Search Results (584)

The construction sector contributes significantly to global greenhouse gases, accounting for 39% of worldwide emissions. Multi-story wood buildings (MSWBs) present a sustainable alternative to traditional emissions-intensive construction materials like concrete and steel. However, only a few studies have investigated how potential customers perceive MSWBs, which influences their acceptance and demand. This study uses a concept-driven scoping review to explore perceptions and concerns about living in MSWBs and to understand barriers to their adoption. Through a narrative synthesis of 20 peer-reviewed articles, this study uncovered five key themes: environmental sustainability, fire safety, human well-being, structural durability, and costs. These findings highlight opportunities and challenges for MSWBs’ market growth and inform future communication strategies to enhance public acceptance and promote sustainable construction and the built environment. Full article

This study aims to analyze the relationships between concerns and sentiments of stakeholders and the drought stage in a semi-arid region of Ceará from Language Technologies based on Artificial Intelligence. The dataset comprises 36 meeting minutes of water management bodies (2007–2024), of which 17 correspond to dry periods and 19 to normal periods (reservoir volume > 50%). Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques were applied to generate word clouds, and sentiment analysis was performed using a Large Language Model (Llama 3.2, 3B). Sentiment scores were compared with reservoir volume data. Results show that both perceptions and themes differed between drought and normal phases, with higher water availability coinciding with more positive sentiments. A moderate positive correlation was found between sentiment and reservoir volume (r = 0.53, p = 0.00095, 95% CI [0.24, 0.73]). Statistical tests confirmed differences between periods (Welch’s t-test, p = 0.0018; Mann-Whitney, p = 0.0039). Box-plot analyses indicated that over 75% of sentiments were positive in normal phases, while about 65% were negative in drought phases. These findings highlight the sensitivity of human perceptions to hydrological conditions and point to the potential of LLMs as innovative instruments for integrating qualitative data into complex socio-environmental analyses. Full article

Topophilia, understood as a form of relationship between humans and their environment, can manifest in diverse ways—not only across various domains of art and life but also within the realm of music. This article seeks to expand the thesis of topophilia as a category defining the musical space of creation, performance, and perception of a musical work. Topophilia is seen here in the context of human activity in the artistic dimensions—philosophical, creative, architectural, and environmental. The methodological background is derived from the philosophy of place, phenomenology of perception, and musical analysis. This provides the opportunity to apply hermeneutic–philosophical analysis with elements of the theory of place. The thesis of this study is probably one of the first approaches to the category of topophilia in musical analysis, examining the style of composers, such as J.S. Bach, F. Chopin, K. Szymanowski, W. Lutosławski, A. Webern, and I. Xenakis, enriched with elements of musical performance. Full article

This study explores the practice of “soundtalking”, a novel method of participant-led sound practice, across the Dee Estuary in the UK. Over the course of twelve months, the Our Dee Estuary Project facilitated monthly meetings where participants engaged in sound workshops, in-depth discussions, and sound-making activities, with the aim of fostering a deeper connection with both their local and sonic environments. This longitudinal practice-based research study created an environment of sonic learning and listening development, documenting how participants’ interactions and narratives both shape and are shaped by the estuarial environment, its soundscape, and their sense of place. Participant-led conversations formed the basis of the methodology, providing rich qualitative data on how individuals perceive, interpret, and interact with their surroundings and the impact that the soundscape has on the individual. The regular and unstructured discussions revealed the intrinsic value of soundscapes in participants’ lives, emphasising themes of memory, reflection, place attachment, environmental awareness, and well-being. The collaborative nature of the project allowed for the co-creation of a film and a radio soundscape, both of which serve as significant outputs, encapsulating the auditory and emotional essence of the estuary. The study’s initial findings indicate that “soundtalking” as a practice not only enhances participants’ auditory perception but also fosters a sense of community and belonging. The regularity of monthly meetings facilitated the development of a shared acoustic vocabulary and experience among participants, which in turn enriched their collective and individual experiences of the estuary. Soundtalking is proposed as an additional tool in the study of soundscapes to complement and extend more commonly implemented methods, such as soundwalking and soundsitting. Soundtalking demonstrates the efficacy of longitudinal, participant-led approaches in capturing the dynamic and lived experiences of soundscapes and their associated environments, over methods that only create fleeting short-term engagements with the soundscape. In conclusion, the Our Dee Estuary Project demonstrates the transformative potential of soundtalking in deepening our understanding of human–environment interactions and, in addition, has shown that there are both health and well-being aspects that arise from the practice. Beyond this, the project has output a film and a radio sound piece, which not only document but also celebrate the intricate and evolving relationship between the participants and the estuarine soundscape, offering valuable insights for future soundscape research and community engagement initiatives. Full article

