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Noise pollution is one of the consequences of urbanization that can cause environmental disturbances in urban areas. Urban ecosystems provide noise reduction services through Urban Green infrastructures (UGIs). Many studies have been conducted to evaluate and model traffic noise, but none have addressed the flow, supply, and demand of noise reduction ecosystem services. The main purpose of this paper is to present a new methodology for estimating flow, supply, and demand for noise reduction in Hamadan city that has not been mentioned in any paper so far. UGIs were classified into six main categories: agricultural lands, gardens, parks, abandoned lands, single trees, and street trees. A total of 57 sampling stations for sound measurement were made in August 2018. The current map of noise pollution (flow) was created using the Kriging method. The amount of supply was measured up to a distance of 50 meters from the main roads based on two approaches (the distance effect and the sound barrier effect). To quantify the demand, the current sound intensity level in the noise-sensitive land uses was compared with standards. Zonal statistics was used for spatial analysis of supply-demand in the urban neighborhood as a working unit. Results showed that at distances of 5m, 10m, 15m, and 20m, the average noise reduction was found to be 1.61, 2.83, 3.92, and 5.33 dB, respectively. Sound barriers at distances of 5m and 10m resulted in an average sound reduction of 1.61 and 2.83 dB, respectively. Individual trees, strip trees, abandoned lands, parks, and gardens led to a decrease in traffic noise by 0.3, 1, 0.1, 3.5, and 4.5 dB, respectively. The clustering analysis revealed a significant spatial clustering of noise pollution in Hamedan. The results and new methodology of this research can be used in similar areas to estimate the supply and demand of noise reduction and also for decision-makers to take management actions to increase supply and meet the demand for noise reduction service. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Healthcare professionals constantly face situations that reflect ecosystems' degradation. These can negatively affect their mental health. Research suggests that hope and resilience can play an important role in this scenario, since they are related to/predict mental health in highly heterogeneous samples (considering geography, age, profession, health, etc.). In this context, the aims of the present study are the following: to characterize and explore the relationship between hope, resilient coping and mental health in Portuguese healthcare professionals. Using Google Forms, 276 healthcare professionals answered the GHQ-28, the (adult) Trait Hope Scale, and the Brief Resilient Coping Scale (retrospective, analytical observational, cross-sectional, descriptive and correlational research design). The minimum and maximum possible scores were reached, with the exception of the maximum score of GHQ-28-Total. Regarding Hope, 19.6% scored below the midpoint (M = 43.46, SD = 11.97); 29.3% revealed low resilience (M = 14.93, SD = 4.05); and the average of four of the five Mental Health scores (exception: Severe depression) indicates the probability of a psychiatric case. Hope correlated with Social dysfunction and GHQ-28-Total; resilient coping proved to be a (weak) predictor of four of the five GHQ-28 indicators (exception: Severe depression). The results support the need to promote the sample's mental health, hope and resilient coping. They also suggest that stimulating resilient coping may contribute to improving healthcare professionals' mental health. Prior research (e.g., on therapies to enhance hope, resilience and, thus, mental health), to which the current study contributes, supports optimism towards the necessary internal sustainability transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, the ecosystem and ecological values of green infrastructures in forests and urban parks have gained broader attention, because plants are providing not only ecosystem services (ESs) but also social, economic, cultural, educational and health services. Since there have not been proper tools for measuring and evaluating the green infrastructures, urban residents especially those who live in industrial and developing cities have neglected the benefits of the green infrastructures. This research with using I-Tree canopy tool (version 7.1) has considered not only the green infrastructures in two urban sites Nahjol-Balaghe and Pardisan parks (approximately 321 hectares) located in Tehran metropolis, but also ESs and economic savings, which will be contributed to air pollution reduction, carbon storage and sequestration, management and reduction of surface runoff. In addition, this study with applying library and survey methods (interviews with, managers, constructors and visitors) inspects the importance of the sites in sustainable development (economic growth, social and cultural factors and environmental protection), energy conservation (contrasting with urban heat effects, briefly), various plant species and dominant species in the study sites. The result show that 94.58 ha of the site is covered with soil and bare grounds, while only 69.08 ha of it is covered with trees/shrubs, therefore this feature has caused surveyed sites have a poor performance in flood control and mitigation of surface runoff. Consequently, this study also consists of management and solutions for using trees, shrubs and other green infrastructures to cover bare grounds, so as to by measuring the extent of green infrastructures and calculating their economic value in providing ESs, having a healthy urban green space in industrial and large cities, as well as sustainable development management, will help people's well-being, and simultaneously protecting the strategies of green infrastructures in metropolises with ecological and environmental challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the importance of green governance (GG) for achieving sustainable development is generally recognized, research in this field is booming and has interdisciplinary features. Given of that, a systematic knowledge pedigree analysis is conducted based on 2342 papers related to GG from Web of Science to recognize the research status and better navigate the future research activities. First, the prolific authors, high-cited literature, geographical distribution and cooperation are carried out by using bibliometric tools to recognize the current research status of GG field. Then, the knowledge structure of GG is explained through high-frequency keyword analysis and keywords co-occurrence analysis. Next, the time zone map and strong citation bursts analysis are employed to unearth the knowledge evolution path of GG and reveal the research frontiers related to GG. Based on the above analysis, it is found that green economy, green revolution and justice are the current research hotspots of GG. Additionally, the topics of urban GG, management & performance of GG and the multi-agent to coordinately participate in the GG process are the research focuses. The research evolution of GG has experienced three periods. Through further analysis, three unique features of GG research are refined, i.e., governance agents, governance tools and governance objectives. And, a GG analysis framework contained the features of "agent-tool-objective" is constructed. Finally, four future research opportunities in this field are pointed out. This research integrates the results related to GG scattered in the literature system, which help to enrich the theoretical research of GG and guide the development of GG practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Megacities house the highest human population due to centralizing economic activities, causing congestion and increased settlements in urban areas. As a result of continuous urbanization in developing countries, access to urban green spaces (UGS) is continuously decreasing, affecting urban settlers' quality of life as UGS provides a wide variety of ecosystem services such as mitigation of climate change effects and as recreational sites for human wellbeing. An example of megacities undergoing the impact of urbanization is Metropolitan Manila, the National Capital Region of the Philippines. To determine the spatiotemporal changes in a megacity, satellite images from USGS Landsat 5 and 8 ranging from 2005, 2010, 2015, 2020, to 2023 were analyzed using ArcMap 10.8. The remotely sensed images were preprocessed using atmospheric corrections, ensuring the quality of the images. Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) maps of the cities were used to quantify the vegetation in the urban areas. They were calculated using landscape metrics, which were assessed for accuracy using the Kappa Coefficient. A drastic decrease in UGS was detected in almost two decades (2005–2023) as urban expansion occurred in the area. In addition, the UGS area was used to calculate the UGS per Capita, using the total population census per city. Concerning the recommended UGS per Capita from the World Health Organization in urban areas, all the cities were below the recommended index value, thus having unequal access to UGS quantitatively and qualitatively. As the population increases throughout the years, UGS per capita decreases in all 17 cities. This phenomenon in megacities emphasizes the need for prioritizing further establishment, management, and protection of the remaining UGS in the megacity, giving importance to future urban planning and policy-making for a more sustainable future of urban areas, most especially for the welfare and betterment of the state in developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Public parks are vital for community well-being, yet often fail to cater to the needs of people with disabilities, restricting their safe and independent use. This paper details a pragmatic study aimed at crafting the design for an inclusive park on the outskirts of Bangkok, addressing these limitations. Through a comprehensive mixed-methods approach—encompassing literature reviews, semi-structured interviews, and surveys with stakeholders, including individuals with disabilities—this research gathered diverse perspectives on inclusive design. Participants underscored the importance of social and recreational activities in universally accessible spaces, providing valuable spatial insights. This research aims to employ pragmatic research methods to develop the design of an inclusive park for people with disabilities at the Thammasat University Rangsit Campus Water Sport Center. This study seeks to integrate the perspectives and needs of people with disabilities into the park design, ensuring that the space is accessible and meets a wide range of needs. The research aims to bridge socio-environmental considerations with practical design applications, creating a model that can serve as