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Research has proved a close relationship between environments and physiological as well as psychological responses. However, existing research based on neuroscience experiments demonstrated a clear dichotomy between natural and built environments in the selection of exposure settings. There is very limited research analyzing and comparing the effects of different urban environments on individual psychological health. In addition, most previous studies focus on effects of the general scenes and the influences of specific elements and components within different scenes are less examined. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of four typical urban scenes, six specific elements and twenty-two components on physiological indicators and psychological responses. The physiological indicators included electroencephalography (EEG) and electrodermal activity (EDA), while the psychological responses were assessed using the profile of mood states (POMS) scale and the perceived restorativeness scale (PRS). The analytical results showed that different urban environments tend to have significantly varied, and even opposite impacts on the residents' psychological well-being. Certain urban environments like historical districts can have even greater positive impact on residents' emotions than natural areas. The perceived restoration of the same elements and components varied according to the urban scenes. These findings can provide guidance for health-oriented spaces planning and designing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conservation of vegetation in urban environments, particularly grasslands, is a seldom-addressed yet highly relevant issue from both ecological and social perspectives. In this article, we open a discussion on the importance of urban and peri-urban grasslands, the challenges of conserving biodiversity in these areas, and the related socioecological issues. To support this discussion, we conducted surveys of plant diversity in five urban grasslands within the Metropolitan Region of Buenos Aires (RMBA), where socio-environmental organizations actively engage in conservation efforts. First, we explore the problems of grasslands, the definition of urban grasslands and their various interpretations in the literature, and society's perception and appreciation of these areas. We summarize the benefits that urban grasslands provide to society, including biodiversity conservation, recreation and environmental education. Next, we describe the specific characteristics of five RMBA grassland areas designated for conservation. In these areas, despite the fragmentation of the urban matrix and the presence of invasive exotic species, a significant proportion of native species typical of the Pampean grassland remains, which are valuable for conserving urban biodiversity. This highlights the ecological importance of these areas and the need to develop effective strategies for conserving and restoring urban grassland fragments. Finally, we examine the advantages and potential opportunities these fragments represent for the region and propose solutions to the identified challenges, such as implementing suitable management practices to reduce exotic species invasion and restore grasslands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims Urbanization-induced environmental changes affect the geographical distribution of natural plant species. This study focused on how polyploidization, a dynamic genome change, influences the survival and distribution of Commelina communis (Cc) and its subspecies C. communis f. ciliata (Ccfc), which have variable chromosome numbers (e.g. Cc, 2 n  = 88 for Cc; Ccfc, 2 n  = 46 for Ccfc). The aim was to investigate polyploidization effects on natural plant distribution in urban environments. Methods The geographical distribution across urban–rural gradients was investigated at a total of 218 sites in Japan. Stomata size and density were measured and compared between Cc and Ccfc. Flow cytometry determined genome size and polyploidy. Chromosome karyotyping was performed using the genomic in situ hybridization (GISH) method. Key Results Urban areas were exclusively dominated by Cc, while Cc and Ccfc coexisted in rural areas. Cc had larger and fewer stomata and a genome size more than twice that of Ccfc. GISH results indicated that Cc possesses Ccfc and another unknown genome, suggesting allopolyploidy. Conclusions Our results show that the ploidy difference affects the geographical distribution, stomata traits and genome size between two distinct taxa in the genus Commelina , C. communis as a neo-tetraploid and C. communis f. ciliata , the diploid. Cc is an allopolyploid and is therefore not only polyploidy but also has an additional genome that provides new sets of genes and alleles, contributing to Cc having enhanced survival potentials in urban environments compared with Ccfc. This is the first investigation to clarify the distribution difference related to urban environments, the difference in stomata traits and genome size, and to study chromosome composition in Commelina species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tyre-pavement friction significantly impacts traffic safety performance, yet integrating these topics is often overlooked in pavement engineering. This paper addresses this gap by utilising microscopic traffic simulation and surrogate measures of safety to assess vehicular conflicts severity in diverse urban scenarios and establish friction thresholds for practical implementation. A pre-construction materials selection approach is proposed, employing a predictive model for tyre-pavement friction. Findings reveal that combinations of fine-graded mixtures and low surface texture mineral aggregates can lead to increased conflict severity in urban environments. Furthermore, a post-construction texture assessment using 3D computer vision was applied for verifying compliance with friction thresholds for asphalt pavement surfaces. This study emphasises the potential for cost-effective integration of traffic simulation and safety analysis to an enhanced urban pavement design and evaluation. By incorporating safety-based tyre-pavement friction considerations, decision-making related to materials selection and friction conditions can be improved, leading to safer urban transportation networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is hindered by the insufficient development of charging infrastructure (CI) networks, particularly in urban areas. The existing literature highlights significant advancements in highway CI modeling, yet urban-specific models remain underdeveloped, due to the complexity of diverse driver behaviors and evolving environmental factors. To address this gap, this study investigates the influence of urban sprawl on future urban CI demand. Using a vector field analysis methodology, we first define the urban environment to capture its heterogeneity. A conceptual framework is then developed to analyze how changes in urban environments affect critical factors influencing CI demand. The results demonstrate that urban sprawl significantly impacts key variables shaping CI demand, including population distribution, transportation patterns, and land use. To quantify these impacts, geospatial metrics are derived from highly cited literature and integrated into the analysis, offering a novel approach to incorporating sprawl effects into CI planning. This study concludes that urban sprawl has a profound influence on future CI demand and emphasizes the importance of monitoring geospatial metrics over time. The proposed methodology provides a theoretical framework that enables stakeholders to anticipate changes in CI demand, thereby facilitating more effective infrastructure planning to accommodate urban sprawl. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atmospheric pollution is a major problem in urban environments. Pollutants with various sizes of particulate matter result from long-term anthropogenic sources, including industrial emissions and the combustion of fossil fuels by vehicles and commercial and residential buildings. Pollutants affect both humans and green areas. Trees are good indicators of pollution due to their longevity, easy identification, and geographical distribution in urban areas. Recently, due to climate change, all EU member states have agreed to measure heavy metal pollution in urban areas using plants as bioindicators. This study aimed to analyze heavy metal concentrations (Pb, Cd, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn) in the leaves of monumental trees (both evergreen coniferous and deciduous) in the Carpathian Arch. Leaf samples were collected in the summer of 2022 from 37 specimens across 12 sites in nine counties - Alba, Brasov, Harghita, Mures, Sibiu, Satu Mare, Bistrita Nasaud, Maramures, and Cluj. The leaf heavy metal contents correlated with a low level of atmospheric pollution. Of the six heavy metals analyzed, only four were highly accumulated in the leaf samples and exceeded the toxicity threshold. Of the nine counties sampled, heavy metal pollution above the toxicity threshold was detected only in two sites - the city of Baia Mare, Maramures county (Zn and Cd), and the city of Cluj-Napoca, Cluj county (Fe, Zn, Cd, and Cu). The response of the tree species to changes in atmospheric heavy-metal concentrations confirmed that trees are suitable bioindicators of air pollution in urban areas. Monumental trees can also be used for environmental restoration and to promote sustainable urban development, decrease pollution, and increase urban environmental health.

