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Iranian traditional residential architecture is renowned for its central-courtyard houses, which are admired for their grandeur. While the courtyards and nearby spaces receive considerable artistic and historical appreciation, those situated further away often receive less attention. These areas are typically considered auxiliary and less functional for living, thereby receiving limited attention in architectural discussions. This study examines 26 traditional central-courtyard houses to investigate how spaces located farther from the courtyard ('second-order') compare to those directly adjacent ('first-order'). It challenges the assumption that distance from the courtyard correlates with reduced functionality. Surprisingly, the analysis identifies similar architectural characteristics in both second-order and first-order spaces, suggesting that distant areas may serve functional roles comparable to those nearer the courtyard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Forum Pedagogiczne / Pedagogical Forum is the property of Uniwersytet Kardynala Stefana Wyszynskiego w Warszawie and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Conventional approaches to microcomponent identification are typically confined to analysing limited periods of flow data (e.g. selected one to two week periods) for houses with up to 5–6 occupants where clear repeating patterns in the flow signal can be identified and associated with particular water use devices. However, this approach is not feasible when there are large numbers of occupants in single households (e.g. 15–20 occupants for extended families) due to the complex nature of the flow signal. In order to address these limitations, two innovative developments were undertaken. Firstly, sound frequency monitoring of water use devices in multiple rooms in a single house in Kuwait was undertaken, and this additional information was used to enhance microcomponent identification. Secondly, new data processing and microcomponent identification software was developed which can utilize both flow and sound frequency data for microcomponent identification, and which also allows the automated processing of large data records for extended periods. A probabilistic approach to identification was developed which quantifies the uncertainty in attributing a sound signal to a water use device. A procedure was also developed whereby the results obtained from detailed flow and sound data from one house were extrapolated to a set of 18 houses for which flow data only were available. The main result from this study is that the mean consumption for the set of 19 Kuwaiti extended family houses in the study area is 246 ± 27 (95% CI) litres per capita per day (lcd) and the largest use is for showering (31%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research aims to assess the living conditions of boarding houses around the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. Internal dimensions, light, ventilation and room space were used to measure living conditions in boarding houses. The study employed a mixed-method approach to gather data. Descriptive and content analysis methods were used to analyse the data collected using a purposive sample of 70 boarding houses and interviews with 10 owners. The findings of the study revealed mixed results regarding the living conditions of boarding houses. Overcrowding is a major issue that led to most of the boarding houses failing to meet the minimum space requirements for tenants, leading to compromised living conditions. The study provides insights that can help policymakers to enhance regulations and standards to improve the well-being of the tenants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a thorough numerical investigation focused on optimizing the efficiency of quantum-well intermediate-band solar cells (QW-IBSCs) based on III-nitride materials. The optimization strategy encompasses manipulating confinement potential energy, controlling hydrostatic pressure, adjusting compositions, and varying thickness. The built-in electric fields in (In, Ga)N alloys and heavy-hole levels are considered to enhance the results' accuracy. The finite element method (FEM) and Python 3.8 are employed to numerically solve the Schrödinger equation within the effective mass theory framework. This study reveals that meticulous design can achieve a theoretical photovoltaic efficiency of quantum-well intermediate-band solar cells (QW-IBSCs) that surpasses the Shockley–Queisser limit. Moreover, reducing the thickness of the layers enhances the light-absorbing capacity and, therefore, contributes to efficiency improvement. Additionally, the shape of the confinement potential significantly influences the device's performance. This work is critical for society, as it represents a significant advancement in sustainable energy solutions, holding the promise of enhancing both the efficiency and accessibility of solar power generation. Consequently, this research stands at the forefront of innovation, offering a tangible and impactful contribution toward a greener and more sustainable energy future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores the environmental consequences of climate change-induced wildfires in the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) of unincorporated areas of California. It investigates how the overlap between unincorporated areas and the WUI creates gaps in law and regulation, affecting land use, lodging, and livelihoods. It examines existing legal frameworks and proposing solutions to address the challenges posed by limited regulation in the face of climate change.

