North Side Research Articles

Fractional order model of MRSA bacterial infection with real data fitting: Computational Analysis and Modeling

Bacterial infections in the health-care sector and social environments have been linked to the Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection, a type of bacteria that has remained an international health risk since the 1960s. From mild colonization to a deadly invasive disease with an elevated mortality rate, the illness can present in many different forms. A fractional-order dynamic model of MRSA infection developed using real data for computational and modeling analysis on the north side of Cyprus is presented in this paper. Initially, we tested that the suggested model had a positively invariant region, bounded solutions, and uniqueness for the biological feasibility of the model. We study the equilibria of the model and assess the expression for the most significant threshold parameter, called the basic reproduction number (ℛ0). The reproductive number’s parameters are also subjected to sensitivity analysis through mathematical methods and simulations. Additionally, utilizing the power law kernel and the fixed-point approach, the existence, uniqueness, and generalized Ulam–Hyers–Rassias stability are presented. Chaos Control was used to regulate the linear responses approach to bring the system to stabilize according to its points of equilibrium, taking into account a fractional-order system with a managed design where solutions are bound in the feasible domain. Finally, numerical simulations demonstrating the effects of different parameters on MRSA infection are used to investigate the impact of the fractional operator on the generalized form of the power law kernel through a two-step Newton polynomial method. The impact of fractional orders is emphasized in the study so that the numerical solutions support the importance of these orders on MRSA infection. With the application of fractional order, the significance of cognizant antibiotic usage for MRSA infection is verified.

Experiment on the Uniformity of Internal Lighting in Zigzag Photovoltaic Greenhouses by Grating Plates

As one of the main projects of facility agriculture promotion, the PV (photovoltaic) greenhouse has the problems of PV power generation competing for light with crop production, strong indoor chiaroscuro, and uneven light distribution. The internal light uniformity is tested by a zigzag greenhouse model to compare the light transmission effects of different light-transmitting materials applied to PV greenhouses. Altogether, 20 line/inch 3 mm and 30 line/inch 3 mm, 40 line/inch 2 mm, 25 line/inch 4 mm grating plates and 2 mm and 3 mm thick ordinary glass were used as light-transmitting components, and the light intensity and light uniformity in the greenhouse were the measurement indicators. The results show that the use of grating plates as covering material can improve the light intensity at the intersection of light and dark, but the overall light transmittance is not as good as glass because it is plastic, which ages easily with low light transmittance. It can also improve the use of land under the shade of PV modules to provide a better growth environment for crops. The test results show that using grating plates can maximize the light intensity of the greenhouse and solve the problem of uneven distribution of light inside the greenhouse caused by obstruction of PV equipment and greenhouse framework. In sunny weather, the light intensity in three rows of the measurement points at the north side in the greenhouse is greater than 20,000 Lx, and the light environment in other areas is between 5000 Lx and 20,000 Lx, which is suitable for planting shade-loving crops.

Seismic landslide hazard assessment using improved seismic motion parameters of the 2017 Ms 7.0 Jiuzhaigou earthquake, Tibetan Plateau

Seismic landslide hazard assessment plays a very important guiding role during urgent earthquake relief. In August 2017, an Ms 7.0 earthquake in Jiuzhaigou County, Sichuan Province, China, triggered thousands of landslides. Based on the analysis of geological settings and coseismic landslide characteristics, the Newmark model is used to complete the seismic landslide hazard assessment. Three seismic motion parameters, namely, peak ground acceleration (PGA), traditional Arias intensity (Arias_P), and improved Arias intensity (Arias_C), are adopted. A publicly published coseismic landslide catalog is used as the validation samples. The results show that the coseismic landslides are mainly distributed in the deep gullies and steep mountainous slopes on the north and south sides of the epicenter. The seismic landslide hazard accuracy based on Arias_C is the best, followed by that based on PGA and Arias_P. The spatial distribution of seismic landslide hazards based on Arias_C shows an almost standard elliptical ring and is in good agreement with that of coseismic landslides. These results fully reflect the combined influence of the epicenter and seismogenic fault on landslide development. The middle seismic landslide hazard and over are mainly located at areas with seismic intensity of VII degree and above. The Arias intensity is very suitable for rapid seismic landslide hazard assessment in emergency situations. The study results can provide scientific and technological support for rapid earthquake relief and have reference significance for future seismic landslide hazard assessment.

