Search Results (68)

Urban tree diversity plays a crucial role in enhancing the resilience of cities by contributing to ecosystem services such as mitigating the effects of land degradation, combating urban heat islands, improving air quality, and fostering biodiversity habitats. A diverse tree population enhances resilience to vulnerabilities related to climatic stress, disease, and habitat loss by promoting stability, adaptability, and efficiency within the ecosystem. Little is known about urban tree diversity in Serbia; therefore, this study examines the diversity of tree species in the City of Niš, Serbia, to assess its implications for urban resilience and biodiversity preservation in the context of land-use change. Using the Shannon Diversity Index, we quantify species richness and evenness across both central and suburban zones of the city. The results are benchmarked against similar indices in five other European cities to assess how patterns of urban tree distribution vary under different urbanisation pressures. The study reveals that tree diversity is markedly lower in the city centre than in peripheral areas, highlighting spatial inequalities in green infrastructure that may accelerate biodiversity loss due to compact urban development. These findings demonstrate how urban expansion and infrastructure density contribute to ecological fragmentation, potentially leading to long-term effects on ecosystem services. This study emphasises the strategic importance of integrating greenery diversity into urban and landscape planning, particularly in rapidly growing urban centres in Southeastern Europe. This research contributes to the existing body of literature, providing a deeper understanding of the interdependencies between urban tree diversity, land degradation, and biodiversity loss, offering data-driven insights. This enables urban planners, landscape architects, and policy advisors to make informed decisions about street tree diversity and green city infrastructure, contributing to the development of sustainable cities. Full article

The decarbonization of short sea shipping is emerging as a critical priority for Mediterranean countries. This paper presents key findings from the ELECTRA-GR project, funded by the EEA Financial Mechanism (MIS 5202231), which aimed to evaluate the feasibility, technical readiness, and legislative requirements for the electrification of coastal ferry services in Greece. The study focused on two pilot routes—Salamis–Perama and Chios–Oinousses— representative of the high-frequency, short-distance ferry operations characteristic of the Greek archipelago. A comprehensive assessment was conducted combining technical fleet profiling, stakeholder consultations, legislative analysis, cost–benefit evaluations, and international benchmarking with Norway. For the base scenario of the high-traffic Salamis–Perama route, full electrification yields an annual reduction of approximately 900 tons of CO₂ compared to diesel operation and achieves a Net Present Value (NPV) of €1.6 million over a 15-year period. In contrast, the Chios–Oinousses route, characterized by lower traffic volume, achieves a reduction of 85 tons of CO₂ annually through hybrid conversion, but results in an NPV of €−1.69 million, underscoring the need for financial support mechanisms or targeted subsidies to ensure economic feasibility. The results indicate that electrification of short ferry routes in Greece is technically feasible and environmentally advantageous but faces significant challenges, including inadequate port infrastructure, regulatory gaps, and limited industrial readiness. The study proposes a structured roadmap toward electrification, emphasizing the modernization of shipyards, tailored policy instruments, and public–private cooperation. The findings contribute to the formulation of a scalable strategy for clean maritime transport in peripheral and island regions of Greece. Full article

Background: Surgical excision of axillary hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) often results in challenging defects. While flap techniques offer durable coverage, they are typically invasive. We present a modified method combining peripheral defect reduction with two sliding triangular island flaps from the arm and chest, designed to optimize healing with minimal invasiveness. Methods: Twelve patients (Hurley II–III) underwent excision and dual V-Y advancement flap reconstruction. Flaps were mobilized without perforator dissection. Outcomes were assessed using patient and surgeon Likert-scale ratings at one and six months. Results: Good healing was achieved in 91.7% of cases. Both patient acceptance and cosmetic outcomes were favorable (83.3%). No major complications were noted; one recurrence (8.3%) occurred at six months. Conclusions: The described technique offers a safe, effective, and cosmetically favorable option for medium-sized axillary HS defects. It provides a less invasive alternative to conventional flaps, with high healing rates and patient acceptance. Full article

Background/Objectives: Supernumerary teeth, or hyperdontia, refer to a developmental anomaly defined by the presence of additional teeth beyond the normal dentition. Hyperdontia may result in clinical complications including delayed eruption, crowding, and malocclusion. Despite its prevalence having been studied in various populations, data from geographically isolated or peripheral groups remain limited. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and distribution of supernumerary teeth in a sample of children and adolescents from the island of Lesvos, Greece. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using panoramic radiographs from 621 Caucasian children aged 9–16 years who attended orthodontic or general/pediatric dental clinics in Mytilini, Lesvos island, Greece. Radiographs were examined for the presence, number, type, and location of supernumerary teeth. The analysis included data to explore gender and arch distribution. Results: Supernumerary teeth were identified in 15 individuals, corresponding to a prevalence of 2.4%. A slightly higher occurrence was observed in males (1.4%) than in females (1%). The majority of supernumerary teeth were situated in the maxillary arch (1.9%). Mesiodens represented the most frequently observed type, followed by supernumerary lateral incisors, paramolars, and a single supernumerary central incisor. Conclusions: The prevalence of supernumerary teeth in this population is consistent with reported findings. Mesiodens was the most frequently observed type, with a predominance in the maxillary arch. Early detection of supernumerary teeth is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective management. Full article