The increasing of complexity of urban traffic call for innovative approaches in monitoring and management. While legacy, ground-based methods struggle with problems like a lack of complete sensing as well as latency, preventing real-time insights and response ability. This article investigates how cooperative Device-to-Device (D2D) communications with aid of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) could potentially disrupt the conventional drone-assisted traffic monitoring in 5G networks. In this work, we introduce a new system to utilize the data collection possibility of drones in a distributed way, which can facilitate more effective urban data acquisition and assimilation. The article conducted extensive simulations in various traffic conditions to demonstrate the effectiveness of our system. The results were compared with traditional ground-based monitoring metrics, while against a drone-based system that without cooperative D2D communications. The proposed approach was evaluated through a number of wide-range simulations in diverse traffic scenarios. Simulation results indicate significant improvements in data collection and distribution over conventional strategies. Our proposed system on average improved the throughput by 35%, and latency by 45% over traditional ground-based monitoring methods. The energy efficiency of the system was also investigated, considering the UAVs' short flight durations. Results also showed the D2D communication technique, which increased through boosting by using drones, helps reduce energy consumption by 25% relative to traditional methods, maximizing drone uptime. This study indicates that cooperative D2D communications of drones can be useful for traffic monitoring. This technique helps to reduce the latency and atrocity with which data are collected for intelligent transport systems, thereby enhances the traffic management and road safety.

Heatwave events, characterized by high vapor pressure deficit (VPD) and low soil moisture (SM), considerably disrupt the regional carbon and water cycle. However, research pertaining to the impact of heatwaves on vegetation productivity (VPu) and vegetation transpiration (VTu), along with their underlying drivers, particularly in urban areas, remains limited. This study investigates the response of VPu and VTu to heatwave events across 895 global cities from 1990 to 2022. The analysis reveals a notable upward trend in the average heatwave frequency, intensity, and duration across the global cities. Heatwave events demonstrate a detrimental impact on VPu and VTu, resulting in an average decrease of 28% and 26%, respectively, during heatwave occurrences. The attribution analysis reveals divergent driving factors for the decline in VPu and VTu during heatwaves. The decrease in VPu is primarily influenced by SM, contributing 60% to the downward trend of VPu during heatwaves. Notably, VPu displays a sharp downward trend when SM falls below 0.38 m3/m3. In contrast, the primary driver of VTu decline is VPD, contributing more than 66% to the downward trend of VTu during heatwave events. VTu exhibits a significant downward trend when VPD exceeds 1.35 kPa. The results of this study show the important effects of increasingly frequent heatwaves on vegetation transpiration and productivity, and that can be used as quantitative factor to be evaluated when investigating policy measures for the resilience of urban areas. Plain Language Summary: With the intensification of climate change, the frequency, intensity, and duration of urban heatwaves have progressively increased in recent years. Urban vegetation productivity (VPu) and vegetation transpiration (VTu) play a critical role in mitigating the urban heat island effect, enhancing urban air quality, and regulating the urban microclimate. However, the impact of urban heatwave events on urban VPu and VTu remains inadequately understood. This study examined the response of VPu and VTu to heatwave occurrences and the primary influencing factors across 895 cities worldwide from 1990 to 2022. The findings revealed an average reduction of 28% in VPu and 26% in VTu during heatwave events. Low soil moisture emerged as the key driver of VPu decline, while increased vapor pressure deficit was identified as the primary driver of VTu decline. The results of this study underscore the response of VPu and VTu, which can be used as quantitative factor to be evaluated when investigating policy measures for the resilience of urban areas. Key Points: Heatwaves diminish urban vegetation productivity (VPu) and transpiration (VTu)Cities in arid regions experience a greater decline in VPu and VTu during heatwave events compared to cities in humid regionsDecreases in VPu during heatwaves are primarily driven by low SM, while reductions in VTu are primarily influenced by high VPD [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We integrated GPS and accelerometer data to examine habitat selection and energy expenditure patterns across the diel cycle in Strix varia (Barred Owls), addressing a critical gap in wildlife research that often overlooks activity during the "inactive" phase. Owls in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, selected forests with tall canopies and open understories, particularly in affluent neighborhoods, supporting the "luxury effect" in urban biodiversity. Nocturnal home ranges were larger (31.8 ha) compared to diurnal home ranges (8.9 ha), indicating broader habitat use at night. The total area of preferred nocturnal habitat was 33% of the Baton Rouge study area, whereas preferred diurnal habitat comprised only 5%. Energy expenditure was inversely related to preference in nocturnal home ranges but increased with preference in diurnal home ranges. Our models were validated using independent data from Clemson, South Carolina, supporting the robustness of our analysis and revealing generalities in owl habitat selection across these regions. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of urban ecology, highlighting habitat components preferred by owls and possibly other forest-dwelling species. It emphasizes the difference in nocturnal and diurnal home range sizes, the scarcity of daytime refuges for S. varia in urban landscapes, and the variation in energy expenditure in preferred habitats. Our findings advocate for urban designs that accommodate wildlife activity throughout the day and night, and highlight the positive correlation between preferred owl habitat and affluent neighborhoods, underscoring the need for equitable distribution of green spaces to foster biodiversity across socioeconomic gradients. These insights will help develop strategies to enhance the ecological value of urban environments and the conservation of S. varia and associated forest-dwelling species in rapidly urbanizing areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study explores the challenges and opportunities of Mobility as a Service (MaaS) in meeting the needs of tourists in urban environments, aiming to provide insights into its potential for enhancing urban tourism mobility. Methodology: The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining a systematic literature review, comparative case study analysis of four European MaaS schemes, and a conjoint choice experiment with 500 international tourists. Results: The study reveals that MaaS offers diverse mobility services catering to various tourist needs, with integrated transport modes and competitive pricing being the most valued attributes. Tourists