Duncan Winder: architectural photographer

<p>In 1960s New Zealand, Duncan Winder (1919-1970) transitioned from architect to architectural photographer. With his architectural eye, Winder produced distinctive and seminal images of New Zealand post-war architecture and these images have an enduring relevance today. Despite this significant contribution to local architectural culture, contemporary knowledge of Winder’s legacy and output has remained limited. This research sought to raise awareness of his life and work. To contextualise Winder’s work, a framework for image analysis was developed which drew on the visual languages of two architectural movements which were prominent during Winder’s period of practice, Townscape and New Brutalism. In addition, a visual survey of New Zealand architectural photography from 1930 to 1970 was undertaken. This enabled contextualisation of Winder’s photography with the work of other local photographers operating at the time. From the analysis, it is clear that Winder’s photography shows aspects of both Townscape and New Brutalism, in terms of its compositional approach. This is not only interesting for the fact that these movements have historically been seen as oppositional, but because it exposes some of the ways in which their visual languages were related. The analysis also highlighted the 1960s as a particularly healthy decade for the production of New Zealand architectural photography. This was demonstrated through the progressive improvement in the quality of published architectural photography and the increase in number of architectural photographers practicing locally. It is positive that in recent years Winder’s archive of photographs has been digitised and made publicly accessible, and that digitisation has enabled this research to provide original and thorough commentary on Winder’s photography. The research has identified distinctive and memorable qualities of Winder’s style, including his compositional use of thirds, his off-centre perspectives, and his attentiveness to tone and materiality. In this way, the research has provided appropriate ways to understand and value Winder’s photography, and appreciate his significant contribution to New Zealand’s architectural culture and history.</p>

Duncan Winder: architectural photographer

<p>In 1960s New Zealand, Duncan Winder (1919-1970) transitioned from architect to architectural photographer. With his architectural eye, Winder produced distinctive and seminal images of New Zealand post-war architecture and these images have an enduring relevance today. Despite this significant contribution to local architectural culture, contemporary knowledge of Winder’s legacy and output has remained limited. This research sought to raise awareness of his life and work. To contextualise Winder’s work, a framework for image analysis was developed which drew on the visual languages of two architectural movements which were prominent during Winder’s period of practice, Townscape and New Brutalism. In addition, a visual survey of New Zealand architectural photography from 1930 to 1970 was undertaken. This enabled contextualisation of Winder’s photography with the work of other local photographers operating at the time. From the analysis, it is clear that Winder’s photography shows aspects of both Townscape and New Brutalism, in terms of its compositional approach. This is not only interesting for the fact that these movements have historically been seen as oppositional, but because it exposes some of the ways in which their visual languages were related. The analysis also highlighted the 1960s as a particularly healthy decade for the production of New Zealand architectural photography. This was demonstrated through the progressive improvement in the quality of published architectural photography and the increase in number of architectural photographers practicing locally. It is positive that in recent years Winder’s archive of photographs has been digitised and made publicly accessible, and that digitisation has enabled this research to provide original and thorough commentary on Winder’s photography. The research has identified distinctive and memorable qualities of Winder’s style, including his compositional use of thirds, his off-centre perspectives, and his attentiveness to tone and materiality. In this way, the research has provided appropriate ways to understand and value Winder’s photography, and appreciate his significant contribution to New Zealand’s architectural culture and history.</p>

Seasonal dynamics of bird assemblages in commercial plantations of Pinus radiata in southern-central Chile

Forest plantations are a relatively new environment in Chile, with impacts of different magnitude on different taxa. Birds are one of the taxa mostly used as ecological indicators to evaluate the effect of different types of disturbances, due to their level of specialization in the use of different microhabitats. We assessed the effect of the age of Pinus radiata plantations (2 sites of 8 and 12 years, respectively) and seasonal (three seasons) on the diversity of bird assemblages. The abundance of species from both sites was assessed through acoustic and visual survey records, which were also compared at trophic guild level. Differences were observed at both sites, with higher diversity calculated for Cerro Ñielol (8 years) compared to Rucamanque (12 years). In seasonal terms, diversity was not affected in Cerro Ñielol, while in Rucamanque significant differences were observed during fall. Guild composition of both localities also showed differences, resulting in higher diversity for Cerro Ñielol in most cases. Despite the fact that the younger plantation presented the highest diversity, elements associated with the landscape are discussed, as well as particularities in the use of space by the species.

