Smart Cities: Infrastructure, Innovation, Technology, Governance and Citizenship

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Buildings buildings	3.1	3.4	2011	15.3 Days	CHF 2600
Sensors sensors	3.4	7.3	2001	18.6 Days	CHF 2600
Smart Cities smartcities	7.0	11.2	2018	28.4 Days	CHF 2000
Sustainability sustainability	3.3	6.8	2009	19.7 Days	CHF 2400
Urban Science urbansci	2.1	4.3	2017	20.7 Days	CHF 1600
Applied Sciences applsci	2.5	5.3	2011	18.4 Days	CHF 2400

24 pages, 3163 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Challenges of Engineering Skillsets Essential for Driving Circularity of Smart Cities

by Benjamin Neale, Sakdirat Kaewunruen, Dan Li, Ayfer Donmez Cavdar, Rand Askar, Tatjana Tambovceva and Diana Bajare

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(2), 809; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15020809 - 15 Jan 2025

Viewed by 824

Abstract

This study aims to define specific transferable engineering capabilities needed for the implementation (design and practices) of circular economy (CE) within a smart city setting. We conducted a critical literature review of over 100 studies on the core values of CE and smart [...] Read more.

This study aims to define specific transferable engineering capabilities needed for the implementation (design and practices) of circular economy (CE) within a smart city setting. We conducted a critical literature review of over 100 studies on the core values of CE and smart cities to investigate the knowledge gap in this topic and understand what specific skillset is employed by industry experts that can be harnessed on a wider scale, which can allow for the optimization of CE. There is a lack of research on the skillsets needed to implement a circular economy in any setting, and there are very few studies on circularity practices in a smart city setting. Primary data collection allows us to bridge this knowledge gap, yielding new findings that do not already exist concerning the skillset employed by experts in the field, which can positively impact the smart city settings in which a circular economy is implemented. We conducted a qualitative analysis based on expert interviews of 21 participants who have experience in the circular economy. This information will benefit the industry by informing businesses and councils about the key skillsets and capabilities to look out for when employing people to implement any aspect of circular practices in a smart city setting, with an emphasis on enhancing efficiency, achieving deliverables, and thinking systemically to address complex challenges they may face during the implementation. We also investigated the implementation of CE in smart cities to provide a well-rounded view of the different achievements and challenges faced during the process. This mainly focuses on the work of governance in smart circular cities, a factor that has many important implications and externalities in different sectors. This study describes the methodology adopted to formulate a detailed questionnaire for expert interviews with respect to the skill gap and capabilities necessary for working in the industry, the results of which aid discussions regarding the different challenges faced in CE implementation. Our findings reveal that background knowledge in engineering and sustainability is the most ‘highly critical’ hard skill according to the experts, while communication and stakeholder engagement are the essential soft skills required to ensure the success of a circular economy within smart city settings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Smart Cities: Infrastructure, Innovation, Technology, Governance and Citizenship)

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18 pages, 4315 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Real-Time Monitoring of Environmental Parameters in Schools to Improve Indoor Resilience Under Extreme Events

by Salit Azoulay Kochavi, Oz Kira and Erez Gal

Smart Cities 2025, 8(1), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/smartcities8010007 - 3 Jan 2025

Viewed by 1483

Abstract

Climatic changes lead to many extreme weather events throughout the globe. These extreme weather events influence our behavior, exposing us to different environmental conditions, such as poor indoor quality. Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) poses a significant concern in the modern era, as [...] Read more.

Climatic changes lead to many extreme weather events throughout the globe. These extreme weather events influence our behavior, exposing us to different environmental conditions, such as poor indoor quality. Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) poses a significant concern in the modern era, as people spend up to 90% of their time indoors. Ventilation influences key IAQ elements such as temperature, relative humidity, and particulate matter (PM). Children, considered a vulnerable group, spend approximately 30% of their time in educational settings, often housed in old structures with poorly maintained ventilation systems. Extreme weather events lead young students to stay indoors, usually behind closed doors and windows, which may lead to exposure to elevated levels of air pollutants. In our research, we aim to demonstrate how real-time monitoring of air pollutants and other environmental parameters under extreme weather is important for regulating the indoor environment. A study was conducted in a school building with limited ventilation located in an arid region near the Red Sea, which frequently suffers from high PM concentrations. In this study, we tracked the indoor environmental conditions and air quality during the entire month of May 2022, including an extreme outdoor weather event of sandstorms. During this month, we continuously monitored four classrooms in an elementary school built in 1967 in Eilat. Our findings indicate that PM2.5 was higher indoors (statistically significant) by more than 16% during the extreme event. Temperature was also elevated indoors (statistically significant) by more than 5%. The parameters’ deviation highlights the need for better indoor weather control and ventilation systems, as well as ongoing monitoring in schools to maintain healthy indoor air quality. This also warrants us as we are approaching an era of climatic instability, including higher occurrence of similar extreme events, which urge us to develop real-time responses in urban areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Smart Cities: Infrastructure, Innovation, Technology, Governance and Citizenship)

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28 pages, 4471 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Remaining Life Prediction of Automatic Fare Collection Systems from the Perspective of Sustainable Development: A Sparse and Weak Feature Fault Data-Based Approach

by Jing Xiong, Youchao Sun, Zhihao Xu, Yongbing Wan and Gang Yu

Sustainability 2025, 17(1), 230; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17010230 - 31 Dec 2024

Viewed by 980

Abstract

The most effective way to solve urban traffic congestion in mega cities is to develop rail transit, which is also an important strategy for sustainable urban development. Improving the service performance of rail transit equipment is the key to ensuring the sustainable operation [...] Read more.

The most effective way to solve urban traffic congestion in mega cities is to develop rail transit, which is also an important strategy for sustainable urban development. Improving the service performance of rail transit equipment is the key to ensuring the sustainable operation of urban rail transit. Automatic fare collection (AFC) is an indispensable system in urban rail transit. AFC directly serves passengers, and its condition directly affects the sustainability and safety of urban rail transit. This study proposes remaining useful life (RUL) prediction framework for AFC systems. Firstly, it proposes the quantification of AFC health state based on health degree, and proposes a health state assessment method based on digital analog fusion, which compensates for the shortcomings of single data-driven or model driven health methods. Secondly, it constructs a multi feature extraction method based on multi-layer LSTM, which can capture long-term temporal dependencies and multi-dimensional feature, overcoming the limitation of low model accuracy because of the weak data features. Then, the SSA-XGBoost model for AFC RUL prediction is proposed, which effectively performs global and local searches, reduces the possibility of overfitting, and improves the accuracy of the prediction model. Finally, we put it into practice of the AFC system of Shanghai Metro Line 10. The experiment shows that the proposed model has an MSE of 0.00111 and MAE of 0.02869 on the test set, while on the validation set, MSE is 0.00004 and MAE is 0.00659. These indicators are significantly better than other comparative models such as XGBoost, random forest regression, and linear regression. In addition, the SSA-XGBoost model also performs well on R-squared, further verifying its effectiveness in prediction accuracy and model fitting. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Smart Cities: Infrastructure, Innovation, Technology, Governance and Citizenship)

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17 pages, 1384 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Reality vs. Expectations in the Implementation of Urban Agricultural Projects—A Polycentric Governance Analysis

by Ouiam Fatiha Boukharta, Loïc Sauvée, Leticia Chico-Santamarta, Fabiana Pena-Fabri and Luis Manuel Navas-Gracia

Urban Sci. 2024, 8(4), 260; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci8040260 - 18 Dec 2024

Viewed by 1010

Abstract

Population growth and urbanization are threatening food security. Urban agriculture is therefore a solution for urban food production and distribution. This paper investigates a multi-level governance framework to evaluate how local authorities implement their prescriptions at different levels of decision-making and objectives for [...] Read more.