Rice plant height is an agricultural trait closely related to biomass, lodging tolerance, and yield. Identifying quantitative trait loci (QTL) regions related to plant height regulation and developing strategies to screen potential candidate genes can improve agricultural traits in rice. In this study, a double haploid population (CNDH), derived by crossing 'Cheongcheong' and 'Nagdong' individuals, was used, and a genetic map was constructed with 222 single-sequence repeat markers. In the RM3482-RM212 region on chromosome 1, qPh1, qPh1-1, qPh1-3, qPh1-5, and qPh1-6 were identified for five consecutive years. The phenotypic variance explained ranged from 9.3% to 13.1%, and the LOD score ranged between 3.6 and 17.6. OsPHq1, a candidate gene related to plant height regulation, was screened in RM3482-RM212. OsPHq1 is an ortholog of gibberellin 20 oxidase 2, and its haplotype was distinguished by nine SNPs. Plants were divided into two groups based on their height, and tall and short plants were distinguished and clustered according to the expression level of OsPHq1. QTLs and candidate genes related to plant height regulation, and thus, biomass regulation, were screened and identified in this study, but the molecular mechanism of the regulation remains poorly known. The information obtained in this study will help develop molecular markers for marker-assisted selection and breeding through rice plant height control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we designed an automatic ground cleaning machine for the dedusting rooms of chicken houses to replace the manual daily cleaning of dust particles and fluff. The machine mainly comprised a power system, control system, frame and walking structure, ground cleaning system, and dedusting system. The automatic movement of the machine body in two vertical directions without turning, lifting, and lowering of the sweeper; the retraction and expansion of the sweeper support arm; the reciprocating movement of the sweeper relative to the machine body; and the timely separation of the dust particles and fluff from gas mixtures were achieved. Parameter optimization experiments on the machine were performed using a quadratic general rotary combination design considering the movement speed, rotation speed of the sweeper, and distance between the suction head nozzle and ground as experimental factors. The regression equations describing the relationship between the three experimental factors and the dust particle removal rate and fluff removal rate were obtained using Design-Expert 12 software, adequately reflecting the impact of the three experimental factors on the two experimental indexes. Further parameter optimization was conducted to obtain the optimized parameter combination at the same weight as the two experimental indexes: movement speed of 0.1 m/s, rotation speed of the sweeper of 198 r/min, and distance between the suction head nozzle and ground of 12 mm. The performance experiment on the machine was conducted using the optimized parameter combination, yielding a dust particle removal rate of 90.7% and fluff removal rate of 91.7%. The experimental results show that the machine exhibits good performance and stable operation, meeting the daily cleaning needs of large-, medium-, and small-scale rectangular dedusting rooms of chicken houses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analyzing rice growth is essential for examining pests, illnesses, lodging, and yield. To create a Digital Surface Model (DSM) of three important rice breeding stages, an efficient and fast (compared to manual monitoring) Unoccupied Aerial System was used to collect data. Outliers emerge in DSM as a result of the influence of environment and equipment, and the outliers related to rice not only affect the extraction of rice growth changes but are also more challenging to remove. Therefore, after using ground control points uniform geodetic level for filtering, statistical outlier removal (SOR) and quadratic surface filtering (QSF) are used. After that, differential operations are applied to the DSM to create a differential digital surface model that can account for the change in rice plant height. Comparing the prediction accuracy before and after filtering: R2 = 0.72, RMSE = 5.13cm, nRMSE = 10.65% for the initial point cloud; after QSF, R2 = 0.89, RMSE = 2.51cm, nRMSE = 5.21%; after SOR, R2 = 0.92, RMSE = 3.32cm, nRMSE = 6.89%. The findings demonstrate that point cloud filtering, particularly SOR, can increase the accuracy of rice monitoring. The method is effective for monitoring, and after filtering, the accuracy is sufficiently increased to satisfy the needs of growth analysis. This has some potential for application and extension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Annalen des Naturhistorischen Museums in Wien. Serie A is the property of Naturhistorisches Museum in Wien and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Coronavirus is one of the main pathogens that primarily targets the human respiratory system. There are several ways to transmit this virus, such as direct contact or droplets spread by coughing or sneezing, and direct contact with fomites and surfaces is another way. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Shiraz, southern Iran, in 2021. 