JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Year:2022 | Volume:24 | Issue:3 (118)|Papers Count:20

Background and Objective: The aim of this study is to explain to the theoretical model in order to find a new solution for the production and development of spatial arrangement of architectural plans based on interactive and integrated methods with the help of machine learning and genetic algorithms. Evolutionary algorithms alone are not effective, but machine learning algorithms can learn plans and form the basis of practical models that can develop and generate new samples through the use of genetic algorithms. Material and Methodology: In this regard, the combined research method includes library studies, collecting raw data, reviewing case samples, and using computational formulas as objective and penalty functions. Findings: Studies show that the genetic algorithm does not have the ability to store memory and on the other hand, the basis of its calculations is jumping and random action that this process is not effective in the production of architectural plans alone and research. Discussion and Conclusion: findings show that the algorithm Machine learning, due to its exemplary structure, can store and recognize examples, and the genetic algorithm, which is a searchable and scalable algorithm, can produce more examples of architectural plans each time based on the proposed mathematical model.

Background and Objective: Estimating aboveground carbon (AGC) of forest is a fundamental task for sustainable management of forest ecosystems,therefore, there is a critical need for appropriate approaches for quantifying of AGC. The most commonly used approaches for estimating include global regression models that estimate the target variable over a wide range using cost-effective auxiliary data. Traditional regression models with fixed regression coefficients at all locations do not consider heterogeneity and spatial structure in modeling. The objective of this study is estimating the AGC using Regression Kriging, Geographically Weighted Regression Kriging and Landsat 8 data and compare methods. Material and Methodology: The study was carried out in part of Zagros Forest, in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province. Totally, 184 plots (30×30 meters) surveyed and AGC were calculated by allometric equations. 32 variables were extracted from Landsat 8 as auxiliary data in the modeling process. The assessment of accuracies of methods was evaluated by K-fold cross validation via criteria such as coefficient of variation (R2), root mean square error (RMSE). Findings: The results showed that Geographically Weighted Regression Kriging (R 2 = 0. 66, RMSE= 21) had a better performance compared to Regression Kriging. Discussion and Conclusion: Hybrid methods with heterogeneity and spatial correlation can be a good alternative to early regression methods for estimating aboveground carbon (AGC).

Background and Objective: The present study investigates the water quality of Sufi Chay river in Maragheh, Iran using Benthos groups and their population structures in 2015. Material and Methodology: Overall, 9samplingsites were selected in the region and Macrobenthos were sampled in triplicate at each siteusing a 25×50 surber. The samples were stabilized by Formaldehyde 4% and their species, family and genus were identified. A total of20Macrobenthos species from 19 families, 10 orders and 2 classes were evaluated. Baetis sp. was the dominant species in winter and summer. Findings: The results indicate that the 7 and 9 sites with the aggregation of 47 and 128 Macrobenthos per m2 were dominant in winter and summer, respectively. Regarding Welch model, water quality of Sufichay river was moderate at most sites in both seasons. However, the water quality at the 7 site in winter and the 8 and 5 sites in summer was unsuitable. According to the BMWP Index, water quality of the river, except the 8 and 9 sites in winter, was suitable. Discussion and Conclusion: Regarding the results of this research it can be concluded that Macrobenthos community is an effective bioindicator to assess environmental conditions of the Sufi chay river. In addition, the results of this study display the relatively suitable water quality of Sufi Chay river.

Background and Objective: The distribution of canopy classes is the most important structural characteristics of Zagros forest stands. Determining the fitting pattern of canopy classes in Zagros forests shows that, the overall status of these forests from the destruction process and ecological sequence points of view at different times. The aim of this research was to evaluate of probabilitystatistical functions in order to fit canopy classes of trees in Chartagh forests of Ardal city, Chaharmahal ve Bakhtiari, Iran. Material and Methodology: For this purpose, an area of 50 hectares in Ardal forests was selected (3157 trees) were fully callipered and statistically analyzed. Exponential, Gamma, Normal, Beta, Weibull and Log-normal probability distribution patterns were fitted to crown canopy classes. Characteristics of distribution patterns were estimated using maximum likelihood method. Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Anderson-Darling and Chi-square tests were used for comparing of actual probability and probability which derived from functions. Findings: The results of fitting tests showed that log-normal probability distribution was suitable for canopy classes modelling in Chartagh forests. Discussion and Conclusion: Log-normal probability distributions can be used for those who want to simulate changes of forests.

