The management of aging infrastructure requires a paradigm shift from routine, time-based inspections to data-driven, condition-based assessment. This paper presents a novel and practical framework for this transition through an in-depth case study of the Machico Cable-Stayed Bridge, a modern structure exhibiting accelerated deterioration driven by its aggressive marine environment. The core contribution is a replicable methodology demonstrating how to leverage a unique and disparate set of existing diagnostic data—synthesizing visual inspection reports, non-destructive evaluations, and dynamic in situ measurements—to design a targeted and optimized Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) strategy. The diagnostic analysis reveals critical pathologies, including advanced corrosion and significant discrepancies between design and measured cable forces, a finding that highlights a critical gap in historical performance data. In direct response to an official mandate for continuous monitoring, this paper proposes a multi-level SHM framework where the placement and specifications of each sensor (accelerometers, strain gauges, corrosion sensors) are directly justified by the documented failure modes. This work thus provides a practical roadmap for translating forensic data into a coherent, long-term asset management strategy, bridging the critical gap between diagnostic engineering and proactive infrastructure management.

Madeira Island, as the principal territory of the Madeira Archipelago, requires the adoption of more precise and adaptive planning strategies to address its regional challenges. Funchal’s steep topography, high population density, and expansion of impermeable surfaces increase risks of flash floods and soil erosion, while urban growth pressures threaten agricultural and forested areas. Given the urgency of this matter in the context of sustainability, planning strategies must be founded on and strengthened by a range of studies covering diverse themes to comprehensively understand the underlying issue. Utilizing tools such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), this research facilitates an examination of variations and patterns in land use and occupancy within the municipality of Funchal on Madeira Island. The study offers a comprehensive insight into the stagnation of the region’s urban fabric and, conversely, the evolving dynamics of agricultural cultivation within the county. Findings highlight a decline in broad-leaved and coniferous forests, replaced by urban areas and transitional woodland shrub, reflecting both anthropogenic pressures and natural regeneration. The study underscores the alarming scenario of native vegetation loss attributed to human activities, reinforcing the need for more assertive monitoring by regional government entities to safeguard and preserve these landscapes, environments, and ecosystems.

Remote and hybrid teaching have become enduring features of European higher education, yet their implications for teachers’ well-being are often examined in fragmented ways. This study investigated a systemic imbalance across five interdependent domains—physical, emotional, cognitive, social, and existential well-being—among Lithuanian higher education teachers, interpreted through the Job Demands–Resources framework and Self-Determination Theory. Using a mixed-methods design, data were collected from 385 teachers via a structured online questionnaire that included demographic variables, 10-point imbalance ratings across the five domains, and open-ended questions. Quantitative analyses (descriptive statistics and correlational pattern exploration) were complemented by thematic analysis of teachers’ narratives. Results indicate a widespread multidimensional disruption: elevated stress and emotional exhaustion, substantial physical strain associated with inadequate home workspaces, cognitive overload linked to multi-platform teaching, reduced collegial connection, blurred work–life boundaries, and challenges to professional meaning. Strain was unevenly distributed, with higher vulnerability associated with gender and caregiving demands, early-career status, limited ergonomic conditions, and weak institutional support. The findings support a systemic interpretation in which intensified demands, reduced resources, and frustrated psychological needs jointly drive well-being imbalance. Sustainable remote/hybrid teaching therefore requires institution-level measures (workload regulation, training, ergonomic support, and boundary-setting policies) rather than reliance on individual coping alone.

Nowadays, the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle flying at a low altitude in conjunction with photogrammetric and LiDAR technologies allows to collect images of very high-resolution to generate dense points cloud and to simulate geospatial data of territories. The technology used in experimental research contains reconstruction of topography of surface with historical structure, observing the recreational infrastructure, obtaining geographic information for users who are involved in preservation and inspection of such unique cultural/ heritage object as are mounds in Lithuania. In order to get reliable aerial mapping products of preserved unique heritage object, such photogrammetric/ GIS procedures were performed: UAV flight for taking images with the camera; scanning surface by LiDAR simultaneously; processing of image data, 3D modelling and generation of orthophoto. Evaluation of images processing results shows that the accuracy of surface modelling by the use of UAV photogrammetry method satisfied requirements – mean RMSE equal to 0.031 m. The scanning surface by LiDAR from low altitude is advisable, relief representation of experimental area was obtained with mean accuracy up to 0.050 m. Aerial mapping by the use of UAV requires to specify appropriate ground sample distance (GSD) that is important for reducing number of images and time duration for modelling of area. Experiment shows that specified GSD of 1.7 cm is not reasonable, GSD size increased by 1.5 time would be applicable. The use of different software in addition for DSM visualization and analysis is redundant action.

Europe’s energy transition beyond 2025 faces a resilience gap as reconfigured pipeline flows, stricter methane rules, and rising variable renewables increase the need for seasonal flexibility and system adequacy. This study examines how Ukraine’s gas transmission network and underground gas storage—among the largest in Europe—can serve as a “seasonal battery” for the EU. We integrate a policy and market review with quantitative scenarios for 2026–2030. Methods include security-of-supply indicators (the rule that the system must keep operating even if its largest single infrastructure element fails, peak-day coverage, and winter adequacy), estimates of market-accessible storage volumes and withdrawal rates for European market participants, and a techno-economic screening of hydrogen-readiness comparing repurposing with new-build options. Methane intensity constraints and compliance with monitoring, reporting, and verification and leak detection and repair requirements are applied. The results indicate that reallocating part of Europe’s seasonal balancing to Ukrainian underground gas storage can enhance resilience to extreme winter demand and liquefied natural gas price shocks, reduce price volatility and the curtailment of variable renewables, and enable phased, cost-effective hydrogen corridors via repurposable pipelines and compressors. We outline a policy roadmap specifying transparent access rules, interoperable gas quality and methane standards, and risk mitigation instruments needed to operationalise cross-border storage and hydrogen-ready investments without carbon lock-in.