Search

North American bat populations have experienced precipitous declines since the introduction of white-nose syndrome (WNS). Evidence that bats have responded to WNS by altering their winter habitat selection has been used to manipulate underground environments and improve winter survival. However, such management practices must be based on local data, which do not exist for all regions. Our goal was to identify determinants of winter habitat use for 3 bat species with varying susceptibility to WNS. To do so, we conducted 188 surveys of 129 potential hibernacula over 3 winters. We found that the range of winter temperatures and presence of water were important for the Little Brown Myotis (Myotis lucifugus) and Tricolored Bat (Perimyotis subflavus), species that are highly susceptible to WNS. Counts of both species were greater in sites with a narrow (<5 °C) temperature range and where streams or water bodies >25 m2 were present. In addition, we found larger groups of Little Brown Myotis in abandoned railroad tunnels than in caves. Winter counts of these species increased over time at 3 railroad tunnels that were surveyed for 3 consecutive winters, whereas populations were extirpated from historically important caves and mines. Counts of Big Brown Bats (Eptesicus fuscus), which are less susceptible to WNS, were also greater in hibernacula with water bodies. However, average winter temperature also helped predict counts of Big Brown Bats. This species had a curvilinear response to temperature, with most bats found at hibernacula with average winter temperatures of 4 to 6 °C, and fewer bats observed at warmer and colder conditions. These data show that focusing solely on historically important hibernacula may fail to achieve conservation goals for the Little Brown Myotis and Tricolored Bat in our region, and suggest that anthropogenic structures can provide habitat for remnant populations of imperiled bat species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shelter is one critical aspect of an animal's habitat, providing refuge from predators and weather, protection for offspring, and aiding in physiological homeostasis. During the day, bats find shelter in roosts—spaces created under tree bark, in tree cavities, or between rocks—after spending the night searching for food. Finding a roost with a microclimate that enables bats to remain in their thermoneutral zone could reduce energetic demands or allow bats to allocate energy to other activities such as reproduction and fighting disease. We aimed to characterize the structural features and microclimate (i.e. temperature) of roosts used by male Little Brown Myotis (Myotis lucifugus) during the summer and determine whether bats select certain characteristics disproportionally to what is available at different spatial scales. During the summers of 2017 and 2018, we radio-tracked 34 male M. lucifugus in Lodgepole Pine-dominated forests. We located at least 1 roost for 20 individuals (average = 2.85 roosts/bat, range = 1 to 6). Although snags were available, most of the roosts were in rock features (86% in rocks, 14% in trees or snags). Male M. lucifugus were more likely to select rock roosts with less canopy closure that were closer to water compared to available roosts on the landscape. They also selected roosts in rock features occurring within larger areas of rock cover that had wider entrances and access to crevices that faced the sky; these roosts also had warmer microclimates relative to other locations available on the landscape. Crevices that allow the bat to bask in the sun and change locations within a roost, minimizing energy needed for active thermoregulation, could be very beneficial for individuals recovering from diseases such as white-nose syndrome. Our work indicates that rock features provide habitat for male M. lucifugus during summer; other studies have shown that bats roost in these features during autumn and winter, further supporting their importance. By protecting these important rock structures, managers can help bats meet their habitat needs throughout the year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Termites are key components of tropical ecosystems, particularly in the Cerrado biome, where they dominate animal biomass and play crucial roles in nutrient cycling and soil formation. Their abundance and nutritional value make them primary food sources for various Cerrado animals, influencing predator diversity and several ecological interactions. Additionally, termite mounds serve as essential shelters for a wide range of fauna, aiding in thermoregulation and providing refuge from harsh environmental conditions, including wildfires. In this scenario, termitaria survival, diversity, and availability have several effects on the Cerrado fauna ecology. We present novel insights into the interaction between Actinobolus beetles and epigeous termite mounds in the Cerrado. Our field observations revealed Actinobolus beetles utilizing termite mounds for feeding and reproduction in several localities of Cerrado. These beetles access the inner portion of the termitaria, where the colony nest is located and protected by the termitaria's harder external layer and their larvae consume the termite nest structure. Actinobolus attack leads to partial or complete destruction of the colony and the creation of large hollows inside the mounds, causing deep changes in its structure. Despite the defensive mechanisms of termites, Actinobolus larvae thrive within the nest and likely ingest termites' eggs, nymphae and adults. Furthermore, we found that the Actinobolus capsule are made of faecal pellets, instead of termitaria debris. We suggest that the interaction between Actinobolus beetles and epigeous termitaria impacts the role of termitaria in providing microclimate regulation, food and shelter for Cerrado fauna, likely having poorly understood effects on the conservation and management of Cerrado ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antecedentes: El manejo agrícola modifica el microclima en el área de cultivo, afectando la fisiología y productividad de las plantas. Preguntas: ¿Cómo varía el microclima, fisiología y productividad del maíz en un monocultivo (M) y una milpa (policultivo, MFC) en suelos profundo y superficial de Yucatán? Especie de estudio: Zea mays L. Sitio de estudio: Yucatán, México; 2022 Métodos: Se midió temperatura del aire y suelo, déficit de presión de vapor, formación de rocío y contenido volumétrico de agua en suelo (CVA); asimilación de CO2 (A), transpiración (E), conductancia estomática (gs), eficiencia en el uso del agua, contenido de clorofila (CC), eficiencia cuántica, tasa de transporte de electrones y disipación no fotoquímica en plantas de maíz a 40 y 75 días después de la siembra, en milpas y monocultivos en Peto (suelo superficial, alta pedregosidad) y Mama (suelo más profundo, baja pedregosidad), Yucatán. Resultados: La temperatura del suelo fue hasta 5 °C mayor en Peto y 2 °C en Mama en M respecto a MFC, que registró hasta 22 % mayor CVA que M. El maíz en Mama presentó mayor A y E que en Peto; las plantas en MFC en Peto tuvieron mayor A, E y gs que las de M; en Mama fue lo contrario. El CRA y CC fue mayor en plantas de MFC en Peto. Conclusiones: La modificación microclimática y su efecto sobre el maíz dependió del suelo: MFC fue más productiva en suelos superficiales, mientras M en suelos profundos. El CVA fue mayor en MFC.

Copyright of Journal of Planning Education & Research is the property of Sage Publications Inc. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista Colombiana de Ciencias Hortícolas is the property of Revista Colombiana de Ciencias Horticolas and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Ciência Florestal (01039954) is the property of Ciencia Florestal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The aim is to assess whether homeopathy or other unconventional methods could be used in the treatment or prevention of mastitis in cows and at the same time while measurement of basic microclimatic indicators to determine if a stable climate influences the incidence of mastitis. Experiment is performed in a herd of about 120 pcs of cows. Cows with proven mastitis are divided into two groups –the control and experimental group. In the experimental group selected auxiliary means according to specific methodological instruction were given to cows according to specific methodological instruction to strengthen the immunity of their organism. Other husbandry and veterinary care was maintained in the same usual extent as in the control group. In both groups the occurrence of health disorders is recorded after a specified period of time describing the method used and the required treatment time. During the experiment basic microclimatic parameters (temperature, humidity, airflow, cooling value) are monitored continuously.