Background and Objective: Regarding to importance and widespread of wild Pistachio in arid and semi-arid regions and problems of germination, this study was conducted to identify effect of physiography on seed germination of Pistacia vera in Khajeh Kalat Forest, northeast of Iran (N 36°, 54'-36°, 64', E 54°, 35'-54°, 45'). Material and Methodology: To do so land unit map was provided and sampling was done based on land units. Then, sampled seeds from 23 sampling unites were transferred to seed physiology lab for operational experiments. After operational experience, germination percent, germination value and mean time to germination for each unit were determined. Findings: The results showed that germination percent of pistachio seeds has had significant positive correlation with altitude, but hasn’, t had significant correlation with slope and aspect (p<0. 01). Correlation between germination value and altitude wasn’, t significant, while slope and aspect have had significant correlation with germination value (p<0. 01). Discussion and Conclusion: Regarding to results, germination percent in high altitudes was more than low altitudes. Germination value in law altitude and 0-30 percent slope was more than other aspects and slopes. Seeds that were collected from north and south aspects and above 60 percent slope have had more germination value than other aspects and slopes. Mean time to germination for east aspect and 30-60 percent slopes were less than other aspects and slopes.

Background and Objective: Development of agriculture, industry and population growth, the exploitation of groundwater resources has increased and has affected its quality. In order to prevent the occurrence of quantitative and qualitative problems of aquifers, management of optimal operation of groundwater resources is essential. Therefore, the purpose of this study is the optimal utilization of groundwater resources and to investigate its quantitative and qualitative effects on the Shahriar plain aquifer. Material and Methodology: Groundwater level changes and its quality from the perspective of index (TDS) in Shahriar plain aquifer have been simulated by ANN. Then (TDS) of groundwater has estimated by regression. Finally, the multi-objective genetic algorithm (NSGA-II) was used for optimal utilization of groundwater resources and with the aim of minimizing groundwater level changes and total dissolved solids of groundwater. Findings: According to the results of the study, the evaluation criteria (RMSE) in three modes of training, testing and validation for groundwater level changes are equal to 1. 27e-06, 0. 0025 and 0. 003, respectively, and for total dissolved solids of groundwater was calculated to be 0. 24, 27. 64 and 14. 608 and the correlation coefficient (R) at the level (0. 05) in three situations was significant for both variables. Also, during the study period, the volume of optimal withdrawal from the aquifer has decreased by 29. 12 percent and the optimal amount (TDS) of groundwater on average, 120. 87 Mg. /l, has been calculated less than the estimate of artificial neural network. And Groundwater level has also increased by an average of 9. 27 meters per year. Discussion and Conclusion: The results confirm that the proposed simulation-optimization method as an application tool with good performance, low cost and desirable speed can support several effective factors simultaneous with optimal operation policy. It also reduces the quantitative and qualitative problems of the aquifer and cause increases the stability of the groundwater system.

Background and Objective: Urban green space has a very important role in the sustainability of the city. Green space per capita is one of the main factors to planning and management of a city. In this study, green space per capita estimation of Khomein city was investigated. Material and Methodology: Satellite imagery was used to measure green space and parks per capita. For this purpose, using Sentinel-2 imagery, land use map was developed in four classes including: Bare lands, habitat, urban parks and farmlands. The urban park layer was extracted and combined to the four district of Khomein city layer. Then, the green space per capita of each area was calculated. Findings: Green space per capita survey using remote sensing approach shows a severe shortage of urban green space in this city, especially zone 3 in the southeast of the city with 1. 66 m2 per capita, meanwhile, this zone had the lowest value among all zones. In this city, green space has an inappropriate distribution and the highest green space per capita value was 3. 43 in zone 1. Zones 2 and 4 had an average of 3. 22 and 3. 27 m2, respectively. Discussion and Conclusion: the results show that the green space per capita of the city is very low compared to the standards and requires special attention of decision makers to increase and expand the green space in the city. So in the near future, a comprehensive analysis of the green space and the reasons for this shortage should be addressed.