demonstrate willingness to pay for enhanced MaaS features, with preferences varying across demographic segments. Key challenges identified include regulatory barriers, data sharing issues, and the need for stakeholder collaboration. Theoretical contribution: This research extends the understanding of MaaS in tourism contexts, addressing a significant gap in the literature. It provides a conceptual framework for analyzing MaaS in urban tourism and offers empirical evidence on tourist preferences and willingness to pay for MaaS attributes. Practical implications: The findings offer valuable insights for MaaS providers, urban planners, and policymakers in developing and implementing MaaS solutions tailored to tourist needs. The study highlights the importance of flexible package designs, stakeholder collaboration, and addressing regulatory challenges for successful MaaS implementation in urban tourism contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rise of high-rise vertical farms in cities is helping to mitigate urban constraints on crop production, including land, transportation, and yield requirements. However, separate issues arise regarding energy consumption. The utilisation of wind energy resources in high-rise vertical farms is therefore on the agenda. In this study, we investigate the aerodynamic performance of an ellipsoidal tall building with large openings to determine, on the one hand, the threshold income wind that could impact human comfort, and on the other, the turbulence intensity at specific locations on the roof and façade where micro-wind turbines could operate. To this end, we calculate the wind pressure coefficient and turbulence intensity of two scale models tested within a wind tunnel facility and compare the results with a separate CFD simulation completed in the past. The results confirm that the wind turbines installed on the building façade at a height of at least z/h = 0.725 can operate properly when the inlet wind speed is greater than 7 m/s. Meanwhile, the wind regime on the roof is more stable, which could yield higher energy harvesting via wind turbines. Furthermore, we observe that the overall aerodynamic performance of the models tested best under wind flowing at angles of 45° and 60° with respect to their centreline, whereas the turbulence at the wind envelope compares to that of the free wind flow at roof height. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecuador has significant solar potential, and the growing demand calls for sustainable energy solutions. Photovoltaic (PV) microgeneration in buildings is an ideal alternative. Identifying barriers to the widespread adoption of this technology is based on expert consultation and multi-criteria analysis, followed by proposals to overcome these challenges. The methodology of this study includes a systematic literature review (SLR), surveys of industry professionals, and statistical analysis of the collected data. The results highlight barriers such as the high initial cost, government-subsidized tariffs, bureaucratic processes and permits, ineffective regulations, limited awareness, lack of financing, distribution and operational network challenges, and insufficient government incentives. The proposed solutions suggest developing incentive policies to promote investment in PV microgeneration, training programs to enhance technical and cultural knowledge of solar energy, simplifying regulatory processes to facilitate project implementation, and providing accessible financing to reduce economic barriers. Additionally, the recommendations include the implementation of demonstration and outreach projects to showcase the feasibility and benefits of PV microgeneration, thus improving the social and technical acceptance of these systems. These actions aim to foster a faster and more effective energy transition in Ecuador. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Towns and cities produce large quantities of organic waste which is problematic for waste management structures. This work assesses contingency of new approaches to composting in the fight against the management of organic waste in urban areas. The research focuses on three key composting methods which include aerobic composting, anaerobic digestion and vermicomposting. Samples were obtained from the urban communities that practiced these measures for one year. It was revealed that aerobic composting if implemented lowers the quantity of organic waste through composting to sixty-five percent and attains the compost maturity index of 0.85 and simultaneously producing 40% less total greenhouse gasses compared to those produced when landfilling. Biogas from the anaerobic digestion with a methane content of 60% offers 1.2 kWh of energy per kilogram of the waste and results in a 70% minimisation in the waste. A survey of urban residents participating in these programs had a 70% satisfaction level, further proving that the community is willing to participate in sustainable waste management. This work also reveals that composting strategies are useful in addressing the increasing problems of urban organic waste while lessening the effects on the environment and encouraging the growth of innovations in urban agricultural practices. Further studies should be conducted to look at how these techniques can be incorporated into the city's physical network for better waste disposal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSSs) frequently encounter challenges in providing reliable navigation and positioning within urban canyons due to signal obstruction. Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) offers an alternative for autonomous navigation, but they are susceptible to accumulating errors. To mitigate these influences, a LiDAR-based Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) system is often employed. However, these systems face challenges in drift and error accumulation over time. This paper presents a novel approach to loop closure detection within LiDAR-based SLAM, focusing on the identification of previously visited locations to correct time-accumulated errors. Specifically, the proposed method leverages the vehicular drivable area and IMU trajectory to identify significant environmental changes in keyframe selection. This approach differs from conventional methods that only rely on distance or time intervals. Furthermore, the proposed method extends the SCAN CONTEXT algorithm. This technique incorporates the overall distribution of point clouds within a region rather than solely relying on maximum height to establish more robust loop closure constraints. