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Energy consumption in buildings is considerably high in areas of hot and humid climates due to its association with high cooling loads. Electricity grids are highly affected by the consumption of cooling systems like air-conditioning and large refrigeration facilities, which significantly impact the economic and environmental sectors. As building design and operating parameters influence the cooling demand in the building, it is believed the root cause of the problem may be detected at an early building design stage. Thus, this review identifies the building design parameters that impact the cooling loads in buildings that are geographically restricted to countries with hot and humid climates. The building’s design characteristics are classified into four main categories: glass characteristics, wall characteristics, building orientation and dimensions (BO & D), and building cooling system. The review was conducted over high-rise and low-rise buildings. Annual energy requirements (in some cases overlapping with electricity consumption), annual cooling loads, and peak cooling loads are the three forms in which energy demand reductions in buildings are represented. It is found that maximum annual cooling load savings are obtained through cooling systems, followed by wall characteristics, then glass characteristics, with the least for BO & D, with maximum reductions of up to 61%, 59%, 55%, and 21%, respectively. As for the peak cooling load reductions, wall characteristics, cooling systems, and glass characteristics had almost the same average values of 18.7%, 15.2%, and 17.2%, respectively, while BO & D are not reported due to the incomparable number of case studies. The parameters that have the most influence on reductions in peak cooling loads are wall and glass characteristics. In general, savings that are associated with wall characteristics are more significant for low-rise buildings than for high-rise buildings, while the latter is more influenced by glass characteristics. This is a reasonable conclusion since high-rise buildings, in general, acquire higher window-to-wall ratios than the former. In general, most studies considered glass characteristics, while fewer studies considered BO & D. This review has shown various aspects that are vital in studying building cooling load demand and its related energy performance. This paper was made possible by an National Priorities Research Programs (NPRP) award (#NPRP11S-1208-170073) from the Qatar National Research Fund (a member of The Qatar Foundation). The statements made herein are solely the responsibility of the authors.

This research proposed an integrated eco-system for conditioning an outdoor public area (park or sport) in a hot-humid environment. It is accomplished by the use of a dehumidifier control machine driven by renewable solar power; after which air is distributed throughout a ducting system. The system will harvest moisture from the air, utilize it for drinking water production and plants irrigation as well as deliver low temperature, low humidity ratio air for controlling the outdoor air, which results in a comfortable outdoor relative humidity and temperature (24°C, 50% RH). The Integrated Eco-Friendly Cooling System (IEFCS) is a sustainable self-dependent in energy and water sources. It provides a positive impact on the microclimate of the site, assists in night illumination, supplies water for drinking, plant irrigation, and allows people to enjoy a thermally comfortable atmosphere. The advantages include low maintaining cost as well as the possibility to be scaled and implemented anywhere according to the selected location.

El sector de la construcción es uno de los sectores que mayor impacto tiene en la economía del país; el presente trabajo busca determinar de forma exploratoria cuantitativa los parámetros más influyentes en el comportamiento térmico de una vivienda ubicada en un clima húmedo muy caluroso, para ello en el trabajo se realizó un estudio de flujo de calor en las paredes, piso y techo de una vivienda para tratar de disminuir el consumo energético del aire acondicionado y anunciarlas como eco-eficiente en la ciudad de Guayaquil - Ecuador, empleando materiales de construcción comunes de las viviendas, de acuerdo con el último censo del INEC, estos materiales son: bloque de concreto de 15 cm de espesor para paredes, concreto alivianado de 15 cm de espesor en el techo y concreto pesado de 20 cm en el piso; además, el 20% de las superficies de las paredes son acristaladas con ventanas de vidrio simple de 6 mm de espesor. Para ello se evaluarán las ganancias de calor por paredes y techos al medio día, tres horas antes y después del mediodía, para un día típico por efecto del calor sensible. Mediante la aplicación de métodos numéricos y con asistencia del software libre octave, se determina que la ganancia de color depende de la orientación de la vivienda con respecto al sol y del área más grande de pared.

