Harsh Climatic Conditions Research Articles

Skin and hair of the Tibetan Hamster (<i>Urocricetus kamensis</i>, Cricetidae, Rodentia): A comparative morphological analysis

For the first time, using light and scanning electron microscopy, the fine structure of the skin and its derivatives (glands, hairs, whiskers) was studied in adult male and female Tibetan hamsters (Urocricetus kamensis Satunin 1903), a unique species of the subfamily Cricetinae that lives only in the highlands of the Tibetan Plateau. A comparative morphological analysis of the skin, along with features of its similarity with the skin of other hamsters, revealed a number of characteristic features in the Tibetan hamster that contribute to the adaptation of this species to the harsh mountain climate conditions with sharp seasonal and daily temperature fluctuations: abundant subcutaneous fatty tissue, a special hair structure that provides effective heat protection due to a significant change in the volume of inert air in the fur: significant hair density, wavy arrangement of rows of hairs and the profile of the lower sections of the guard hairs. The presence of relatively long and thick guide hairs in the fur serves to protect the coat in rocky habitats. The array of specific skin glands is little compared to other Cricetinae; no mid-ventral and flank glands were found, this being unique for representatives of the subfamily, but this requires confirmation based on more abundant material.

Determinants of household participation in the cassava value-chain in South Africa

Cassava’s adaptability to different agroecological conditions, high yield, as well as its ability to thrive under harsh climatic conditions, makes it an essential food security crop. In South Africa, the cassava value chain is currently uncoordinated and underdeveloped, with a couple of smallholder farmers growing the crop for household consumption and as a source of income. Other farmers regard it as a secondary crop and hardly any producers grow it for industrial purposes. Hence, this study sought to analyze the determinants of household participation in the cassava value chain in South Africa. The study employed the multivariate probit model to analyze the determinants of household participation in the cassava value chain in South Africa, using a primary dataset collected through a simple sample method from smallholder farmers in KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, and Limpopo provinces. Results show that livestock ownership has a positive and significant effect on the likelihood of farmers participating in the value chain by growing cassava for household food consumption. Also, findings reveal that hiring labour in cassava production and an increase in the yield during the previous season increases the probability of farmers’ interest in selling cassava tubers along the value chain. Hence, the positive and statistically significant influence of hiring labour during cassava production in driving the farmers’ interest in selling cassava tubers and cuttings implies that the development of the cassava value chain presents great opportunities for creating jobs (employment) in the country. Also, policy interventions that ensure land tenure security and empower farmers to increase their cassava yields are bound to encourage further participation in the value chain with an interest in selling fresh tubers, among other derived products to generate income. Lastly, programmes that empower and encourage youth participation in the cassava value chain can increase the number of farmers interested in selling cassava products.

Effect of different packaging methods and storage conditions on postharvest quality and shelf-life of Manila Tamarind (Pithecellobium dulce (Roxb.) Benth.) var. PKM2

Manila tamarind (Pithecellobium dulce (Roxb.) Benth.), is a dry land fruit crop that belongs to the Fabaceae family commonly known Camacchile or Jungle jilebi. Pithecellobium dulce (Roxb.) has the potential to become productive under harsh climatic and edaphic conditions of dry land areas but its pods have a shorter shelf life. The most important objective was to use proper packaging methods to reduce moisture loss, slow down physiological and biochemical changes and prevent spoilage. The study evaluated 8 packaging methods, including different combinations of CFB (Corrugated Fiberboard) lined with 100-gauge polythene film with 0 %, 5 % and 10 % vents, CFB with 0 %, 5 % and 10 % vents, vacuum packing and a control, under cold storage (13-15 °C) and ambient conditions (26 ± 2 °C). On the 15th day of cold storage conditions, vacuum packing showed minimum physiological loss of weight (19.82 %), titratable acidity (0.68 %), ascorbic acid (77.20) and total sugar (8.36 %). Maximum total soluble solids (15.32 ?Brix), Anthocyanin (22.72 mg 100 g-1 m), shelf life (15 days) followed by CFB with 10 % vent. On the 12th day of ambient storage condition, vacuum packing recorded minimum physiological loss of weight (16.42 %), titratable acidity (0.42 %), ascorbic acid (76.13) and total sugar (8.53 %). Maximum total soluble solids (14.93 ?Brix), Anthocyanin (21.83 mg 100 g-1 m) and shelf life (11.5 days) followed by CFB with 10 % vent. In this study, the overall results indicated that both vacuum packaging and CFB with 10 % vent at cold storage had synergistic effect in manila tamarind fruit pods, not only in extending the shelf life but also maintained the physiological and biochemical attributes of manila tamarind.