a template for similar developments in other urban settings. This study's findings informed the creation of a design that harmoniously integrates green spaces with the specific requirements of disabled users, promoting inclusivity and accessibility within the fast-growing urban areas of Southeast Asia. This research not only offers a template for addressing the gaps in public space provision for people with disabilities but also illustrates how designers can interpret and meet socio-environmental and health-related needs through inclusive planning. It extends the discussion on overcoming WHO-identified inequalities in urban settings and lays the groundwork for interdisciplinary studies aimed at enriching the fabric of urban life through research processes and scientific inquiry. This paper asserts the pivotal role of inclusive design in enhancing urban livability, advocating for a design methodology that responds to the nuanced demands of inclusivity, thereby contributing to the broader discourse on equality, accessibility, and the right to the city for people with disabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, urban areas are confronting considerable challenges stemming from climate change. These challenges possess the potential to have profound implications for the well-being of residents, their means of making a living, and their own assets. Consequently, it is imperative to identify effective solutions that mitigate these effects on the urban environment. Nature-based solutions (NBSs), involving the utilization of natural resources and ecosystem services to alleviate the effects of climate change, have the potential of enhancing our capacity to develop cities that are more resistant to these challenges. To this end, this paper aims to extract some bibliographic data from available research articles on NBSs and climate resilience sought from the common search engines of Scopus, Web of Science, and Lens Base, and then the RStudio version 2022.12.00+353, VoSviewer version 1.6.20, and Biblioshiny-Bibliometrics version 2017 software tools were adopted to collate and analyze the literature data through science mapping analysis. In doing so, it was advocated that these two topics have not been extensively studied in their relationship to each other and that there is a large extent of existing knowledge gaps, the filling of which can foster the development of these ideas and thus help develop our cities in combating against climate change. Exploring the effectiveness of NBSs in boosting climate resilience is a critical research gap. More empirical studies are envisaged to assess the scalability and transferability of those effective NBSs in various regions or countries. Another research gap exists in comprehending the long-term effects on ecosystem services and community welfare. Research on socio-economic advantages, trade-offs, and unintended outcomes is essential for making well-informed decisions when applying various NBSs worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Ökologisches Wirtschaften is the property of Oekom Verlag GmbH and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Since the 21st century, the world has increasingly focused on the issue of sustainable development, and the green transformation issues have become a new hot topic worldwide. Green and low-carbon transformation has become an international consensus. Urban agglomerations are important connections between urban development and regional coordination, as well as important spatial carriers for economic activities. They are not only the main source of carbon emissions, but also the main battlefield for energy conservation and emission reduction. As an important field for carbon reduction, the green transformation of cities is crucial for achieving the "dual carbon" goals. This article focuses on 48 cities in the three most mature and influential urban agglomerations in China from 2011 to 2019, namely, the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei urban agglomeration, the Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration, and the Pearl River Delta urban agglomeration. The three-stage DEA model and Malmquist index model are used to measure the green transformation efficiency of the three urban agglomerations from both dynamic and static perspectives, and a Tobit regression model is constructed to explore the influencing factors of green transformation efficiency in urban agglomerations. Research has found that: 1) From a static perspective, the overall efficiency of green transformation in the three major urban agglomerations is at a high level, but from a temporal perspective, it shows a downward trend. The Pearl River Delta urban agglomeration is known for its green development, with the highest average efficiency of green transformation, followed by the Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration. The Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei urban agglomeration has the lowest level of green transformation; 2) From a dynamic perspective, technological progress is the main driving factor for improving the efficiency of green transformation in the three major urban agglomerations. Therefore, the government should pay special attention to the progressiveness of technology when formulating relevant policies to promote urban green transformation; 3) From the perspective of spatiotemporal differences, there are significant differences in the spatiotemporal characteristics of green transformation among the three major urban agglomerations, and there are significant differences in green transformation strategies among different urban agglomerations. Eliminating environmental factors and random interference is necessary for accurately measuring the efficiency of green transformation in urban agglomerations; 4) From the perspective of influencing factors, factors such as industrial structure upgrading, green innovation level, and environmental regulation intensity jointly affect the efficiency of green transformation in urban agglomerations. Based on this, we should pay attention to the differences between urban agglomerations and implement policies tailored to local conditions; Strengthen the network system of urban agglomerations and avoid conflicts between cities; Encourage green technology innovation, accelerate industrial structure upgrading, and so on. This article focuses on the issue of green transformation in urban agglomerations, and conducts research from three perspectives: efficiency measurement, influencing factors, and implementation mechanisms. A relatively systematic theoretical framework for green transformation in urban agglomerations is formed, and an evaluation index system for green transformation efficiency in urban agglomerations is constructed and optimized. The composition mechanism of the five dimensional evaluation system for transformation efficiency is analyzed, and the bottleneck and breakthrough direction of the three major urban agglomerations in China in the development process are grasped. It has a good demonstration effect on the green transformation of other urban agglomerations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nature-based solutions (NBSs), defined as actions that work with and enhance nature, providing environmental, social, and economic benefits, play a pivotal role in accomplishing multiple objectives within the Water–Ecosystem–Food Nexus domain. They contribute to facilitating the transition to more resilient agrifood systems and providing an evidence base for a broader Nexus policy dialogue. This paper describes the stepwise methodology developed in the EU-funded LENSES project to carry out a comprehensive analysis of NBSs in six pilot areas in five Mediterranean countries and presents the results of NBS implementation in four pilot areas, highlighting obstacles and opportunities. The methodology includes the development of an analytical evaluation framework and a comprehensive catalogue of Nexus-related NBSs, whose suitability needs to be assessed at the local level to achieve better use of protected/natural ecosystems, increase the sustainability and multifunctionality of managed ecosystems, and design and manage novel ecosystems. Subsequently, in a collective learning process that supported the operationalisation of the WEF Nexus, NBSs were identified that address specific contextual vulnerabilities, improve water distribution, and enhance food security while preserving ecosystems and supporting adaptation to climate change. The added value of the proposed methodology lies in the multi-stakeholder participatory approach to gain in-depth knowledge of local agri-food systems, including their main WEF-related challenges, and to facilitate overcoming barriers to NBS implementation. Finally, a final survey was conducted among a small group of purposively selected stakeholders to gain some insight into their perceptions of the impact of NBS and to gather some opinions on the main barriers and opportunities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the contemporary challenges facing urban areas is the necessity to identify novel approaches to resident involvement in solution creation, with a particular focus on ensuring the best possible nutrition. By investigating the process of co-participation of city dwellers in a unique education project, this paper aims to gain a deeper understanding of the health-related motivations that underpin the decision of early adopters of the implemented technological innovations to join the social experiment. The qualitative study employed purposive sampling and in-depth interviews conducted in two waves, the first between October and November 2022 and the second between September 2023 and January 2024. The study comprised 42 participants drawn from two communities of residents in Łódź and Warsaw, Poland. Transcriptions of the interviews were carried out using semantic field analysis, employing a quantitative approach that counts the frequency of keyword occurrences. Three categories of semantic fields were identified: associations, oppositions, and actions toward the subject, including positive, neutral, and negative temperatures. The findings demonstrate that the health concerns of residents are a pivotal factor in their decision to participate in urban food self-production initiatives, given their limited access to nutritious and healthy vegetables. This is related to several factors, including restrictions related to urbanization and the displacement of local suppliers, lifestyle, and the fast pace of urban life. The dissemination of innovative solutions for growing food in urban environments could, therefore, facilitate awareness-raising and motivation to alter the dietary habits of inhabitants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The existing body of research into the environmental and socio-economic benefits of green infrastructure supports the case for it to be positioned as a form