The article examines the design features of new towns in Transbaikalia in the second half of the 20th century. Based on archives, the article describes the main stages and features of the developing design and planning process for different types of towns and identifies the causes and consequences of delays in the preparation of master plans and detailed planning projects. In conclusion, the authors claim that urban master plans did not become the design basis for actual construction in new settlements in Transbaikalia during the review period. The gap between urban planning theory and practice had a cumulative effect and negatively influenced on the development of regional settlements during the Soviet period and at the present stage.

An attempt was made to review scientific research in the field of urban development of historical cities, historical settlements, the theoretical foundations of the sustainable development of historical settlements. The development of historical settlements is considered from the perspective of the idea of historical, architectural, urban planning heritage as non-renewable material cultural resources - objects of cultural heritage (historical and cultural monuments), valuable city-forming objects and objects of protection of historical settlements, which are the competitive advantage of such settlements in relation to other territories. A consolidated analysis of research areas on this topic was performed. Scientific and other works devoted to historical cities, their preservation and development are considered. A classification table of generalization of scientific research on the topic of preservation and development of historical territories, historical cities and historical settlements is given. Areas of research based on architectural, urban planning and socio-economic aspects have been identified.

Watersheds are essential ecological and hydrological systems that provide freshwater resources, regulate floods, sustain biodiversity, and support agricultural livelihoods in the Philippines. In the Ilocos Region of Northern Philippines, watershed systems are particularly significant due to the region’s upland landscapes and strong exposure to monsoonal rainfall and tropical cyclones, which drive hydrological variability and influence ecosystem stability. However, increasing land-use change including deforestation, agricultural expansion, and settlement development together with climate variability is placing growing pressure on these watershed ecosystems. This mini-review synthesizes literature on the hydrological, ecological, and land-use dynamics of watersheds in the Ilocos Region using a structured narrative synthesis of peer-reviewed literature, government reports, and regional studies retrieved from major academic databases. Findings consistently indicate that forest loss and land conversion increase surface runoff, reduce infiltration, accelerate soil erosion, and degrade water quality. These changes disrupt freshwater ecosystems, weaken ecosystem services, and heighten risks of flooding and seasonal water scarcity for surrounding communities. Although management approaches such as community-based forest management and integrated watershed management have been introduced, effectiveness is often constrained by institutional fragmentation, insufficient long-term monitoring, and weak integration between research and policy. Key research gaps include limited long-term hydrological datasets, insufficient integration of biodiversity indicators in watershed assessments, and a lack of basin-scale analyses linking land-use change to hydrological and ecological processes. Addressing these gaps and strengthening collaboration among scientists, policymakers, and local stakeholders will be critical for advancing sustainable and climate-resilient watershed management in the Ilocos Region and similar tropical landscapes.

Shandong Province, a core convergence of agricultural and maritime civilizations in eastern China, saw its settlements evolve long-term from pre-Sui-Tang to the Qing Dynasty, bearing North China’s human-land adjustment, social transformation and cultural inheritance, and serving as a key sample for understanding ancient Chinese settlement development. This study analyzed settlement spatio-temporal evolution in five periods: pre-Sui (prehistoric period – 580 A.D.), Sui-Song (581–1279), Yuan (1279–1368), Ming (1368–1644), and Qing (1644–1912). It used the nearest neighbor index (NNI) to measure settlement spatial clustering (clustered, random, discrete), kernel density analysis (KDE) to capture density kernel locations and evolution, and standard deviational ellipse (SDE) to characterize distribution center drift and direction. The study shows that: (1) Shandong’s settlement spatial pattern remained agglomerated across periods, evolving from loose to highly concentrated, then to periodic adjustment. (2) Settlement kernel density transformed from point distribution to multi-core belt agglomeration, with rising spatial agglomeration and maturing settlement systems, reflecting evolution driven by natural geography and social history. (3) The distribution of these settlements shows a spatial and temporal characteristic of shifting from southwest to northeast. Combined with the regional historical and geographical background, this evolution trend is related to natural and human factors such as changes in the Yellow River system, flood control engineering construction, and optimization of transportation patterns.