Agronomic Evaluation and Chemical Characterization of Salvia lavandulifolia Vahl. over 3 Consecutive Years Cultivated Under Harsh Climatic Conditions in Southeast Spain.

The cultivation of Salvia lavandulifolia, Spanish sage, makes an important contribution to the economy of many rural areas in Southeastern Spain. This aromatic plant species is characterized by high intraspecific variability, which makes the selection process for the establishment of homogeneous crops difficult. Additionally, imminent climate change threatens to reduce its production, especially when cultivated in drylands. Therefore, to guarantee the continued production of this type of sage, it is essential to study its agronomic behavior and production quality. For this, clones from four ecotypes were cultivated for three years, assessing changes in their biomass production, essential oil yield and quality, and phenolic fraction, as well as the corresponding antioxidant activity. The results suggest that essential oil yield is genetically predetermined, greater biomass not being associated with higher quantities of essential oil. Weather conditions affected both essential oil and phenolic fraction secondary metabolism. Under very harsh conditions, Spanish sage produces higher concentrations of camphor and 1,-8-cineole along with luteolin-7-O-glucoside, and lithospermic, rosmarinic, and salvianolic A acids in its phenolic fraction. The synthesis of these components helps the species to withstand the hot and dry conditions typical of southeast Spain.

The Role of Sorghum in Enhancing Food Security Among Smallholder Farmers in Makueni County, Kenya

In the wake of climate change and prevailing food insecurity, there has been increased attention on crops that can withstand harsh climatic conditions and have the potential to sustain livelihoods. Sorghum (<i>Sorghum bicolor)</i> is among the cereal crops with the potential to address these unprecedented challenges. It grows in arid and semi-arid regions characterized by unpredictable weather patterns, rising poverty levels, and food insecurity. In Kenya, sorghum ranks third in terms of production and importance. Nevertheless, there is prevailing food insecurity in Makueni County, where sorghum thrives well. Hence, the purpose of this study was to assess the role of sorghum in enhancing food security among smallholder farmers by establishing the potential factors influencing sorghum production and income from sorghum. A multistage sampling method was used to select a sample of 96 respondents. Data analysis involved the use of multiple linear regression model and gross margin analysis. The results indicated that experience, household size, and extension service influence sorghum production positively, while distance to all-weather roads and off-farm income have a negative effect. Gross margin results revealed sorghum is a profitable enterprise with an average net farm income of about 10,760 KES per acre. This suggests that sorghum production improves the income of sorghum-producing households and consequently enhances food security. The study, therefore, proposes strategies such as developing appropriate training facilities and strengthening extension services to boost sorghum production and thus promote food security among smallholder farmers. Furthermore, national and county governments should develop efficient road networks and provide incentives to sorghum producers to enhance access to services and markets, and foster specialization in sorghum enterprise.

