The impact of soft law on the regulation of sustainable investment in the Arctic Region

Author(s): Aleksei Yu. Churilov / Language(s): English Issue: 1/2024

The article discusses the issue of regulating sustainable and responsible investment in the Arctic region. The execution of large-scale investment initiatives in this region will require substantial capital, including foreign ones, as well as a large-scale impact on the ecology of the Arctic region. The work emphasizes the importance of making sustainable investments, which in the long term will not harm either the environment or indigenous and small-numbered peoples living in the project areas. The purpose of the work is to study how soft law instruments affect the regulation of investment in the Arctic using narratological methods. Currently, there is a clear lack of international legal regulation of sustainable investment, and the legislation of different states on relevant issues follows different approaches. When investment relations are not properly regulated, it can be difficult to implement sustainable and responsible investment, which will also have negative economic consequences. In this regard, the author concludes that currently the norms of the so-called “soft law” play the most important role in regulating investment activities. An analysis of so-called ESG investing is being carried out. The work presents an overview of some of the most significant sources of soft law and classifies soft law norms depending on their source of origin. Explanatory examples demonstrate how investors and enterprises implementing investment projects apply soft law in their activities. The author concludes that the concept of soft law is a reflection of the way in which entrepreneurs' narratives can influence the behavior patterns that will be adopted by the relevant association of entrepreneurs. The article gives examples to examine the impact of narratives on the creating and implementation of soft law provisions, and further analyzes these methods of influence.

Hrad a panstvo Šášov v období habsburskej komorskej správy.

Author(s): Miroslav Lacko / Language(s): Slovak Issue: 2/2024

The Šášov (Sachsenstein) domain was one of the state dominions in the Lower Hungarian mining district, i.e. in present-day Central Slovakia, that were integrated in the complex of state mining enterprises from the late seventeenth century to the mid-nineteenth century. These state estates became an important economic basis for whole mining district under the Habsburg control, especially in supplies with wood, charcoal, beverages, and victuals. The Šášov castle and dominion had been acquired in 1676 –1678 from the impoverished noble Lippay family and was utilized for economic needs of state enterprising in the precious metal production since then. Until the 1770s, the Šášov castle was used as a granary and the residence of domain administration was situated in the Ladomer manor house. The most profitable cameralistic projects on this state domain that are investigated in this paper represented the brewery in Šášovské Podhradie near the castle with beer production for state workers and clerks, the large taphouse for mineworkers in Štiavnické Bane (Siglisberg), and the state wood-yard in Jalná for a wood and charcoal supply of state mines and smelteries. During the eighteenth century, the integration of this domain into the system of state mining enterprising reached a highest peak.

DERURALIZATION AS A GLOBAL PROCESS AND ITS TRENDS IN SERBIA

Author(s): Milka Bubalo Živković,Tamara Lukić,Dajana Bjelajac,Zorica Pogrmić,Gordana Jovanović / Language(s): English Issue: 1/2024

Deruralization is a process that began with the development of industry in today’s developed Western world. The abandonment of villages in Serbia started between the two world wars, only to gain more intense momentum after the Second World War. In the first decades of the 21st century in Serbia, this process reached a critical point due to the large number of abandoned villages, the aging population in the villages and the decreasing workforce capable of performing tasks in rural areas. This paper analyses the movement of the rural population in the regions of Serbia and its municipalities. The census data were processed using descriptive statistics, and the data for the entire country by municipalities were presented using the cartographic method. Finally, the problems and possible consequences of such trends in the movement of rural population were dealt with. Possible ways of revitalizing rural areas were also emphasized.

Preservation Issues of Architecture from the Second Half of the Twentieth Century

Author(s): Igor Machata / Language(s): English Issue: 1-2/2024

Late Modernist architectural works are confronted with an ambivalent situation between heritage acknowledgement and physical destruction. The text aims to explain the growing interest in their protection as a natural evolution of monument preservation, yet simultaneously questions the effectiveness of current procedures regarding the specifics of the given architecture. The Mäusebunker case study illustrates an approach of institutionalized preservation in terms of an architectural strategy of adaptive reuse, focusing more on the preservation of principle than of the image. It presents a method of working with post-war architecture that focuses on its active engagement with contemporary life within the values of sustainability.

