Urban Complex Research Articles

Problems and challenges of lichen inventory in a changing environment: The case of the “Mszar” and “Redykajny” reserves in Olsztyn

The paper presents the state of knowledge of the lichen biota of the “Mszar” and “Redykajny” nature reserves, located in the “Las Miejski” urban forest complex in Olsztyn (north-eastern Poland). The results of the inventory conducted in 2024 are described, which are compared with published data collected in 1999–2001. So far, a total of 118 lichenized and three non-lichenized fungi have been identified in this area. Recent studies did not confirm the occurrence of 18 species, but at the same time showed 32 species new to the study area. The article discusses possible causes of changes in the species composition of the lichen biota over almost 25 years and the effectiveness of various methods of collecting data in the field. The results prove that both reserves are still important refuges of forest lichen biodiversity on a scale larger than just the area of Olsztyn’s urban forests.

A Survey of Machine Learning for Urban Decision Making: Applications in Planning, Transportation, and Healthcare

Developing smart cities is vital for ensuring sustainable development and improving human well-being. One critical aspect of building smart cities is designing intelligent methods to address various decision-making problems that arise in urban areas. As machine learning techniques continue to advance rapidly, a growing body of research has been focused on utilizing these methods to achieve intelligent urban decision making. In this survey, we conduct a systematic literature review on the application of machine learning methods in urban decision making, with a focus on planning, transportation, and healthcare. First, we provide a taxonomy based on typical applications of machine learning methods for urban decision making. We then present background knowledge on these tasks and the machine learning techniques that have been adopted to solve them. Next, we examine the challenges and advantages of applying machine learning in urban decision making, including issues related to urban complexity, urban heterogeneity and computational cost. Afterward and primarily, we elaborate on the existing machine learning methods that aim to solve urban decision making tasks in planning, transportation, and healthcare, highlighting their strengths and limitations. Finally, we discuss open problems and the future directions of applying machine learning to enable intelligent urban decision making, such as developing foundation models and combining reinforcement learning algorithms with human feedback. We hope this survey can help researchers in related fields understand the recent progress made in existing works, and inspire novel applications of machine learning in smart cities.

Research on the Construction and Application of a SVM-Based Quantification Model for Streetscape Visual Complexity

Visual complexity is a crucial criterion for evaluating the quality of urban environments and a key dimension in arousal theory and visual preference theory. Objectively quantifying visual complexity holds significant importance for decision-making support in urban planning. This study proposes a visual complexity quantification model based on a support vector machine (SVM), incorporating six key indicators, to establish a mapping relationship between objective image features and subjective complexity perception. This model can efficiently and scientifically predict street view complexity on a large scale. The research findings include the following: (1) the introduction of a new quantification dimension for the urban environment complexity—hierarchical complexity– which reflects the richness of street elements based on an in-depth semantic understanding of images; (2) the established complexity quantification model demonstrates high accuracy, with the indicators ranked by contribution for compression ratio, grayscale contrast, hierarchical complexity, fractal dimension, color complexity, and symmetry; and (3) the model was applied to predict and analyze the visual complexity of the Xiaobailou and Wudadao Districts in Tianjin, revealing that the visual complexity of most streets is moderate, and targeted recommendations were proposed based on different levels of visual complexity.

Impact of Urban Form in the Yangtze River Delta of China on the Spatiotemporal Evolution of Carbon Emissions from Transportation

The impact of urban form on carbon emissions has become a crucial issue for sustainable socioeconomic development and the advancement of low-carbon cities. Transportation is a significant source of urban carbon emissions, highlighting the need for comprehensive research to aid China in achieving its carbon peak and neutrality goals. Currently, there is a lack of quantitative studies exploring the effects of urban form on transportation-related carbon emissions. This paper seeks to quantify the effect of urban form on the spatial and temporal patterns of transportation carbon emissions, utilizing panel data from 27 cities in the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) region of China, covering the years 2000 to 2020. First, CO2 emissions from transportation are estimated following IPCC guidelines, with Moran’s I utilized to analyze spatial autocorrelation. Next, urban form indicators are quantified based on landscape ecology theory. Finally, econometric models are employed for regression analysis of the panel data. The findings reveal that urban complexity, compactness, and expansion influence transportation carbon emissions to varying degrees, with urban expansion and complexity associated with increased emissions, while compactness contributes to their reduction. This study offers theoretical support and a scientific basis for low-carbon urban spatial planning and development, underscoring the importance of urban form in emissions reduction strategies.