Urban livability and sustainability are increasingly studied at the neighborhood scale, where built, social, and governance conditions shape residents’ everyday experiences. Yet existing assessment frameworks often fail to integrate subjective perceptions with multi-dimensional environmental indicators in replicable and scalable ways. To address this gap, this study develops an Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)-informed framework for evaluating perceived environmental quality in urban communities. Using Baidu Street View imagery—selected due to its comprehensive coverage of Chinese urban areas—and Point of Interest (POI) data, we analyze seven communities in Shenyang, China, selected for their diversity in built form and demographic context. Kernel Density Analysis and Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) are applied to derive latent ESG-related spatial dimensions. These are then correlated with Place Pulse 2.0 perception scores using Spearman analysis to assess subjective livability. Results show that environmental and social factors—particularly greenery visibility—are strongly associated with favorable perceptions, while governance-related indicators display weaker or context-specific relationships. The findings highlight the differentiated influence of ESG components, with environmental openness and walkability emerging as key predictors of perceived livability. By integrating pixel-level spatial features with perception metrics, the proposed framework offers a scalable and transferable tool for human-centered neighborhood evaluation, with implications for planning strategies that align with how residents experience urban environments. Full article

The visual perception of lightscapes in urban parks plays a pivotal role in shaping the quality of recreational experiences. Scientifically delineating the key perceptual components and cultivating visually compelling lightscape environments is essential for enhancing public engagement with urban green spaces. However, extant research often lacks a comprehensive identification of lightscape elements, leading to insufficiently targeted and fragmented design strategies. Furthermore, the sociocultural and psychological dimensions of light perception remain underexplored, with limited attention to human–environment interaction. To address this gap, the present study introduces a multi-dimensional lightscape perception evaluation system grounded in fuzzy set theory, encompassing 19 indicators across social, spatial, and experiential domains. Taking Shuixi Park in Tianjin as an empirical case, expert-based weighting and a structured questionnaire (N = 177) were employed to derive a composite satisfaction score of 3.969 (out of 5), with the experiential domain (e.g., light sensitivity, dynamism) achieving the highest score (4.311). The findings inform design strategies aimed at enhancing perceptual and environmental quality in urban parks and provide a theoretical foundation for the systematic integration of perceptual insights into visual landscape planning. Full article

This narrative case-based review describes the environmental and public health impacts in Chañaral, a town in northern Chile affected by the accumulation of copper mining tailings for the past 80 years. The review included 34 scientific articles published between 1978 and 2025. The keywords used were “mining tailings” and “Chañaral”, without year limits, and covering disciplines such as ecology, public health, environmental history, and territorial studies. The scientific evidence demonstrates the negative impacts on the ecosystem and the human population exposed to toxic metals and arsenic. Geomorphological and biogeochemical alterations have been found on the Chañaral coast, affecting marine biodiversity and water quality. In addition, epidemiological studies indicate exposure to toxic metals measured in street dust and urine, raising concerns on respiratory health in children and metabolic conditions in adults. According to the social sciences, the lack of environmental monitoring and human exposure data contributes to the high health risk perception in the population, posing the need to strengthen environmental monitoring, raise awareness on the risks of exposure to toxic metals, and promote mitigation and restoration strategies. These measures will contribute to sustainable conditions for the Chañaral community through the improvement of comprehensive public policies. Full article

Growing environmental challenges and the need to practice sustainable human actions and attitudes make it necessary to search for new solutions that can minimize the negative impact of human activity on the environment. This also refers to the tourism industry. In this article, the authors propose the use of virtual reality (VR) to visit any destination worldwide as a potential green alternative to traditional forms of travel. The aim of this study presented in this article was to analyze public acceptance and user perceptions of VR as a tool supporting or replacing real-world tourism. This study involved 215 people who used the Google Earth VR application to visit their chosen destinations around the world. Respondents also completed a two-part survey (before and after the VR experience), in which they assessed, among other things, the realism of the VR visiting and the overall VR experience and expressed their opinions on the role of VR in tourism. The results indicate that while VR is not yet widely recognized as a full-fledged substitute for travel (46% of respondents stated that VR would not replace real travel but could be a good complement), it was rated as useful for people who cannot travel (79.1% of respondents) and before trips (79.1% of respondents). The realism of the Google Earth VR application received an average rating of 3.679 on a scale of 1 to 5, with a median of 4. This study addresses the yet unexplored area of VR in tourism, which has great potential given that the results show a quite positive attitude of participants towards using the application enabling virtual travel—nearly three-quarters of the sample (73.9%) expressed a willingness to return to VR-based sightseeing experiences. Full article