Kursk Fortress: on the Question of the Borders of Natural Defense Fortentions

Relevance. This article is an attempt at a comparative analysis of the changes in the central part of Kursk that occurred during the implementation of the master plan for the construction of the city. This topic is poorly represented in the scientific literature, and therefore is relevant and in demand.The purpose of the article: on the basis of available materials (plans, drawings, photographs) to determine the boundaries of the medieval defensive ditch of the city of Kursk and its influence on the city plan.The objectives arise from the set goal: to find the boundaries of the Kursk medieval fortress; find out how the ditch was «fitted» into the new plan of Kursk; establish the location of the defensive ditch.Methodology. The article is based on the general principles of historicism, scientific objectivity and consistency. In addition to the above principles, the reconstruction method and the comparative historical method were used.Results. Thanks to the method of superimposing city plans and satellite images of the city, the location of the defensive ditch of Kursk as it was at the end of the 18th century was established. The possible boundaries of the medieval fortress and the location relative to existing buildings have been established, taking into account the repeated changes in the relief of the central part of the city. The boundaries of the moat were established on the northern and western sides of the fortress.Conclusion. In the work done, the probable boundaries of the medieval city and the location of the defensive moat on the north and west sides were established. The width and depth of the moat in the Pervomaisky Park area were also determined. A time frame has been set for filling in the defensive structure in connection with the implementation of the urban development plan of 1782.

Responses of soil stoichiometry and soil enzyme activities in the different distance around opencast coal mine of the Hulun Buir Grassland of China

The objectives of this study were to explore the changes in soil stoichiometry and enzyme activities at different distances from an opencast coal mine in the Hulun Buir Grassland of China. Four transects were established on north and east sides of the opencast coal mining area, and samples were collected at 50 m, 550 m, and 1550 m from the pit on each transect. Control samples were collected from a grassland station 8 km from the opencast coal mining area that was not disturbed by mining. Four replicate soil samples were collected at each point on the four transects. Soil physicochemical properties and enzyme activities were determined, and correlations between soil properties and stoichiometric ratios and enzyme activities were explored using redundancy analysis. The increase in distance from mining did not significantly affect soil properties, although soil urease activity was significantly lower than that of the control area. Soil properties 1550 m from the mine pit were similar to those at the grassland control. In addition, soil total nitrogen had the greatest effect on soil stoichiometry, and soil total potassium had the greatest effect on soil enzyme activities. Coal dust from opencast mining might be the main factor affecting soil stoichiometry and enzyme activities. The results of this study provide direction for the next step in studying the influence of mining areas on soil properties and processes.

Subsurface distribution of granites and greenstones in the Paleoarchean East Pilbara Terrane from 3-D gravity inversion