Risk Assessment of Urban Transportation Complex Hub from Resilience Perspective: An Empirical Study on Xi’an North Railway Station

Risk Assessment of Urban Transportation Complex Hub from Resilience Perspective: An Empirical Study on Xi’an North Railway Station

Perceived accessibility matters: Unveiling key urban parameters through traditional and technology-driven participation methods

The demand for innovative solutions to address urban complexities, with accessibility being crucial for sustainable environments, is growing globally. As demographic shifts and disability prevalence evolve, understanding spatial dynamics affecting accessibility becomes urgent. The research hypothesis suggests that investigating both physical and perceived accessibility realms reveals critical insights into challenges individuals face in public spaces. This study explores public participation methods of different nature to evaluate their effectiveness and complementarity in portraying perceived accessibility in urban spaces. A multi-method approach, integrating participant observation tools like self-completion questionnaires and semi-structured interviews with non-participant technology-driven data sources like Foursquare, Twitter, and Google Places, was employed. The analysis focused on two areas in Alicante, Spain. Findings emerge in four phases: (1) identifying perceived accessible public spaces via questionnaires, (2) discerning influential parameters from interviews, (3) conducting a comprehensive analysis incorporating quantitative and qualitative methods, and (4) establishing correlations between parameters gathered through the methods. The results underscore the importance of diverse public participation methods in urban planning, offering a comprehensive framework for future research to improve accessibility and inclusivity in urban environments. Understanding the relationship between physical urban features and citizens' perceptions advocates targeted interventions for improved accessibility and socially inclusive environments.

La Vivienda y lo urbano en Texcoco, Estado de México. El caso del fraccionamiento “Hacienda San Javier”

Housing and the urban are two dimensions of contemporary life that are linked to the type of development desired at the municipal level. The problem with settlements in the State of Mexico is that their approval is the result of local and state decisions. In this work these issues are analyzed in the context of metropolitan areas. The objective of the work is to understand in a better way the authorization of the urban complex “Hacienda San Javier”, located in Texcoco de Mora, in the State of Mexico, where the dimensions of housing and the urban impact the municipal territory and the region; Well, although they offer alternatives for the middle class in planned housing - with permits and authorizations prior to their construction; works that generate employment, greater investment locally and improve consumption, and that help the productive chains of the economy—; They also modify ecosystems, change land use and generate a new urban-environmental-territorial ordering. The methodology used expresses deductive knowledge supported by official documents and case studies that analyze a locality; and at the same time they resort to quantitative methods to generate research that relates information and facts. The study is also complemented by conducting interviews in the “Alameda Municipal”, which enriches the qualitative research. The results indicate which agencies authorize these projects; and with data from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), we know the condition of housing in Texcoco and the effect of this type of development (which contrasts with unplanned or irregular housing); Furthermore, the importance of the management of public services and their social, economic and environmental relationship that high-impact subdivisions entail in the municipal order is highlighted.

THE MAIN TRENDS AND DIRECTIONS OF THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND REGENERATION OF THE HISTORICAL ENVIRONMENT

Objective: The purpose of this study is an attempt to reveal and analyze the modern trends and directions of the sustainable development and regeneration of the historical environment from the point of view of the harmonious combination of new and historical architecture and to define some methodological principles of its design at the different hierarchical levels. Theoretical Framework: The study is grounded in a thorough literature review that examines existing research and is based on international scientific publications, reports, scientific papers. Diverse practical materials in the area under study were used as well as own experience in designing urban complexes and buildings in the historical environment. Methods: This study is based on a set of scientific research methods, using an extensive review of literature, Internet resources, and the views of stakeholders. Preference was given to methods such as comparative analysis, synthesis, generalization, complex and systemic approaches. Results: Research identifies key areas of the development and regeneration of the complexes and buildings in the historical environment, which can be divided into several directions. The features, conditions, and directions of such implementations on various examples are examined in this study. Some methodological principles of designing in historical areas at different hierarchical levels are considered. Research Implications: Implications of the study: The results and recommendations of this study will be useful for contemporary design practice, may increase awareness of project management in the field of architecture and urban planning, and help to manage practice in this field more effectively.