Planted roofs are passive cooling techniques that reduce the thermal load of buildings. In this paper, a Dynamic mathematical model based ontime average Navier-Stokes equationsfor a plantedroof in hothumidclimates has beendeveloped for evaluating the cooling potential.Transfer equations are solved using a finite difference scheme and Thomas algorithm. The model was applied for the simulation of a planted roof in Togolese climate conditions. Results showed that, evapotranspiration and Solar Heat gain Factor are functions of the Leaf Area Index LAI which is the most important parameter when considering the foliage material. For LAI equal to 6, latent heat peak value reaches 900 W.m-2while that of sensible heat is around 350 W.m-2. Solar heat gain factor can bereducedto 15% fortheplantedroofagainst 45% forbareroof. It is clearly proved that the foliage density and hence the vegetation canopy type selection greatly influence the thermal efficiency of the bioclimatic insulation screen. A larger Leaf Area Index reduces the solar flux penetration and increases evapotranspiration which is an important parameter when considering surrounding microclimate formation.

Palynology of peaty sediments from the high course of Cara Brook Creek, Coxilha Rica, Santa Catarina, Brazil. This paper presents the results of the palynological study of a sedimentary core collected in a bog in the upper part valley of Cara Brook Creek, in the cultural territory of Coxilha Rica, located in the Campos Gerais Plateau in Santa Catarina, Southern Brazil. The base of the core was dated in 6.900 14C years BP (7,845–7,690 cal years BP). The identification of the palynomorphs and the cluster analysis made possible to define two distinct palynological phases, despite the predominance of grassland vegetation throughout the whole core. From 34 cm, the frequency of bryophytes decreases, accompanied by the increase of the diversity of all vegetal taxa. Throughout the core, the most frequentfamilies are Poaceae, Cyperaceae Apiaceae. The results indicate that the landscape of the upper course of the Brook Creek was characterized by grasslands from 6,900 14C years BP under a regional and humid climate, with a temperature increase in the historical period. Keywords: Middle Holocene, palynomorphs, grasslands, Araucaria forest, Highland. RESUMO – Este trabalho apresenta os resultados do estudo palinologico de um testemunho sedimentar coletado em turfeira no alto curso do Arroio Cara, no territorio cultural da Coxilha Rica, situada no Planalto dos Campos Gerais em Santa Catarina, Sul do Brasil. A base do testemunho foi datada de 6.900 14C anos AP (7.845–7.690 anos cal AP). A identificacao dos palinomorfos e a analise de agrupamentos possibilitou definir duas fases palinologicas distintas, apesar da predominância da vegetacao campestre ao longo de todo o testemunho. A partir de 34 cm, a frequencia de briofitos diminui, acompanhada do aumento da diversidade de todos os taxons vegetais. Ao longo de todo o testemunho as familias mais frequentes sao Poaceae, Cyperaceae e Apiaceae. Os resultados indicam que a paisagem do alto curso do Arroio Cara foi marcada por campos desde 6.900 14C anos AP sob vigencia de clima regional frio e umido, com possivel aumento de temperatura em periodo historico. Palavras-chave: Holoceno Medio, palinomorfos, campos, Floresta com Araucaria, Planalto.

Long-term moisture absorption of aeronautical carbon fiber reinforced plastic based on epoxide in conditions of warm humid climate is studied (city of Sochi). The phenomenon of cyclical stochastic fluctuation of moisture absorption of seasonal nature in samples, placed in open atmospheric stand of the climate platform, is established. Thermal-moisture characteristics of the air layer near the sample surface during insolation are examined. They determine the front surface overheating of the sample and the humidity gradient change of the near-surface air layer relative to meteorological data. The layer size, which is 6-8 mm from the sample surface, is found by direct measurements. It depends not only on the intensity of the insolation, but also on the convection and wind heat exchange with the surrounding atmosphere. During summer insolation, the maximum temperature of the sample front surface (Т) in open atmospheric stand reached 54,0oC, and the relative humidity (RH) in the near-surface layer did not exceed 12, 9 %. Regarding the atmospheric meteorological parameters, this indicates an overheating of the surface by 24,7o C and a decrease in the near-surface RH by 46, 1%. The obtained data exceed daily fluctuations of atmospheric parameters for T by 4 times and for RH by 3 times. The importance of the obtained results is determined by the fact that cyclic changes in the sample surface temperature result in aging of aeronautical carbon fiber- reinforced plastic. They contribute to the development of physical and chemical processes in the material and during the operation of products (25-30 years) they can significantly reduce their strength properties.

The human biometeorological conditions at mid-afternoon during 12 months of 2012 in the city of Minna North-Central Nigeria have been evaluated based on energy budget indices (UTCI and PET) using climate parameters -air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and solar radiation) observed at 15:00LST as input into the Rayman model. Air temperature demonstrated strongest significant correlation coefficient (r) with UTCI and PET (r= 0.91, r= 0.93) (P=32°C, PET>=35°C), which shows that both indices can be used indifferently in warm climates. However, during May to October, UTCI better expressed warm conditions than PET mainly due to the difference in the definition of reference environment for both indices; this study is relevant to the urban sightseeing industry as tourists would most likely opt for a period of lesser thermal discomfort.