Introducción y Objetivos: Los cambios microclimáticos producto de las alteraciones en la estructura forestal inciden sobre la diversidad de organismos sensibles como los briofitos, los procesos ecológicos en los que participan y sus respuestas frente a los nuevos entornos. En este trabajo se caracterizó la brioflora y los grupos funcionales asociados a la regulación hídrica en diferentes coberturas de un bosque seco tropical: bosque de galería-BG, sistema silvopastoril-SSP y vegetación secundaria alta-VSA. M&M: Se establecieron nueve transectos de 0.1 ha (tres/cobertura) y en cada uno se registraron datos taxonómicos, ecológicos (sustrato epifito-cortícola, epilítico, terrestre y materia orgánica en descomposición), y funcionales (ancho del tallo, largo y ancho del filidio, filidios con bases amplectantes, hialodermis e imbricación de los filidios). Resultados: Se registraron 19 especies, 15 en VSA, 14 en BG y 14 en SSP. Las familias más ricas son Fissidentaceae (8 spp) y Lejeuneaceae (3 spp). El sustrato con mayor incidencia es el epífito-cortícola. Se identificaron seis grupos funcionales, diferenciados por los rasgos: largo y ancho del filidio, hialodermis e imbricación de filidios. Conclusiones: La riqueza y composición de briófitos no mostro diferencias significativas en las coberturas evaluadas, posiblemente por la homogenización de las condiciones ambientales, producto del historial de disturbio al que han sido sometidas, por tanto, es importante evaluar otros parámetros (cobertura) y comparar con coberturas vegetales en mejor estado de conservación. Los grupos funcionales están determinados principalmente por los rasgos del tamaño de la hoja y presentan una mayor frecuencia en las coberturas boscosas (BG y VSA).

Los árboles urbanos generan múltiples beneficios a la sociedad; uno de ellos es mitigar la isla de calor. El objetivo del presente trabajo es obtener el confort térmico producido por la vegetación arbórea en el macrocentro de la localidad de Bahía Blanca. Para ello, en principio, se determinó la zona climática local del área de estudio según sus características, y se obtuvo el porcentaje de cobertura vegetal mediante el software en línea i-Tree Canopy. También se realizó un relevamiento del arbolado de alineación para determinar las especies más representativas. Durante el verano de 2020 se hicieron mediciones de temperatura del aire y humedad relativa bajo la copa de quince individuos arbóreos, a las 15:00 h, en 15 días típicos de verano. Luego, al aplicar el índice de confort de la vegetación se pudo comprobar que todos los árboles seleccionados contribuyen a mejorar el confort térmico de la población. Sin embargo, existieron diferencias entre éstos, destacándose Platanus acerifolia y Parasenegalia visco por su mayor magnitud y por su incidencia en la disminución de la temperatura del aire bajo sus copas. Además, se identificaron y describieron los problemas vinculados al arbolado viario y se establecieron propuestas para mejorarlo. Los resultados permiten considerar que, dada la importancia de los árboles en el microclima urbano, se debe incrementar su cobertura en el macrocentro de esta ciudad para contribuir a regular la temperatura durante el verano. Se comprobó la necesidad de realizar tareas de mantenimiento de forma periódica para evitar los problemas detectados en el arbolado viario y potenciar los servicios ecosistémicos que brinda.

Copyright of PARC Pesquisa em Arquitetura e Construção is the property of Universidade Estadual de Campinas - Portal de Periodicos Eletronicos Cientificos and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Nitrogen (N) deposition from agriculture and combustion of fossil fuels is a major threat to plant diversity, but its effects on organisms at higher trophic levels are unclear. We investigated how N deposition may affect species richness and abundance (number of individuals per species) in butterflies. We reviewed the peer‐reviewed literature on variables used to explain spatial variation in butterfly species richness and found that vegetation variables appeared to be as important as climate and habitat variables in explaining butterfly species richness. It thus seemed likely that increased N deposition could indirectly affect butterfly communities via its influence on plant communities. To test this prediction, we analyzed data from the Swiss biodiversity monitoring program for vascular plants and butterflies in 383 study sites of 1 km2 that are evenly distributed throughout Switzerland. The area has a modeled N deposition gradient of 2–44 kg N ha−1 year−1. We used traditional linear models and structural equation models to infer the drivers of the spatial variation in butterfly species richness across Switzerland. High N deposition was consistently linked to low butterfly diversity, suggesting a net loss of butterfly diversity through increased N deposition. We hypothesize that at low elevations, N deposition may contribute to a reduction in butterfly species richness via microclimatic cooling due to increased plant biomass. At higher elevations, negative effects of N deposition on butterfly species richness may also be mediated by reduced plant species richness. In most butterfly species, abundance was negatively related to N deposition, but the strongest negative effects were found for species of conservation concern. We conclude that in addition to factors such as intensified agriculture, habitat fragmentation, and climate change, N deposition is likely to play a key role in negatively affecting butterfly diversity and abundance. Article impact statement: Nitrogen deposition negatively affects butterfly species richness and butterfly abundance, particularly in species of conservation concern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Microclimate information is often crucial for understanding ecological patterns and processes, including under climate change, but is typically absent from ecological and biogeographic studies owing to difficulties in obtaining microclimate data. Recent advances in microclimate modelling, however, suggest that microclimate conditions can now be predicted anywhere at any time using hybrid physically and empirically based models. Here, we test these methods across a sparsely vegetated and topographically diverse sub‐Antarctic island ecosystem (Macquarie Island). Innovation: Microclimate predictions were generated at a height of 4 cm above the surface on a 100 × 100 m elevation grid across the island for the snow‐free season (Oct–Mar), with models driven by either climate reanalysis data (CRA) or CRA data augmented with meteorological observations from the island's automatic weather station (AWS+CRA). These models were compared with predictions from a simple lapse rate model (LR), where an elevational adjustment was applied to hourly temperature measurements from the AWS. Prediction errors tended to be lower for AWS+CRA‐driven models, particularly when compared to the CRA‐driven models. The AWS+CRA and LR models had similar prediction errors averaged across the season for Tmin and Tmean, but prediction errors for Tmax were much smaller for the former. The within‐site correlation between observed and predicted daily Tmean was on average >0.8 in all months for AWS+CRA predictions and >0.7 in all months for LR predictions, but consistently lower for CRA predictions. Main conclusions: Prediction of microclimate conditions at ecologically relevant spatial and temporal scales is now possible using hybrid models, and these often provide added value over lapse rate models, particularly for daily extremes and when driven by in situ meteorological observations. These advances will help add the microclimate dimension to ecological and biogeographic studies and aid delivery of climate change‐resilient conservation planning in climate change‐exposed ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resumo O Cerrado apresenta uma variedade de fitofisionomias, com características distintas em estrutura e distribuição, o que contribui para uma heterogeneidade na interação da radiação solar com a superfície. Dessa forma, o objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar a variabilidade espacial e temporal de parâmetros biofísicos em diferentes tipos de cobertura do solo de uma área de Cerrado no sul do estado de Mato Grosso por sensoriamento remoto. Os parâmetros biofísicos índice de vegetação da diferença normalizada (NDVI), o albedo, temperatura da superfície e o saldo de radiação foram obtidos nas fitofisionomias do Cerrado: Campo Limpo, Campo Sujo, Cerradão e Cerrado stricto sensu; e numa área de pastagem. As estimativas foram realizadas com imagens do sensor TM Landsat 5, em 2009, 2010 e 2011. No período chuvoso, o NDVI e o saldo de radiação foram 44% e 15% maiores e o albedo e a temperatura da superfície foram 18% e 12% menores que no seco, respectivamente. Nos locais com maior NDVI e maior saldo de radiação foram encontrados os menores albedo e temperatura da superfície. As diferentes fitofisionomias do Cerrado tiveram interação distinta com a radiação solar em escalas sazonal e espacial devido à variação da cobertura da vegetação e disponibilidade hídrica.

