ concentrations. In the context of high temperatures and low humidity, this has contributed to elevated levels of 8 h O₃ concentrations. When wind speeds were below 2.5 m·s⁻¹, the proportion of 8 h O₃ concentrations exceeding the standards was nearly 0 under almost calm wind conditions, and it showed an increasing trend with rising wind speeds, indicating that the potential precursor sources that caused high O₃ concentrations originated occasionally from inland regions, with very limited presence within the study area. This observation implies that the main cause of exceedances was the transport effect of pollution from outside the region. Therefore, it is recommended that the Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration adopt economic and technological compensation mechanisms within and between regions to reduce the emission intensity of precursor substances in potential source areas, thereby effectively controlling O₃ concentrations and improving public living conditions and quality of life. Full article

Integrating nature-based solutions into sustainable urban design has become increasingly important in response to rapid urbanization and climate-related environmental challenges. As part of these solutions, green walls not only enhance the thermal and acoustic performance of buildings but also contribute to urban ecosystem health by supporting biodiversity. In this context, the careful selection of plant species is essential to ensure ecological efficiency, resilience, and low maintenance. This study presents a model for selecting plant species suitable for natural green walls in Mediterranean cities, with a focus on habitats protected under Directive 92/43/EEC. The selection followed a multi-phase process applied to the native flora of Italy, using criteria such as chorological type, life form, ecological indicator values, altitudinal range, and habitat type. Alien and invasive species were excluded, favoring only native Mediterranean species adapted to local pedoclimatic conditions and capable of providing ecosystem, esthetic, and functional benefits. The outcome of this rigorous screening led to the identification of a pool of species suitable for green wall systems in Mediterranean urban settings. These selections offer a practical contribution to mitigating the urban heat island effect, improving air quality, and enhancing biodiversity, thus providing a valuable tool for designing more sustainable and climate-adaptive buildings. Full article

Urban green spaces are increasingly recognized as important habitats for pollinators, and wildflower seed mixes marketed as pollinator-friendly are gaining popularity, though their actual conservation value remains poorly understood. This study provides the first systematic screening of commercially available seed mixes in Portugal, evaluating their taxonomic composition, origin, life cycle traits, and potential to support pollinator communities. A total of 229 seed mixes were identified. Although these have a predominance of native species (median 86%), the taxonomic diversity was limited, with 91% of mixes comprising species from only one or two families, predominantly Poaceae and Fabaceae, potentially restricting the range of floral resources available to pollinators. Only 21 seed mixes met the criteria for being pollinator-friendly, based on a three-step decision tree prioritizing native species, extended flowering periods, and visual diversity. These showed the highest percentage of native species (median 87%) and a greater representation of flowering plants. However, 76% of all mixes still included at least one non-native species, although none is considered invasive. Perennial species dominated all seed mix types, indicating the potential for the long-term persistence of wildflower meadows in urban spaces. Despite their promise, the ecological quality and transparency of the seed mix composition remain inconsistent, with limited certification or information on species origin. This highlights the need for clearer labeling, regulatory guidance, and ecologically informed formulations. Seed mixes, if properly designed and implemented, represent a largely untapped yet cost-effective tool for enhancing the pollinator habitats and biodiversity within urban landscapes. Full article