of critical infrastructure, particularly in urban settings. It is broadly recognized that extreme weather and climate change pose significant risks to critical infrastructure systems linked to the provision of services, including electricity, water, communications, and transport, and consequently risk assessments and associated adaptation strategies are common practice. However, although green infrastructure is also at risk from extreme weather and climate change, threatening the realization of benefits that it can deliver in urban settings, associated risks to green infrastructure are not widely understood or assessed in practice. This paper discusses the status of existing research on this topic and uses this as a foundation for a Greater Manchester (UK) case study that assesses the risk of low water availability to grassed areas, which represent a key element of the city-region's green infrastructure. In doing so, the paper demonstrates how risks linked to extreme weather and climate change can be assessed spatially to inform green infrastructure planning. In summary, this paper aims to raise awareness of extreme weather and climate change risk to urban green infrastructure, present an empirical case study and associated methodological approach on this topic, and ultimately support efforts to enhance the resilience of urban green infrastructure to extreme weather and climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban green infrastructure plays a crucial role in sustainable city development by offering a multitude of benefits, including improved environmental quality, increased social well-being, and enhanced economic prosperity. Evaluation and monitoring of regulatory implementation stand as essential components in the advancement of urban green infrastructure (GI) as they indicate the efficacy of regulatory acts and enable the assessment of their implementation success and adaptability to identified needs. This study identifies barriers and drivers based on the views of 352 professionals surveyed between 2018 and 2023 in Serbia. The primary data collection method employed questionnaire surveys. This study identified a range of barriers within existing legal frameworks, foremost of which include the lack of coordination and coherence between relevant ministries and governmental agencies, insufficient financial and human resources, the lack of transparency in the regulation development process, the need for strengthening technical capacities, and the absence of an adequate urban GI strategy. This research serves as a foundation for conceptualising GI regulatory elements that enhance urban GI development. Addressing these barriers necessitates efforts to improve coordination and collaboration among stakeholders, increase public participation, and enhance transparency in the regulatory process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of ongoing global urbanization, the disparity in urban development, marked by the dual phenomena of urban sprawl and urban shrinkage at the regional level, has become increasingly evident. In this vein, two land-related governance strategies—smart growth (SG) and smart shrinkage (SS)—emerge as potential remedies to these challenges, targeting urban expansion and shrinkage, respectively. This study bridges the gap in the fragmented discourse surrounding SG and SS by conducting a comprehensive comparative review on the respective literatures. Utilizing the Scopus database, our research employs trend analysis, text and topic mining, time node analysis, and regional analysis, augmented by qualitative reviews of seminal papers. The findings reveal a notable shift in research focus, with interest in SS surging around 2010 (the number of SS-related papers published after 2010 accounts for 92.3% of the total number of the entire study period) as attention to SG waned, suggesting an impending paradigm shift in urban sustainability. The analysis indicates that SS research lacks the disciplinary diversity, thematic breadth, and empirical depth of SG studies, underscoring a need for a more robust theoretical foundation to support urban sustainability. Furthermore, while both SG and SS derive from environmental science foundations, SG predominantly addresses the physical and landscape attributes of urban areas, whereas SS focuses more on socio-economic dimensions. Our findings point to an intrinsic link between SG and SS, which could lay the groundwork for their integration into a unified theoretical framework to better advance urban sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relocation of Indonesia's capital to the IKN (Ibu Kota Negara) Nusantara in East Kalimantan is leading to significant changes in land use, shifting from natural vegetation and agriculture to urban infrastructure. This transition brings about economic diversification and urban expansion, but it also raises concerns about its impact on society, the economy, and the environment. The rapid development affects biodiversity conservation, food security, and the livelihoods of rural and Indigenous communities, leading to conflicts across social and economic dimensions. This research uses qualitative and quantitative data to examine the socio-economic and environmental changes in the IKN Nusantara area from 2003 to 2023. The findings show a notable increase in built-up areas, indicating urbanization and a decrease in agricultural land. The study discusses the implications for local populations and ecosystems, emphasizing the need for inclusive governance, community participation, and conflict resolution. It also proposes a comprehensive policy framework that promotes sustainable land management, recognizes Indigenous and local rights, and fosters inclusive economic growth to respect Indonesia's rich environmental and cultural heritage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Mediterranean Basin is severely impacted by anthropogenic changes affecting both natural ecosystems and human livelihoods. The region is highly vulnerable to natural hazards, with floods being considered the most important, due both to their frequency and impacts. Koiliaris watershed (northwest of Crete Island, Greece) represents a relevant case study as past land-use changes via deforestation and intense cultivation practices induce soil organic matter losses, making soils susceptible to water erosion and desertification. The restoration of native riparian forests has been identified as the most effective nature-based solution (NBS) for the area. Through modeling, our study assessed the effectiveness of this NBS in addressing flood risk and erosion while providing additional ecosystem services (carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation). A cost–benefit analysis has been then implemented to also investigate the sustainability of the investment from an economic point of view. Our results show the NBS would be successful in ensuring a better flow of targeted ecosystem services compared to the business-as-usual conditions. The associated investment would result in economic sustainability and associated costs would be paid back in five years. Though site-specific, our study provides lessons learned for dealing with future land-restoration challenges in the Mediterranean to cope with climate change-related challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although climate change adaptation (CCA) and spatial planning are relevant to promoting climate resilience, Italy shows a certain lack of studies focused on the coherence between national CCA objectives and sectoral plans. We aim to investigate such a research gap and propose and apply a logical framework approach (LFA)-based method to assess the coherence of sectoral plans adopted in Sardinia (Italy) with the missions of the Italian National Climate Change Adaptation Plan (NCCAP). We apply LFA to analytically scrutinize sectoral plans by reconstructing their strategic framework—including objectives and actions—and comparing them to the CCA objectives established by the NCCAP. The purpose is to provide the regional administrations with a methodological approach and tangible findings, suggesting the need for updating plans lacking CCA contents and contributing to the drafting or updating of the regional strategy for CCA. The method adopted in this study allowed us to identify plan objectives and actions that fully or partially integrate NCCAP objectives. Then, plans partially (or not at all) consistent with the NCCAP can be integrated with CCA contents. This is relevant to promoting climate resilience issues in plans that have clear effects in terms of spatial, landscape, and urban planning, according to different governance levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) In an era where sustainable behavior is increasingly crucial, understanding the discrepancy between individuals' sustainability-oriented values and their actual behaviors, known as the inner–outer gap, is vital. This systematic literature review explores the potential of the Tripartite Structure of Sustainability (TSS) framework to address this gap within the context of sustainable education. By reviewing the literature from the APA, ERIC, and Web of Science databases, searched on 25 October 2020, the factors influencing sustainable actions were systematically examined. Articles had to be relevant to the topic (sustainability, morality in relation to sustainability, or morality in general) and report on empirically validated factors that have an impact on the inner-outer gap. (2) By employing a qualitative content analysis approach, 56 articles over a 15-year period were analyzed, identifying 83 factors that either bridged or reinforced the inner–outer gap. These factors were categorized within the TSS framework, which segments sustainability-oriented actions into individual, social, and self-transcendent domains, alongside their activation points: stable, situational, or automated. (3) The analysis revealed that self-focused factors often reinforce the gap, suggesting they are a hindrance to sustainable behavior. Conversely, self-transcendent factors consistently bridged the gap, promoting sustainability. Social factors showed variable impacts based on the ethical and sustainable context they were placed in, suggesting that the social environment's orientation significantly influences sustainable behavior. (4) This study concludes that the TSS framework offers a promising approach to advancing education for sustainable development (ESD) and contributes insights into how to promote the required paradigm shift towards holistic and interconnected perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a practical method that combines low-cost camera systems with remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to accomplish a comprehensive but economically feasible underwater survey of large hydropower infrastructures. Typically, inspecting reservoirs entails draining them off to allow for visual