Population growth and urbanization are threatening food security. Urban agriculture is therefore a solution for urban food production and distribution. This paper investigates a multi-level governance framework to evaluate how local authorities implement their prescriptions at different levels of decision-making and objectives for urban agricultural projects and their role in building urban resilience. A qualitative assessment based on interviews and fieldwork over two periods in 2023 and 2024 was conducted with stakeholders from different entities in the Normandy Region of France, including the metropolis, the city, and two projects’ presidents. The findings revealed a positive alignment on polycentric governance between different entities in terms of socio-economic integration, climate improvement, and nutritional diversity, all of which were achieved by the cases evaluated. Additionally, local authorities are seeking to achieve urban food self-sufficiency in order to reduce the scale of food imports, thus highlighting a limitation and challenging aspect of this study, given that urban areas are compromised by population density, limited space capacity, and the impermanence of projects. This investigation clearly shows that using this combined systematic approach of interviews and fieldwork provides an in-depth understanding of authorities’ needs and assesses the existence of polycentric governance compliance across multiple units. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Smart Cities: Infrastructure, Innovation, Technology, Governance and Citizenship)

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22 pages, 1433 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Integrating Technology and Urban Resilience: A Comprehensive Analysis of Smart City Initiatives in Sydney

by Shabnam Varzeshi, John Fien and Leila Irajifar

Sustainability 2024, 16(24), 10967; https://doi.org/10.3390/su162410967 - 13 Dec 2024

Viewed by 1266

Abstract

This study explores the integration of smart city and resilience strategies in Sydney, focusing on the relationship between technological advancements and urban resilience. By analysing strategic documents and key projects—specifically the NSW Spatial Digital Twin, Land iQ, and SIMPaCT—this research identifies important synergies [...] Read more.

This study explores the integration of smart city and resilience strategies in Sydney, focusing on the relationship between technological advancements and urban resilience. By analysing strategic documents and key projects—specifically the NSW Spatial Digital Twin, Land iQ, and SIMPaCT—this research identifies important synergies and gaps in Sydney’s urban planning efforts. The findings indicate that these projects improve urban functionality through real-time data integration, predictive planning, and adaptive infrastructure. However, there are inconsistencies between strategic objectives and actual implementation, particularly concerning stakeholder inclusivity and equity considerations. The study concludes that utilising technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI), along with equitable stakeholder engagement, has the potential to significantly enhance Sydney’s ability to address environmental, social, and economic challenges. These insights offer practical recommendations for policymakers and urban planners who aim to balance innovation with inclusivity in smart city development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Smart Cities: Infrastructure, Innovation, Technology, Governance and Citizenship)

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29 pages, 1297 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Scatter Search Algorithm for a Waste Collection Problem in an Argentine Case Study

by Diego Rossit, Begoña González Landín, Mariano Frutos and Máximo Méndez Babey

Urban Sci. 2024, 8(4), 240; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci8040240 - 2 Dec 2024

Viewed by 1052

Abstract

Increasing urbanization and rising consumption rates are putting pressure on urban systems to efficiently manage Municipal Solid Waste (MSW). Waste collection, in particular, is one of the most challenging aspects of MSW management. Therefore, developing computer-aided tools to support decision-makers is crucial. In [...] Read more.

Increasing urbanization and rising consumption rates are putting pressure on urban systems to efficiently manage Municipal Solid Waste (MSW). Waste collection, in particular, is one of the most challenging aspects of MSW management. Therefore, developing computer-aided tools to support decision-makers is crucial. In this paper, a Scatter Search algorithm is proposed to address the waste collection problem. The literature is relatively scarce in applying this algorithm, which has proven to be efficient in other routing problems, to real waste management problems. Results from real-world instances of an Argentine city demonstrate that the algorithm is competitive, obtaining, in the case of small instances, the same outcomes as those of an exact solver enhanced by valid inequalities, although requiring more computational time (as expected), and significantly improving the results of the latter for the case of larger instances, now requiring much less computational time. Thus, Scatter Search proves to be a competitive algorithm for addressing waste collection problems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Smart Cities: Infrastructure, Innovation, Technology, Governance and Citizenship)

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14 pages, 539 KiB

Open AccessPerspective

When Cities Go Nuclear: Exploring the Applications of Nuclear Batteries Toward Energy Transformation

by Sanjana Paul, Mikita Klimenka, Fabio Duarte, Carmen Crawford, Claire Gorman, Carlo Ratti and Jacopo Buongiorno

Urban Sci. 2024, 8(4), 226; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci8040226 - 25 Nov 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1363

Abstract

Global society faces the pressing question of how to eliminate reliance on fossil fuels while meeting increasing energy demand. In comparison to solar and wind energy, nuclear power has been largely ignored in urban studies research. However, nuclear energy has recently regained attention [...] Read more.

Global society faces the pressing question of how to eliminate reliance on fossil fuels while meeting increasing energy demand. In comparison to solar and wind energy, nuclear power has been largely ignored in urban studies research. However, nuclear energy has recently regained attention through the emergence of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), and as the stakes of decarbonization become increasingly essential. To evaluate situations in which SMRs bring value to urban energy mixes, this paper focuses on Nuclear Batteries (NBs), a specific class of SMRs, that can fit in standard shipping containers. First, we outline an evaluation framework for the use and application of NBs; second, we present use cases for NBs in real-world situations, from disaster relief to grid reinforcement; and third, we discuss the social challenges around this technology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Smart Cities: Infrastructure, Innovation, Technology, Governance and Citizenship)

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31 pages, 3497 KiB

Open AccessReview

How 3D Printing Technology Makes Cities Smarter: A Review, Thematic Analysis, and Perspectives

by Lapyote Prasittisopin

Smart Cities 2024, 7(6), 3458-3488; https://doi.org/10.3390/smartcities7060135 - 12 Nov 2024

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3648

Abstract

This paper presents a comprehensive review of the transformative impacts of 3D printing technology on smart cities. As cities face rapid urbanization, resource shortages, and environmental degradation, innovative solutions such as additive manufacturing (AM) offer potential pathways for sustainable urban development. By synthesizing [...] Read more.

This paper presents a comprehensive review of the transformative impacts of 3D printing technology on smart cities. As cities face rapid urbanization, resource shortages, and environmental degradation, innovative solutions such as additive manufacturing (AM) offer potential pathways for sustainable urban development. By synthesizing 66 publications from 2015 to 2024, the study examines how 3D printing improves urban infrastructure, enhances sustainability, and fosters community engagement in city planning. Key benefits of 3D printing include reducing construction time and material waste, lowering costs, and enabling the creation of scalable, affordable housing solutions. The paper also addresses emerging areas such as the integration of 3D printing with digital twins (DTs), machine learning (ML), and AI to optimize urban infrastructure and predictive maintenance. It highlights the use of smart materials and soft robotics for structural health monitoring (SHM) and repairs. Despite the promising advancements, challenges remain in terms of cost, scalability, and the need for interdisciplinary collaboration among engineers, designers, urban planners, and policymakers. The findings suggest a roadmap for future research and practical applications of 3D printing in smart cities, contributing to the ongoing discourse on sustainable and technologically advanced urban development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Smart Cities: Infrastructure, Innovation, Technology, Governance and Citizenship)

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22 pages, 1392 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Index for Assessing the Performance Level of Vehicular Traffic on Urban Streets

by Ernesto De la Cruz-Nicolás, Hugo Estrada-Esquivel, Alicia Martínez-Rebollar, Odette Alejandra Pliego-Martínez and Eddie Clemente

Urban Sci. 2024, 8(4), 204; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci8040204 - 6 Nov 2024

Viewed by 1203

Abstract

Vehicular transportation is one of the most widely used modes in modern cities for reaching key destinations such as workplaces, healthcare facilities, recreational areas, and educational institutions, among others. However, the performance of vehicular traffic on these roads can vary significantly due to [...] Read more.