Climatic considerations in the architectural design of most contemporary buildings have not been strictly adhered to by building design and construction professionals in the last few decades in the developing world, with users being denied the inevitable interactions with the natural surroundings offered by climate. The situation leads to utilization of energy-based equipment such as air conditioner that is environmentally unsustainable. The study aimed to evaluate the bioclimatic design features of residential building typologies and to identify features that can enhance the environmental responsiveness of buildings. This study adopted the Mahoney Tables to undertake a climatic analysis to develop appropriate design guidelines for the climate context. The developed design guidelines were then used to evaluate the bio-climatic design features of a sampled number of residential building types. The study revealed that features of the buildings reflect the recommended design guidelines, but to varied extents among the building typologies that were studied. Occupants generally find their spaces unsatisfactory primarily as a result of the experience of hot discomfort. The findings are expected to engender a renewed interest in the design of buildings in response to prevailing climatic conditions to reduce reliance on energy use and to serve as a useful reference for contemporary architectural design practice and education.

Determining the climate characteristics of any place has an important place in planning all kinds of economic activities in that region. In this study, the climatic features of Boyabat district, which is located at the intersection of 41 ° 28 'northern parallel and 34 ° 46' east meridian, are discussed in detail. The main reason for addressing this study is that a detailed study of this region has not been done before. For this reason, the purpose of the research is to determine the climate type of Boyabat district and to reveal its climatic features, to contribute to the plans for economic activities in the context of natural environment-human interaction. To reveal the climatic features of Boyabat district; The data of the meteorology station of Boyabat the General Directorate of Meteorology between 1975-2015 was used. In order to determine the climate type of the region, Thornthwaite, De Martonne, Erinç and indices were used. According to the Boyabat Thornthwaite method, it is a semi-arid, second degree mesothermal, low or no water and sea effect climate type; According to De Martonne method, the type of humid climate; According to Erinç method, semi-arid climate type. According to the common result of these three methods, Boyabat has a climate feature that is cool in the winter, hot in the summer and receiving little rainfall. In the light of these results, suggestions have been made regarding socio-economic activities in the region., Herhangi bir yerin iklim özelliklerini tespit etmek o yörede yapılacak her türlü ekonomik faaliyetleri planlamada önemli bir yere sahiptir. Bu çalışmada 41° 28’ kuzey paraleli ile 34° 46’ doğu meridyeninin kesişme noktasında bulunan Boyabat ilçesinin iklim özellikleri ayrıntılı bir şekilde ele alınmıştır. Bu çalışmanın ele alınmasındaki temel neden bu yöreye ait daha önce iklimle ilgili detaylı bir araştırmanın yapılmamış olmasıdır. Bu nedenle araştırmanın amacı öncelikle Boyabat ilçesinin iklim tipini belirlemek ve klimatik özelliklerini ortaya koymak, doğal çevre-insan etkileşimi bağlamında ekonomik faaliyetlere dair planlamalara katkı sağlayabilmektir. Boyabat ilçesinin iklim özelliklerini ortaya koyabilmek için; Meteoroloji Genel Müdürlüğü’nün 1975-2015 arasında Boyabat meteoroloji istasyonuna ait verileri kullanılmıştır. Yörenin iklim tipini belirleyebilmek için, Thornthwaite, De Martonne ve Erinç indislerinden yararlanılmıştır. Boyabat Thornthwaite yöntemine göre yarı kurak, ikinci dereceden mezotermal, su fazlası olmayan yahut pek az olan ve deniz tesirli iklim tipine; De Martonne yöntemine göre step- nemli iklim tipine; Erinç yöntemine göre yarı kurak iklim tipine sahiptir. Bu üç yöntemin ortaya çıkardığı ortak sonuca göre genel anlamda Boyabat kışları serin, yazları sıcak geçen ve az yağış alan bir iklim özelliğine sahiptir. Bu sonuçlar ışığında yöredeki sosyo-ekonomik faaliyetlere ilişkin öneriler getirilmiştir.

