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Search Results (1,141)

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29 pages, 2994 KB  
Article
Analytics and Business Survival—Critical Success Factors and the Demise of HP Bulmer
by Martin Wynn and Catherine Reed
Analytics 2026, 5(2), 17; https://doi.org/10.3390/analytics5020017 (registering DOI) - 27 Apr 2026
Abstract
This article examines the requirements for the successful deployment of business analytics in industry and uses this as a framework to provide a business intelligence perspective on the demise of a case study company, drinks manufacturer HP Bulmer, resulting in the collapse and [...] Read more.
This article examines the requirements for the successful deployment of business analytics in industry and uses this as a framework to provide a business intelligence perspective on the demise of a case study company, drinks manufacturer HP Bulmer, resulting in the collapse and takeover of the company in 2003. Based on a scoping literature review and a qualitative interpretivist approach, the article investigates the critical success factors for business analytics software projects and classifies these into five main organisational pillars that are required for successful analytics deployment. Then, using documents available in the public domain, the article examines the case study of HP Bulmer, which used analytics software in the 1990s and early 2000s as the company attempted to establish itself as a global drinks manufacturer. The article reports on how the company struggled to put the necessary pillars in place for successful use of their analytics systems, but having finally achieved this, then failed to take the necessary decisions to steer the company towards profitability as opposed to rapid growth in turnover. The article uses the case study to reflect on the key aspects of analytics technology deployment and the wider field of digitalisation and digital transformation, and points to the critical importance of political will to formulate and steer data-informed strategy. The research contributes to the development of theory regarding analytics deployment and will be of value to practitioners faced with the challenges of implementing analytics systems in industry. Full article
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42 pages, 16998 KB  
Article
FSD-Net: A Siamese Dual Detail Recovery Network for High Resolution Remote Sensing Change Detection Based on Frequency Domain Sensing
by Jiajian Li, Ran Peng, Yuhao Nie, Shengyuan Zhi, Zhuolun He and Xiaoyan Chen
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(9), 4240; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16094240 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2026
Abstract
High-resolution remote sensing image change detection holds significant application value in the fields of urban planning, disaster assessment, and others. However, it faces the dual challenge of pseudo-change interference and loss of detailed information. To address these issues, a frequency-domain-aware Siamese detail recovery [...] Read more.
High-resolution remote sensing image change detection holds significant application value in the fields of urban planning, disaster assessment, and others. However, it faces the dual challenge of pseudo-change interference and loss of detailed information. To address these issues, a frequency-domain-aware Siamese detail recovery network (FSD-Net) is designed in this paper. Firstly, from the perspective of frequency domain analysis, a theory on the dual roles of frequency domain components is introduced to reveal the robustness of low-frequency components to pseudo-changes and the dual semantic noise attributes of high-frequency components. Based on this theory, a frequency-aware context-guided difference (FCGD) module is designed. By explicitly decoupling the difference features into low-frequency global components and high-frequency residual components, it utilizes the prior low-frequency scene as a semantic gate to adaptively modulate the high-frequency differences, which effectively suppress pseudo-change interference. Subsequently, a detail recovery block (DRB), based on sub-pixel convolution, is constructed. This achieves unbiased spatial rearrangement through the semantic redundancy of channel dimensions, which avoids the checkerboard artifacts of traditional upsampling, and by employing a progressive multi-stage upsampling strategy to integrate shallow detail features from the encoder. The experimental results on the three public datasets of LEVIR-CD, WHU-CD, and CDD-CD demonstrate that the FSD-Net outperforms current mainstream methods (e.g., ChangeFormer, BAN, and so on) in core metrics such as F1 score and IoU, with a particularly significant improvement in recall. The ablation experiments validate the effectiveness and complementarity of the FCGD and DRB. Parameter sensitivity analysis indicates that the auxiliary loss weight λ is dataset dependent, with λ = 0.1 serving as a robust default choice. This study provides an efficient and reliable solution for change detection in high-resolution remote sensing imagery. Full article
27 pages, 862 KB  
Article
Pathways to Critical Transformations: The Story of a Networked Improvement Community in Mathematics as an Activity System
by Amy Been Bennett, Rachel Funk, Kadian M. Callahan, Julia Courtney and Wendy M. Smith
Educ. Sci. 2026, 16(5), 683; https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci16050683 - 24 Apr 2026
Viewed by 62
Abstract
Many tertiary mathematics departments are seeking to improve equity in their programs; however, they may struggle to translate these goals for equity into action. This longitudinal, qualitative study focuses on a Networked Improvement Community (NIC) within the mathematics department at a public, doctoral [...] Read more.
