bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Petroleum Resources-Based Urban Ecological Planning and Development. Research Based on Green Growth and Economic Transition
Authors: Shi Jun , Liang Ning
Published: January 2021

Petroleum resource-based city is an important part of urban system in China. Under the background of green growth and economic transition, petroleum resource-based city is facing the problem of sustainable development. This paper takes petroleum resources-based cities in China as the research object, and uses urban ecological planning method to analyze the basic methods of petroleum resources-based urban ecological planning and development from three aspects: establishing multi-level city circle layer, building urban ecotope and promoting urban renewal. The results show that green growth and economic transition of petroleum resources cities in China depend on government planning for urban development, including statutory planning and non-statutory planning. Petroleum resources-based cities should promote the ecological planning and development of petroleum resources-based cities in China from three aspects: optimizing the industrial structure of cities, optimizing the layout of urban functional areas and optimizing the layout of urban ecolandscape in order to adapt to green growth and economic transition.
Sensitivity Microscale of Urban Heat Island Reduction by Green Space
Authors: Wang Shizhen , Huang Huanchun , Hao Cui , Cao Lei , Liu Ting
Published: January 2021

Green space is one of the main measures to alleviate urban heat islands (UHI). The transformation mechanism of daytime and nighttime scale sensitivity of vegetation coverage to reduce the UHI effect in a daily cycle has been unclear. As a result, we propose a scale sensitivity measurement algorithm to study the spatial and temporal response relationship between UHI and green coverage. Based on the scale theory of landscape ecology and the method of geostatistical analysis, we adopted ArcGIS, MATLAB, SPSS, and other data processing software as well as a large amount of measured and high-resolution satellite imagery data of Beijing and Tianjin to quantitatively study their spatial scale sensitivity and daily variation features of urban green spaces to reduce summer UHI. The results show that first, the green coverage rate and the UHI intensity experience positive and negative correlations during the daytime, and negative correlations at night. When the correlation coefficient is significant, there is a linear relationship between the UHI intensity and the core green rate. Second, the reduction of the UHI by green spaces displays spatial and temporal change scale sensitivity characteristics. The radius scale of daytime sensitivity is 15m, and the radius scale of nighttime sensitivity is 60m. The study's conclusion enriches the theoretical parameters of landscape ecological scales and patterns, and provides spatial and temporal scales for systematic planning of green space to reduce UHI.
A Visionary Urban Ecology Project in Hedebygade - 12 Sub-Projects
Authors: Christensen Kurt Kjærgard
Published: January 2021

The renovation of the Hedebygade urban block started in 1994. With a total of 150 apartments, this project was the largest environmentally sustainable urban renovation project in Denmark or northern Europe. The total cost was €50 million (US$62 million). In addition, the Danish government provided funding for the restoration to be used as an ecological demonstration and experiment project, including 12 individual sub-projects highlighting different aspects of environmentally sustainable renovation.
The Ucisv-Ver Popular Housing Programme, Mexico
Authors: Almazán Cristina
Published: January 2021

This incremental housing programme combines resources from participating families with traditional joint savings schemes and micro-credit to help those who have no access to formal credit to build new homes or improve their existing accommodation. Families are involved in the design process of their homes and training is provided in self-help construction methods. The construction process is phased to avoid families becoming financially overstretched. The consolidation of community organisation and solidarity, the empowerment of women and development of savings capacity are important elements of this well-established programme that has to date funded the construction and/or improvement of over 800 homes in the state of Veracruz, Mexico.
Kaantabay Sa Kauswagan: Empowering the Urban Poor in Naga City, Philippines
Authors: Prilles Wilfredo
Published: January 2021

Initiated in 1989, the KsK programme (literally Partners in Development) shows how a tri-partite approach of pooling resources and capabilities of private landowners, city and central government and the poor can be used to improve urban living conditions. Strong political will and an enlightened perception of the poor has enabled a city government to reduce poverty, manage urbanisation and improve quality of life in urban areas. Eighty-one per cent of the 7,400 low-income houses have been improved to date. Strong community participation has been a vital factor in achieving this success.
Integer Intelligent and Green Housing Project Lyttleton Street, West Bromwich, United Kingdom
Authors: Thompson Nicholas C.
Published: January 2021

The Lyttleton Street scheme was a pilot project, applying INTEGER's Intelligent and Green design ideas, processes and technologies at the first stage of the redevelopment of the 40 hectare Lyng Estate in Sandwell. The objective was to provide exceptional standards of tenant choice, space, control and environmental performance. Comprising 12 flats and 3 houses, this sustainable housing scheme contributes to and complements Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council's Agenda 21 targets. The design used forms a flexible system which can be applied to provide a variety of accommodation sizes and types, with cladding and fit-out options selected from a menu.
Ecologically and Socially Sustainable Development in Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Authors: Preston Clayton
Published: January 2021