Los sistemas silvopastoriles constituyen sistemas de producción sostenible y también una alternativa que no solo sirve para mitigar el efecto del cambio climático, sino tambien para adaptarse a este. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el efecto de arreglos silvopastoriles con Alnus acuminata (árboles en callejones, árboles dispersos en potreros, cercas vivas) sobre los factores ambientales como la temperatura y humedad relativa. Las evaluaciones se realizaron en cuatro localidades del distrito de Molinopampa (Molinopampa, Santa Cruz del Tingo, Pumahermana y Ocol), región Amazonas (Perú), durante el periodo de noviembre del 2016 a octubre del 2017. Se consideraron 16 potreros con homogeniedad en edad y densidad de árboles, y componente forrajero, establecidos bajo un diseño de bloques completos al azar. Los datos se registraron con una frecuencia de cuatro horas y se procesaron mediante las pruebas de Kruskal-Wallis y U de Mann-Whitney por pares (p

In tropical environments, landscape heterogeneity is a key factor determining species richness gradients, while climatic conditions are commonly related to the occurrence and activity patterns of most animal species. We used acoustic monitoring data to test the influence of microclimate variables and habitat on the activity pattern of aerial insectivorous bats in three distinct environments in northern Pantanal, Brazil - Cambarazal, Murundu field and Riparian area. We hypothesized that foraging and feeding activities should be positively related to humidity and temperature; and species composition should differ between habitats. In 30 sampling nights, we obtained 6049 records and identified 16 species and three species complexes distributed in five families. There were no significant differences in species richness between the three habitats, but the riparian area, the most heterogeneous environment sampled, presented the highest levels of foraging and feeding activities. Species composition varied with the sampled habitat, demonstrating that different species use and perceive distinct landscapes in different ways. Only the foraging activity of open-space bats responded to the interaction between relative humidity and different habitat types during the Pantanal's dry season. Our results, obtained exclusively by acoustic sampling, show that many aerial insectivore species and activity patterns are subsampled in studies done exclusively with mist-nets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermal discomfort is one of the main causes of production losses in animals fully exposed to solar radiation under extensive livestock farming. The inclusion of trees in this farming system is the most efficient strategy to decrease the temperature and increase animal productivity without the need to explore new areas. In this context, the objective of this study was to characterize the microclimate in a silvopastoral system (SPS), a refuge area, and an open pasture, and evaluate thermal comfort and the ingestive behavior of animals under shade. The study was conducted at the Agronomic Institute of Paraná (IAPAR), located in Ibiporã, Paraná state, Brazil, in three areas with distinct management systems: a SPS of Eucalyptus grandis with Tifton 85 (Cynodon spp.), a woodland of Leucena leucocephala that provided shade to cattle, and a pasture in full sun (PFS). Automatic meteorological stations were installed in the SPS (one station beside the tree lines and the other in an average distance perpendicular to the rows), one in the refuge area, and one in the PFS. The measured variables were air temperature and relative humidity. The mean temperatures of the shaded treatments were compared to those of the PFS using a t-test. The mean values of the temperature and humidity index (THI) were calculated for each season of the year. The animal ingestion behavior in the SPS was analyzed in three typical days in different seasons of the year. Significant differences were observed between shade treatments and full-sun pasture, with a temperature decrease ranging from 0.4 to 1.6 °C in the shaded systems. The comparison of animal thermal comfort between the study areas in different seasons of the year indicated that there were no significant differences in thermal comfort between the SPS and refuge area relative to the PFS, suggesting a need to monitor the animals’ body temperature to better estimate thermal comfort. The evaluation of the ingestive behavior evidenced the animals’ preference to perform activities under tree shade and that the SPS led to changes in their food habits, optimizing grazing time. Therefore, the trees directly affected the microclimate of the studied environments, attenuating the temperature, protecting the animals against direct solar radiation, and providing better thermal comfort.

Este artigo resgata e apresenta os principais caminhos de aproximação entre o universo da conservação de bens culturais e as tendências da sustentabilidade, discutindo particularmente o papel do diagnóstico microclimático de espaços adaptados à função museológica na definição das estratégias de conservação preventiva embasadas nos princípios de tal movimento (identificadas por alguns autores como slow conservation). Esta análise se articula com dois estudos de caso que avaliam os comportamentos dinâmicos de parâmetros físico-ambientais (temperatura e umidade) coletados durante o período de um ano em espaços internos do Museu Paulista da Universidade de São Paulo (USP) e do Museu Casa da Xilogravura, confrontados com as variações climáticas externas. Os resultados e suas interpretações permitem ressaltar a importância do diagnóstico dos espaços de conservação, enquanto ferramenta de planejamento de ações preventivas alternativas às tradicionais abordagens de controle ambiental mecanizado e automatizado, e vislumbrar estratégias passivas que valorizem potencialidades existentes, minimizem vulnerabilidades isoladas e contribuam concretamente para a articulação com um mundo sustentável.

