Reza Moezzi

This study applies a system dynamics modelling framework to assess long-term sustainability strategies for urban environments across four policy scenarios, focusing on energy production, land use, and consumption behaviour. Scenario 1 simulates the expansion of solar infrastructure to meet rising energy demands, resulting in significant carbon dioxide emission reductions and improved quality-of-life indicators – consistent with prior research on renewable energy benefits. Scenario 2 evaluates regulatory interventions aimed at conserving green spaces and controlling construction activities. The outcomes include increased vegetation cover and a notable decline in urban pollution, supporting evidence from urban ecological planning studies. Scenario 3 integrates the first two strategies, yielding optimal results in reducing emissions and enhancing livability; however, these improvements also attract higher population inflows, increasing energy demand. To address this challenge, Scenario 4 introduces a targeted energy efficiency strategy, incorporating per-capita consumption controls through technological advancements and behavioural change mechanisms. This scenario achieves a 35% reduction in total energy use and a 25% decline in carbon dioxide emissions. The findings highlight the synergistic potential of combined policy approaches and underscore the importance of managing rebound effects associated with urban quality improvements.

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) represent an escalating threat in marine and coastal ecosystems, posing increasing risks to ecological balance, public health, and blue economy industries including fisheries, aquaculture, and tourism. This review examines the impact of climate change and anthropogenic pressures on the escalation of HAB occurrences, focusing especially on vulnerable regions in Mexico, which are the primary case study for this investigation. The methodological framework integrates HAB risk assessment (RA) methods found in the literature. Progress in detection and monitoring technologies—such as sensing, in situ sensor networks, and prediction tools based on machine learning—are reviewed for their roles in enhancing early-warning systems and aiding decision support. The key findings emphasize four linked aspects: (i) patterns of HAB risk in coastal zones, (ii) deficiencies and prospects in HAB-related policy development, (iii) how governance structures facilitate or hinder effective actions, and (iv) the growing usefulness of online monitoring and evaluation tools for real-time environmental observation. The results emphasize the need for coupled technological and governance solutions to reduce HAB impacts, protect marine biodiversity, and enhance the resilience of coastal communities confronting increasingly frequent and severe bloom events.

As road transport continues to evolve with advancements in automation and intelligent traffic management, optimizing emergency response operations remains a critical challenge in urban mobility. This study presents an innovative data-driven framework for optimizing fire station placement in Birjand, Iran, integrating transportation efficiency with emergency service accessibility. A binary integer programming model was developed to minimize response time and transportation costs while incorporating real-world constraints. Using dynamic simulations in MATLAB 2019b, the study analyzed existing fire station coverage across seven urban regions, assessing travel efficiency based on an average vehicle speed of 52.5 km/h and a 5 min response threshold. Key findings highlight disparities in emergency service accessibility, with high-demand areas such as R4 and R5 lacking sufficient coverage, while low-demand regions like R6 remain underserved. To address this, a genetic algorithm (GA) with 100 individuals over 20 generations was implemented. Optimizing total penalized response time, calculated as the objective value of GA, is 25.89 min. This value represents the sum of penalized response times across all station-area assignments. A cost–benefit analysis revealed Station 2 as the most efficient investment, achieving a net benefit of 3163 million IRR at a 1% discount rate, outperforming Station 1 (2831 million IRR). Sensitivity analysis confirmed Station 2’s financial advantage across discount rates up to 10%. This research contributes to emerging transportation challenges by bridging emergency response optimization with urban mobility strategies. The proposed decision support system (DSS) integrates adaptive planning, data-driven analytics, and infrastructure investment to enhance resilience and response efficiency in dynamic urban environments.