East Lake Commons is a 67 home mixed-use, mixed-income in-fill community in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. The community planning process began in 1997, and construction was substantially complete by 2000. East Lake Commons successfully incorporates a wide range of ecological and social concepts, including those of Atlanta Regional Commission and the US Environmental Protection Agency. In addition, the project has established new practices such as Handicap Visitability that is influencing national policy makers.
The Otherness of Cyberspace, Virtual Reality, and Hypertext vis-a-vis “The Traditional”
Authors: İlter Tuğrul
Published: January 2021

This article engages with the question of the otherness of cyberspace, VR, and hypertext, and how they are distinguished as “new” from “the traditional.” It begins by noting how this “new” present is distinguished by familiar binary oppositions like now vs. past and modern vs. traditional which rely on the notion of a new that is uncontaminated by the old. Both our enthusiasm for the singularly liberating nature of this new future as cybertechnophiles, and our Luddite resistance to its singularly fascistic and panoptic encirclement are similarly informed by this binary opposition. The paper then notes how the other in this opposition is a “domestic other.” Thus we always-already know what the other is all about. Arguing that if the other were radically other and not “domesticated,” one could not give an account of it in this way, the paper concludes that such alterity requires a rethinking of how one knows the other. The difference between this “wild” other and the “domestic” other is not an external difference but is radical; it is at the root. Therefore, our notions of space, reality, and text need to be complicated and rethought to accommodate what they seem to oppose: cyberspace, virtual reality, and hypertext.
Editorial
Authors: Salama Ashraf M.
Published: January 2021

When looking at recent debates on sustainability one can observe that implicit within these debates is a criticism against the values, attitudes, and tools by which most of the built environment has been produced over the years, that has led to social alienation and environmental depletion. Several definitions of sustainability correspond with this criticism, where some definitions focus on environmental criteria while others integrate socio-cultural aspects into environmental concerns. The main idea behind the notion of sustainability is to create an effective system of resource distribution and utilization with a long term perspective in mind (ECE, 1996). A sustainable society in this respect is one that can persist over generations, one that is far sighted enough, flexible enough, and wise enough not to undermine either its physical or its social systems of support.
Learning From the Vernacular: Sustainable Planning and Design
Authors: Eyüce Ahmet
Published: January 2021

Ecologically fit built form and settlement is an outcome of harmonious modes of interaction between the man-made and the natural environment. It is also the prerequisite of a sustainable planning and design process. In building terms, an ecologically fit building involves the existence of appropriate schemes of enclosures and exposures of indoor spaces which is achieved through fundamental building features like relations with the ground, properties of building mass, treatment of the building envelop and roof performance.

While the debate on the conflicting aspects of the two extremes, namely the international style and regionalism, continues to occupy architectural media, a new paradigm of place dependent ecological architecture has to be formulated. In this connection it is not surprising to notice that vernacular built form based on building traditions are ecologically fit and may well constitute a sound source of information. This study aims at deciphering relevant clues to be utilized as design guidelines through the analysis of fundamental building features of vernacular built environments.
Eco-Resorts in Tropical Coasts: Design and Comfort
Authors: Bromberek Zbigniew
Published: January 2021

The argument presented in this paper is based on distinctive and exploitable differences which merit putting eco-tourists, eco-resorts and the coastal tropics into categories of their own. Such differences should inform planning and design process when working in this environment, which is both very sensitive and valuable. The paper aims to describe the main characteristics of the coastal tropics as a climate targeted by eco-tourism. Differences between eco-tourists and residents are presented through definition of comfort. Climatic and other factors influencing comfort limits are at the core of discussion, in which passive design is seen as the most appropriate response to challenges of the tropical coast setting. The design opportunities for the desirable climate modifications in eco-friendly resorts together with some passive design features are briefly presented. These architectural design solutions are set against theoretical principles specific to tropical coastal regions. The focus is on human responses to environmental factors, and on their implications. The paper concludes with a few recommendations aimed to deliver indoor conditions consistent with climatic preferences of itinerant environmentally conscious users of buildings in the coastal tropics. Such an approach is expected to minimize impacts the facility will make on the environment.
Sustainable Rural Tourism in Akseki Sarihacilar Village
Authors: Altun Sedef , Beyhan Gülin , Esengil Recep
Published: January 2021