Vehicular transportation is one of the most widely used modes in modern cities for reaching key destinations such as workplaces, healthcare facilities, recreational areas, and educational institutions, among others. However, the performance of vehicular traffic on these roads can vary significantly due to the influence of different environmental variables. In the literature, factors such as traffic incidents, weather conditions, road infrastructure, and driving habits, among others, have been identified as impacting vehicular traffic performance. In this context, predictive models have been developed to anticipate congestion at specific points in cities based on statistics, machine learning, simulation, and complex networks. This study proposes a novel index aimed at assessing the level of performance of vehicular traffic on streets based on the relationship among relevant urban environmental variables. This index is generated through Genetic Programming, considering a set of variables related to traffic, incidents, and services. The case study will focus on the streets of the Tlalpan Municipality in Mexico City. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Smart Cities: Infrastructure, Innovation, Technology, Governance and Citizenship)

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16 pages, 5783 KiB

Open AccessArticle

LG-YOLOv8: A Lightweight Safety Helmet Detection Algorithm Combined with Feature Enhancement

by Zhipeng Fan, Yayun Wu, Wei Liu, Ming Chen and Zeguo Qiu

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(22), 10141; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142210141 - 6 Nov 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1509

Abstract

In the realm of construction site monitoring, ensuring the proper use of safety helmets is crucial. Addressing the issues of high parameter values and sluggish detection speed in current safety helmet detection algorithms, a feature-enhanced lightweight algorithm, LG-YOLOv8, was introduced. Firstly, we introduce [...] Read more.

In the realm of construction site monitoring, ensuring the proper use of safety helmets is crucial. Addressing the issues of high parameter values and sluggish detection speed in current safety helmet detection algorithms, a feature-enhanced lightweight algorithm, LG-YOLOv8, was introduced. Firstly, we introduce C2f-GhostDynamicConv as a powerful tool. This module enhances feature extraction to represent safety helmet wearing features, aiming to improve the efficiency of computing resource utilization. Secondly, the Bi-directional Feature Pyramid (BiFPN) was employed to further enrich the feature information, integrating feature maps from various levels to achieve more comprehensive semantic information. Finally, to enhance the training speed of the model and achieve a more lightweight outcome, we introduce a novel lightweight asymmetric detection head (LADH-Head) to optimize the original YOLOv8-n’s detection head. Evaluations on the SWHD dataset confirm the effectiveness of the LG-YOLOv8 algorithm. Compared to the original YOLOv8-n algorithm, our approach achieves a mean Average Precision (mAP) of 94.1%, a 59.8% reduction in parameters, a 54.3% decrease in FLOPs, a 44.2% increase in FPS, and a 2.7 MB compression of the model size. Therefore, LG-YOLOv8 has high accuracy and fast detection speed for safety helmet detection, which realizes real-time accurate detection of safety helmets and an ideal lightweight effect. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Smart Cities: Infrastructure, Innovation, Technology, Governance and Citizenship)

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23 pages, 5803 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Study of Mixed Non-Motorized Traffic Flow Characteristics and Capacity Based on Multi-Source Video Data

by Guobin Gu, Xin Sun, Benxiao Lou, Xiang Wang, Bingheng Yang, Jianqiu Chen, Dan Zhou, Shiqian Huang, Qingwei Hu and Chun Bao

Sensors 2024, 24(21), 7045; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24217045 - 31 Oct 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1034

Abstract

Mixed non-motorized traffic is largely unaffected by motor vehicle congestion, offering high accessibility and convenience, and thus serving as a primary mode of “last-mile” transportation in urban areas. To advance stochastic capacity estimation methods and provide reliable assessments of non-motorized roadway capacity, this [...] Read more.

Mixed non-motorized traffic is largely unaffected by motor vehicle congestion, offering high accessibility and convenience, and thus serving as a primary mode of “last-mile” transportation in urban areas. To advance stochastic capacity estimation methods and provide reliable assessments of non-motorized roadway capacity, this study proposes a stochastic capacity estimation model based on power spectral analysis. The model treats discrete traffic flow data as a time-series signal and employs a stochastic signal parameter model to fit stochastic traffic flow patterns. Initially, UAVs and video cameras are used to capture videos of mixed non-motorized traffic flow. The video data were processed with an image detection algorithm based on the YOLO convolutional neural network and a video tracking algorithm using the DeepSORT multi-target tracking model, extracting data on traffic flow, density, speed, and rider characteristics. Then, the autocorrelation and partial autocorrelation functions of the signal are employed to distinguish among four classical stochastic signal parameter models. The model parameters are optimized by minimizing the AIC information criterion to identify the model with optimal fit. The fitted parametric models are analyzed by transforming them from the time domain to the frequency domain, and the power spectrum estimation model is then calculated. The experimental results show that the stochastic capacity model yields a pure EV capacity of 2060–3297 bikes/(h·m) and a pure bicycle capacity of 1538–2460 bikes/(h·m). The density–flow model calculates a pure EV capacity of 2349–2897 bikes/(h·m) and a pure bicycle capacity of 1753–2173 bikes/(h·m). The minimal difference between these estimates validates the effectiveness of the proposed model. These findings hold practical significance in addressing urban road congestion. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Smart Cities: Infrastructure, Innovation, Technology, Governance and Citizenship)

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17 pages, 1651 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Node Importance Evaluation of Urban Rail Transit Based on Signaling System Failure: A Case Study of the Nanjing Metro

by Junhong Hu, Mingshu Yang, Yunzhu Zhen and Wenling Fu

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(20), 9600; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14209600 - 21 Oct 2024

Viewed by 1164

Abstract

Assessing the importance of nodes in urban rail transit systems helps enhance their ability to respond to emergencies and improve reliability in view of the fact that most of the existing methods for evaluating the importance of rail transit nodes ignore the disturbance [...] Read more.

Assessing the importance of nodes in urban rail transit systems helps enhance their ability to respond to emergencies and improve reliability in view of the fact that most of the existing methods for evaluating the importance of rail transit nodes ignore the disturbance effect of signaling system failures and are unable to objectively identify critical stations in specific disturbance scenarios. Therefore, this paper proposed a method for evaluating the importance of urban rail transit nodes in signaling system failure scenarios. The method was based on the research background of the signaling system failure that occurs most frequently and analyzed the network failure mechanism after the occurrence of a disturbance. The node importance evaluation indices were selected from the network topology and network operation performance in two aspects. The variation coefficient–VIKOR method was employed to comprehensively assess the significance of urban rail transit stations during signaling system failures. The Nanjing Metro network was also used as an example to evaluate the importance of network stations. The results showed that under the attack method of signaling system failure, most ECC and interlocking stations experienced significantly higher network performance losses compared to the original attack method, and a few interchange stations showed smaller performance losses. The critical stations identified based on the proposed method are mainly distributed in the passenger flow backbone of the Nanjing Metro and were constructed in the early stage; of these, 85% are ECC stations or interlocking stations, which are easily neglected in daily management, in contrast to interchange stations with heavy passenger flow. The results of this study can provide an important reference for the stable operation and sustainable construction of urban rail transit. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Smart Cities: Infrastructure, Innovation, Technology, Governance and Citizenship)

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22 pages, 3381 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Autonomous Generation of a Public Transportation Network by an Agent-Based Model: Mutual Enrichment with Knowledge Graphs for Sustainable Urban Mobility

by Flann Chambers, Giovanna Di Marzo Serugendo and Christophe Cruz

Sustainability 2024, 16(20), 8907; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16208907 - 14 Oct 2024

Viewed by 1557

Abstract

Sound planning for urban mobility is a key facet of securing a sustainable future for our urban systems, and requires the careful and comprehensive assessment of its components, such as the status of the cities’ public transportation network, and how urban planners should [...] Read more.