inspections, which are time-intensive, pose risks to operators' safety and are associated with generation losses. In this regard, ROVs are a much safer and more efficient alternative to traditional methods. The study was conducted at the Pack reservoir in Austria, where a reference framework was set up using terrestrial laser scanning and checkerboard markings for the above-water components. A ROV equipped with a GoPro camera and lighting system for the underwater recordings has been employed. Via a close-range photogrammetric approach, it was possible to generate 3D point clouds of the submerged infrastructure with a survey-grade accuracy level. Various strategies were explored to perform bundle block adjustment (BBA), among these were strategies where ground control points (GCPs) were used, strategies without the use of GCPs but pre-calibrated initial camera parameters and strategies with a combination of using both GCPs and pre-calibrated camera parameters in the BBA. The deployment of an inspection technique using low-cost sensors that can generate highly detailed three-dimensional models of submerged infrastructure areas is presented and discussed, allowing easy detection and localization for maintenance inspection, all while being cost-effective. The paper strengthens the suggestion of best practices that optimize camera settings, considering the effect of electronic image stabilization, suggesting its avoidance, and using advanced calibration methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Beiträge zur Lehrerinnen - und Lehrerbildung is the property of Schweizerische Gesellschaft fur Lehrerinnen- und Lehrerbildung (SGL) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Urban greening is a crucial trend for achieving sustainability as it helps enhance the local climate and lower temperatures. So interesting green elements in cities is an urgent necessity, not an option. This study tries to elucidate suitable urban greening solutions in cities compact and limited in space. This study aims to clarify relevant urban greening strategies in densely populated cities with limited space, particularly old historical cities, by employing a methodology that involves formulating effective and suitable indicators to enhance urban greening in such places. The findings of the theoretical framework revealed various approaches to implementing urban greening in densely populated cities. These include the establishment of a network of green spaces, the installation of green roofs, the incorporation of front balconies, the use of temporary vegetation, and the creation of gardens and parks outside the city. These strategies were assessed using descriptive methods. These indicators were implemented in the ancient city located in the Al-Najaf Governorate, which is a historically significant city and a crucial hub. The implementation of these strategies can enhance the local climate of the city and transform its roadways and structures in a sustainable manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the associations of vigorous-intensity gardening time with cardiometabolic health risk markers. This cross-sectional study (AusDiab) analyzed 2011–2012 data of 3,664 adults (55% women, mean [range], age = 59.3 [34–94] years) in Australia. Multiple linear regression models examined associations of time spent participating in vigorous gardening (0, <150 min/week, ≥150 min/week) with a clustered cardiometabolic risk (CMR) score and its components, for the whole sample and stratified by age and gender. Of participants, 61% did no vigorous gardening, 23% reported <150 min/week, and 16% reported ≥150 min/week. In the whole sample, spending ≥150 min/week in vigorous gardening was associated with lower CMR (lower CMR score, waist circumference, diastolic blood pressure, and triglycerides) compared with no vigorous gardening. Stratified analyses suggested that these associations were almost exclusively observed for older adults and women. These findings suggest the public health potential of vigorous-intensity gardening in reducing CMR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salt marshes play a critical role in supporting water quality, erosion control, flood protection, and carbon sequestration. Threats from climate change and human activities have prompted global restoration initiatives. We analyzed restoration efforts worldwide from 1978 to 2022, using the Web of Science database and SciMAT mapping tool. After a PRISMA screening to identify methodologies, success rates, and key indicators, a total of 62 publications underwent detailed analysis, to increase knowledge on the best practices to employ in future restoration interventions and evaluation of their effectiveness. The research reveals a growing interest in ecosystem dynamics, biodiversity, anthropogenic impacts, and ecosystem services. Assisted interventions emerged as the predominant restoration method, employing 15 indicators across vegetation, sediment, fauna, and water, each one using different metrics for the intervention evaluation based on how good the outcome of the interventions described in the reviewed studies met the desired result. Our analysis suggests that combining natural interventions such as managed realignment with reconnection to tidal waters, along with long-term monitoring of vegetation, fauna, and water indicators such as sedimentation and erosion rates, plant cover and biomass, as well as fauna diversity and density, leads to the most successful outcomes. We provide valuable insights into best practices for future restoration interventions, offering guidance to future practitioners and policymakers based on a comprehensive review of the scientific literature, contributing to the resilience of these vital ecosystems, and ensuring effective restoration actions in the coming years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anticipated sea level rises from global climate change pose a significant flood risk to urban land. Evaluating urban land suitability under sea level rise scenarios is crucial for promoting sustainable development. Recent research has advanced the application of artificial intelligence and the integration of GIS with models, yet the impact of climate change on land suitability has often been overlooked. This study focuses on Xihu District in Hangzhou, utilizing the entropy weight and matter-element model to evaluate land suitability for urban development. The evaluation results were cross-verified with land use plans. A comprehensive analysis of potential flood risk to urban land in 2100 was conducted, considering varying degrees of sea level rise under Sustainable Development Scenario SSP1-2.6 and High-end Emission Scenario SSP5-8.5, as well as the scenario reflecting the most severe sea level rise during extreme climate events. The results indicate that more than half of the land in the study area is suitable for construction, aligning spatially with the current planned urban land. The analysis process of the matter-element model reflects the impact level of each indicator on urban land suitability, conveying information both spatially and numerically, thus enhancing accuracy. Scenario analysis reveals that approximately 10% to 20% of urban land in the study area could face flooding threats due to future sea level rises, primarily in the northern and southeastern regions. Recommendations for future land development and spatial planning strategies to address flood risk are discussed, aiming to alleviate the pressure on urban land in response to future climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cities worldwide are facing varying degrees of ongoing threats closely tied to climate change. Research is emerging that addresses climate risks as a pressing issue, especially for vulnerable cities in the Global South; however, there is a significant lack of systematic and application-oriented research on ecosystem-based adaptation to urban climate change. This study uses Shenyang in Northeast China as a case study, employing multisource data and integrated methods to examine and depict the dynamics of urban ecosystem-based adaptation to climate change amid rapid urbanization. The results indicate a decline in capacity for climate change adaptation during the study period. A framework for mainstreaming ecosystem-based adaptation is proposed, identifying specific strategies for climate change mitigation and adaptation in urban policy and planning processes in Shenyang. It also has significance for other cities to draw lessons from. By linking urban ecosystem dynamics, the capacity for urban climate adaptation, and sustainable urban governance, this study bridges the gap between research and practice in urban climate change adaptation, and expands the contribution of geography-based interdisciplinary integration to urban resilience. More practically, it provides references for Shenyang in adapting to climate change and transitioning to sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main aim of this article is to evaluate the impact of dynamic indicators associated with urban spaces on the environmental behavior of residents in Shanghai, China. With the city experiencing rapid urbanization and increasing environmental concerns, it is crucial to understand how the design and management of urban spaces can encourage pro-environmental attitudes and actions among the population. The study specifically focuses on dynamic indicators, namely vitality, accessibility, quality, and walkability, to develop a comprehensive understanding of the utilization and experience of urban spaces. The research outcomes will make valuable contributions towards Shanghai's objectives of achieving environmental sustainability, while also providing insights that have broader relevance to sustainable urban development globally. As the built environment significantly influences energy consumption, resource utilization, pollution generation, and overall human wellbeing, attaining urban sustainability is of paramount importance. The findings of this study will aid in informing strategies and policies that promote sustainable practices, not only benefiting Shanghai but also serving as a valuable resource for urban development initiatives worldwide. Sustainable urban design principles, including compactness, density, mixed land use, greening, and walkability, have been associated with pro-environmental behaviors, including reduced reliance on automobiles, increased walking and cycling, and heightened environmental consciousness. Nevertheless, the relationship between the built environment and sustainability behaviors is intricate and is influenced by multiple factors. Consequently, further research is necessary to comprehend how specific spatial and temporal dynamics impact environmental behaviors within urban settings. In this study, an artificial neural network (ANN) was developed to estimate the quality and walkability of an area and environmental