The article establishes a framework for diversifying tourism in Antalya through the evaluation of a village in terms of sustainable rural tourism. Located 160 kilometers from Antalya on the road to Konya, the Akseki district is explored as a case study within the context of the project. The goal of the project is to provide maximum efficiency in the economical, social, and cultural dimensions of tourism with sustainable development practices in order to dispel the incongruities of regional development. As a result of the survey carried out in the region, the "Sarihacilar" Village, located 4 km away from downtown Akseki, was chosen as a sample for application due to its unique richness. Hosting only seven migrant families dealing with livestock, it is almost abandoned because of migration. The planning process endeavors to bring rural tourism to the Sarihacilar Village; it started with the preparation of an inventory of the existing village and the houses. The process was carried out through communication with the homeowners, determination of necessities, re-programming of the buildings and questionnaires. In the meantime, maps of the existing conditions and the settlement plans for the village were prepared. Subsequently the restoration some of buildings, 10 houses and village mansions, had been completed. With the aims of providing possibilities of alternative tourism in Antalya and of accelerating progress in rural areas by means of tourism, the Akseki Sarihacilar village seeks to create a tourism industry that guarantees that all of its local, social and cultural values are preserved.
African Housing Organisations Respond to The Hiv and Aids Crisis
Authors: Gopalen Priya , Pinsky Barry
Published: January 2021

HIV and AIDS is an urgent housing and human settlements issue, especially among women and children living in poverty and suffering from poor housing conditions in urban slums in the South. The link between poverty and HIV prevalence is well established, and the fact that inadequate shelter increases the vulnerability of the urban poor to HIV and AIDS is increasingly recognised. Since 2003, Rooftops Canada and their partners in Kenya, Tanzania, Cameroon, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and more recently Uganda, have been working on strategies and developing programmes to respond to the AIDS crisis in these countries. Related programmes link shelter to poverty reduction through sustainable economic and social development, environmental protection, respect for human rights, democratisation and gender equality.

This paper compiles the experiences of the partner housing organisations and resource groups in Sub-Saharan Africa responding to HIV and AIDS among their constituent stakeholders. The community-based responses focus on promoting social sustainability, enhancing operational capacity and improving financial sustainability. Community-based responses relate to issues of stigma and discrimination, reducing the impact of housing rights violations and responding to the specific vulnerability of children, women and youth. Social sustainability deals with the impact of HIV and AIDS on the social viability of communities. Operational capacity analyses housing groups' responses to the organ-isational impact of HIV and AIDS - including loss of staff, leadership and institutional memory, decreased productivity and capacity - and the experience of including HIV and AIDS within the core organisational mandate. Financial sustainability explores the challenges of reconciling related financial and social goals.
Homelessness and Hiv/Aids in Johannesburg
Authors: Olufemi Olusola
Published: January 2021

This paper contends that the peculiar, chronic, itinerant lifestyles and precarious spaces occupied by the homeless enhance their risk and vulnerability to HIV/AIDS. These spaces, including the streets, shacks and cardboard boxes, mine dumps and unorganised shelters, expose them to indecent lifestyles, poor choices and greater risk of HIV, as well as Tuberculosis (TB) and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).

This study was conducted amongst street homeless people, shack and hostel dwellers in informal settlements in various locations in Johannesburg. Inferences were drawn from the personal experiences of homeless people, and inputs from individuals and organisations that are engaged and work in the field of homelessness. Types of dwellings, overcrowding, livelihoods, knowledge of HIV/AIDS and survival sex are among the issues examined.

Preliminary findings indicate that, firstly, poverty is a leading cause of precarious housing among the homeless. Secondly, behavioural practices, especially survival sex, make homeless people vulnerable to HIV. As a result, there is an increase in mortality rates from both HIV and AIDS amongst this group of people. Thirdly, the difficulties homeless people experience in gaining access to water, sanitation and health care services also compromises the care of those who are infected or affected by HIV/AIDS. Finally, other barriers to care and determinants of vulnerability to HIV/AIDS are the lack of knowledge, judgemental attitudes of the care providers overcrowding and lack of adequate nutrition amongst the homeless.
Editorial
Authors: Wilkinson Nicholas
Published: January 2021

Some architects are still somewhat careful in embracing open building for two reasons. Firstly they see the design responsibility of ‘the plan’ being taken away from them and secondly they worry at having a third party who is not an architect to ‘design’ his or her own floor plan. This could occur in health, educational, residential or office environments and since the third party is likely to be a lay person and not someone from the design disciplines it is deemed as unprofessional. This is largely a misunderstanding because the role of the user is not a design role in the professional sense of the word. Rather the users are making their priorities and relationships for various functions in the form of a plan but more likely expressed with a dolls house type of model or by computer modeling. This can be applied to the work place, health care, educational buildings and many more types. It is often engrained in the mind of the professionals that they must perfect the plan, work and work on it, polish it, defend it, the plan is theirs and where the physical structure only relates to that specific plan. Any change in the plan brings about a change in the structure. This really is a negation of open building. Such a one to one correlation of structure to plan leaves no room for movement or any alternative plan. This was the horror of some nineteen fifties and sixties tower blocks for council tenants where four or even six units per floor were shaped by the vertical structural sheer walls and columns. These could be holding up to twenty five stories and at the same time these monolithic structural concrete walls formed the plan configuration of the flats on each floor. The characteristics of this approach were standardization and the complete inability of the building to respond to change. Timelessness rather than time-based would be the best description of such buildings.
Growth Patterns in Incremental Self-Build Housing in Chile
Authors: Alvarado Rodrigo García , Donath Dirk , Böhme Luis Felipe González
Published: January 2021