5 locations, including 3 hospitals and 2 dormitories, were selected for the survey. The cockroaches were collected from selected locations and transferred to the Laboratory of Medical Entomology at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. All specimens were identified morphologically. The external and gastrointestinal washouts of collected samples with sterile phosphate-buffered saline separately were used for molecular analysis. An RT-qPCR assay, which suggests the possible insect‑borne transmission, was used. External and gastrointestinal washout of B. germanica from Dastgheyb Dormitory and P. americana from Ali-Asghar Hospital were positive for contamination with the SARS-CoV-2. Cockroaches spread the virus in the environment and contaminate human food and various surfaces of buildings. Their role will be more important in crowded places such as hotels, lodging houses, restaurants, and hospitals; vector control programs should be carried out with more accuracy in such places. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Boletin del Museo del Prado is the property of Museo Nacional del Prado and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Mosaic Research is the property of Uludag University, Mosaic Research Center and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study aimed to examine changes of territoriality in home and its theory, which was proposed in the 1990s, and to clarify changes of territoriality by comparing current and previous survey results. Our key findings can be summarized as follows: (1) The increase in the living room–dining room–kitchen‐type homes is remarkable, and the number of houses with guest rooms is decreasing; (2) there were many Matriarchal‐ and Patriarchal‐type homes in the past, but the number of Egalitarian‐type homes is significantly increasing; and (3) regarding the Egalitarian type, further focus can be placed on the parent–child relationship and two types can be distinguished. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Med is the property of Revista Med and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Summary: Rationally higher population density is crucial for seeking a balance that meets lodging resistance and maximizes seed yield in mechanized direct-seeded winter canola. In this study, a split-plot experiment with two cultivars (Huayouza9 and Zhongshuang11) and eleven planting densities (12–105 plants m-2) was conducted in a two-season field experiment to evaluate the high planting density in this cropping system and improve its production efficiency. Seed yield noticeably increased in planting density up to 80 plants m-2 in Zhongshuang11 (2187 kg hm-2) and 60 plants m-2 in Huayouza9 (2943 kg hm-2). The seed yield of Huayouza9 did not differ significantly from the local target seed yield. Higher plant density curtailed the luxurious vegetative growth of individual canola plants at the density of no less than 60–80 plants m-2, and high seed yield was derived from the increased ratio of main raceme and branch seed weight in winter canola. An increase in plant densities contributed to the reinforced sunlight interception at the pod-filling stage, providing a larger canopy photosynthetic area for the rapid growth of more canola pods at higher densities (60–105 plants m-2). Lodging resistance and breaking resistance decreased sharply with the plant density increasing from 12 to 60 plants m-2 while remaining almost steady as it further increased from 60 to 105 plants m-2 for Huayouza9 and Zhongshuang11. Hence, the population density of 60 plants m-2 reached a balance between lodging resistance and maximized seed yield in mechanized direct-seeded winter canola in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eurasian beavers Castor fiber are important ecosystem engineers, able to modify freshwater environments and influence local biodiversity. Beaver activity affects not only aquatic ecosystems but also terrestrial habitats and organisms. In recent times, beaver populations have been detected in Central Italy. In this work, we determined the use of beaver lodges and dams by native animal species in Central Italy through intensive camera trapping between March 2021 and May 2022. Saproxylic beetles were searched by sight in spring and summer on lodges, dams, and gnawed trunks on river shorelines. We collected 132 records belonging to at least 17 species on beaver dams and lodges, several of them of conservation concern (e.g. the European bittern Botaurus stellaris and the endemic water vole Arvicola italicus). The most detected species within beaver structure was the yellow-necked field mouse Apodemus flavicollis, with 67 independent videos. Despite being confirmed as a nocturnal species, in our study area, A. flavicollis showed an activity peak on bright moonlight nights. The lodge may thus be used as a protection site from predation risk for small rodents, which may benefit from the beaver presence. By building dams and lodges, Eurasian beavers can increase habitat heterogeneity, thus promoting biodiversity increase and improvement. The potential expansion of beaver populations into these ecosystems may serve as a biotic restoration strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the in-demand competencies required to succeed in hospitality industry. For this purpose the study explored the required competencies through in-depth interviews of prominent industry professionals and academic stalwarts through grounded theory method and furthers the perception of industry professionals and academic stalwarts regarding the in-demand competencies like interpersonal, on the job, technical