The peculiarities and challenges of the water use in the Southern Region of the Republic of Moldova

Author(s): Petru Bacal,Daniela Burduja / Language(s): English Issue: 2/2024

The purpose of present research is the complex assessment of water use at regional and local level. The main objectives are as follows: 1) the comparative analysis of volumes of abstracted and used water by the sources of origin and by the main categories of use; 2) assessing the trend evaluations of the volume of abstracted and used water in the years 2010-2023; 3) determining the causes and effects of the values of water use indices and their trends; 4) identifying the problems and opportunities of water use in the study region. The study area includes the Southern Region of Republic of Moldova. The key applied methods are: statistical, cartographic, analytical, including SWOT analysis, comparative method. The main results of this research are: 1) summary and comparative assessment of water use in the study area; 2a) 2010-2016 years with negative trends; 2b) 2017-2023 years with positive trend; 3) water use volume are conditioned by the proximity to the Dniester and Prut, by the size of urban centers, by rainfall and by the capacity of water supply systems; 4) SWOT analysis of water use of in the conditions of climate aridification and of masiive depopulation, of increasing demand of water and capacities of water supply systems.

Assessing urban thermal field variance and surface urban heat island effects. An Ecological Study in Malakand Division, Pakistan

Author(s): Imtiaz AHMAD,Wang PING,Abdur RAZZAQ,Bilal Jan Haji MUHAMMAD,Wajid ALI / Language(s): English Issue: 2/2024

This study examines the ecological and thermal impacts of urbanization in Malakand Division, Pakistan, from 2003 to 2023, focusing on the Surface Urban Heat Island (SUHI) effect and human thermal comfort (HTC). Using multi-temporal Landsat (5 & 8) imagery, Land Surface Temperature (LST) data, and the Urban Thermal Field Variance Index (UTFVI), we analyze urban expansion, land-use changes, and their thermal implications. Results show significant urban growth, with built-up areas increasing from 11,773.5 km² to 12,519.09 km², while vegetative land decreased by 7.5%. The average LST rose by 3.67°C, and UHI intensity increased from 15.96% in 2003 to 19.08% in 2023. Spatial analysis highlights higher LST and UTFVI values in urbanized and transition zones, indicating worsening thermal conditions. These findings underscore the need for sustainable urban planning to mitigate UHI effects, enhance HTC, and promote green space development. This research provides critical insights for urban planners and policymakers in Malakand Division and other rapidly urbanizing regions.

AI & Regional Science: past, present, and future

Author(s): Richard L. Church / Language(s): English Issue: 2/2024

Artificial Intelligence, or AI for short, has captured the attention of almost everyone inthe year of 2023, when several companies introduced software that can be used by thegeneral public and applied to many different areas of interest, including voice, video,text, and large data analysis. For example, it is possible to create a novel using AI largelanguage models or create or ask an AI app to generate a drawing of a given subject.Overall, AI has the potential to disrupt many industries, social media, and evengovernment. This paper presents an introduction to AI with respect to Regional Science.It discusses some of the promises and pitfalls of AI, including its use in education. AItechniques are not new to many in Regional Science as it has already been used in anumber of application areas and some of these applications are pointed out in this paper.Thus, it covers the past, present, and future for the field of Regional Science.

Is artificial intelligence a trustworthy route navigation system for smart urban planning?

