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Geostatistics is a crucial tool for data analysis in the field of precision agriculture, allowing the characterization of spatial variability magnitude, optimizing profitability and yield in agricultural areas. In this context, the present study aimed to evaluate the spatial dependence of the variables yield, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), and surface temperature in winter wheat plants. This was achieved through fitting semivariograms with different statistical models and interpolating the study variables using Ordinary kriging. The experiment was conducted at Fazenda Santa Helena, located in the municipality of Lavras in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, with a 12-hectare winter wheat crop of the TBIO Calibre variety. Data were collected using a grid sampling method at different stages of wheat plant growth (tillering and elongation). The analyzed variables included yield, NDVI, and surface temperature. Statistical analyses were performed using the R software. Initially, the spatial dependence of the study variables was analyzed by fitting semivariograms using the Restricted Maximum Likelihood (REML) method and considering spherical, exponential, and gaussian models. The evaluation of errors was carried out through cross-validation, and subsequently, the data interpolation was performed using ordinary kriging with the best-fitted semivariogram model. The results demonstrated a proper fit of semivariograms for the study models, with the spherical model standing out for surface temperature variables (elongation and tillering), NDVI (tillering), and the exponential model for NDVI (elongation) and yield. Therefore, the use of geostatistics is emphasized as an important tool to assist in precision agriculture management in winter wheat crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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.)

Tropical dry forests (TDFs) are essential for environmental dynamics, especially in terms of climate variations. However, several anthropic factors have threatened the integrity of TDFs, and consequently the surface temperature (ST), which is a proxy variable for several environmental processes in TDFs. So, understanding their behavior is crucial. The objective was to analyze the behavior of surface temperature owing to conversion of TDFs into anthropic uses in northern Minas Gerais between 2007 and 2016. In 9 years, dry forests decreased by 22.9%, with pastures as the central driver (counted 93% of change). Between 2007 and 2016, there was an increase in ST by 1.55 K ± 1.15 K. When TDFs were converted to pastureland, the increase in ST was 2.21 K ± 1.39 K and for crops by 0.57 K ± 1.24 K. The remaining TDFs (2016) had an increase in their thermal average of 1.41 K ± 1.02 K. This analysis is essential for the adoption of conservation actions for the maintenance of ecological corridors in TDFs, considering their importance in the ecosystem context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Species distribution modelling has become instrumental in assessing the influence of environmental conditions on the occurrence or abundance of taxa. The set of environmental layers used for this purpose is a crucial aspect, for which different climate‐based (bioclimatic) datasets have been recently developed. These bioclimatic variables result from combinations of precipitation and temperatures surfaces. Here, we explored both the performance and possibility of improving some of the currently available bioclimatic databases, through an evaluation of the precipitation and temperatures surfaces used to generate them. For this purpose, we used a combination of statistic and graphic approaches. We focused on Brazil, not only due to its natural megadiversity, but also due to its continental size and orographic heterogeneity: an excellent ground for refining methods replicable elsewhere. We found a better match between the climatic data measured on‐field and Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM 3B43 v7) in the case of precipitation, and the surfaces provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in the case of temperatures, sources uncommonly used for species niche modelling. We gauge‐calibrated the best performing surfaces using machine‐learning algorithms and generated corrected surfaces that allowed us to create BrazilClim: a database of bioclimatic variables, based on improved primary surfaces, which will result in more assertive predicted distributions and more actual pictures of the species' ecological requirements for megadiverse Brazil, an approach replicable elsewhere. All primary and bioclimatic surfaces generated for this study may be freely downloaded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We use a global inverse model, satellite data and flask measurements to estimate methane (CH 4) emissions from South America, Brazil and the basin of the Amazon River for the period 2010–2018. We find that emissions from Brazil have risen during this period, most quickly in the eastern Amazon basin, and that this is concurrent with increasing surface temperatures in this region. Brazilian CH 4 emissions rose from 49.8 ± 5.4 Tg yr -1 in 2010–2013 to 55.6 ± 5.2 Tg yr -1 in 2014–2017, with the wet season of December–March having the largest positive trend in emissions. Amazon basin emissions grew from 41.7 ± 5.3 to 49.3 ± 5.1 Tg