Sustainable Landscape Research Articles

Revolutionizing Sustainable Energy: Cutting-Edge AI Applications and Innovations

The intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and sustainable energy is paving the way for groundbreaking innovations that promise to revolutionize how we produce, consume, and manage energy. This paper delves into cutting-edge applications of AI, including advanced predictive analytics, blockchain integration, and autonomous energy systems, highlighting their potential to transform the sustainable energy landscape. By showcasing real-world applications and future directions, we underscore AI's role in driving sustainable practices and addressing global energy challenges.

Thermal Comfort and Green Spaces: The Role of Temperature-Regulating Elements in Neighborhood Parks

According to current studies, the thermal effects of global warming will affect urban areas more intensely. In the face of this situation, strategies for the improvement and management of urban green spaces are becoming increasingly important in sustainable landscape design. These strategies promote social sustainability by positively affecting individuals’ physical and psychological well-being, taking into consideration ecological sustainability. Projections regarding global warming emphasize that the density of hardscapes and green spaces, the selection of plant species, and the distribution of plants considered within the scope of this study should be taken into account. This research was conducted in the Görükle neighborhood of Bursa, focusing on the role of temperature-regulating elements in 14 neighborhood parks. Systematic temperature measurements were carried out in the research area on the 10th, 20th, and 30th of July and August, specifically between 12:00 and 13:00, during peak temperature hours. The presence of parks that are close to each other and relatively far away from each other in the study area was seen as advantageous to filter the effects of plant differences in similar conditions. Furthermore, evaluating these various factors together highlights the multifaceted nature of thermal comfort. Designated temperature measurement points included three points (hard surfaces and hard surfaces surrounded by vegetation and planted green spaces) in each park. An analysis utilizing SPSS and the RayMan program revealed that parks with a softscape to hardscape ratio of approximately two to one experienced temperature reductions of 2.5 to 3 °C. Furthermore, the findings indicate that coniferous trees have a more significant impact on thermal comfort compared to deciduous trees. The significant differences identified in this study underscore essential considerations for urban design processes aimed at achieving sustainability.

The intersection of financial modeling and public health: A conceptual exploration of cost-effective healthcare delivery

This review paper explores the intersection of financial modeling and public health, highlighting the importance of cost-effective healthcare delivery in contemporary health systems. Financial modeling serves as a crucial tool for policymakers, providing evidence-based insights that inform decision-making and optimize resource allocation. Key financial models, including cost-benefit analysis and predictive modeling, are examined for their applications in public health initiatives, particularly in areas such as preventive care and chronic disease management. The paper discusses core public health priorities—prevention, access, and quality—and the economic constraints faced by healthcare systems. Recommendations are provided for policymakers and healthcare professionals to enhance the application of financial models, emphasizing the need for training, investment in data infrastructure, and fostering cross-sector collaborations. By leveraging financial modeling, public health systems can achieve improved health outcomes while maximizing resource efficiency, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and equitable healthcare landscape.. Keywords: Financial Modeling, Public Health, Cost-Effectiveness, Healthcare Delivery, Resource Allocation, Preventive Care.

Spatiotemporal Differentiation of Land Ecological Security and Optimization Based on GeoSOS-FLUS Model: A Case Study of the Yellow River Delta in China Toward Sustainability

Land ecological security (LES) is a crucial issue pertaining to the sustainability of landscapes or land systems. Nevertheless, previous studies largely neglected the impacts of landscape structure on LES. This study, taking the Yellow River Delta (YRD) as the case area, analyzed the spatiotemporal differentiation patterns of regional LES in 19 counties (cities and districts) from 2000 to 2020 through the application of landscape metrics and employed GeoSOS-FLUS to forecast the landscape structure and corresponding land ecological security in 2030 under four different scenarios to advance sustainability. The results show that, first, landscape fragmentation and irregularity are decreasing, while aggregation and connectivity are increasing. The primary landscape change involves the transition from farmland to developed areas. Second, the LES index is rising. In 2020, about 73.68% of the research units reached level IV, while most were at level III. Third, it is projected that by 2030, the LES index will rise under all scenarios, exhibiting an eastward-declining gradient in its geographic distribution, with higher values prevailing in the eastern regions and gradually tapering off towards the west. It is expected that in the business-as-usual scenario, the proportion of LES reaching level V will be the highest. This study not only reveals the impact mechanism of the landscape structure on land ecological security but also provides an important basis for formulating scientific and rational land use planning and management strategies from the perspectives of sustainable land governance and sustainable land use.

