Space Arrangement Research Articles

Functional and Aesthetic Factors for Well-Being in Age-Friendly Residential Areas (AFRA) in Poland: An International Comparative Perspective

(1) Background: A precise and comprehensive diagnosis of the needs of older adults is the basis for developing concepts of aesthetic functional and spatial arrangements of public open spaces in residential areas that meet their expectations, termed “age-friendly residential areas” (AFRAs). The primary objective of the research was to determine the needs of older people concerning their preferences for the development of AFRAs. (2) Methods: This research was conducted on the basis of a survey conducted from October 2021 to April 2022, involving 1815 older citizens from Poland, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Croatia, Italy, Lithuania, and Slovakia. The research aimed to determine the needs of older people regarding their preferences for the development of AFRA public open spaces. The developed research approach made it possible to answer the following research questions: (1) What are the needs of different generations of older adults, differentiated by gender and lifestyle, in terms of spatio-functional and landscape aspects with regard to the open spaces of residential estates? (2) Do older citizens from different countries living in various estates (single-family, multi-family) have the same expectations towards AFRAs? (3) Results: The research results showed a high convergence of preferences among older people regardless of gender, age group, or type of residential estate they live in (multi-family/single-family). Slight differences in AFRA preferences were noticed between Polish and non-Polish older adults, most often due to cultural habits. A correlation between the landscape attractiveness and aesthetics of the estate and the comfort of life for the older population, as well as their impact on the final assessment of the estate, was confirmed. As a result of the research, 33 spatio-functional and 16 landscape factors of AFRAs were identified and ranked.

Synthesis of Heteromorphic Bi2WO6 Films With an Interpenetrate 1D/2D Network Structure for Efficient and Stable Photocatalytic Degradation of VOCs.

2D layered Bi2WO6 (BWO) is a widely used attractive photocatalyst for degrading VOCs, but the low visible-light utilization and the easy stacking 2D nanosheets(NSs) limit photocatalysis efficiency and stability. Here, inspired by Eucalyptus, a synergistic strategy of multiscale domain-confinement and electrostatic force action, based on electrospinning is proposed, for fabricating a heteromorphic BWO photocatalyst. It is found that BWO NSs can grow radially in an orderly spaced arrangement along BWO nanofibers (NFs) during sintering, thereby forming 1D/2D BWO junctions like eucalyptus leaves. This interpenetrating 1D/2D network structure not only solves the easy stacking problem of BWO NSs but also selectively exposes the {010} crystal planes that exhibit efficient hole oxidation. In addition, this peculiar structure enriches electrons at the 1D/2D interface to avoid carrier recombination, thus improving the photocatalytic activity. The photocatalyst material with a reduced bandgap width from 2.56 to 2.49eV can rapidly degrade 100% of acetaldehyde under visible light without using sacrificial agents and photosensitizers and shows superior stability for eight cycles without any decay. This study provides a feasible method to synthesize an efficient and stable BWO photocatalyst.

Study on the Influence of Spatial Attributes on Passengers’ Path Selection at Fengtai High-Speed Railway Station Based on Eye Tracking

The average daily throughput of large-scale passenger high-speed railway stations is large, and the design of the inbound space connecting with the underground and other modes of transport affects the passengers’ wayfinding behaviour and time spent, which in turn affects the efficiency of the inbound station. How to optimise the design of station entry space and signage arrangement becomes the key to shortening the station entry time. In this paper, eye tracking, spatial syntax, and semantic difference methods are used to evaluate the passenger’s wayfinding process in the underground hub of a large high-speed railway station and the spatial syntax is used to quantify and analyse the wayfinding path segments, to explore the influence of the spatial attributes of different nodes and the spatial arrangement of the guiding signs on the passenger’s wayfinding behaviour data and the difference in attention, and to find out that the connectivity of the wayfinding nodes, the area of the field of view, and the passengers’ The study concludes that the connectivity and visual field area of wayfinding nodes have a strong positive correlation with the passengers’ route choice time, which has less influence on the correct rate of wayfinding and can be taken into less consideration in the subsequent design. While analysing the spatial density of signs and the correct rate of wayfinding in the sample, it is concluded that the density of guide signs is maintained in the interval of 5–11‰, and at the same time, the number is sufficient to point to the destination is a more appropriate interval, and ultimately, the impact of the correct rate of wayfinding of the weighting of the following: signage focus on the time > density of information > density of key information > diameter of the pupil. The study analyses the influencing factors affecting passengers’ wayfinding behaviour from a human factors perspective and provides feedback on the design of underground entry spaces in large passenger high-speed rail stations.