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method is validated through experiments conducted on the KITTI dataset with an enhanced accuracy of 6%, and the local scenarios exhibit a remarkable improvement in accuracy of 17%, demonstrating improved robustness in loop closure detection for LiDAR-based SLAM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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How people think and feel about their neighborhood impacts the way they think of themselves and their futures. These linkages are especially important to understand in the case of urban‐residing young Black women. Researchers know very little about what contributes to young Black adults' urban neighborhood perceptions and often rely on "expert" definitions of markers of neighborhood quality. These definitions and subsequent explorations of residents' neighborhood assessment have not adequately considered intersecting oppressive systems that structure urban spaces both physically and socially. Further, within‐group diversity of young Black adults based on other social identities, such as gender and class, has gone underexplored in research on residents' neighborhood assessment. We used theory from Black feminist geography and sociology to guide our thematic analysis of interviews with young Black women (N = 9) regarding their urban neighborhood quality. We sought to explore the aspects or features of the neighborhood that young Black women discussed and how social identities may play a role in young Black women's descriptions of their urban neighborhoods. We argue three themes tell an overarching story of young Black women's urban spatial critical analysis: (1) outsiders' perceptions versus our realities, (2) gendered safety, and (3) visibility of young Black women. Young Black women's narratives highlighted communal aspects of neighborhood evaluation and attention to dominant narratives regarding marginalized groups and urban spaces. Highlights: Young Black women may have unique perspectives and experiences of urban space due to social identity.We locate young Black women's discussion of urban space within intersecting oppressive histories.We present themes about social identity, outsider perspectives, and visibility.Participants critiqued social institutions and illustrated resistance to hegemonic perspectives.Urban neighborhood research should attend to gender, social histories, and residents' experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Work on the material culture of the eighteenth century has shown that light was more than a metaphor. The everyday social practise of the Enlightenment reposed on a contrast between light and dark. There was a growing emphasis on brightness in clothing and furnishings, and elite homes, social venues, fashionable shops, and even the main streets were more brightly lit. Fireworks displays became more frequent and more spectacular. Furthermore, in many Enlightenment practices, such as theater, Freemason lodges, salons, and coffeehouses, light was not simply a practical necessity, but was central to the meaning of the activity. However, this growing use of light (and of heating in the colder months) came with a dark side, for it greatly increased the risk of fire. It led to many blazes, especially in theaters but also in other public venues and in private homes. Fireworks caused explosions and dangerous fires. The danger was further increased by some of the consumer goods that accompanied elite social practices, including tallow and oils, furnishings, clothing, and sugar. They were all flammable, and many of them were dangerous to manufacture and to store. The material culture and sociability of Enlightenment thus created new fire risks, particularly in urban environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known about the effect of car traffic on airborne fungal communities. We investigated the environmental factors affecting the diversity and concentration of airborne fungi at high-traffic density junctions, in Tianjin, China. A total of 244 fungal strains belonging to 78 species and 45 genera of Ascomycota (78.69%) and Basidiomycota (21.31%) were isolated and identified using morphological and molecular analysis. Aspergillus was the species-richest genus, with 9 recorded species, followed by Alternaria and Cladosporium, both with 8 species. Coprinellus radians was the most abundant fungal species, with 31 isolated strains, followed by Alternaria alternata (26 strains), Cladosporium cladosporioides (21), Alternaria compacta (13), and Cladosporium tenuissimum (11). We found a higher diversity and concentration of airborne fungi in the analysed urban air environments when the road traffic was at its highest intensity. Higher level of car traffic resulted in higher concentrations of fungal particles in the air for various taxa, including Alternaria, Aspergillus, and Cladosporium, which are known to cause respiratory allergies and infections. This result suggests that reducing vehicular traffic could be an effective measure to control airborne fungal exposure and microbial pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Correct and robust ego-lane index estimation is crucial for autonomous driving in the absence of high-definition maps, especially in urban environments. Previous ego-lane index estimation approaches rely on feature extraction, which limits the robustness. To overcome these shortages, this study proposes a robust ego-lane index estimation framework upon only the original visual image. After optimization of the processing route, the raw image was randomly cropped in the height direction and then input into a double supervised LaneLoc network to obtain the index estimations and confidences. A post-process was also proposed to achieve the global ego-lane index from the estimated left and right indexes with the total lane number. To evaluate our proposed method, we manually annotated the ego-lane index of public datasets which can work as an ego-lane index estimation baseline for the first time. The proposed algorithm achieved 96.48/95.40% (precision/recall) on the CULane dataset and 99.45/99.49% (precision/recall) on the TuSimple dataset, demonstrating the effectiveness and efficiency of lane localization in diverse driving environments. The code and dataset annotation results will be exposed publicly on . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Angiostrongylus cantonensis, commonly known as the rat lungworm, is a metastrongyloid nematode found primarily not only in tropical and subtropical regions but also in temperate areas and considered the leading cause of eosinophilic meningitis in humans. Synanthropic rodents such as Rattus norvegicus and Rattus rattus are the most frequent definitive hosts of this parasite. Methods and Results: The presence of this parasite was detected in the pulmonary arteries of three specimens of R. norvegicus in the city of Buenos Aires representing the species' southernmost known record in natural hosts. Species confirmation was achieved through partial sequences of 18S and COI genes. By comparing the COI gene sequences with those available in GenBank through the construction of a haplotype network, we obtained that the analysed specimen presents high similarity with those reported in Japan and Southeast Asia. Conclusions: All infected rats were captured in an area surrounding a port with significant import and export activity, suggesting that A. cantonensis may have been introduced through commercial ships. Specifically, the parasite was detected in a neighbourhood with vulnerable socio‐economic conditions and in a nature reserve, which exhibit biotic and abiotic characteristics conducive to sustaining high‐density rat populations, scattered waste, areas of spontaneous vegetation, debris accumulation and flooded areas or lagoons offering suitable habitats for intermediate hosts such as snails. Thus, the close proximity of the port to these sites creates a favourable ecological context for the establishment of A. cantonensis. This study shows the need to conduct research to detect A. cantonensis in non‐endemic areas but with the characteristics that promote its arrival and development of its life cycle in order to implement control measures to prevent expansion of this parasite and its transmission to humans and other animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The number of city residents worldwide is