yr -1 during the same period. We derive no significant trend in regional emissions from fossil fuels during this period. We find that our posterior distribution of emissions within South America is significantly and consistently changed from our prior estimates, with the strongest emission sources being in the far north of the continent and to the south and south-east of the Amazon basin, at the mouth of the Amazon River and nearby marsh, swamp and mangrove regions. We derive particularly large emissions during the wet season of 2013/14, when flooding was prevalent over larger regions than normal within the Amazon basin. We compare our posterior CH 4 mole fractions, derived from posterior fluxes, to independent observations of CH 4 mole fraction taken at five lower- to mid-tropospheric vertical profiling sites over the Amazon and find that our posterior fluxes outperform prior fluxes at all locations. In particular the large emissions from the eastern Amazon basin are shown to be in good agreement with independent observations made at Santarém, a location which has long displayed higher mole fractions of atmospheric CH 4 in contrast with other basin locations. We show that a bottom-up wetland flux model can match neither the variation in annual fluxes nor the positive trend in emissions produced by the inversion. Our results show that the Amazon alone was responsible for 24 ± 18 % of the total global increase in CH 4 flux during the study period, and it may contribute further in future due to its sensitivity to temperature changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dairy cows in pasture-based systems are more susceptible to heat stress. Holstein cows have the black or red phenotypes, the latter having lower absorbance of solar radiation. Therefore, the study's objective was to evaluate whether cows with red (R) coats are more resistant than black (B) cows to hot weather in a subtropical climate. R and B lactating Holstein cows were evaluated during the cold and hot seasons for internal and surface temperature and sweating rate. In the cold season, body temperature (n = 9/group) did not differ between groups, but the average superficial temperature (n = 13/group) was lower in R cows (B: 30.9 ± 0.3 °C; RW: 29.6 ± 0.3 °C; p = 0.02). In the hot season, under mild to moderate heat stress, mean body temperature (n = 9/group) of R cows was lower (B: 38.75 ± 0.01 °C; R: 38.62 ± 0.1 °C; p=<0.0001), whereas no difference was observed in superficial temperature (n = 17/group). The maximum internal temperature and sweating rate (n = 11/group), measured in the hot season, and the number of evaluations in hyperthermia in both seasons did not differ. Therefore, there were differences in thermoregulation between phenotypes under mild to moderate heat stress conditions. However, considering that only discrete differences were observed, the red and white coat is unlikely to benefit the Holstein cow's welfare under mild to moderate thermal stress. [Display omitted] • Red and black Holstein cows were evaluated in the hot and cold seasons. • Body temperature of red Holstein was lower in the hot season. • Surface temperature of black Holstein was higher in the cold season. • Sweating rate in the hot season did not differ between red and black Holstein cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the temporal and spatial dynamic of soil temperature is crucial for agriculture, since it affects soil evaporation and soil biological activity, influencing seed germination, root growth and absorption of water and nutrients by crops, and ultimately the runoff process. Mulching is one of the most applied soil and water conservation method for soil moisture and soil temperature variations control. This study aimed to investigate the influence of three different mulch types (dried elephant grass straw, dried cashew tree leaves and coconut powder or coir dust), applied with three area densities (2, 4 and 8 t ha-1), on the soil surface temperature, under field conditions in the Brazilian semiarid region. Soil temperature monitoring was carried out using thermocouple sensors and an infrared camera in the Brazilian semiarid region. Results show that mulching provided a buffer zone, dampened soil temperature fluctuations over time, mainly for the 8 t ha-1 density. Mulching reduced soil temperature during the hotter period of the day and increased soil temperature during the night period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using the 1951-2017 historical series of the Atlantic Meridional Mode (AMM) index and the monthly number of sunspots, it was possible to observe a significant association between them. The use of wavelet and cross-wavelet analysis showed the presence of multidecadal cycles pronounced in eleven years, as well as cycles of 2.66 and 5.33. AMM index showed, in the part of the Sea Surface Temperature (SST), the presence of a weak signal of 21.33 years. Influence and association of sunspot variability on surface temperature in Northern and Northeastern regions of Brazil were investigated. Using a nonparametric statistical correlation test, the historical series of surface temperature anomalies in five locations (Belém, São Luiz, Fortaleza, Fernando de Noronha, and Natal) were compared with the monthly solar-series anomalies. The temperature series used were the minimum monthly average, the monthly average, and maximum monthly average temperatures, with their respective