Research on the Malay cultural landscape in the Malay Archipelago is based on several factors, which include function, tradition, and the Malay culture. These factors are widely found in Malay literature, which plays a significant role in designing the landscape of Malay culture. Malay literature includes Old Malay manuscripts, Hikayat Melayu (Malay folktales), and Malay poetry, all of which are based on the beliefs, mindsets, and culture of the Malay community. These are demonstrated in a tangible or intangible manner through the environment of the traditional Malay lifestyle, inherent in Malay life values and in the symbolism of places. This review employed a document analysis to identify the elements and components of the Malay cultural landscape and its metaphorical aspects, as reflected in the aforementioned four types of Malay literature. Moreover, this review obtained information on the elements of the Malay cultural landscape that determine and explain the nature, function, and similarity of these aspects through symbolism in the landscape and culture of the Malays in Malaysia. Indirectly, this review proved the long existence of a systematic Malay cultural landscape throughout the Malay Archipelago that remains essential for future cultural sustainability. Finally, elements of the Malay landscape were identified, which could be applied as guidelines for designers in outlining a Malay cultural landscape.

Informal learning spaces (ILS) offer unique opportunities for students to interact and develop skills in a more social, resilient, and sustainable environment. However, there is a lack of a definitive typology for ILS and related design factors and outcomes. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the typology of ILS in academic education, including relevant design factors and positive outcomes from architectural and urban planning perspectives. A systematic literature review was conducted on articles published between 2004 and 2024 from four databases: Scopus, ScienceDirect, Emerald Insights, and IEEE Xplore. The included articles are in English and based on empirical data published in peer-reviewed journals, focusing on informal learning and its settings. A total of 37 full-text articles were included in the descriptive review, from which two categories and six types were identified: private indoor quiet space, semi-private/semi-public indoor space, public indoor space, public sustainable space, public outdoor space, and comprehensive space. The results also revealed seven categories of factors affecting these types of ILS: personal aspects, spatial design, physical settings, resources, social aspects, natural environment, and perceived environment. Furthermore, these ILS significantly contributed to five categories of positive outcomes: learning efficacy, socialisation, refreshment and relaxation, health outcomes, and sustainable development. Therefore, this SLR significantly contributed to the definition and typology of ILS in sustainable higher education.

The definition of sustainable characteristics of traditional villages can assist in determining the direction of development and evaluating the development results. Nevertheless, a clearly defined concept of the sustainable performance of traditional villages is required. (1) This paper addresses the phenomenon of traditional villages and their decline due to urbanization, industrialization, and the movement of people from rural settlements. The development of traditional villages causes several concerns. This study aims to present a more precise definition of the sustainability of traditional villages. (2) the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Evaluation and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines conducted a systematic literature review. The data were searched using the Web of Science database, with consideration given to the values of relevance, authority, and impact. (3) The sustainability of traditional villages is explained based on the four-pillar theory of sustainable development, focusing on the economic, environmental, social, and cultural dimensions. (4) The findings provide a scientific framework for understanding the sustainability of traditional villages. These results will provide insights to the future preservation and development of traditional villages.

The shear and bending are the actions that are experienced in the beam owing to the fact that the beam is a flexural member due to the load in the transverse direction to their longitudinal axis. The shear strength (V_s) computation of reinforced concrete (RC) beams has been a major topic in the field of structural engineering. There have been several methodologies introduced for the V_s prediction; however, the modeling accuracy is relatively low owing to the complex characteristic of the resistance mechanism involving dowel effect of longitudinal reinforcement, concrete in the compression zone, contribution of the stirrups if existed, and the aggregate interlock. Hence, the current research proposed a new soft computing model called random forest (RF) to predict V_s. Experimental datasets were collected from the open‐source literature including the related geometric properties and concrete characteristics of beam specimens. Nine input combinations were constructed based on the statistical correlation to be supplied for the proposed predictive model. The prediction accuracy of the RF model was validated against the Support Vector Machine (SVM), and several other empirical formulations have been adopted in the literature. The proposed RF model revealed better prediction accuracy in addition the model structure emphasis in the incorporation of seven predictors by excluding (beam flange thickness and coefficient). In the quantitative term, the minimal root mean square error value was attained (RMSE = 89.68 kN).

The spatial distribution of Leisure Urban Spaces (LUSs) is closely linked to urban sustainability and residents’ quality of life. This study uses the Central Urban Area of Nanjing as the study area. Using POI and AOI data, the locations of LUS were precisely identified and categorized, including parks, squares, waterfront spaces, and leisure blocks. GIS spatial analysis methods, the nearest neighbor index, standard deviation ellipse, and kernel density estimation were used to analyze these spaces’ form, directivity, and density. Population activity intensity (PAI) data at various time points, collected by Baidu heat map, are correlated with LUS distribution through multiple linear regression analysis. (1) Parks and squares exhibit significant clustering tendencies, whereas waterfront spaces show weaker clustering, and leisure blocks are randomly distributed; (2) The central points of all types of LUS are located in the city center, extending from southeast to northwest, with parks and squares offering a broader range of services; (3) The overall LUS layout shows a ‘core and multiple points’ structure, with varying density patterns across different spaces, indicating concentrated and dispersed leisure areas; (4) The correlation between LUS distribution and PAI strengthens throughout the day and is greater on weekends than weekdays. Leisure blocks significantly enhance activity intensity, while parks have a limited effect, and waterfront spaces often show a negative correlation due to their remote locations. These results provide insights for future urban planning in Nanjing and underscore patterns in residents’ leisure activities.