Water Stress Adaptations by Rhododendron arboreum Smith in The Himalayan Treeline Environment

Drought is amongst the most important climatic events which can severely impact natural ecosystems. The under-canopy Indian Himalayan tree species are less studied on water stress in harsh climatic conditions. Rhododendron arboreum is an ecologically and economically important tree species and distributed between 1500–3500 m asl in the Himalayan ecosystems. In this study, we have tried to assess the water stress adaptations by R. arboreum near the treeline ecotone located at 30°11´02˝N and 79°39´36˝E between 3100 and 3500 m asl elevation. Water potential (Ψ) was measured using a Pressure chamber and leaf conductance with the help of AP4 porometer. Soil moisture (Sm) across the depths was highly variable (p<0.05). The pre-dawn water potential (ΨPD) of R. arboreum tree varied between -0.12 and -0.91 MPa. ANOVA showed that the ΨPD of R. arboreum seedlings varied significantly across the years, seasons, and sites (p<0.05). The decline in osmotic potential at full turgor (Ψπ100) was -1.18 to -1.20 MPa in trees and -1.42 to -1.72 MPa in seedlings. The morning leaf conductance (gwAM) of R. arboreum trees ranged from 58.00 to 271.68 m mol m-2 sec-1. Correlation showed that the maximum leaf conductance in R. arboreum trees was observed when the ΨPD was -0.5 to -0.9 MPa. Water uptake function in plants is generally affected by winter frost which can change the Ψ, osmotic potential, and leaf conductance of plants. The ΨPD in the species was relatively high across all seasons in the treeline areas to disrupt physiological activities.

Mitigating Effect of the Sea on Temperatures Along Mediterranean Coastal Areas: The Case of the Vine Territory of the Matera DOP in Basilicata (Italy)

This study aims to assess temperature variations caused by ongoing climate change in the Basilicata region, southern Italy—Ionian side of the Gulf of Taranto—on the territory of the Matera DOP vineyard. In particular, it aims to assess the influence of the sea on temperature trends, and particularly to its “mitigating effect” in the context of ongoing climate change. Temperature trends were analyzed using ERA5-Land data from 1981 to 2022 and data from weather stations of the Lucanian Agency for Development and Innovation in Agriculture from 2000 to 2023. Temperature trends were studied considering both the period of the vegetative-productive season of the vineyards and the whole year. The results of this study show that, for the historical period analyzed, the Matera DOP area showed a significant upward trend in temperatures, particularly in the inland areas. This increase, especially for minimum temperatures, is more evident at higher elevations than at lower elevations near the sea. Indeed, coastal areas benefit from the thermoregulatory effect of the Ionian Sea, which moderates temperature increases at lower elevations. It follows that the Matera DOP wine-growing areas, and particularly those furthest from the coastal strip, will have to adapt to harsh climatic conditions that will certainly affect the quality and typicality of the wines.

Failure evaluation of outdoor polymeric insulators based on statistical condition-assessment methods

Field aging of outdoor polymeric insulators results in unscheduled outages in power systems particularly in harsh climate conditions. In this paper, a strategic maintenance framework is proposed in order to prevent overhead line outages. The presented scheme is based on condition assessment of the real aged polymeric insulators. Data of tensile test, hardness test, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) are used to extract critical features of the aged samples based on classification of fuzzy c-means clustering. Then, a lifetime prediction analysis is done based on Cox hazards analysis to develop further maintenance strategy. The proposed model is validated through numerical analyses on polymeric insulators for various validation evaluations including pollution severity analysis and hydrophobicity class (HC) measurement. Obtained results verify accuracy of the intelligent model to predict lifetime of the aged polymeric insulators. The presented strategic framework can be effectively applied to online monitoring, condition assessment and preventive maintenance programs of the power system utilities.

Experimental investigation of a nano coating efficiency for dust mitigation on photovoltaic panels in harsh climatic conditions

Dust accumulation on photovoltaic (PV) panels in arid regions diminishes solar energy absorption and panel efficiency. In this study, the effectiveness of a self-cleaning nano-coating thin film is evaluated in reducing dust accumulation and improving PV Panel efficiency. Surface morphology and elemental analysis of the nano-coating and dust are conducted. Continuous measurements of solar irradiances and ambient temperature have been recorded. SEM analysis of dust revealed irregularly shaped micron-sized particles with potential adhesive properties, causing shading effects on the PV panel surface. Conversely, the coating particles exhibited a uniform, spherical shape, suggesting effective prevention of dust adhesion. Solar irradiance ranged from 120 W/m² to a peak of 720 W/m² at noon. Application of the self-cleaning nano-coating thin film consistently increased short circuit current (Isc), with the coated panel averaging 2.8 A, which is 64.7% higher than the uncoated panel’s 1.7 A. The power output of the coated panel ranged from 7 W to 38 W, with an average of approximately 24.75 W, whereas the uncoated panel exhibited a power output between 3 W and 23 W, averaging around 14 W. These findings highlight the substantial potential of nano-coating for effective dust mitigation, particularly in dusty environments, thus enhancing PV system reliability.