Author(s): Karima KOURTIT,Peter NIJKAMP,John Osth,Umut Türk / Language(s): English Issue: 2/2024

In the age of smart or intelligent cities, the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents aspectrum of new opportunities and challenges for both the research and policycommunity. The present study explores the intricate interplay between AI-generatedcontent and actual choice spectra in urban planning. It focuses on the concept of 'cityintelligence' and related AI concepts, underscoring the pivotal role of AI in addressingand understanding the quality of life in contemporary urban environments. As AIcontinues its transformative impact on communication and information systems in therealm of urban planning, this study brings to the forefront key insights into the challengesof validating AI-based information. Given the inherently subjective nature of AIgenerated content, and its influential role in shaping user-perceived value, AI will mostlikely be a game changer catalyzing enhancements in the urban quality of life andinducing favorable urban developments. Additionally, the study also addresses thesignificance of the so-called ‘Garbage-in Garbage-out’ (GiGo) principle and ‘Bullshitin Bullshit out’ (BiBo) principle in validating AI-generated content, and seeks to enhanceour understanding of the spatial information landscape in urban planning by introducingthe notion of an urban ‘XXQ’ performance production function.

BOOK REVIEW: Anastasia Panori (2024), Digitally Disrupted Space: Proximity and New Development Opportunities for Regions and Cities, Elsevier

Author(s): Daniela-Andreia Damian / Language(s): English Issue: 2/2024

The book Digitally Disrupted Space: Proximity and New Development Opportunities for Regions and Cities, authored by Anastasia Panori, addresses the connections between digital transformation and the redefinition of spatial dynamics, the shaping of societal relations, the changes in economic productivity and the reconfiguration of organizational structures in urban and regional spaces. Panori offers a mixed perspective, rather theoretical, but also providing some empirical examples.

Hydrozagadka. Recenzja książki Jana Mencwela „Hydrozagadka, Kto zabiera polską wodę i jak ją odzyskać”, Wydawnictwo Krytyki Politycznej, Warszawa 2023

Author(s): Izabela Desperak / Language(s): Polish Issue: 24/2023

Красноґруда. Записки між цитатами перекладів

Author(s): Yuliia Stakhivska / Language(s): Ukrainian Issue: 07/2024

The article explores the cultural and historical significance of Krasnohrad, a place imbued with the literary legacy of poet Czesław Miłosz and the spirit of dialogue and creativity fostered by the "Pogranicze" foundation. The text recounts the festival "The Great Duchy of Poetry," where the atmosphere of the venue, enriched by Miłosz's poetry and personal history, evokes a sense of déjà vu for the author. The narrative intertwines reflections on Miłosz's works, the impact of literature on memory, and the poignant symbolism of a destroyed park house in Skovorodynivka, which echoes the cultural losses inflicted by war. The article emphasizes the importance of preserving literary heritage and the communal spaces that nurture artistic expression, drawing parallels between Krasnohrad and similar potential centers in Ukraine, such as the Kosach family estates. Ultimately, the author conveys the enduring power of poetry and memory in the face of destruction and the necessity of returning to cultural roots for solace and inspiration.

Correlation between Wages and House Prices: an Analysis of Regional Differences in the Czech Republic

Author(s): Oskar Crnadak / Language(s): English Issue: 2/2024

Background: The real estate market in the Czech Republic exhibits significant differences among regions, especially in terms of the influence of economic factors such as wages on property prices. Wages are one of the key determinants of house prices, but their influence may vary across regions and over time. It is important to further understand the dynamics between wages and house prices at the regional level.Objective: This study seeks to investigate whether and how the impact of wages on house prices varies among regions and how it changes over time.Methods: The fixed effects panel regression with interaction terms was used to account for regional and time effects. The model includes lagged house price values to better capture market dynamics over time. Interaction terms between wages and regions allow for the detection of region-specific effects. The Newey-West correction was used to control for heteroskedasticity and autocorrelation.Results: In some regions, such as Prague, factors other than wages (e.g. lack of supply and high demand) may play a more significant role. The analysis also confirmed that house prices exhibit time inertia, which means that past price developments have an impact on the current market.Recommendation: It is recommended to focus on promoting affordable housing in regions with high prices and on investment opportunities in emerging regions where wages and house prices are growing more steadily.Practical relevance: This study provides insights into regional differences in the Czech Republic's housing market. These insights are valuable for regional housing and economic development strategies Policymakers can use this knowledge to better respond to affordable housing challenges.Originality/value: This study provides an original analysis of the impact of wages on house prices, with an emphasis on regional specificities and time trends, allowing for a deeper understanding of regional dynamics in the housing market in the Czech Republic. This analysis provides useful insights for future research and for practical applications in real estate market and regional policy decision-making.