Sound planning for urban mobility is a key facet of securing a sustainable future for our urban systems, and requires the careful and comprehensive assessment of its components, such as the status of the cities’ public transportation network, and how urban planners should invest in developing it. We use agent-based modelling, a tried and true method for such endeavours, for studying the history, planned future works and possible evolution of the tram line network in the Greater Geneva region. We couple these models with knowledge graphs, in a way that both are able to mutually enrich each other. Results show that the information organisation powers of knowledge graphs are highly relevant for effortlessly recounting past events and designing scenarios to be directly incorporated inside the agent-based model. The model features all 5 tram lines from the current real-world network, servicing a total of 15 communes. In turn, the model is capable of replaying past events, predicting future developments and exploring user-defined scenarios. It also harnesses its self-organisation properties to autonomously reconstruct an artificial public transportation network for the region based on two different initial networks, servicing up to 29 communes depending on the scenario. The data gathered from the simulation is effortlessly imported back into the initial knowledge graphs. The artificial networks closely resemble their real-world counterparts and demonstrate the predictive and prescriptive powers of our agent-based model. They constitute valuable assets towards a comprehensive assessment of urban mobility systems, compelling progress for the agent-based modelling field, and a convincing demonstration of its technical capabilities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Smart Cities: Infrastructure, Innovation, Technology, Governance and Citizenship)

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16 pages, 4359 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Air Quality Awareness—Empirical Evidence from a Comparative Perspective between Two European Cities

by Ornella Salimbene, María Teresa Baeza-Romero, Francesco Pilla and Gregor Čok

Urban Sci. 2024, 8(3), 133; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci8030133 - 1 Sep 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1991

Abstract

This research, conducted as part of the European project PA-MAP (Participatory Approach to Monitoring Air Quality in Urban Environments), investigates citizens’ perceptions of air pollution in two European cities: Turin (Italy) and Dublin (Ireland). We systematically collected social data through semi-structured surveys distributed [...] Read more.

This research, conducted as part of the European project PA-MAP (Participatory Approach to Monitoring Air Quality in Urban Environments), investigates citizens’ perceptions of air pollution in two European cities: Turin (Italy) and Dublin (Ireland). We systematically collected social data through semi-structured surveys distributed via online platforms. Our aim was to gather comprehensive information on the perception of pollution sources and the effectiveness of control systems. We examined citizens’ habits and their suggestions to improve air quality. The results revealed the following: (1) In Turin, the perception of air pollution significantly influences individuals’ self-assessments of health. Consequently, increased vigilance is required to mitigate environmental health risks and to disseminate information on air quality and effective practices for reducing air pollution. (2) The use of sustainable transportation in Turin is hindered due to the inadequate maintenance of cycling infrastructure. Citizens prefer to use cars or trains, which facilitate rapid travel. (3) In Dublin, greater sensitivity to the problem of air pollution has emerged, and the use of sustainable means of transport is facilitated via ad hoc infrastructure. These results provide empirical evidence to policymakers to support the promotion of concrete local actions through which to improve air quality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Smart Cities: Infrastructure, Innovation, Technology, Governance and Citizenship)

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35 pages, 1600 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Decentralized Incident Reporting: Mobilizing Urban Communities with Blockchain

by El-hacen Diallo, Rouwaida Abdallah, Mohammad Dib and Omar Dib

Smart Cities 2024, 7(4), 2283-2317; https://doi.org/10.3390/smartcities7040090 - 14 Aug 2024

Viewed by 2268

Abstract

This paper introduces an innovative response to the pressing challenge of rapid and effective incident detection and management in urban settings. The proposed solution is a decentralized incident reporting system (IRS) harnessing blockchain technology and decentralized data storage systems. By empowering residents to [...] Read more.

This paper introduces an innovative response to the pressing challenge of rapid and effective incident detection and management in urban settings. The proposed solution is a decentralized incident reporting system (IRS) harnessing blockchain technology and decentralized data storage systems. By empowering residents to report incidents, the proposed IRS enables seamless real-time monitoring and intervention by relevant departments. Built on a blockchain foundation, the proposed solution ensures immutability, transparency, security, and auditability, enhancing data resilience and comprehensive applicability. The proposed system leverages the InterPlanetary File System (IPFS) for the storage of incident proofs to manage the blockchain size effectively. Through the proposed IRS, transparency is upheld, enabling complete auditability of incident details and required interventions by citizens, societal bodies, and governmental bodies. Moreover, an incentive model is introduced to encourage active participation in incident reporting, thereby enhancing the system’s overall effectiveness and long-term sustainability. The proposed IRS integrates mobile technology to facilitate user engagement and data submission, essential for urban emergency management. Empirical validation using the Quorum–Raft blockchain demonstrates the feasibility of the proposed approach in terms of system throughput, incident reporting delay, blockchain size, and deployment cost. Specifically, the system maintains a latency of under 15 s even at high transaction rates, can handle up to 200 incidents per second, and is cost-effective, with deployment estimates for 16 organizations over five years being under 1.99 million USD. The method involves extensive testing with simulated incidents and user interactions to ensure robustness and scalability, showcasing the system’s potential for effective emergency management in urban environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Smart Cities: Infrastructure, Innovation, Technology, Governance and Citizenship)

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32 pages, 1585 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Smart-City Policy in China: Opportunities for Innovation and Challenges to Sustainable Development

by Song Yang, Yinfeng Su and Qin Yu

Sustainability 2024, 16(16), 6884; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16166884 - 10 Aug 2024

Viewed by 3578

Abstract

Urban development relies on the promotion of innovation, while sustainable development is an inevitable requirement for green urban development. As the primary carrier of innovation and sustainable development, cities have seen the construction of smart cities become a hotspot topic of public concern [...] Read more.

Urban development relies on the promotion of innovation, while sustainable development is an inevitable requirement for green urban development. As the primary carrier of innovation and sustainable development, cities have seen the construction of smart cities become a hotspot topic of public concern against the backdrop of rapid advancements in information technology. Based on the Chinese smart-city pilot policies, this paper selects data from 278 prefecture-level cities between 2007 and 2020, employing difference-in-difference (DID), epsilon-based measures and global Malmquist–Luenberger index (EBM-GLM), and the Spatial Durbin Model (SDM) to analyze the direct impact, spatial effects, and regional differences of smart-city construction on urban innovation capacity and sustainable development. The research results indicate the following: (1) the implementation of smart-city policies significantly enhances the urban innovation capacity (

U C I

), but its impact on green total-factor productivity (

G T F P

) is unstable and even insignificant; (2) the

U C I

and

G T F P

of smart cities have spillover effects, and the implementation of policies may inhibit the improvement of

U C I

and

G T F P

in neighboring cities; (3) the impact of smart-city construction varies across different regions, with a more significant promotion effect on the innovation capacity of economically developed cities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Smart Cities: Infrastructure, Innovation, Technology, Governance and Citizenship)

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31 pages, 9525 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bump Feature Detection Based on Spectrum Modeling of Discrete-Sampled, Non-Homogeneous Multi-Sensor Stream Data

by Haiyang Lyu, Qiqi Zhong, Donglai Jiao and Jianchun Hua

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(15), 6744; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14156744 - 2 Aug 2024

Viewed by 1022

Abstract

Roads are the most heavily affected aspect of urban infrastructure given the ever-increasing number of vehicles needed to provide mobility to residents, supply them with goods, and help sustain urban growth. An important indicator of degrading road infrastructure is the so-called bump features [...] Read more.

Roads are the most heavily affected aspect of urban infrastructure given the ever-increasing number of vehicles needed to provide mobility to residents, supply them with goods, and help sustain urban growth. An important indicator of degrading road infrastructure is the so-called bump features of the road surface (BFRS), which have affected transportation safety and driving experience. To collect BFRS, we can collect discrete-sampled, non-homogeneous multi-sensor stream data. We propose a BFRS detection method based on spectrum modeling and multi-dimensional features. With the sampling rate of GPS at 1 Hz and a gyroscope and accelerometer at 100 Hz, multi-sensor stream data are recorded at three different urban areas of Nanjing, China, using the smartphone mounted on a vehicle. The recorded stream data captures a geometric feature modeling movement and the respective driving conditions. Derived features also include acceleration, orientation, and speed information. To capture bump features, we develop a deep-learning-based approach based on so-called spectrum features. BFRS detection experiments using multi-sensor stream data from smartphones are conducted, and 4, 14, and 17 BFRS are correctly detected in three different areas, with the precision as 100%, 70.00%, and 77.27%, respectively. Then, comparisons are conducted between the proposed method and three other methods, and the F-score of the proposed method is computed as 1.0000, 0.6363, and 0.7555 at three different areas, which hold the highest value among all results. Finally, it shows that the proposed method performs well in different geographic areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Smart Cities: Infrastructure, Innovation, Technology, Governance and Citizenship)

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21 pages, 699 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analyzing the Requirements for Smart Pedestrian Applications: Findings from Nicosia, Cyprus

by George N. Papageorgiou, Demetris Demetriou, Elena Tsappi and Athanasios Maimaris

Smart Cities 2024, 7(4), 1950-1970; https://doi.org/10.3390/smartcities7040077 - 24 Jul 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1683

Abstract

This paper elicits and analyzes the main requirements for Smart Pedestrian applications designed to enhance the pedestrian experience in urban environments by offering optimized walking routes, improved accessibility, and support for social inclusion and connectivity. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the research combines qualitative [...] Read more.