Many tertiary mathematics departments are seeking to improve equity in their programs; however, they may struggle to translate these goals for equity into action. This longitudinal, qualitative study focuses on a Networked Improvement Community (NIC) within the mathematics department at a public, doctoral degree-granting university located in the Southeast United States. This NIC worked together for two years (Spring 2023 to Spring 2025) to become more reflective practitioners and critically transform the mathematics program at their institution. We used Cultural Historical Activity Theory (CHAT) to examine relationships between objects, tools, and outcomes for the NIC. Data included multiple interviews and journals from eleven (n = 11) participants, and was triangulated with observer field notes of monthly NIC meetings. Thematic analysis revealed three pathways that connected NIC members’ individual and collective goals (objects), NIC activities and resources (tools), and NIC members’ perspectives on teaching and students (outcomes). We found that sometimes objects, mediated by tools, led to aligned outcomes, but not always. Specific tools could lead the NIC to adopt a new and collective object (and outcome). In other cases, the lack of the right tool led to unrealized outcomes or even secondary outcomes within the NIC. Ultimately, the critical transformations that NIC members envisioned were not realized; however, the experience of examining student data and discussing with colleagues shaped their thinking about teaching and students in impactful ways that inform faculty development for institutional change efforts on a broader scale. Our findings highlight the importance of identifying the right tools to support critical transformation, including the value of examining data as a collaborative group. We also extend NIC scholarship by using second-generation CHAT to distinguish objects over time and specify pathway models linking tools to outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Engaging Students to Transform Tertiary Mathematics Education)
22 pages, 1390 KB  
Article
BIM Collaboration Format (BCF) as an Example of Reification and Serialization in Building Information Modeling (BIM) Practice
by Andrzej Szymon Borkowski, Magdalena Kładź and Mikołaj Michalak
Buildings 2026, 16(9), 1669; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16091669 - 23 Apr 2026
Viewed by 174
Abstract
Building Information Modeling (BIM) has fundamentally changed the way interdisciplinary coordination works in construction projects; however, the theoretical mechanisms underlying open collaboration standards in this field remain insufficiently explored. This article fills this gap by presenting a systematic analysis of the BIM Collaboration [...] Read more.