The Paleoarchean East Pilbara Terrane contains some of the oldest rocks on Earth, and has a distinctive surface architecture of granite domes surrounded by arcuate greenstone belts. Explanations for creation of the domes include fold interference, core complex formation and the subsidence of a dense, mafic crust between relatively buoyant granitic complexes. In the latter “sagduction” process, greenstones are often viewed as descending to the base of the crust. Here we present a 3-D inversion of Bouguer gravity data for density contrast constrained by shear wave velocities and a seismic reflection profile. We show that the East Pilbara Terrane is predominantly characterized by a two-layer crust with high-density greenstone rocks largely confined to the upper crust, which is inconsistent with vertical tectonic models requiring large-scale greenstone preservation in the lower crust. The eastern margin of the terrane is marked by a west-to-east transition from low-density ovoid bodies to linear northwest-trending sources associated with the Proterozoic Paterson Orogen. We identify the previously unknown 10–15 km wide Tumbinna Pool Dome, between the Mount Edgar and Yilgalong domes. Higher density sources related to the surface distribution of greenstone rocks largely occur above 10–15 km depth, though they may locally reach >15 km depth on the north side of the Mount Edgar Dome. Some granitic domes have higher density cores related to distinct granite suites, while the Split Rock Supersuite appears to exhibit systematically lower density at depths of 5–10 km. Low-density sources due to small intrusions such as the North Pole Dome only extend to depths up to 10 km, while the large Mount Edgar Dome can be identified at depths as great as 15–20 km. Some low-density bodies in the lower crust, one of which underlies the Yilgalong Dome, correlate with regions of reduced seismic reflectivity, which we interpret to be possible relict migmatisation zones or melt pathways. A weakly constrained ESE-trending high-density region immediately below the Moho correlates with isolated sub-Moho reflectors, and may be a relict zone of rifting and delamination.

Effectiveness of the Pasifika Women's Diabetes Wellness Program (PWDWP): Protocol for a Pilot Intervention and Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial.

Type 2 diabetes poses public health challenges for Māori and Pasifika communities in Australia. The women of these communities face a greater burden from type 2 diabetes-related mortality and comorbidities. Lifestyle modification behaviors through previous women's wellness programs have been shown to reduce the risk of developing complications in established type 2 diabetes. The Pasifika Women's Diabetes Wellness Program (PWDWP) pilot study, co-designed with Māori and Pasifika communities, was aimed at addressing late hospital presentations from diabetes-related complications. This study (1) examines the efficacy of women with type 2 diabetes in the intervention group for improved glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) clinical levels and diabetes self-management compared with the control group from baseline (T0) to week 12 (T1) and week 24 (T2; postintervention) and (2) assesses the cultural adaptability, acceptability, and feasibility of the pilot intervention for future studies. This study uses a quasiexperimental design that involves a 24-week intervention. We recruited 50 Māori and Pasifika women with type 2 diabetes (25 in the intervention group from the south side of Brisbane and 25 in the control group from the north side of Brisbane) using participatory talanoa methodologies. The intervention group participated in face-to-face and virtual whānau education workshops (5 weeks) and had access to individual coaching and virtual support delivered by trained Māori and Pasifika health professionals and community health workers. The control group received usual care with their identified health provider. Both groups received copies of the PWDWP journal, fact sheets, and a health check passbook with tailored motivational text messages. An advisory committee was set up to oversee the program implementation, including protocols of engagement, health checks, and data collection in community settings. The quantitative data were collected at T0, T1, and T2 with HbA1c as the primary outcome measure. Secondary outcomes measured changes in diabetes self-care and body composition (eg, BMI, waist circumference). Qualitative data will ascertain the program's feasibility and cultural adaptability using talanoa focus groups. This pilot study was approved by the Queensland University of Technology Human Ethic Research Committee (5609) and began in January 2023 after participant recruitment between July 2022 and December 2022. The final data collection including the health check, focus group, and survey data was completed in November 2023, and data analysis and reporting are expected to conclude in 2024. This study provides a blueprint for PWDWP. Collaborative partnerships with community organizations and stakeholders are crucial for program success and suggest a potential model for targeting diabetes management for Māori and Pasifika communities, emphasizing the need for culturally relevant interventions. The findings will have significant implications for policymakers and practitioners when developing and implementing public health initiatives, particularly for communities with unique cultural nuances. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12622001100785p; https://anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=384470&isReview=true. DERR1-10.2196/55435.

Provenance Analysis in the Nima Basin during Paleogene and Its Implications for the Decline of the Tibetan Central Valley.

