Search Results (866)

Digital connectivity depends not only on infrastructure, but also on the material devices used to access networks. This study examines electronic devices’ availability and prices in Saint-Louis, a mid-sized Senegalese city, to address the lack of empirical research on African digital markets. With data on material connectivity being scarce, this paper provides a baseline description as grounds for future research. Using a participatory mapping approach over three weeks in September 2024, the research assessed the range, condition, and distribution of smartphones across central and neighborhood markets. Descriptive statistics and spatial analysis illustrate key trends. Results show a market heavily structured around second-hand smartphones, where device quality and prices adjust to economic power. Imported second-hand devices are often high-end, with prices above many new items of cheaper brands, while locally used items have much depreciated prices compared to either new or imported second-hand ones. Market locations are widespread for common items and clustered for specialized devices, consistent with central place theory. By documenting the material foundations of digital communication, this study provides new empirical evidence on African urban device markets and highlights the need to consider material access alongside infrastructure in digital connectivity debates. Full article

This study investigates sustainability-oriented design and production practices in Slovenia, focusing on brand-led approaches grounded in local innovation, cultural heritage and community engagement. Through mapping of Slovenian fashion enterprises, the research identifies and analyzes core sustainability and circularity strategies including zero- and low-waste design, recycling, upcycling and the development of adaptable, long-lasting garments. Further attention is given to participatory design methods involving consumers, the strategic social media use for community building and service-based circular economy models such as lifetime garment repair. Technological and production innovations, localized supply chains and small-scale production models are assessed for their role in reducing environmental impact and advancing sustainable supply chain management. The study also analyzes initiatives to shorten the fashion loop, including dematerialization and production minimization, as pathways to reduce resource consumption. Methodologically, the study combines empirical fieldwork, participant observation and literature review to deliver a comprehensive analysis of Slovenia’s sustainable fashion sector. The findings contribute to the global discourse on regional and place-based sustainability in fashion demonstrating how design-driven, small- and medium-sized enterprises can integrate circular economy principles, cultural continuity and collaborative innovation to foster environmentally responsible and socially embedded fashion. Full article

Background: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) affects up to 40% of patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD), yet conventional rehabilitation often lacks engagement. The OPERA project developed a novel Bio-cooperative Robotic Platform (PRoBio), integrating a service robot and a virtual reality-based rehabilitation for personalized cognitive training. This work presents two preliminary user-centred studies aimed to assess PRoBio usability and acceptability. Methods: to gather qualitative feedback on robotic and virtual reality technologies, through ad hoc questionnaires, developed according to participatory design principles and user-centered evaluation literature, Study 1 (Focus group) involved 23 participants: 10 PD patients (F = 6; mean age = 68.9 ± 8.2 years), 5 caregivers (F = 3; mean age = 49.0 ± 15.5), 8 healthcare professionals (F = 6; mean age = 40.0 ± 12.0). Study 2 (Living Lab) tested the final version of PRoBio platform with 6 healthy volunteers (F = 3; mean age = 50.3 ± 11.0) and 8 rehabilitation professionals (F = 3; mean age = 32.8 ± 9.9), assessing usability and acceptability through validated questionnaires. Results: The focus group revealed common priorities across the three groups, including ease of use, emotional engagement, and personalization of exercises. Living Lab unveiled PRoBio as user-friendly, with high usability, hedonic quality, technology acceptance and low workload. No significant differences were found between groups, except for minor concerns on system responsiveness. Discussion: These preliminary findings support the feasibility, usability, and emotional appeal of PRoBio as a cognitive rehabilitation tool. The positive convergence among the groups suggests its potential for clinical integration. Conclusions: These preliminary results support the feasibility and user-centred design of the PRoBio platform for cognitive rehabilitation in PD. The upcoming usability evaluation in a pilot study with patients will provide critical insights into its suitability for clinical implementation and guide further development. Full article

