The Second edition of the International Conference on “Health & Environmental Resilience and Livability in Cities (HERL)” was held in collaboration with the University of Perugia in Italy, and took place Online from the 14th to the 15th of March, in an effort to include attendees from all corners of the world.

The conference discussed the innovations in environmental analysis and sensing methodologies, incorporating smart systems & the internet of things (IoT), as well as big data analytics, further developing environmental stability, and human livability. The conference successfully highlighted the multiple frontiers upon which mankind has to take action in efforts to combat the harmful effects of climate change on the globe.

The conference covered a wide array of topics that pertain to the sustainable development of cities and architectural constructs. Some of the main topics that were discussed include:

1- The Essence of Livability in Urban Planning
2- Health and Well-being as the Main Focus in Urban Planning
3- Designing for Environmental Resiliency
4- Technological Innovations and Smart Cities
5- The Significance of Sustainable Practice Implementation in Cities

Chaired by Prof. Anna Laura Pisello, Associate Professor of Environmental Applied Physics at the University of Perugia and Prof. Cristina Piselli, Assistant Professor at the Department of Architecture, University of Florence, day 1 showcased the tremendous work that was evident in our speakers’ presentations.
It also welcomed Dr. Bertug Ozarisoy, (School of Architecture, Computing & Engineering (Alumni) at University of East London) with a keynote speech on “A novel methodological framework for the optimisation of post-war social housing developments in the South-eastern Mediterranean climate: Policy design and life-cycle cost impact analysis of retrofitting strategies”.

We are proud to have received such innovative contributions and are filled with excitement.

Conference ISSN: 2974-380X (Print) | 2974-3818 (Online)

Our planet is rapidly changing in response to our actions. It is becoming more and more apparent with each passing day, that our collective tunnel-visioning on technological advancement, with disregard for environmental safety, is costing us our continuity on the globe. The effects of climate change are becoming apparent at an accelerated rate, record high summer temperatures, frequent heat waves, a rise in sea levels, to mention a few and, scientific estimations of the rate of occurrence of these effects are underestimating our destructive capacity, making it likely that devastation is likely unless we act.

Cities present the most formidable challenge in combating the effects of climate change, in their worst cases, the urban sprawl has taken hold, and the cities haphazardly promote automobile reliance and the consumption of non-renewable sources of energy such as oil & gas. These factors further exacerbate the effects of climate change through increasing greenhouse gas emissions, and the formation of heat islands within the city. The livability within these cities also deteriorates significantly, proportionate to the sharp increase in population density, and poor urban planning.

 It is well documented that an urban area that prioritizes automobile use to get from point A to point B, impacts the physiological and psychological health of the cities’ inhabitants. Pedestrians are much less inclined to walk or cycle to get anywhere, thus, obesity rates rise as they sit for long hours in their vehicles for daily commutes, children and pets are discouraged from going outside, given the risk of car accidents, and studies have shown that less time spent amongst greenery and natural landscapes for children negatively impacts their mental health throughout adulthood. While the psychological effects require an inquiry to notice, the physiological are directly apparent, for vehicle exhaust fumes have a direct causal link to diseases like emphysema, bronchitis, and a slew of other respiratory issues.

Cities should be centers within which we thrive, aspiring to greater heights, and enriching our lives, and it is within our hands to achieve this ideal. Through contemporary advancements in urban planning that favor walking or cycling to get to a destination, incentivize the use of renewable energy as a resource, incorporates green landscapes and lush forestry within the city, and puts in place efficient & effective transit systems for use by all, we can mitigate the effects of climate change and enhance the lives of people within cities.

The world now more than ever needs more innovations to save it. Join the 2nd edition of our “Health & Environmental Resilience and Livability in Cities (HERL)” conference in collaboration with the Department of Engineering, University of Perugia, Italy to be held online and get the chance to contribute and make a significant impact. The conference is a chance for scientists and researchers from around the globe to excavate solutions for the new environmental and health threats. IEREK welcomes participants with various scientific backgrounds and offers the opportunity to publish in the Scopus-indexed ASTI Book series by Springer.

Scope

The 2nd Edition of the international “Health & Environmental Resilience and Livability in Cities (HERL)” addresses multiple frontiers upon which mankind has to take action in efforts to combat the harmful effects of climate change on the globe. Focusing on human livability in cities, the conference promotes methods of sustainable design across cities’ founding elements, such as infrastructure, transit systems, architectural design, and green initiatives in urban planning & design. The scope of the conference additionally envelops innovations in environmental analysis and sensing methodologies, incorporating smart systems & the internet of things (IoT), as well as big data analytics, further developing environmental stability, and human livability.