Over the past three decades, a small community of eighty-four Chilean low-income families has built and improved their home incrementally, without any technical assistance, showing an impressive performance. A six square meters bathroom on a serviced plot of land with individual connection to potable water, sewerage, electricity and access roads, worked as a starting point back in 1974. However particular their rationale may seem, the individual history of their housing process reveals some general regularities in occurrence and duration of self-build activities, as well as size and allocation of the domestic spaces. A small random sample of fifteen households was selected to tell the story and explain the whys, hows, and whens of an ever-evolving housing process. Semi-structured interviews and building surveys were both combined to reconstruct the sequence of states of each housing process, with the awareness of the characteristic imprecision of oral information transfer. Alternative states were explored by constraint programming methods and spatial qualitative reasoning. Considering the hard constraints over the site morphology and services allocation, the results of the exploration stress how extraordinary lucid and intuitive the surveyed families are when making their design decisions. The article exposes a reconstructive case study on spontaneous growth patterns underlying an unassisted, incremental self-build housing dynamics.
Flexible Design of Public Housing in Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada
Authors: Debicka Elizabeth , Friedman Avi
Published: January 2021

Public housing delivered in the Canadian Arctic has been ill-adapted to the social and cultural realities of Inuit communities and to northern climate. Inadequate consultation has resulted in dwellings that fails to adapt to the needs of growing families, impedes the ability of residents to engage in land-based activities, and is inappropriate for local climate. This paper examines how a user-led, flexible approach can help tailor the design of new public homes to the needs of the local housing authority and future occupants. Flexibility is incorporated into the pre-occupancy, post-occupancy and refurbishment stages of the units life-cycle, ensuring that they can be easily adapted over time. A menu of interior and exterior design components has been developed for selection by all stakeholders. The redevelopment of Widow's Row, in Iqaluit, Nunavut demonstrates how appropriate design can play a pivotal role in addressing the housing crisis.
Child-Friendly Urban Environment and Playgrounds in Warsaw
Authors: Pawlikowska-Piechotka Anna
Published: January 2021

In recent years worldwide interest has arisen in developing “child-friendly cities”, but research into this issue has so far not being carried out in Poland. Over the past decades one can observe a visible change which has taken place in the relationship between children and their living environment. In the many Polish cities (like in all industrialized countries) increased road traffic, pollution and crime, fragmentation of urban fabric, reduction of green public areas – resulted in rather ‘non child friendly’ environment. Although a child can play anywhere, carefully planned playgrounds are widely considered as an essential part of children's leisure and education. Today in Warsaw playgrounds could be found in a variety of settings as housing estates, recreation public areas, urban parks, schools, churches, community centres and commercial establishments as restaurants and hotels. But one can notice that demand for outdoor recreation shows signs of stopping, despite the efforts to supply much more sophisticated equipment. The aim of our research was to seek an answer for question how could we create an environment that meets a child's needs? Which factors determine child-friendly environment? In the course of our research project selected children's playgrounds in Warsaw were surveyed, undertaken on specific themes, such as: facilities, safety, pressures for change, popularity of sites, proposed strategy of renewal (with playground users interviewed). We were interested both in the children and their caregivers diversifying preferences, their expectations of outdoor recreation infrastructure and management improvements. As at present in Warsaw live as much as 5 528 disabled children therefore emphasis has been also placed on disabled children, their everyday access possibilities to public play space.
Book Review
Authors: Oktay Derya
Published: January 2021

THE PRINCIPLES OF GREEN URBANISM: Transforming the City for Sustainability
Importing Exceptional Buildings: Transforming Urban Arabian Peninsula Into Skyscraper Cities
Authors: Al-Kodmany Kheir , Ali Mir M.
Published: January 2021

Globalization has supported the exportation of exotic design and construction of many buildings including skyscrapers. In the past two decades skyscrapers have proliferated across cities all over the world, particularly those in the Arabian Peninsula. Because of their massive bulk and soaring height, these skyscrapers have dramatically altered the urban landscape and city identity. This paper examines the role of skyscrapers in supporting place identity in the Arabian Peninsula. Through case studies, the paper describes and evaluates skyscraper projects. While the “imported” iconic skyscrapers with their flamboyant forms have been transformative in re-imaging cities and their skylines, many of these have been transplanted to these cities with little consideration for local heritage and culture.
Editorial
Authors: Wilkinson Nicholas
Published: January 2021