Dynamic cumulative effect of ballast settlement considering sleeper void using 3D Train–ballasted track model

Accurately identifying the spatial differentiation mechanisms of rural homesteads in ecologically fragile mountainous areas is essential for implementing United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11—building inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable human settlements—and for advancing differentiated rural revitalization strategies. Taking Zhaotong City in Yunnan Province as a case study, this study innovatively couples the binary logistic regression model with the geographic detector model to systematically analyze the spatial patterns and driving mechanisms of rural homesteads from the dual perspectives of “occurrence probability” and “agglomeration intensity.” The results show that: (1) Spatial pattern analysis reveals a macro-level distribution characterized by “higher density in the east than the west, and higher elevation in the south than the north.” At the local level, high-density small-scale clusters coexist with low-density large-scale clusters. The landscape is highly fragmented and morphologically complex, and can be classified into two regional types: “regular-dense” and “complex-expansive.” (2) The driving mechanism analysis reveals that the spatial differentiation of rural homesteads is closely linked to rigid topographic constraints, elastic responses to accessibility for both production and daily life, and adaptive adjustments to climatic conditions. Geodetector analysis further identifies widespread nonlinearly enhanced interactions among these factors, reflecting the synergistic interplay between natural and human elements. Building on these findings, this study proposes a three-tiered analytical framework—“rigid constraints–elastic responses–coupled amplification”—to characterize the multidimensional driving logic underlying homestead spatial differentiation in mountainous regions. This framework advances empirical understanding of mountain settlement dynamics in ecologically fragile developing countries and yields actionable governance insights: in areas exhibiting high landscape fragmentation, complex morphological patterns, and low agglomeration intensity, priority should be given to remediation strategies such as voluntary homestead withdrawal and ecological relocation. The findings provide a scientific basis for revitalizing existing homestead land, spatial restructuring, and refined governance in Southwest China’s mountainous regions. Furthermore, this research offers a transferable analytical framework and practical reference for sustainable human settlement development in similar contexts, including the Qinba and Hengduan Mountains, as well as ecologically fragile zones globally.

The Galician Rias represent a unique and distinctive geographical entity within the context of the Iberian territory. Characterised by their estuarine geomorphology, resulting from the submersion of ancient fluvial valleys, they hold significant ecological and cultural value. Currently perceived as natural heritage, their utilisation for productive purposes has been a key driver of structured human settlement and economic development in the surrounding region. This article aims to systematise the main historical transformations of the Galician Rias through an interdisciplinary methodology, combining the overlaying of historical and contemporary cartographic sources with the documentary analysis of primary and secondary records. This approach enables the reconstruction and interpretation of landscape transformations, producing a narrative of the evolutionary processes that have shaped these areas. The research seeks to contribute to the formulation, extension, and diversification of protective measures for Galicia’s riparian zones, while simultaneously raising awareness of the importance of safeguarding archaeological remains from classical, medieval, and pre-industrial periods. These vestiges are increasingly under threat from profound alterations to their natural and anthropogenic contexts. Additionally, the study highlights the value of preserving this heritage to foster public awareness of the need to protect these fragile landscapes.

The content of Digital Transformation (DT) as a factor of research library sustainability is discussed. In Part 2, the authors argue that the most significant vectors of digital transformation (DT) in this country are: exponential growth of remote users (readers); development of e-libraries; digital resources and specialized computerized systems; digital user services provided online; personification of library services in the digital environment; library collections digitalization, etc. Eventually, the digital space for collection development, storage and information retrieval emerges. The authors analyze the library digital space, its interior and exterior components. Building open digital information spaces on the basis of libraries induces sustainable development (SD) of residential settlements, attracts users to the libraries, provides specialists with the instrument for advocating and promoting sustainable development goals (SDGs). The authors describe the thematic collections in ecology and nature management acquired by Russian libraries, including RNPLST. They analyze the findings of the ecological movement survey of Russian regional libraries and discuss challenges and concerns related to the libraries digital transformation (LDT). The authors introduce the term (green ICT). They conclude that against the challenges of SDGs and conspicuous doubts of non-achieving these goals, the digital transformation may become a powerful instrument for achieving them. This is also important in the library and information sector. The authors insist that the digital transformations in the libraries support the SD principles.