Jane Jacobs's urban vitality focusing on three-facet criteria and its confluence with urban physical complexity

Urban vitality is crucial for sustainability, contributing to social cohesion, information exchange, and overall quality of life. Understanding and quantifying urban vitality is essential for effective planning and policymaking, yet it remains a complex task. Previous studies have primarily focused on single-dimensional measures of urban vitality, overlooking the multifaceted nature emphasized by Jane Jacobs, including spatiotemporal dimensions. This study revisits Jacobs's urban vitality, focusing on three key indicators of intensity, diversity, and consistency of urban vitality. Additionally, we explore the relationships between urban complexity and urban vitality. We employ variety, uniformity, and connectivity metrics to assess urban complexity, which examines the physical structures of buildings, streets, and blocks. Linear regression and Maximal Information-based Nonparametric Exploration statistics for non-linearity analysis are used to determine the associations between urban complexity and urban vitality. Our findings reveal nuanced details of the relationships. Notably, variety and connectivity variables have more significant influences on urban vitality than those related to uniformity. Furthermore, the analysis highlights the differential impacts of complexity variables on different types of vitality. These insights provide valuable guidance for planners and policymakers, facilitating the design of sustainable and vibrant cities by considering optimal complexity measures of built environment that enhance urban vitality.

Measuring global urban complexity from the perspective of living structure

As urban critic Jane Jacobs conceived, a city is essentially the problem of organized complexity. What underlies the complexity refers to a structural factor, called living structure, which is defined as a mathematical structure composed of hierarchically organized substructures. Through these substructures, the complexity of cities, or equivalent to the livingness of urban space (L), can be measured by the multiplication the number of cities or substructures (S) and their scaling hierarchy (H), indicating that complexity is about both quantity of cities and how well the city is organized hierarchically. In other words, complexity emerges from a hierarchical structure where there are far more small cities or substructures than large ones across all scales, and cities are more or less similar within each individual hierarchy. In this paper, we conduct comprehensive case studies to investigate urban complexity on a global scale using multisource geospatial data. We develop an efficient approach to recursively identifying all natural cities with their inner hotspots worldwide through connected component analysis. To characterize urban complexity, urban space is initially represented as a hierarchy of recursively defined natural cities, and all the cities are then represented as a network for measuring the degree of complexity or livingness of the urban space. The results show the Earth’s surface is growing more complex from an economic perspective, and the dynamics of urban complexity are more explicit from nighttime light imagery than from population data. We further discuss the implications in city science, aiming to help create and recreate urban environments that are more resilient and livable by fostering organized complexity from the perspective of living structure.

CULTURAL HERITAGE AND THE CLIMATE CRISIS: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Extreme weather events have been increasing over time. In this way, climate change represents obstacles to society, imposing challenges on cities. Among them is the preservation of their cultural and natural heritage. Urban complexes with a preservation interest face greater vulnerability due to natural, cultural and social factors. In this context, the aim of this article is to present the state of the art on research into the impacts of climatic events on sites of preservation interest. The methodological procedures comprised four stages: defining the topic and research question; searching academic databases; establishing inclusion and exclusion criteria; and analyzing the materials. The research found shows a consensus on the need to pay attention to the impacts of climate change on cultural and natural heritage. As limitations, most of the research with case studies focuses on the Global North. In terms of gaps, the research highlights the need for an integrative approach to the preservation of cultural heritage in the face of the impacts of climate change.

ADDRESSING INFRASTRUCTURE GAPS IN MUMBAI’S 2-WHEELER EV CHARGING NETWORK: A FOCUS ON ACCESSIBILITY, USABILITY, AND USER FEEDBACK