Mechanisms of microbial diversity modulation of mineral black clay to achieve ecological restoration of open-pit mine dump

The harsh climatic conditions and severe scarcity of surface soil present significant challenges to ecological restoration in open-pit mine dumps within China's type II plant cold resistance zone. To address the topsoil shortage, mineral black clay was used to create synthetic soil. This study explored the application of an ecological restoration bacteria (ERB) consortium to accelerate the ecological restoration of synthetic soil-covered areas by enhancing soil ecosystem construction. The results demonstrated that ERB significantly influenced the native bacterial community structure in mixed black clay. Specifically, ERB disrupted the inhibitory effects of the Actinobacterota phylum on the development of native bacterial diversity, leading to an increase in unclassified_o_Solirubrobacterales sp., norank_f_norank_o_norank_c_KD4-96 sp., Sphingomonas sp., Luteitalea sp., norank_f_Vicinamibacteraceae sp., and other aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. These alterations in soil microbial structure directly impacted soil composition and vegetation diversity. The plant diversity survey and metabolomics analysis revealed that the reduction of harmful substances, such as HPED, HODE, and HOME, in black clay soil improved the growth and distribution of Salsola collina Pall. and Medicago sativa L. This increase facilitated the cycling of key nutrients, such as nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), and promoted the establishment of symbiotic relationships between plants, microorganisms, and soil. Ultimately, the ecological remediation of the synthetic soil was achieved through the synergistic effects of ERB, which included the degradation of inhibitory soil components, enhanced nutrient consumption by microbiota and plants, and the overall promotion of ecosystem stability in the reclamation area.

Self-supervised learning of Vision Transformers for digital soil mapping using visual data

In arid environments, prospecting cultivable land is challenging due to harsh climatic conditions and vast, hard-to-access areas. However, the soil is often bare, with little vegetation cover, making it easy to observe from above. Hence, remote sensing can drastically reduce costs to explore these areas. For the past few years, deep learning has extended remote sensing analysis, first with Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), then with Vision Transformers (ViTs). The main drawback of deep learning methods is their reliance on large calibration datasets, as data collection is a cumbersome and costly task, particularly in drylands. However, recent studies demonstrate that ViTs can be trained in a self-supervised manner to take advantage of large amounts of unlabelled data to pre-train models. These backbone models can then be finetuned to learn a supervised regression model with few labelled data.In our study, we trained ViTs in a self-supervised way with a 9500 km2 satellite image of dry-lands in Saudi Arabia with a spatial resolution of 1.5 m per pixel. The resulting models were used to extract features describing the bare soil and predict soil attributes (pH H2O, pH KCl, Si composition). Using only RGB data, we can accurately predict these soil properties and achieve, for instance, an RMSE of 0.40 ± 0.03 when predicting alkaline soil pH. We also assess the effectiveness of adding additional covariates, such as elevation. The pretrained models can as well be used as visual features extractors. These features can be used to automatically generate a clustered map of an area or as input of random forests models, providing a versatile way to generate maps with limited labelled data and input variables.