Temperature at fine spatial scales is an important driver of nest site selection for many avian species during the breeding season and can influence nest success. Sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) communities have areas with high levels of vegetation heterogeneity and high thermal variation; however, fire removes vegetation that provides protection from predators and extreme environmental conditions. To examine the influence of microclimates on Greater Sage-Grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) nest site selection and nest success in a fire-affected landscape, we measured black bulb temperature (Tbb) and vegetation attributes (e.g., visual obstruction) at 3 spatial scales (i.e. nest bowl, microsite, and landscape) in unburned and burned areas. Nest bowls exhibited greater buffering of Tbb than both nearby microsites and the broader landscape. Notably, nest bowls were warmer in cold temperatures, and cooler in hot temperatures, than nearby microsites and the broader landscape, regardless of burn stage. Nest survival (NS) was higher for nests in unburned areas compared to nests in burned areas (unburned NS = 0.43, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.33-0.54; burned NS = 0.24, 95% CI: 0.10-0.46). The amount of bare ground was negatively associated with NS, but effects diminished as the amount of bare ground reached low levels. Shrub height and visual obstruction were positively associated with NS during the entire study period, whereas minimum Tbb had a weaker effect. Our findings demonstrate that thermoregulatory selection by Greater Sage-Grouse at nest sites had marginal effects on their NS. However, given that increases in vegetation structure (e.g., shrub height) provide thermal refuge and increase NS, vegetation remnants or regeneration in a post-fire landscape could be critical to Greater Sage-Grouse nesting ecology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Agriscientia is the property of Revista AgriScientia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

O objetivo deste trabalho foi quantificar a recuperação de larvas infectantes de Haemonchus sp. em capim Marandu (Brachiaria brizantha), no período da seca (inverno) e das chuvas (verão) ao longo do tempo; bem como verificar se a altura do pasto influenciou neste tempo de sobrevivência. O experimento foi conduzido em Uberlândia, durante os meses de agosto a novembro de 2014 (seca) e janeiro a março de 2015 (chuvas). Foram considerados dois tratamentos (alturas de pasto 10 e 35cm), com coleta de amostras nos dias 0, 7, 14, 28, 42, 56 e 70 dias. Houve contaminação experimental de parcelas com fezes de caprinos com média de 1600 ovos de estrongilídeos por grama (OPG). Foi realizada amostragem por cortes dos estratos inferior e superior do capim. Houve maior número de larvas recuperadas no estrato inferior no inverno (p0,05). Foram encontradas larvas até o 42o dia no período chuvoso e até o fim do trabalho durante a seca, com maior quantidade de larvas (p

A urbanização e a industrialização aceleradas é uma problemática nos dias atuais na condição térmica de cidades do semiárido brasileiro, como Caicó/RN, e que pode piorar no futuro se as temperaturas do ar aumentarem devido ao aquecimento em todo o planeta, segundo as constatações do IPCC (IPCC, 2019), proporcionando ameaças à qualidade de vida da população. Diante dessa problemática, o objetivo desta pesquisa foi analisar a influência da arborização na cidade de Caicó, através da temperatura e umidade relativa do ar, comparando duas áreas: uma com arborização densa e outra pouco arborizada. Desse modo, utilizaram-se equipamentos termohigrômetros que registraram dados horários de temperatura e umidade relativa do ar durante o período de maio a junho de 2016. A partir dessas variáveis, avaliou-se a sensação térmica nos dois pontos através dos índices de conforto térmico humano: Índices de desconforto (ID) e o Índice de temperatura e Umidade (ITU). Através dos resultados apresentados, corroboramos com Monteiro (1976) e Mendonça e Monteiro (2003) quando afirmam que a cidade gera um clima próprio (clima urbano), resultante da interferência de todos os fatores que se processam sobre a camada limite urbana e que agem no sentido de alterar o clima em escala local. Por menor que seja a cidade, é possível detectar mudanças no campo higrotérmico, como pudemos constatar em Caicó/RN.

La producción en invernadero especialmente en zonas altas en la agricultura boliviana está muy alejada de su potencial que puede ser aprovechado en la medida que se adecuen otros determinantes como el control de las variables climáticas que actúan sobre la producción. Así, un buen funcionamiento del sistema requiere adecuar las consignas de control. Para este propósito se utilizó un invernadero convencional de cubierta de lámina flexible, un invernadero móvil Pachamama de cubierta de placas rígidas y la variedad de rábano Crimson Giant. Se tomaron variables de estudio microclimáticas y agronómicas. Para su análisis se recurrió a la estadística descriptiva e inferencial (prueba t de Student). El trabajo se realizó en dos temporadas o fases: en la primera fase se evaluó comparativamente en ambos invernaderos, el control microclimático en forma manual únicamente y en la segunda fase se evaluó comparativamente el control manual en el invernadero convencional con el control automatizado en el invernadero móvil Pachamama. Los resultados muestran que el invernadero móvil Pachamama bajo un control microclimático de manejo manual, se alcanzaron los valores más elevados de radiación solar, temperatura, déficit de presión de vapor en comparación al invernadero convencional desencadenando mayores condiciones de estrés, y bajo un control microclimático de manejo automático, se alcanzaron los valores más bajos de radiación solar, temperatura, déficit de presión de vapor. Por lo cual es factible llevar adelante un manejo de control microclimático automático, lo cual permite aprovechar al máximo el potencial que ofrecen los invernaderos.

The microclimatic improvement is often cited as one of the benefits generated by urban trees, however, there are few studies which quantitatively address this effect. The aim of this paper was to compare the microclimate of streets with and without trees. Therefore, three samples containing a stretch of street with and without trees were selected, with the street with trees being composed of different species. The temperature, relative humidity and wind speed data were measured by automatic Kestrel® meteorological ministations installed on the street with trees and another in the street without trees. The data collection period was from 9 AM to 3 PM, and the monitoring interval was every 1 minute during all four seasons starting in the winter of 2011. The comparative analyses were done using the Student's t-test (99%). The results indicated that the air temperature in a street with trees was on average 1.7 °C lower than a street without trees, the relative humidity was 6.9% higher and the wind speed was 0.04 m/s lower. There was no statistical difference for temperature between the street with "ipê" in the winter and spring. There was no difference for wind speed in the summer between the street with other trees and the street with "ipê" and "tipuana". It was concluded that street trees provide a pleasant microclimate, and this influence was statistically significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Se desarrolló una Red Neuronal Artificial (RNA) con capacidad para realizar predicciones climáticas a corto plazo, entrenada con datos a intervalos de 15 min durante 454 días, de una estación climatológica ubicada en La Hechicera Mérida-Venezuela (1896 msnm). Para el entrenamiento y su validación se usaron patrones simulados que contienen variaciones diarias de la radiancia y la temperatura. Se eligieron 3 funciones de prueba tales como el Seno, Coseno y los Polinomios de Legendre Pl(x). La (RNA) p.ej, puede predecir el intervalo (0,1] usando sólo como entrada el intervalo [-1,0] de la correspondiente derivada P´l (x) del polinomio. En la fase de producción con datos reales, se encontró que la red es capaz de predecir la temperatura con un 5% de error en el rango horario [12:15 a 06:15] pm, sólo con los datos de temperatura en el rango [6:00 a 12:00) am. Igualmente al predecir temperatura a partir de radiancia (5 %), radiancia-radiancia (16 %). Se considera viable el uso de (RNA) para la predicción de micro-clima a corto plazo, pudiendo extender su uso a otras localidades, lo que podría ser útil para el desarrollo de planes de prevención de desastres, períodos de siembra y en la predicción de oferta de energía en plantas eólicas y solares.

