Journal of Urban Environmental Management

Abstract Monitoring and protecting rangelands and natural resource lands against natural hazards such as wildfires and floods are of paramount importance. Wireless sensor networks (WSNs), as innovative technologies, provide real-time management of these hazards. In this study, a monitoring system based on LoRaWAN technology was designed and evaluated for rangeland surveillance in remote and difficult-to-access areas of Iran. LoRaWAN was chosen as the optimal solution due to its long communication range, low power consumption, and the ability to establish private networks without the need for complex infrastructure. The proposed system consists of sensors that measure temperature, humidity, and smoke, with the collected data being transmitted to a central gateway. These data are then transferred via LoRa modules to a cloud server. One of the main challenges addressed in this study was energy optimization to extend the battery life of the sensors. To overcome this, smart algorithms were implemented to adjust the data transmission intervals based on environmental and seasonal conditions; for instance, during hot seasons and days with higher wildfire risk, shorter data transmission intervals were set, while in stable conditions, longer intervals were used. Field tests demonstrated that the proposed system was able to maintain stable communication over long distances while efficiently managing energy consumption to ensure reliable data transmission. Furthermore, the real-time data transfer to the cloud enables advanced analysis and timely decision-making. This research shows that LoRaWAN technology, with its easy access to equipment and resilience in harsh environmental conditions, offers an effective and efficient solution for monitoring and protecting rangelands and natural resource lands in Iran.

Abstract Air pollution is recognized as one of the fundamental challenges in the field of environmental engineering. This study examines the impact of vehicle tires on air pollution and explores methods to reduce it. A significant portion of the energy generated by the vehicle engine is lost through tire rolling resistance. Consequently, reducing tire rolling resistance leads to decreased fuel consumption and, consequently, reduced air pollution. Modifying the formulation of tire tread compounds can be an effective approach to reducing tire rolling resistance. One proposed method for modifying the formulation is the addition of nanoparticles as fillers. In this research, the impact of adding varying amounts of nanosilica to the tire tread compound formulation, which is the main factor contributing to vehicular energy dissipation, has been investigated. The results indicate that the addition of nanosilica increases tire rolling resistance. Furthermore, the influence of tire thickness on its lifespan and rolling resistance has been examined, demonstrating an increase in rolling resistance over time. Additionally, necessary changes in the production process conditions and their impact on the mechanical properties and performance of the produced materials have also been investigated. Rheological analysis reveals that the addition of nanosilica leads to increased viscosity. Moreover, the examination of mechanical properties shows an increase in the modulus values of both 100% and 300% materials with the addition of nanosilica.

Abstract The integration of advanced technologies, such as smart automation systems and the Internet of Things (IoT), has revolutionized modern greenhouses by enhancing product quality, precise plant growth control, disease and pest reduction, chemical and toxin minimization, waste reduction, and overall operational efficiency. This study focuses on the development of a wireless configuration to transform conventional greenhouses into smart ones with minimal expenses and modifications. The proposed system employs a comprehensive range of sensors to monitor crucial environmental parameters, including temperature, air humidity, light intensity, soil moisture, and CO2 concentration. WiFi and ZigBee protocols are evaluated to establish seamless communication between these sensors and the central monitoring station. WiFi protocol is deemed cost-effective in greenhouses where no interference occurs within the 2.4 GHz frequency range. However, in cases where frequency interference is present, utilizing ZigBee modules operating at sub-one gigahertz frequency (900 MHz) or using the WiFi in the 5 GHz band is recommended. This wireless configuration minimizes installation and setup time and costs and enables remote monitoring and control of greenhouse conditions, empowering users with real-time access to intelligent control system information anytime and anywhere. The proposed solution contributes to the advancement of smart greenhouse automation, offering an economical and efficient approach for the widespread adoption of intelligent systems in the agricultural sector.