This paper elicits and analyzes the main requirements for Smart Pedestrian applications designed to enhance the pedestrian experience in urban environments by offering optimized walking routes, improved accessibility, and support for social inclusion and connectivity. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the research combines qualitative insights with quantitative data analysis based on surveys conducted in two strategically selected urban areas of Nicosia, Cyprus. Through the survey, the requirements and potential use of Smart Pedestrian apps are investigated while accounting for the quality of service of the urban infrastructure in a medium-sized city context. Additionally, the study contrasts the current smartphone applications, as they predominantly facilitate vehicular transportation, with the potential use of ICT/ITS to support pedestrians for sustainable mobility. The findings reveal a significant demand for a Pedestrian Smartphone app, driven by its ability to provide relevant information on optimum pedestrian routes, as well as act as a citizen’s voice for spotting infrastructure problems and improving the pedestrian network. Further, it is also revealed that limitations in the pedestrian infrastructure substantially restrict walking preferences, emphasizing the need for urgent city-level urban planning solutions to support active mobility. Additionally, the research carried out underscores the importance of a sustainable business model to support the successful deployment of Smart Pedestrian apps. Ultimately, the results of the study suggest prioritizing a smart technology leverage with a crowdsourcing social network business model to promote pedestrian mobility, thereby reducing vehicular dependence, enhancing public health, and improving the quality of life. Such an approach would act as catalyst for policymakers to concentrate on sustainability by investing in digital technology for integrated pedestrian networks, fostering the emergence of genuine smart cities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Smart Cities: Infrastructure, Innovation, Technology, Governance and Citizenship)

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18 pages, 3686 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Energy Self-Sufficiency of Smaller Rural Centers: Experimental Approaches

by Elvira Nicolini

Buildings 2024, 14(6), 1862; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14061862 - 19 Jun 2024

Viewed by 1001

Abstract

Inland areas have been affected by demographic and economic decline over the past decades. New economic models, which are more focused on a humane quality of life, encourage a revival of these territories as newer, healthier places for living. This paper focuses on [...] Read more.

Inland areas have been affected by demographic and economic decline over the past decades. New economic models, which are more focused on a humane quality of life, encourage a revival of these territories as newer, healthier places for living. This paper focuses on minor centers, rethought as energy communities and how these can sustain themselves and become new places of living. The first part of the research critically analyzes current strategies of SECAPs (Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plans) in smaller historic urban centers. The second part of the paper starts with the typological, morphological, and technological interscalar analysis of two case studies, testing a repeatable expeditious knowledge collection and an intervention method on them. For urban environments, the hypothesized interventions include the management of energy production from renewable sources that are compatible with the presence and value of urban and built heritage; concerning rural territories, an agro-energy park is proposed. The document aims to provide a repeatable method for planning strategic actions within SECAPs in smaller urban centers with a high historical connotation. The case studies show that energy self-sufficiency can be an opportunity to valorize the urban center while favoring environmental sustainability and local development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Smart Cities: Infrastructure, Innovation, Technology, Governance and Citizenship)

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24 pages, 7593 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimization of Geothermal Heat Pump Systems for Sustainable Urban Development in Southeast Asia

by Thiti Chanchayanon, Susit Chaiprakaikeow, Apiniti Jotisankasa and Shinya Inazumi

Smart Cities 2024, 7(3), 1390-1413; https://doi.org/10.3390/smartcities7030058 - 12 Jun 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3918

Abstract

This study examines the optimization of ground source heat pump (GSHP) systems and energy piles for sustainable urban development, focusing on Southeast Asia. GSHPs, which utilize geothermal energy for indoor HVAC needs, offer a sustainable alternative to traditional systems by utilizing consistent subsurface [...] Read more.

This study examines the optimization of ground source heat pump (GSHP) systems and energy piles for sustainable urban development, focusing on Southeast Asia. GSHPs, which utilize geothermal energy for indoor HVAC needs, offer a sustainable alternative to traditional systems by utilizing consistent subsurface temperatures for heating and cooling. The study highlights the importance of understanding thermal movement within the soil, especially in soft marine clays prevalent in Southeast Asia, to improve GSHP system efficiency. Using a one-dimensional finite difference model, the study examines the effects of soil thermal conductivity and density on system performance. The results show that GSHP systems, especially when integrated with energy piles, significantly reduce electricity consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, underscoring their potential to mitigate the urban heat island effect in densely populated areas. Despite challenges posed by the region’s hot and humid climate, which could affect long-term effectiveness, the study highlights the need for further study, including field experiments and advanced modeling techniques, to optimize GSHP configurations and fully exploit geothermal energy in urban environments. The study’s insights into soil thermal dynamics and system design optimization contribute to advancing sustainable urban infrastructure development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Smart Cities: Infrastructure, Innovation, Technology, Governance and Citizenship)

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23 pages, 13593 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Portable Arduino-Based Multi-Sensor Device (SBEDAD): Measuring the Built Environment in Street Cycling Spaces

by Chuanwen Luo, Linyuan Hui, Zikun Shang, Chenlong Wang, Mingyu Jin, Xiaobo Wang and Ning Li

Sensors 2024, 24(10), 3096; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24103096 - 13 May 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2366

Abstract

The built environment’s impact on human activities has been a hot issue in urban research. Compared to motorized spaces, the built environment of pedestrian and cycling street spaces dramatically influences people’s travel experience and travel mode choice. The streets’ built environment data play [...] Read more.

The built environment’s impact on human activities has been a hot issue in urban research. Compared to motorized spaces, the built environment of pedestrian and cycling street spaces dramatically influences people’s travel experience and travel mode choice. The streets’ built environment data play a vital role in urban design and management. However, the multi-source, heterogeneous, and massive data acquisition methods and tools for the built environment have become obstacles for urban design and management. To better realize the data acquisition and for deeper understanding of the urban built environment, this study develops a new portable, low-cost Arduino-based multi-sensor array integrated into a single portable unit for built environment measurements of street cycling spaces. The system consists of five sensors and an Arduino Mega board, aimed at measuring the characteristics of the street cycling space. It takes air quality, human sensation, road quality, and greenery as the detection objects. An integrated particulate matter laser sensor, a light intensity sensor, a temperature and humidity sensor, noise sensors, and an 8K panoramic camera are used for multi-source data acquisition in the street. The device has a mobile power supply display and a secure digital card to improve its portability. The study took Beijing as a sample case. A total of 127.97 G of video data and 4794 Kb of txt records were acquired in 36 working hours using the street built environment data acquisition device. The efficiency rose to 8474.21% compared to last year. As an alternative to conventional hardware used for this similar purpose, the device avoids the need to carry multiple types and models of sensing devices, making it possible to target multi-sensor data-based street built environment research. Second, the device’s power and storage capabilities make it portable, independent, and scalable, accelerating self-motivated development. Third, it dramatically reduces the cost. The device provides a methodological and technological basis for conceptualizing new research scenarios and potential applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Smart Cities: Infrastructure, Innovation, Technology, Governance and Citizenship)

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32 pages, 16871 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Structural Health Monitoring for Prefabricated Building Envelope under Stress Tests

by Laura Vandi, Maria Teresa Calcagni, Francesco Belletti, Giuseppe Pandarese, Milena Martarelli, Gian Marco Revel, Vincent Docter and Alessandro Pracucci

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(8), 3260; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14083260 - 12 Apr 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1410

Abstract

This paper details the comprehensive activities conducted in a laboratory setting to assess the structural health monitoring (SHM) of prefabricated building envelopes. Integrating sensors into building components like curtain wall facades poses challenges but offers opportunities for monitoring structural health, requiring compliance with [...] Read more.