Non-inclusive teaching of students with special educational needs in a socioeconomically disadvantaged neighbourhood

ABSTRACT Despite inclusive educational policies, inclusive teaching of diverse students with special educational needs (SEN) presents a professional challenge for many teachers and schools. To better understand how and why educators sometimes teach students with SEN non-inclusively, this study mapped non-inclusive teaching along with justifications for these practices in a primary school in a socioeconomically disadvantaged neighbourhood. Within this qualitative study, a one-month ethnographic observation of teacher-student and student-student interactions in a single second-grade classroom (with 22 students) was conducted. Additionally, eight teachers from the school and the principal were interviewed on teaching students with SEN. A stepwise-deductive inductive analysis of observations and a thematic analysis of interviews documented how some teachers excluded students with SEN from learning activities and groups by inappropriate space arrangements, reduced teacher-student interactions, and negative expectations. Paradoxically, teachers justified these non-inclusive teaching practices by efforts to address the special educational needs. The findings also documented that the socioeconomically disadvantaged context increased demands on teachers in the school, which possibly contributed to the limited inclusive teaching. The findings underscore the need to increase structural support for socioeconomically disadvantaged schools and show the necessity to systematically foster inclusive attitudes and teaching skills in teacher education.

Loneliness, office space arrangement and mental well-being of Gen Z PR professionals. Falling into the trap of an agile office?

PurposeThe purpose of the study was to assess how the well-being and loneliness of public relations and communication professionals are impacted by the post-pandemic characteristics of the work environment: flexible work schemes, non-territorial office arrangements and video communication technologies. It was hypothesised that the post-pandemic workplace landscape poses several new challenges to the practice of PR – an industry which invariably relies on working with other people and demands a good level of social resilience. Loneliness and well-being both depend on the experience of having good and efficient social relationships, but the pandemic has directly and indirectly led to their deterioration.Design/methodology/approachThe project employed a correlational design and used an online survey system to collect responses from Gen Z professionals employed in the public relations and communications industry in the UK and the US via the Prolific platform. Demographical and workplace-related characteristics were assessed to investigate links with loneliness (measured using a three-item scale adopted from Russell et al., 1980 in Hughes, 2004) and well-being (using a short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale scale). Causal relationships between data were tested using regression analysis for continuous variables and analysis of covariance for categorical factors. Bootstrapping was used to test mediated relationships that explain loneliness, job satisfaction and the well-being of Gen Z PR professionals.FindingsSeveral types of flexible working schemes, defined as the ability to work from home on any number of weeks, showed an impact on loneliness and job satisfaction but not on well-being. However, all remaining aspects of the post-pandemic office did manifest as important predictors. In the sample, 30% of Gen Z PR professionals showed signs of mild to clinical levels of depression, and the best protection from this state was the presence of a significant other. Lower levels of loneliness were related to non-territorial office arrangements and job satisfaction. The use of hot desks and open-plan arrangements led to a significantly lower level of job satisfaction than a traditional, cellular office. Both excessive online meetings and face-to-face only interactions led to marginally lower levels of loneliness and job satisfaction.Research limitations/implicationsThe present research is limited in several aspects. Firstly, while the project evaluated loneliness, job satisfaction and mental well-being (with each of these elements including a component of the requirement for building effective relationships), the quality of relationships built by PR professionals was not measured. Secondly, the project focused only on post-pandemic aspects of the workplace and did not cover other important components of job satisfaction. Lastly, the measure of online meetings was declarative rather than behavioural, and greater control of the number of online meetings held would be required to show more reliable links between variables.Practical implicationsThis study calls for proposing recommendations for employers to develop organisational-level measures and programmes to counteract loneliness. While traditionally intimate relationships of employees were not a direct focus of HR programmes, employers should develop elements of organisational culture that would support employees in building effective intimate relationships. Separately from this, despite immediate financial benefits, employers should avoid using open-space and hot desk policies, as they contribute negatively to job satisfaction (and indirectly to well-being). The sample of UK and US professionals was chosen for analysis because in these countries employers have more capacity to introduce changes to tangible characteristics of the workplace and work culture, which may positively impact the well-being of their employees.Social implicationsIt is expected that both employers and employees will revisit their approach to post-pandemic financial and logistic challenges related to the workplace. A lower level of job satisfaction and well-being is linked to the lack of assigned office space, but the ability to work exclusively from home leads to loneliness. Employees – when offered this possibility – should work in offices they are provided. Employers must appreciate the negative link between open and hot-desking policies and job satisfaction and well-being of their employees.Originality/valueThis study is the first to examine the post-pandemic workplace and personal characteristics of public relations and communications professionals in the UK and US and show how they impact job satisfaction and well-being. The study shows that 30% of employed in the PR industry are at risk of depression or anxiety. The connecting factor between personal and work-related characteristics that explains this problem is loneliness.