Gradients in community diversity and composition rarely track rates of warming, prompting efforts to understand the factors causing non-equilibrium responses to climatic change and their implications for conservation. Here, we test the roles of fine-resolution habitat heterogeneity and microclimate in delaying butterfly community responses to warming over a mountain elevation gradient. We assess species diversity and Community Temperature Index (CTI) in 2004–2005 and 2017 across 120 transect sites in the Sierra de Guadarrama (Spain), modelling temperatures based on topography, and vegetation structure based on LiDAR. A humped elevation gradient in species diversity was maintained over time. However, diversity in the later period was more positively related to vegetation heterogeneity, and sites with reduced rates of warming and greater forest cover maintained or increased their diversity. Site CTI declines with increasing elevation, showing little evidence of systematic change over the gradient between periods, although CTI increased most in locations with the greatest rates of spring microclimatic warming. Our results show that delays in community tracking of climatic conditions could result partly from positive effects of habitat and topographic heterogeneity providing microclimatic buffering against warming to existing communities; although barriers to colonization could also delay diversity increases and community thermophilization at high elevations. We suggest that protecting and managing complex habitats with high community diversity, and identifying localized microclimates that buffer populations against negative effects of warming, are more immediate conservation priorities over elevation gradients than efforts to ensure that communities track prevailing rates of warming. • Vegetation and microclimate affect recent changes to mountain butterfly communities • Butterfly diversity increased where tree cover provided greater habitat heterogeneity • Community composition changed the most where microclimatic warming was greatest • Topographic and vegetation heterogeneity buffer the ecological effects of warming • LiDAR and microclimate models help understand community responses to climate change [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

El objetivo de este trabajo fue analizar los efectos de la expansión urbana de Bahía Blanca sobre el microclima y la biomasa considerando la percepción de sus habitantes. Se utilizaron imágenes satelitales LANDSAT para el período 1986-2014. Se estimó el área urbana, la temperatura y la biomasa. Se analizaron datos meteorológicos de temperatura, humedad relativa y velocidades máximas de viento provistos por el Servicio Meteorológico Nacional (Argentina). El crecimiento de la ciudad redujo la biomasa. La TST disminuyó 0.6 ºC debido al aumento de las sombras generadas por los edificios, a la densidad de los mismos y a la capacidad calorífica de los materiales que los componen, entre otros factores. La temperatura del aire se incrementó 0.7 ºC y la humedad relativa disminuyó un 6%. La opinión de los habitantes coincidió con los datos meteorológicos analizados. La consulta a los actores sociales generó información útil para orientar la planificación de la ciudad, las políticas públicas y la toma de decisiones para mejorar la calidad de vida de los habitantes.

O desconforto térmico é uma das principais causas da queda produtiva da pecuária extensiva a pleno sol, sendo a inserção de árvores no sistema a alternativa mais eficiente para atenuar a temperatura e aumentar a produtividade sem a necessidade de explorar novas áreas. Nesse contexto, objetivou-se caracterizar o microclima em um sistema silvipastoril, uma área de refúgio e a pleno sol, além de estimar o conforto térmico e avaliar o comportamento ingestivo dos animais sob sombra. O estudo foi realizado na estação experimental do Instituto Agronômico do Paraná (IAPAR), localizada em Ibiporã-PR, em três áreas com manejos distintos: um sistema silvipastoril, um bosque que serve como refúgio dos animais e uma pastagem a pleno sol. Foram instaladas estações meteorológicas automáticas no sistema silvipastoril, uma sob a sombra e outra na distância média perpendicular aos renques, na área de refúgio e no pasto a pleno sol. As variáveis medidas foram temperatura do ar e umidade relativa do ar. As temperaturas médias dos tratamentos arborizados foram comparadas com as do pasto a pleno sol por meio do test t. Valores médios de Temperatura e Índice de Umidade (ITU) foram calculados para cada estação do ano. Analisou-se o comportamento ingestivo animal no sistema silvipastoril em três dias representativos de diferentes estações do ano. Constatou-se diferenças significativas entre os tratamentos sombreados e a pastagem a pleno sol, com redução de temperatura variando entre 0,4 a 1,6 °C nos sistemas sombreados. Ao comparar o conforto térmico animal para as estações do ano, não verificou-se diferenças entre o sistema silvipastoril e refúgio em relação ao pleno sol, sendo indicado monitorar a temperatura corporal animal para melhor estimar sua condição de conforto térmico. Entretanto, ao avaliar o comportamento ingestivo animal evidenciou-se a preferência dos animais por realizar suas atividades sob a sombra das árvores; o sistema silvipastoril propiciou mudanças no seu hábito alimentar, otimizando o tempo de pastejo. Conclui-se que o componente arbóreo influenciou diretamente no microclima dos ambientes estudados, atenuando a temperatura e protegendo os animais contra a incidência direta de radiação solar, proporcionando maior conforto térmico.

O estudo teve como objetivo principal analisar a influência climática na produção de serapilheira, em um pequeno fragmento de cerradão em Minas Gerais, Brasil, durante um ano. Foram utilizados 20 coletores (0,25 m2), dispostos em linha. A produção de serapilheira total foi de 7,5 t.ha-1.ano-1, composta pelas frações folhas, ramos e estruturas férteis. A fração foliar contribuiu com 67% do total acumulado em um ano. A correlação de Pearson (r) indicou a influência das variáveis climáticas precipitação e temperaturas médias e mínimas na produção da fração foliar. A análise de r resultou também em valor significativo entre ramos e velocidade média do vento, enquanto que estruturas férteis sofreram influência da precipitação, temperaturas médias máximas e mínimas. Características vegetacionais podem ter interferido nos resultados encontrados. Todavia, estudos complementares envolvendo análises fitossociológica e de ciclagem de nutrientes deverão ser desenvolvidos para a comprovação de hipóteses propostas.