Various scholars have noted Mesopotamian impact on various aspects of Israelite religious beliefs and practices and extrapolated from these on the broader nature of the relations between the regions. Indeed, no society is an island, and influences are inevitable, especially when a small, peripheral society is in contact with a powerful center. Still, insufficient attention has been paid to the social and cultural contexts of the interaction, and studies have often extrapolated from examples that are exceptional. A systematic examination of the cultural and social reactions in Judah to the intensifying interaction with Assyria reveals that avoidance, subversion, and resistance were far more prevalent than emulation. The large-scale death and deportations that accompanied the destruction of sites and regions by the Assyrian armies in the last third of the 8th century (mostly outside Judah) resulted in an understanding that nothing was secure anymore, that complete kinship groups could be annihilated overnight, and that long-held traditions could simply vanish. This gave rise to a mentality of “life in the shadow of the bomb”, which explains many subsequent developments in Judah, providing the context for various religious changes. Full article

In the northeastern USA, the distribution of lone star ticks (Amblyomma americanum) has expanded northward in recent decades, overlapping with the range of blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis). Blacklegged ticks carry pathogens for diseases such as Lyme, babesiosis, and anaplasmosis, while bites from lone star ticks cause other diseases and the alpha-gal syndrome allergy. Lone star ticks can become so abundant that they are perceived as more of a public health threat than blacklegged ticks. Using the island of Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, as a case study, we analyzed data from a total of 1265 yard surveys from 2011 to 2024 to document lone star tick presence and subsequent expansion from two peripheral areas, Chappaquiddick and Aquinnah, to all six towns. The timing of lone star tick expansion on Martha’s Vineyard closely matched an increase in tick submissions to a pathogen testing center. At Chappaquiddick, drag sampling carried out in June 2023 and 2024 showed that both tick species were most common at wooded sites, where blacklegged nymphs were somewhat more abundant than lone star nymphs. However, lone star ticks occurred in a wider range of natural and peridomestic habitats than blacklegged nymphs, making them far more challenging for people to avoid and manage. Full article

The Olympic Games are a sporting event and a catalyst for urban development in their host city. In this study, we utilized remote sensing and GIS techniques to examine the impact of the Olympic infrastructure on the surface temperature of urban areas. Using Landsat Series Collection 2 Tier 1 Level 2 data and cloud computing provided by Google Earth Engine (GEE), this study examines the effects of various forms of Olympic Games facility urban planning in different historical moments and location typologies, as follows: monocentric, polycentric, peripheric and clustered Olympic ring. The GEE code applies to the Olympic Games that occurred from Paris 2024 to Montreal 1976. However, this paper focuses specifically on the representative cases of Paris 2024, Tokyo 2020, Rio 2016, Beijing 2008, Sydney 2000, Barcelona 1992, Seoul 1988, and Montreal 1976. The study is not only concerned with obtaining absolute land surface temperatures (LST), but rather the relative influence of mega-event infrastructures on mitigating or increasing the urban heat. As such, the locally normalized land surface temperature (NLST) was utilized for this purpose. In some cities (Paris, Tokyo, Beijing, and Barcelona), it has been determined that Olympic planning has resulted in the development of green spaces, creating “green spots” that contribute to lower-than-average temperatures. However, it should be noted that there is a significant variation in temperature within intensely built-up areas, such as Olympic villages and the surrounding areas of the Olympic stadium, which can become “hotspots.” Therefore, it is important to acknowledge that different planning typologies of Olympic infrastructure can have varying impacts on city heat islands, with the polycentric and clustered Olympic ring typologies displaying a mitigating effect. This research contributes to a cloud computing method that can be updated for future Olympic Games or adapted for other mega-events and utilizes a widely available remote sensing data source to study a specific urban planning context. Full article