Continuous technological, ecological, and digital transformations reshape urban mobility systems. While sustainable mobility has become a dominant keyword, there are many different approaches and policies to help achieve lasting and properly functioning change. This study applies a comprehensive qualitative policy analysis to influential and leading sustainable mobility approaches (i.a. Mobility Justice, Avoid–Shift–Improve, spatial models like the 15-Minute City and Superblocks, governance frameworks such as SUMPs, and tools ranging from economic incentives to service architectures like MaaS and others). Each was assessed across structural barriers, psychological resistance, governance constraints, and affective dimensions. The results show that, although these approaches provide clear normative direction, measurable impacts, and scalable applicability, their implementation is often undermined by fragmentation, Policy Layering, limited intermodality, weak Future-Readiness, and insufficient participatory engagement. Particularly, the lack of sequencing and pacing mechanisms leads to policy silos and societal resistance. The analysis highlights that the main challenge is not the absence of solutions but the absence of a unifying paradigm. To address this gap, the paper introduces CalmMobility, a conceptual framework that integrates existing strengths while emphasizing comprehensiveness, pacing–sequencing–inclusion, and Future-Readiness. CalmMobility offers adaptive and co-created pathways for mobility transitions, grounded in education, open innovation, and a calm, deliberate approach. Rather than being driven by hasty or disruptive change, it seeks to align technological and spatial innovations with societal expectations, building trust, legitimacy, and long-term resilience of sustainable mobility. Full article

Within the context of urban sustainability, the renewal and activation of communities have received growing attention. Public art, as a common approach to community revitalization, has long been regarded as an effective means of addressing urban and community issues. Basic human senses serve as a bridge between residents and community spaces, offering an effective entry point for creating human-oriented spaces. This study addresses the challenge of insufficient spatial vitality in community spaces by examining how sensory interventions can enhance residents’ participation in public art and thereby contribute to the revitalization of communities. To guide this inquiry, a theoretical framework was constructed based on sensory marketing theory and the Stimulus–Organism–Response (SOR) model, focusing on three core dimensions: sensory stimuli, perceptual responses, and behavioral intention. The study further investigated the relationship between public art and residents’ willingness to participate through five types of sensory stimuli, using a measurement scale and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), with eight public art installations in Shanghai serving as case references. It also assessed the relative strength of each effect. Participant interviews and non-participatory observations were subsequently conducted for validation and supplementary analysis. The results show that residents’ participation willingness in community public art is directly influenced by perceptual responses (emotional fluctuations, cognitive memory, and physiological responses), and indirectly influenced by different sensory stimuli. Cognitive memory, shaped mainly by olfactory and visual stimuli, emerged as the most important factor in encouraging participation. Participation willingness also varies across generations, and different sensory stimuli are associated with distinct participation patterns. Based on empirical data from Shanghai’s community activation practices, the study proposes implementation strategies guided by the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to enhance spatial vitality, promote community activation, and support sustainable development. Full article

Rapid urbanization and aging population present global challenges for smart cities, especially for equitable pandemic response and age friendly urban transitions. This paper through a two-round Delphi study assessed Amman’s efficiency in pandemic response focusing on digital inclusion for older adults and critical barriers to age-friendly urbanism. The results indicate moderate satisfaction with Amman’s overall pandemic response alongside significant limitations, particularly in digital equity for older adults. Key systemic barriers included compromised air quality, inadequate public transportation, notably poor public Wi-Fi, and deficient digital infrastructure. Furthermore, political and financial obstacles, such as high living costs and low governance transparency, significantly hindered progress. Experts prioritized solutions emphasizing improved physical accessibility, expanded green spaces, and enhanced digital literacy. This study underscores the urgent need for integrated, multi-dimensional strategies, including participatory governance and targeted digital inclusion programs, to foster sustainable and equitable smart city development that enhances resilience and inclusiveness for aging populations in post pandemic urban planning contexts. Full article