anomalies in relation to the mean. However, among all the series (except for São Luiz), the analyzed minimum temperature anomalies showed a negative correlation with sunspots. As a preliminary result, the analyzed climatic indexes present an apparent degree of memory associated with the variability of sunspot activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we will talk about the Sun, the greenhouse effect and the global warming. Educational workshops, based in acessible materials, were realized to 225 students in the Espaço Ciência Science Museum, in Olinda - PE, Brazil, with the goal of measure the Sun's potency and its surface temperature. We found that the students had not many knowledge about greenhouse effect and global warming and the value found to the potency and surface temperature of the Sun showed near of the reference values, even using low cost materials to this. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interannual variability of surface air temperature over South America is investigated and, based on previous studies, thought to be partly the consequence of soil–atmosphere interaction. Annual and monthly averages of surface air temperature, evapotranspiration, heat fluxes, surface radiation and cloud cover, simulated by two regional climate models, RCA4 and LMDZ, were analyzed. To fully reveal the role of soil as a driver of temperature variability, simulations were performed with and without soil moisture-atmosphere coupling (Control and Uncoupled). Zones of large variance in air temperature and strong soil moisture-atmosphere coupling are found in parts of La Plata Basin and in eastern Brazil. The two models show different behaviors in terms of coupling magnitude and its geographical distribution, being the coupling strength higher in RCA4 and weaker in LMDZ. RCA4 also shows greater amplitude of the annual cycle of the monthly surface air temperature compared to LMDZ. In both regions and for both models, the Uncoupled experiment tends to be colder and exhibits smaller amplitude of the interannual variability and larger evaporative fraction than the Control does. It is evidenced that variability of the land surface affects, and is affected by, variability of the surface energy balance and that interannual temperature variability is partly driven by land–atmosphere interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A statistical model is developed to project 21st century burned area in cerrado. • We use a fire danger index as predictor and outputs from a regional climate model. • The model explains more than 70% of the variability of burned area from 2003 to 2017. • A significant rise in burned area is expected under all climate change scenarios. • RCP 2.6′ burned area decrease by 2100 emphasizes the importance of the 1.5 °C target. Worldwide, fires have substantial economic, social and health-related impacts. Brazil is one of the most affected areas in the globe, particularly the Cerrado , a savanna-like biome, whose composition, structure, species abundance and diversity are shaped by recurring fires. The aim is to assess present and future trends of fire danger and burned area (BA), using the Daily Severity Rating (DSR), an extension of the Canadian Forest Fire Weather Index System, and climate outputs from a regional climate model, the RCA4 from the Rossby Centre. To that end, we validated the climate variables simulated by RCA4 and the resulting DSR, both showing consistency with observation-based datasets. We then developed a statistical model of BA using fire season averaged DSR as a predictor, found to explain 71% of the interannual variability of BA from 2003 to 2017. Using the statistical model, we projected future fire danger and BA over Cerrado for IPCC Representative Concentration Pathways 2.6, 4.5 and 8.5. Results show an increase in future BA for all scenarios, with pronounced changes for RCPs 4.5 and 8.5, where BA is expected to increase by 39% and 95% for 2100. In the case of RCP 2.6, the closest scenario to the 1.5 °C target established by the United Nations, results indicate an increase in mean BA up to 22% by 2050, compared to the historical period, followed by a decrease to 11% by 2100. This is especially relevant since RCP 2.6 is the only scenario where such a decrease is projected, highlighting the importance of keeping global mean surface temperature below the 1.5 °C warming target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the thermophysiological indicators (TI) of the lambs during the different phases of pre-slaughter handling. Twenty animals were evaluated in two sample days. At each phase, the TI (rectal temperature, respiratory rate, and heart rate) and the environmental variables were measured. Additionally, the body surface temperature was measured by infrared thermography. During the landing phase, the air temperature was the highest (33.1 °C) and the relative humidity was the lowest (45.2%). ANOVA results showed a significant effect of the pre-slaughter phases on all the TI, except the heart rate. Beyond the pre-slaughter phases, the body region and its interaction with the pre-slaughter phases also showed significant influence on the surface temperature. We conclude that the pre-slaughter handling adopted in Northeast Brazil negatively influences the TI of small ruminants, specifically the lambs. Landing was the phase that rendered maximum physiological damage to the animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This