Background: This retrospective analysis of an ongoing prospective cohort study aimed to assess the outcome of revascularisation for treating lifestyle-limiting intermittent claudication caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD) in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and non-Indigenous North Queenslanders. Methods: Consenting patients with PAD who underwent endovascular or open revascularisation procedures for treating lifestyle-limiting intermittent claudication were included. The primary outcome measure was major adverse limb events (MALEs), defined as major amputation or the requirement for repeat open or endovascular revascularisation. Results: Of the 378 included patients, 18 (4.8%) identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples. During a mean follow-up (standard deviation) of 6.0 (3.9) years, the incidence of MALE was similar in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People and non-Indigenous Australians (absolute percentage: 50.0% vs. 40.6%, log rank p = 0.59). In both unadjusted and adjusted analyses, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and non-Indigenous Australians had similar risks of MALE (unadjusted hazard ratio, HR, 1.20, 95% confidence interval, CI, 0.61, 2.36; adjusted HR 1.02, 95%CI 0.50, 2.06). Conclusions: This study suggests that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People are under-represented in the population of patients undergoing revascularisation to treat intermittent claudication. Due to small numbers it cannot be reliably concluded that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People and non-Indigenous Australians have similar rates of MALE. Full article

Vegetation is an important strategy for mitigating heat island effects, owed to its shading and evaporative cooling functions. However, urbanization has significantly affected regional vegetation phenology and can potentially weaken the cooling potential of vegetation. Previous studies have mainly focused on national and regional vegetation phenology, but local-scale vegetation phenology and dynamic variations in built-up areas remain unclear. Therefore, this study characterized the vegetation phenology in the densely built-up area of Beijing, China over the period of 2000–2020 based on high-resolution NDVI data using Savitzky–Golay filtering and explored its spatiotemporal characteristics and drivers. The results indicate that the vegetation phenology exhibits significant spatial heterogeneity and clustering characteristics. Compared with vegetation in peripheral blocks, vegetation in central urban blocks generally has an earlier start in the growing season (SOS), later end in the growing season (EOS), and a longer growing season length (GSL). However, the overall distribution of these parameters has experienced a process of decentralization along with urbanization. In terms of drivers, vegetation phenology indicators are mainly influenced by background climate. Specifically, SOS and GSL are mainly affected by temperature (TEP), whereas EOS is mainly influenced by annual precipitation (PRE). Additionally, local environmental factors, particularly the percentage of water body (WAP), also have an impact. Notably, the local environment and background climate have a synergistic effect on vegetation phenology, which is greater than their individual effects. Overall, this study extends the current knowledge on the response of vegetation phenology to urbanization by investigating long-term vegetation phenology dynamics in dense urban areas and provides new insights into the complex interactions between vegetation phenology and built environments. Full article

Rapid urbanisation in the global south has often introduced substantial and rapid uncontrolled Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) changes, considerably affecting the Land Surface Temperature (LST) patterns. Understanding the relationship between LULC changes and LST is essential to mitigate such effects, considering the urban heat island (UHI). This study aims to elucidate the spatiotemporal variations and alterations of LST in urban areas compared to LULC changes. The study focused on a peripheral urban area of Phnom Penh (Cambodia) undergoing rapid urban development. Using Landsat images from 2000 to 2021, the analysis employed an exploratory time-series analysis of LST. The study revealed a noticeable variability in LST (20 to 69 °C), which was predominantly influenced by seasonal variability and LULC changes. The study also provided insights into how LST varies within different LULC at the exact spatial locations. These changes in LST did not manifest uniformly but displayed site-specific responses to LULC changes. This study accounts for changing land surfaces’ complex physical energy interaction over time. The methodology offers a replicable model for other similarly structured, rapidly urbanised regions utilising novel semi-automatic processing of LST from Landsat images, potentially inspiring future research in various urban planning and monitoring contexts. Full article

Characterizing permafrost is crucial for understanding the fate of arctic and subarctic archaeological archives under climate change. The loss of bio-physical integrity of archaeological sites in northern regions is still poorly documented, even though discontinuous permafrost is particularly vulnerable to global warming. In this study, we documented the spatial distribution of the permafrost-supported Inuit archaeological site Oakes Bay 1 on Dog Island (Labrador, Canada) while employing a novel approach in northern geoarchaeology based on non-invasive geophysical methods. ERT and GPR were successfully used to estimate active layer thickness and image permafrost spatial variability and characteristics. The results made it possible to reconstruct a conceptual model of the current geocryological context of the subsurface in relation to the site topography, hydrology, and geomorphology. The peripherical walls of Inuit semi-subterranean sod houses were found to contain ice-rich permafrost, whereas their central depressions were identified as sources of vertical permafrost degradation. The geophysical investigations were used to classify the permafrost at Oakes Bay 1 as climate-driven, ecosystem-protected permafrost that cannot regenerate under current climate conditions. This work highlights how the permafrost at Oakes Bay 1 is currently affected by multi-point thermal degradation by both conduction and advection, which makes it highly sensitive to climate warming. Full article