This study examines the impacts of industrial wastewater from the Uttara Export Processing Zone (UEPZ) on natural resources, agriculture, and the health of nearby communities in Nilphamari, Bangladesh. Using a quantitative, self-report approach, data were collected from 162 households across four villages in Nilphamari Sadar Upazila, selected based on proximity to the UEPZ. Findings reveal significant environmental degradation: almost all (96%) respondents reported that water in nearby rivers and ponds has changed color and is odorous, unpleasant to taste, and contaminated, harming aquatic biodiversity. Agricultural productivity has declined, with 67 percent of respondents experiencing reduced crop yields, increased crop diseases, and rising cultivation costs due to greater dependence on fertilizers and pesticides. Also, 96 percent of respondents reported that the fish population diminished, reducing alternative income sources. Health impacts were pronounced; 69 percent of the respondents experienced water pollution-related complications, including skin, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and eye problems. Perceptions of wastewater health risks were strongly aligned with reported illnesses. Binary logistic regression further indicated a positive association between degraded crop health and human health problems. The study concludes that UEPZ’s wastewater disposal negatively affects natural resources, agriculture, and public health, underscoring the need for improved waste management and mitigation to protect affected communities. Full article

In this paper, we introduce a new vehicle automation model describing the latest intelligent vision systems, but not limited to them, based on interactions between the vehicle, its user, and the environment, occurring simultaneously or at different times. The proposed model addresses the lack of vehicle automation models that would simultaneously incorporate the latest vision systems and human actions, organize them according to interaction types, and enable quantitative performance analysis. The model, based on interactions, organizes in terms of types and enables parametric analysis of the operation of the latest automatic vision systems and modern knowledge about human behavior using the perception of visual information. The concept of interaction cycles was introduced, thanks to which it is possible to analyze subsequently occurring interactions, i.e., when actions trigger reactions. Interactions were decomposed into fragments containing single direct unidirectional interactions. The interactions have been assigned consistent numerical effectiveness parameters related to image recognition by individual systems, thanks to which numerical analysis at different levels of detail is possible, depending on the needs. For each of the six interaction types, ten applications of the newest and available vision systems, including those prepared by the authors, were reviewed and selected for effectiveness analysis using the presented model. The analysis was performed by appropriately weighting and averaging or multiplying interaction effectiveness. The overall effectiveness of the interaction model for selected solutions was over 80%. The model also allows the selection of weights for individual components, depending on the criterion being analyzed, e.g., safety or environmental protection. Humans turned out to be the weakest link in interactions, e.g., reducing the human driver role increased overall effectiveness of interactions to almost 90%, and its increase resulted in an effectiveness reduction to over 70%. Examples of selecting solutions for implementation based on the interaction cycle and its fragment, taking into account the effectiveness of subsequent interactions, were also presented. The presented model is characterized by its comprehensiveness, simplicity and scalability according to needs. It can be used both for scientific analysis of existing solutions and be helpful in selecting solutions for modification and implementation by the vehicle manufacturers. Full article

Sound source localization (SSL) adds a spatial dimension to auditory perception, allowing a system to pinpoint the origin of speech, machinery noise, warning tones, or other acoustic events, capabilities that facilitate robot navigation, human–machine dialogue, and condition monitoring. While existing surveys provide valuable historical context, they typically address general audio applications and do not fully account for robotic constraints or the latest advancements in deep learning. This review addresses these gaps by offering a robotics-focused synthesis, emphasizing recent progress in deep learning methodologies. We start by reviewing classical methods such as time difference of arrival (TDOA), beamforming, steered-response power (SRP), and subspace analysis. Subsequently, we delve into modern machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) approaches, discussing traditional ML and neural networks (NNs), convolutional neural networks (CNNs), convolutional recurrent neural networks (CRNNs), and emerging attention-based architectures. The data and training strategy that are the two cornerstones of DL-based SSL are explored. Studies are further categorized by robot types and application domains to facilitate researchers in identifying relevant work for their specific contexts. Finally, we highlight the current challenges in SSL works in general, regarding environmental robustness, sound source multiplicity, and specific implementation constraints in robotics, as well as data and learning strategies in DL-based SSL. Also, we sketch promising directions to offer an actionable roadmap toward robust, adaptable, efficient, and explainable DL-based SSL for next-generation robots. Full article