It is unclear what caused the Bangong Nujiang suture zone in the central Tibetan plateau to rise from less than 2 km in early Cenozoic to more than 4 km at present. The zircon U-Pb ages and trace elements of samples from the Niubao Formation in the Paleogene of the Nima basin were analyzed and tested. Combined with the isostasy theory, the surface uplift height of the Nima Basin during the Cenozoic period was calculated. The zircon U-Pb age results of the Niubao formation are consistent with the ages of the Lhasa terrane on the south side of the basin, the Qiangtang terrane on the north side, and the uplift in central. The zircon Eu/Eu* results show that the crust in central part of Tibetan plateau thickened by ∼20 km in Paleogene, resulting in ∼3 km surface uplift. Sediments created a total of about 1 km of surface uplift throughout the Paleogene, and the deposition rate began to slow down significantly at ∼40 Ma. Therefore, it is inferred that in the early Cenozoic, the uplift of the valley was mainly caused by sedimentation. With the continuous downward subduction of the Indian plate, at about 40 Ma, factors such as crustal shortening dominated the uplift of the central valley, and the uplift caused by deposition only accounted for a very small part. In general, the uplift of the Central Valley in the Paleogene was mainly affected by crustal shortening, but a quarter of the surface uplift was caused by the accumulation of sediments.

Effects of tree density variations on outdoor heritage conservation: Numerical study of an ancient brick city wall with four orientations

Trees possess the potential to safeguard outdoor cultural heritage through the regulation of microclimates in their surroundings. The Leaf Area Index (LAI), a collective measure of the foliar portion within vegetation structure, reflects the regulatory ability of trees. In this study, numerical simulations were performed to compare the hygrothermal conditions of the Nanjing City Wall facing four orientations under the influence of evergreen trees with four LAI values, while also assessing the potential risks of salt weathering and algal growth. The results were as follows: 1) under the protective canopy of trees with identical LAI, the west and east walls experienced the highest temperature fluctuations, followed by the south and north sides. Wall surface temperature fluctuation was negatively correlated with LAI; 2) except for LAI = 1.5, the north wall had the least water content fluctuation under equivalent LAI levels. Water content fluctuation generally exhibited a decreasing trend with rising LAI; 3) at the same LAI level, the south wall presented the highest risk of salt weathering (including efflorescence and subflorescence), whereas the north wall faced the lowest risk. The risk of salt weathering decreased with an increase in LAI; 4) When shielded by trees with identical LAI, the north wall exhibited the greatest risk of algal growth, while the east wall faced least the risk. Higher LAI values were associated with an increased risk of algal growth on the wall surface. These results could provide a theoretical basis for large outdoor immovable heritage conservation and plant management around heritage sites.

Franc Jelovšek i novopronađeni oslik kapele sv. Ivana Nepomuka (1749.) u franjevačkoj crkvi Presvetog Trojstva u Karlovcu

In 2019, Baroque murals were discovered in the Franciscan Church of the Holy Trinity in Karlovac, specifically in the chapel constructed in 1748. Initially, the chapel was dedicated to St John of Nepomuk, but in 1904, the dedication changed to Our Lady of Lourdes. The chronicle of the Franciscan monastery (Archivium) in Karlovac preserves the decision of the Karlovac cavalrymen to choose St John of Nepomuk (1746) as their patron saint. Subsequently, the Franciscan guardian and friars requested permission from the general of the Karlovac Generalate to construct a chapel, and the request was sent and approved in the same year. A memorial plaque placed at the chapel’s entrance, engraved with the year of construction (1748) and the names of the donors, Feldmarschall Joseph Maria Friedrich Wilhelm Hollandinus von Sachsen-Hildburghausen and the “Illyrian” cavalrymen, also mentions their commander (cohortis chiliarcha), Maximilian Josef Baron Mittrowsky von Mitrowitz und Nemyschl. His coat of arms, name, and military rank (Vice-Colonello) are represented inside the chapel. The Karlovac Archivium further notes that the murals in the chapel were completed in 1749. Fragments discovered in the upper section of the wall and in the dome allow for a partial reconstruction of the paintings: on the south wall, it was St John of Nepomuk in front of King Wenceslaus (Václav IV), on the opposing north side, the Martyrdom of St John of Nepomuk, and in the dome, the Heavenly Celebration of St John of Nepomuk (?). Analogies with paintings from the 1740s in Štepanja Vas (1744), the Ajman castle near Škofja Loka (1739–1746), and Skaručna (1748) indicate Franc Jelovšek (Mengeš, October 4, 1700 – Ljubljana, May 31, 1764) as the artist. Veneration of St John of Nepomuk after his canonization (1729), particularly promoted by the Habsburg rulers, was part of the cults and religious practices known as pietas Austriaca, adherence to which was increasingly seen as a sign of loyalty to the dynasty, crucial during the wars of Austrian succession.