This paper details the comprehensive activities conducted in a laboratory setting to assess the structural health monitoring (SHM) of prefabricated building envelopes. Integrating sensors into building components like curtain wall facades poses challenges but offers opportunities for monitoring structural health, requiring compliance with regulatory standards. The research investigates the possibility of defining a kit of conventional and multi-parameter sensors integrated within the building envelope to monitor its behavior during the performance test conducted. The kit of sensors also includes Fiber Optic Sensors for effectively monitoring building envelope behavior and structural integrity. In this context, the European project InComEss (H2020-GA862597) aims to define a stand-alone solution for SHM using Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting Systems (PE-EHS) for façade monitoring through FBG/FOS system. After analyzing the main façade structural stress, a series of FBGs, accelerometers, and force washers were integrated within a 1:1 scale façade prototype and tested in a laboratory following the test sequence parameters required by the curtain wall standard EN 13830. The data collected were analyzed with the aim of monitoring the façade behavior before and after the tests. The results show that the façade’s performance passed the assessing test criteria without reporting any damages. In addition, the outcomes demonstrated the effectiveness of the defined kit of multi-parameter sensors for the building envelope’s SHM. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Smart Cities: Infrastructure, Innovation, Technology, Governance and Citizenship)

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23 pages, 2059 KiB

Open AccessReview

Contextualizing the Smart City in Africa: Balancing Human-Centered and Techno-Centric Perspectives for Smart Urban Performance

by Nessrine Moumen, Hassan Radoine, Kh Md Nahiduzzaman and Hassane Jarar Oulidi

Smart Cities 2024, 7(2), 712-734; https://doi.org/10.3390/smartcities7020029 - 27 Feb 2024

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4777

Abstract

The continuous growth of urban populations and the complexities of their current management in Africa have driven local governments to explore new technologies to optimize their urban and territorial performance. These governments and related stakeholders’ resort to the term “smart city” to orient [...] Read more.

The continuous growth of urban populations and the complexities of their current management in Africa have driven local governments to explore new technologies to optimize their urban and territorial performance. These governments and related stakeholders’ resort to the term “smart city” to orient the current urban planning policies and practices to be more efficient and adequate. Nevertheless, the issue that remains is how to contextualize this global term that has not yet been fully adopted by African cities that have claimed to be “Smart”. This contextualization becomes more complex in this critical context, where the city has not yet reached an ideal performance. Therefore, to reach this prospective African smart city, a critical review of how it would be both human-centered and techno-centered is imperative. This paper would review accordingly the above argument and set key performance indicator-based methodology on how to evaluate the smartness of a city in the African context. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Smart Cities: Infrastructure, Innovation, Technology, Governance and Citizenship)

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18 pages, 3116 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bibliometric Study on the Conceptualisation of Smart City and Education

by Debora Scala, Ángel Ignacio Aguilar Cuesta, Maria Ángeles Rodríguez-Domenech and María del Carmen Cañizares Ruiz

Smart Cities 2024, 7(1), 597-614; https://doi.org/10.3390/smartcities7010024 - 10 Feb 2024

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2251

Abstract

In recent years, research in the smart city sector has experienced exponential growth, establishing itself as a fundamental and multifaceted field of study. Education is one of the sectors of interest in smart cities. Concurrently, the extensive academic literature on smart cities makes [...] Read more.

In recent years, research in the smart city sector has experienced exponential growth, establishing itself as a fundamental and multifaceted field of study. Education is one of the sectors of interest in smart cities. Concurrently, the extensive academic literature on smart cities makes identifying the main areas of interest related to education, leading institutions and authors, potential interconnections between different disciplines, and existing gaps more complicated. This article maps the knowledge domain of education in smart cities through a bibliometric analysis to identify current trends, research networks, and topics of greatest interest. A total of 88 articles, published between 2000 and 2023, were examined using an interdisciplinary approach. The leading countries are mainly located in Europe and North America and include China. Bibliometrics provides an intellectual configuration of knowledge on education in smart cities; a co-word analysis identifies conceptual sub-domains in specific themes. In general, education within smart cities represents a universal challenge that requires a structured and interdisciplinary approach at all levels. Finally, this paper offers some suggestions for future research, adopting a more comprehensive view of the areas of investigation through a holistic analysis of stakeholders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Smart Cities: Infrastructure, Innovation, Technology, Governance and Citizenship)

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23 pages, 3486 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Benchmarking the Functional, Technical, and Business Characteristics of Automated Passenger Counting Products

by Cristina Pronello, Luca Baratti and Deepan Anbarasan

Smart Cities 2024, 7(1), 302-324; https://doi.org/10.3390/smartcities7010013 - 22 Jan 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2104

Abstract

Urban transport planning and the integration of various mobility options have become increasingly complex, necessitating a thorough understanding of user mobility patterns and their diverse needs. This paper focuses on benchmarking different Automatic Passenger Counting (APC) technologies, which play a key role in [...] Read more.

Urban transport planning and the integration of various mobility options have become increasingly complex, necessitating a thorough understanding of user mobility patterns and their diverse needs. This paper focuses on benchmarking different Automatic Passenger Counting (APC) technologies, which play a key role in Mobility as a Service (MaaS) systems. APC systems provide valuable data for analysing mobility patterns and informing decisions about resource allocation. Our study presents a comprehensive data collection and benchmark analysis of APC solutions. The literature review emphasises the significance of passenger counting for transport companies and discusses various existing APC technologies, such as pressure sensors, wireless sensors, optical infrared sensors (IR), and video image technology. Real-world applications of APC systems are examined, highlighting experimental results and their potential for improving accuracy. The methodology outlines the data collection process, which involved identifying APC companies, conducting interviews with companies and customers, and administering an ad hoc survey to gather specific information about APC systems. The collected data were used to establish criteria and key performance indicators (KPIs) for the benchmarking analysis. The benchmarking analysis compares APC devices and companies based on ten criteria: technology, accuracy, environment, coverage, interface, interference, robustness (for devices), price, pricing model, and system integration (for companies). KPIs were developed to measure performance and make comparison easier. The results of the benchmarking analysis offer insights into the costs and accuracy of different APC systems, enabling informed decision making regarding system selection and implementation. The findings fill a research gap and provide valuable information for transport companies and policy makers, and we offer a comprehensive analysis of APC systems, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and business strategies. The paper concludes by discussing limitations and suggesting future research directions for APC technologies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Smart Cities: Infrastructure, Innovation, Technology, Governance and Citizenship)

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18 pages, 1290 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of Performance in Smart Meter’s Acceptance: A Survey in Joinville, Brazil

by Diego Fettermann, Pedro Christoffel, Jaime Castillo and Angelo Sant’Anna

Urban Sci. 2024, 8(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci8010001 - 20 Dec 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2559

Abstract

The incorporation of renewable energy sources necessitates the upgrade of the electrical grid to a smart grid, which involves the implementation of smart meters. Although smart meters provide benefits to users, many smart meter implementation projects have failed to be accepted by users. [...] Read more.