This issue has many manuscripts dealing with PLACE, GENTRIFICATION PROCESSES, HOME OWNERSHIP, VERTICAL GREENERY SYSTEMS, SUSTAINABLE PERFORMANCE OF BUILDINGS AND COMMUNICATION IN PRACTICES.
Editorial: Three Tenets of Environmental Importance
Authors: Wilkinson Nicholas
Published: January 2021

These are Working, Learning and Living. The first and last of Working and Living have been addressed in some of the previous issues of the journal. ‘Working’ has been supported and developed by books, journals and projects. User decision making processes lie central to these concepts.
Identifying Privacy Concerns on the Formation of Courtyards
Authors: Nejadriahi Halleh , Dincyurek Ozgur
Published: January 2021

Rapid changes due to the globalization process, cause in disappearance of traditional values and identity in the new architectural designs, particularly in the historical settlements. Presence of courtyard in the houses of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean countries dates back to nearly six thousand years ago. Privacy is one of the fundamental notions in the spatial organization of the traditional houses in this region and courtyard is the main component that assists achieving privacy in such houses. Kashan as one of the ancient cities of Iran possessing a considerable number of distinctive traditional courtyard houses, is crucial to be interrogated in terms of its traditional architecture to maintain its values and to sustain identity of the city. Space syntax as an effective method to clarify the spatial pattern of buildings and the degree of privacy in the interior spaces is applied in this study to identify privacy concerns on the formation of courtyards in the spatial organization of the traditional houses of Kashan. This paper may contribute in providing an approach for distribution of spaces in the house according to their level of privacy and its relationship in the process of current house layout design
Toward Historic Urban Landscape Approach: Serial Properties Along the Bosna River
Authors: Kudumović Lana
Published: January 2021

Today, preserving architectural heritage is imposed as an obligation, regardless of the type of heritage.

Heritage values are irreplaceable and priceless category of the remains of the human activities during the past, at the same time they are a category that seeks for a well prepared preservation program.

Regarding a cultural heritage preservation program developed in Bosnia and Herzegovina, it is obvious that much more must be done to preserve all traces of history as well as to manage and understand the heritage in a broader context.

The aim of this paper is to emphasize the importance of including different types of properties and urban areas, such as small scale towns, into heritage preservation and development programs. Settlement and heritage assets are subject to change in the future, but contemporary changes could be used as a driver for the development of a wide area and as a key resource for future development.

In order to recognize and distinguish the geographical setting of the Bosna River valley as a whole comprised of serial properties, two case studies, namely Tesanj and Vranduk towns settled along the Bosna River are described, focusing on the values as well as development challenges associated with small scale towns in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Relationship between the natural and built heritage of the selected sites acknowledged by its uniqueness, authenticity and integrity could be accomplished through a HUL (Historic Urban Landscape) approach. In this paper, all necessary steps of an integrated management plan are briefly described for the proposed serial of properties, recognizing serial of properties as the only possible sustainable category for the heritage sites along the Bosna River.
Assessment of Changes in Green Space of Nanjing City Using 1998 and 2007 Landsat Satellite Data
Authors: Xu Hao
Published: January 2021

Conservation of green space is crucial to the sustainable urban development of China. Nanjing is a central city in the Yangtze River Delta cluster in eastern China. Owing to urbanization, the green spaces in this city have been affected significantly in terms of their scale and structure. Assessing such changes can provide a basis for environmental protection measures and sustainable development. Using Landsat remote-sensing image data from 1998 and 2007, we constructed a distribution map of the patches of green spaces in Nanjing, and analyzed and assessed the changes in scale and spatial layout of the green spaces using various landscape metrics including CA, PLAND, PD, MPS, LPI, NP, PD, TE, ED, MPI, and LSI. Coinciding with a sharp increase in urban population, the area of green spaces in Nanjing decreased by 27.06% between 1998 and 2007. The patches of green space increased by 39%, and the average area per patch decreased by about 47.52%. Green space patches were found to be unevenly distributed among the districts of Nanjing. In urban areas, significant numbers of such patches were found primarily in various types of parks, while in suburban areas, they were concentrated mainly in the hilly forestlands. Green spaces exhibited tendencies towards fragmentation, miniaturization, and discretization.
Cross Method and Design Process for DSF Elements
Authors: Ilter Sertaç , Vural S.Müjdem
Published: January 2021

The double-skin façade (DSF) is one of the most crucial paradigms of building envelope design in last decades. DSF prospects a unified architectural phenomenon based on comfort rank of building driven by the dogmas of aesthetic-glass façade and practical-natural ventilation aspirations. Therefore, the utilization of DSF has been the most prevalent catalyst for architectural design.