The arboreal tiger beetles (Coleoptera: Cicindelidae) of Sri Lanka recorded from recent investigations

Twenty-nine species of arboreal tiger beetles are found in Sri Lanka of which 23 species are endemic. However, records of species dates back to many years and systematic studies are lacking. Considering the high percentage of endemic arboreal tiger beetle species of the country, and the pressure on their arboreal habitats due to accelerated development activities, it is imperative that the group is studied and conservation practices are implemented. Therefore, the present study was conducted to record the arboreal tiger beetle species currently prevailing in the country, their locations, habitat types, morphometric and morphological characters. The study was conducted from August 2017 to September 2020 for a duration of three years. Arboreal tiger beetles were collected by hand picking when encountered during visual survey, in eighty-five locations in Sri Lanka. Specimens were identified using standard taxonomic keys. Locational data, habitat types, morphometric and morphological characters were recorded and all species were photographed. Arboreal tiger beetles were recorded from 22 locations which represented all climatic zones and provinces, and 14 districts of the country. Nine species of three genera, Tricondyla (3 species), Derocrania (5 species), Neocollyris (1 species), were identified and six of the species were endemic. Derocrania scitiscabra was the most common and widely distributed species encountered in the study and was found mainly occupying lands that were cultivated. Tricondyla gounellei that had been known only from Southern India was recorded for the first time in Sri Lanka.

Unusual congenital polydactyly in mini-pigs from the breeding group of the Institute of Cytology and Genetics (Novosibirsk, Russia)

The article describes a new phenomenon in the breeding group of mini-pigs at the Institute of Cytology and Genetics (ICG, Novosibirsk): polydactyly (extra digits), which is unusual because the additional digits are situated at the lateral surface of legs or at the lateral and medial ones. This anomaly was first found here in 2017 in adult animals intended for culling due to incorrect positioning of the legs caused by flexor tendon laxity and resulting in weight-bearing on the palmar surface of the proximal phalanges (“bear’s paw”). Therefore, the polydactyly of mini-pigs has a pronounced negative selection effect. A visual survey of the livestock was conducted, and a description of the detected anomaly was compiled. The polydactyly in mini-pigs is a stand-alone trait and is not part of any syndromes. Individuals with polydactyly may have extra digits either on pectoral or on pectoral and pelvic limbs. On thoracic limbs, there may be either one lateral digit or a lateral digit and a medially located rudimentary hooflet. On pelvic limbs, only lateral extra digits can occur. Anatomical and morphological analyses showed that the lateral extra digit is an anatomically complete (“mature”) structure, whereas the medial rudimentary digit consists of only a hooflet without other structures characteristic of normal digits. Cytological examination revealed no specific karyotypic features, except for Robertsonian translocation Rb 16;17 previously reported for the mini-pigs of the same livestock. Cytological findings indicated that the polydactyly and Robertsonian translocation are not linked genetically. Genealogical analysis and results of crosses are consistent with a working hypothesis of recessive inheritance of the trait. Overall, the study shows that this type of polydactyly is anatomically and morphologically unique and not typical of Sus scrofa. In this species, only polydactyly types with medial accessory toes have been described and are usually inherited as a dominant trait with incomplete penetrance. In our case, the results of test crosses indicate recessive inheritance of the trait with varying expression and incomplete penetrance, because of which poorly expressed phenotypes are not visually detectable.

Integrated Hydroecological Monitoring of Watercourses in Zuya River Basin

The results of a comprehensive agroecological assessment of the main watercourses of the Zuya river basin are presented. Studies were conducted in 2017–2020 and included: conducting a visual survey, measuring water consumption, assessing the qualitative characteristics of runoff, including phytotesting and determining its suitability for irrigation purposes. It was determined that the main pollutants of the watercourses were sulphates, phosphates, heavy metals. The assessment of salt composition of water resources has shown that they are mostly suitable for irrigation without restriction. However, according to the results of phytotesting, an inhibitory effect was recorded, which indicates a possible decrease in the yield of crops sensitive to water-contained pollutants. The water balance calculations showed the presence of a shortage of water resources in the Zuya river basin. The environmental situation on the surveyed water bodies was identified as unfavorable. The set of priority environmental measures includes: the creation of a permanent monitoring network, the arrangement of settlements with water disposal systems, the inventory of small water storage facilities and the implementation of the required repair and operational work on them, and the optimization of the number of water users.