Background and Objective: The growing popularity of cryptocurrencies, especially bitcoin, has led miners to use the cheapest energy available through fossil fuels and to pay little attention to the release of pollutants and their destructive effects on the environment and future generations of humans. Therefore, the purpose of our research is to investigate the effects of cryptocurrency extraction on greenhouse gas emissions and, consequently, on the environment. Material and Methodology: In this study, the effects of bitcoin mining on greenhouse gas emissions and environmental pollution were investigated using the method of "continuous wavelet transform and wavelet coherence". To achieve this, data such as bitcoin hash rate (energy consumption due to bitcoin extraction), and emission of four greenhouse gases, namely,Methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen dioxide (N2O), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) were used monthly from 2009 to 2020. Findings: Although from the point of view of bitcoin crypto industry miners in the short run, the results showed that its effects and destructive effects on the environment can be seen in the long term. Discussion and Conclusion: The cryptocurrencies industry is one of the main factors in the emission of pollutants and greenhouse gases, and most of their extraction has a positive and significant effect on the emission of environmental pollutants and their fluctuations, in the long term. With the help of this research, the index of the impact of cryptocurrencies on the environment, future generations and intergenerational justice can be considered as a criterion for approving or disapproving of this industry in the Islamic financial framework.

Background and Objective: Many cities in our country, including Tehran, are facing the phenomenon of obsolescence and inefficiency of urban neighborhoods. Such areas can have devastating environmental, economic, or social effects. In the current era, proper management of such urban spaces requires up-to-date and valid data. Due to the large size of outdated and inefficient neighborhoods, collecting and updating this amount of data by organizations is time-consuming and costly. Therefore, using the capacity of citizen participation is a good opportunity for city managers, which is the main purpose of this research. Material and Methodology: Citizen-centered GIS strategy has been introduced in recent years, and in many applications, enterprise location data acquisition has been replaced by volunteered geographic information (VGI). This research presents an object-oriented design for collecting spatial information about urban deterioration. Accordingly, a web-based implementation based on open-source components is on the agenda. Findings: With the help of the proposed solution, first, spatial information can be collected in a categorized and thematic manner. According to the definition of worn-out texture, ten different classes were considered in the object-oriented approach, which include undesirable paths, unsafe and old buildings, ruined and dirty lands, narrow access networks, and places for offenders and addicts. A webbased system was also implemented based on open-source frameworks such as Django and components such as GeoDjango, PostGIS, and OpenLayers. Discussion and Conclusion: Citizen science is a new approach to collecting spatial information on worn-out tissue. The result of the implementation of the method used is the rapid and low-cost provider of information and enhances the role of experts in municipalities and urban design organizations, mainly professional supervisors instead of data providers. Cost-benefit analysis showed that in a one-year period, this approach could lead to an approximate savings of 15%.

Background and Objective: Spatial pattern study of forest species could provide us important and useful information about relationship between species and also forest dynamic. Therefore, it could be an important tools for better management of forest resources. The objectives of this study were to determine special pattern of Tecomella undulata stands in Bushehr province and also, evaluation of different functions capability in T. undulata spatial pattern determination. Material and Methodology: In the present study, two stands include Aliabad and Shahnia with 10 and 2 hectares, respectively, were selected in spring 2015 and 100 percent inventory was used. Then to determine the spatial distribution pattern of T. undulate, distance-azimuth method was used. Finally, Ripley's K, L, F, and G functions were used to evaluate T. undulate spatial distribution pattern. Findings: The Kolmogorov-Smirnov goodness of fit test calculation indicated that T. undulata trees distribution in the both studied sites were significantly heterogeneous (P < 0. 001). Ripley's K and L heterogeneous functions showed aggregated pattern of T. undulata trees in the study sites. But G function showed aggregated pattern in Aliabad up to 150 meter. While in Shahnia G function indicted different patterns in different distances. Discussion and Conclusion: In conclusion, four studied functions showed an aggregated but G function revealed more detail in determination of T. undulata spatial pattern. Such aggregated pattern in T. undulata stands could be because of dry condition and lack of moisture. Based on the results, to revival and afforestation of suitable sites, using aggregated pattern could be useful method to provide shadow and maintaining humidity in soil. That could result in more successful reestablishments of this valuable species.