The study discusses to structure a valid evaluation method focusing on DSF elements in order to fragment human comfort standards within asserting an accurate system in the preliminary design stage. The study significantly examines the tools/ways of integrating DSFs' human comfort parameters in contemporary architecture though a convincing design system. Apparently, the study aims to provide a proposed guideline within a established analyzing system for architects in order to better formation of DSF elements; which refers and promote the human comfort standards. The results demonstrate a modest insight on understanding the potentials of DSF elements in the early design stage significantly following defined architectural conceptions; cooling, lighting, thermal, acoustic and visual comfort intensity. Based on obtained data; study aims to enclose a diminutive knowledge or demonstration of how the concept might work for future development of contemporary architecture within DSF area.
“Beauty” Based on the Functionality of Smart Skin in Buildings
Authors: Al-Dın Salar Salah Muhy , Nia Hourakhsh Ahmad
Published: January 2021

The aim of this study is to extend the rationale and comprehensive understanding in respect of the notion of functionality and beauty in the smart skin buildings. Smart skin in buildings plays a key role in improving building functionality, and the future lies in the use of innovative smart skin strategies. The methodology focused on the objectivity and subjectivity of human perception to assess the aesthetic value of a building's smart skin. A theoretical analysis has been conducted based on the results of the investigation model and fortified by comparing the results with the findings obtained through the opinions of experts based in AHP methodology. The study demonstrates that there is a relation between both the aesthetic value and the functionality of the smart skin of a building. The findings revealed the difference in the aesthetic evaluation between the subjective functionality and the objective functionality of the building skin. The findings contribute useful evidence for the promotion of our understanding regarding the aesthetic value of the smart skin of a building, based on its functionality.
Current Situation and Improving Strategies for Northeast China's Rural Housings
Authors: Shao Teng , Jin Hong , Zhao Lihua
Published: January 2021

According to the survey and measurement on rural housing in the Northeast severe cold regions of China, this paper analyzed the existing situation and problems of current rural housing in terms of integral development, functional layout, envelop structure, interior thermal environment, heating system and energy utilization etc.. Based on the climatic features of severe cold regions, as well as rural financial and technical conditions, living and production mode, residential construction characteristics and existing resource status etc., the feasible approaches of achieving building energy saving has been proposed, thus acting as a guidance for new rural housing design in severe cold regions.
Neighbourhood Parks as a Potential Stress Reliever: Review on Literature
Authors: Ishak Syaidatul Azzreen , Hussein Hazreena , Jamaludin Adi Ainurzaman
Published: January 2021

This paper probes into the relationship between Neighbourhood Parks and their efficiency as a potential stress reliever from the outdoor environment. It consists of the introduction to the relationship between stress and outdoor environment, background research on recent issues of Neighbourhood Park and it then continues with the context of perceiving Neighbourhood Park as a stress reliever. This paper looks into the previous studies that employed observations, survey, interviews and instruments as methods in proving Neighbourhood Parks as a potential stress reliever. Relevant findings were highlighted and recommendations for improving the design and planning were suggested to generate more quality living environment in the future.
Appraisal of Nationals and Expatriates Housing Choices in Metropolitan Doha
Authors: Ibrahim Hatem , Aboukalloub Bassma , Awwaad Reem
Published: January 2021

The case of metropolitan Doha presents a unique study that has witnessed several transition phases in the urbanization process. It has embarked in massive urbanization processes as part of the national planning vision. Nationals constitute 11% and expatriates constitute 89% of the total population of Qatar, which is environed by the government to manage the economic dynamism. Housing choice reflects the joint influences of government policies, housing market conditions, and personal factors such as housing preferences and the income level. The paper aims at studying housing choices for nationals and expatiates in metropolitan Doha through assessing the factors that limit housing choice for nationals and expatriates, providing policy recommendations to address the demand-supply gap in the market, and propose housing distribution in view of the developed housing choice framework. Three tools have been used: content analysis of reference data, questionnaire survey of housing preferences, and qualitative interview of experts' perceptions. This study has provided qualitative data on the issues of housing distribution and expansion in relation to housing choices. It has concluded baseline information for the nationals and expatriates housing distribution and the demographic dilemma.
In search of angels: the first bucket of gold for entrepreneurs
Authors: Song Garrison Hongyu , Jain Ajeet
Published: January 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the allocation of the exit value of a start-up company in market equilibrium between an angel investor and an entrepreneur in the very early-stage financing market.

Design/methodology/approach

The theoretical model is established based on the two-sided random search theory and the model’s ability to match the empirical data is evaluated via simulation.