article presents the study and application of techniques for evaluating photovoltaic modules, in relation to dirt, temperature along with the main forms of visual degradation to which the materials constituting the photovoltaic modules of multicrystalline technology may be subject and their respective impacts on the performance of the generation of electric energy. To this end, 48 photovoltaic modules were analyzed from 5 different models, which totaled a power peak of 10.16 kWp derived from the photovoltaic system installed at the Research Laboratory of Power Electronics at the Federal University of Uberlândia-Brazil (NUPEP-FEELT-UFU). Initially, all the modules were appropriately cleaned. With the purpose of evaluating any endured degradation, a visual inspection was performed, and for the analysis of heat distribution across the surface of the modules, thermographic images were obtained and evaluated with the aim of identifying hots-pots, then these signs were related to the degradation identified during the inspection. In addition, with the objective to quantify the impact of failures in electrical performance, the curves I-V and P-V were measured in loco in 2017 and 2018, both individually and as a string, in order to obtain the main electric parameters. Highlights • Were observed some forms of degradation such as discoloration of the encapsulating material, snail track and hot spots. • The most degraded module presented the lowest performance, causing the least power generation of its string. • All strings, except the string F (Kyocera-135Wp), showed better performance under mild temperatures. • It was found that for Uberlândia (southeast region of Brazil), the dirty modules presented 11.7% less power generation when compared to clean modules, besides increase in the surface temperature of the modules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Anuario do Instituto de Geociencias is the property of Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto de Geociencias 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.)

Dengue fever, a disease caused by a vector‐borne flavivirus, is endemic to tropical countries, but its occurrence has been reported worldwide. This study aimed to understand important factors contributing to the spatial and temporal patterns of dengue occurrence in São Paulo, the largest municipality of Brazil. The temporal assessment of dengue occurrence covered the 2011–2016 time period and was based on climatological data, such as the El Niño indices and time series statistical tools such as the continuous wavelet transformation. The spatial assessment used Landsat 8 data for years 2014–2016 to estimate land surface temperature and normalized indices for vegetation, urban areas, and leaf water. Results from a cross correlation for the temporal analysis found a relationship between the sea surface temperature anomalies index and the number of reported dengue cases in São Paulo (r = 0.5) with a lag of +29 (weeks) between the climatic event and the response on the dengue incidence. This relationship, initially nonlinear, became linear after correcting for the lag period. For the spatial assessment, the linear stepwise regression model detected a low relationship between dengue incidence and minimum surface temperature (r = 0.357) and no relationship with other environmental parameters. The poor relationship might be due to confounding effects of socioeconomic factors as these seem to influence the spatial dynamics of dengue incidence. More testing is needed to validate these methods in other locations. Nevertheless, we presented possible tools to be used for the improvement of dengue control programs. Key Points: The temporal analysis found a relationship between the sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTA) index and dengue incidence in São PauloThe spatial assessment detected a low relationship between dengue incidence and temperature but not with other environmental parametersThe low relationship between the physical environment and dengue incidence may be explained by confounding effects of socioeconomic factors [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changing forest cover is a key driver of local climate change worldwide, as it affects both albedo and evapotranspiration (ET). Deforestation and forestation are predicted to have opposing influences on surface albedo and ET rates, and thus impact local surface temperatures differently. Relationships between forest change, albedo, ET, and local temperatures may further vary regionally, as the strengths of warming by albedo effects and cooling by ET effects vary with latitude. Despite these important relationships, the magnitude of forest cover effects on local surface temperature across the globe remains unclear. Using recently-released global forest change data, we first show that forestation and deforestation have pervasive and opposite effects on LST, ET and albedo worldwide. Deforestation from 2000 to 2010 caused consistent warming of 0.38 ± 0.02 (mean ± SE) and 0.16 ± 0.01°C in tropical and temperate regions respectively, while forestation caused cooling in those regions of -0.18 ± 0.02 and -0.19 ± 0.02°C. Tropical forests were particularly sensitive to the climate effects of forest change, with forest cover losses of ~50% associated with increased LST of 1.08 ± 0.25°C, whereas similar forest cover gains decreased LST by -1.11 ± 0.26°C. