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This research delves into the architectural nuances of traditional Palestinian courtyard houses, unveiling their varied typologies and significant contributions to cultural identity. Research methodology involves meticulously examining their design (case studies), emphasizing strategic planning, utilization of local materials, and adherence to traditional construction methods. The core of this study centers on the assessment of heritage conservation and adaptation strategies, advocating for the modernization of these historical buildings to meet contemporary demands while safeguarding their cultural heritage. A novel aspect of the research is the application of AI-generated designs, which are utilized to ensure that modifications uphold the architectural integrity of these structures and are sensitive to both historical and modern requirements. This approach fosters a synthesis of local and global conservation practices. The research results present a detailed analysis of adaptive reuse strategies through case studies of the Al Nimr House and Ibrahim Touqan House, demonstrating their successful transformation that incorporates modern enhancements while preserving historical elements. The findings advocate for adaptive reuse as a viable strategy to revitalize historic structures, ensuring their functionality in contemporary society without compromising their historical essence. The study provides a sustainable framework for culturally sensitive urban development and sets a precedent for future conservation projects, highlighting the importance of a balanced approach to integrating modern innovations within traditional contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iraqi cities, particularly the capital Baghdad, have great historical and cultural value, embodied in their historical centers' distinctive architectural and urban character. Baghdad experienced multiple wars and political conflicts that led to severe neglect, combined with an absence of clear strategies to rehabilitate its historical city center. These circumstances accelerated the decay and deterioration of its buildings and urban fabric, eventually leading to the mass emigration of historical centers' inhabitants. In the process of remedying this situation, two contradictory trends emerged. The first focused on looking to old, nearby cities for ideas and solutions. The second trend called for the examination of successful strategies employed elsewhere, for the purpose of benefiting and learning from them. This research adopts the second strategy, as it contains an implicit reference to dialogue between cities, and investigates its impact on strategies and plans for urban renewal. The present research aims to identify the possibilities and opportunities for dialogue between different cities, based on their ideological and experimental urban renewal strategies. The result of the dialogue can be translated into futuristic visions to serve the advancement and revitalization of any city, which will help address its occupants' needs. Therefore, this research focuses on Barcelona's urban renewal model, which has been one of the most successful for a city that has suffered experiences similar to those of Baghdad. This research relies on chronologies and spatial comparative methods to compare Baghdad and Barcelona. It concludes that the dialogue between cities is a dialogue of ideas, which provides the opportunity to benefit from others' experiences and strategies. This dialogue supports the exploration of new methods for the development of urban areas and the formulation of appropriate planning solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Determine the role of perineal ultrasound in the diagnosis of anterior urethral strictures and assessment of peristenotic fibrosis. Material and Method: Thirty healthy adult male and thirty patients with suspected urethral stricture have had urethral ultrasound after distension of urethra with a normal saline. The thirty patents also underwent retrograde urethrogram (RUG). Results: Average diameters healthy urethra were 11.6 +/- 3.1 mm at penile level, 11.2 +/- 2.7 mm at the bulbar level, and 9.7 +/- 2.88 mm at the bulbomembranous level. The periurethral tissue thickness averaged 2.7 +/- 0.5 mm at penile level, from 3.5 +/- 0.65 mm to bulbar level and 3.8±0.6 mm at the bulbomembranous level. Ultrasound made the diagnosis of 31 stenosis or 96.87%. On ultrasound, the length of the stenosis was significantly longer than that seen on retrograde urethrogram with a significant difference between the two techniques (P = 0.045). There is also a significant difference in diameter of urethral strictures between the two techniques. The thickness of the periurethral tissue at the level urethral stenosis was more than that measured in a healthy zone in all cases, whatever the urethral portion concerned. There was not no correlation between periurethral tissue thickness and degree of stenosis. Conclusion: Urethral ultrasound is a method that allows us to make the diagnosis of urethral stricture and to assess periurethral fibrosis. It could validly replace retrograde urethrogram in diagnosing anterior urethral stricture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]