Myiasis is one of the foremost daunting parasitic infestations. Although pandemic, it is more often found in tropical and subtropical countries where poor hygiene, poor housing infrastructure, warm humid climate and proximity to domestic animals prevail. Mostly it occurs secondary to serious medical conditions such as cerebral palsy, cancerous lesions. Although many treatment protocols are available, the standard treatment focuses on antibiotic therapy concomitantly with mechanical removal of larvae and necrotic tissues. This is a case of intraoral myiasis in a twenty-year old female patient with cerebral palsy that was managed using the suffocation approach and mechanical debridement.

Kaolin particle film (KPF) is an aqueous formulation of chemically inert mineral particles that can be sprayed on the surface of crops to form a protective film, resulting in increased fruit yield and quality. In this work, the effects of kaolin-based, foliar reflectant particle film on grape composition and volatile compounds in ‘Meili’ (Vitis vinifera L.) grapes were investigated under different growth stages over two growing seasons. The 100-berry weight and titratable acid content were decreased, and the sugar and soluble solid contents were increased in grapes of plants treated with kaolin over 2 years. Compared with grapes from plants not sprayed with kaolin, the levels of total phenol, flavonoid, flavanol, tannin, and anthocyanins of grapes from plants treated with kaolin for 2 years were mostly increased. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis also revealed an increased content of monomeric anthocyanin and changed anthocyanin composition. However, there was little effect on the volatile compounds in the grapes. These results demonstrate that KPF can facilitate the accumulation of sugar and phenolics, thereby improving grape quality even in a humid climate.

Bhubaneswar with a warm and humid climate and with humidity much higher than the comfort level requires an enhanced natural ventilation to achieve long term quality of life. The building code which regulates the fabric of the city at present follows a standardized set of regulations governed by National Building Code of India and is developed without giving much consideration to climate. Ground coverage is an important parameter which regulates the footprint of the blocks and allows natural ventilation to buildings as well to outdoor. At present, Bhubaneswar does not prescribe a ground coverage for its apartments and completely dependent on FAR control. As a result, the developments consider quite high ground coverage in certain areas. This particular research focusses on analyzing the current situation of multi storied apartments and proposes a few climate centric recommendations for the byelaw. To examine the situation and arrive at a strategy, a simulation study has been carried out by altering the ground coverage and building orientation of a multistoried apartment consisting of 5 residential blocks to analyze the effect of natural ventilation. The study inferred that, building layout and orientation in relation to wind direction plays an important role for natural ventilation in the outdoors. A climate centric byelaw ideally should consider both while formulating its building code.

Conventional air conditioning systems in houses respond to thermal loads by means of controlling dry-bulb temperature through the thermostat. As part of the process to control temperature, dehumidification is also provided. However, as houses are becoming more efficient, supplemental dehumidification is often necessary for homes located in hot and humid climates to control relative humidity intentionally. This study compared the dehumidification performance of a residential air conditioning system working in three operations modes to emulate three different systems: a system with a variable speed mode, a single-speed system with an enhanced dehumidification mode, and a single-speed system operating in a traditional or normal cooling mode. With operation mode changes achieved through software, this study constituted a novelty in the topic of humidity control by using a single machine, with the same exact physical set-up to directly compare the dehumidification performance of three types of systems. Two types of days were of interest in the study, hot and humid days (summer season) and mild and humid days (Fall shoulder season). After assessment of the dehumidification performance, the variable speed mode was able to maintain relative humidity between 50% to 52% on summer days. In the single-speed with enhanced dehumidification, a slightly less effective humidity control was achieved on summer days with the mode keeping the relative humidity between 53% to 55%. In the normal cooling mode, which resembles a conventional system, the humidity levels were controlled between 55% to 60%. In the shoulder season, the variable speed and enhanced dehumidification modes maintained the relative humidity between 55% to 58% and 53% to 56% respectively. In the shoulder season, the normal cooling mode kept the indoor relative humidity near or above 60%. In terms of dehumidification efficiency expressed as a function of the amount of water condensate per unit of energy, the variable speed was determined to be more efficient than the other modes.

This research is about the effectiveness of ventilation systems for human thermal comfort concerning the height of the ceilings which contribute to green building structures, especially for residential areas. One of the greatest challenges in architecture is the cost of mechanical ventilation and the need for energy demand for cooling in hot and humid climates. The study is based on quantitative data of the selected houses, keeping constant the areas, location, elevation features, plant placement, and open spaces. Temperature records for 20 days of 10 low ceiling houses (LCH) and 10 high ceiling houses (HCH) with ventilators, 200 observations each, are compared using independent sample t-test. The mean temperature is 15.31 ℃ in LCH and 13.88 ℃ in HCH, with the difference of 1.43 ℃ so the alternative hypothesis that there is a significant difference between the average temperature of LCH and HCH with ventilators, is accepted. The other benefits of ventilation cannot be ignored which we get in the high ceiling houses. This would also help to reduce moisture, smoke, odor, heat, dust, and bacteria.