Climate change and urbanization have led to the increasing prominence of urban heat islands (UHIs) today, posing a huge challenge to cities. Urban resilience (UR) refers to the ability of a city or region to adapt to changes and risks. However, the influence between the heat island effect and regional urban resilience is not well understood. In this study, we proposed a methodological framework for unveiling the coupling coordination and interaction mechanism between UHIs and UR. This study first explored UHIs in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and described the creation of a multidimensional index system that evaluates urban resilience across social, economic, ecological, and engineering dimensions. Furthermore, this study unveiled the coupling coordination effect of UHIs and UR through the coupling coordination degree model, and the influence mechanism between the drivers of UHIs and the change in UR was detected using a geographic probe. The results showed that the UHI region forms a ring-shaped belt around the entrance to the Pearl River Delta. The UHIs of the GBA show a significant trend of expansion and escalation over time. The UR of the GBA shows a spatial distribution pattern of high resilience among regional central cities and low resilience among peripheral cities, with significantly uneven development in sub-resilience dimensions. The UHIs and UR of the GBA showed a certain coupling and coordination effect, improving from barely synergistic to a primary coordination state. Among the drivers of UHIs, population density, precipitation, average nighttime light brightness, and ground-average CO₂ emissions have strong explanatory power for the spatial variation in UR. The interaction between two factors has a stronger influence on UR than individual factors. The purpose of this paper is to initially reveal the influence mechanism between UHIs and UR and to provide a theoretical basis for further exploring the path of sustainable urban development. Full article

The urban heat island (UHI) and its intensity is one of the phenomena that are of determining importance for the comfort of living in cities and their sustainable development in the face of deepening climate change. The study is objectively difficult due to the large dynamics like land cover and the considerable diversity of land use patterns in urban areas. Most of the frequently used research practice approaches provide information with problematic spatial and temporal resolution, making them difficult to apply for sustainable urban planning purposes. This paper proposes to calculate SUHI intensity as the difference between the temperature of a given point within a city and the average minimum temperature of the land cover class with the lowest surface temperatures within the same urban area. The study presents the results of the application of thermal photogrammetry based on the use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), combined with geographic information systems (GIS), in the study of surface urban heat island intensity (SUHI), at the local level for the largest housing complex in Bulgaria–Lyulin district of the capital of Sofia city. The studies were carried out during a heat wave in July 2023. A difference of 16.5 °C was found between locations with SUHI occurrence and of the peripheral non-build and natural land cover types within the urbanized area. The information benefits of locally addressed data and their direct applicability are discussed to support decision-making processes in the planning and management of urban areas, including their climate adaptation and sustainable development. Full article

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about notable changes in the education sector, specifically the shift towards online learning. This study examined the experiences of 124 engineering students in the Canary Islands, an EU ultra-peripheral region, as they adapted to online education during the pandemic. A comprehensive survey assessed students’ experiences in five key dimensions, including satisfaction with traditional face-to-face learning, perceptions of the engineering department’s transition to online learning, module-specific adaptations, personal adaptation strategies, and the adaptation of teaching staff. The study’s methodology involved statistical analyses using Microsoft Excel v16.0 and SPSS 27 tools to identify patterns and draw conclusions. The findings indicate a nuanced landscape. Students demonstrated strong technological literacy and readiness for online learning. However, they expressed concerns about educators’ digital proficiency and perceived a decline in educational quality. These results emphasize the critical need for sustainable, adaptable, and inclusive educational strategies, particularly in regions like the Canary Islands that face unique challenges. The implications of the study have broader relevance to digital education. It is essential to note the need for educators to receive comprehensive training in digital tools and methodologies to improve the quality of online learning. Full article

Coworking spaces are shared workplaces in which desk space is available to remote workers, freelancers, and small enterprises. They offer the social, technological, and networking advantages of an office while allowing workers the freedom to reside in a location of their choice. Remote working has become a common work practice in recent years, accelerated by restrictions introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, and Irish Government policy strongly supports coworking spaces across the island to support employment diversity and retain populations in towns and villages. Along with the provision of viable workplaces, coworking spaces can provide a range of co-benefits to their localities, such as stimulating local economies and reducing commuting-related emissions. This paper describes a mixed-method study seeking to identify this range of co-benefits through a survey of coworking space users and semi-structured interviews with coworking space founders, managers, and coordinators. The study uses an integrative process to categorise the findings into social, urban, and environmental co-benefits. The research finds that locating a coworking space in a central rather than peripheral urban area can support and optimise many of these co-benefits. Full article