Today, the use of pesticides somehow indicates just some of deterioration of agricultural standards. Due to the effects of the pesticide contaminants in animal and human life, our country's commitment to the implementation of related rules and regulations, Improve the quality and utilization of pesticides is much more accurate. In this Regard, the role of organizations such as the judiciary, the Environmental Protection Agency, Ministry of Health, Agricultural Jihad, Plant Protection Organization, it is clear in the formulation and implementation of rules and regulations related to pesticides. In this Study, Explanation the legal status and managerial governing the production and consumption of pesticides and chemical fertilizers, is considered legal aspects, environmental and executive management. Ahead cross-sectional study based on the principles and methods, and this research has been done on the basis of library studies and official statistics. According to the study about the legal status and managerial governing the production and consumption of pesticides and chemical fertilizers, legal, environmental, managerial and administrative aspects are mentioned. In the Light of what has been reached by this study, Exploration of Rules and regulations related to pesticides in Iran, as well as Effective approaches and strategies in the light of the existing procedures to control pests and pesticides has been Studied. Results, Shows the limitation rules in the excretion of toxins pests in Iran and it does seems that, these rules must be complemented through effective framework that can better model to be implemented.

Background and Objective: One of the main indicators of the development of countries and societies is the production and consumption of steel. The aim of this study was to identify and analyze the threatening risks of Wian Steel Plant in 2016. Material and Methodology: After identifying the risks, they were analyzed and ranked using the TOPSIS method. ANP method was used to determine the risk probability score. Finally, using TOPSIS method, the severity of the risk and the sources of risk contamination were calculated. Findings: Based on the results of risk calculations in different categories, it can be stated that among the environmental risks of Wian Steel Plant, 14 risks in the minor to medium category and 3 risks in the unbearable category. Are located. Based on pairwise comparisons made in the Super Decisions software environment, the best solution among all solutions is to install particle and gas control devices such as cyclones and bag dust collectors and the least risk solution is to repair the devices in a timely manner to reduce emissions. Pollutants were identified. Discussion and Conclusion: The results of TOPSIS method showed that the stages of sanitary wastewater production and check and inspection of piping devices, water and gas transmission line are both very high risk level that can be eliminated by preventive and control measures. Or take action to reduce them.

Background and Objective: Industrial activities in modern era cause several critical environmental issues, such as biodiversity loss, global warming, and ozone layer depletion. Sustainable industrial development requires protection of the environment. In several important decades of political history, environmental protection has become an important factor in the decision-making process Industries and companies can reduce these harmful impacts by implementing an environmental management system (EMS). Through this system, environmental goals can be aligned with companies’,policy. The present study aimed to establish a model for an environmental management system using the EFQM organizational excellence model in the Iranian copper industry. Material and Methodology: this was a descriptive study and survey using a checklist for data collection. The statistical population consisted of managers, experts and professionals from the Safety, Health and Environment Department of Sarcheshmeh Copper Complex. SPSS and LISREL software were used to analyze the research data. Findings: The results showed a significant and direct relationship between all EMS and EFQM variables. In addition, the correlation coefficients revealed that the implementation of environmental management models had a significant impact on the performance of the copper industry. Furthermore, the strategies and policies variable (10. 42) had the strongest relationship with a correlation coefficient of 0. 81. Discussion and Conclusion: According to the our results, the conceptual model for implementing environmental management systems in Iranian copper industry was effective and acceptable. Moreover, the model investigated and validated the effects of each of the EMS variables on the EFQM variables.

Background and Objective: Land cover changes as a result of complicated interactions of structural and functional factors have extensive effects on the landscape. Therefore, studying the structure of the landscape based on the principles of ecology and landscape metrics as its components, is a suitable tool for mapping and quantifying the spatial characteristics of each user. Material and Methodology: In the preset study, following the preparation of land cover maps and extraction of measures at two levels of class and scale, the main components analysis (PCA) was used to select the appropriate measures in the analysis of landscape changes in Behbahan city between years 2002 and 2014. Findings: Class Area (CA), the number of patches (Np), the landscape image (LSI), edge density (ED), percentage landscape (PLAND) and Shannon Diversity Index (SHDI) were selected as the most appropriate measures. The results showed an increase in the area of residential areas (1551 ha), agricultural lands (8036 ha) and irrigated areas (287 ha) and sharp drop in pastures (4560 ha) and city forests (2081 ha). Discussion and Conclusion: By human manipulation, Landscape structure is fine-grained city. and the number of pieces of man-made and natural half increased. Also, most of the changes were made due to the destruction of the grassland spots among man made crops, especially agricultural land consolidation.