Recent intensification of urban heat islands (UHIs) poses a great threat to public health, promoting studies on UHI mitigation strategies. However, the question about the transferability of a mitigation method from a specific city to another remains largely unanswered. This study compares common UHI mitigation strategies (including green roofs, cool roofs, and changing urban building structure) for two Chinese megacities suffered from summer heat stress: Xi’an with a semi-humid climate and Wuhan with a humid climate, through the use of the urbanized-high-resolution land data assimilation system (u-HRLDAS) modeling tool and remote-sensing data. The results reveal that (1) all UHI mitigation strategies work more efficiently for Xi’an than that for Wuhan, particularly for the strategy of modifying urban fraction and associated green roof fraction; (2) the difference in cooling efficacy between the two cities is insignificant during relatively cool periods. Under hot weather conditions, the best choice of UHI mitigation strategy depends on urban land use categories in Xi’an; and (3) the differences in UHI mitigation efficacy are likely caused by the differing regional climate. This study highlights the need to better understand the transferability of UHI mitigation strategies in different climate zones.

Aviários domésticos em pequena escala, de qualquer formato e desenho, são muito importantes, e todas as famílias na Nigéria deveriam ter acesso. No entanto, é difícil para a maioria das famílias planejar e projetar aviários apropriados para suas aves. Este estudo foi realizado para projetar uma construção que pudesse permitir que as aves exibissem seus comportamentos naturais sem serem expostas a perigos e predadores. O edifício com dimensões de 2,8 m de comprimento, 2,3 m de largura e 1,9 m de altura na frente e 1,3 m de fundo foi desenvolvido com materiais locais. A edificação é composta por sala de descanso e espaço livre para que as aves exibam seus comportamentos naturais como banho de poeira, batimento de asas e alisamento. Haviam poleiros dentro do prédio onde as aves podiam pousar à noite. Foram avaliadas as condições climáticas internas e externas (temperatura e umidade relativa do ar). Os resultados do estudo mostraram que a maior temperatura média do ar interno (30,60 ° C) e a maior umidade relativa média do ar interno (83,88%) foram obtidas no período da tarde e à noite, respectivamente. As menores médias de temperatura do ar interno (24,23 ° C) e umidade relativa do ar interno (66,64%) foram obtidas no período da noite e da tarde, respectivamente. O prédio foi considerado acessível (US $ 280,00) e adequado para criação de aves para produção de ovos e carne em clima tropical úmido.

Introduction: Myiasis is common in tropical regions, but now increasing incidence is seen in the west due to international travel. Otorhinolaryngological myiasis is uncommon and is seen in diabetics, alcoholics or patients unable in self-care.Objectives: To study presentations of otorhinolaryngological myiasis, identify associated risk factors and species of flies causing myiasis.Methods: Clinical findings and co-morbidities of 67 myiasis cases were noted. Maggots were identified, manually removed, and patients were managed with topical treatment, systemic ivermectin and antibiotics.Findings: Thirty-three nasal myiasis, 13 aural myiasis and 5 patients with oral myiasis were noted. Seven patients with head neck wounds myiasis and nine patients of tracheostome myiasis were recorded.Discussion: Warm humid climate of tropical regions is a major concern along with co-existing conditions like poor sanitation, alcoholism, psychiatric diseases and neuropathies. Hesitancy is seen in attendants and health care professionals to deal with myiasis.Conclusion: Awareness about risk factors is important in avoiding myiasis along with prompt treatment which reduces morbidity. Tracheostome myiasis is an under-documented entity rather than a rare presentation.Keywords: Myiasis, Ivermectin, screwworm, Chrysomya bezziana, Musca domestica, Lucilia sericata.Funding: None