Electric vehicles (EVs) are transforming transportation in Mumbai, with 2-wheeler EVs gaining significant traction among commuters. However, the insufficient availability and accessibility of charging infrastructure remain critical challenges. This study investigates the experiences of 2- wheeler EV users in Mumbai, focusing on the barriers they encounter when charging their vehicles. Given Mumbai’s dense traffic and urban complexities, limited charging points, long waiting times, and infrastructural constraints can hinder the user experience and discourage further adoption of EVs. The findings provide key insights into optimal charging station locations based on a comprehensive analysis of population density, traffic flow, and urban planning frameworks. Additionally, the study addresses the need for standardized charging protocols, advanced technologies, and user-friendly interfaces to enhance the usability of charging stations. The study emphasizes that addressing these challenges is crucial not only for the user experience but also for policymakers, urban planners, and stakeholders aiming to expand Mumbai’s EV infrastructure. Moreover, the environmental benefits of 2-wheeler EV adoption are examined, including reductions in energy consumption, carbon emissions, and overall environmental impact. By analyzing these factors, the research highlights the positive environmental outcomes of investing in robust charging infrastructure. Key challenges, such as high costs, feasibility concerns, and policy limitations, are also explored, offering a holistic understanding of the practical barriers to improving the EV charging network. The study concludes with actionable recommendations aimed at overcoming these challenges, fostering sustainable growth, and ensuring the efficient deployment of 2-wheeler EV charging infrastructure across Mumbai.

Refinement method of equivalent source power level determination for traffic noise in urban noise mapping

For traffic noise prediction, the predictive models of source power level determination commonly in use are the Technical Guidelines for Noise Impact Assessment in China or the Calculation of Road Traffic Noise model in the United Kingdom, which incorporate traffic flow and car speeds. However, the accuracy of these models is often compromised due to urban traffic's complexity, vehicle diversity, and unforeseen events. This study investigates a refinement method based on noise on-site measurement and aforementioned approaches for equivalent source power level determination for traffic noise in urban noise mapping. In the study, onsite measurements are conducted to collect noise and traffic data, and source power level calculated by refinement method is validated using measurement data. Different prediction methods are employed for measurement sites calculations. By comparisons between predictions with noise on-site measurement data, the refinement method proposed in the study demonstrates a significant accuracy enhancement in traffic noise prediction over previous models for determining equivalent source power level. This enhancement highlights the efficacy of adopting noise measurement-based methods for setting traffic noise source power levels, leading to more precise traffic noise predictions in complex urban settings, particularly in areas surrounding urban arterial roads.

The genome of the Australian water dragon (Intellagama lesueurii), an agamid model for urban adaptation.

Squamate reptiles are a highly diverse and intriguing group of tetrapods, offering valuable insights into the evolution of amniotes. The Australian water dragon (Intellagama lesueurii) is a member of the Agamidae, and sister to the core mesic Australian endemic radiation (Amphibolurinae). The species is renowned for its urban adaptability and complex social systems. We report a 1.8 Gb chromosome-length genome assembly together with the annotation of 23,675 protein-coding genes. Comparative analysis with other squamate genomes highlights gene family expansions associated with immune function, energetic homeostasis, and wound healing. This reference genome will serve as a valuable resource for studies of evolution and environmental resilience in lizards.

Mind map for cross-reading the glossary of urban morphology and soundscape research

Urban morphological research has a long-established and systematic method of analysis that provides a clear and shared research framework. Since the late 1990s, the International Seminar on Urban Form (ISUF) has compiled a glossary of urban morphology for the agenda of urban researchers. The soundscape literature emerged in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Since then, there have been numerous studies dealing with the sonic dimension of urban complexity from different perspectives. In order to create an overarching framework, attempts have been made since the early 1970s to define the principles and processes of soundscape research. There is a comprehensive glossary created by the Wold Soundscape Project Team (WSP) in 1978 which has been of great importance for further soundscape studies. This paper argues that there is a link between urban morphology research and soundscape research. A cross-reading between the two glossaries therefore has the potential to offer an alternative reading of urban research by revealing the commonalities or differences in the sonic-morphological conceptual schemes.

Urban Digital Twins as socio-technical infrastructures for city regeneration and decarbonization

Abstract The awareness of the huge carbon footprint and the related targets aimed at reducing it, require cities to be supported in their climate neutral transition. Urban Digital Twins (UDTs) have emerged as cutting-edge technologies to address urban complexity and to exploit the massive amount of machine-readable data produced by the city physical and non-physical systems. At the centre of the recent debate and scientific research, UDTs are addressed in a rapidly growing literature, pilot projects, proof-of-concepts and applications to several contexts. Studies and prototypes are leading the maturity development of UDT to gradually improve, contributing to gaining consensus among key stakeholders and urban decision makers, but the state of the art has not proved how exactly its potential benefits will be pursued and sustained. In this evolving scenario, the paper objective is the analysis of a literature review and a case studies selection, to identify the current use of the UDT as enabling tool in the comprehensive and joint framework of urban regeneration and decarbonization, addressing, in particular, the under-researched and poorly conceptualized integration of socio-economic-cultural systems.