Background and Objective: Among the components of the building envelope, the roof section is the most important medium of energy loss, because, compared to vertical walls, a larger area of the rooftop is exposed to sunlight and atmospheric condition for a longer period, which results in greater heat exchange through this section. The goal of this research is to reduce the energy consumption of residential buildings in the city of Shiraz (Fars, Iran) through the optimization of their roof sections by answering the bellow question: “, What is the most optimal arrangement of materials and passive roof design technique for reducing energy consumption in this climate and how much will it reduce energy consumption? ”,Material and Methodology: The purpose of the research, which is to identify the best combination of roof specifications and passive design methods for minimizing energy consumption in the buildings of the area of interest, achieved with help of the EnergyPlus simulation and a genetic algorithm developed in MATLAB. Findings: The roof variables defined in three categories of the passive energy system, physical roof specifications, and positioning and the optimization carried out using the genetic algorithm and the EnergyPlus software. Discussion and Conclusion: The outputs obtained from the simulation software and the objective function of the genetic algorithm showed that the roof optimization materials’,arrangement could reduce the energy consumption of the building by 9. 6%. and passive design techniques includes: green roof, insulation, double roof, reduce energy consumption by 9. 1%, 13. 4%, 12, 6% respectively.

Background and Objective The phenomenon of desertification is one of the serious ecological crises with extensive and long-term natural and human effects. Therefore, executive measures related to desertification control should be based on recognizing the current state of desertification of lands and its severity. On the other hand, the weakness of methods for measuring the intensity of desertification, always requires the need to provide new and quantitative methods. The need to address methods that can provide zoning based on strong logic and principles and rational theoretical foundations seems necessary in the field of desert management. Material and Methodology: In this paper, it has been tried to do so by using the Fuzzy Topsis method. In this method, after determining and evaluating the effective indices by the fuzzy Delphi method and preparing the layer of work units, the data were fuzzy by the Chen and Huang methods. The fuzzy analysis process was performed on the data. Finally, a normalized fuzzy decision matrix was obtained, which within the framework of this matrix and by TOPSIS method, the intensity of desertification was estimated. Findings: The obtained results showed that, 9. 34%, 7. 71% and 12. 57% of the total study area are in the very high, high and relatively high class of desertification, and Desertification with low (46. 57%) and medium (23. 81%) has the highest share in the study area, respectively. The quantitative value of desertification intensity for the whole region was 0. 262 located in relatively medium or III class. Discussion and Conclusion: The study showed the efficiency and ease of application of fuzzy logic in assessing the intensity of desertification. The results of this study provide the possibility of planning to minimize desertification as a result of development projects, and can create conditions where a balance between development plans and the environment is possible based on the priorities and vulnerability zoning of the study area.

Background and Objective: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of green human resource management in increasing the environmentally friendly behavior of employees and whether this can reduce the environmental damage of employees and improve the performance of hotels? Also, the intensity and weakness of these relationships have been studied in both groups of men and women. Material and Methodology: This study is applied in terms of purpose and descriptive-correlational in nature, the standard questionnaire of Kim et al. (2019) was used. In this regard, a sample of 204 employees of 35 active hotels in Shiraz was studied. The research hypotheses were analyzed using structural equation modeling by Smart-PLS3. 0 software. Findings: The results indicate that Green human resource management has a positive and significant effect on environmentally friendly behavior (β,= 0. 423 and t =6. 734) and also, on environmental performance (β,=0. 637 and t = 10. 10) and also, environmentally friendly behavior mediates the relationship between the two variables of green human resource management and environmental performance (β,=0. 099 and t = 840, α,= 0. 005). It was also found that gender can not moderate the relationships between variables. Discusion and Conclusion: Having environmentally friendly and supportive human resources not only enhances environmentally friendly behavior but also improves the environmental performance of hotels. There is no differece between men and women in this issue. Also, hotels that do not take steps to protect and preserve the environment, will be gradually rejected and will be less welcomed.