High-resolution hydroclimate proxy records are essential for distinguishing natural hydroclimate variability from possible anthropogenically-forced changes, since instrumental precipitation observations are too short to represent the whole spectrum of natural variability. In Northern Europe, progress in this field has been hampered by a relative lack of long and truly moisture-sensitive proxy records. In this study, we provide the first assessment of the dendroclimatic potential of Blue Intensity (BI) and partial ring-width measurements (latewood and earlywood width series) from a network of cold and drought-prone Pinus sylvestris L. sites in Sweden. Our results show that all tree-ring parameters and sites share a clear and strong sensitivity to warm-season precipitation. The ΔBI parameter, in particular, shows considerable potential for hydroclimate reconstructions, here permitting a cross-validated precipitation reconstruction capable of explaining 56% (1901–2010 period) of regional-scale warm-season high-frequency precipitation variance. Using ΔBI as an alternative to ring-width improves the predictive skill with nearly a 20 percentage points increase in explained variance, reduces signal instability over time as well as allows a broader seasonal window (May–July) to be reconstructed. Additionally, we found that earlywood BI also reflect a positive late winter through early summer temperature signal. These findings emphasize that tree-rings, and in particular wood density parameters such as from BI, are capable of providing fundamental information to advance our understanding of hydroclimate variability in regions with a cool and rather humid climate regime that traditionally has been overlooked in studies of past droughts. Increasing the spatio-temporal coverage of hydroclimate records in northern Europe, and taking full advantage of the opportunities offered by the wood densitometric properties should be considered a research priority. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s00382-020-05287-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

A silicified wood, Palaeocupressinoxylon uniseriale n. gen. n. sp., is described from the upper Permian of the Central Taodonggou section, Turpan–Hami Basin, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, northwestern China. Multidisciplinary data including U–Pb ID–TIMS zircon dating, vertebrate and invertebrate biostratigraphic, and cyclostratigraphic correlation from current and previous studies indicate that the fossil bearing interval is Wuchiapingian (late Permian) in age. The pycnoxylic wood consists of thick-walled tracheids and parenchymatous rays. It is characterized by separated uniseriate radial tracheidal pits, uniseriate ray cells, and cupressoid cross-field pitting. The absence of growth rings in the wood, together with the occurrence of Argillisols, Gleysols, and Histosols above and below the fossil interval, suggests that a stable landscape and a perennially humid climate prevailed in the Taodonggou area during the Wuchiapingian.

Resumo: Areais sao feicoes notaveis na paisagem dos campos da campanha gaucha. Embora inicialmente tratadas como desertos, a genese dos areais sao antes decorrentes do clima umido atual, principalmente da acao de chuvas torrenciais como elemento disparador dos processos de arenizacao. Esses processos sao altamente dinâmicos no tempo e no espaco, de tal modo que os areais apresentam expansao/retracao, dependendo, substancialmente, do regime de chuvas (excesso, reducao ou ausencia). Nesse sentido, visa-se, no presente trabalho apresentar a importância da classificacao dos anos/meses-padrao como subsidio para o reconhecimento de eventos pluviometricos extremos, em area afetada por processos de arenizacao, no sudoeste do estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Os resultados apontam que os anos-padrao sao categoricamente atrelados ao aumento do numero de dias com chuva, que ensejam o aumento/reducao dos totais anuais. Ao longo dos anos, notam-se sucessoes de anos-padrao chuvosos/secos, caracterizando periodos marcadamente relacionados ao aumento/reducao dos totais pluviometricos. Mensalmente, as chuvas tambem apresentam elevada variabilidade. Contudo, meses-padrao chuvosos e secos ocorreram em maior frequencia, demonstrando que pode ocorrer intensificacao nos processos de arenizacao. Isso ocorre quando um mes-padrao seco e sucedido por outro chuvoso, interferindo, sobretudo, na cobertura vegetal herbacea predominante sobre as formacoes superficiais e os solos no Pampa. Palavras-chave: EXTREME RAINFALL EVENTS CLASSIFICATION ON AREA AFFECTED BY SANDIZATION PROCESSES IN SOUTHWESTERN OF RIO GRANDE DO SUL STATE, BRAZIL Abstract: Sand spots are remarkable features in the landscape of the southern Brazil grasslands. Although initially treated as deserts, the genesis of the sand deposits is due to the current humid climate, mainly from the action of torrential rains as a triggering element of the sandization processes. These processes are highly dynamic in the time and the space scales, so that the sand deposits presents expansion/retraction, depending substantially on the rainfall regime (excess, reduction or absence). In this sense, the objective of this paper is to present the importance of the classification of the standard-years/months as a basis for the recognition of extreme rainfall events on an area affected by sandization processes in the southwestern of Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. The results indicate that the standard-years classification are categorically associated of the increase in the number of rainy days, which induce the increase/reduction of annual totals. Over the years, there have been successions of rainy/dry standard-years, characterizing periods markedly related to the increase/reduction of total precipitation. Rainfall also presents high variability on a monthly basis. However, rainy and dry standard-months occurred more frequently, demonstrating that intensification may occur in the sandization processes. This occurs when a dry standard-month is followed by a rainy one, interfering mostly in the herbaceous vegetation on the surface formations and soils of grassland. Keywords: standard-years classification; standard-months classification; rainy days; rainfall variability. CLASSIFICATION DES EVENEMENTS PLUVIOMETRIQUES EXTREMES DANS LA ZONE AFFECTEE PAR LES PROCEDES D’ARENISATION DANS LE SUD-OUEST DE RIO GRANDE DO SUL Resume: Les sables sont des caracteris humide actuel, principalement a cause de l’action des pluies torrentielles comme declencheur des processus d’arenisation. Ces processus sont tres dynamiques dans le temps et dans l’espace, de telle sorte que les sables presentent une expansion/retraction, en fonction, considerablement, du regime pluviometrique (exces, reduction ou absence). En ce sens la, le but de cet article est de presenter l’importance de classer les annees/mois standard comme une subvention pour la reconnaissance des evenements pluviometriques extremes, dans une zone affectee par des processus d’arenisation, dans le sud-ouest de l’Etat de Rio Grande do Sul. les resultats indiquent que les annees standard sont categoriquement connecte a l’augmentation du nombre de jours de pluie, ce qui rendre possible une augmentation/reduction des totaux annuels.Au fil des ans, des successions d’annees standard pluvieuses/seches ont ete notees, caracterisant des periodes nettement liees a l’augmentation/la diminution des totaux pluviometriques. Mensuellement, les precipitations presentent egalement une grande variabilite. Cependant, les mois pluvieux et secs standard se sont produits plus frequemment, ce qui montre que l’intensification des processus d’arenisation peut se produire. Cela se produit lorsqu’un mois sec standard est suivi d’un autre mois pluvieux, interferant principalement dans la vegetation herbacee predominante sur les formations superficielles et les sols de la Pampa. tiques notables du paysage rural de la campagne du Rio Grande do Sul. Cepandant initialement traitee comme un desert, la genese des sables est plutot grâce au climat Mots cles: Annees-standard; mois-standard; jours avec de la pluie; variabilite des precipitations