조선시대 정의현 읍치의 조성 과정과 공간구조

In the Joseon Dynasty, the center of Jeongui-hyeon was first established in Goseong-ri, Seongsan-eup, and then moved to the current Seongeup-ri in 1423. The construction of the citadel was carried out in five days despite the cold winter. It has a three-door structure: the west gate, the east gate, and the south gate, and has a T-shaped street network. The government office buildings were mainly located in the north, and a private houses were located in the south.,The factors that determine the location of town in Jeongui-hyeon include location factors, water factors, military factors, and geomantic factors. In addition, despite being a middle-mountainous region, the water was relatively abundant. In addition, since it is located inland, it is less invasive than the coast, and it is located in a propitious site where Hallasan Mountain's veins continue even from geomantic principles. Since Jeongui-hyeon has a relatively low status as a town, there are no various government buildings like Jejumok, and only the government buildings, for example, gaeksa, dongheon, hyangcheong, jilcheong, and military offices were built. There seems to have been little change in the location of gaeksa and donghan, and the location of other government buildings seems to have continued to fluctuate. Overall, the layout of the building was located on the north side of the east-west street network, and in the center was gaeksa symbolizing the kingship.

The Jet and Resolved Features of the Central Supermassive Black Hole of M87 Observed with EHT in 2017—Comparison with the GMVA 86 GHz Results

M87 is the best target for studying black hole accretion and jet formation. Reanalysis of the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) public data at 230 GHz shows a core–knots structure at the center and jet features. We here compare this with the new results of GMVA at 86 GHz showing a spatially resolved central core. There are similarities and differences between the two. At 86 GHz, “two bright regions” are seen on the ring in the core. The “core–knot–west knot” triple structure in the 230 GHz image shows apparent appearance of two peaks similar to the “two bright regions” when convolved with the GMVA beam. This similarity suggests that both frequencies reveal the same objects in the core area. Protrusions are observed on both the south and north sides of the core at both frequencies, becoming prominent and winglike at 230 GHz. The 86 GHz image shows a triple ridge jet structure, while the 230 GHz image shows only a bright central ridge with two roots. Both frequencies show a shade between the core and the central ridge. To detect the faint features from the EHT2017 data, we found that the use of all baseline data is essential. Using all baseline data, including the ultrashort data, revealed the jet and faint structures. Without the ultrashort baselines, these structures were not detectable. The lack of detection of any faint structures other than the ring in the M87 data by the EHTC is presumably due to the exclusion of ultrashort baselines from their analysis.