Environmental comfort and air pollution are among the most important indicators for assessing the population’s quality of life in urban agglomerations. This study aims to explore long-term memory in air pollution time series by analyzing the dynamics of the Hurst exponent and evaluating the predictability index. This type of statistical pre-forecast analysis is essential for developing accurate forecasting models for such time series. The effectiveness of air quality monitoring systems largely depends on the precision of these forecasts. The Ekibastuz coal-mining center, which houses one of the largest coal-fired power stations in Kazakhstan and the world, with a capacity of about 4000 MW, was chosen as an example for the study. Data for the period from 1 March 2023 to 31 December 2024 were collected and analyzed at the Ekibastuz coal-fired power station. During the specified period, 14 indicators (67,527 observations) were collected at 10 min intervals, including mass concentrations of CO, NO, NO₂, SO₂, PM_2.5, and PM₁₀, as well as current mass consumption of CO, NO, NO₂, SO₂, dust, and NO_x. The detrended fluctuation analysis of a time series of air pollution indicators was used to calculate the Hurst exponent and identify long-term memory. Changes in the Hurst exponent in regards to dynamics were also investigated, and a predictability index was calculated to monitor emissions of pollutants in the air. Long-term memory is recorded in the structure of all the time series of air pollution indicators. Dynamic analysis of the Hurst exponent confirmed persistent time series characteristics, with an average Hurst exponent of about 0.7. Identifying the time series plots for which the Hurst exponent is falling (analysis of the indicator of dynamics), along with the predictability index, is a sign of an increase in the influence of random factors on the time series. This is a sign of changes in the dynamics of the pollutant release concentrations and may indicate possible excess emissions that need to be controlled. Calculating the dynamic changes in the Hurst exponent for the emission time series made it possible to identify two distinct clusters corresponding to periods of persistence and randomness in the operation of the coal-fired power station. The study shows that evaluating the predictability index helps fine-tune the parameters of time series forecasting models, which is crucial for developing reliable air pollution monitoring systems. The results obtained in this study allow us to conclude that the method of trended fluctuation analysis can be the basis for creating an indicator of the level of air pollution, which allows us to quickly respond to possible deviations from the established standards. Environmental services can use the results to build reliable monitoring systems for air pollution from coal combustion emissions, especially near populated areas. Full article

As climate change concerns, urban congestion, and environmental degradation intensify, cities prioritise cycling as a sustainable transport option to reduce CO₂ emissions and improve quality of life. However, rampant bicycle theft and poor security infrastructure often deter daily commuters and tourists from cycling. This study explores how advanced security measures can bolster sustainable urban mobility and tourism by addressing these challenges. A mixed-methods approach is utilised, incorporating primary survey data from Slovenia and secondary data on bicycle sales, imports and thefts from 2015 to 2024. Findings indicate that access to secure parking substantially enhances users’ sense of safety when commuting by bike. Regression analysis shows that for every 1000 additional bicycles sold, approximately 280 more thefts occur—equivalent to a 0.28 rise in reported thefts—highlighting a systemic vulnerability associated with sustainability-oriented behaviour. To bridge this gap, the study advocates for an innovative security framework that combines blockchain technology and Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) with encrypted Quick Response (QR) codes. Each bicycle would receive a tamper-proof QR code connected to a blockchain-verified NFT documenting ownership and usage data. This system facilitates real-time authentication, enhances traceability, deters theft, and builds trust in cycling as a dependable transport alternative. The proposed solution merges sustainable transport, digital identity, and urban security, presenting a scalable model for individual users and shared mobility systems. Full article

Sustainable urban development takes place in cities that encourage residents to adopt sustainable consumption behaviors. Cities are transforming towards achieving sustainable urban consumption, meeting the needs of communities without compromising the wealth of future generations. A key element of urban development is sustainable urban mobility, which helps improve residents’ quality of life and protect the environment. The development of sustainable mobility is possible thanks to, among others, investment in infrastructure that improves travel. One element of this infrastructure that plays an important role in sustainable mobility is parking lots. They have a significant impact on the quality of life in the city, and searching for available parking spaces is a serious problem in modern urban mobility. This article includes an analysis of parking data obtained from the Intelligent Paid Parking System in the context of sustainable urban consumption. Three streets in the city of Rzeszów were analyzed. For the period under study, the factors determined included parking space utilization indicators, whose average value for the streets analyzed was in the range of 57–59%, and a turnover indicator, whose average value was in the range of 4.8–6.0. These indicators assessed the degree to which city residents are involved in ideas related to sustainable development, as well as their habits in relation to sustainable consumption. Full article

Ageing is a global demographic trend that has increased the total prevalence of multimorbidity, disability and frailty, posing ever greater challenges for public health systems. For older people, ageing is often associated with a loss of quality of life, independence and well-being. This study analyses the role of urban gardens as spaces that promote active ageing and contribute to the physical, psychological and social well-being of older adults. Focusing on the urban areaof Valencia, this research adopts a qualitative approach based on in-depth semi-structured interviews with 15 older adults who regularly participate in urban gardens. The findings indicate that urban gardens contribute significantly to active ageing by providing opportunities for regular physical activity, emotional well-being, social engagement, and improved nutrition through the cultivation of food by the participants themselves. These spaces also enhance autonomy, stimulate cognitive functions, elevate mood, and offer a renewed sense of purpose following retirement. Moreover, urban gardens serve as inclusive environments that promote intergenerational interaction and reinforce community bonds. As multifunctional spaces, they hold considerable potential for enhancing the quality of life among older adults and addressing key public health challenges associated with population ageing. Consequently, their integration into urban planning frameworks should be prioritised. Full article