The advancement of sustainable infrastructure relies on innovative design and computational modeling techniques to optimize excavation stability. This study introduces a novel approach to soil nail configuration optimization using finite element analysis (FEA) with Plaxis software (V22). Various soil nail parameters—including length, angle, and spacing—were analyzed to achieve the most efficient stabilization while minimizing costs. Results indicate that a 10-degree nail inclination from the horizontal provides an optimal balance between tensile and shear forces, reducing deformation (18.12 mm at 1 m spacing) and enhancing the safety factor (1.52). Increasing nail length significantly improves stability, but with diminishing returns beyond a threshold, while nail diameter shows minimal impact. Soil type also plays a crucial role, with coarse-grained soils (friction angle 35°) demonstrating superior performance compared to fine-grained soils (friction angle 23°). This research contributes to the field of computational modeling and intelligent design by integrating advanced simulation techniques for geotechnical stability analysis, providing an innovative and data-driven framework for parametric evaluation of soil nail configurations.

This study explores the optimization of solar energy harvesting in Truro City in the UK using PVSyst simulations integrated with real-time meteorological data. Focusing on panel orientation, tilt angle, shading, and albedo, the research aimed to enhance both energy efficiency and economic viability of photovoltaic (PV) systems in green buildings. A 100 kWp rooftop solar installation served as the case study. Energy outputs derived from spreadsheet-based models and PVSyst simulations were compared to validate results. Optimal tilt angles were identified between 35° and 39°, and the azimuth angle of 0° yielded the highest energy gain without requiring solar tracking. Fixed configurations with a 5 m pitch showed only a 10% shading loss, requiring 1680 m² of space and generating an average of 646.83 kWh/m² monthly. Compared to recent works, our integration of real-time climate data improved simulation accuracy by 6–9%, refining operational planning and decision-making processes. This included better timing of high-load activities and enhanced prediction for grid feedback. The study demonstrates that data-driven optimization significantly improves performance reliability and system design, offering practical insights for solar infrastructure in similar temperate climates. These results provide a benchmark for urban energy planners seeking to balance performance and spatial constraints in PV deployment.

Sludge management in petroleum refineries is a costly and complex challenge, posing environmental risks and health hazards for humans. This study explores sludge incineration as a viable energy recovery method, using a case study from an Iranian refinery. Analysis of 15 sludge samples via bomb calorimetry revealed an average heat value of 3100 kcal/kg, which declines with increased moisture content, while higher chemical oxygen demand (COD) enhances energy yield. Over five years, 4000 tonnes of accumulated sludge presented an energy potential of 12,400 Gcal. Statistical modeling, including polynomial regression and response surface methodology (RSM), mapped sludge storage profiles and predicted calorific values based on COD and moisture variations. The results indicate anaerobic digestion at greater depths reduces organic matter, lowering energy potential. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis confirmed key thermal transitions, supporting sludge incineration as an effective waste-to-energy strategy. Implementing this approach within a circular economy framework can optimize refinery waste management while reducing pollution, though proper combustion byproduct control is essential for sustainability and regulatory compliance.

Hydrogen energy is essential in the transition to sustainable transportation planning, providing a clean and efficient alternative to traditional fossil fuels. As a versatile energy carrier, hydrogen facilitates the decarbonization of diverse transportation modes, including passenger vehicles, heavy-duty trucks, trains, and maritime vessels. To justify and clarify the role of hydrogen energy in sustainable transportation planning, this study conducts a comprehensive techno-economic and environmental assessment of hydrogen production in the USA, Europe, and China. Utilizing the Shlaer–Mellor method for policy modeling, the analysis highlights regional differences and offers actionable insights to inform strategic decisions and policy frameworks for advancing hydrogen adoption. Hydrogen production potential was assessed from solar and biomass resources, with results showing that solar-based hydrogen production is significantly more efficient, producing 704 tons/yr/km², compared to 5.7 tons/yr/km² from biomass. A Monte Carlo simulation was conducted to project emissions and market share for hydrogen and gasoline vehicles from 2024 to 2050. The results indicate that hydrogen vehicles could achieve near-zero emissions and capture approximately 30% of the market by 2050, while gasoline vehicles will decline to a 60% market share with higher emissions. Furthermore, hydrogen production using solar energy in the USA yields a per capita output of 330,513 kg/yr, compared to 6079 kg/yr from biomass. The study concludes that hydrogen, particularly from renewable sources, holds significant potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, with policy frameworks in the USA, Europe, and China focused on addressing energy dependence, air pollution, and technological development in the transportation sector.