Karakteristik Penataan Ruang Perpustakaan Sekolah SMPN 1 Lubuk Sikaping

This type of research is qualitative research using descriptive methods. The data source in this research is the Head of the Library at SMPN 1 Lubuk Suhuing. The data for this research are the results of interviews with the head of the library at SMPN 1 Lubuk Suhuing. The instrument for this research was the researcher himself using an interview guide, notebook, digital camera and recording device. The data collection technique is carried out in five stages, namely: (1) this observation technique is based on direct experience (2) the observation technique allows you to see and observe yourself, then record behavior and events as they actually occur. (3) observation allows researchers to record events in situations related to proportional knowledge or knowledge directly obtained from data. (4) observation techniques enable researchers to understand complex situations. (5) in certain cases where interview techniques are not possible to carry out, observation becomes a tool. Based on the research results, it was found that: The research results of the library space arrangement according to Lasa HS (2007) amounted to 7 points, 3 points were appropriate while 4 points were not appropriate, thus the research results found that the characteristics of the library room arrangement at SMPN 1 Lubuk Suhuing could it is said to be not fully appropriate or in other words does not meet the spatial planning standards according to Lasa HS (2007).

Nondestructive and three-dimensional visualization by identifying elements using synchrotron radiation microscale X-ray CT reveals microbial and cavity distributions in anaerobic granular sludge.

Microorganisms inhabit diverse environments and often form biofilms. One factor that affects their community structure is the surrounding physical environment. The arrangement of residential space within the formed biofilm plays a crucial role in the supply and transportation of substances, as well as the discharge of metabolites. Conventional approaches, such as scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy combined with fluorescence in situ hybridization, have limitations as they provide information primarily from the biofilm surface and cross-sections. In this study, we developed a method for detecting microorganisms in biofilms using synchrotron radiation X-ray microscale computer tomography. The developed method allows nondestructive three-dimensional observation of biofilms at a single-cell resolution (voxel size of approximately 200 nm), facilitating an understanding of the relationship between microorganisms and their physical habitats.