Statement of purpose

The devastating effects of climate change are quickly becoming an inevitability that humanity will have to face unless we act. Gradually, the negative effects reciprocated upon us, due to our disregard for the environmental effects of our actions as a collective, will result in a majority of the world’s cities being uninhabitable. This conference aims to gather specialists & academics in the field of environmental resilience & livability, to highlight methods through which we can mitigate the oncoming negative effects of climate change, specifically in cities. The conference aims to additionally shed the spotlight on modern methods of environmental monitoring, and innovations in smart city design, that allow for a better forecast of the constant changes taking place upon our planet.

• 1. The Significance of Sustainable Practice Implementation in Cities

  1.1 Climate Change Mitigation Techniques

  1.2 Transitioning towards Renewable Energy Resources

  1.3 Responsible Waste Management Techniques

  1.4 Air Pollution Measurement, Monitoring, and Enhancement Methodologies

  1.5 Sustainable Operation in Urbanism

• 2. The Essence of Livability in Urban Planning

  2.1 Green Infrastructure, and the Inclusion of Nature in Cities

  2.2 Public Spaces, Creative Expression, and Conviviality

  2.3 Mitigation of the Urban Heat-Island Effect

  2.4 Ecological Considerations in Urban Planning 

  2.5 Climatic Impacts on Cities’ Livability and Residents’ Health

  2.6 Cultural Growth, and the Inclusion of Cities’ Residents

• 3. Technological Innovations and Smart Cities

  3.1 The Internet of Things, and the Connectivity of Societies

  3.2 Biomarkers of the City, and Smart Monitoring Techniques of Livability Factors

  3.3 Informatics and Analytics, Big Data, Machine and Deep Learning

  3.4 Smart Homes and Interconnected Households

  3.5 Smart Methods of Energy Saving and Waste Management

• 4. Health and Well-being as the Main Focus in Urban Planning

  4.1 Promotion of Active Transportation as a Means of Health Promotion and Well-being

  4.2 The Dangers of Automobile Reliance in Cities

  4.3 Constructing for Cultural Engagement, and Community Cohesion

  4.4 The Interconnectedness of Cities as a Means against Urban Division

  4.5 Psychological Benefits of Green Infrastructures, Livability Factors, and Promotion of Physical Activity.

• 5. Designing for Environmental Resiliency

  5.1 Management of Ecosystems, and Ecological Conservation Methodologies

  5.2 Natural Disaster Mitigation and Preparation

  5.3 Identifying Climatic Vulnerabilities in Cities

  5.4 Management of Environmental Risks, and Mitigation Techniques

  5.5 Resilient Infrastructures

Publishing in ASTI by Springer (Scopus indexed)                  

After the conference, the submitted manuscripts of authors interested in publishing in the ASTI book series will undergo a rigorous peer-review process resulting in a final decision made by the editors. Only accepted research will be published as a chapter in the Book Series entitled “Advances in Science, Technology and Innovation” (ASTI) by Springer. The ASTI Book Series is by managed highly professional members of an International Editorial Board to ensure high-quality material for online publication.

The ASTI Book Series is fully indexed in Scopus. Some titles have been successfully indexed or submitted for indexation in Web of Science (ISI).

About the ASTI series

Advances in Science, Technology & Innovation (ASTI) is a series of peer-reviewed books based on important emerging research that redefines the current disciplinary boundaries in science, technology, and innovation (STI) in order to develop integrated concepts for sustainable development. It not only discusses the progress made towards securing more resources, allocating smarter solutions, and rebalancing the relationship between nature and people, but also provides in-depth insights from comprehensive research that addresses the 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) as set out by the UN for 2030.

The series draws on the best research papers from various IEREK and other international conferences to promote the creation and development of viable solutions for a sustainable future and a positive societal transformation with the help of integrated and innovative science-based approaches. Including interdisciplinary contributions, it presents innovative approaches and highlights how they can best support both economic and sustainable development, through better use of data, more effective institutions, and global, local, and individual action, for the welfare of all societies.

The series particularly features conceptual and empirical contributions from various interrelated fields of science, technology, and innovation, with an emphasis on digital transformation, that focus on providing practical solutions to ensure food, water, and energy security to achieve the SDGs. It also presents new case studies offering concrete examples of how to resolve sustainable urbanization and environmental issues in different regions of the world.

The series is intended for professionals in research and teaching, consultancies and industry, and government and international organizations. Published in collaboration with IEREK, the Springer ASTI series will acquaint readers with essential new studies in STI for sustainable development.

About Springer:

Springer is a leading global scientific, technical and medical portfolio, providing researchers in academia, scientific institutions and corporate R&D departments with quality content through innovative information, products and services. Springer has one of the strongest STM and HSS eBook collections and archives, as well as a comprehensive range of hybrid and open access journals. Springer is part of Springer Nature, a global publisher that serves and supports the research community. Springer Nature aims to advance discovery by publishing robust and insightful science, supporting the development of new areas of research and making ideas and knowledge accessible around the world. As part of Springer Nature, Springer sits alongside other trusted brands like Nature Research, BioMed Central, and Palgrave Macmillan.