Building Information Modeling (BIM) has fundamentally changed the way interdisciplinary coordination works in construction projects; however, the theoretical mechanisms underlying open collaboration standards in this field remain insufficiently explored. This article fills this gap by presenting a systematic analysis of the BIM Collaboration Format (BCF) through the lens of reification and serialization, two fundamental concepts in information systems theory. Although the BCF format is widely used in the industry and implemented in major BIM tools for clash detection and issue tracking, the existing literature treats it primarily as an operational tool, overlooking the deeper information systems principles that govern its architecture. The analysis demonstrates that BCF achieves reification by transforming informal coordination knowledge—such as verbally communicated clashes, scattered email threads, and undocumented design decisions—into first-class objects (Topic, Comment, Viewpoint) equipped with unique identifiers, typed attributes, ownership, temporal metadata, and formalized inter-object relationships. Further analysis was conducted on BCF’s serialization mechanisms, including XML encoding for file exchange, JSON for RESTful API communication, and ZIP archiving as a distribution container, each of which was selected to balance human readability, schema validation, compression, and cross-platform portability. The complementarity of these two mechanisms was examined: reification determines what to preserve and in what structure, while serialization determines how to encode and in what format, which together enable interoperable, auditable, and automatable coordination workflows in heterogeneous software environments. The analysis was illustrated with a real-world BCF example from a major infrastructure project in Poland, demonstrating practical alignment between theoretical constructs and their implementation. The research results provide both a conceptual foundation for researchers working on openBIM standards and practical guidance for practitioners seeking to optimize issue management, the implementation of a Common Data Environment (CDE), and the specification of Exchange Information Requirements (EIR). The study contributes new knowledge in three areas: (1) To the best of the authors’ knowledge, it provides the first systematic theoretical analysis of BCF through the lens of reification and serialization, filling a gap between the format’s widespread practical use and its limited theoretical understanding. (2) It demonstrates how the formal criteria of reification (unique identity, typed attributes, ownership, temporal metadata, and inter-object relationships) map onto specific BCF entities, offering a transferable analytical framework for evaluating other openBIM standards. (3) It identifies the complementarity of reification and serialization as a design principle that can guide the development of future standards for digital twins and IoT-based facility management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Construction Management, and Computers & Digitization)
47 pages, 5277 KB  
Article
A Probabilistic–Statistical Approach to Mass Transfer in Randomly Nonhomogeneous Layered Media Based on Boundary Experimental Data
by Olha Chernukha, Petro Pukach, Halyna Bilushchak, Yurii Bilushchak and Myroslava Vovk
Mathematics 2026, 14(9), 1413; https://doi.org/10.3390/math14091413 - 23 Apr 2026
Viewed by 79
Abstract
This paper presents a probabilistic–statistical approach to the analysis of diffusion processes in randomly nonhomogeneous multilayered bodies under conditions of incomplete experimental information on the boundary. The boundary condition is reconstructed from experimental data using linear regression, while the solution of the corresponding [...] Read more.
This paper presents a probabilistic–statistical approach to the analysis of diffusion processes in randomly nonhomogeneous multilayered bodies under conditions of incomplete experimental information on the boundary. The boundary condition is reconstructed from experimental data using linear regression, while the solution of the corresponding contact initial-boundary value problem is obtained in the form of a Neumann series and averaged over an ensemble of phase configurations. A system of statistical estimates for the solution is developed, including confidence intervals and two-sided critical regions, which provide complementary characteristics of uncertainty. Numerical experiments are performed for six representative samples differing in sample size, variance, and observation interval. It is shown that, despite significant differences in the statistical properties of the input data, the averaged concentration field preserves a qualitatively stable spatio-temporal structure. The results of the article address gaps in existing research by applying a probabilistic-statistical approach that consistently integrates two key elements for the analysis of diffusion processes in multilayer media. The first of these is the reconstruction of boundary conditions using linear regression to recover the conditions at the body boundary based on incomplete experimental data. The second key point is the analysis of uncertainty propagation by combining the regression model with a probabilistic analysis of the corresponding contact initial-boundary value problem, which allows us to quantitatively assess how the errors in the experimental data affect the final solution. From the point of view of mathematical modeling methods, the novelty of the approach lies in the creation of a structural-hierarchical scheme that synthesizes the approaches of mathematical statistics and the theory of random fields. The developed method is a theoretical and computational innovative basis for the analysis of specific physical and technological processes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Theory and Applications of Probability Theory and Stochastic Analysis)
96 pages, 2106 KB  
Article
A Random Field Theory of Electromagnetic Information
by Said Mikki
Entropy 2026, 28(5), 481; https://doi.org/10.3390/e28050481 - 22 Apr 2026
Viewed by 133
Abstract
As a rigorous and comprehensive foundation for electromagnetic information theory (EIT), we develop a general theory that elucidates the universal stochastic structure of radiated electromagnetic (EM) fields and induced currents in generic EM information transmission systems. The framework encompasses arbitrary random scatterers, input [...] Read more.