Urban Data Integrated Management and Scenario Development in the Context of Achieving SDG Indicators

Author(s): Anca Ene,Ana Cornelia Badea,Gheorghe Badea,Anca Patricia Grădinaru / Language(s): English Issue: 36/2024

Urban planning has encountered numerous challenges due to the rapid growth of the cities in order to provide for suitable living circumstances, including satisfying the need for basic services, affordable housing for all residents, transportation and employment, and to fulfil the main Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The urban development must be guided by national and local authorities in order to maximize opportunities, requiring a harmonic coordination between policies and investments. The concept of Digital Twin has many opportunities to expand in the future, since it is constantly evolving, developing new features to provide the data required to optimize products and processes in a safe environment and decreasing the risks and costs of introducing new procedures. ArcGIS Urban is designed to improve urban planning and decision making and offers users the option of viewing multiple potential development perspectives and subjecting them to public review to ensure that the benefits of the community restrictions outweigh the costs.

„Alba Iulia - The Green City” - A Premise of a Resilient Community

Author(s): Luciana Oprea / Language(s): English Issue: 36/2024

The reduction of green space massively exacerbates the problems facing a community, from urban environmental risks to the health and quality of life of the population.The green spaces within a locality are the main element in the quality of life of its inhabitants. In view of the approved regulations on climate change mitigation, a green infrastructure becomes all the more important as it is vegetation that mitigates the impact of climate change on inhabited areas. Of all the elements that make up a green space, trees in municipalities play an essential role, as they are the category of vegetation that offers the most benefits to humanity: ecological, landscape, social, cultural and economic benefits.Given the massive climate change we have witnessed in recent years, it can be seen that the earth's surface in general and urban areas in particular need „more green spaces to build resilience to climate and health threats” - European Climate Pact.

Assessment of Avalanche Risk Using GIS in Mountain Areas - Case Study Arieșeni, Alba County

Author(s): Tudor Borșan,George Emanuel Voicu / Language(s): English Issue: 36/2024

Avalanches represent a significant threat in mountainous regions (Arieseni, Alba County), especially in areas without vegetation that contributes to the stability of the snowpack. This study proposes a GIS-based methodology for identifying and assessing avalanche risk, utilizing Corine Land Cover (CLC) vector data, digital elevation models (DEM), and proximity analysis to built infrastructure. Through raster reclassification and multicriteria integration, a detailed risk map was created, providing a useful tool for managing exposed areas and disaster prevention.

Climate Resilience in Urban Areas

Author(s): Izabella Marin Lazăr / Language(s): English Issue: 36/2024

The current context, requires the built environment, buildings and public space, to respond to the need to adapt to climatic conditions, all the more so as it represents the space in which we carry out our activity and which is directly responsible for ensuring comfort and health conditions.Therefore, in the construction of new buildings, as well as in major renovation programs, climate change will be taken into account by adopting technological and architectural solutions that ensure resilient living conditions and at the same time a reduced environmental impact. The concepts of climate sensitive building / urban planning derive from the need to plan a man-made environment adaptable to these changes by designing buildings capable of responding to the aggressiveness of the natural environment.The nZEB concept through zonal energy re-configuration projects can be a strategy for resilient urban adaptation. In this context, a multi-criteria approach is needed for the zonal renovation projects so that the energy re-configuration strategy is put in relation with the analysis of the conditions for resilience, by extending the design decisions.