Rainwater Flood risk assessment in Zaatari Refugees Camp- Jordan: Towards Sustainable Solutions

Refugee settlements are frequently located in isolated and remote areas, characterized by poor-quality land and harsh climatic conditions. Zaatari camp in Jordan has suffered and continues to suffer from rainwater floods every winter. This study uses GIS analysis to assess flood risk in the camp, revealing that 61.1% of the area is moderately risky, while 0.84% and 22.42% are very high and high-risk zones respectively. The highest risk areas are near the camp boundary. This study recommends a structural intervention and first-class priority at the entrance area of the camp as it is located within a high-risk area and is of vital importance from a functional standpoint. These recommendations range to areas within high-risk zone in (1, 2, 7, 12) districts, to moderate risk zone in (4,8,11) districts with precautionary and preventive measures. In addition, some structural solutions can be implemented in several stages. This research is significant not only for managing flood risk in Zaatari but also for providing a replicable methodology for similar humanitarian settlements worldwide.

Isolation and identification of fungi causing post-harvest spoiled mango fruits vended in Hanoi, Vietnam

Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is one of the most popular and nutritious fruits cultivated widely in Vietnam. However, under increasingly harsh climate conditions, mangoes are easily susceptible to fungal invasion and spoiled, thereby reducing mango yield. Therefore, this study was carried out to determine the pathogenic fungal strains of mango to provide useful information for finding effective measures to prevent the diseases. Rotten mango fruits were collected from different markets in Hanoi, Vietnam. Three fungal strains (M1, M2 and M3) were isolated from the studied mangoes samples. All strains were demonstrated as fungal agents associated with mango rot through pathogenicity tests. Microscopic observation showed that the mycelium of these fungal strains was branched and septate. M1 strain formed dark-brown conidiophores and conidia produced on conidiophores. M2 strain produced α- and β-conidia, as well as sub-ovoid and brown sclerotia. Whereas the M3 strain could not produce spores. Additionally, this study determined that all three fungal isolates showed the fastest growth on PDA at 30oC. The optimum growth of the M1 and M3 strains was observed at pH 5.0 while the M2 strain grew actively at pH 7.0 and 8.0. All selected strains showed the ability to produce extracellular enzymes, in which the M1 strain synthesized both cellulase and pectinase while the M2 and M3 strain secreted only pectinase. Finally, by molecular identification method, the isolates (M1, M2 and M3) were identified as Aspergillus niger isolate M1, Phomopsis sp. M2, Lasiodiplodia theobromae M3, respectively.

The expression of the MIS 12 glacial stage in Southeastern Europe and its impact over the Middle Pleistocene hominins in Megalopolis Basin (Greece)

Southern Europe is hypothesized to have acted as a glacial refugium for hominin populations during the Pleistocene. Of particular importance is South-East Europe, which most likely played a dual role, both as refugium and dispersal corridor, especially during the Middle Pleistocene glaciations, when drastic climatic conditions led to major sea level drops in the Aegean. However, little is known about the palaeoenvironmental conditions at the time of hominin presence in this region, making these hypotheses difficult to test. Here we analyze biomarker data and leaf wax stable isotopic compositions of the MIS 12 Lower Palaeolithic site Marathousa 1 (Megalopolis Basin, Greece) to assess the climatic conditions accompanying the time of hominin presence in the area. Our data indicate a major cooling affecting the north Mediterranean/Aegean domain during this time interval, with lowest temperatures recorded between ∼440–432 ka. The glacial peak is associated with changes in vegetation (i.e., from more forested to more open landscape), reduction of humidity and water availability (i.e., moisture depletion, increased evaporation). Hominins are present at the Marathousa 1 location at the end of this interval (434–432 ka), confirming that the Megalopolis Basin served as a refugium for hunter-gatherer groups during periods of harsh climatic conditions. Additionally, the progressive cooling is associated with an important sedimentary hiatus between ∼465–440 ka reflected in all circum-Mediterranean records (both marine and continental), indicating a regional impact of the MIS 12 glaciation over surface processes.