This study examines the social and economic impacts of digital and “smart” settlement development in Hungary, focusing on the implementation of the European Union’s digital strategies within the framework of national programs such as the Digital Wellbeing Program and the Digital Settlement Program By analyzing four Hungarian case studies—Nagypáli, Ceglédbercel, Tamási, and the Northern Hegyháti Micro-Regional Union—the paper explores how digital technologies contribute to social cohesion, innovation capacity, and regional competitiveness. The findings indicate that the successful application of digitalization depends largely on community participation, municipal capacity, and institutional stability. Financial analysis reveals that while digitalization initially increases local expenditures, it enhances long-term fiscal efficiency through cost reduction and improved service delivery. The study concludes that the sustainability of Hungary’s digital settlement initiatives lies in the integration of technological modernization, social innovation, and regional cooperation, fostering both social renewal and fiscal resilience but with certain specificities which are connected to the nature of Hungary-EU relations.

This study examines the impacts of flooding on residential infrastructure and community well-being in riverine settlements. Armchair analysis and review of recent literature were used to extract relevant information for the study. The review identifies four key impact dimensions: structural damage and material degradation, indoor environmental quality deterioration, socio-economic implications, and community resilience challenges. Findings demonstrate that flooding leads to structural damages and drastic decrease of property value of the degraded structures, compromised indoor air quality with mold spore concentrations 200-40%. The study also highlights critical gaps in insurance coverage affecting 70% of 500% above baseline, households and substantial socio-economic burdens, particularly on vulnerable populations. Additionally, the study explores the socioeconomic implications of flood-related housing damage, including property devaluation, increased maintenance costs, and insurance challenges. The paper concludes by proposing evidence-based recommendations for flood-resilient housing design, policy interventions, and community-level adaptation strategies to enhance housing sustainability in flood-prone areas. This comprehensive analysis contributes to the growing body of knowledge on climate change adaptation and sustainable urban development in vulnerable riverine settlements. Key recommendations for enhancing community resilience were advanced, including implementing flood-resistant construction strategies, updating building codes, developing comprehensive emergency response networks, and establishing financial assistance programs.

This study aims to explore local history and cultural landscape as cultural capital for cultural tourism management of Phanomwan Community located around the ancient site of Prasat Phanomwan, Ban Pho Subdistrict, Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. The results reflect cultural ecology through the dynamic of adaptation to the environment and culture. In particular, the community regards Prasat Phanomwan as its significant ancient site, both from the aspect of various forms of local land use and information on local history and folklore that demonstrate the development of settlement, way of life, local wisdom, and cultural economic system of local people that align with the concept of cultural landscape. The body of knowledge is regarded as significant capital that the community can build upon and develop as a prominent cultural tourist attraction.

Development of surface settlement under the combined effect of foundation pit dewatering and excavation: Insights from experimental modelling

Subject. Municipal management system, formation of economic growth centers. Objectives. Identifying factors hindering the implementation of strategic spatial development priorities of the Russian Federation. Methods. Expert survey with elements of interviewing. Results. The desire of local authorities to take a more active role in the development of key settlements contradicts the essence of the principle of support, which implies giving priority to the interests of the country's spatial development as a whole. There remains uncertainty regarding the financial support for the ability of key settlements to carry out a number of important functions in relation to adjacent territories. However, all experts noted that the key settlements have the potential to become centers of economic growth. Conclusions. Leaders of key settlements adopt a paternalistic approach to addressing the economic problems of the regions, whereas the development of economic growth centers requires the activation of civil society institutions. Special legislation is needed to regulate the creation, functioning, and development of key settlements.