Examining Dwelling Interior Conditions for Informal Settlement Upgrading Along the Mae Kha Canal, Chiang Mai

This article delves into the internal features of habitat in slum-like informal settlements, focusing on the challenges faced by the locale in the Mae Kha Canal informal settlements in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The study aims to clarify the dwelling characteristics as well as understand the interplay between housing and the living circumstances of the occupants. A mixed-methods approach was utilised, primarily employing field surveys, house investigation including arrangement and utilisation of space, and in-depth interviews with residents. A total of 80 households were sampled and analysed. The findings reveal that the previous relocation plans made by local authorities, which offered only a single room per family as a one-size-fits-all strategy, are not suitable for the current inhabitants' living conditions. Consequently, this article concludes with alternate suggestions for the forthcoming practical Mae Kha Canal Housing Upgrade project. It emphasises the potential of applying the idea of interiority to examine the distinctive interior conditions, thereby contributing to better dwelling design for the locals.

Adaptive changes to Korean vernacular houses in Northeast China: the influence of changing family patterns on spatial capacity

PurposeThis study explores the spatial adaptive changes to different ancestral origins of Korean vernacular houses in Northeastern China and discusses the influence of changing family patterns on spatial capacity.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses quantitative and comparative methods to explore changes to space arrangement, space area, and furniture forms in Korean vernacular houses. This study also explores the correlation between changes in family patterns and the changing characteristics of spatial capacity.FindingsThe results elucidate the changing characteristics of Korean houses' spatial capacity. While the changing individual needs of Korean family members have led to increased spatial accessibility, there is a weak correlation variability in remodelling outcomes and changes in individual needs. Moreover, the per capita living area of Korean vernacular houses has increased, and furniture forms tend to be simpler, smaller, and more integrated. These developments reflect the changes in the way of life, production, and family structure.Research limitations/implicationsThis study provides a unique perspective on the sociology and architecture of ethnic minority families in China. Its results can help architects and construction firms more intuitively understand Korean houses. This study also provides a reference for the future renewal of Korean houses in the region.Originality/valueAlthough a growing number of studies have examined Korean vernacular houses and family patterns, none have explored the impact of changing family patterns on the spatial organisation of different ancestral origins of Korean vernacular houses. Therefore, this novel study addresses this gap, enriching the literature and providing practical insights.

The Influence of Road Distribution in Ambon City on the Availability of Access to Public Cemetery Routes

This research aims to reveal the system and management of the Batu Merah Public Cemetery (TPU) in Ambon City, assess the condition of the road distribution in the Batu Merah TPU, and formulate strategies for managing the Batu Merah TPU in Ambon City. The research uses a qualitative descriptive method. The research variables include the principles of public cemetery arrangement as explained by Hutauruk (2010), involving key components such as: 1) Burial Plots (Space Arrangement, Identification, and Numbering), 2) Vegetation Elements (Gardens, Trees, and Plant Selection), 3) Pedestrian Paths (Accessibility and Lighting). Data collection methods in this study are observation, interviews, and documentation. The population in this research context refers to all objects related to the research problem. The population includes all individual cases and various phenomena within the Kebun Cengkeh TPU area. This includes the TPU management structure, existing graves, and the surrounding community associated with the public cemetery. A well-managed Public Cemetery (TPU) will have a positive impact on the community by fulfilling the need for burial spaces. Conversely, if the TPU is not well-organized and managed, it can have negative impacts such as environmental pollution. In Ambon City, the TPU can no longer accommodate more burials. The Ambon City Government needs to immediately realize the provision of new land and manage the TPU well so that community needs are met and social issues do not arise. The Ambon City Government also needs to establish Regional Regulations on the Arrangement and Management of Public Cemeteries to serve as official guidelines in managing TPUs in the city

Technological workforces of events: where and how to use them?

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to identify which technologies can be beneficial due to human resource shortages in events and to determine the areas in which these technological applications can be utilized.Design/methodology/approachThis study is designed as a conceptual study that involves a review of the relevant literature, an examination of the current situation, and the presentation of conclusions and recommendations. The study first introduces the technologies used in events and identifies the areas where these technologies can replace human resources. It concludes with a summary of findings and recommendations.FindingsDue to human resource shortages in events, technologies such as robots/robotics, AI, IoT, and AR/VR can be utilized effectively. Robots/robotics can manage participant registration, provide information on products and services, prepare and serve food and beverages, perform (e.g. as dancers or musicians), manage crowds, and ensure security. AI aids in event creation (names, slogans, logos), developing promotional materials, marketing, and data analysis. IoT supports participant registration, check-in processes, venue climate control, heat mapping, and gathering preference data on products and activities. AR/VR enables pre-event space visualization and arrangement, and enhances entertainment and experiences.Originality/valueThis study provides significant insights for both practitioners and academics by highlighting technological applications that can replace human resources in events. Furthermore, it holds value for academics conducting research in event planning and management, allowing them to understand the current situation and identify gaps in the literature for future research.

Effect of Consumption of Caffeinated Energy Drinks on the Myocardium of the Adult Male Albino Rat (A Histological and Morphometric Study)

Abstract Background Energy drinks are non-alcoholic beverages containing mainly caffeine. Chronic consumption of energy drinks may be associated with increased blood pressure, and cardiac work load, as well as, increased heart rate. Energy drinks consumption has been related to myocardial infarction in healthy young adult. Aim of the Work The aim of the present work was to study the harmful effect of energy drinks histologically and morphometrically, on the myocardium of the adult male albino rats. Material and Methods 20 Adult male albino rats aging 4-6 moths were divided randomly into two groups; Group I (Control group) which consisted of 10 male albino rats with free access to food (rat chew) and water and Group II (Experimental group): 10 male albino rats which received 3.75 ml/kg body weight red bull through oral gavage daily for 4 weeks with free access to food (rat chew) and water. At the end of experiment, rats werescarificed, and cardiac muscle was extracted and processed into paraffin blocks for light microscopic examination. Morphometric study and statistical analysis were done. Results The present work demonstrated that Red Bull induced several histopathological changes of the cardiac muscle. The results showed the cardiac muscle of rats with irregularities in the arrangement of fibers and wide spaces in between. Some cardiomyocytes showed areas of pale stained sarcoplasm, partial loss of the cross striations and ill-defined intercalated discs. Localized areas of hyaline degeneration and areas of tissue disruption were also noticed with less frequently localized coalesced cytoplasmic vacuoles. The nuclei of the cardiomyocytes appeared small, darkly stained, and pyknotic. Others were flattened and deeply stained. Congested, and thick walled blood vessels were also observed, with mononuclear cellular infiltrations. In Masson’s Trichrome sections, relative increase in collagen deposition between the cardiac muscle fibers was observed which was associated with focal fibrous degeneration. Examination of the semithin sections showed partial disruption of the cardiomyocytes. The nuclei of the cardiomyocytes were small, darkly stained with perinuclear degeneration. Some nuclei were eccentric, or with an irregular outline, and peripheral chromatin condensation. The characteristic finding was the presence of longitudinal wavy cardiac muscle fibers with relatively wide spaces in between and localized areas of partially lost cross striations and intercalated discs. Dilated, thick walled blood vessels was noticed between the bundles of cardiac muscle. Mononuclear inflammatory cellular infiltrations were also detected. Conclusion The present study demonstrated the degenerative and cardiotoxic effects of Red Bull as an example of energy drinks on the histological structure of the cardiac muscle.