As a rigorous and comprehensive foundation for electromagnetic information theory (EIT), we develop a general theory that elucidates the universal stochastic structure of radiated electromagnetic (EM) fields and induced currents in generic EM information transmission systems. The framework encompasses arbitrary random scatterers, input information fields, and EM mutual coupling. The system is modeled as a multiply connected, arbitrary Riemannian manifold within the language of differential geometry. Our approach exploits exact Green’s functions (GFs) on manifolds to construct a novel electromagnetic random field theory (EM-RFT). Interpreted as response functions localized on the surfaces of transceivers and scatterers, the GFs allow us to treat the internal physical details of the EM system as a black box, redirecting analytical attention toward external input–output relations in line with signal processing and communication theory. This integration of random fields (RFs), electromagnetics, and GFs yields a unified framework for deriving and characterizing the stochastic structure of arbitrary EM information transmission systems. We rigorously establish that EM random fields satisfying Maxwell’s equations can always be constructed using system GFs driven by external information fields. The theory further decouples stochastic input RFs from random fluctuations associated with the communication medium (e.g., scatterers), and introduces general correlation propagators valid for arbitrary EM links. Using the Karhunen–Loève expansion, all EM random fields are represented as sums of random variables, providing both a simulation framework for arbitrary EM RFs and a basis for evaluating mutual information between input and output spatial domains at arbitrary locations in the system. Full article
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31 pages, 1181 KB  
Article
A Discrete Informational Framework for Classical Gravity: Ledger Foundations and Galaxy Rotation Curve Constraints
by Megan Simons, Elshad Allahyarov and Jonathan Washburn
Entropy 2026, 28(4), 477; https://doi.org/10.3390/e28040477 - 20 Apr 2026
Viewed by 198
Abstract
The weak-field, quasi-static regime of gravity is commonly described by the Newton–Poisson equation as an effective response law. We construct this response within a cost-first discrete variational framework. The Recognition Composition Law (RCL) uniquely selects a reciprocal closure cost within the restricted quadratic [...] Read more.
The weak-field, quasi-static regime of gravity is commonly described by the Newton–Poisson equation as an effective response law. We construct this response within a cost-first discrete variational framework. The Recognition Composition Law (RCL) uniquely selects a reciprocal closure cost within the restricted quadratic symmetric composition class; together with the discrete ledger axioms AX1–AX5 (including conservation) and standard DEC refinement, the Newton–Poisson baseline is then recovered in the instantaneous-closure limit. Conditional on Assumption AS1 (scale-free latency) and Assumption AS2 (causal frequency–wavenumber ansatz), allowing finite equilibration introduces fractional memory into the response, yielding a scale-free modification of the source–potential relation characterized by a power-law kernel wker(k)=1+C(k0/k)α in Fourier space. The kernel exponent α=12(1φ1)0.191, where φ=(1+5)/2, is derived from self-similarity of the discrete ledger closure; the amplitude C=φ20.382 is identified as a hypothesis from a three-channel factorization argument. We evaluate this quasi-static kernel-motivated response against SPARC galaxy rotation curves under a strict global-only protocol (fixed M/L=1, no per-galaxy tuning, conservative σtot), using a controlled multiplicative surrogate for the full nonlocal disk operator implied by the kernel. In this deliberately over-constrained setting, the surrogate interface achieves median(χ2/N)=3.06 over 147 galaxies (2933 points), outperforming a strict global-only NFW benchmark and remaining less efficient than MOND under identical constraints. The analysis is restricted to the non-relativistic, quasi-static sector and should be read as a falsifier-oriented galactic-regime consistency check of the scaling window, not as a relativistic completion or a claim of Solar System viability without additional UV regularization/screening. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Astrophysics, Cosmology, and Black Holes)
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27 pages, 2466 KB  
Article
When Intangible Cultural Heritage Meets AI—Can AI with Anthropomorphism Elements Attract Tourists to Visit Cultural Heritage Sites?
by Juan Li, Liya Liu, Gen Li and Jianguo Wang
Sustainability 2026, 18(8), 3977; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18083977 - 16 Apr 2026
Viewed by 272
Abstract
In the context of digital tourism development, artificial intelligence has become one of the major techniques for tourists’ information acquisition and interaction in the field of intangible cultural heritage (ICH) tourism. However, whether AI with anthropomorphism elements attracts tourists to visit cultural heritage [...] Read more.