Resumo O Pantanal apresenta períodos de inundação que modelam a paisagem e atuam como filtro ao estabelecimento e desenvolvimento de plantas. Perturbações antrópicas ou naturais podem alterar a distribuição da energia disponível no ecossistema. Diante da necessidade de compreensão da variabilidade temporal do balanço de energia em paisagens naturais inundáveis, o objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a sazonalidade do balanço de energia em área arbustiva alagável composta por Combretum lanceolatum Pohl no Pantanal Mato-grossense. As estimativas do fluxo de calor latente (LE) e sensível (H), e da evapotranspiração (ET) foram obtidas pelo método da razão de Bowen entre maio de 2012 e abril de 2013. A energia disponível foi destinada prioritariamente ao LE (64,1%), seguido ao H (35,8%) e quase zero ao fluxo de calor no solo (0,1%). Os componentes do balanço de energia apresentaram forte sazonalidade, com maior LE durante a estação chuvosa e maior H durante a estação seca. A evapotranspiração foi menor durante a estação seca devido ao baixo conteúdo de água no solo e transpiração da vegetação dominante na área de estudo. Os resultados obtidos nesse trabalho sugerem que o ambiente estudado é limitado pela disponibilidade de energia e água.

In regions with intense solar radiation it is common the use of aluminated covers in greenhouses, with the aim of reducing the inside temperature. However, the use of these covers reduces photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) transmitted into the greenhouse. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the influence of different covers on microclimate in greenhouses cultivated with cherry tomato during three growing seasons. The environment I was covered with plastic film anti-UV and with thermo-reflective screen (40%) disposed internally. The environment II was covered with diffusive plastic film (55%). The transmitted solar radiation to the interior of covered environments was, on average, 5.5 MJ m-2 day-1 in the environment I and 8.2 MJ m-2 day-1 in environment II. The air temperature in environment II was, on average, 1°C higher than external conditions. The highest difference for the relative humidity (RH) was also observed between environment II and the outside conditions, with 10.7% for the minimum RH during the first growing period. Considering all growing periods, the diffusive plastic film provided higher solar energy availability inside the greenhouse than the plastic film with thermo-reflective screen, without causing major changes in air temperature and relative humidity, and promoting greater productivity of tomato grown under this environment for the three periods evaluated.

Abstract: In regions where snowfall historically has been a defining seasonal characteristic of the landscape, warming winters have reduced the depth, duration, and extent of snowpack. However, most management and conservation has focused on how aboveground wildlife will be affected by altered snow conditions, even though the majority of species that persist through the winter do so under the snowpack in a thermally stable refugium: the subnivium. Shortened winters, forest management practices, and winter recreation can alter subnivium conditions by increasing snow compaction and compromising thermal stability at the soil–snow interface. To help slow the loss of the subnivium in the face of rapidly changing winter conditions, we suggest managers adopt regional conservation plans for identifying threatened snow‐covered environments; measure and predict the effects land cover and habitat management has on local subnivium conditions; and control the timing and distribution of activities that disturb and compact snow cover (e.g., silvicultural practices, snow recreation, and road and trail maintenance). As a case study, we developed a spatially explicit model of subnivium presence in a working landscape of the Chequamegon National Forest, Wisconsin. We identified landscapes where winter recreation and management practices could threaten potentially important areas for subnivium persistence. Similar modeling approaches could inform management decisions related to subnivium conservation. Current climate projections predict that snow seasons will change rapidly in many regions, and as result, we advocate for the immediate recognition, conservation, and management of the subnivium and its dependent species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Terra Latinoamericana is the property of Sociedad Mexicana de la Ciencia del Suelo A.C. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Clima y vegetación son variables del espacio físico que poseen una relación dinámica y de interdependencia. La flora modifica los elementos climáticos y da lugar a un microclima cuya caracterización está en función de las condiciones climáticas regionales y de la estructura de la vegetación. El objetivo del trabajo fue comparar las variaciones climáticas (interior y exterior) del bosque de caldén en la Reserva Provincial Parque Luro. Se analizaron y compararon estadísticamente los datos de temperatura, humedad relativa, velocidad, dirección del viento y precipitación de dos estaciones meteorológicas para el 2012. Se demostró la influencia del bosque en los parámetros climáticos y se comprobó que las variaciones mayores se dieron en la velocidad del viento, la temperatura diaria y las precipitaciones.

As características urbanas associadas aos tipos e graus de adensamento e uso que recobrem o solo têm a capacidade de modificar os elementos climáticos que compõem a atmosfera local. Desta forma, esta pesquisa teve como objetivo analisar a influência da ocupação do solo no microclima em Cuiabá-MT-Brasil por meio das diferenças de temperatura e umidade do ar intraurbana do município. Para tanto, foi usada a metodologia de transectos móveis noturnos nas quatros estações do ano, utilizando-se um termohigrômetro digital, protegido por abrigo, acoplado na lateral de um veículo que saiu da periferia rural, passou pelo centro e chegou ao extremo oposto da cidade, no sentido leste/oeste e posteriormente norte/sul. Foi feita a análise termo-higrométrica e detecção de anomalias climáticas como ilha de calor, evidenciando a influência das mudanças antropogênicas no ambiente urbano. O adensamento urbano e a supressão de vegetação são fatores determinantes na modificação do comportamento termo-higrométrico, sendo evidente a influência do fluxo de veículos automotores nos ganhos de calor no meio, enquanto que áreas sob influência de grandes massas de vegetação, apresentaram características próprias, com microclimas diferentes das outras áreas da cidade, já que há uma contribuição na perda de energia para o meio e consequente queda de temperatura e aumento da umidade relativa do ar. Portanto, este estudo contribui para diagnosticar eventuais mudanças no clima urbano devido ao processo de crescimento de Cuiabá, que precisam ser considerados pelos planejadores e gestores para que sejam tomadas medidas que contribuam com a melhoria da qualidade ambiental e de vida da população.

Preserving cultural heritage means today to ensure appropriate environmental conditions to be monitored trough state of- the-art technologies. Testo Saveris technology ensures continuous control, even at a distance, of the main environmental parameters, relativity humidity and temperature, in museums and archives.