Propagation attenuation of elastic waves in multi-row infinitely periodic pile barriers: A closed-form analytical solution

Periodically arranged media exhibit attenuation zones for elastic waves, and the related periodic structures play a crucial role in the design of seismic isolation and vibration mitigation. From the perspective of wave theory, this paper presents a closed-form analytical solution for the propagation attenuation of elastic waves through infinitely periodic, multi-row pile barriers. The innovative approach begins by deriving the extended Graf’s addition theorem to transform wave potentials across arbitrary coordinate systems, overcoming the constraints of traditional formulas that limit pile centers to linear configurations. Subsequently, it completes the wave function expansion by utilizing the phase differences in the frequency domain of wave fields around different periodic elements, thus skillfully integrating the effects of incident and scattered wave fields. For the first time, this study delivers exact expressions for the scattering of various types of plane waves (SH, SV, and P) by multi-row pile barriers with an infinite periodic array, addressing the complexities of large pile numbers in previous theoretical studies. The proposed solution increases computational efficiency by tens of times and markedly reduces the majority of resource usage, improving the analysis of complex vibration isolation systems involving numerous piles. Building on the accuracy verification and convergence analysis, several numerical examples are conducted to explore the effects of pile row, pile spacing, and pile arrangement on the propagation attenuation. The findings elucidate the mechanisms driving vibration reduction design using periodic wave barrier, furthering its application in engineering structures.

Drag in Vegetation Canopy: Considering Sheltering and Blockage Effects

AbstractVegetation plays a crucial role in river hydrodynamic processes, and the accurate prediction of canopy drag force is essential for effective river management and ecosystem protection. The interactions within the vegetation canopies must be quantified to understand their impact on drag force. Through a series of flume experiments, we conducted an investigation into the canopy interaction mechanism of rigid emergent aquatic vegetation, particularly focusing on the blockage and sheltering effects. Our experimental design includes various combinations of lateral and longitudinal spacing, as well as special single‐row and single‐column arrangements. This allowed us to provide a more precise understanding of how lateral and longitudinal spacing affect the blockage and sheltering effects. Furthermore, we introduced a unified reference velocity that combines two effects, based on which we have established a widely applicable drag model that can predict drag under various density conditions. Lastly, we proposed a critical characteristic value for quantifying drag. This value is instrumental in revealing the ultimate performance of drag under different spacing arrangements. The findings provide a reliable approach for predicting drag in rigid emergent vegetation canopies, significantly enhancing our understanding of vegetation's influence on hydrodynamic processes and offering a practical tool for river management and ecosystem protection.

A microstructure design-assisted prelithiation method for SiO/Graphite composite anode enabling controllable prelithiation efficiency and homogeneity

Prelithiation emerges as a promising strategy to compensate the irreversible initial capacity loss of the SiO/Graphite (SiO/Gr) composite anode. However, many scalable prelithiation methods encounter challenges of low efficiency and inhomogeneity, primarily stemming from a limited understanding of the spatial and temporal variations in prelithiation kinetics within large-scale electrodes. Utilizing an electrochemical prelithiation model, we integrated optimal electrode structure design with an electrochemically controllable method to concurrently enhance prelithiation efficiency and homogeneity. We demonstrated that prelithiation efficiency can be controlled by specifying the prelithiation current, while the design of the channel arrangement in the perforated electrode can enhance prelithiation homogeneity. Furthermore, we elucidated the interaction mechanism among channels under varying prelithiation currents and explored the impacts of channel size, channel spacing, and channel arrangement on prelithiation homogeneity under high prelithiation efficiency. With the insight gained from our simulation, the SiO/Gr composite anode featuring a channel diameter of 500 μm and a square channel arrangement with a spacing of 8.7 mm was designed. This design achieved a high prelithiation efficiency within 10 h, and maintained the prelithiation nonuniformity parameter below 0.1, accelerating the practical implementation of high-energy-density SiO/Gr composite anodes.