The Landscape as a Pillar of the Metropolis of Tomorrow: Sustainable Strategies for Better Integration in Annaba, Algeria

Objectives: This study aims to address the urban and landscape challenges faced by Annaba, a city in Algeria, due to environmental degradation resulting from rapid urbanisation and rural-to-urban migration. Once celebrated for its natural beauty, Annaba now seeks to restore its appeal and improve the quality of life for its residents. The objective is to demonstrate how integrating the landscape into urban planning can play a crucial role in sustainable development, preserving the city's unique identity, and enhancing its social, ecological, and aesthetic environment. Methods: Our approach involves a thorough analysis of Annaba’s landscape characteristics and biodiversity, exploring strategies for reintegration into urban planning frameworks. We focus on the coastal landscape as a primary asset in planning recommendations. This study reviews existing literature on sustainable urban planning, biodiversity conservation, and landscape integration in cities experiencing similar environmental and demographic shifts. Results: The findings suggest that integrating landscape elements into urban planning in Annaba would significantly enhance its ecological and aesthetic appeal. A sustainable development approach that prioritises the landscape can help to combat environmental degradation, improve the quality of urban life, and strengthen the city’s identity. Specific recommendations emphasize preserving coastal and natural features to support biodiversity and attract residents and tourists alike. Conclusion: Reintegrating landscape considerations into Annaba’s urban development strategy is essential for addressing present and future challenges. This approach would not only protect the city's natural assets but also promote a sustainable and appealing urban environment. By focusing on the landscape as a foundation of urban planning, Annaba can redefine its developmental path, offering a model of sustainable growth for other Mediterranean cities facing similar issues.

Smart technology-based microclimate control system for greenhouse

This study proposes an agricultural management system designed to enhance productivity by leveraging artificial intelligence and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies. It addresses the complex microclimate conditions within greenhouses by integrating microcontrollers and sensors to monitor parameters such as temperature, humidity, and soil moisture, enabling precise environmental management. Web and mobile applications provide interactive interfaces, allowing users to monitor real-time factors influencing the greenhouse environment. The system can execute actions like activating fans or irrigation pumps based on user inputs or predefined settings. In addition to improving yields, the system aims to create a dataset that can be used for assessing the effectiveness of future machine learning models. Important considerations include data privacy, training farmers to effectively use the technology, and integrating the system with traditional farming practices, thereby enhancing sustainability. Overall, this study aspires to continuously improve agricultural practices by combining modern technology with traditional knowledge, ultimately aiming for a more efficient and sustainable agricultural landscape.

Geodesign as a boundary management process: Co-creating and negotiating sustainable landscape futures. Participatory research methods for sustainability ‐ toolkit #11

Geodesign is a participatory research and planning process that manages diverse boundaries and combines place-based local knowledge and values, design and planning expertise, and geographic information science for the purpose of collaborative and well-informed spatial planning. It is particularly effective in managing boundaries between stakeholders, knowledge frameworks, and technology. Geodesign is valuable in the early stages of planning, facilitating problem characterization and citizen involvement, as well as impact assessment.

Environmental impact analysis of ajmaline challenge protocols: a comparative assessment of carbon footprint reduction in Brugada Syndrome diagnosis