In the context of digital tourism development, artificial intelligence has become one of the major techniques for tourists’ information acquisition and interaction in the field of intangible cultural heritage (ICH) tourism. However, whether AI with anthropomorphism elements attracts tourists to visit cultural heritage sites and how AI anthropomorphism design affects visitors’ visit intentions remains unclear. Therefore, based on the stimulus–organism–response (S–O–R) theory, this study proposes an “AI anthropomorphism–AI trust–visit intention” model and investigates the role of AI anthropomorphism in visit intention. In particular, this study tests the effects of perceived intelligence and perceived risk on AI anthropomorphism, as well as the role of AI trust and perceived cultural sustainability on the relationship between AI anthropomorphism and visit intention. With a sample of 478 Chinese respondents who are intangible cultural heritage (ICH) tourists, the hypothesized relationships are tested by employing structural equation modeling. The results show that perceived intelligence exerts a positive effect on AI anthropomorphism, while perceived risk exerts a negative effect on AI anthropomorphism. Moreover, AI anthropomorphism exerts an effect on AI trust, which in turn yields a great influence on visit intention. In addition, further analysis shows that AI type intensifies the effect of anthropomorphism on AI trust, and the relationship between AI trust and visit intention is regulated by perceived cultural sustainability. This study reveals how AI anthropomorphism functions in ICH tourism, and the findings provide practical guidance for advancing intelligent services and giving cultural sustainability top priority in order to support the sustainable growth of ICH tourism. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Digital Marketing Dynamics: From Browsing to Buying)
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40 pages, 108512 KB  
Article
Assessing Public Space Vitality in a Central-City High-Speed Rail Station Area Using Multi-Source Data: A Case Study of Shapingba Station, Chongqing
by Tao Wang and Xu Cui
Land 2026, 15(4), 641; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15040641 - 14 Apr 2026
Viewed by 228
Abstract
This study examines how high-speed rail (HSR) hubs shape public space vitality in central-city station areas, using Shapingba Station (Chongqing, China) as a representative case of station–city integration. We delineated pedestrian catchments using Baidu Map walking isochrones (300–1200 s) and integrated multi-source data, [...] Read more.
This study examines how high-speed rail (HSR) hubs shape public space vitality in central-city station areas, using Shapingba Station (Chongqing, China) as a representative case of station–city integration. We delineated pedestrian catchments using Baidu Map walking isochrones (300–1200 s) and integrated multi-source data, including Public Space Public Life (PSPL) field observations (eight monitoring points, 07:00–24:00), Baidu heat maps, point-of-interest (POI) records, streetscape semantic segmentation, and a perception questionnaire. Indicators were synthesized via entropy weighting, and multivariate associations between perceived vitality and environmental variables were examined using Mantel tests. Pedestrian flow exhibits a clear double-peak pattern (09:00–11:00 and 15:00–16:00), averaging 42,248 pedestrians per day (2347 per hour) and showing strong spatial heterogeneity across monitoring points. POIs show a pronounced core–periphery structure: totals increase from 803 (300 s) to 4365 (600 s) and 7539 (1200 s), while overall density declines from 7477 to 2492 POIs/km2, highlighting a 600 s core where accessibility and functional agglomeration are most strongly coupled. Overall, this study contributes a replicable multi-source evaluation framework and quantitative evidence on accessibility–function coupling and micro-scale design effects in HSR station areas, enabling theory-informed comparisons across station typologies and urban contexts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Urban Planning and Sustainable Mobility)
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34 pages, 6776 KB  
Review
Emerging Trends in Interactive Space: A Scientometric Analysis
by Jiazhen Zhang, Nan Yang, Wenhan Zhang, Jingwen Liu and Jeremy Cenci
Buildings 2026, 16(8), 1514; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16081514 - 13 Apr 2026
Viewed by 211
Abstract
With the advent of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the rise of new forms of productive forces, the ways humans interact with space, objects, and information are being profoundly reshaped, bringing unprecedented possibilities for upgrading interactive spaces—human settlements that integrate physical and digital [...] Read more.