Advancing Food Security in the Cryolithozone and Exploring Organic and Mineral Fertilizer Strategies for Enhanced Crop Yields

The Cryolithozone, characterized by its frozen soil and harsh climatic conditions, presents unique challenges to agricultural productivity and food security. As global temperatures rise, the thawing of permafrost in the Cryolithozone offers opportunities for agricultural expansion but also raises concerns about soil degradation and nutrient loss. In this article, we explore innovative approaches to enhance crop yields and food security in the Cryolithozone, focusing on the integration of organic and mineral fertilizer strategies. We discuss the potential benefits and challenges of utilizing organic fertilizers, such as compost and manure, to improve soil fertility and mitigate nutrient deficiencies. Additionally, we examine the role of mineral fertilizers in supplying essential nutrients to crops in nutrient-deficient Cryolithozone soils. By synthesizing current research and best practices, we propose holistic fertilizer management strategies tailored to the unique environmental conditions of the Cryolithozone. These strategies aim to optimize nutrient utilization efficiency, minimize environmental impacts, and promote sustainable agricultural development in cold regions.

Variance in Learners Expectation and School Dropout in Selected Secondary School in Kashongi Sub-County, Kiruhura District

This article examines the variance of learners’ expectations and school dropout in selected secondary schools in Kashongi Sub-county of Kiruhura District, Uganda. The article revealed that parents in disadvantaged districts still experience difficulty keeping their children in school. This is because, due to harsh climatic conditions and low socio-economic status, parents do not have enough money to pay for school expenses such as school uniforms, stationery, and building funds, among other school expenses. In light of this, the study recommends expanding the current free primary education to secondary schools. Furthermore, it is crucial to inform parents about the bursaries’ existence, given the current lack of publicity. Clarify the bursary award criteria to ensure all parents are eligible to apply. These measures would have the net effect of reducing dropout rates among secondary school students due to their inability to pay for school fees. The fact that all respondents ranked lack of money for school expenses as the most influential school-based factor suggests this. Finally, the government of Uganda in collaboration with NGOs can assist parents to start up small businesses through micro financing. Through this effort, the parents can enable the students to attend most of their school lessons, which eventually leads to good performance. Keywords: Learners’ expectations, Micro-financing, School dropouts, Socio-development, Students.

Discovery of fossil micrometeorites from the Deccan trap intertrappeans

AbstractThe Cretaceous–Paleogene (K‐Pg) boundary represents the extinction of ~70% of species, a prominent Chicxulub impact event and Deccan volcanism. This work reports the first attempt to extract the micrometeorites (MMs) from the Deccan intertrappean horizons. Eighty‐one spherical particles were studied for their morphological, textural, and chemical characteristics. Intact cosmic spherules with ferromagnesian silicates (6) and Fe‐Ni oxide (7) compositions correspond to MMs from the deep sea and Antarctica. Silicate and Fe‐Ni spherules in this study showcase remarkable preservation, a testament to the highly favorable conditions present. Fe spherules (38) with iron oxide compositions exhibit diagenetic alteration during preservation. Textural analysis of 30 Fe spherules reveals a dendritic, interlocking pattern and slightly elevated Mn content, suggesting these may be fossilized I‐type MMs. However, eight Fe spherules with blocky and cubical granular textures resemble oxidized pyrite spherules. Al‐Fe‐Si spherules (30) possess a significant enrichment of Al and Si within their Fe‐oxide‐dominated composition. Group‐I Al‐Fe‐Si spherules (15) display zoned Al‐Fe‐Si oxide composition, dendritic Mg‐Cr spinel grains, and aerodynamic features, all indicative of impact spherules. The finding of these impact spherules from sampled Deccan intertrappean layer raises the possibility that these paleosols were deposited during the Chicxulub impact event, the only identified impact event with global distribution during the Deccan volcanism time frame. This unique location provides an opportunity for the simultaneous collection of well‐preserved MMs, impact, and volcanic spherules. The exceptional preservation of the studied MMs is likely due to a combination of non‐marine environments, atypical climatic conditions, and rapid deposition. This study further investigates the potential role of cosmic dust flux in the K‐Pg extinction event. We propose that the enhanced cosmic dust flux, a likely scenario during the K‐Pg boundary period, synergistically mixing with impact dust in the upper atmosphere, may have intensified and extended the harsh climatic conditions at the K‐Pg boundary. Subsequently, the deposition of this dust, enriched in bioavailable iron, on Earth's surface might have contributed to the swift recovery of life and environmental conditions.