Study on Aquatic Macrophytes Diversity of Popatkhed Dam Near Akot Tahsil, District Akola (MS), India

The Popatkhed Dam is principal fresh water body located in Popatkhed village of Akot Tahsil in Akola District of Maharashtra State. Akot is a tahsil place and it is 45 km north side away from Akola. In present investigation Popatkhed Dam is 15 km north side away from Akot tahsil and it is about 778Mabove form sealevel and is at 77o 5’3.89” E longitude and 21o 12’ 15.17” N latitude and depth of water is 42.6 M (140 feet). The gross storage capacity of water is 10,709 km3 (2,569 cu. mi), the water of this dam is primary used for washing, bathing, fishing activities, agricultural and other domestic purpose but now it is at a traditional state with respect to degradation. The Macrophytes were studied from Jan 2023 to Dec 2023 during this period total 21 species of Macrophytes were found in sample of water three sites A, B and C. In the present study total 21 Macrophytes species of 5 different types were recorded in Popatkhed Dam

Non-negligible contribution from coastal erosion to sedimentation around the archipelago: A case study of Miaodao Archipelago

The Miaodao Archipelago, located in the southern Bohai Strait, serves as a major route for the exchange of energy and materials between the Yellow and Bohai seas and is distinguished by a complicated hydrodynamic environment and provenance. Based on the grain size and elemental data of 107 surface sediment samples from the archipelago waters, and 58 coastal erosional sediment and bedrock samples, this study investigated the factors influencing the geochemical elemental distribution, discusses the provenance of the surface sediments and relative contributions, as well as proposes a sediment source–sink model for the region. The distribution of major and trace elements in the surface sediments, typically characterized by “high in the north, low in the south” patterning (except for SiO2, Ba, and Sr), with their contents primarily controlled by the input of terrestrial materials. The surface sediments in the study area are separated into the geochemical subdivisions of north and south. The main provenances of the study area include the Yellow River, the nearshore Miaodao Archipelago, and the north side of nearshore Penglai, whose sediments were transported under the combined action of the Shandong Peninsula's tidal current, waves, and longshore current. Deposition occurred under the capturing action of the archipelago. The relative contributions of the three provenance areas were 74.7%, 15.5%, and 9.8%, respectively; the relative contribution of coastal erosion reaches 1/3 of the river. Studies have demonstrated that the contribution of coastal erosion provenances to sea surface sediments is non-negligible, and in fact, it may even be quite important; thus, in the context of decreasing riverine inputs to the sea and enhanced coastal erosion processes, the contribution of coastal erosion requires special attention.

Spatial Distribution, Risk Assessment and Sources of Heavy Metals in Roadside Soils Exposed to the Zhengzhou-Kaifeng Intercity Railway in Huanghuai Plain, China

ABSTRACT Heavy metal accumulation in soil can seriously harm human health, and it is necessary to identify the accumulation status and access the potential risks for local pollution control and sustainable economic development. This study evaluated the pollution level, spatial distribution, potential risk and sources of soil heavy metals along the Zhengzhou-Kaifeng intercity railway and compared pollution characteristics in north side soils with south side soils of the railway. A total of 260 soil samples were collected from a section along the railway. In practice, only the average Zn and Pb contents in soils were slightly higher than their corresponding risk screening values. The heavy metal enrichment in the north side soils was marginally lower than that in the south side soils. The spatial distribution of soil heavy metals except Pb could be mainly influenced by the different land use types. The geoaccumulation index and potential ecological risk of a single heavy metal indicated that Cd was the major contaminant with moderate pollution and high ecological risks in the south side soils and none to moderate pollution and moderate ecological risks in the north side soils. However, the mean multimetal potential ecological risk values suggested that the north side soils were at low ecological risks and the south side soils were at moderate ecological risks. The comprehensive non-carcinogenic risks and total carcinogenic risks for adults were low and acceptable, respectively. Pearson correlation analysis, PCA, and APCS-MLR analyses identified that the contributions of natural sources, mixed sources of industrial and traffic activities, agricultural activities, and other sources were 57.49%, 21.44%, 12.67% and 8.40%, respectively, and the major soil pollution Cd was mainly related to mixed sources of industrial and traffic activities. Therefore, continuous soil heavy metal monitoring is essential to elucidate the long-term railway operation effect on soil heavy metal accumulation.