This article focuses on two dimensions of social sustainability in contemporary cities: (1) social participation as a form of communication between residents and city authorities and (2) urban inclusivity. The assessment of these dimensions was conducted on a representative sample of 1863 residents from 19 Polish cities, seeking to answer the following research question: How do residents assess two key dimensions of social sustainability: social participation and urban inclusivity? The results were analyzed using descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests. The findings indicate that social participation in the studied cities is not fully developed. Respondents positively evaluate the idea of participatory budgets but are not satisfied with the cooperation between city authorities and residents, or with the possibilities for controlling local government actions. In terms of urban inclusivity, residents perceive themselves as quite open to diversity, but critically assess the city authorities’ efforts to counteract social exclusion. The research also shows that despite similar regional conditions, the social sustainability varies considerably, which highlights the importance of local policy in creating fully sustainable Smart Cities. The findings advance Smart City theory through practical social sustainability assessment and identification of improvement areas. This diagnosis provides insights for municipal authorities and offers guidance for policymakers developing legislation to foster social sustainability, strengthen civic participation, and combat urban exclusion. Full article

The study examined the relationship between food swamps and self-reported food shopping frequency and perceived food access, while considering transportation mode and travel time. This Community-Based Participatory Research study surveyed residents from six neighborhoods in Hartford. Individual-level food swamp exposure (the ratio of unhealthy to healthy food stores within a 0.5-mile radius of participants’ homes) was measured both objectively (using GIS-based methods) and subjectively (through self-reporting). Poisson regression models assessed the associations between food swamps and outcomes (shopping frequency by store types and perceived access to food), with transportation mode and travel time as moderators. Of 304 participants, 51% lived in subjective (n = 153) and 71% in objective (n = 198) food swamps. Food swamp exposure was associated with greater shopping frequency at unhealthy outlets (β = 0.12, p < 0.001), less access to healthier food (β = −0.13, p < 0.001), and increased access to unhealthy food (β = 0.08, p < 0.001). Transportation significantly moderates these relationships; bus riders reported the highest rates of unhealthy food purchasing (β = 0.17, p < 0.001). Longer travel times increased both healthy and unhealthy food access (β = 0.01, p < 0.001 for each). Food swamps interact with public transportation to contribute to food shopping and access, underscoring the need for integrated food and transportation policies to address structural barriers and promote health equity in underserved urban communities. Full article

This study investigates the role of residential architecture in fostering social interaction and strengthening residents’ identification with their living environment. It focuses on two key dimensions through which housing environments support social cohesion: the spatial dimension, referring to the physical design of buildings and spaces, and the organizational dimension, which involves the engagement of prospective residents in planning, and in the co-creation and development of housing projects. Two dwelling-oriented projects located in Vienna’s Leopoldstadt district were selected as case studies: Wohnprojekt Wien and PaN-Wohnpark. Wohnprojekt Wien represents a fully participatory model, characterized by maximum resident involvement throughout all stages of the design process. In contrast, PaN-Wohnpark followed a more conventional approach, involving only limited resident participation in the form of post-occupancy consultations. This participation was limited to aspects of social life, community management, and integration, without influence on the architectural or spatial layout of the buildings. Both projects were evaluated using ten architectural and spatial criteria previously developed by the author to assess features that promote neighborly interaction. The evaluation was based on qualitative field research, including site visits and expert interviews The findings indicate that the participatory design approach implemented in Wohnprojekt Wien significantly contributed to stronger social ties and a heightened sense of community among residents. In contrast, in PaN-Wohnpark—where participation was limited and occurred only after completion—the impact on social cohesion was considerably less pronounced. These results suggest that integrating participatory design methods into residential development can substantially enhance social sustainability by fostering informal social interactions and strengthening residents’ sense of belonging. Importantly, the extent to which residents are empowered to influence decisions about their living environments appears to be a critical factor in achieving these outcomes. Full article

