THE DESERT ROSE DOMES OF THE SOUF REGION (ALGERIA). PRELIMINARY EVALUATIONS ON THE VULNERABILITY OF A UNIQUE VERNACULAR HERITAGE

Abstract. The vernacular architecture of the Souf region in Algeria, a desert environment where wood is rare, presents multiple heritage values due to the way in which local materials (especially the desert rose stone) are exploited to build houses and erect distinctive domes. Unfortunately, extensive damage and abandonment compromise the stability of these buildings and accelerate their disappearance, which would negatively affect the urban landscape and the identity of the region. In order to safeguard this unique vernacular heritage, the study focuses on the definition of the typical typology of building, its structural and geometric characteristics, explaining the constructive technique used. Recurrent damage and pathologies that threaten this building culture are also highlighted. Then, estimation of mechanical parameters of the desert rose stone masonry is carried out defining typical characteristics according to the evaluation of the respect of "the rule of the art". Results are then used to perform numerical simulations of the structural behaviour of a typical building, through the finite element method with linear and nonlinear approaches. In particular, the structural behaviour of the dome has been investigated, being the most vulnerable element of the system

DIAGNOSIS PROCESSES FOR DESERT ROSE DOMES OF THE SOUF REGION IN ALGERIA

In the Souf region of Algeria, all vernacular buildings are covered by domes, built with an unusual building material, the desert rose stone, peculiar to the region. These domes represent an element of identity of the region and describe a unique urban landscape that deserves to be protected and enhanced. Unfortunately, these architectural elements have suffered damage that devalues the urban landscape compromising their conservation. In particular, many domes have severe cracks and have collapsed in large areas.Diagnostic investigations were carried out with the aim to understand the causes of the damages and to carry out guidelines for consolidation.In particular, in situ surveys have allowed to analyze the employed construction technique, the collection of samples for the chemical-physical and mechanical investigations of the materials and a manual geometric survey of a typical building module. In addition, a Finite Element Model of a building module was realized with the aim of investigating structural behavior.Considerations were made on the influence of the dome shape on structural behaviour and on the fractures pattern detected in many domes.</p

Testing the impact of virus importation rates and future climate change on dengue activity in Malaysia using a mechanistic entomology and disease model

We aimed to reparameterize and validate an existing dengue model, comprising an entomological component (CIMSiM) and a disease component (DENSiM) for application in Malaysia. With the model we aimed to measure the effect of importation rate on dengue incidence, and to determine the potential impact of moderate climate change (a 1 degrees C temperature increase) on dengue activity. Dengue models (comprising CIMSiM and DENSiM) were reparameterized for a simulated Malaysian village of 10 000 people, and validated against monthly dengue case data from the district of Petaling Jaya in the state of Selangor. Simulations were also performed for 2008-2012 for variable virus importation rates (ranging from 1 to 25 per week) and dengue incidence determined. Dengue incidence in the period 2010-2012 was modelled, twice, with observed daily weather and with a 1 degrees C increase, the latter to simulate moderate climate change. Strong concordance between simulated and observed monthly dengue cases was observed (up to r = 0.72). There was a linear relationship between importation and incidence. However, a doubling of dengue importation did not equate to a doubling of dengue activity. The largest individual dengue outbreak was observed with the lowest dengue importation rate. Moderate climate change resulted in an overall decrease in dengue activity over a 3-year period, linked to high human seroprevalence early on in the simulation. Our results suggest that moderate reductions in importation with control programmes may not reduce the frequency of large outbreaks. Moderate increases in temperature do not necessarily lead to greater dengue incidence