Abstract. Purpose of the study. To analyze the scholarly heritage of Ukrainian émigré scholars during the DP period (1945-1952) and to determine its impact on the further development of historical science. Research methodology is based on the combination of the principles of objectivity, scientific rigor, and historicism, as well as the use of general and special historical methods. Within an interdisciplinary framework, comparative-historical, problem-chronological, and retrospective methods, along with analysis and synthesis, were applied. Scientific novelty. For the first time, a comprehensive analysis of the academic contributions of Ukrainian scholars in the fields of archaeology and ancient history during the DP period (1945-1952) has been carried out. Conclusions. The works of Ukrainian émigré scholars on archaeology and ancient history were based on the results of archaeological excavations. Among the most intensively studied topics were various aspects of the Trypillian culture, whose rich archaeological material –from housing construction to ceramic decoration – offered broad opportunities for comparative studies. Ukrainian researchers in emigration sought in Trypillian culture the origins of the ethnogenesis of the Ukrainian people. Studies devoted to ancient sites made it possible to reconstruct the processes of urbanization and economic development in the Azov and Black Sea regions, emphasizing the role of Ukrainian territories in the broader context of European history. Studies on the History of the Azov Region by M. Miller constitutes a significant contribution to the study of the history and archaeology of southern Ukraine, particularly the Azov area. These publications encompass a wide range of topics – from archaeological investigations to the social and cultural aspects of regional life – and demonstrate a profound analysis of settlement development in ancient times. Overall, the scholarly legacy of Ukrainian émigré researchers laid the foundation for the further advancement of archaeological and ancient historical studies both in the diaspora and in independent Ukraine. Keywords: archaeology, ancient history, DP period, P. Kurinny, M. Miller, Y. Pasternak, Northern Black Sea region, Azov region.

Tourism is a major source of income globally, but rapid, uncontrolled development to meet demand has caused serious environmental degradation. As sustainability becomes a central global concern, integrating tourism with nature in a balanced way is increasingly important. In response, ecotourism has emerged as a sustainable alternative, aiming to preserve natural and cultural heritage, respect local lifestyles, and provide socio-economic benefits to communities. Rural areas are often considered ideal locations for establishing ecotourism facilities due to several factors. Primarily, they enable the sharing of natural and cultural assets with environmentally conscious tourists while helping to reduce rural-to-urban migration. Preventing rural depopulation and strengthening local communities socially and economically are therefore key objectives of sustainable settlement development. Proper site selection is the key factor during the construction of ecotourism facilities. Incorrectly located facilities can harm the natural environment. It is also essential to preserve the authenticity of these regions while enhancing their environmental friendliness through modern systems. This study focuses on some important criteria related to ecotourism facilities that are directly related to the protection of ecological balance and ensuring rural sustainability. Accordingly, the main aim of this study is to evaluate the potential of the traditional Turkish House as a model for ecotourism facilities. Within the scope of the study firstly, a literature review was carried out focusing on ecotourism facilities. This review explored the fundamental concept, key features, site selection and construction characteristics of ecotourism facilities. Then, the suitability of the traditional Turkish House for adaptation as an ecotourism facility is evaluated. In this context, environmentally compatible design, water management, waste management, energy conservation, sustainable technology and material use have been put forward as fundamental design features. When these features are evaluated in terms of traditional Turkish House; it has been seen those issues such as the use of water-efficient fixtures, the development of waste sorting practices, use of alternative energy sources, reforestation projects to meet timber demands and the improvement of wood’s fire resistance used come to the fore.

The article involves the development of a mobile vegetable-growing settlement’s conception, designed to comprehensively address a range of economic, social and environmental issues. The article relates to sustainable agricultural development. It is to address the issues of creating an adaptable environment in agricultural fields for the effective use of precision agriculture in crop production. The aim of the paper is to develop the concept of a mobile vegetable-growing settlement, designed to make more efficient use of the precision farming systems in a new context by creating an adaptable agricultural field’s environment. The concept was developed using geometric modeling based on a systems analysis of the situation. The result is a mobile and scalable land lot allocation system. Such a field distribution system creates an adaptable environment for more efficient use of precision agriculture systems, in both formats: traditional and modern crop production.

This article analyzes the historical development of rural and urban settlements in the Middle Syr Darya basin during antiquity and the early Middle Ages on the basis of written and archaeological sources. The study applies a comparative and critical approach to data derived from ancient Greek and Roman authors, Chinese chronicles, and Arabic and Persian geographical works. Particular attention is paid to the hydronym Syr Darya, its various historical names recorded in different sources, their etymology, and related toponymic features. The article also examines the formation of settlements in historical regions such as Chach, Ustrushana, Otrar, Isfijab, and the Mirzachul area, emphasizing the interactions between sedentary agricultural communities and nomadic pastoral populations. The research findings contribute to a more precise understanding of the historical geography of the Middle Syr Darya basin and are significant for interpreting the ethno-cultural processes of the region.