Findings

The model indicates that the allocation of the final investment outcome is not proportional to the initial investments by the angel investor and the entrepreneur. The simulation results show that the continued investment by the entrepreneur and the private benefit acquired by the angel investor have a more profoundly negative influence on the angel investor’s share of the exit value of the start-up company. Moreover, the market search structure represented by the matching probability of an angel investor to an entrepreneur has a more significant impact on the angel investor’s share than the other model parameters.

Originality/value

The importance of market search friction in the very early-stage financing market is emphasized. The concepts of continued investments and private benefits are introduced and quantified for the first time under the framework of angel investment. The impacts of such model parameters as the matching probability of an angel investor to an entrepreneur, the success rate of a start-up company, the bargaining power of an angel investor and the discount rate on the allocation of the exit value of the start-up company are investigated as well.
Examining schools as learning organizations: an integrative approach
Authors: Sheng Zhaohui , Watkins Sandra , Yoon Seung Won , Kim JoHyun
Published: January 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the applicability of Watkins and Marsick’s model of learning organization in the school context and explore the relationship between the learning dimensions and perceived organizational outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the instrument, Dimensions of the Learning Organization Questionnaire (DLOQ), the study collected data from 322 teachers and professional staff in K-12 schools. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling provide validity evidence for using the DLOQ in schools.

Findings

The study results indicate the learning organization is a multidimensional concept and the quality of the school as a learning organization is related to improved organizational performance as perceived by school personnel.

Research limitations/implications

The study measured perceived organizational outcomes using a sample in an urban school district. Future research is encouraged to expand the study sample and to collect actual performance data to strengthen the findings.

Practical implications

The study provides reliability and validity evidence for an instrument that school leaders and practitioners can use to assist their evaluation of the school’s capacity as a learning organization to leverage improvement in school performance.

Originality/value

The study emphasizes an integrative approach in evaluating schools as learning organizations (SLOs) and extends the evidence base for the DLOQ studies. It offers empirical support for the significance of developing SLOs.
Soil microbial community structure and functionality changes in response to long‐term metal and radionuclide pollution
Authors: Rogiers Tom , Claesen Jürgen , Van Gompel Axel , Vanhoudt Nathalie , Mysara Mohamed , Williamson Adam , Leys Natalie , Van Houdt Rob , Boon Nico , Mijnendonckx Kristel
Published: January 2021

Microbial communities are essential for a healthy soil ecosystem. Metals and radionuclides can exert a persistent pressure on the soil microbial community. However, little is known on the effect of long‐term co‐contamination of metals and radionuclides on the microbial community structure and functionality. We investigated the impact of historical discharges of the phosphate and nuclear industry on the microbial community in the Grote Nete river basin in Belgium. Eight locations were sampled along a transect to the river edge and one location further in the field. Chemical analysis demonstrated a metal and radionuclide contamination gradient and revealed a distinct clustering of the locations based on all metadata. Moreover, a relation between the chemical parameters and the bacterial community structure was demonstrated. Although no difference in biomass was observed between locations, cultivation‐dependent experiments showed that communities from contaminated locations survived better on singular metals than communities from control locations. Furthermore, nitrification, a key soil ecosystem process seemed affected in contaminated locations when combining metadata with microbial profiling. These results indicate that long‐term metal and radionuclide pollution impacts the microbial community structure and functionality and provides important fundamental insights into microbial community dynamics in co‐metal‐radionuclide contaminated sites.
Nutrition risk screening methods for adults living with severe mental illness: A scoping review
Authors: Hancox Lauren E. , Lee Pui S. , Armaghanian Natasha , Hirani Vasant , Wakefield Georgia
Published: January 2021

Aim

Adults living with severe mental illness experience a greater burden of physical comorbidities and earlier mortality than the general population. Malnutrition, overnutrition, dysphagia, constipation and disordered eating have been observed in this population and can lead to poor nutritional status. Early identification of such conditions may reduce their impact on functional status, quality of life and health outcomes. This scoping review aimed to identify all nutrition risk screening methods published in English internationally for use with adults living with severe mental illness and ascertain which, if any, were validated for the target population.

Methods

A four‐step search strategy was used to search six electronic databases and grey literature, from inception to April 2020, for articles reporting nutrition risk screening methods used in this population. Information on the content and validity of screening methods was extracted and analysed by three independent reviewers.

Results

Seventeen nutrition risk screening methods were identified, of which three were validated within a population of adults with severe mental illness. One screening method was found for both malnutrition and dysphagia risk, respectively, and three for constipation risk. No single method was found for overnutrition. Eleven screening methods were identified for disordered eating risk, of which two were validated for the target population.