In buildings, natural ventilation is for human comfort; for odour removal, body and the structure cooling. A previous study revealed that libraries in Nigeria could not function efficiently without artificial ventilation and lighting. Artificial ventilation, aside from economic disadvantages, it is not reliable and anti-sustainability while natural ventilation is reliable, consume less energy, and in other words, it is more efficient when compared with other types of ventilation. The research evaluates the application of passive architectural strategies for natural ventilation in libraries within the hot-humid climate of Nigeria, intending to recommend natural ventilation strategies in libraries. Ten (10) libraries were selected randomly in the study area from both institutional and public libraries. The research conducted using observation schedule, the variables in the research are; Window types, Clerestory windows availability, Door openings, Screen walls, Courtyard, Other openings, use of external shading devices and orientation of the library. The data analysed using descriptive statistic; the results presented using tables, bar charts and pie charts. The research revealed that 29% of the cases studied use external vertical structural shading devices, 36% use horizontal shading devices, 21% use both vertical and horizontal shading devices to deflect solar radiation and 14% do not use any external shading devices. 80% of the libraries studied was oriented toward north-south (NS) direction, while 20% oriented toward east-west (EW) direction. Therefore, the majority of the libraries studied have desired orientation; however, each lacks one of the passive cooling strategies. Adequate natural ventilation in the libraries is achievable by the proper synthesis of the building orientation, proper design of building internal spaces, the proper position of window openings and use of projected window as well as clearstory. More so, further study to enhance natural ventilation configuration for the study area is desirable.

This study aims to examine the influence of seasonal variations of thermal variables on comfort temperature in schools in a warm and humid climate. Schoolchildren in Nigeria are engaged in in-class lessons in the two seasons experienced in the country. There have been concerns about whether seasonal variation in thermal variables can affect the thermal comfort of building occupants. To address this issue, data were collected from 180 healthy primary schoolchildren aged 7 - 12 years old. The research methodology consisted of measuring environmental variables, while questionnaires were applied to the children during the rainy season and dry season. The result shows some significant seasonal differences in the measured thermal variables and comfort temperature. The mean indoor temperature observed during the dry season was 29.1?C while during the rainy season the mean value was 28.1?C. The subjects found the indoor environment acceptable during the rainy season, while during the dry season it was found unacceptable. Furthermore, differences in neutral temperature and comfort range between seasons were observed. Architects and facility managers need to have information about thermal conditions in schools according to season. This is because primary schoolchildren are vulnerable, and exposing them to variations in indoor temperature may impact on their health and academic performance.