The incorporation of renewable energy sources necessitates the upgrade of the electrical grid to a smart grid, which involves the implementation of smart meters. Although smart meters provide benefits to users, many smart meter implementation projects have failed to be accepted by users. This article assesses the factors influencing the acceptance of household smart meters in Joinville, a city in the south of Brazil. Based on the Unified and Extended Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2), a structural equation model was estimated using data from a sample of 136 respondents in the city of Joinville. The results indicate that Performance Expectancy, Hedonic Motivation, and Social Influence constructs have a more substantial effect on the Intention to Use smart meters. The results provide evidence for planning the upgrade of the electrical grid by implementing smart meters in southern Brazil. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Smart Cities: Infrastructure, Innovation, Technology, Governance and Citizenship)

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15 pages, 560 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Usefulness of a Civic Engagement Scale for Research on Smart Cities: Measuring Attitudes and Behavior

by Jiri Remr

Smart Cities 2023, 6(6), 3251-3265; https://doi.org/10.3390/smartcities6060144 - 23 Nov 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3142

Abstract

Civic engagement plays a critical role in smart city innovation and urban development by encouraging active participation in civic activities such as volunteering, voting, community organizing, or advocacy, all of which contribute to the development of local communities. This study highlights the need [...] Read more.

Civic engagement plays a critical role in smart city innovation and urban development by encouraging active participation in civic activities such as volunteering, voting, community organizing, or advocacy, all of which contribute to the development of local communities. This study highlights the need to assess civic engagement in smart cities in order to improve the interactions between technology and society. The study assessed the reliability and validity of the Civic Engagement Scale (CES) in the Czech context. The results presented are based on a representative sample of 1366 respondents from the general population aged 15–74. The study included univariate statistics, tests of internal consistency, and principal component analysis. In addition, the study presents the results of confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) that was conducted to examine the fit of the proposed model to empirical data. The results indicate that the CES has excellent psychometric properties, including high internal consistency and favorable absolute and incremental indices. The Czech version of the CES can be considered a valid and reliable instrument. The findings suggest using CES to research and evaluate policy interventions aimed at developing digital platforms that enable citizens to easily participate in urban planning and smart city projects, community-driven smart city projects that ensure local needs and preferences are addressed, or implementing incentive programs for citizens. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Smart Cities: Infrastructure, Innovation, Technology, Governance and Citizenship)

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23 pages, 7024 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Measuring Heat Stress for Human Health in Cities: A Low-Cost Prototype Tested in a District of Valencia, Spain

by Àlex Aduna-Sánchez, Antonio Correcher, David Alfonso-Solar and Carlos Vargas-Salgado

Sensors 2023, 23(22), 9285; https://doi.org/10.3390/s23229285 - 20 Nov 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2532

Abstract

Nowadays, the measurement of heat stress indices is of principal importance due to the escalating impact of global warming. As temperatures continue to rise, the well-being and health of individuals are increasingly at risk, which can lead to a detrimental effect on human [...] Read more.

Nowadays, the measurement of heat stress indices is of principal importance due to the escalating impact of global warming. As temperatures continue to rise, the well-being and health of individuals are increasingly at risk, which can lead to a detrimental effect on human performance and behavior. Hence, monitoring and assessing heat stress indices have become necessary for ensuring the safety and comfort of individuals. Thermal comfort indices, such as wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT), Tropical Summer Index (TSI), and Predicted Heat Strain (PHS), as well as parameters like mean radiant temperature (MRT), are typically used for assessing and controlling heat stress conditions in working and urban environments. Therefore, measurement and monitoring of these parameters should be obtained for any environment in which people are constantly exposed. Modern cities collect and publish this relevant information following the Smart City concept. To monitor large cities, cost-effective solutions must be developed. This work presents the results of a Heat Stress Monitoring (HSM) system prototype network tested in the Benicalap-Ciutat Fallera district in Valencia, Spain. The scope of this work is to design, commission, and test a low-cost prototype that is able to measure heat stress indices. The Heat Stress Monitoring system comprises a central unit or receiver and several transmitters communicating via radiofrequency. The transmitter accurately measures wind speed, air temperature, relative humidity, atmospheric pressure, solar irradiation, and black globe temperature. The receiver has a 4G modem that sends the data to an SQL database in the cloud. The devices were tested over one year, showing that radio data transmission is reliable up to 700 m from the receiver. The system’s power supply, composed of a Photovoltaic panel and Lithium-ion batteries, provided off-grid capabilities to the transmitter, with a tested backup autonomy of up to 36 days per charge. Then, indicators such as WBGT, TSI, and MRT were successfully estimated using the data collected by the devices. The material cost of a 12-point network is around EUR 2430 with a competitive price of EUR 190 per device. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Smart Cities: Infrastructure, Innovation, Technology, Governance and Citizenship)

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20 pages, 1579 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Strengthening Urban Resilience: Understanding the Interdependencies of Outer Space and Strategic Planning for Sustainable Smart Environments

by Ulpia-Elena Botezatu, Olga Bucovetchi, Adrian V. Gheorghe and Radu D. Stanciu

Smart Cities 2023, 6(5), 2499-2518; https://doi.org/10.3390/smartcities6050113 - 22 Sep 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2499

Abstract

The conventional approach to urban planning has predominantly focused on horizontal dimensions, disregarding the potential risks originating from outer space. This paper aims to initiate a discourse on the vertical dimension of cities, which is influenced by outer space, as an essential element [...] Read more.

The conventional approach to urban planning has predominantly focused on horizontal dimensions, disregarding the potential risks originating from outer space. This paper aims to initiate a discourse on the vertical dimension of cities, which is influenced by outer space, as an essential element of strategic urban planning. Through an examination of a highly disruptive incident in outer space involving a collision between the Iridium 33 and Cosmos 2251 satellites, this article elucidates the intricate interdependencies between urban areas and outer space infrastructure and services. Leveraging the principles of critical infrastructure protection, which bridge the urban and outer space domains, and employing simulation methods and software, this study articulates the intricate governance complexities of urban security and presents viable solutions for its enhancement. Consequently, the study contributes to the ongoing deliberations regarding the spatial integration of security practices by providing scholarly discourse on urban governance with potential strategies for cultivating sustainable smart cities. In essence, the intrinsic resilience of urban areas heavily relies on the interconnections between cities and outer space, necessitating urban strategists to acknowledge and comprehend these intricate interdependencies. To ensure sustainable urban development, it is imperative to fortify smart cities’ resilience against space debris through the implementation of more stringent regulations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Smart Cities: Infrastructure, Innovation, Technology, Governance and Citizenship)

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13 pages, 2836 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Planning on the Verge of AI, or AI on the Verge of Planning

by Thomas W. Sanchez

Urban Sci. 2023, 7(3), 70; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci7030070 - 28 Jun 2023

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 8973

Abstract

The urban planning process is complex, involving social, economic, environmental, and political systems. Knowledge of how these systems interact is the domain of professional planners. Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) present planners with a ripe opportunity to critically assess their approaches and explore [...] Read more.

The urban planning process is complex, involving social, economic, environmental, and political systems. Knowledge of how these systems interact is the domain of professional planners. Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) present planners with a ripe opportunity to critically assess their approaches and explore how new data collection, analysis, and methods can augment the understanding of places as they seek to anticipate futures with improved quality of life. AI can offer access to more and better information about travel patterns, energy consumption, land utilization, and environmental impacts, while also helping to better integrate these systems, which is what planners do. The adoption process will likely be gradual and involve significant time and resources. This article highlights several topics and issues that should be considered during this process. It is argued that planners will be well-served by approaching AI tools in a strategic manner that involves the topics discussed here. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Smart Cities: Infrastructure, Innovation, Technology, Governance and Citizenship)

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19 pages, 2737 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Evaluating the Impact of Public Participation Processes on Participants in Smart City Development: A Scoping Review

by Coline Senior, Alenka Temeljotov Salaj, Agnar Johansen and Jardar Lohne

Buildings 2023, 13(6), 1484; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13061484 - 8 Jun 2023

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 6172

Abstract

This paper provides an overview of the current state of research on the evaluation methods of participatory processes in smart cities. Specifically, it aims to identify and analyze existing evaluation methods and frameworks for public participation (PP) in smart city development. The study [...] Read more.