Abstract Background Climate change is an urgent public health crisis that significantly impacts disease development and health outcomes. The 2022 Lancet Countdown Report revealed that healthcare contributes with 5.2% of global emissions, prompting a call for environmentally conscious approaches. In this context, we explored the environmental impact of different ajmaline challenge protocols, aiming to contribute to a more sustainable medical landscape. Purpose This study aims to compare the carbon footprint of two ajmaline challenge protocols commonly used in diagnosing Brugada syndrome, an inherited cardiac disorder associated with sudden cardiac death. Methods We performed a retrospective and observational analysis of adult patients (pts) who underwent ajmaline testing between March 2020 and June 2023 in two hospitals. In Group A (infusion protocol), 1mg/kg of ajmaline diluted in 50 mL of 5% glucose solution was infused in 10 minutes, up to the target dose, until a positive result or termination criteria ensued. In Group B (bolus protocol), 10 mg of ajmaline were administered every 2 minutes, again up to the target dose of 1mg/kg (maximum of 100 mg) or test interruption was indicated. Greenhouse gas emissions resulting from material processing were estimated based on life cycle analyses of each product's composition. Material consumption, waste production, and direct measurement of weights were considered. Results A total of 101 pts were included, 49 pts in group A with a mean age of 47.3±14.3 years old and 52 patients in group B with a mean age of 43.9±16.6 years-old. No complications were observed in either group. Test performance was not evaluated, since both protocols have been previously validated. Group A, utilizing the infusion method, exhibited a higher environmental impact, producing 18.19 kg CO2eq, compared to 6.23 kg CO2eq (p<0.001) in Group B (bolus protocol). Group B not only demonstrated a 66% reduction in CO2eq emissions but also used significantly less plastic (16g vs 102g per test) and glass (1.58 kg vs 1,79Kg), emphasizing its environmental superiority. Conclusions Shifting from infusion to bolus in ajmaline challenge protocols results in a substantial reduction in carbon footprint. Our findings emphasize the potential impact of adopting more dematerialized approaches in cardiac testing, urging healthcare professionals to embrace sustainable practices. Despite the study's limited sample size, the global adoption of such environmentally friendly strategies promises significant positive effects on healthcare's environmental footprint.

Mapping perceived sentiments in university campuses with varied landscape metrics and climatic conditions.

A sustainable university campus should accommodate students to experience positive emotions, which can be evoked by sustainable landscape with green and blue spaces (GBS). This effect is location-dependent because local vegetative type is climate-determinative, but evidence is not sufficient for sentiments of people experiencing campus landscapes. Forty-seven university campuses were selected along a latitudinal gradient in mainland China, and 100 subjects were chosen per campus (50 indoor and 50 outdoor). Photos of the subjects' faces on Sina Weibo were collected. Facial expressions were assigned happy, sad, and neutral scores (n = 4,334). The average temperature (AveT) and blue space area (BlueA) showed negative relationships with latitude, thereby generating neutral emotion scores for subjects at indoor and outdoor locations. The ratio of green space area to host campus was the only landscape metric that depressed the presentation of happiness and enhanced sadness levels. Large water bodies should be built on campuses to induce calmness, and a high ratio of green spaces should be avoided. Mapping results show that campuses in eastern regions (Beijing and Liaoning) tend to elicit positive sentiments more frequently.

The Hybridisation, Resilience, and Loss of Local Knowledge and Natural Resource Management in Zambia

AbstractThe contribution of Indigenous and local knowledge (ILK) to natural resource management has recently gained increasing prominence in academia, policymaking, and civil society. However, persistent knowledge gaps concerning the contribution of ILK to sustainable landscape management remain. We investigate existing local knowledge and practices of the Tonga of Kalomo District, Zambia, and their contribution to sustainable landscape management by combining walking interviews with photovoice. Especially Tonga women and youth are important knowledge holders for land management, agricultural practices, and tree conservation. We found that local knowledge is often ‘hybridised’ with ‘external knowledge’ when local knowledge alone is deemed insufficient. In some cases, introduced ‘external knowledges’ are simply reconstituted long-standing local practices. Nevertheless, local communities often perceive external knowledge holders as “knowing better.” Finally, we show how local knowledge and associated practices have been simultaneously eroded and lost and describe those that have remained resilient to provide insights into the complexity of hybridisation processes where different knowledge systems interact.