The present paper deals with the new record of fungal remains from the Subathu Formation exposed along Dogadda-Kotdwar road section in Dogadda, Uttarakhand. The assemblage is composed of 13 species assignable to 10 genera. The important genera are Callimothallus senii, Haplopeltis mucoris, Haplopeltis sp., Parmathyrites sp., Phragmothyrites eocaenicus, Plochmopeltinites sp., Spinosporonites saxenae, Spinosporonites angularis and Trichothyrites padappakkarensis. The presence of microthyriaceous fungi in dominance suggests that the region experienced a warm and humid climate during the course of sediment deposition with thick vegetation providing suitable substrates for the growth and proliferation of fungi. Their presence depicts the prevalence of moist tropical type of vegetation during deposition in the area. The present fungal assemblage is assigned Late Palaeocene-Middle Eocene age.

There is a growing need for protein for both feed and food in order to meet future demands. It is imperative to explore and utilize novel protein sources such as protein from leafy plant material, which contains high amounts of the enzyme ribulose-1,5-biphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RuBisCo). Leafy crops such as grasses and legumes can in humid climate produce high protein yields in a sustainable way when compared with many traditional seed protein crops. Despite this, very little RuBisCo is utilized for foods because proteins in the leaf material has a low accessibility to monogastrics. In order to utilize the leaf protein for food purposes, the protein needs to be extracted from the fiber rich leaf matrix. This conversion of green biomass to valuable products has been labeled green biorefinery. The green biorefinery may be tailored to produce different products, but in this Review, the focus is on production of food-grade protein. The existing knowledge on the extraction, purification, and concentration of protein from green biomass is reviewed. Additionally, the quality and potential application of the leaf protein in food products and side streams from the green biorefinery will be discussed along with possible uses of side streams from the protein production.

Severe climatic conditions are considered as one of the main factors shaping and in some cases limiting urban behaviors. Accordingly, environmental designers seek to make urban spaces usable for a wide range of behaviors during different times by bringing sub-climates closer to the comfort zone. The present study aims to evaluate the effects of sub-climate on behavioral patterns and explore solutions to moderate harsh climatic conditions in architecture and urban planning. This study compared the behavioral patterns of space users in hot and arid (Yazd) and moderate and humid (Fooman) climates. The recording of behavioral patterns was achieved by using the observation method (time-lapse photography) and analysis through the spatial analysis method. Based on the results, climatic characteristics affect both types of urban activities and the time cycles of their occurrence. Severe climatic conditions limit urban behaviors to essential activities and merely transcend space. Such states do not allow for a wide range of optional and social activities. Spatial physical tools such as building density, enclosure, occupancy level, amount of retreat on the ground floor and upper floors, type of building material, and the amount of green space have been used in historical formal-spatial patterns of Iran to moderate the harsh climatic conditions.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation of autolyzed yeast (AY) from fermentation of sugarcane on performance, blood parameters, intestinal morphometry, immunohistochemistry and microbiological parameters of weaned piglets of different weight categories. A total of 480 piglets were distributed in a 3 x 2 factorial design study, with three inclusion levels of AY (0, 4 and 8 g/kg) and two weight categories (light and heavy, 5.71 ± 0.21 kg and 6.99 ± 0.25 kg, respectively), i.e., 6 treatments with 8 replicates pen each. There was no significant interaction between weight category and linear or quadratic effect of AY levels on performance, blood parameters, intestinal morphometry, immunohistochemistry and microbiological parameters (P > 0.05). The dietary supply of AY for nursery piglets linearly decreased the monocytes concentration of the piglets at 63 days of age (P < 0.05). AY levels linearly increased the villus height, mucosal thickness, absorptive area and number of mitotic cells of the duodenum, as well as the villus height:crypt depth ratio, mucosal thickness and number of mitotic cells of the jejunum (P < 0.05). Heavy piglets had higher ADFI in all evaluated periods, as well as higher values of villus height in the duodenum, and mucosal thickness in the duodenum and jejunum than light animals (P < 0.05). Dietary supplementation of autolyzed yeast positively influences health status, intestinal morphometry and immunohistochemistry of nursery piglets. Heavy weaned piglets have higher feed intake and greater intestinal morfometry than light animals.