Correction: Advancing urban sustainability transitions: a framework for understanding urban complexity and enhancing integrative transformations

Correction: Advancing urban sustainability transitions: a framework for understanding urban complexity and enhancing integrative transformations

Role of public administration in optimization of interrelation of urban transport complex and logistics services

Purpose: The main objective of the study is to analyze the relationship between urban transport and logistics ser vices in the Republic of Kazakhstan in order to identify key factors affecting their efficiency and interaction, and to develop recommendations for optimizing and improving the integration of these two components in the urban infra structure system. Originality: The study highlights the role of public administration in optimizing the relationship between urban transport and logistics services. This aspect of the study provides a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of the im pact of public policies on the operation and development of transport and logistics infrastructure in cities, necessary to develop practical recommendations and improve the interaction between urban transport and logistics services by ana lyzing the role of public administration. Results: The study analyzed the current state of transport and logistics systems, highlighted the main problems and potential opportunities for the creation of a more efficient, sustainable and coordinated infrastructure, contributing to the improvement of the quality of life of citizens and the development of the economy of the region. Conclusions: Improving the relationship between urban transport complex and logistics services in the Republic of Kazakhstan is an important step towards sustainable development of the country, creating favorable conditions for its citizens and ensuring economic growth. The author made a forecast for 2023–2025, using correlation and regression analysis, which shows that it is necessary to revise the policy regarding the system of state management of urban trans portation, as well as to develop recommendations to improve the management of urban logistics.

Main contents and revision direction of the Urban Complex Development Act

The Act on Support for Urban Complex Development was enacted and promulgated on February 6, 2024. It is scheduled to take effect on February 7, 2025. This new law encourages private project implementers to actively participate in urban complex development, unlike the urban public housing complex project (under the public housing special law) that was introduced in accordance with the government’s plan to drastically expand the supply of 3080+ publicly led metropolitan housing announced on February 4, 2021. The urban public housing complex project is a system designed to establish a new business model for station areas, semi-industrial areas, and low-rise residential areas that are underutilized and aging because of difficulties with redevelopment and reconstruction projects. Public institutions have become project implementers instead of existing cooperative-centered redevelopment and reconstruction projects. The urban public housing complex project is a development project that utilizes comprehensive acquisition (including land expropriation) to quickly promote the project and supply new buildings in the form of compensation in kind if the landowner so desires. However, the complex development project introduced in the Act on Support for Urban Complex Development differs significantly from the plan described above in that the private sector, including landowners, trustees, and real estate investment trusts (REITs), become the main project implementers, promoting the project by utilizing management, disposal plans, and sales claims. In this article, I examine the concept and characteristics of complex development projects, procedures, and special provisions for these projects and identify problems and revision directions for relevant laws. Since complex development projects utilize management, disposal plans, and sales claims as business methodsand the project target is an urban area with a high concentration of old and substandardbuildings, I describe such projects by comparing them with the provisions of the Urban and Housing Environment Improvement Act, which regulates redevelopment and reconstruction projects. Finally, I suggest that necessary actions to smoothly implement complex development projects include securing differentiation from other development projects, supplementing specific provisions on REITs as the newly introduced project implementers, and improving the sales claim system and consent rate centered on land area.

The Israel-Hamas war and the IDF strategy framework

ABSTRACT Hamas’s invasion of Israel on 7 October 2023, with the attendant massacre of some 1,200 Israelis and the occupation of population centres and military bases – something that no Arab army has done since the 1948 war – posed unprecedented challenges to Israel’s socio-political and security establishments. Based on Chief-of-Staff Eisenkot’s 2018 doctrinal manifesto ‘The IDF’s Strategy’, this article assesses Israel’s national security principles and the doctrines for the use of force in an attempt to evaluate whether its political and military actions were aligned with these doctrines during the 2023–24 war with Hamas, and to determine the strategy’s value and possible gaps. It concludes that while the political and military responses appear consistent with the outlined principles, unexpected problems like hostage dilemmas and urban warfare complexities present unforeseen challenges not directly addressed by the manifesto.