High carnivore richness despite human pressure and prey depletion in the south-west of the Kavango–Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area

Abstract Transfrontier conservation landscapes, such as the Kavango–Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TCA) in southern Africa, play a crucial role in preserving global biodiversity and promoting the sustainable development of local communities. However, resources to facilitate management could become scarce across large areas, leading to difficulties in obtaining baseline ecological information. Consequently, in the absence of sustainable management vast landscapes may experience loss of wildlife species, which could destabilize ecosystems. This effect is particularly significant if the loss involves top predators. Hence, understanding carnivore distributions is critical to informing management. We conducted a mammal survey in the Ondjou Conservancy in Namibia, an 8,729 km2 understudied area in the south-west of the KAZA TCA. We analysed camera-trapping data from a 2,304 km2 grid and identified high carnivore richness (18 species) despite widespread human activity and prey depletion. Using a multi-species occupancy framework we found that carnivore occurrence increased with increasing distance from the main village and with closer proximity to the Nyae Nyae Conservancy neighbouring the KAZA TCA, which has large and diverse carnivore populations. Carnivore occurrence was higher when local prey richness was high. The Ondjou Conservancy could function as an important buffer for the larger conservation network, yet rural communities in this area require support for fostering human–wildlife coexistence. Additionally, restoring the natural prey base will be critical to ensuring the long-term viability of carnivore populations in this and other human-impacted landscapes. With many remote areas of transfrontier conservation landscapes being understudied, our findings illustrate the conservation potential of such areas within large-scale conservation networks.

Five key issues of assessing nature’s contribution to people toward landscape sustainability

Landscape sustainability aims to consistently provide long-term, landscape-specific ecosystem services. The concept of nature’s contributions to people (NCP), broader than that of ecosystem services, has sparked methodological controversy regarding the new assessment framework of NCP. Accordingly, for further exploration of the essence of landscape sustainability, a way forward in better assessing NCP that differs from previous assessments of ecosystem service is necessary. Five key issues for assessing NCP are summarized in this paper, including: 1) how to determine generalized or landscape-specific parameters; 2) how to identify different people’s needs from a landscape; 3) how to deal with the complexity of non-material NCP at landscape scale; 4) how to evaluate the relationship between different NCP from a landscape; and 5) how to assess landscape multifunctionality based on NCP. The way to deal with these key issues is discussed, including: determining generalized or landscape-specific parameters based on research targets; tracking nature’s contributions to different people’s needs considering spatial flow; forming new spatial data for non-material NCP; evaluating the relationship between different NCP depending on threshold of benefit; and assessing landscape multifunctionality based on the relations of NCP.

Data-driven Strategies for Affordable Housing: A Hybrid Genetic Algorithm-Machine Learning Optimization Model in the Melbourne Metropolitan Area

Abstract. The escalating rental crisis in Australia, rooted in demographic dynamics, a scarcity of lands suitable for development and the influence of interest rates and government subsidies, necessitates innovative solutions for housing affordability. One promising approach is to increase the supply of affordable rental housing. Nevertheless, these efforts must be guided by well-informed policies as they are required to cater to the diverse needs of the stakeholders involved. Accordingly, this study aims to prioritize suburbs in the Melbourne Metropolitan area for the construction of apartment/unit buildings, benefiting both builders/investors and renters. Leveraging a hybrid Genetic Algorithm-Machine Learning (GA-ML) framework, multi-objective optimization models are developed to rank 105 suburbs based on key parameters for both builders/investors and renters. The optimization process seeks to maximize economic outlook and rental yields for builders/investors while minimizing rents and commuting distances for renters, in addition to proximity to essential amenities. First, an initial optimization using GA based on six key parameters is performed considering a linear multi-objective function. Subsequently, ML-based objective functions are defined using Random Forest (RF) and extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) models to refine the optimization model for suburb rankings. The evaluation reveals strong correlations between GA and GA-XGB rankings, suggesting the effectiveness of the GA-XGBoost model in prioritizing suburbs. Notably, suburbs consistently prioritized across all models include Brunswick, Coburg, Preston and Reservoir, highlighting their suitability for apartment/unit building construction. By directing attention to specific suburbs aligned with different stakeholders' needs and preferences, this study contributes to a more sustainable and equitable housing landscape.