behaviors by considering the augmented vitality and accessibility factors. The ANN's predictions demonstrate that higher levels of vitality and accessibility positively contribute to improved walkability and environmental behaviors. The accuracy of the ANN's predictions was assessed using linear regression, which yielded acceptable error rates when compared with experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Contemporary approaches to sustainable housing design tend to prioritize technological solutions supporting energy efficiency and climate change mitigation. On the contrary, spatial planning of housing estates does not always address all pro-ecological aspects, such as the role of greenery. This research aimed to assess the greenery content and its environmental importance in typical housing districts in the selected study area. (2) The research methodology was based on indicators reflecting the biologically active area ratio, the length of communication routes lined with trees, the tree number per area unit, the tree canopy, and the environmental benefits delivered by the trees. The above indicators allowed us to compare selected models of suburban residential districts typical of specific timeframes. (3) The results indicated that the greenery content and its environmental benefits in suburban districts are decreasing in the study area. Another finding concerned the importance of selecting tree species for their ability to develop a canopy and provide ecosystem services. (4) The proposed methodology, based on inter-related indicators, validly compared the greenery content in the analyzed districts, giving it application value. The problems observed contributed to the proposal of a revision of Poland's planning practices. Local zoning plans could include streetscape standards, indicating paving solutions and plantings to improve the situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The operational efficacy of lane departure warning systems (LDWS) in autonomous vehicles is critically influenced by the retro-reflectivity of road markings, which varies with environmental wear and weather conditions. This study investigated how changes in road marking retro-reflectivity, due to factors such as weather and physical wear, impact the performance of LDWS. The study was conducted at the Yeoncheon SOC Demonstration Research Center, where various weather scenarios, including rainfall and transitions between day and night lighting, were simulated. We applied controlled wear to white, yellow, and blue road markings and measured their retro-reflectivity at multiple stages of degradation. Our methods included rigorous testing of the LDWS's recognition rates under these diverse environmental conditions. Our results showed that higher retro-reflectivity levels significantly improve the detection capability of LDWS, particularly in adverse weather conditions. Additionally, the study led to the development of a simulation framework for analyzing the cost-effectiveness of road marking maintenance strategies. This framework aims to align maintenance costs with the safety requirements of autonomous vehicles. The findings highlight the need for revising current road marking guidelines to accommodate the advanced sensor-based needs of autonomous driving systems. By enhancing retro-reflectivity standards, the study suggests a path towards optimizing road safety in the age of autonomous vehicles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lack of and inequitable access to recreational and green open space in Malta is clearly documented. In an attempt to address social inequalities, research on place-led experimentation as a co-creation and cogovernance process is ongoing. A multiple case study and participant action research methodology through the application of placemaking and urban living lab concepts is adopted. Communities are engaged to rethink public spaces as greener places and foster a better relationship with nature while improving the urban environment through nature-based placemaking. The research strives to understand how residents of Maltese localities can be motivated to participate in bettering their urban environment and foster a sense of pride in their spaces. This paper presents the findings of the locality of Senglea case study. A placemaking toolkit, by Placemaking Europe is adapted, applied and analysed within the Maltese context, consisting of a series of workshops to build a relationship with local communities according to their specific needs and desires. This paper provides insight into some of the key learning outcomes emerging from this first case study. Moreover, it puts forth recommendations on how processes for co-creation and co-governance of public spaces in dense urban areas such as Malta may be developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cities defined by population size, heterogeneity, and dynamic change face historical and contemporary inequalities. The United Development Goals underline the urgency of addressing urban inequality, which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Urban open and green spaces emerge as important elements for social well-being and affect social, cultural, and psychological aspects. Despite their importance, inequalities in the distribution, quantity, and function of these areas persist. Standards advocating a minimum of 9 m2 of green area per person and accessibility become an important component. However, global data reveals that distribution is inadequate. Only 37.8% of neighborhoods in the city are conveniently located near open public spaces. This study examines the distribution, size, and accessibility of urban green spaces, focusing on Isparta. Unequal distributions were detected in terms of the area covered by green spaces in the neighborhoods, their accessibility, and green spaces per capita. The findings reveal the need for measures to correct urban inequality in planning, design, and management policies, which will contribute to the creation of sustainable and livable cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study conducted an extensive literature review spanning from 1950 to 2023, exploring the methodologies in urban geomorphology and urban geoheritage assessment, and the possibility of applying Nature-Based Solutions (NbSs) in order to enhance geomorphological maps. The methodology proposed here is based on a two-step approach: (i) a bibliographic review and methodological investigation and (ii) methodological proposal in order to enhance the traditional geomorphological and geoheritage maps with NbS to reduce the geomorphological risk in urban areas. This paper aims to introduce a methodological framework and illustrated its practical application to provide researchers and practitioners with a clear understanding of its implementation in real-world scenarios. The proposed methodology was applied in the north and northeastern parts of Milan, Italy. The implementation of the proposed methodology demonstrated its effectiveness in urban contexts and its potential for further modification and extension to various urban environments in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the diversity in emotional tendencies and needs toward urban green spaces (UGSs) among people from different cultural backgrounds in the wave of cultural integration. We utilized social media data as research tools, gathering a wide range of perspectives and voices. Utilizing geolocation data from 176 UGSs in Macau, we collected 139,162 social media comments to analyze the emotional perceptions of different cultural groups. Furthermore, we conducted regression analysis on the number of posts and emotional intensity values from four linguistic groups—Chinese, English, Southeast Asian languages, and Portuguese—in UGSs, correlating them with ten locally relevant landscape features. Our findings reveal diverse attitudes, emotional inclinations, and functional and design needs of different linguistic groups toward UGSs, as follows: (1) there were significant differences in emotional intensity and tweet counts across 176 UGSs; (2) Chinese and Portuguese speakers showed a more positive attitude toward plazas and natural ecological areas, whereas English- and Southeast-Asian-language speakers tended to favor recreational areas and suburban parks; (3) Chinese speakers exhibited a more positive emotional intensity toward sports facilities, while English speakers placed more emphasis on green space areas, architecture, sports infrastructure, and plant landscapes; (4) there was no specific landscape feature preference for Portuguese- and Southeast-Asian-language speakers. This research not only deepens our understanding of the emotional perceptions and preferences of UGSs among different cultural groups but also explores the association between these groups and various urban landscape features. This provides important theoretical and practical insights for future UGS planning, construction, and promoting multicultural coexistence for sustainable urban development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The implementation of nature-based solutions (NBSs) for coastal adaptation to climate change is limited by a well-documented lack of finance. Scholars agree that financial innovation represents a solution to this problem, particularly due to its potential for mobilising private investments. It remains unclear however how exactly innovative solutions address the specific barriers found in NBS implementation and, given the distinctive local characteristics of NBSs, to what extent successful innovations can be replicated in other locations. This study addresses this issue by reviewing the literature and case studies of innovative financial solutions currently implemented in NBS projects, highlighting which financial barriers these arrangements address and which contextual conditions affect their applicability. We find that there is no "low-hanging fruit" in upscaling finance in NBSs through financial innovation. Innovative solutions are nevertheless expected to become more accessible with the increase in NBS project sizes, the increased availability of data on NBS performance, and the establishment of supportive policy frameworks. The flow of finance into NBS projects can be further enhanced through the external support of both public (de-risking and regulation) and private actors (financial expertise). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nature-based solutions (NbSs) are considered to form an innovative stormwater management approach that has living resolutions grounded in natural processes and structures. NbSs offer many other environmental benefits over traditional grey infrastructure, including reduced air pollution and climate change mitigation. This review predominantly centers on the hydrological aspect of NbSs and furnishes a condensed summary of the collective understanding about NbSs as an alternatives for stormwater management. In this study, which employed the CIMO (Context, Intervention, Mechanism, Outcome) framework, a corpus of 187 NbS-related publications (2000–2023) extracted from the Web of Science database were used, and we expounded upon the origins, objectives, and significance of NbSs in urban runoff and climate change, and the operational mechanisms of NbSs (including green roofs, permeable pavements, bioretention systems, and constructed wetlands), which are widely used in urban stormwater management, were also discussed. Additionally, the efficacy of NbSs in improving stormwater quality and quantity is discussed in depth in this study. In particular, the critical role of NbSs in reducing nutrients such as TSS, TN, TP, and COD and heavy metal pollutants such as Fe, Cu, Pb, and Zn is emphasized. Finally, the main barriers encountered in the promotion and application of NbSs in different countries and regions, including financial, technological and physical, regulatory, and public awareness, are listed, and future directions for improving and strategizing NbS implementation are proposed. This review gathered knowledge from diverse sources to provide an overview of NbSs, enhancing the comprehension of their mechanisms and applications. It underscores specific areas requiring future research attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Urban green infrastructure, specifically green open spaces, is becoming increasingly significant in rapidly urbanizing areas. These spaces offer environmental, social, and economic advantages to urban ecosystems, thereby increasing community health and well-being. However, their economic value is often overlooked in urban planning. This study aims to conduct an economic valuation of green spaces by introducing the hedonic price model to equip decision-makers with a thorough and informed perspective. METHODS: A questionnaire created through Google Forms was distributed through a social media survey conducted from March to April 2021. The data collected from 1592 respondents in Jakarta were analyzed through a cluster analysis using the statistical package for social sciences software. The hedonic price model with ordinary least squares regression was adopted to create a valuation model for the green spaces in 42 districts and 239 subdistricts across the five administrative cities. FINDINGS: This study empirically shows that parks and urban forests increase land prices by 9.2, 17.1, and 19.2 percent, while cemeteries decrease them by 15 to 37.6 percent. Unlike most hedonic price model studies on the global north countries, which can be found in the literature, this work does not establish statistically significant relationships among urban forests, parks, cemeteries within a 0-500 meter radius, and land prices in Jakarta, but examines the economic value of green spaces, including their impact on land values and tax revenues. The land value increase is caused by the implementation of a beneficiary zoning levy within a designated impact zone of 0.5-2 kilometers. This study suggests policy implications, including the exploration of alternative financing mechanisms and the consideration of public preferences in urban development and financing policies. CONCLUSION: The applicability of the hedonic price model in Jakarta's mature and privatized land market is confirmed in this work, proving the importance of considering environmental factors and green spaces in land transactions and conversion, property development, conservation, and urban green space design. The results provide valuable information to policymakers, property developers, and land use planners, thereby preventing the undervaluation of green spaces and facilitating informed decisions on planning and public investment. Urban and built environmental management can significantly benefit from these findings, particularly when considering the aspects of green space size, social functions, and ecosystem services to enhance Jakarta's planning and management practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite growing recognition of nature-based solutions (NBS), there remains a research gap in understanding their implementation in urban areas, which poses a significant challenge for urban forest development. Therefore, our paper aims to explore the intersection of NBS with urban forests (UF), identify current barriers, propose strategies to maximize the potential of urban forests as nature-based solutions (UF-NBS) in effectively improving the resilience of urban forests, and enhance the service capacity of urban forest ecosystems. To achieve our objective, we conducted a comprehensive analysis that included a bibliometric review to summarize the evolution of the UF-NBS literature and classify UF-NBS types for the first time. Subsequently, we identified and organized current challenges faced by UF-NBS. Additionally, we proposed an original technological framework system for urban forest development based on NBS principles. The results show the significance of UF-NBS for enhancing urban resilience and human wellbeing, with multiple successful implementations in both China and Europe, validating their effectiveness. However, the implementation of UF-NBS faces several challenges, including inadequate financing, the gap between scientific knowledge and practical implementation, the absence of region-specific information, and the need for interdisciplinary collaboration. This study contributes to establishing a scientific theoretical basis for integrating UF and NBS and provides a systematic approach for decision-makers in urban forest management. Future research should focus on exploring the integration of UF within the NBS framework and prioritize knowledge sharing, international cooperation, and education initiatives to promote the global adoption of UF-NBS and address pressing urban challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing popularity of high-rise, high-density residential areas in urban environments has brought about problems such as isolation from nature and increasingly depauperate ecological conditions, and consequently, adverse effects on residents' health and environmental sustainability. Therefore, creating a high-quality biophilic living space environment is key to solving this conflict, considering the health benefits that nature brings to people. However, there are currently no appropriate assessment tools to measure the biophilic living environment of high-rise residential areas. In response, we have developed an environment assessment scale for measuring the Biophilic Experience in High-Rise Residential Areas (BornA) based on resident experiences. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to identify the measurement items relevant to their biophilic living experiences and behaviors. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were performed to identify the scale's structure and examine its reliability and validity. The study resulted in the development of an 18-item BornA, comprising five dimensions: natural landscape, natural interaction, cultural identity, neighborhood interaction, and personal space. The BornA contributes to the assessment of the biophilic living space environment in high-rise residential areas from the perspective of resident behavior and perception, identifying health intervention environments for sample populations and understanding how the residential environment affects residents' health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today, rapid urbanization and increasing human activities have affected the climate at macro and micro scales in cities and caused unfavorable conditions in terms of human thermal comfort, especially in outdoor spaces. In this context, new solutions need to be researched, developed, tested, and updated to improve thermal comfort in cities. Using ENVI-met 5.1 software, this study investigated the effects of different NBS combinations on the urban microclimate and human bioclimatic comfort in Izmir (Turkey). The current situation, the scenarios where some nature-based solutions (NBS) are applied within the scope of the European Union's HORIZON 2020 "URBAN GreenUP" project, and two other scenarios planned within the scope of the study were evaluated. The findings of the study showed that both the NBS scenarios created within the scope of the EU project and the NBS scenarios with large deciduous trees had the most positive impacts on improving thermal comfort conditions in all three study zones and achieved temperature reductions of up to 2.5 °C in urban temperatures. In terms of thermal comfort, the most significant differences were calculated between the minimum PMV values and were close to 1 °C. In addition, the simulation results showed positive changes in psychological stress levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The land is needed for many activities in cities due to rapid urbanization and population growth taking place on a global scale. In order to meet the demands of the increasing population, cities grow towards extensive rural lands and try to meet the citizens' needs for land spatially used for housing, transportation, industrial facilities, and education facilities. The change in urban morphology is one of the most discussed topics in planning from the past to the present, consisting of uniquely complex phenomena. The traditional method of urban science offers approaches based on Euclidean geometry, based on the assumption of uniform growth. However, urban morphology has a multidimensional fractal structure, and it is insufficient to understand the city as a living organism that evolves, changes, and develops very quickly. Since urban growth and expansion are an inevitable reality intertwined with economic growth, spatial changes in cities as living organisms are inevitable. Population growth worldwide is one of the most critical parameters affecting cities' growth. Unplanned growth in cities causes many environmental problems, such as unplanned urbanization. Monitoring and forecasting land changes in urban growth and expansion processes are significant in producing effective regional and urban planning policies. In this process, the concept of urban morphology comes to the fore. In this context, the fractal dimension analysis emerges as a technique of interest. Decreases and increases in fractal values gain meaning by being associated with processes such as expansion and growth observed in cities. Fractal geometry, on the other hand, provides the opportunity to evaluate this complex structure quantitatively. At the same time, it offers a new mathematical framework for describing urban morphology. The study aimed to investigate the development process of the development zone in the western corridor of Ankara, with a fractal analysis to be made at the urban scale through its morphological change. The temporal changes in urban form and texture between 2005-2022 and the morphological character of Ankara are questioned through