Click on the below image to learn more about the editors

Attending a conference dramatically enhances both your professional and personal development. They help you sharpen the saw, meet and converse with industry experts, expand your resources and grow your professional network. IEREK Conference will help you:

1. Open Discussions: We bring together leading academic scientists, from different universities and countries, to exchange and share their experiences and research results.

2. Internationally Accredited Certificate: The participants are granted internationally recognized certificates acknowledged by IEREK, the University, and Partnering Organizations.

3. Publication: Selected high-quality manuscripts will be published, after peer review, in the Advances in Science, Technology & Innovation (ASTI) book series by Springer or by IEREK Press Journals, both of which are indexed in world-renowned databases.

4. Research Technologies: Conferences can expand your resources by providing a great opportunity to promote gathered information on new technologies related to your research.

5. Networking: You can engage with industry experts to discuss with them the very latest research projects they could be working on and increase your chances of collaboration in future projects.

6. Academic Reputation: Attending many conferences will make you a known figure in academic circles and an active member of the academic community.

7. Conference Abstracts Material: Delegates will receive the conference Abstracts book in both hardcover and digital format on a CD. Shipping fees may apply.

IEREK has an unyielding policy regarding plagiarism. We believe that copying/taking the ideas and work of other Authors without permission and credit is fraudulent. The Reviewing committee and IEREK employees have the authority to reject a paper during its reviewing process, based on the paper being subjected to either minor or major plagiarism.

Authors must refer to, and abide by, the following instructions in submitting their abstracts/ papers:

Step 1: Abstract Submission Process

• The author should prepare and submit an Abstract of at least 150 – 300 words through the website.
• The abstract should be concise and clearly state the proposed research study's purpose, results, and conclusions.
• The author should select the most relevant topic for the paper from the corresponding conference topics.
• The author can use/download an Abstract Writing Template prior to submission
• To submit your abstract, you first need to (1) click on the “Register” button on the conference page, (2) click on “Submit Now” and:
  • Select the Topic in which you are making the submission
  • Insert the title of your study in the "Paper Title" section
  • Insert the full abstract in the "Abstract" section/upload a file in the .pdf, .doc, .docm, or .docx format
  • Add in writing 3 – 5 keywords that define the field, subfield, topic, and research area covered by the article to help other researchers understand and find your work.
  • Provide the names, affiliations, and E-mails of all authors/ co-authors involved
  • Confirm your submission by ticking having read the instructions and “submit Abstract”

Step 2.1: Abstract Acceptance

• After acceptance of your abstract of at least (150 – 300 words), you will receive a proforma invoice and specific instructions to complete the payment online or by bank transfer (See Conference Fees) to confirm your participation,
• Once your abstract has been accepted, please refer to the important dates tab and carefully review the announced dates to avoid late payment, as late payment comes at an extra charge (early bird/regular/late).
• After successfully completing payment, you will be issued upon request with the following:
  • A signed/ stamped abstract acceptance letter
  • Please note that acceptance of participation, abstract submission, and extended abstract/short paper submissions all have different deadlines. To stay up to date and avoid paying extra fees, or delaying your paper, please carefully review the important dates tab.
  • Receipt of Payment/ Payment Invoice
  • Visa Invitation Letter, if needed
• After abstract acceptance, you may be given the option to extend the abstract to publish your work in the conference proceedings in ASTI published by Springer Nature (indexed in Scopus/SCImago) (optional not obligatory).

  This is not a prerequisite for presenting your work at the conference. Meaning, you can present your submitted abstract without intending to publish your work.

Step 2.2: Abstract Extension / Short Paper (Optional)

• Your short paper / extended abstract should be 4 – 6 pages long and submitted before the paper submission deadline, in English, and fit within one of the conference topics.
• The Extended abstract i.e., the short paper should follow the research paper structure as follows: Abstract (+keywords), Introduction, problem statement, and study aim, Review of the Literature, Methodology, results and conclusion/ discussion, References list using the Paper Writing Template.
• The submission (short paper i.e. extended abstract) should be made following the same procedure followed for the abstract or sent to the conference email.
• Here: Authors may need more pages than the allotted maximum of 6 to insert figures, tables, appendixes, etc. In this case, they can submit regular papers (max. 12 pages) with the same fixed fee. For a detailed outline of the fees, please refer to the payment table in the conference fees tab.
• The conference does welcome Arabic submissions (with abstracts written in the english language), which will only be considered for publication in BAHETH by IEREK Press.