increasing at the same that soil consumption around cities, which can be mitigated using technosols. Urban areas need to provide a healthy environment for residents, but this is threatened by climate change. Mitigating the adverse impacts of climate change does not involve one-size-fits-all global solutions; cities face varying economic and social contexts. Cities need to offer ecosystem services in order to operate as healthy urban ecosystems. The urban soils' environmental services are often overlooked, leading to public administrations having little to no awareness about land management policies and ecosystem services. Technosols, artificial or human altered soils, have the potential to provide the same ecosystem benefits as natural soils and do not require as much time to develop in order to perform their functions. Additionally, technosols have the potential to enhance the circular economy using waste materials. In this sense, policy makers should incorporate urban technosols as a strategy to enhance the health of cities and address climate change. Our perspective on soils in urban areas needs to be altered, as technosols should be included in urban policies, have the potential to serve as a crucial component in providing ecosystem services and acting as a carbon sink and enhance urban well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cosy games are an established sub-genre of video games offering relaxed gameplay in a soft, calm environment. While any video game can offer emotional benefits, cosy games create an environment of abundance and safety, where players can deepen their emotional experiences within the game. In this article, I explore one aspect of cosy games that can provide emotional well-being to players: digital third places. Third places are public gathering places separate from home and work that allow people to unwind and interact with others in affirming environments. These environments are cultivated through placemaking, a principle exploring how abstract spaces on our planet are transformed into meaningful places. I highlight Stardew Valley, Coffee Talk Episode 2 and Kinder World to explore how each cosy game embodies placemaking principles to create digital third-place experiences for players, supporting their emotional well-being in ways similar to in-person third places. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the best examples of experimental utopianism is the New Babylon urban utopia of the Situationists, which bases its existence on the creation of opportunities to “transform reality” and “shape the urban environment”. New Babylon, which is depicted as an unlimited labyrinth with its defined new social model and the new individual (homo ludens) who will become both a resident and an architect of the new city, gains visibility with its neutral structure and interchangeable interiors with technological systems. This study tries to reveal the diversity of new living possibilities produced by the spaces designed with users' imaginations, on the axis of the New Babylon project, through the concepts of utopia, space, and representation.

The British Equality Act 2010's Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) aims to mainstream equality into the decision-making of public authorities. Although it has generated substantial critique, it has been the subject of surprisingly few empirical investigations, and existing literature does not address the role of the PSED in enhancing accessibility—either in the specific context of streetscapes or more generally. Here, we present the findings of a doctrinal and qualitative study on this topic. It consists of a critical review of relevant case law and an empirical study in which we interviewed disability campaigners, lawyers, and people working in or for public authorities. Two broad issues emerged from the empirical investigation: involvement and enforcement—on each of which our interviewees identified a range of concerns. These, together with our critique of case law, inform our analysis of the impact and effectiveness of the PSED in the context of streetscape accessibility, and accessibility more broadly. We conclude that, while the PSED (together with other Equality Act duties) is charged with a critical role in embedding equality—and, therefore, accessibility—in public authority decision-making, various factors have severely hampered its ability to deliver. Accessibility too often appears to be subordinated to other policy agendas instead of being embedded within them. There is an urgent need for reform to ensure that accessibility is suitably prioritised—both generally and in the particular context of streetscapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To date, health in the context of climate change has mainly been considered from a biomedical perspective, whose pathogenic focus on health risks has primarily promoted curative and/or behavioral problem-solving strategies. This article therefore examines health in climate change from a perspective of Urban Public Health and political science, which has received less attention so far. The aim is to address existing constructions of health in climate change and their implications for dealing with the climate crisis, in particular regarding the design of urban environments. In doing so, it adopts a regulation-theoretical approach that allows for a theoretically grounded analysis of health in climate change, taking the triangle of nature, society and the individual as the object of research and revealing the significance of existing constructions of health--understood as a social relation--and its (re)production in climate change. This theoretical approach is extended to aspects of different spatial forms and the productions of space in social relations. The theoretical foundation makes it possible to recognize that there are understandings of health in climate change discourse that largely exclude the causes of climate change and thus make its treatment selective. As a result, broad socio-ecological transformation processes are obstructed, while the structural causes of climate change are preserved and stabilized despite their crisis character. An understanding of health that also sees health as a resource in a salutogenic sense and that strengthens the promotion of health by means of structural changes is being pushed into background. Positioning climate change as a public health issue requires a shift from curative, individual and behavioral interventions toward a focus on structural health promotion, especially through the development of health-promoting, just and climate-friendly urban environments. It also means that health must once again become more of a political issue and that existing boundaries between the private and public spheres must be questioned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The symbiotic relationship between human beings and the environment has evolved in parallel, leaving its mark on the genetic structure of our species and the formulation of social statutes. This convergence is evident in the dynamics of modern life, the functional aspects, and the emotional anchors. Based on the postulates of environmental psychology and design proposals, this article presents a model called "restorative urbanism", stating that proximity to urban nature is a critical element in the composition and design of urban environments, fostering better perceptions of external habitability and improving individual and collective well-being in biopsychosocial terms through