Promoting active lifestyles among adolescents is essential due to their short-, medium-, and long-term contributions to young people’s holistic development and overall health. Beyond physical well-being, Physical Education foster physical activity, autonomy, social connectedness, motivation and emotional well-being, thus constituting a key dimension of quality education. Background/Objectives: The “Estilos de Vida Activos (EVA)” project is a school-based intervention designed to foster adolescent agency and motivation in adopting active habits. Grounded in the salutogenic model, self-determination theory, and the health-based Physical Education pedagogical model, this protocol describes the design and implementation strategies of a participatory intervention in secondary schools. Methods: A variety of research methods will be used to collect quantitative and qualitative data before, during, and after the intervention. Validated questionnaires will assess active commuting, socioeconomic status, satisfaction of basic psychological needs, motivation, levels and intention to engage in physical activity. Qualitative data include interviews with teachers, Photovoice sessions with students, observation notes, and programme materials. Intervention: The EVA intervention is collaboratively developed by students, teachers, and researchers using participatory action research. It includes needs analysis, participatory activities, and co-design of tailored physical activity programmes. The intervention is described using the Template for Intervention Description and Replication checklist (TIDieR) to enhance transparency and replicability. Conclusions: This protocol presents a theoretically grounded and participatory approach to school-based health promotion. By integrating educational and collaborative strategies, it offers a replicable model that promotes adolescent active lifestyles, from contextual relevance, and pedagogical coherence, serving as a guide for inclusive and sustainable interventions in school settings. Full article

Occupational environments often expose workers to physical and psychological stressors that compromise well-being and productivity. While biophilic design has gained attention, there remains limited systematic integration of Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) within workplace management frameworks. This review aims to map the empirical impacts of NbSs on occupational health, productivity, and environmental quality, and to identify key barriers and facilitators for their integration into comprehensive Quality, Environmental, Health, and Safety (QEHS) management systems. A scoping literature review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines. A comprehensive search was performed in the Scopus and Web of Science databases for studies published between 2019 and 2024. A total of 2452 records were initially retrieved, with 39 studies retained for synthesis following screening, eligibility assessment, and critical appraisal using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist. Findings indicate that NbSs can reduce stress, improve physical and cognitive health, and enhance workplace productivity. Reported benefits include reduced absenteeism, improved indoor air quality, and measurable financial returns. However, significant challenges persist, including high upfront costs, ongoing maintenance demands, a shortage of specialized labor, and methodological heterogeneity across studies. In particular, hybrid approaches combining physical natural elements and immersive technologies such as virtual reality emerged as promising alternatives for spatially constrained environments. Participatory co-design and stakeholder engagement were also identified as critical success factors for effective implementation. Integrating NbSs into QEHS frameworks has the potential to foster healthier, more resilient, and sustainable workplaces. Alignment with recognized certifications can further support systematic adoption and monitoring. Future research should prioritize longitudinal designs, standardized outcome metrics, and physiological markers, while addressing geographical gaps through studies in underrepresented regions. Embedding participatory processes and certification alignment can enhance stakeholder buy-in and practical scalability, advancing the integration of NbSs into holistic workplace management strategies. Full article

Natural reserves in the West African drylands play a critical role in sustaining livelihoods and preserving ecological integrity. However, these ecosystems face growing threats from climate variability and anthropogenic pressure. This study assesses the potential of Nature-based Solutions (NbSs) to enhance climate resilience and mitigate human-induced degradation in Bontioli Natural Reserve (BNR), one of the region’s key biodiversity hotspots. We employed an integrated approach combining ecological assessments, climate and anthropogenic pressures analysis, and participatory governance framework. Generalized additive modeling (GAM) is applied to assess the long-term vegetation response to climate stressors. A conceptual framework that integrates climate resilience with socio-ecological systems is developed for synergies conservation. Our findings indicate a consistent vegetation decline at a rate of 0.051 ± 0.043/year, driven by rising temperatures, and declining rainfall, which is exacerbated by anthropogenic land use pressure since 2000. Human population growth is strongly correlated with cropland expansion (R² = 0.903) and vegetation loss (R² = 0.793). As a result, 53.85% of species populations are declining, with 30.77% classified as endangered or vulnerable. Based on the scientific evidence, NbSs have emerged as cost-effective and sustainable strategies to restore ecological function and strengthen communities-based conservation. The proposed NbS framework offers a holistic pathway for safeguarding long-term ecosystem resilience in dryland reserves, directly contributing to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 13 and 15. Full article