Step 3: Rigorous Peer Review Process (double-blind)

This process can only be initiated after payment completion and confirmation:

• If submitted, the extension (short paper) will be preliminarily checked (iThenticate plagiarism/ similarity screening Software, readability, and scope) and it will be peer-reviewed. If similarity issues are detected, the following will apply:
  • % from all sources: 10-15%
  • % from one source: 3-5%
  • Higher than 30% (all sources): Reject completely
  • Lower than 30% (all sources): Ask for revision to decrease the similarities
• IEREK has an unyielding policy regarding plagiarism. We believe that copying/ taking the ideas and work of other Authors without permission and credit is fraudulent. The Reviewing committee and IEREK employees have the authority to reject a paper during its reviewing process, on the basis of the paper being subjected to either minor or major plagiarism.
• Each paper/ chapter is evaluated by a minimum of two reviewers, after which a final decision by the responsible Editor is made. There is no maximum to the number of times a paper can be reviewed, depending on the quality of the submission.
• If your short paper is accepted by the Editors for publishing with comments/ requested modifications, our Editors (publishing department) will contact you once a decision is made and you will be asked to revise and correct it. After resubmission, it will be re-checked. Note: There may be more than one round of peer review and the decision rests with the editors of the title. Missed deadlines may result in complete exclusion/ rejection from the final publication.
• If your short paper is accepted for publishing without edits/ comments, the corresponding author will be contacted to provide the final version of their chapters/ papers following Springer Guidelines and sign the Springer consent-to-publish (CTP) form to authorize publication in the conference proceedings.
• A back-and-forth process: modifications will be sent back to the responsible Editor/ Series Editor and another round of evaluation conducted where needed. Participants/ Authors should regularly check their emails (Junk/ Spam folders).
• If you are not interested in publishing an extended abstract in the proceedings in ASTI by Springer Nature, please inform the conference support ([email protected]).

Step 4: Extended paper 

• After the conference, the authors of the best papers will be invited to submit an extended version of their research, 8 – 12+ pages in length, (optional) of their short papers for publishing in an edited volume to be published by Springer Nature.
• Publishing your short paper (i.e., extended abstract) in the conference proceedings does not prevent the submission of the full version for publishing consideration after the conference if the similarity percentages (SR%) in Step 3 are taken into account.

ORCID, which stands for Open Researcher and Contributor ID, is a global, not-for-profit organization that aims to provide unique identifiers for authors, researchers, and scholars. ORCiD effectively eliminates duplication and errors regarding author names, affiliations, previous works, and all related academic data.

IEREK is a proud member of ORCiD, and we contribute directly to their initiative of clear and identifiable markers for researchers and scholars. As the first Egyptian partner to ORCiD in the organization’s history, we strongly believe that by utilizing ORCiD’s database and verification services, we become one step closer to achieving an accurate, and identifiable academic landscape.

We encourage our authors to input their ORCiD ID when registering for one of our conferences, submitting an abstract, or a full paper. By doing so, you directly link your research to your identity and affiliation and can showcase your various academic efforts all in one place. By Registering your ORCiD ID, you also increase your works’ visibility and provide easy access to your entire library of research and academic activity.

Click here to learn more about ORCiD, and here to register your ORCiD ID for free.  

Registration

To help the organizers plan for inter-disciplinary dialogue, participants are requested to choose from the conference themes/ Topics upon registration.

They must also by refer to, and abide by, the following instructions in registering and submitting their abstracts/ papers:

Types of Participation

1. Attend/ Present Virtually and Publish in Conference proceedings

Organized from the comfort of your own home, the conference offers a virtual attendance option for your convenience. That said, participants will have a chance to present their abstract/research, online, and have their work considered for publication in the proceedings.

Virtual presenters are required to submit an abstract then full paper following the “author instructions” below and before the deadline (see Important Dates). At least one author must pay the registration fee (see Conference Fees).

For any reason, authors may wish to submit a pre-recorded video presentations no later than 15 days prior to the conference. Alternatively, they may wish to record a voice-over PowerPoint presentation for submission to the conference organizers.

2. Registration to publish in the proceedings (Full Paper) without presenting/ attending

All accepted papers of the Health & Environmental Resilience and Livability in Cities (HERL) after the peer-review process will be either published as chapters in the Book Series “Advances in Science, Technology and Innovation” (ASTI) by Springer or in The International Journal of Academic Research Community Publication (ARChive) online by IEREK Press. (See Author Instructions and Publishing Opportunities)

3. Non-presenting participant

Non-presenting participants may also wish to attend the conference as Audience Members or Co-authors contributing to an already submitted abstract/full paper.

A. Online Attendance

Delegates in any event who cancel their registration due to special circumstances will receive refunds according to the following:

A refund is not possible if

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