the environmental restoration process, achieving urban-environmental and psychological sustainability. The importance of the proposal lies in its ability to question how the morphological characteristics of the sociophysical space influence the quality of the socioenvironmental, physical, and emotional relationships with the surrounding environment, especially in the face of urban, environmental, and climatic contingencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban public spaces significantly influence public perceptions and experiences. This study, conducted in Beijing, China, employs structural equation modeling (SEM) and Friedman testing to analyze key criteria—safety, attractiveness, facilities, activities, and social environment—that impact perceptions of both virtual and physical public spaces. The findings reveal that attractiveness is the most influential criterion, significantly shaping public opinion. Facilities and activities follow, highlighting the necessity for well-equipped amenities and engaging social activities. The social environment also plays a crucial role, emphasizing the need for spaces that foster social interactions. Safety, while important, is less influential compared to the other criteria. These results underscore the importance of aesthetic considerations, well-equipped amenities, and vibrant social environments in urban design. This study provides actionable insights for urban designers and planners, advocating for a balanced approach that prioritizes these criteria to enhance the quality of life in urban areas. By focusing on these aspects, urban planners can create more effective and satisfying public spaces that meet the diverse needs of the community, ensuring that both physical and virtual spaces contribute positively to urban living. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research examines the potential of transitioning public "green spaces" to optimise health benefiting urban ecological services in metropolitan Adelaide, South Australia. The research found strengths but also significant weaknesses. The major weaknesses observed were poor quality amenities and facilities within open spaces, low landscape complexity, poor maintenance and inadequate integration with the built form and pedestrian networks of the surrounding neighbourhoods. Previous research has shown that the weaknesses we observed are adversely affecting the health and wellbeing of many residents. In addition, our research shows there are far more strengths and fewer weaknesses in pre-1945 and high-income neighbourhoods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study explores the challenges and opportunities of Mobility as a Service (MaaS) in meeting the needs of tourists in urban environments, aiming to provide insights into its potential for enhancing urban tourism mobility. Methodology: The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining a systematic literature review, comparative case study analysis of four European MaaS schemes, and a conjoint choice experiment with 500 international tourists. Results: The study reveals that MaaS offers diverse mobility services catering to various tourist needs, with integrated transport modes and competitive pricing being the most valued attributes. Tourists demonstrate willingness to pay for enhanced MaaS features, with preferences varying across demographic segments. Key challenges identified include regulatory barriers, data sharing issues, and the need for stakeholder collaboration. Theoretical contribution: This research extends the understanding of MaaS in tourism contexts, addressing a significant gap in the literature. It provides a conceptual framework for analyzing MaaS in urban tourism and offers empirical evidence on tourist preferences and willingness to pay for MaaS attributes. Practical implications: The findings offer valuable insights for MaaS providers, urban planners, and policymakers in developing and implementing MaaS solutions tailored to tourist needs. The study highlights the importance of flexible package designs, stakeholder collaboration, and addressing regulatory challenges for successful MaaS implementation in urban tourism contexts. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities; SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy; SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production; SDG 13: Climate Action

Abstract The integer least squares (ILS) estimation is commonly used for carrier phase ambiguity resolution (AR). More recently, the best integer equivariant (BIE) estimation has also attracted an attention for complex application scenarios, which exhibits higher reliability by a weighted fusion of integer candidates. However, traditional BIE estimation with Gaussian distribution (GBIE) faces challenges in fully utilizing the advantages of BIE for urban low-cost positioning, mainly due to the presence of outliers and unmodeled errors. To this end, an improved BIE estimation method with Laplacian distribution (LBIE) is proposed, and several key issues are discussed, including the weight function of LBIE, determination of the candidates included based on the OIA test, and derivation of the variance of LBIE solutions for reliability evaluation. The results show that the proposed LBIE method has the positioning accuracy similar to the BIE using multivariate t-distribution (TBIE), and significantly outperforms the ILS-PAR and GBIE methods. In an urban expressway test with a Huawei Mate40 smartphone, the LBIE method has positioning errors of less than 0.5 m in three directions and obtains over 50% improvements compared to the ILS-PAR and GBIE methods. In an urban canyon test with a low-cost receiver STA8100 produced by STMicroelectronics, the positioning accuracy of LBIE in three directions is 0.112 m, 0.107 m, and 0.252 m, respectively, with improvements of 17.6%, 27.2%, and 26.1% compared to GBIE, and 23.3%, 28.2%, and 30.6% compared to ILS-PAR. Moreover, its computational time increases by 30–40% compared to ILS-PAR and is approximately half of that using TBIE.

The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is hindered by the insufficient development of charging infrastructure (CI) networks, particularly in urban areas. The existing literature highlights significant advancements in highway CI modeling, yet urban-specific models remain underdeveloped, due to the complexity of diverse driver behaviors and evolving environmental factors. To address this gap, this study investigates the influence of urban sprawl on future urban CI demand. Using a vector field analysis methodology, we first define the urban environment to capture its heterogeneity. A conceptual framework is then developed to analyze how changes in urban environments affect critical factors influencing CI demand. The results demonstrate that urban sprawl significantly impacts key variables shaping CI demand, including population distribution, transportation patterns, and land use. To quantify these impacts, geospatial metrics are derived from highly cited literature and integrated into the analysis, offering a novel approach to incorporating sprawl effects into CI planning. This study concludes that urban sprawl has a profound influence on future CI demand and emphasizes the importance of monitoring geospatial metrics over time. The proposed methodology provides a theoretical framework that enables stakeholders to anticipate changes in CI demand, thereby facilitating more effective infrastructure planning to accommodate urban sprawl.