Relevance . The State policy of the Republic of Belarus in the field of healthcare is focused on ensuring the availability and quality of medical care, as well as on the prevention of diseases and the formation of a responsible attitude to health. As part of the implementation of the State Program «Public Health and Demographic Security» for 2021–2025, the project «Healthy Cities and Towns» is being implemented, and this work is devoted to evaluating the implementation of this project. The purpose of the study : to study the opinion of the population of 250 cities and towns of the Republic of Belarus on the effectiveness of the implementation of a set of measures provided for by the state preventive project «Healthy Cities and Towns for 2023» through a questionnaire survey. Materials and methods . The study was conducted using a sociological survey of the population of 250 settlements participating in the implementation of the state project «Healthy Cities and Towns» in 2023. The sample totaled 1,365 respondents (sampling error ±2.62%). The questionnaire included questions aimed at assessing attitudes to health, healthy lifestyle, accessibility and quality of medical care, as well as the effectiveness of preventive measures. Results . The attitude of the population to their health and a healthy lifestyle has been studied, the effectiveness of preventive measures to preserve public health has been assessed, and the accessibility and quality of medical care from the point of view of patients has been assessed. The respondents consider the effectiveness of the healthcare system to be the main indicator of the success of the project. One in five survey participants (19.0%) noted the positive dynamics of its development in their locality. At the same time, an assessment of the opinion of the population about the necessity and reality of forming the «health» of their locality recorded a low level of awareness of citizens about its implementation (only 9.0% of respondents). A significant part of the respondents (66.6%) consider their own health to be «good», and stress, lack of sleep and a sedentary lifestyle are among the key factors negatively affecting it. Conclusion . Belarusians’ idea of the «health» of their locality includes, first of all, the activities of the healthcare system and the factors of ensuring and maintaining their physical and mental health. The need for greater government involvement in the development of healthcare, the creation of cultural and sports facilities, ensuring a high level of technological development in human settlements, decent working conditions, as well as greater implementation of barrier-free environment elements is emphasized. The majority of respondents noted the need to improve the activities of medical and social services aimed at raising public awareness and prioritizing healthy lifestyle.

This study examines how Canada’s varied physical geography influences patterns of settlement, regional economies, environmental pressures, and long-term development trajectories. Spanning a wide range of landforms and climatic zones—from the rugged terrain of the Western Cordillera to the Arctic’s polar environment—Canada’s geographical structure shapes both human activity and resource utilization. Adopting a qualitative descriptive framework, the research integrates evidence from scholarly sources, governmental publications, and spatial data analyses. The findings highlight pronounced regional contrasts in population density and economic function, with extensive regions such as the Canadian Shield supporting limited settlement due to physical constraints, while southern corridors and the Prairie provinces sustain intensive agriculture, urban concentration, and industrial growth. The analysis further reveals that climate-related risks are most severe in northern regions, where environmental change disproportionately affects Indigenous communities and fragile ecosystems. Major metropolitan areas have expanded largely as a result of favorable geographic positioning that facilitates trade, transportation, and economic connectivity. Overall, the study emphasizes the central role of geography in shaping Canada’s national development and advocates for region-specific policy approaches that prioritize environmental resilience, infrastructure planning, and Indigenous land governance.

Abstract As self-organized systems, traditional settlements emerge from local codes that guide discrete building acts over time. These rule-based systems’ ability to shape the intricate spatial matrix and fabric of cities continues to inspire contemporary urban design, particularly in the search for alternative methodologies to create contextually distinctive and spatially coherent settlements for the new century. However, despite the growing interest in traditional urbanism, there is still a gap in understanding the morphology of historical fabrics and their generative logic for design application. This paper revisits Critical Regionalism, advocating for a nuanced integration of contemporary styles and techniques with local culture and identity. It proposes a systematic framework to decode the morphology of traditional urban fabrics, using their rules to inform the development of new settlements. The study examines Uçhisar, Cappadocia as one of the oldest traditional settlements in Türkiye, and explores the potential of a typomorphological perspective in contextual urban design.