Prediction of lower limb discomfort of elderly drivers based on key dimensions in the leg space

Significant difference exists in spatial fitness and perception between elderly and non-elderly drivers. However, due to dynamic and real-time changes in human subjective feelings and joint movements, two-dimensional human body templates and human-machine simulation software are not enough to obtain necessary space parameters. In this study, seven key dimensions of the legroom were measured thrice and averaged, in the situation that the seat and posture are comfortable. Such anthropometric data can reflect dynamic perception that may change due to personal emotions and environmental influences. Extreme learning machine (ELM) was adopted to build a prediction model of leg space discomfort degree, and the influence of the activation function and the number of hidden layer neurons on the prediction accuracy of the model were analyzed. In addition, a multiple linear regression (MLR) model was established with the discomfort score as the dependent variable and the seven key dimensions as the independent variables. The results indicated that the ELM model could effectively predict elderly drivers’ discomfort degree (MSE = 0.182, MRE = 9.364, R2 = 0.869) by learning the dimensions of the seven key positions. The MLR model (R2 = 0.861) did not perform as well as ELM. However, the regression coefficients could reflect the degree to which each dimension affects the discomfort degree of leg space for elderly drivers. The conclusions could function in elderly-oriented in-vehicle space arrangement and driving risk assessment of elderly people.

Analyzing Land Shape Typologies in South Korean Apartment Complexes Using Machine Learning and Deep Learning Techniques

In South Korea, the configuration of land parcels within apartment complexes plays a pivotal role in optimizing land use and facility placement. Given the significant impact of land shape on architectural and urban planning outcomes, its analysis is essential. However, studies on land shape have been limited due to the lack of definitive survey criteria. To address these challenges, this study utilized a map application programming interface (API) to gather raw data on apartment complex layouts in South Korea and processed these images using a Python-based image library. An initial analysis involved categorizing the data through K-means clustering. Each cluster’s average image was classified into four distinct groups for comparison with the existing literature. Shape indices were employed to analyze land configurations and assess consistency across classes. These classes were annotated on a parcel level using the Roboflow API, and YOLOv8s-cls was developed to classify the parcels effectively. The evaluation of this model involved calculating accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score from a confusion matrix. The results show a strong correlation between the identified and established classes, with the YOLO model achieving an accuracy of 86% and demonstrating robust prediction capabilities across classes. This confirms the effective typification of land shapes in the studied apartment complexes. This study introduces a methodology for analyzing parcel shapes through machine learning and deep learning. It asserts that this approach transcends the confines of South Korean apartment complexes, extending its applicability to architectural and urban design planning on a global scale. Analyzing land shapes earmarked for construction enables the formulation of diverse design strategies for building placement and external space arrangement. This highlights the potential for innovative design approaches in architectural and urban planning worldwide.

Assessment of longitudinal dispersion and flow resistance near floodplains through riparian woodlands

Riparian woodlands prevent bank erosions, recycle minerals, sustain biodiversity, act as flow resistance on floodplains, and filter pollutants. The emergent trees characterize woodlands with different spacing arrangements that dictate flow resistance and longitudinal dispersion of the pollutants in compound channel flow. The single- and multistage compound channels exist in urban and natural watercourses with riparian and transplanted trees on different stages of the floodplain. This study numerically validates the planting of vegetation in lines on single- and multistage floodplains using a wall-modeled large-eddy simulation model. Post-validation, the focus of the study was to assess the hydrodynamic behavior and mixing around the floodplain and main channel section of different tested configurations. The approximation of flow structures for the various configurations of tree plantations shows stronger vortices with significant characteristic length scales for floodplains closer to the main channel. The intensity of the secondary current is higher for denser planted trees at junctions of floodplains. For higher flow events, drag force contributions for staged floodplains with trees on both stages are 45–41%, and trees on the top stage contribute 27-22% to the total frictional force budget. The subsequent investigation shows that the in-line trees geometrical configuration and spacing arrangement on the floodplain dictates flow resistance and longitudinal dispersion of the pollutants and contamination in channel flow. The results show that the overall reduction in discharge for floodplains with tree planting is 19.8–36.2% for single-stage and 10.4–23.6% for multistage compound channels. The longitudinal dispersion coefficients for each multi-zone model predict a 61% and 41% dispersion reduction, respectively, in single- and multistage floodplains with planted trees. Floodplains with denser tree spacing have a maximum zonal discharge reduction of 45% for a single-stage and 27.2% and 28.0% for multistage channels. These findings strongly suggest that the planting parameters of spacing-to-diameter ratio and floodplain geometry play a pivotal role in floodplain management from the perspective of contaminant dispersion and flood risk reduction during high-flow events.