Autonomous public transport (APT) is revolutionizing urban mobility by integrating advanced technologies, including electric autonomous buses and shared autonomous vehicles (SAVs). This paper examines the historical evolution of APT, from early automation efforts in the 1920s to the deployment of autonomous shuttles in contemporary cities. It highlights technological milestones, legislative developments, and shifts in public perception that have influenced the adoption of APT. The research identifies key benefits of APT, including enhanced road safety, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and improved cost-efficiency in public transport operations. Additionally, the environmental potential of SAVs to reduce traffic congestion and emissions is explored, particularly when integrated with renewable energy sources and sustainable urban planning. However, the study also addresses significant challenges, such as handling emergencies without human intervention, rising cybersecurity threats, and employment displacement in the transportation sector. Social equity concerns are also discussed, especially regarding access and the risk of increasing urban inequality. This paper contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable mobility, transportation innovation, and the future of smart cities by providing a comprehensive analysis of both opportunities and obstacles. Effective policy frameworks and inclusive planning are essential for the successful implementation of APT systems worldwide. Full article

The growing participation of elderly individuals in cruise tourism introduces asymmetry in passenger mobility and perception, posing challenges for onboard emergency evacuation. To address this, an interactive cellular automata model that enables dynamic human–signage interaction, incorporating age-dependent variations in walking speed and visual field. The model simulates passenger behavior during evacuation by integrating a static potential field, signage attraction, and directional guidance mechanisms. A bi-objective optimization framework is proposed to determine the optimal signage layout for symmetrical cruise ship theaters, balancing evacuation effectiveness across age groups with design constraints such as economic considerations. The optimization uses a genetic algorithm through simulation experiments under varying age compositions and smoke concentration levels. Results indicate that age-sensitive and interactive signage design substantially enhances evacuation efficiency, particularly for elderly passengers and under limited visibility conditions. This study offers practical insights into signage layout strategies for enhancing shipboard evacuation safety in diverse demographic and environmentally complex scenarios. Full article

Plant-based diets are increasingly attracting attention as they play a significant role in human health and environmental sustainability and are believed to be key components of sustainable food systems. In the present study, both pros and cons of the adoption of plant-based diets are analyzed using a bibliometric method integrated with a qualitative examination of the scientific literature. For the bibliometric study, Bibliometrix software was utilized, examining 3245 scientific articles, downloaded from the Scopus database, and printed between the years 1957 and 2025. The analyses were conducted using R software, version 4.4.1, with access to the Bibliometrix package, version 4.1. The results indicate a remarkable rise, in the last two decades, in the scholarly focus on the influence of plant-based diets on the individual’s health condition as well as the environment. Keyword co-occurrence studies and international collaborations demonstrate a dominance of research focus in both the United States and Europe, with significant contributions from the Asia–Pacific region. Furthermore, the current work offers qualitative identification of the benefits of plant diets from various perspectives like nutritional, economic, ecological, and cultural. It also explores the main dissuaders from adhering to these diets, including perceived nutritional hazards, cost perceptions, low availability, and social prohibitions. Findings emphasize that, in spite of all the barriers, plant food-based diets have a wide-ranging ability to provide tangible benefits at both the individual and population levels, and documented in the scientific literature are recommendations of expert-led education programs, economic incentives, and judiciously framed public policies to overcome these barriers and to make this transition possible towards sustainable food choices. Findings provide a comprehensive understanding of the current lines of inquiry and stage the subsequent work on how to motivate sustainability among the general population. Full article

While increasingly popular for their aesthetic appeal and energy efficiency, reflective materials may also create harsh glare, disorientation, and psychological strain. Despite their prevalence in modern architectural design, the impact of these facades on mental well-being remains underexplored. Drawing from environmental psychology and perceptual science, this study assesses how different reflective materials influence both visual perception and psychological response, particularly among residents and students in Leicester. Two contrasting case studies, the reflective metal Highcross centre facade and the reflective glass Mattioli Woods PLC facade, served as focal points. Using a structured online questionnaire incorporating visual stimuli and Likert-scale questions, responses from 30 participants were analysed using descriptive and statistical analysis (i.e., one-way ANOVA) to determine differences in visual discomfort (due to brightness, glare, or shine), visual attractiveness, visual disorientation, and perception of the surroundings, as well as the associated physiological responses such as stress, tension, and mood. Results show that the Highcross Centre facade was consistently perceived as more visually discomforting and disorienting than the Mattioli Woods facade, with statistically significant differences. However, both facades were rated similarly high for visual interest, suggesting that aesthetic value can coexist with discomfort. Finally, the analysis shows that buildings’ reflective facades evoke only low levels of perceived stress, tension, or unease, with median scores remaining low overall. These findings highlight the importance of human-centred facade design, suggesting that, as cities adapt to climate change, architects and urban planners consider not only environmental performance but also perceptual and psychological effects. Full article