With the advent of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the rise of new forms of productive forces, the ways humans interact with space, objects, and information are being profoundly reshaped, bringing unprecedented possibilities for upgrading interactive spaces—human settlements that integrate physical and digital environments. Against this background, using the literature on interactive space research from the Web of Science (WoS) Core Collection between 1990 and 2025 as the data source, this study employs CiteSpace software to generate scientific knowledge maps, analyzing the historic development, hotspots, and trends in the research of interactive space, providing both theoretical and data support. In terms of results, a total of 458 papers were collected, demonstrating a consistent year-on-year increase. The research spans multiple fields, including computer science, architecture, ecology, physics, design, and behavioristics. Specifically, results indicate that research hotspots in interactive spaces include collaborative governance, social coexistence, and sustainable renewal, all of which are highly relevant to activating human settlements. The vitality of interactive spaces can be constructed across multiple dimensions, (for instance, enhancement based on ecology, environment, culture, and other factors of the space). However, research on interactive spaces still suffers from a lack of interdisciplinary collaboration and multi-domain integration; therefore, it is essential to strengthen cooperation among relevant fields. Current research lacks interdisciplinary integration and dynamic response mechanisms. Based on these findings, this study, through visual analysis, reveals the research hotspots and evolutionary trajectory of interactive spaces and proposes a “technology–humanism–governance” trinity framework. This system should be based on technology as the means, humanism as the guiding principle, and effective governance as the goal. It aims to explore how to leverage the service-oriented and convenient nature of technology in interactive spaces to deepen human-centric design and thereby drive the optimization of systems. Based on these findings, future research on interactive spaces should shift its design philosophy to be more human-centric, establish a multidisciplinary research system, utilize local empirical cases, and develop scalable, applicable theories to construct harmonious, open spaces, enhance human–environment relationships, and provide other countries undergoing urbanization with practical solutions. Full article
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30 pages, 10149 KB  
Article
Integrating Multidimensional 3D Spatial Analysis for Quantitative Geological Environment Evaluation in Urban Underground Space Planning
by Fanfan Dou, Yan Zou, Huaixue Xing, Hongjie Ma, Chaojie Zhen, Shiying Yang, Yong Hu and Haijie Yang
Geosciences 2026, 16(4), 157; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences16040157 - 13 Apr 2026
Viewed by 308
Abstract
Geological environment evaluation for urban underground space (UGEE) is a critical foundation for optimizing the utilization of urban underground space (UUS) and mitigating exploitation risks. With recent advancements in 3D geological modeling technology, 3D UGEE has emerged as a transformative approach, offering innovative [...] Read more.