The integer least squares (ILS) estimation is commonly used for carrier phase ambiguity resolution (AR). More recently, the best integer equivariant (BIE) estimation has also attracted an attention for complex application scenarios, which exhibits higher reliability by a weighted fusion of integer candidates. However, traditional BIE estimation with Gaussian distribution (GBIE) faces challenges in fully utilizing the advantages of BIE for urban low-cost positioning, mainly due to the presence of outliers and unmodeled errors. To this end, an improved BIE estimation method with Laplacian distribution (LBIE) is proposed, and several key issues are discussed, including the weight function of LBIE, determination of the candidates included based on the OIA test, and derivation of the variance of LBIE solutions for reliability evaluation. The results show that the proposed LBIE method has the positioning accuracy similar to the BIE using multivariate t-distribution (TBIE), and significantly outperforms the ILS-PAR and GBIE methods. In an urban expressway test with a Huawei Mate40 smartphone, the LBIE method has positioning errors of less than 0.5 m in three directions and obtains over 50% improvements compared to the ILS-PAR and GBIE methods. In an urban canyon test with a low-cost receiver STA8100 produced by STMicroelectronics, the positioning accuracy of LBIE in three directions is 0.112 m, 0.107 m, and 0.252 m, respectively, with improvements of 17.6%, 27.2%, and 26.1% compared to GBIE, and 23.3%, 28.2%, and 30.6% compared to ILS-PAR. Moreover, its computational time increases by 30–40% compared to ILS-PAR and is approximately half of that using TBIE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Living at or near poverty can be isolating for individuals and their families. Using the ecological perspective with emphasis on transactions across systems, we examine the social and community capital of urban, low-income individuals to understand the broader terrain that shapes and is shaped by some of their choices, and suggest the implications that our findings might have for anti-poverty initiatives. Data are from interviews with 181 urban residents involved in a federally funded workforce development training, a particular type of social support programming that endeavors to increase the human capital of participants so that they can compete more effectively in the labor market. Findings indicate that respondents have small, homogenous networks, live in resource depleted communities, and have limited sources of social support. We frame this as being caught in "urban silos," in which transactions to more resource-robust systems are minimal to non-existent. While the development of one's human capital is essential, because of these silos, it may not be sufficient for moving an individual and their family out of poverty. Job training, and other anti-poverty initiatives, need to intentionally assist participants in network building so they can better access opportunity pathways that provide jobs and other economic and social resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Societal Impact Statement: Cities present a unique challenge for conservation. While overall native biodiversity is reduced, remnant habitats in the urban matrix can be important refugia for native and endemic species. This study reviews the rediscovery of 173 presumed nationally extinct plant taxa and discovery of 155 new native plant records, including 22 new to science and five endemics, in the botanically densely‐collected tropical city‐state of Singapore. The findings of this study indicate that plant rediscoveries and new discoveries are still possible in cities and urban areas with remaining fragments of original forest reserved for species protection, and investment in comprehensive botanical surveys and taxonomic research. Summary: The conservation of native species‐dominated forest fragments and investment into botanical surveys and taxonomic research have enabled the rediscovery of presumed nationally extinct plant taxa and discovery of new native plant records in the tropical city‐state of Singapore.We compared national plant checklists of 2009, 2022, and the national Red Data Book (third edition in press) to enumerate rediscovered and newly discovered native vascular plant taxa in the last 14 years. We examined if these were from taxonomic specialist redetermination of only pre‐existing specimens or newly collected from field surveys, and if they were from particular sites and vegetation types, disproportionately represented by certain life forms and families, and predominantly threatened.We documented 173 rediscoveries and 155 new records after 2009, including 22 new to science and five endemics. Most rediscoveries were newly collected from field surveys, but most new records resulted from redetermination of pre‐existing specimens. Native species‐dominated forest fragments were the most important sites for the first collection of new records or first re‐collection of rediscoveries. Trees and climbers were well‐represented among the rediscoveries and new records. Epiphytes were significantly under‐represented compared to their proportion in the presumed nationally extinct flora. Most rediscoveries and new records are nationally Critically Endangered but regionally and globally not assessed.Our findings indicate hope for the persistence of rare native plant species and opportunities for conservation in cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban environments face escalating challenges due to uncontrolled urbanization, rapid population growth, and climate changes, prompting the exploration of sustainable solutions for enhancing urban green spaces (UGSs). For this reason, poplars (Populus L.), due to their rapid growth, wide range adaptability to environmental conditions and versatility of use, have emerged as very promising. This comprehensive review synthesizes current knowledge regarding poplar's application in urban landscapes, emphasizing its multifaceted contributions and benefits. However, challenges arise from the variable lifespans of different poplar cultivars, necessitating strategic management approaches. Selecting cultivars based on growth rates, root system characteristics, and adaptability to urban conditions is pivotal. Adaptive replanting strategies, incorporating species with varying lifespans, offer solutions to maintain continual greenery in urban landscapes. Collaborative efforts between researchers, urban planners, and policymakers are essential for devising comprehensive strategies that maximize benefits while addressing challenges associated with their variable lifespans. In conclusion, harnessing poplar's potential in urban greenery initiatives requires a balanced approach that capitalizes on their benefits while mitigating challenges. Further research and adaptive strategies are crucial for sustained and effective utilization to create resilient and vibrant urban landscapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bioblitz phenomenon has recently branched into cities, presenting exciting opportunities for local governments to channel participants' efforts toward local issues. The City Nature Challenge (CNC) is one such initiative that has been quickly taken up by hundreds of municipalities worldwide. Despite high levels of participation, we still lack a framework for evaluating how the CNC contributes to local biodiversity knowledge and to inform local government practices. In the present article, we develop such a tool and present a case study that illustrates its applicability. We demonstrate that the collected records contributed to a better understanding of contemporary, local biodiversity patterns and provide a more realistic representation of understudied groups such as insects and fungi. Importantly, we show that the CNC presented local governments with a cost-effective tool to make informed, evidence-based management and policy decisions, improve education and engagement programs, foster cross-council collaborations, and support a stronger sense of environmental stewardship within the local community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding how outdoor environments affect mental health outcomes is vital in today's fast-paced and urbanized society. Recently, advancements in data-gathering technologies and deep learning have facilitated the study of the relationship between the outdoor environment and human perception. In a systematic review, we investigate how deep learning techniques can shed light on a better understanding of the influence of outdoor environments on human perceptions and emotions, with an emphasis on mental health outcomes. We have systematically reviewed 40 articles published in SCOPUS and the Web of Science databases which were the published papers between 2016 and 2023. The study presents and utilizes a novel topic modeling method to identify coherent keywords. By extracting the top words of each research topic, and identifying the current topics, we indicate that current studies are classified into three areas. The first topic was "Urban Perception and Environmental Factors" where the studies aimed to evaluate perceptions and mental health outcomes. Within this topic, the studies were divided based on human emotions, mood, stress, and urban features impacts. The second topic was titled "Data Analysis and Urban Imagery in Modeling" which focused on refining deep learning techniques, data collection methods, and participants' variability to understand human perceptions more accurately. The last topic was named "Greenery and visual exposure in urban spaces" which focused on the impact of the amount and the exposure of green features on mental health and perceptions. Upon reviewing the papers, this study provides a guide for subsequent research to enhance the view of using deep learning techniques to understand how urban environments influence mental health. It also provides various suggestions that should be taken into account when planning outdoor spaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The demand for high-precision positioning has risen substantially in modern urban settings. In that regard, Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) offer several advantages such as global coverage, real-time capability, high accuracy, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness. The accuracy of GNSS-based positioning, however, suffers in urban environments due to signal blockage, reflection, and diffraction, which makes it difficult to fix ambiguities correctly within a real-time kinematic (RTK). To address this issue, this paper applies random sample consensus (RANSAC) to develop a novel single-epoch triple-frequency RTK positioning method. In our proposed method, the ambiguities of the extra-wide-lane, wide-lane, and original frequencies are resolved sequentially. RANSAC then detects and excludes incorrectly fixed ambiguities. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed method, two static experiments (cases 1 and 2) and one dynamic experiment (case 3) were conducted in representative urban areas. The findings demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms all comparative methods in positional availability, with comparable positional accuracy in terms of root-mean-square errors (RMSEs). In cases 1, 2, and 3, the proposed method achieves 3D RMSEs of 2.74, 4.29, and 20.35 cm, and the positional availabilities of 100%, 75.0%, and 73.1%, using a 10-degree mask angle (and a carrier-to-noise ratio (C/N0) threshold 35 dB-Hz). The corresponding RMSEs (positional availabilities) of comparative methods are from 1.51 to 4.04 cm (75.7 to 96.3%) in case 1, 4.19 to 7.78 cm (34.5 to 49.9%) in case 2, and 23.52 to 37.54 cm (15.4 to 33.9%) in case 3, respectively. Compared to these methods, the proposed method shows improvements of positional availabilities between 3.7 and 24.3 percentage points in case 1, between 25.1 and 40.5 percentage points in case 2, and between 39.2 and 57.7 percentage points in case 3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Chile, Puchuncaví and Quintero face substantial environmental pollution challenges. Industrial and vehicular emissions expose schoolchildren to elevated levels of pollutants, decreasing sustainability and posing risks to both their health and educational advancement. The aim of this study is to determine the distribution of heavy metals (Li, Be, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Zn, As, Se, Sr, Mo, Cd, Sb, Tl, Pb, and Cu) in the dust in and around the schools in these cities. We also evaluate the associated carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks, as well as whether their concentrations affect the academic performance (AP) of the students. The chemical composition of the collected dust samples is analyzed using positive matrix factorization, and two interpretable factors related to two sources of contamination (industrial and traffic + crustal) are determined. The health risk is assessed using a model including inhalation, dermal contact, and ingestion, and the influence of metal concentration on the AP of students is determined using an econometric model. The metal concentration is found to be related to the distance to the pollution source, and differences are observed between indoor and outdoor samples. The carcinogenic risk is low, while the non-carcinogenic risk is high in Greda School. The levels of heavy metals inside and outside the schools are found to influence AP. In these cities, children are exposed to high levels of environmental pollution, which may pose a risk to their health and impact their AP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In old urban districts with tenement buildings, street markets address the working class's social and economic needs. They are pivotal in fostering supportive communities, in particular for low-income residents in sub-standard housing. However, their outdated overall environment impedes the delivery of adequate support to residents. Prior research on street markets has focused on those in the Americas and Europe, and has revealed the societal support values of these markets. However, studies on street markets in high-density cities like Hong Kong are lacking. This study introduces an evaluation framework to assess the impact of street markets on the development of supportive communities for Hong Kong's sub-divided apartment residents. Employing the Pei Ho Street market in Sham Shui Po as a case study, an importance-performance analysis highlights critical but underperforming factors including public facilities, activity venues, commerce, and employment. Based on these findings, the study proposes four improvement strategies for the renewal of street markets in high-density communities, which could apply to other cities with similar high-density urban environments. It concludes that street markets in Hong Kong display unique spatial characteristics shaped by low-income lifestyles in a high-density urban environment, enriching daily social life and promoting sustainable community development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing global temperature has increased awareness of enhancing Outdoor Thermal Comfort (OTC). OTC has become a primary indicator for the effectiveness of urban environments, which directly affects inhabitants' health, comfort, and quality of life. Consequently, many thermal comfort indices were developed to quantify outdoor thermal comfort; among them was the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI), which is one of the broadly used thermal indexes in evaluating OTC. As another axis of this awareness, several computer-aided design (CAD) software have worked on developing their techniques to increase the accuracy of their outdoor simulations and climate measurements. The paper concerns exploring the potential of the Ladybug as a tool for measuring UTCI through an algorithmic script designed with the Ladybug (ver. 1.6.0) in the Grasshopper interface within Rhinoceros 3D software. The script was applied to two urban neighbourhoods in different climate zones of Egypt, Cairo (an inland city and the capital of Egypt) and New Damietta (a coastal city on the Mediterranean Sea), to investigate its capabilities in simulating and measuring the UTCI of different climate zones in the extreme hot week of the year as an examination period. Results showed that the maximum UTCI value in the coastal neighbourhood decreased from 32.93°C to 31.64°C, while its minimum value decreased from 28.79°C to 27.28 °C compared to the inland neighbourhood. The maximum and minimum UTCI values, hourly data, and the percentages of UTCI heat stress categories for six test locations in each neighborhood were also calculated and compared.

The rise of high-rise vertical farms in cities is helping to mitigate urban constraints on crop production, including land, transportation, and yield requirements. However, separate issues arise regarding energy consumption. The utilisation of wind energy resources in high-rise vertical farms is therefore on the agenda. In this study, we investigate the aerodynamic performance of an ellipsoidal tall building with large openings to determine, on the one hand, the threshold income wind that could impact human comfort, and on the other, the turbulence intensity at specific locations on the roof and façade where micro-wind turbines could operate. To this end, we calculate the wind pressure coefficient and turbulence intensity of two scale models tested within a wind tunnel facility and compare the results with a separate CFD simulation completed in the past. The results confirm that the wind turbines installed on the building façade at a height of at least z/h = 0.725 can operate properly when the inlet wind speed is greater than 7 m/s. Meanwhile, the wind regime on the roof is more stable, which could yield higher energy harvesting via wind turbines. Furthermore, we observe that the overall aerodynamic performance of the models tested best under wind flowing at angles of 45° and 60° with respect to their centreline, whereas the turbulence at the wind envelope compares to that of the free wind flow at roof height.