Noise Pollution Exposure Among Nurses in a Public Hospital in Palestine

Noise pollution affects our health adversely. At hospital, noise can harm health care professionals and patients too. It also affects the performance of the whole staff and therefore, the quality of the delivered services. This study aimed to assess noise levels nurses exposed to and to determine the sources of noise and nurses' complaints about it. A quantitative, descriptive cross sectional study was used. Noise levels at different departments in Palestine Medical Complex (PMC) were measured using an integrating sound level meter. A total of 180 nurses participated in the interviewing questionnaire. The results of the study showed that main sources of noise were: the loud arguments occurred between the health care staff and the relatives/visitors of the patients, loud conversations, the construction work and the renovation in the hospital, patients' crying/shouting, the medical equipment and the staff shouting. The main complaints were discomfort, bad communication, headache, fatigue, stress, irritability, low concentration, inattention, memory problems and noise effect on work efficiency. In most departments, morning shift was the noisiest shift and nurses (61.1%) considered work environment stressful and uncomfortable. Noise levels in all departments exceeded what is recommended by WHO with an average of 64.48 dBA. The minimum value of LAeq was 54.8 dBA in one CCU and the maximum one was 73.5 dBA in NICU. Conclusion: Different noise sources at PMC and many noise complaints were reported by nurses. Noise levels in different departments were above that recommended by WHO. The educational intervention should target nurses and the whole health care staff in order to increase their awareness about noise and to modify their behaviors to reduce it, as well as the effective management of medical devices and machines, repairing devices and physical space arrangement.

Effect of Spacing of Elephant Grass Intercropping with Alfalfa on Biomass Yield and Nutritive Value of Elephant Grass in Fedis District, Eastern Ethiopia

The study was conducted by Fedis Agricultural Research Center (FARC) at Boko station in Fedis district. The experiment consisted of three different spacing arrangements: S1 (100 cm x 50 cm), S2 (75 cm x 50cm) and S3 (50 cm x 50 cm), and two cropping systems (intercrop and sole planting). These treatments were combined in a 3 x 2 factorial arrangement using a randomized complete block design with four replications. Forage samples were collected at ninety (90) days for elephant grass and 10% flowering for Alfalfa. The results showed that spacing and the interaction between spacing and intercropping had a significant (p<0.05) effect on herbage dry matter yield (DMY) and crude protein yield (CPY) of elephant grass. However, intercropping had no significant (p>0.05) effect on herbage DMY and CPY. Intercropping can increase the yield of herbage dry matter and total herbage dry matter when compared to pure stand elephant grass. The yield advantage can be up to 3.18% and 19.65%, respectively. Spacing does not significantly affect the dry matter yield of Alfalfa, but the cropping system does. Intercropping and narrow spacing resulted in higher total dry matter yield, due to the additive effect of intercropped Alfalfa dry matter yield. Among the three different spacing, the narrowest spacing S3 recorded the highest dry matter yield (25.62 t/ha), followed by S2 (22.28 t/ha) and S1 (18.33 t/ha). Spacing and intercropping have no significant effect on the chemical composition of elephant grass, but intercropping can increase the dry matter and decrease the ash content of elephant grass. Farmers in the study area and other regions with similar agro-ecology are advised to consider intercropping Alfalfa two weeks after establishing elephant grass. This should be done at an inter and intra-row spacing of 50 cm to achieve a higher herbage dry matter yield for both, elephant grass and total forage.