Background and Objective: Dove towers have outstanding architectural, structural, and decorative characteristics. Geometric and typological examination of dove towers not only paves the way to understanding traditional Persian architecture but also prevents these environment-friendly structures from being forgotten. According to the authors, there is a direct relationship between the creativity of traditional architects, proportions, form, and size of the plan with different types of dove towers in Isfahan. Accordingly, the present study aimed to analyze the final form of dove towers in Isfahan from the aspect of geometric features. Historically, certain foreign travelers have described some of the dove towers in Isfahan. Some travelers have also made attempts to explain them physically and structurally. This study will provide a comprehensive typology of dove towers from a geometric perspective. Material and Methodology: The methodology has been descriptive, comparative, and analytic. Also, data were collected based on library sources and field studies. Findings: It was found that there is a significant relationship between height and the number of floors, the diameter of the dove towers, the middle cylinders, and their wall thickness. On the one hand, the shapes, the geometry of the body, and the various dimensions of the plan. On the other hand, the creativity of the architects has created different volumes in the structure of the pigeon houses in Isfahan. Discussion and Conclusion: Based on the findings, according to plan geometry, twelve species were identified (the most common being simple circular), in terms of volume, four main species were recognized, and three species were known based on the number of floors. Also, the ratio of height to span length is usually about double.

Background and Objective: Today, due to the emphasis on economic growth and wasteful use of natural and environmental resources, metropolises are faced with many problems in the field of environment and environmental security. Therefore, the use of strategic planning in urban development plans and emphasis on environmental components can be effective in improving conditions. Material and Methodology: This research is applied in terms of purpose and descriptive-analytical in nature. In the present study, special questionnaires were distributed to experts in the field of environment. SWOT method was used to analyze the internal (weakness, strength) and external factors (threat and opportunity) of the city and sample test was used to test the hypothesis. The Delphi method was used to analyze the interviews and finally identify the consequences. Finally, using the Bryson Strategic Planning Model and according to their strategies and priorities, a strategic development planning model for urban development that emphasizes environmental security has been developed. Finally, strategies were prioritized using the QSPM matrix. Findings: The results of data analysis show that the most important strategy from the perspective of experts and thinkers among these components are political and regulatory components. Also, the most important strategies from the perspective of experts are the implementation of targeted plans to prevent degradation and appropriate strategies to optimally manage air quality. Discusion and Conclusion: According to studies, the environmental security situation in Tehran is in a critical situation and the most important strategies presented through the QSPM matrix include the use of pollution reduction tools, modifying the energy consumption pattern and optimizing it, preventing the spread of urbanization and Marginalization, the use of management systems and reduction of energy consumption and the implementation of targeted plans to prevent the reduction of degradation.

Background and Objective: the aim of this paper is the assessment of groundwater with respect to the chemistry and its subsequent impact on groundwater quality for drinking and irrigation consumption in the Qheydar area, Zanjan Province. Material and Methodology: In order to determine of physico-chemical parameters, anions, cations and heavy metals were sampled from the water sources of the study area and measured by different methods. Findings: The groundwater facies in the studied area belong to the bicarbonate to chloride type and generally hard due to the total hardness, Except for 2 Samples the others have hardness. In terms of EC and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), Na% and residual sodium carbonate (RSC), the groundwater is Very salty in more of samples and totally unsuitable for agriculture. Moreover, dissolved heavy elements and Ions kind of As, Se, NO3 and SO4concentrations in the groundwater of the Qheydar area have the unsafe limits which recommended by the WHO. Discussion and Conclusion: Based on ionic ratios, Gibbs diagram, saturation index and multivariate analysis for indicating the sources of inorganic solutes in groundwater indicate carbonate sources and ion exchange have the greatest impact on water chemistry in the area. The metal index (MI) showed that some samples were non-drinking. Also, the results obtained from factor analysis showed the effect of salinity, agriculture, geology and faults in the Qeydar study area.