This paper provides an overview of the current state of research on the evaluation methods of participatory processes in smart cities. Specifically, it aims to identify and analyze existing evaluation methods and frameworks for public participation (PP) in smart city development. The study focuses on the evaluation of participatory processes to find key indicators and enable an assessment of PP from multiple perspectives. A scoping literature review was conducted to analyze the past ten years of scientific literature on the topic. Relevant literature was retrieved from Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, and articles were selected based on a set of criteria to ensure quality and relevance. We found that digital participation, also known as “e-participation”, is the most used method either exclusively or mixed with in-person methods. The level of participation achieved was mostly limited to the first two degrees of PP (i.e., information and consultation), and only a few papers addressed the highest degrees (i.e., agenda-setting and co-management). The impact on participants was mostly related to knowledge and skills, awareness raising, and satisfaction with the process and method. This paper highlights the potential to upskill citizens and enhance their understanding of sustainable urban development, fostering their commitment to achieving the United Nations’ sustainability goals for climate change mitigation in the urban context. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Smart Cities: Infrastructure, Innovation, Technology, Governance and Citizenship)

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22 pages, 637 KiB

Open AccessHypothesis

Exploring the Challenges and Issues in Adopting Cybersecurity in Saudi Smart Cities: Conceptualization of the Cybersecurity-Based UTAUT Model

by Nawaf Alhalafi and Prakash Veeraraghavan

Smart Cities 2023, 6(3), 1523-1544; https://doi.org/10.3390/smartcities6030072 - 29 May 2023

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4573

Abstract

This study aims to explore the challenges and issues in adopting cybersecurity practices in smart Saudi cities and to develop and validate a newly developed cybersecurity-based unified theory of acceptance and use of technology 3 (UTAUT3) model. The study has a twofold purpose. [...] Read more.

This study aims to explore the challenges and issues in adopting cybersecurity practices in smart Saudi cities and to develop and validate a newly developed cybersecurity-based unified theory of acceptance and use of technology 3 (UTAUT3) model. The study has a twofold purpose. First, it identified the key challenges and issues in adopting smart cities in Saudi smart cities. Second, it developed a technology-based model to adopt cybersecurity practices in Saudi smart cities. Two surveys were conducted to achieve these objectives. The first survey identified challenges and gaps in adopting cybersecurity practices in smart cities, revealing concerns about weak cybersecurity platforms, privacy breaches, and the impact of IT infrastructure advancements on Saudi culture (N = 554: common public). The second survey focused on developing and validating a cybersecurity-based UTAUT3 model (N = 108: IT professionals), emphasizing nine factors: performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, safety, resiliency, availability, confidentiality, and integrity of cybersecurity. The model’s validity and reliability were assessed, demonstrating its potential for understanding user behavior and adoption patterns in smart cities. The study findings provide valuable insights into the factors influencing the adoption of cybersecurity measures in smart Saudi cities, highlighting the need for targeted strategies, effective awareness programs, and collaboration between stakeholders to promote a secure and resilient digital environment. Future research may focus on refining the model, extending its applicability to other regions or countries, and investigating the impact of emerging technologies and evolving cyber threats on user behavior and cybersecurity practices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Smart Cities: Infrastructure, Innovation, Technology, Governance and Citizenship)

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22 pages, 3129 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Review of the Theory and Practice of Smart City Construction in China

by Zhengrong Liu and Jianping Wu

Sustainability 2023, 15(9), 7161; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15097161 - 25 Apr 2023

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 7131

Abstract

The construction of smart cities is an imperative trend for high-quality urban development and represents a crucial solution to various problems that afflict urbanization, such as population growth pressure, resource scarcity, environmental degradation, and economic frailty. To create a smart city, it is [...] Read more.

The construction of smart cities is an imperative trend for high-quality urban development and represents a crucial solution to various problems that afflict urbanization, such as population growth pressure, resource scarcity, environmental degradation, and economic frailty. To create a smart city, it is essential to gain a profound understanding of the evolution and experiences of urban development and have a clear grasp of the concept, emphasis, and developmental trajectory of smart cities. However, previous research and theoretical frameworks have mainly focused on the digital transformation of cities, the application of new generation information technologies, and the comprehensive intelligence of cities, neglecting the fundamental positioning and value of cities, which is the people’s central position and pursuit of happiness. This has led to many situations where intelligence is pursued for the sake of intelligence, resulting in inefficient use and allocation of resources. This paper puts forth a framework for the three generations of smart city construction and their meanings at the conceptual level, conducts an in-depth analysis of the development process and challenges of smart cities in China, and provides suggestions for improvement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Smart Cities: Infrastructure, Innovation, Technology, Governance and Citizenship)

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16 pages, 3514 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of an Intelligent Personal Assistant System Based on IoT for People with Disabilities

by Abd-elmegeid Amin Ali, Mohamed Mashhour, Ahmed S. Salama, Rasha Shoitan and Hassan Shaban

Sustainability 2023, 15(6), 5166; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15065166 - 14 Mar 2023

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3853

Abstract

Approximately 15% of the world’s population suffers from different types of disabilities. These people face many challenges when trying to interact with their home appliances. Various solutions are introduced to increase their quality of life, such as controlling their devices remotely through their [...] Read more.

Approximately 15% of the world’s population suffers from different types of disabilities. These people face many challenges when trying to interact with their home appliances. Various solutions are introduced to increase their quality of life, such as controlling their devices remotely through their voices. However, these solutions use command templates that fail to understand the unstructured or semi-structured command. Many authors have recently integrated intelligent personal assistant (IPA) systems, such as Google Assistant, Siri, and Alexa, with control circuits to exploit the advantages of the NLP of these IPAs to control traditional home appliances. However, this solution still struggles with understanding unstructured commands and requires the internet to be available for controlling the devices. This research proposes a new IPA system integrated with IoT, called IRON, for disabled people to use to control customizable devices with a structured and unstructured voice command. The proposed algorithm receives voice orders from the person in a structured or unstructured form and transforms them into text based on the Google Speech-to-Text API. The natural language processing technique splits the commands into tokens to determine the device name and the command type, whether it is a question about device status or a statement. Afterward, the logistic regression classifies the rest of the tokens as positive or negative to turn on or off the device, then sends the command to a Raspberry Pi to control the device. The proposed IRON system is implemented using logistic regression, naïve Bayes, and the support vector machine and is trained on a created dataset consisting of 3000 normal, negative, and unstructured commands. The simulation results show that the IRON system can determine 90% of the device’s names for all commands. Moreover, the IRON correctly classifies 100% of the commands as positive or negative within approximately 30 s. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Smart Cities: Infrastructure, Innovation, Technology, Governance and Citizenship)

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16 pages, 2656 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Open Data Insights from a Smart Bridge Datathon: A Multi-Stakeholder Observation of Smart City Open Data in Practice

by Sage Cammers-Goodwin

Smart Cities 2023, 6(2), 676-691; https://doi.org/10.3390/smartcities6020032 - 21 Feb 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2744

Abstract

“Open Data” efforts are growing, especially in Europe, where open data are seen as a possible ethical driver of innovation. As smart cities continue to develop, it is important to explore how open data will affect the stakeholders of smart public spaces. Making [...] Read more.

“Open Data” efforts are growing, especially in Europe, where open data are seen as a possible ethical driver of innovation. As smart cities continue to develop, it is important to explore how open data will affect the stakeholders of smart public spaces. Making data open and accessible not only has a managerial and technical component but also creates opportunities to shift power dynamics by granting individuals (and entities) access to data they might not otherwise be able to obtain. The scope of those who could access these data is wide, including data-illiterate citizens, burgeoning startups, and foreign militaries. This paper details the process of making data “open” from the MX3D smart bridge in Amsterdam through a “datathon”. The development and outcomes of opening the data and the event itself bring us closer to understanding the complexity of open data access and the extent to which it is useful or empowering for members of the public. While open data research continues to expand, there is still a dearth of studies that qualitatively detail the process and stakeholder concerns for a modern smart city project. This article serves to fill this gap. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Smart Cities: Infrastructure, Innovation, Technology, Governance and Citizenship)

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