Technical Aspects of Spatial Data Preparation within the Marine Administration System as Support for the Sustainable Development of the Blue Economy

Author(s): Neculai Avramiuc,Claudia-Mădălina Brebeuță,Stela Bălan / Language(s): English Issue: 37/2024

Establishing a Marine Administration System (MAS) is crucial for countries bordering seas and oceans, particularly within the framework of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). This involves delineating marine zones and providing comprehensive information on property rights in territorial seas, contiguous zones, and exclusive economic zones, which is vital for safeguarding sovereign rights. In Romania, the transposition of Directive 2014/89/EU and the adoption of Government Ordinance No. 18/2016 on maritime spatial planning, along with Emergency Ordinance No. 97/2023 for the Maritime Spatial Plan, are pivotal for promoting sustainable development within the Blue Economy. This study addresses the technical aspects of spatial data preparation essential for implementing a MAS, focusing on the generation of a Digital Elevation Model (DEM) for seabed topography, integrated with terrestrial topography. A significant aspect highlighted is the need to extend the quasigeoid model for Romania to include maritime areas. This extended quasigeoid facilitates the transformation of altitudes and depths derived from GNSS and bathymetric measurements, which are traditionally referenced to local surfaces specific to hydrographic measurements. By eliminating the need for direct tide measurements, the study underscores the importance of accessing recent topographic and bathymetric data based on a precise datum. Additionally, the research outlines a workflow utilized in other countries for generating DEMs using GNSS and bathymetric measurements, employing ArcMap and ArcScene from the ArcGIS suite, and illustrates the 3D visualization of marine parcels. The development of a Marine Spatial Data Infrastructure (MSDI) based on the DEM and an extended quasigeoid model for Romania in the Black Sea area will ensure that marine spatial data is accessible for state authorities. This infrastructure aims to facilitate data comparison and exchange, integrating with initiatives such as Marine Knowledge 2020 and the Inspire Directive (2007/2/EC), and Directive 2014/89/EU, thereby supporting the effective management of coastal and marine zones.

The Application of Terrestrial Laser Scanning to Monitoring the Cricova Underground Mine in the Republic of Moldova

Author(s): Eugeniu Țiganu,Denis Țiganu,Ana Vlasenco,Livia Nistor-Lopatenco / Language(s): English Issue: 37/2024

Terrestrial laser scanning is an advanced technique for mapping and monitoring the Earth's surface that can be successfully used in the monitoring of underground mines, especially in determining the geometric parameters of mine gallery structures. This article presents the use of terrestrial laser scanning technology in the Cricova underground mine in the Republic of Moldova to identify changes and potential risks for the safety of future works. Using the Leica BLK 360 scanner (BLK Edition), control measurements were conducted to determine the verticality and flatness of the underground mine walls located at a depth of 10 meters. After processing the data using specific specialized software, a 3D model was created, deviations from the mine walls compared to the reference project were highlighted, and final reports were developed for evaluation, analysis, and decision-making.

Мобилните любителски приложения за отбелязване и проследяване на птици като инструмент за тяхното опазване и развитието на орнитологичен туризъм

Author(s): Adelina Stoyanova,Ralitza Berberova / Language(s): English,Bulgarian Issue: 1/2023

In terms of avifauna richness, Bulgaria ranks second in Europe after Spain, which makes it an interesting destination for ornithological tourism. The development of mobile technologies has made it easier to record and track ornithological observations and create databases for them. In this study, a selection of mobile amateur applications for bird marking and tracking has been made, and the usefulness of their databases is discussed both for bird conservation and for tourism purposes.

URBANISTIKA MOKYKLINĖJE GEOGRAFIJOJE: PRIELAIDOS, TURINYS IR PATIRTYS

Author(s): Danielius Jurčiukonis / Language(s): Lithuanian Issue: -/2024

This article analyses the problems of urbanism and general geography education in Lithuania. Geography, as an interdisciplinary system of sciences that explores phenomena in spatial dimension, is an excellent basis for developing competences in urban science and practice, and high quality geography education can contribute to the development of sustainable and balanced future cities. This study involved a content analysis of the school geography curriculum, a comparative analysis of grade 9 geography textbooks based on the updated curriculum, and 9 in-depth semi-structured interviews (7 with geography teachers and 2 with educators), followed by data systematisation and thematic analysis. The study showed that the topic of urbanism is very important in general geography education, and its relevance has been reinforced by the adoption of the new school geography curriculum in 2022. Urban topics have increased in content, have become more complex, and focus more on balanced and sustainable urban development and emerging global urban challenges.