Distribution and source analysis of soil toxic organic compounds of coal-electricity production base in arid and semi-arid region of China

The presence and distribution of toxic organic compounds in soil pose significant challenges. Whether their distributional characteristics are more complex, especially in arid and semi-arid regions with harsh climatic conditions? This study analyzed the composition, classification, spatial distribution, and sources of 123 toxic organic compounds in 56 soil samples of coal-electricity production base. Those compounds were classified into 11 categories, mainly pesticides (41 compounds), organic synthesis intermediates (31 compounds), and drugs (23 compounds). Seventeen of those compounds were detected over the rate of 30 %, with 13 of them being under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) inventory. The primary sources of toxic organic compounds were determined using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF), including the degradation of pesticide residues (22.03 %), emissions of plastic pellets (16.64 %), industrial waste emissions (12.80 %), emissions from livestock (12.74 %), plastic films (11.22 %) and coal-to-liquid projects (10.78 %). This research underscores the widespread presence of toxic organic compounds in soil, highlighting their origins and distribution patterns, which are essential for developing targeted environmental management strategies in arid and semi-arid regions.

Acculturation Phenomenon in Vernacular Architecture between Vietnamese and Chams in the Kingdom of Cochin-China (16th–18th)–Southeast Asia

ABSTRACT This paper presents in general the remaining vernacular houses in the middle region of Vietnam, known as the Kingdom of Cochin-china (16th−18th). Accordingly, there are three common types of vernacular houses. Those are the “Nha Ruong” popular in the north-middle region, the “Nha La Mai” popular in the central and south-middle regions, and the “Nha Roi” popular in both the north and south-middle regions of Vietnam. This study mainly focused on the viewpoint of architectural typology and construction techniques through site investigations, comparative study, and analysis of the remaining vernacular houses. With the approach of indigenous culture, residential planning, spatial arrangement, carpenter’s tools, design methods, and construction techniques, the similarities and differences between the vernacular houses have been determined. In addition, this study also defined the acculturation phenomenon in architecture between the middle region Vietnamese emigrants and the indigenous Chams in the past. The study results are expected to help architects and students to create new architectural products that can be sustainable in the harsh climatic conditions such as the middle region of Vietnam, refining and inheriting the quintessence of traditional architecture to enrich the cultural identity of Vietnam in particular and of Southeast Asia in general.

Water Vapour Resistance of Exterior Coatings—Influence on Moisture Conditions in Ventilated Wooden Claddings

Increasing climate fluctuations and extremes due to climate change are particularly concerning for wooden building envelopes, especially in the Nordic region, which has harsh climatic conditions. The exterior coating’s barrier properties are crucial for maintaining building envelopes’ intended lifespans. Hence, it is unfortunate that the vapor resistance of exterior coatings is not openly accessed for commercial products. This study investigates the influence of the water vapour resistance of exterior coatings on the moisture conditions and mould growth risk of ventilated wooden claddings. The sd-value (vapour diffusion-equivalent air layer thickness) is determined for nine free-standing coatings (alkyds, emulsions, and acrylics); in total, 100 specimens are tested with the wet cup method. Additionally, with WUFI Pro, one-dimensional hygrothermal simulations under Nordic climatic conditions investigate how the coatings’ vapour resistance might influence the moisture dynamics of wood. The mould risk is assessed by the add-on WUFI VTT Model. The determined sd-values for the coatings range from 0.453 to 1.350 m (three layers) and from 0.690 to 2.250 m (six layers), showing a strong correlation with the dry film thickness. The vapour resistance of the coatings does not significantly influence the wood moisture content, but lower resistance may cause slightly faster drying. The importance of surface treatment is confirmed. The mould risk is notably higher in a Stavanger climate on a southwest-facing wall compared to Trondheim on a north-facing wall.