Seismic Evaluation of RC Buildings Designed with Past Codes

Recent earthquakes have caused past reinforced concrete buildings severe damage compared to newer buildings because they have many structural deficiencies. To prevent future losses during earthquakes, the seismic capacity of these older buildings needs to be assessed with recent codes so that appropriate measures may be implemented to mitigate their vulnerability. This report compares the seismic evaluation method of two different codes on an existing building. The guidelines of two such documents by Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and New Zealand Society for Earthquake Engineering (NZSEE) are presented in this report. These guidelines intend to provide a systematic procedure for the seismic evaluation of buildings which may be applied reliably to a wide range of buildings. The objective of this article is to go through the documents of the Indian Standards and the New ZealandStandards on the seismic evaluation of existing buildings and compare the results of the two. Indian code IS 15988 including IS 1893:2016 Part1 providessome analytical solution for the seismic evaluation. However, these solutions may be or may not be sufficient for all types of failure, which may be overcome by using NewZealand Draft Code (NZDC). Upon comparing the results obtained from the analysis done using the two codes, one can understand the behaviour of a structure from all perspective. In the present study, analytical and manual work has been carried out and shown in a well-explained manner and easy to understand METHODLOGY 1. Visual Survey 2. Test Plan 3. Sample and Data Collection 4. Structure Stability Analysis

SPATIAL DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS FOR UPLIFTING STUDENT'S SOCIETAL PERSONA- A CASE OF UNIVERSITY OF PESHAWAR

Purpose of the study: This study pursues to find the gap between prudently programmed pure academics in the university and student's societal persona, a result of impulsive learning and informal socializing. This is piloted to justify the need for properly designed informal socializing spaces by comparing actual and proposed spaces at the university campus. Methodology: A mixed-method strategy is adopted to conduct this research; the theoretical basis is formulated by available literature, and a detailed precedent study is carried out to establish programmatic assumptions in the light of contemporary handling of a similar subject. Visual survey and spatial analysis of building spaces in relationship with human behaviour are performed to analyse preferences of multiple users. Main Findings: The research culminates in a set of propositions put forth to initiate a purpose-built space that can informally regulate and enhance the social experience in existing academia through spatial design by overall massing of solids and voids, while considering ventilation and thermal comfort through Interconnected Courtyard System, Wind conduits, etc. Applications of this study: The guidelines are formulated for functional, environmental, and Socio-Psychological aspects to design informal socializing spaces. Novelty/Originality of this study: Despite learning only from text and oral faculty teachings, the overall milieu of the University through such spaces will add in student's positive personality growth altogether that is ignored in most of the cases.

CONDITION ASSESMENT OF GLENDENG BRIDGE USING BRIDGE MANAJEMENT SYSTEM (BMS) IN TUBAN DISTRICT

The valuation of Glendeng Bridge condition in Tuban District is needed to evaluate the deterioration of the bridge caused by the Bengawan Solo river flooding since the high rainfall which was made worst by the excavation of the bridge protection structure. This research is conducted through the direct visual survey by recorded the detail element of the bridge deterioration based on the deterioration code and assessed the level of severity and structural condition whether the element affecting the other element and suffering the overall bridge condition. This valuation of the bridge is based on the Bridge Management System (BMS) which was being studied by the Pusjatan Ministry of Public Work in 2012. The research shows that the main element deteriorated was the approach embankment, retaining wall, rubber bearing and earthquake dump isolator on the north side of Tuban caused by the drainage on the surface, excavation of the front of approach road and the flooding of Bengawan Solo river. The overall condition of the bridge is valuated with 4 (four) mark so that the bridge is needed to have the strengthening and replacement on the deteriorate elements

Damage Assessment of Historical Masonry Churches Subjected to Moderate Intensity Seismic Shaking

An earthquake of magnitude 4.3 MW struck Cosenza (Calabria region, South Italy) and its immediate area on 24 February 2020. Although no damage was reported to ordinary masonry buildings, the ancient masonry churches suffered widespread damage. The herein article presents an analysis of the failures suffered by monumental buildings (e.g., churches) following a moderate seismic action. The contribution is based on the in situ damage observation of 14 churches, with a dating ranging from the 12th to 20th century. The study consists of a first phase, in which the different damage modes are identified, describing their causes and effects, and a second phase that correlates the damage detected to the main parameters that influence the seismic response of the churches (geometric characteristics, boundary condition, masonry and floor organization, past interventions, etc.), regardless of the state of conservation that was discrete for all buildings before the telluric event. From the rapid visual survey, the “weight” of each seismic parameter on the type of damage detected was then established. The past “retrofitting” interventions were decisive in the response of the ancient structure, with particular regard to those that made an aggravation of seismic mass and an increase in stiffness.