Background: Physical inactivity among adolescents, particularly females in conservative societies like Saudi Arabia, poses significant risks to both physical and psychological health. Cultural norms, environmental constraints, and limited access to gender-appropriate sports facilities further exacerbate the problem. Understanding these factors is essential for developing effective, context-sensitive interventions. Aim: This study aimed to examine the relationship between daily physical activity behaviours and health outcomes, both physical and psychological, among adolescent females in Saudi Arabia. This paper also explores the impact of socio-environmental variables such as income, household size, and urban/rural residence on activity levels and wellbeing. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 636 adolescent females aged 13–21 was conducted using validated instruments. The Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents (PAQ-A) measured physical activity levels, and the Self-Rated Health (SRH) assessed psychological wellbeing and health-related quality of life. The analysis employed an Ordinal Logistic Model (OLM) guided by the Social Ecological Model (SEM) to assess predictors of physical activity participation. Results: The OLM results indicated that higher income levels, smaller household size, urban residence, and older age categories were significantly associated with higher levels of physical activity (p < 0.05). Participants with higher PAQ-A scores reported better psychological health and quality of life. The model showed a good fit, with a pseudo-R² of 0.36. Cultural and environmental barriers, particularly in rural areas, were identified as significant deterrents to participation. Conclusions: The findings highlight the urgent need for culturally adapted, gender-sensitive health promotion programs that target both individual and structural barriers to physical activity among adolescent girls in Saudi Arabia. Enhanced societal support and accessible sports infrastructure could significantly improve health outcomes and quality of life. Full article

Ensuring consistent progress toward cities’ net-zero emission goals requires understanding key dimensions of urban climate governance—particularly the motivations driving municipalities toward net zero and the critical barriers and enablers along this pathway. Current knowledge on these critical aspects is fragmented, lacking a holistic framework and empirical prioritization of key factors. We developed an integrated analytical framework and empirically distilled the most salient motivations, barriers, and enablers through a large-scale survey targeting 489 net-zero-committed municipalities—known as “Zero Carbon Cities”—across Japan. With responses from 309 municipalities, we deliver the first systematic mapping of factors perceived as most influential by Japanese local authorities. The results indicate that municipalities are primarily motivated by seizing local economic development opportunities (enhanced local energy conditions, financial gains and savings, and local industry revitalization), future-proofing communities against disasters, and enhancing the local quality of life. Key barriers and enablers were identified across four categories: municipal resources and authority (budgets, dedicated staff, and empowered climate agencies), knowledge and expertise (staff climate competence), institutional coherence (cross-departmental coordination and stakeholder involvement), and political will and leadership (the presence of climate champions and awareness within city halls and among residents). Accordingly, we discuss implications and derive recommendations toward strengthened local action in Japan and beyond. Full article

Heat waves affect the health and quality of life of older adults, particularly in urban environments. However, there is limited understanding of how extreme temperatures influence their mobility. This research aims to understand the pedestrian mobility patterns of older adults during heat waves in Madrid, analyzing environmental and sociodemographic factors that condition such mobility. Geospatial data from the mobile phones of individuals aged 65 and older were analyzed, along with information on population, housing, urban density, green areas, and facilities during July 2022. Multiple linear regression models and Moran’s I spatial autocorrelation were applied. The results indicate that pedestrian mobility among older adults decreased by 7.3% during the hottest hours, with more pronounced reductions in disadvantaged districts and areas with limited access to urban services. The availability of climate shelters and health centers positively influenced mobility, while areas with a lower coverage of urban services experienced greater declines. At the district level, inequalities in the availability of urban infrastructure may exacerbate the vulnerability of older adults to extreme heat. The findings underscore the need for urban policies that promote equity in access to infrastructure and services that mitigate the effects of extreme heat, especially in disadvantaged areas. Full article