Articles

A Scenario-Based Electro-Physical Assessment of Urban Surface Heat Transfer and Electrical Cooling Demand in Smart Urban Environments

Urban overheating is an electro-physical problem because surface heat accumulation changes outdoor temperature conditions and increases the electrical energy required for cooling. This study develops a scenario-based electro-physical assessment model for analysing the relationship between urban surface heat transfer, surface material properties, green infrastructure and electrical cooling demand. The model links physical parameters such as albedo, emissivity, thermal mass, vegetation coverage and urban–rural temperature difference with engineering indicators such as cooling energy demand, energy-efficiency improvement and CO₂ emissions related to electricity use. The case-study application uses Sofia Municipality as a spatial reference environment. Real spatial and land-use indicators are combined with scenario-based calculations in order to compare a baseline urban condition with an optimized scenario. The results are interpreted as early-stage engineering estimates rather than direct measurements of Urban Heat Island reduction or electricity consumption. The contribution of the paper is an integrated framework that connects heat-transfer processes with electrical energy performance in smart urban environments.

Optimization of Wireless Mesh Networks for Disaster Response Communication

Wireless Mesh Networks (WMNs) have emerged as a resilient and adaptable solution for disaster response communication, offering self-healing and self-organizing capabilities that ensure uninterrupted connectivity in emergency scenarios. Traditional communication infrastructures often fail due to network congestion, power outages, and physical damage during disasters, necessitating an optimized approach for rapid and reliable data transmission. This study presents an AI-optimized WMN framework aimed at enhancing network performance by improving packet delivery ratio (PDR), reducing end-to-end delay, optimizing energy consumption, increasing network throughput, and strengthening security. Simulations conducted in MATLAB Simulink compare the performance of AI-optimized routing with conventional protocols such as AODV (Ad hoc On-Demand Distance Vector) and OLSR (Optimized Link State Routing). Results demonstrate that AI-optimized routing achieves a 15.5% higher PDR, 43% lower delay, 49% increased throughput, and 30% reduced energy consumption compared to traditional approaches. Furthermore, an AI-driven Intrusion Detection System (IDS) improves network security by increasing attack detection accuracy to 94.6% while reducing false positive rates to 5.2%. The findings highlight the significance of AI-based routing optimization in disaster scenarios, ensuring robust, energy-efficient, and secure communication for first responders and affected communities. Future research will explore hybrid AI-blockchain security mechanisms, 5G and satellite network integration, and real-world experimental validation to further enhance WMN resilience in extreme disaster conditions.

Green Hotel Practices and Sustainable Development Goals: An Indian Perspective

This research paper delves into the critical intersection of green hotel practices and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within the context of India. Focusing on four SDGs—Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6), Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7), Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12), and Climate Action (SDG 13)—the study explores the perceptions of environmental management representatives in India’s four and five-star hotels. Through a comprehensive analysis of survey data from 32 participants, the research uncovers a multifaceted landscape where proactive engagement with green practices is evident.

Key findings reveal that hotels in India have a commendable commitment to environmental sustainability, actively aligning with these SDGs. Notable practices include the adoption of energy-efficient technologies, waste reduction and responsible waste management, and proactive steps in climate change mitigation. However, challenges persist, particularly concerning the limited adoption of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power.

This study offers a nuanced perspective on the hotel industry’s contribution to SDGs, underscoring both commendable achievements and areas for further improvement. The findings hold valuable implications for policymakers, hoteliers, and sustainability advocates, emphasizing the industry’s pivotal role in achieving global sustainability objectives.