This paper is exploratory research into the evolution of the theories and the practice of culture-led urban development. As cities and urban spaces have existed for centuries. Their purpose and functions constantly changing and evolving. With globalisation, numerous technological revolutions, and continuous innovations the demographical changes were often rapid to which swift adaptation was crucial. The ever changing and diversification of needs from the people inhabiting cities as well as global concerns led to new innovative approaches to urban development. One such approach is the idea of Creative Cities within which culture arose as a leading concern in the creation of urban development plans. This article will highlight some of the key areas and approaches on how culture can be utilised in urban development. The way in which creativity and culture is measured within the European Union. As well showcase the evolution of the culture led urban development approach of Dublin from the 1990s and finally examine the current urban development plans of Dublin and how they utilise culture in their plans.

This study focuses on the current service/care difficulties and challenges that social institutions in Hungary are facing during their daily operations; how they can react to them utilizing their internal resources, mechanisms, and capacities; and what concrete, tangible needs and demands are emerging in terms of methodological professional support, potential forms, interventions, and direction for professional development. A total of 24 general and 55 specific service and operational problems were identified and assessed in eight different service areas (family and child welfare services, family and child welfare centers, respite care for children, care for the homeless, addiction intervention, care for people with disabilities, care for psychiatric patients, specialized care for the elderly, and basic services for the elderly). The empirical base of the study uses a database of 201 online questionnaires completed by a professional target group working for social service providers in two counties (Győr-Moson-Sopron and Veszprém), representing 166 social service providers. The questionnaires were completed between November and December of 2022. The findings will be used to develop a professional support and development problem map. Social institutions face complex and serious service/care difficulties and challenges in their daily operations. Three distinctive basic problems clearly stand out in both severity and significance from the complex set of factors assessed. The biggest problem in the social care system is clearly the complex challenge of low wages, followed by the administrative burdens in the ranking of operational difficulties, and the third key factor was the psycho-mental workload of staff.

This study investigated the automotive applicability of parts produced from a newly developed foamed recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET). The injection molded part contained a combination of both endothermic and exothermic foaming agents and phosphorus (Exolit OP 1240) (OP)- and melamine polyphosphate (MPP)-based flame retardant agents. The parts were produced using a breathing mold technique to achieve a suitable level of foaming. The aim was to produce lighter parts made of recycled material that also complied with the fire safety automotive industry standards. Computer tomographic scans revealed the foam structure formed successfully, which contributed to an improved strength-to-weight ratio. The scans further showcased that larger cells tended to form in the thicker areas within the part, while smaller cells generally formed in the thinner areas. Finite element simulations showed that the large cell formation in the thicker parts had no effect on the part’s load bearing property, and there were not stress concentration points after the boundary conditions were defined. The sample produced from the material was determined to be a possible replacement of small-sized automotive components.

The foamed structure of recycled polyethylene-terephthalate (rPET) is a promising solution for industrial applications; however, the remedy for its inherent melt-dripping property is still a challenging topic. In our research, we were able to improve the flame retardancy of the endothermic–exothermic hybrid rPET foam by adding a different mixture of flame retardants to the formula. Three different kinds of halogen-free flame retardant agents were used: ammonium polyphosphate-based Exolit AP 422 (AP), organic aluminum phosphate in the form of Exolit OP 1240 (OP), and Budit 342 containing melamine polyphosphate (MPP). The hybrid flame retardant mixture, by combining the swelling and charring mechanism, increased the flame retardancy of the samples. The sample made with 15 phr OP and 5 phr MPP displayed outstanding performance, where five samples were capable of self-extinguishing in 5 s, while only slightly decreasing the tensile and flexural strength properties and simultaneously increasing the Young and flexural modulus compared to the reference sample. The addition of MPP reduced the porosity in many cases, while preventing cell coalescence. Our results prove that the hybrid flame retardant agent frameworks efficiently increase the flame retardancy of rPET foams, facilitating their application in industrial sectors such as the aerospace, packaging, renewable energy, and automotive industries to realize sustainability goals. The utilization of halogen-free flame retardants is beneficial for better air quality, reducing toxic gas and smoke emissions.