fractal analysis. The study was carried out in two stages. In the first stage, the western corridor of Ankara was analyzed on an urban scale, and the morphological change in 2039 was estimated within the scope of two different scenarios. The compact growing scenario (GC) proposes a growth model within the boundaries of the determined area. The spreading-growing scenario (GS) assumes a spreading-growth behavior into the land cover, regardless of field boundaries. The GC scenario defines areas where growth will not occur outside the determined western development zone. On the other hand, the GS covers the growth areas produced by assuming that the entire urban geography is suitable for settlement without any restrictions. After defining the scenarios, fractal blots from 2005, 2013, 2022, and 2039 were obtained, and fractal analysis was carried out using the box-counting method. At the same time, it showed that urban spatial richness increased, as the value of 1.63 in 2005 reached 1.85 in GC and 1.98 in growing by GS in 2039. As a result of the analysis, it was concluded that the changes in the fractal dimensions obtained at the urban scale, the West development corridor experienced a rapid urbanization process from 2005 to the present, and this process showed urban expansion in the east-west direction. Increases in fractal dimensions also indicate an increase in the complexity of the urban fabric, in other words, spatial richness. The simulation results of the year 2039 using the Cellular Automata - Markov chain method also support these results. Compact and spreading growth approaches produced within the scope of the research resulted in different growth behaviors of the city. While the growth is more controlled in the model restricted by the research area boundaries, the expansion pressure of the city is quite remarkable in the scenario where there is no restriction. The data obtained by this method for West Ankara, which is determined as the development direction of the city with the plan decisions, has significant potential in evaluating the current situation and future spatial patterns. Therefore, the research offers a new perspective to describe the complexity of the urban system. In addition, it is thought to have a guiding quality in the planning processes. The research offers a current perspective and innovation with a scenario-based model based on fractal geometry to describe the complexity of urban morphology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Urban areas, as human-environment systems, depend heavily on natural ecosystems for sustainability and well-being. Therefore, integrating ecosystem services into urban planning is essential for promoting sustainable urban development. Among the various decision-making processes impacting ecosystem services in cities, urban planning is arguably the most critical. Despite the increasing academic interest in ecosystem services, there are still significant knowledge gaps regarding their integration into urban planning. Incorporating ecosystem services into the management of urban land is crucial for the rational allocation of land and effective ecological management in urban areas. However, several obstacles hinder this integration, including the inadequacies in the content and process of urban development plans, the limitations of current planning tools, the lack of knowledge about ecosystem services, the absence of relevant institutions and executive organizations, and the deficiency in the application of ecosystem services knowledge in practice and policy. Moreover, the necessary legal and regulatory frameworks are often lacking. This paper aims to examine both the current and potential utilization of ecosystem services in urban development plans, specifically focusing on the city of Arak. Methods: Two dominant scientific approaches are employed to evaluate the uptake and operationalization of ecosystem services in urban planning: interviewing stakeholders and analyzing the content of plans and policies. Content analysis of urban development plan documents provides a comprehensive understanding of the potential, gaps, and limitations related to the inclusion of ecosystem services in urban planning practices. To achieve this goal, a content analysis method with a directional approach (deductive method based on theory) was utilized. The study examined the extent to which 19 ecosystem services were addressed within three components of the Arak development and construction plan: the information base, vision/objectives, and actions. A scoring protocol was developed to assess the quality of ecosystem services inclusion in urban plans. This protocol used a 3-point scale, with scores ranging from zero (no inclusion), one (implicit inclusion), to two (explicit inclusion). Results: Among the regulating services, air purification and local ventilation services were mentioned 109 times, with the highest frequency (34 times) in the analysis section (database). The content analysis revealed that healthy water production was referenced 99 times, while food production was mentioned 82 times. Regarding supporting services, soil quality was noted nine times in total, with the highest mention (four times) in the analysis section. Among cultural services, recreational services and mental experiences were mentioned 94 times, with the highest frequency (26 times) in the city survey and knowledge section. The results indicate that the ecosystem services concept is partially integrated into the mentioned development document. However, the document lacks a holistic view of urban ecology and its benefits. In the three examined components, ecosystem services were mentioned 607 times, both implicitly (312 times - 51.4%) and explicitly (295 times - 48.6%), with the most attention given to the information base component (358 times - 59%). The significant difference in the score for cultural services (400) compared to provisioning (274), regulating (198), and supporting (30) services suggests that cultural services are more comprehensively included in the Arak metropolis plan. Discussion: The inconsistency in addressing each service or concept across the three components highlights a lack of significant correlation between data collection, analysis, goal formulation, vision development, plan preparation, and the establishment of rules and regulations. Another critical issue is the misalignment between the process and content of these plans with new concepts, as well as the weakness of the comprehensive rational process in integrating these concepts. To incorporate new ideas like ecosystem services into urban development plans, not only is there a need to strengthen content and process, but also to improve planning tools. Empirical studies suggest that tools such as Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) can help bridge this gap. Conclusion: Incorporating the concept of ecosystem services into new laws, guidelines, or revisions of existing plans and programs is a complex process that cannot be accomplished in the short term. The presence of informed stakeholders, public decision-makers, and experts is essential. Additionally, it is crucial to form interdisciplinary teams within both consulting engineering firms that prepare urban development plans and public institutions responsible for drafting and approving these plans. Tools such as Strategic Impact Assessment (SIA) are recommended to evaluate proposed alternatives and select the final options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to investigate the relationship between manufacturing industry transfer and land use efficiency in china. Our study found that industrial transfer does not have a significant impact on land use efficiency in the full sample. However, when differentiating between the direction of manufacturing transfer, we found that in areas where manufacturing moves out, it inhibits land use efficiency significantly. Whereas in areas where manufacturing moves in, it has no significant impact on land use efficiency. We further analyzed the impact of manufacturing adjustment range and adjustment quality on land use efficiency. The results show that manufacturing structure adjustment has a positive impact on land use efficiency in the full sample and manufacturing immigration areas. In manufacturing emigration areas, manufacturing adjustment quality inhibits land use efficiency significantly, while manufacturing adjustment range improves land use efficiency significantly. Based on these findings, we suggest some policy recommendations to improve land use efficiency through manufacturing transfer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conflict between economic development and environmental degradation has significantly impeded urban development. Currently, the Chinese government is actively promoting the comprehensive transformation of new-type urbanization. This study measured the quality of urbanization and its degree of coupling coordination in 16 cities in Anhui Province from 2010 to 2020, utilizing 32 indicators across six dimensions: economic development (ED), infrastructure (INF), population development (PD), social development (SD), environmental protection (EP) and urban–rural integration (URI). Additionally, a novel method of sequential relationship analysis, oriented towards "interaction–change" was introduced to calculate indicator weights, which take the interactive degree among various indices and dependencies between neighboring cities into account. The results indicate that urban development in Anhui Province is imbalanced due to a low degree of resource matching. However, there is a positive trend in the relationship between urbanization quality and economic development. Furthermore, although the coupling coordination degree of urbanization quality in most cities fluctuates at different scales, it is still necessary to narrow and optimize the gap between subsystems. For one thing, the above achievements may provide reference for breaking through the traditional static weighting method from the theoretical level. For another, it can also provide decision-makers with valuable insights to establish an intercity complementary management system, so as to achieve sustainable development across the entire region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Africa's population is expected to triple by 2050, owing to rapid urbanisation and overall demographic trends. The combined pressures of urbanisation and climate change impact the ecosystem and the services it provides. As a result, additional dangers such as increased flooding, and environmental disruption have risen. Therefore, devising adaptive solutions to mitigate flood risk impacts while also building community resilience is needed. Evidence suggests that Nature‐based Solutions (NbS) can potentially alleviate floods and mitigate climate change impacts while also delivering other societal benefits. Despite rising NbS popularity following