Rapid urbanization and climate change pressure cities to integrate sustainability, digitalization, and circular economy principles. Yet most existing approaches treat these agendas separately, leaving gaps in how urban infrastructures, governance, and data systems can jointly support circular transformations. This paper addresses this challenge by proposing and validating a Sustainable, Smart, and Circular City (SSCC) architecture that operationalizes the waste–energy–information nexus. The architecture is structured into seven interconnected layers—Physical, Digital, Analytical, Participatory Governance, Data Strategy, Innovation Management, and Assessment—and is tested through two integrated experiments in the Fenicia Urban Living Lab, Bogotá: (i) an AI- and drone-based system for waste detection and community reporting and (ii) a solar-powered IoT urban garden for environmental monitoring. These experiments demonstrate how digital twins, participatory governance, and multi-actor collaboration can activate circular strategies while enabling evaluation against international standards (ISO 37106, U4SSC, LEED). The results confirm that the SSCC model can transform siloed services into integrated, circular functions that enhance quality of life, productivity, and ICT-based sustainability. The originality of this study lies in validating an SSCC architecture that incorporates the waste–energy–information nexus across seven layers and demonstrates, through Urban Living Lab experimentation, how such an architecture can guide the transition from Smart Sustainable Cities to Circular Cities. Full article

Amid growing global interest in culturally responsive education, integrating local knowledge into higher education curricula has become a key focus of reform, especially in culturally distinct regions. This qualitative study investigates how universities in Aceh, Indonesia, implement curriculum innovation by embedding local cultural, ecological, and philosophical values within the national Merdeka Belajar (Freedom to Learn) framework. Drawing on semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with 100 participants, including lecturers, curriculum developers, and education policymakers, this study explores both the opportunities and constraints surrounding this integration process. Local knowledge was incorporated through thematic modules on adat (customary law), oral literature, and traditional ecology, as well as community-based learning and assessment methods such as reflective journals and participatory mapping. Key challenges included limited institutional guidelines, inadequate pedagogical training, and accreditation systems prioritizing standardized indicators over local relevance. Despite challenges, factors such as faculty autonomy, leadership support, and community collaboration have fostered innovative practices. This study provides empirically grounded insights into how local knowledge can strengthen higher education in underrepresented and culturally diverse contexts. Full article

Cultural ecosystem services are difficult to evaluate due to their subjective nature and the lack of indicators of the benefits they provide to people. This study applied an innovative methodology to assess the cultural landscape’s ecosystem services in the coastal countryside of La Janda in Cádiz, Spain, based on heritage assets situated outside urban centers. After identifying 700 cultural landmarks scattered throughout La Janda that represent the region’s cultural values and foster feelings of identity and belonging at a local level, public domain routes totaling 243.78 km have been selected to appreciate them. These routes have been incorporated into an Android application, enabling users to access a bibliographic summary of the landmarks and generate data on social preferences when contemplating cultural heritage. Integrated into a Public Participation Geographic Information System, these data serve as an indicator for evaluating cultural ecosystem services and support efforts to conserve and enhance the cultural capital spread across the territory. These data also allow for the identification of symbolic and emotional values linked to place identity, offering valuable inputs for sustainable place-branding strategies that promote the territory beyond conventional tourism models. Full article