and Covid competencies. For the same, the study adopted mixed approach of research, in which themes were extracted and analyzed first from the qualitative data collected through interview checklist from industry as well as academic stakeholders. Further based on the themes and literature scanning ("The Employment and Training Administration model") the questionnaire was designed which was used to collect data from the respondents. The study used descriptive statistics to analyse the data that lead the emergence of top ten competencies that are required by the lodging sector academicians and lodging management professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The plant height of broomcorn millet (Panicum miliaceum) is a significant agronomic trait that is closely related to its plant architecture, lodging resistance, and final yield. However, the genes underlying the regulation of plant height in broomcorn millet are rarely reported. Here, an F2 population derived from a cross between a normal variety, “Longmi12,” and a dwarf mutant, “Zhang778,” was constructed. Genetic analysis for the F2 and F2:3 populations revealed that the plant height was controlled by more than one locus. A major quantitative trait locus (QTL), PH1.1, was preliminarily identified in chromosome 1 using bulked segregant analysis sequencing (BSA-seq). PH1.1 was fine-mapped to a 109-kb genomic region with 15 genes using a highdensity map. Among them, longmi011482 and longmi011489, containing nonsynonymous variations in their coding regions, and longmi011496, covering multiple insertion/deletion sequences in the promoter regions, may be possible candidate genes for PH1.1. Three diagnostic markers closely linked to PH1.1 were developed to validate the PH1.1 region in broomcorn millet germplasm. These findings laid the foundation for further understanding of the molecular mechanism of plant height regulation in broomcorn millet and are also beneficial to the breeding program for developing new varieties with optimal height. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lodging of small grains due to environmental stresses results in yield loss, quality reduction, and difficulties with mechanical harvesting, which lead to economic consequences. New technological discoveries allow for faster and in situ measurements for determining the mechanics of loading stress and plant movement. The overall measurement of plant movement can be a very sophisticated method to mechanically test and predict the behavior of stems when exposed to wind. We investigated the inertial measurement of plants during different magnitude wind events. This type of analysis captures real time quantitative stem behavior during wind events. Using a 1.5 cm2 inertial measurement sensor attached to the upper panicle of a plant, we recorded the ranges and extremes of instantaneous linear acceleration and rotational velocity. When this technology was applied to historically known varieties of different lodging classification, the measurements were able to distinguish between cereal species and differences between movement of lodging susceptible and resistant plants without physical lodging. This type of technology could be used to improve field based lodging models and quantify movement resulting from micro changes in structural and composition of the stem, and to analyze plant movement in natural conditions with a resolution and specificity that has so far been prohibitively expensive and technologically challenging to achieve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Prace Geograficzne is the property of Jagiellonian University, Institute of Geography & Spatial Management and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The outer surface of the building is the same size as its premises, with greater heat loss. Therefore, when building, renovating, or expanding apartment, if possible, avoid all kinds of spaces, ledges, and lodges in the walls. It makes sense to build unheated exterior buildings on the north side of the apartment. The storage rooms for garden tools and bicycles, technical buildings protect the warm part of the house from wind and cold. In the most common design of a private apartment, the energy consumption for heating is 110-130 kW per 1 m2 per year. In this paper, an energy distribution model was proposed to estimate the photo energy with the help of deep learning model. A small apartment not only uses less energy but also requires lower construction costs. An energy-efficient apartment is a building with a low-energy consumption and comfortable microclimate. Energy savings in such homes can be up to 90%. Annual heat demand can be less than 15 kWh per square meter of energy-efficient home. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital platforms have shaped the ways of navigating and occupying shared housing properties in the private rental market. Online platforms reconfigure the geography of housing searches and allow potential tenants to identify and enquire about shared properties while transcending local and national boundaries. Urban scholarship has viewed these platforms as real-time, fine-grained, big datasets for investigating housing markets. However, limited attention has been given to tenants' experiences of using online platforms, and the extent to which these platforms facilitate access to housing. Drawing on interviews with tenants [n = 35] in Sydney, this paper explores tenants' experiences of searching, negotiating and securing shared room housing advertised on digital platforms. The findings highlight that shared housing digital platforms operate on the logic of peer-to-peer interaction between landlords and tenants via user-generated listings. These platforms allow tenants to compare rental prices, locations and characteristics of shared properties through 'computerised algorithms'. Shared housing tenants, nonetheless, face a series of challenges, especially related to misrepresentation of property conditions, fake profile identity of advertisers, upward pressure on rental prices and high competition for listed properties, all of which influence their housing search and living experiences. Digital platforms emerge as complex socio-technical assemblages that are difficult to regulate as city authorities struggle to formulate effective mechanisms to govern technology-led social change. The paper provides valuable insights into housing informality and tenant exploitation at the platform interface and calls for platform governance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rice is a key global food crop. Rice lodging causes a reduction in plant height and crop yield, and rice is prone to lodging in the late growth stage because of panicle initiation. We used two water irrigation modes and four fertilizer application intervals to investigate the relationship between lodging and various cultivation conditions over 2 years. Results: Plant height data were collected and combined with aerial images, revealing that rice lodging was closely related to the nitrogen fertilizer content. The aerial images demonstrated that lodging mainly occurred in the fields treated with a high-nitrogen fertilizer, and analysis of variance revealed that plant height was signifi-cantly affected by nitrogen fertilizer. These results demonstrated that rice plant height in the booting stage was significantly positively correlated with the lodging results (r = 0.67) and nega-tively correlated with yield (r = − 0.46). If the rice plant height in the booting stage exceeded 70.7 cm and nitrogen fertilizer was continuously applied, according to the predicted growing curve of plant height, the plant would be at risk of lodging. Results showed more rainfall accumulated in the later stage of rice growth accompanied by strong instantaneous gusts, the risk of lodging in-creased. Conclusion: The results provide predictions that can be applied in intelligent production and lodging risk management, and they form the basis of cultivation management and response policies for each growth period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of seaweed oligosaccharide synergistic silicate (Si) fertilizer (SOSSiF) on rice resistance to lodging stress. The results showed that a spraying SOSSiF decreased apparent lodging index and enhanced rice yield significantly under a high N level. The spraying test indicated that the apparent lodging rate of rice was the lowest when SOSSiF was sprayed for four times, and the dosage was 45 kg/ha each time. Morphological and anatomical analysis indicated that SOSSiF decreased plant height and the lower internode length of ZCSM and increased culm cross-sectional area and wall thickness of JNSM significantly compared with the control. Furthermore, SOSSiF enhanced bending strength of rice culm by 38.8% to 63.6%, and reduced lodging index by 36.8% to 42.6%. Chemical component analysis found that SOSSiF elevated the contents of soluble sugar, cellulose, Si, and lignin in the culms of ZCSM and JNSM. Correlation analysis revealed that the lodging index was positively correlated with the length of the lower internode, and was negatively correlated with culm bending strength and culm thickness. The above results suggested that spraying SOSSiF elevates culm contents of Si and lignin and enhances bending strength, thus improving rice lodging resistance and production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Art-Sanat Journal / Art-Sanat is the property of Art-Sanat and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

A vibrant international literature exists around the sustainable practices adopted by accommodation service establishments in the Global North. Literature on sustainability practices by the hospitality sector in the Global South, particularly Southern Africa is still limited. The central aim in this study was to identify the sustainable practices adopted by hospitality establishments in Zimbabwe and to ascertain the advantages of adopting such practices. The research involved a structured questionnaire administered to 125 respondents of hotels, lodges and guest houses. Data analysis involved the application of chi-squared tests to determine the differences in sustainable practices by hotels, lodges and guest houses and an Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) undertaken to analyse the benefits of sustainable practices. The findings revealed that practices that result in regulatory compliance and those that can be adopted at a lower cost are most popular in the hospitality sector of Zimbabwe. Three factors were generated from the EFA, namely (1) operations management, (2) partnership and inclusive development, and (3) environmental management. Overall, the research contributes to the limited literature on destinations in the Global South concerning sustainable practices pursued by the hospitality industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]