Geological environment evaluation for urban underground space (UGEE) is a critical foundation for optimizing the utilization of urban underground space (UUS) and mitigating exploitation risks. With recent advancements in 3D geological modeling technology, 3D UGEE has emerged as a transformative approach, offering innovative perspectives and technical solutions for rational 3D spatial development and geological risk reduction in subsurface engineering. A core component of the 3D UGEE workflow is the integration of diverse 3D spatial analysis methods, which enable comprehensive extraction of evaluation indices from multidimensional datasets—forming the essential basis for scientifically informed development planning. Focusing on quantitative 3D UGEE, this study systematically investigates the implementation of 3D spatial analysis methods across four key stages: (1) geological condition analysis, (2) evaluation information extraction, (3) 3D comprehensive evaluation, and (4) result analysis. Specifically, five core methodologies are highlighted: (1) 3D spatial statistical analysis, (2) 3D mathematical morphological analysis, (3) 3D surface morphology analysis, (4) 3D spatial distance field analysis, and (5) 3D spatial interpolation analysis. To improve the reliability and objectivity of 3D comprehensive evaluation results, we integrate game theory-based combination weighting with an improved TOPSIS model, which balances the subjectivity of expert judgment and the objectivity of data characteristics while adapting to the 3D block unit data structure, effectively avoiding the bias of single weighting or evaluation models. To validate these techniques, a case study in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, is conducted, demonstrating their practical effectiveness in evaluating UUS resources. The findings underscore that advanced 3D spatial analysis methods significantly enhance decision-making precision in UUS planning and risk management, providing a replicable framework for sustainable subsurface development. Full article
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41 pages, 8753 KB  
Article
The Restorative Power of Biophilic Urbanism: A Bibliometric Synthesis of Plant–Human Interactions and Mental Health Outcomes
by Sulan Wu, Fei Ju, Yuchen Wu, Zunling Zhu and Qianling Jiang
Buildings 2026, 16(8), 1500; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16081500 - 11 Apr 2026
Viewed by 262
Abstract
As global urbanization accelerates, biophilic urbanism has emerged as a key nature-based strategy for enhancing public health. While plants are critical active agents for psychological restoration, the specific pathways through which vegetation characteristics influence human–environment interactions remain fragmented. This knowledge gap hinders the [...] Read more.
As global urbanization accelerates, biophilic urbanism has emerged as a key nature-based strategy for enhancing public health. While plants are critical active agents for psychological restoration, the specific pathways through which vegetation characteristics influence human–environment interactions remain fragmented. This knowledge gap hinders the evidence-based translation of biophilic principles into actionable urban design and governance. This study conducts a systematic bibliometric analysis of 443 peer-reviewed articles (2000–2025) at the intersection of restorative landscapes, urban settings, and plant-based interventions retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection. Employing multiple visualization tools (VOSviewer, bibliometrix, and CiteSpace), we map publication trends, international collaborations, and thematic evolution. The results demonstrate a significant shift in the field, moving beyond the validation of foundational restorative theories (e.g., ART and SRT) to a more precise, implementation-oriented framework. This shift is characterized by the operationalization of vegetation attributes as controllable design variables, increasingly relating biophilic principles to broader nature-based solutions (NbS) agendas and evidence-informed urban governance. Thematic clustering analysis identified three core knowledge domains: (1) the role of plants as active exposure agents and behavioral mediators in psychological restoration; (2) the impact of specific plant characteristics—such as canopy structure, species diversity, and seasonal variation—on therapeutic outcomes; and (3) the integration of urban green spaces into broader governance frameworks to promote health equity and inclusive well-being. Our analysis highlights that plant-based interventions are evolving from aesthetic ornaments into precision design levers for fostering human–nature interactions. This study provides a science-based foundation for developing practical design guidelines and policy frameworks, shifting biophilic urbanism toward a robust governance strategy for creating equitable, restorative, and resilient cities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Designing Healthy and Restorative Urban Environments)
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29 pages, 1271 KB  
Article
Understanding User Perceptions of Gardening Apps Supporting Sustainability
by Marcin Wyskwarski, Iwona Zdonek, Beata Hysa and Dariusz Zdonek
Sustainability 2026, 18(8), 3703; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18083703 - 9 Apr 2026
Viewed by 331
Abstract
Research on information and communication technologies (ICTs) in sustainable agriculture has largely been technocentric, focusing on effectiveness, efficiency, and adoption, with limited consideration of end-user perceptions in practice. This study addresses this gap by examining perceptions of mobile gardening apps as accessible ICT [...] Read more.