The Correlation of Avifauna Diversity and Its Habitat: An Observation Study at Mount Kawi Slope Waterfall, East Java

Avifauna inhabiting mountain forest ecosystems on Java Island face severe threats from anthropogenic disturbances. Despite this, the diversity of avifauna in specific areas, such as the Hutan Lindung Pegunungan Putri Tidur (HLPPT) on the slopes of Mount Kawi, remains poorly monitored. This study focuses on assessing avifauna diversity and communities in the tourist area of Mount Kawi slope waterfalls, situated on both the southeast side in Malang Regency and the north side in Batu City. The research, conducted from January to March 2022, examined eight waterfall locations (Baung, Glotak, Luksongo, Parangtejo, Manten, Tengah, Rondo, and Sumberpitu) using the roaming method with Visual Encounter Survey (VES) and Audiovisual Encounter Survey (AES) techniques. Data analysis included considerations of conservation status, local distribution, feed specialists, diversity indices (Taxa Richness, Shannon-Wiener Diversity Index (H’), Simpson Index (D), Evenness Index (E)), and Important Value Index (IVI) as an assessment of avifaunal diversity. Researchers employed Microsoft Excel and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to determine preferences for each character diversity index and abiotic factors in each location. Across the site, 84 species from 33 families were identified. Notably, seven species were classified as at risk (4 near-threatened, two vulnerable, and one endangered), and nine avifauna were protected. The correlation of avifauna diversity to biotic and abiotic factors was positive. These results provide essential data for further conservation management, emphasizing the protection of the forest area, tourists, waterfalls, and slopes of Mount Kawi. Additionally, studying spatial and temporal distribution is crucial for future avifauna species re-inventory efforts.

Neighborhood Tree Position and Size Had Hierarchical Effects on Korean Pine Growth at Different Opening Degree Levels

Certain fluctuations were found when using the opening degree index to evaluate the effects of the adjacent broadleaved trees on the under-canopy target Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis Sieb. et Zucc.) trees in a mixed forest of planted Korean trees and natural broadleaved trees. The fluctuations were probably caused by the different positions and sizes of the adjacent broadleaved trees over the target Korean pine trees. For the purpose of clarifying this issue, the effect of the position and size (marked by height and diameter) of the neighborhood broadleaved trees on the height and diameter growth of Korean pine trees under the canopy in a secondary forest at different opening degree levels was studied. Generally, the mean DBH (diameter at breast height) and mean height of P. koraiensis trees under the canopy were higher when the adjacent broadleaved trees were located on the north or east sides of the target P. koraiensis trees than when they were located on the south or west sides. This was the case at all opening degree levels except the 0.5 opening degree level, where no significant difference was observed among the growth indexes of Korean pine trees based on the different positions of neighborhood trees. The mean DBH and height of P. koraiensis trees under the canopy decreased with the increase in the DBH and height of the adjacent broadleaved trees at all orientations and at all opening degree levels, but only those of the Korean pine trees with adjacent broadleaved trees on the south side in the 12.6–13.5 m height range and those with adjacent broadleaved trees on most sides in the 18.6–21.0 cm and 13.6–14.5 m height ranges at opening degree levels of K = 2.0, 1.5, and 1.0 reached a significant level of difference; whereas those of most Korean pine trees with adjacent broadleaved trees on the south and west sides in the height range of 11.6–12.5 m and DBH ranges of 13.6–16 cm and 16.1–18.5 cm, as well as the ones with adjacent broadleaved trees on most sides in the DBH range of 18.6–21.0 cm and the height range of 13.6–14.5 m at the opening degree level of K = 0.5, reached a significant level of difference, with a few exceptions. In conclusion, the broadleaved trees with a large diameter, great height, and a south or west orientation of the target P. koraiensis trees had a negative impact on their growth, but influence intensities changed at different opening degree levels.