its recognition in the last decade, studies on its recognition in Africa remain limited. For this reason, this paper reviewed NbS studies conducted in East Africa (EA) to evaluate opportunities and barriers surrounding NbS adoption in EA. Academic literature published from January 2012 to May 2022 was reviewed using a comprehensive search of the SCOPUS database. Results show 14 papers have been published during the period, with the majority being post‐2020. In addition, the majority of the articles focused on cities and peri‐urban settlements, while public awareness, clear guidelines on performance monitoring, stakeholder inclusion, and diverse demonstration projects were highlighted as potential success factors for the adoption of NbS in EA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The success of protected areas in addressing global environmental change depends on the development of management strategies that are inclusive of broad values held by local community members. Here, we report on results from a longitudinal and quasi-experimental study that engaged community members in deliberation around their visions for the future of protected areas in Interior Alaska. Following a regional household survey, we purposively assembled three groups of residents according to the relative strength of their broad value orientations. Each group was engaged in online discussions over a month-long period time and a thematic analysis of the resulting transcripts was performed to understand: (1) the perceived benefits and threats facing protected areas, and (2) reflections on how public land management agencies should improve decision-making to better incorporate the perspectives of residents. Results showed that the landscape provided a multitude of benefits, such as natural beauty, opportunities for living an Alaskan lifestyle, and sense of community. Conversely, climate variability, ambivalence toward tourism, and large-scale development were the primary perceived threats. Residents also shared recommendations for how to build meaningful public engagement processes rooted in a philosophy of 'inclusive conservation' that solves sustainability science problems by balancing the consequences of different visions for nature-based solutions. Text-based patterns of deliberation showed that broad values affected the topics of discussion and social learning that occurred in small but meaningful ways. We suggest that people with similar values can hold distinct visions for the future, and that shared spaces for deliberation are important for enabling collective action. We also contend that protected area management decision-making should be transformed through the adoption of a value-based framework whereby guiding principles and relational learning are actively weighed in the process of developing more sustainable solutions for society's most pressing natural resource management problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Societal Impact Statement: Daunting global challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss may seem overwhelming. However, gardeners have a secret weapon—gardens, balconies, indoor planting, yards and allotments are mini‐ecosystems that offer opportunities to counter perceptions of helplessness, inadequacy and resultant inaction by using those spaces to 'Do what we can, with what we have, where we are'. Minimising gardening 'footprints' to mitigate harmful impacts, whilst maximising gardening 'handprints' to enhance benefits, is readily achievable. With this in mind, the Royal Horticultural Society is leading research into environmental horticulture for gardens, and benefits for individual wellbeing. Summary: This article presents an integrated and applied research approach to the unique and multi‐disciplinary area of science referred to here as environmental horticulture. It does this by: (a) providing an institutional perspective (The Royal Horticultural Society) on a research approach for this particular area, emphasising why domestic and community gardens are important in the context of global environmental threats; (b) presenting four primary research focus areas and project examples; and (c) highlighting interdisciplinary linkages, future research needs, public engagement/knowledge sharing opportunities, and 'Green Skills' development in the area of environmental horticulture. Research focus areas discussed are: (1) responding to the changing climate (adaptation, mitigation and resilience solutions in gardens); (2) 'plants for purpose' (harnessing the potential of horticultural plant diversity, and gardening, to help regulate environmental conditions); (3) sustainability and climate risk reduction through effective and efficient resource management (reduction, re‐use, recycling and repurposing); and (4) gardening and cultivated plant choice for human health and wellbeing. We argue that a key research priority is improving our understanding of the linkages and interactions between soil, water, plants, weather and people. These crucial linkages affect above and below ground processes, for both outdoor and indoor plants. They impact the effectiveness with which water and nutrient cycling takes place, the extent to which ecosystem services may be delivered, and the resultant capacity of gardens and gardening to provide environmental and human health benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban Green Space (UGS) is vital for improving the public health and sustainability of cities. Vector data on UGS such as open data from governments and OpenStreetMap are available for retrieval by interested users, but the availability of UGS data is still limited on global and temporal scales. This study develops the UGS Extractor, a web-based application for the automatic extraction of UGS given user inputs of Area of Interest and Date of Interest. To accommodate various types of green spaces, such as parks or lawns, the application additionally allows users to set parameters for the minimum size of each UGS and the Minimum Urban Neighbor Density, enabling customization of what qualifies as UGS. The UGS Extractor implements a methodological framework that applies object-based image processing, edge detection and extraction, and image neighborhood analysis on the near real-time 10m Dynamic World collection of Land Use/Land Cover images. The application's utility was demonstrated through two case studies. In the first, the UGS Extractor accurately mapped major parks when compared to open data sources in New Orleans, USA. In the second, the UGS Extractor demonstrated significant increases in the total area of UGS from 2015 to 2023 in Songdo, South Korea, which consequently improved green space accessibility. These results underscore the UGS Extractor's utility in extracting specific types of UGS and analyzing their temporal trends. This user-friendly application overall offers higher spatial resolution compared to publicly available satellite-based methods while facilitating temporal studies not possible with vector datasets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research was to learn the possibility of using the selected indicator method to assess the local adaptation to climate change by using city green infrastructure (GI). Close access to the public green areas from a place of residence has been recognized as a potential measure to achieve more just and equitable adaptation to climate change within the city. The rationale for adopting this approach is the significant impact of GI on improving the quality of life of residents. In the case study of the cities of Łomża and Siedlce, the method of assessing the availability of GI was analysed in two variants differing in the resources of green areas included. The accessibility of GI was determined using indicators describing the share of the city's population having their residences in a designated walking distance zone from these areas; the degree of provision of GI areas within walking distance from homes; the degree of provision of green areas to the inhabitants throughout the city. In addition, analyses of the access structure for residents of GI within 300 meters were carried out in terms of the number and category of this type of places. The research results indicate the possibility of using presented accessibility indicators to assess actions related to GI at the stage of planning and monitoring the implementation of the urban adaptation strategy to climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-density urban development is promoted by both global and local policies in response to socio-economic and environmental challenges since it increases mobility of different land uses, decreases the need for traveling, encourages the use of more energy-efficient buildings and modes of transportation, and permits the sharing of scarce urban amenities. It is therefore argued that increased density and mixed-use development are expected to deliver positive outcomes in terms of contributing to three pillars (social, economic, and environmental domains) of sustainability in the subject themes. Territorial quality of life (TQL)—initially proposed by the ESPON Programme—is a composite indicator of the socio-economic and environmental well-being and life satisfaction of individuals living in an area. Understanding the role of urban density in TQL can provide an important input for urban planning debates addressing whether compact development can be promoted by referring to potential efficiencies in high-density, mixed land use and sustainable transport provisions. Alternatively, low-density suburban development is preferable due to its benefits of high per capita land use consumption (larger houses) for individual households given lower land prices. There is little empirical evidence on how TQL is shaped by high-density versus low-density urban forms. This paper investigates this topic through providing an approach to spatially map and examine the relationship between TQL, residential expansion, and densification processes in the so-called NUTS2 (nomenclature of terrestrial units for statistics) regions of European Union (EU) member countries. The relative importance of each TQL indicator was determined through the entropy weight method, where these indicators were aggregated through using the subject weights to obtain the overall TQL indicator. The spatial dynamics of TQL were examined and its relationship with residential expansion and densification processes was analysed to uncover whether the former or the latter process is positively associated with the TQL indicator within our study area. From our regression models, the residential expansion index is negatively related to the TQL indicator, implying that high levels of residential expansion can result in a reduction in overall quality of life in the regions if they are not supported by associated infrastructure and facility investments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]