Conclusions

Nutrition risk screening methods and their validation in adults living with severe mental illness are inadequately researched. This scoping review highlights the need for future research to develop new or validate existing screening methods specifically for the target population.
Oxidative stress drives divergent evolution of the glutathione peroxidase (GPX) gene family in mammals
Authors: TIAN Ran , GENG Yuepan , YANG Ying , SEIM Inge , YANG Guang
Published: January 2021

The molecular basis for adaptations to extreme environments can now be understood by interrogating the ever‐increasing number of sequenced genomes. Mammals such as cetaceans, bats, and highland species can protect themselves from oxidative stress, a disruption in the balance of reactive oxygen species, which results in oxidative injury and cell damage. Here, we consider the evolution of the glutathione peroxidase (GPX) family of antioxidant enzymes by interrogating publicly available genome data from 70 mammalian species from all major clades. We identified 8 GPX subclasses ubiquitous to all mammalian groups. Mammalian GPX gene families resolved into the GPX4/7/8 and GPX1/2/3/5/6 groups and are characterized by several instances of gene duplication and loss, indicating a dynamic process of gene birth and death in mammals. Seven of the eight GPX subfamilies (all but GPX7) were under positive selection, with the residues under selection located at or close to active sites or at the dimer interface. We also reveal evidence of a correlation between ecological niches (e.g. high oxidative stress) and the divergent selection and gene copy number of GPX subclasses. Notably, a convergent expansion of GPX1 was observed in several independent lineages of mammals under oxidative stress and may be important for avoiding oxidative damage. Collectively, this study suggests that the GPX gene family has shaped the adaption of mammals to stressful environments.
Assessment of human norovirus inhibition in cabbage kimchi by electron beam irradiation using RT‐qPCR combined with immunomagnetic separation
Authors: Jeong Myeong‐In , Lee Eun Ji , Park Shin Young , Kim Mi Rae , Park Sa Reum , Moon Yoah , Choi Changsun , Ha Ji‐Hyoung , Ha Sang‐Do
Published: January 2021

Cabbage Kimchi, a traditional Korean fermented food, has occasionally been related to acute gastroenteritis caused by human norovirus (HuNoV). The present study examined the inhibitory effects of electron beam (e‐beam) irradiation (1, 3, 5, 7, and 10 kGy) on HuNoV GII.4 in suspension or cabbage Kimchi using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction combined with immunomagnetic separation (IMS/RT‐qPCR). In addition, physicochemical and sensorial analyses were conducted to assess any change in the quality of cabbage Kimchi following e‐beam irradiation. Following e‐beam irradiation at 1 to 10 kGy, HuNoV significantly decreased to 0.28 to 2.08 log10 copy number/mL in suspension (P < 0.05). HuNoV levels in cabbage Kimchi were also significantly reduced to 0.26 to 1.57 log10 copy number/mL following irradiation with 1 to 10 kGy (P < 0.05) compared to positive control (6.0 log10 copy number/mL). The D‐values for 1 log10 reduction (90% inhibition) of HuNoV in suspension and cabbage Kimchi were 4.94 and 6.96 kGy of e‐beam, respectively. The pH and acidity in the irradiated cabbage Kimchi were 4.41 to 4.58 and 0.61% to 0.71%, respectively, indicating that e‐beam did not affect the optimal pH or acidity. Although a slight increase of greenness was observed in the leaf portion of cabbage Kimchi irradiated with 7 to 10 kGy of e‐beam, this color change was minimal and went undetected by panelists in the sensorial evaluation. The five properties of sensorial quality assessed were no different in the irradiated Kimchi sample compared with the control sample (nonirradiated cabbage Kimchi). Therefore, this study suggests that ≥6.96 kGy of e‐beam could be applied in the cabbage Kimchi industry to obtain >90% of HuNoV without affecting the quality.

Practical Application

As the most representative food in Korea, Kimchi needs the sanitation technology that can inhibit viral infection. Our findings suggest that e‐beam irradiation can be used to reduce HuNoV effectively in Kimchi without changes in sensorial quality.
Are Kansas farms profit maximizers? A stochastic additive error approach
Authors: Zereyesus Yacob Abrehe , Featherstone Allen M. , Langemeier Michael R.
Published: January 2021

Profit maximization is widely assumed as a behavioral objective in agricultural economics research. This paper applies deterministic and stochastic tests to examine adherence of a sample of Kansas farms to the profit maximization hypothesis. A modification of Varian's stochastic method is developed to account for farms that have zero netput. Results indicate that none of the farms satisfy the joint hypothesis of profit maximization and nonregressive monotonic technological change under the deterministic case. Results support the existence of nonregressive technological change during the study period for the sample of Kansas farms. Using a rejection criterion of 10% for measurement error in quantity data, most of the sample of Kansas farms (81% based on the additive error model and 92% based on the proportional error model) adheres to joint hypothesis of profit maximization and nonregressive monotonic technological change. The consistency with profit maximization is stronger for those farms that do not enter and exit in the production of an output.