Research on information and communication technologies (ICTs) in sustainable agriculture has largely been technocentric, focusing on effectiveness, efficiency, and adoption, with limited consideration of end-user perceptions in practice. This study addresses this gap by examining perceptions of mobile gardening apps as accessible ICT tools that may support sustainable behaviours. Based on over 180,000 user reviews from Google Play and the Apple App Store, Contextualized Topic Modeling (CTM) was used to identify key themes and interpret them within the Theory of Consumption Value (TCV) framework. This approach allows for the analysis of functional, emotional, and epistemic dimensions of user experiences based on large-scale, real-world data. The results indicate that functional aspects, such as reliability and usability, dominate app evaluation, but emotional engagement and knowledge acquisition also play a significant role. By combining a data-driven approach with a well-established behavioural framework, this study bridges the gap between technological and user perspectives. It simultaneously extends the application of the TCV to the field of ICT solutions supporting sustainable development and provides practical guidance for designing more effective gardening apps. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovation in Circular Economy and Sustainable Development)
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28 pages, 3267 KB  
Article
A Hierarchical Dynamic Path Planning Framework for Autonomous Vehicles Based on Physics-Informed Potential Field and TD3 Reinforcement Learning
by Yan Pan, Yu Wang and Bin Ran
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(7), 3610; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16073610 - 7 Apr 2026
Viewed by 370
Abstract
Autonomous driving in dense traffic demands policies that ensure safety, accurate path tracking, and ride comfort, yet reinforcement learning (RL) alone suffers from low sample efficiency and weak safety guarantees, while classical artificial potential field (APF) methods lack adaptability to dynamic scenarios. This [...] Read more.
Autonomous driving in dense traffic demands policies that ensure safety, accurate path tracking, and ride comfort, yet reinforcement learning (RL) alone suffers from low sample efficiency and weak safety guarantees, while classical artificial potential field (APF) methods lack adaptability to dynamic scenarios. This paper proposes PIPF-TD3, which integrates APF theory with the Twin Delayed Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient (TD3) by embedding composite potential values and Doppler-weighted gradients as physics-informed features into the state vector. A Hybrid A* planner generates a reference path encoded as an attractive field; repulsive fields model nearby obstacles using real-time perception data; and a multi-objective reward function jointly optimizes path tracking, collision avoidance, and ride comfort. Experiments in CARLA 0.9.14 across two scenarios—a highway segment with mixed obstacles and a signalized intersection with conflicting turning movements—show that PIPF-TD3 achieves 100% task completion with zero collisions, whereas TD3 without potential field guidance suffers a 90% collision rate. PIPF-TD3 reduces mean cross-track error to 0.12 m (72.1% reduction over the rule-based FSM baseline), maintains 67.0% larger safety clearance, and yields RMS longitudinal and lateral accelerations of 1.12 and 0.75 m/s2, outperforming the FSM by 37.1% and 42.7%. These results confirm that Doppler-weighted physical priors substantially enhance RL-based driving safety and quality in complex traffic conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Transportation and Future Mobility)
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22 pages, 486 KB  
Review
A Human Dignity Perspective on Sustainable Human Resource Management: From Utilitarian to Dignified Approaches
by Roxana Alhnaity, Matthijs Bal and John Mendy
Sustainability 2026, 18(7), 3385; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18073385 - 31 Mar 2026
Viewed by 363
Abstract
This conceptual theory-building paper discusses how a dignity lens may conceptualize Sustainable Human Resource Management (HRM) to protect workers and other stakeholders within and beyond the organization. Sustainable HRM has become a popular topic and approach in the recent literature but has not [...] Read more.
This conceptual theory-building paper discusses how a dignity lens may conceptualize Sustainable Human Resource Management (HRM) to protect workers and other stakeholders within and beyond the organization. Sustainable HRM has become a popular topic and approach in the recent literature but has not yet been fully developed both ontologically and theoretically. We postulate how a particular focus on instrumentality and individualism has become the dominant way of theorizing HRM and is still impacting the dominant way of theorizing Sustainable HRM. We then conceptualize an alternative paradigm on the basis of human dignity, which offers an ontological lens on how workplaces and HRM could be designed. The paper discusses the implications of a dignity paradigm for HRM theory, research and practice by proposing a more pluralistic approach towards research in the field. We explore in depth the ways a dignity paradigm shapes the Sustainable HRM agenda and discuss how such a paradigm informs specific HR practices. The paper presents a research agenda focused on the new dignity paradigm within Sustainable HRM scholarship. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability Management Strategies and Practices—2nd Edition)
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