Effects of the Abandonment of Traditional Cultural Practices on Epiphytic Bryolichenic Communities in Chestnut Orchards in North-West Spain

This study delves into the impact of contrasting management practices on epiphytic bryolichenic communities, shedding light on their divergent responses to management regimes on Castanea sativa Mill. orchards. Lichens and bryophytes were sampled in managed and abandoned plots, in 95 trees, in north and south sides and at two heights in Galicia (NW Spain). The studied groups exhibited opposing reactions to these management practices; bryophytes suffered adverse effects in managed stands, experiencing reduced cover and species richness compared to abandoned orchards, while lichens displayed heightened cover and species diversity. The size of trees, included as a covariate in our analyses, displayed no significant impact on the overall species richness of lichens or bryophytes, although it did influence the cover of specific functional traits. These differing outcomes may be linked to alterations in environmental conditions brought by management interventions. Furthermore, the study uncovered divergent responses within the taxonomic and functional composition of epiphytic communities. Different species and functional groups exhibited varying reactions to changing environmental conditions, making predictions a complex endeavour. In conclusion, this research emphasizes the need for management strategies that account for the diverse ecological requirements of different species and functional groups since no single management regime will suit all species or functional groups.

Energy use Efficiency on High Rise Hotel Building to Reduce Carbon Emission Using Sefaira

A lot of energy consumed by large hotel buildings can affect the environment degradation in a long period of time. Every building plan, including hotels must consider an integrated balance in utilizing existing and limited resources based on low CO2 emissions. Excessive use of energy has a negative impact which increasing the amount of CO2 emissions. This research aims to determine the effect of energy efficiency to provide recommendations, which require significant reduction of energy and environmental degradation by minimizing energy use and CO2 emission. The method that used in this research are modelling, and simulate the energy use intensity and carbon emission using Sefaira as a Sketchup Software plug-in by simulating the existing design and provide a recommendation. The object that being used in this research is a hotel building that have 11 floor and 1 basement in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The result shows EUI of existing hotel building is 977 kWh/m2/year and carbon emission 1.872.042 kgCO2e/year. Comparing to the EUI standard which at the limit of 290–400 kWh/m2/yr. It is recommended to build additional window at the dismantled room area on north and south side of the hotel’s corridor. The recommended design, provides a reduction of EUI into 744,22 kWh/m2/year (31,28%). Meanwhile the carbon emission reduced into 1.467.072 kgCO2e/year (27,60%) from the existing design.

Microclimate-Adaptive Morphological Parametric Design of Streets and Alleys in Traditional Villages

Microclimate is a reflection of the climatic conditions within the scope of human daily activities, so it is closely related to human activities. This paper uses Qingshui Village in Hancheng as the research object and the purpose of this paper was to study the influence mechanism of the traditional street spatial form on microclimate and thermal comfort, emphasizing the use of parameterized design platforms in technical methods to construct performance simulations and obtain relatively optimal solutions that are suitable for the spatial form of rural streets and alleys in the region. We select the Universal Thermal Climate Evaluation Index (UTCI) as the evaluation index for microclimate comfort and construct a performance-driven automatic optimization method for street and alley spaces. The results showed that: (1) When the street is in the northeast-southwest direction, the width is taken in the range of 6.5 m–7.3 m, the height of the building on the north side of the street is about 6.0 m, and the height of the building on the south side of the street is about 5.7 m, the comfort rate can reach up to 33.8%. (2) As for street and alley intersections, the focus remains on retaining their original forms while primarily controlling the scale changes. Within streets, the height of the building in the east-west direction is controlled at 5.6 m–6.1 m, the building in the north-south direction is controlled at 7 m–7.4 m, and street widths are controlled between 5.4 m and 6.3 m, resulting in a comfort level of 32.0%; (3) In alleys, east-west building heights are kept between 4.2 m and 5.5 m, and north-south building heights range from 4.5 m to 5.3 m, with widths at around 4.5 m, resulting in a similar comfort level of 32.0%. The research outcomes offer a scientific foundation for the design, creation, and enhancement of the physical environment of local village streets and alleys.