Copyright of Ciência Florestal (01039954) is the property of Ciencia Florestal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Land-cover and climate change are both expected to alter species distributions and contribute to future biodiversity loss. However, the combined effects of land-cover and climate change on assemblages, especially at the landscape scale, remain understudied. Lowland tropical amphibians may be particularly susceptible to changes in land cover and climate warming because many species have narrow thermal safety margins resulting from air and body temperatures that are close to their critical thermal maxima (CTmax). We examined how changing thermal landscapes may alter the area of thermally suitable habitat (TSH) for tropical amphibians. We measured microclimates in 6 land-cover types and CTmax of 16 frog species in lowland northeastern Costa Rica. We used a biophysical model to estimate core body temperatures of frogs exposed to habitat-specific microclimates while accounting for evaporative cooling and behavior. Thermally suitable habitat area was estimated as the portion of the landscape where species CTmax exceeded their habitat-specific maximum body temperatures. We projected changes in TSH area 80 years into the future as a function of land-cover change only, climate change only, and combinations of land-cover and climate-change scenarios representing low and moderate rates of change. Projected decreases in TSH area ranged from 16% under low emissions and reduced forest loss to 30% under moderate emissions and business-as-usual land-cover change. Under a moderate emissions scenario (A1B), climate change alone contributed to 1.7- to 4.5-fold greater losses in TSH area than land-cover change only, suggesting that future decreases in TSH from climate change may outpace structural habitat loss. Forest-restricted species had lower mean CTmax than species that occurred in altered habitats, indicating that thermal tolerances will likely shape assemblages in changing thermal landscapes. In the face of ongoing land-cover and climate change, it will be critical to consider changing thermal landscapes in strategies to conserve ectotherm species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structure of dung beetle communities inhabiting tropical forests are known to be sensitive to many kinds of environmental changes such as microclimate related to vegetation structure. I examined Scarabaeinae assemblages in two sites of undisturbed high forest and two sites of low forest forming a transitional zone with the open habitat of an inselberg in French Guiana. Sampling was made with pitfall and flight interception traps during 2003 and 2004. The driest and warmest conditions characterized the low forest sites. Across two years we obtained 2 927 individuals from 61 species with pitfall traps and 1 431 individuals from 85 species with flight interception traps. Greater species richness and abundance characterized all sites sampled with pitfall traps during 2003 more than 2004. In 2003 no differences were detected among sites by rarefaction analyses. In 2004 the species richest high forest site was significantly different from one of the low forest sites. For both years Clench model asymptotes for species richness were greater in high forest than in low forest sites. For both years, mean per-trap species richness, abundance and biomass among high forest sites were similar and higher than in low forest sites, especially where the lowest humidity and the highest temperature were recorded. Within the two low forest sites, species richness and abundance recorded during the second year, decreased with distance to edge. Different dominant roller species characterized the pitfall samples in one site of low forest and in other sites. Small variations in microclimatic conditions correlated to canopy height and openness likely affected dung beetle assemblages but soil depth and the presence of large mammals providing dung resource may also play a significant role.

El objetivo de este artículo fue analizar datos meteorológicos para identificar el comportamiento de variables físicas de relevancia y definir el clima de la región y el microclima de Yopal, Casanare. Se estudiaron los registros de las variables climáticas en una serie de tiempo de treinta años en la estación meteorológica del aeropuerto de Yopal, los cuales fueron suministrados por el Instituto de Estudios Ambientales y Meteorológicos (Ideam). Luego se llevó a cabo una tipificación climática basada en las clasificaciones más utilizadas por la comunidad científica, como son Thornthwaite, De Martone y Koppen, con el propósito de situar climáticamente la región de estudio. Por último, se analizaron las dos variables físicas más importantes en cuanto al comportamiento del microclima del lugar respecto al crecimiento de la vegetación, por sus procesos de evapotranspiración y uso del recurso hídrico.

Os estudos de microclima em cavernas são recentes no Brasil, tendo sido desenvolvidos de forma mais sistemática nas últimas três décadas, com predominância em cavernas turísticas. O presente estudo se insere em uma linha já estabelecida mundialmente do estudo do espeleoclima, mais ainda pouco desenvolvida no Brasil, a classificação dos padrões de circulação atmosférica em dolinas e cavernas. Para tanto, foi realizado um monitoramento higrotérmico durante o inverno, que buscou detalhar a dinâmica de troca gasosa entre o microclima de superfície, grandes dolinas e cavernas em seu interior, em São Desidério, Bahia. Para a pesquisa de campo, foram selecionadas duas dolinas, com cavidades de tamanhos distintos em seu interior, para verificação de possíveis padrões, semelhanças e singularidades. Os resultados demonstraram que as dolinas e suas respectivas cavernas correspondem ao modelo de circulação atmosférica de cavernas conhecido como armadilha para a captura do ar frio, conservando a temperatura em seu interior relativamente mais fria e o ar mais úmido que o microclima quente e seco da região de São Desidério, mesmo na época de estiagem. As conclusões apontam necessidades de estudos complementares no período do verão, bem como considerações sobre o potencial favorável de uso turístico das cavernas no fundo das dolinas, sob a ótica do espeleoclima.

Understanding the variability of climate elements in time and space is fundamental to the knowledge of the dynamics of microclimate. Thus, the objective was to analyze the variability of air temperature and relative humidity on the Cuiabá campus of the Federal University of Mato Grosso, and, through the clustering technique, to analyze the formation of groups to propose a zoning microclimate in the area study. To this end, collection data of air temperature and relative humidity at 15 points in two seasons (April to September) at three times (8h, 14h and 20h) was held in 2010. The results showed that sites with a predominance of buildings with asphalt pavement had high temperatures and low humidity, revealing the importance of introducing trees. The cluster analysis showed that the combination of data of air temperature and relative humidity provides a better grouping of the points with a smaller distance connection to the formation of groups. It is noted that the use of the clustering technique was satisfactory for the microclimatic zoning at the Cuiabá campus of Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, which can be used in microclimatic scale.

The auditory thermometry has being used for measurement of temperature of dogs. However there is different acoustic conch conformation in this species, being that the pendulous ears can alter the auditory microclimate. This research aimed to study the difference of rectal and auditory canal temperatures according to acoustic conch conformation in dogs. One hundred and eleven dogs were used with erect ears (group I), semi-pendulous (group II) and pendulous (group II) with 37 animals each group. The measurement of rectal temperature (TR) was realized with traditional thermometer mercury column and measurement of both external ears temperature with infrared ear thermometer. The average hearing temperature (TAM) was obtained and realized difference between TR and TAM, being the results classify in scores, A=TAMA termometria auditiva vem sendo utilizada para mensuração da temperatura em cães. Porém, existem diferentes conformações da concha acústica nesta espécie, sendo que orelhas pendulares podem alterar o microclima auditivo. Portanto, objetivou-se estudar a diferença das temperaturas retal e do canal auditivo de acordo com a conformação da concha acústica em cães. Foram utilizados 111 cães hígidos com orelhas ereta (grupo I), semipendular (grupo II) e pendular (grupo III) com 37 animais cada. A aferição da temperatura retal (TR) foi realizada com termômetro tradicional coluna de mercúrio e aferição da temperatura de ambas as orelhas externas com termômetro auricular infravermelho. Foi obtida temperatura auditiva média (TAM) e realizada diferença entre TR e TAM, sendo os resultados classificados em escores, A=TAM