Tea tourism landscape development through a sustainable alternative livelihood approach: a case study of Pedro tea estate, Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

Tea tourism has gained traction in the tourism industry around the world as a sustainable and eco-friendly niche in agro-tourism. Sri Lanka, a significant tea-producing nation renowned for its “Ceylon Tea” brand, has the opportunity to harness tea agro-tourism as a sustainable alternative income source. This research focuses on the case of Pedro Tea Estate in Nuwara-Eliya, Sri Lanka, to examine the sustainable alternative livelihood approach in tea tourism landscape development and its impact on both the tea tourism industry and community empowerment. Tea tourism offers immersive experiences to eco-conscious travellers seeking authentic encounters with the tea production process. By integrating sustainable practices, tea tourism fosters environmental responsibility and contributes to economic development in tea-growing regions. Aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, tea tourism demonstrates its potential to foster economic growth, social inclusion, cultural preservation, and environmental stewardship. This study aims to demonstrate how responsible practices and community engagement can enable the tea tourism industry to thrive while safeguarding the cultural and environmental heritage of tea-growing areas. The research endeavours to inspire other tea-growing regions to adopt sustainable landscape development and community empowerment strategies, fostering a more responsible and sustainable global tea tourism industry.

Settlement Patterns and Built Environment at the Archaeological Site of Yalahau, Yucatan

ABSTRACT The Parque Estatal de Yalahau Project is a multidisciplinary effort combining archaeology, paleoecology, and historical ecology. The initial analysis focuses on settlement patterns within the Protected Natural Area of Parque Estatal de Yalahau-Yucatan, Mexico. The research uses a conceptual framework integrating humans, non-human species, and geological/climatic forces into a holistic, historical landscape approach, where humans shaped and symbolically interpreted their surroundings, leaving tangible impacts. The study situates findings within the Maya region, contributing to the growing recognition that the ancient Maya shaped sustainable landscapes rather than degrading the environment. The discussion centers on three key aspects of the Prehispanic Yalahau landscape: 1) settlement patterns in wetlands; 2) Maya environmental engineering and the absence of water stress; and, 3) landscape as an expression of sociopolitical strategy. The Yalahau site demonstrates how the Maya thoughtfully blended urban spaces with plants, animal ecologies, and water resources, reflecting deep social understanding of terrain and wetlands.

Practices Pertaining to Sustainable Development Goals in University Libraries of Sri Lanka: An Exploratory Study

Sustainable development, embodied in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), is a global obligation. University libraries are crucial in advancing these goals by disseminating knowledge, fostering sustainability, and promoting inclusive practices. This study uses a survey conducted through interviews to explore the practices, strategies, and challenges faced by university libraries in Sri Lanka in aligning with the SDGs. It surveyed SDG practices under five key themes. Sri Lankan university libraries strongly commit to the SDGs through their initiatives in these areas. However, compared to global practices such as seed libraries, zero-waste initiatives recycling projects, sustainable landscaping, rainwater harvesting and financial literacy programs, the scale of their activities remains more localized. Financial constraints, limited resources, and lack of awareness pose common barriers. The study demonstrates that Sri Lankan libraries are good at translating global SDG goals into actionable local initiatives, emphasizing the importance of the context. These libraries provide invaluable insights for other institutions. Future directions include expanding collaborations, enhancing public engagement, and embracing emerging technologies to further the SDG agenda.

Comparative Policy Analysis of Renewable Energy Expansion in Mongolia and Other Relevant Countries

The study aims to conduct a comparative analysis of policies governing the expansion of renewable energy in Mongolia and selected countries. Against the backdrop of global energy transitions and Mongolia’s recent energy challenges, this research aims to identify and evaluate policy frameworks that facilitate the sustainable growth of renewable energy sources. The study delves into the unique socio-economic and geopolitical context of Mongolia, emphasizing the nation’s energy dependence on Russia. The findings of this comparative analysis provide valuable insights for Mongolian policymakers, offering recommendations for enhancing domestic policies that encourage the diversification of energy sources and attract foreign investment. By drawing on successful practices from some countries, this paper aims to contribute to the formulation of effective and context-specific strategies for Mongolia to achieve a more sustainable and resilient energy landscape.

Production of bioplastic films from wild cocoyam (Caladium bicolor) starch

This study tackles the pressing environmental challenges resulting from the rapid and ongoing use of conventional plastics by investigating biodegradable alternatives derived from wild cocoyam starch. The bioplastics developed from various formulations, incorporating gelatin, glycerine, vegetable oil, and vinegar, were systematically evaluated for their mechanical, chemical, microstructural and biodegradability properties. The addition of glycerine and gelatin enhanced the moisture content and flexibility of the films while vegetable oil improved water resistance, reducing water absorption. Th sample that contains 3 g of gelatin and 3 ml of glycerine exhibited the best overall performance with a tensile strength of 6.5 MPa and an elongation at break of 77 %. This sample also achieved an impressive biodegradation rate of 70 % within 7 days. Scanning Electron Microscopy revealed a uniform and smooth morphology, while Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy confirmed the presence of key functional groups responsible for the material's performance. These results establish wild cocoyam starch as a promising resource for producing biodegradable bioplastics with considerable potential in various industries, particularly in packaging and agricultural applications. The excellent mechanical properties and biodegradability of the materials along with its natural abundance, offer an eco-friendly solution to the plastic waste problem. The study also opens new avenues for optimizing bioplastic formulations to enhance specific properties like thermal stability and moisture resistance, further broadening their practical applications. This research contributes to the sustainable materials landscape and represents a step toward reducing reliance on fossil-based plastics, advancing the global effort to mitigate environmental pollution.

Electrochemical Selective Removal of Oxyanions in a Ferrocene-Doped Metal-Organic Framework.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOF) are a class of crystalline, porous materials possessing well-defined channels that have widespread applications across the sustainable landscape. Analogous to zeolites, these materials are well-suited for adsorption processes targeting environmental contaminants. Herein, a zirconium MOF, UiO-66, was functionalized with ferrocene for the selective removal of oxyanion contaminants, specifically NO3-, SO42-, and PO43-. Electrochemical oxidation of the embedded ferrocene pendants induces preferential adsorption of these oxyanions, even in the presence of Cl- in a 10-fold excess. Anion selectivity strongly favoring PO43- (Soxy/comp = 3.80) was observed following an adsorption trend of PO43- > SO42- > NO3- > (10-fold)Cl- in multi-ion solution mixtures. The underlying mechanisms responsible for ion selectivity were elucidated by performing ex situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) on the heterogeneous electrode surface postadsorption and by calculating the electronic structure of various adsorption configurations. It was eventually shown that oxyanion selectivity stemmed from strong ion association with a positively charged pore interior due to the spatial distribution of charge by oxygen constituents. While ferrocenium provided the impetus for ion migration-diffusion, it was the formation of stable complexes with zirconium nodes that ultimately contributed to selective adsorption of oxyanions.

Andean Landscape Legacies: Comprehensive Remote Sensing Mapping and GIS Analysis of Long-Term Settlement and Land Use for Sustainable Futures (NW Argentina)

The Andes region has an exceptional record of high-altitude settlements integrated within widespread regional chains of mobility and exchange. The Sierra de Aconquija (NW Argentina, south-central Andes) is an effective climatic barrier that has afforded an enduring indigenous approach to land use, mobility, and exchange over millennia. Despite this rich history, the Sierra has been largely considered marginal in pre-Columbian regional cultural developments. Today, the expansion of extractive industries threatens the region’s heritage and the sustainable futures of local communities. Innovative, integrative methodologies are needed for landscape characterisation, heritage assessment, and sustainable policy development. Building on earlier work, we undertook the first comprehensive mapping of archaeological features over 3800 sq. km of the Sierra using interpreter-led assessment of commercial and open-access satellite imagery and DSM data, to verify earlier assumptions and to identify previously unnoticed trends in the aggregation, distribution, and connectivity of archaeological features. The mapping identified 6794 features distributed unevenly but with clear tendencies towards maximising topographic, ecologic, and connectivity advantages expressed consistently across the study area. The outcomes confirm the important role the Sierra had in pre-Hispanic times, highlighting the significance of ancient indigenous practices for the sustainability of vulnerable upland landscapes both in the Andes and worldwide.