The present study evaluated the anatomy, chlorophyll content and photosynthetic potential of grapevine leaves grown under plastic cover. The experiment was carried out in vineyards of Moscato Giallo cultivar covered and uncovered with plastic. A block design with 10 selected plants was used for each area (covered and uncovered). Twelve leaves (six of them fully exposed to solar radiation and six grown under shaded conditions) were collected from each area and were fixed and analyzed microscopically (thickness of the adaxial and abaxial epidermis and of the palisade and spongy parenchymas). Chlorophyll content and photosynthetic potential were determined in the vineyard at veraison and after harvest. Plastic covering increased the thickness of the palisade parenchyma in exposed and shaded leaves due to solar radiation restriction. However, the leaves from the covered vineyard did not have the same response to the restriction of solar radiation, as observed in the uncovered vineyard. The thickness of the adaxial and abaxial epidermis and of the spongy parenchyma did not vary due to solar radiation restriction. Chlorophyll content increased in the leaves of covered plants. The photosynthetic potential of the vines is not affected by solar radiation restriction imposed by plastic cover due to anatomical modification in leaves.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi quantificar a contribuição da variável auxiliar altitude, na estimativa da distribuição espacial da precipitação anual média no Estado de São Paulo. A estatística quadrado médio do erro (QME) foi usada em dois conjuntos de observações de precipitação anual média (1957 a 1997): o completo, com 1.027 observações, e o reduzido, com 445. Bolsões de precipitação foram perfeitamente definidos nos mapas de variabilidade espacial que utilizaram o conjunto completo de dados, e indicaram a existência de possíveis microclimas. O interpolador geoestatístico de krigagem ordinária apresentou desempenho 82 vezes mais preciso que o interpolador do inverso do quadrado da distância, quando o QME foi usado como critério de comparação para o conjunto de dados completo. Para o conjunto reduzido, essa magnitude foi de duas vezes. Os erros de estimação obtidos por krigagem ordinária foram menores no conjunto completo, enquanto os obtidos por cokrigagem ordinária foram menores no reduzido. Isso indica que esses interpoladores devem ser usados para determinação da distribuição espacial da precipitação anual média. O uso da altitude como variável auxiliar beneficia o interpolador de cokrigagem ordinária e define microrregiões mais uniformes quanto à distribuição espacial da precipitação anual média.

A duração do período de molhamento foliar (DPM) é um importante parâmetro para a determinação do risco de doenças da macieira, especialmente a sarna, principal doença da cultura. O clima regional e as características de implantação e manejo de pomares são fatores determinantes da ocorrência do molhamento foliar. Em função do microclima do dossel, é necessário conhecer a posição com maior DPM, para dar suporte a modelos de previsão de doenças. Poucos trabalhos avaliaram a DPM em pomares de macieira, sendo que inexistem estudos nas condições de cultivo do Sul do Brasil, em particular na região produtora de Vacaria, Rio Grande do Sul. Este trabalho objetivou caracterizar a variação espacial da DPM em dosséis de macieiras em céu aberto e sob tela antigranizo, na região de Vacaria. O experimento foi desenvolvido em pomares de macieiras 'Royal Gala', conduzidos em líder central com apoio (espaçamento de 1m x 3m), sendo um coberto por tela antigranizo e o outro em céu aberto. A DPM foi monitorada nos estratos superior, médio e inferior dos dosséis de macieira. A duração do molhamento foliar foi superior no estrato inferior do dossel, tanto em céu aberto quanto sob tela antigranizo. Houve tendência de mais alta DPM no pomar coberto para todos os estratos do dossel, com diferença significativa entre ambientes nos estratos superior e médio. Os valores de DPM foram mais similares entre os estratos no dossel coberto por tela antigranizo do que no dossel a céu aberto.

ResumenLos componentes de las bayas (peso, azúcares, ácidos, polifenoles) están influenciados por el microclima de la canopia y por el estado de madurez de éstas, entre otros factores. El objetivo de este trabajo fue conocer la influencia de la temperatura a nivel de los racimos en la composición de las bayas (peso, volumen, sólidossolubles, acidez, pH, antocianas e Índice de Polifenoles Totales -IPT-), en dos exposiciones (este y oeste) y en tres estados de madurez. Los resultados indican que los racimos expuestos al oeste tuvieron mayores integrales térmicas y permanecieron sometidos más tiempo a temperaturas mayores al umbral fisiológico superior, que los racimos expuestos al este. El peso y el volumen de las bayas orientadas al oeste fueron menores que las expuestas al este sólo en madurez avanzada. No hubo diferencias en los sólidos solubles,acidez total, pH, antocianas e Índice de Polifenoles Totales entre las bayas de las exposiciones este y oeste en ningún estado de madurez.AbstractThe berrie´s components (weigth, sugars, acids, polyphenols) are influenced by the canopy microclimate andthe stage of grape maturity, among other factors. The objective of this research was to examine the influence of temperature at cluster level against the grape composition (weigth, volume, soluble solids, total acidity, pH, anthocyanins and Total Polyphenols Index between the east and the west exposure in a vineyard north-southoriented at three maturity moments. Results shown that the clusters exposed to the west presented higher temperature accumulation and were exposed longer to maximal temperatures than the east exposure ones.The weigth and volume of west exposed berries were lower than the east exposed ones in lastest harvest date.No differences were found in grapes soluble solids, total acidity, pH, anthocyanins and TPI among exposures at any harvest date.

Los componentes de las bayas (peso, azúcares, ácidos, polifenoles) están influenciados por el microclima de la canopia y por el estado de madurez de éstas, entre otros factores. El objetivo de este trabajo fue conocer la influencia de la temperatura a nivel de los racimos en la composición de las bayas (peso, volumen, sólidos solubles, acidez, pH, antocianas e Índice de Polifenoles Totales -IPT-), en dos exposiciones (este y oeste) y en tres estados de madurez. Los resultados indican que los racimos expuestos al oeste tuvieron mayores integrales térmicas y permanecieron sometidos más tiempo a temperaturas mayores al umbral fisiológico superior, que los racimos expuestos al este. El peso y el volumen de las bayas orientadas al oeste fueron menores que las expuestas al este sólo en madurez avanzada. No hubo diferencias en los sólidos solubles, acidez total, pH, antocianas e Índice de Polifenoles Totales entre las bayas de las exposiciones este y oeste en ningún estado de madurez.

La selección adecuada de las envolventes contribuye a disminuir las temperaturas de la ciudad. En este trabajo se caracterizó el comportamiento térmico de 150 materiales disponibles a nivel local mediante el Índice de Reflectancia Solar (SRI) y se determinó su impacto sobre la temperatura urbana. Para ello se simularon 6 escenarios en la ciudad de Mendoza- Argentina, mediante el uso del software ENVI-met. Los resultados revelaron que aunque el color es una variable determinante del desempeño térmico superficial de un material su comportamiento puede ser mejorado o empobrecido por el efecto de otras características como: terminación, composición y envejecimiento. A igualdad de color, estas características pueden modificar la temperatura superficial de un material entre 20 y 29 °C. A escala urbana, los resultados muestran que la selección adecuada de materiales de la envolvente urbana podría disminuir hasta 3 °C la temperatura del aire y 12 °C la temperatura de las superficies.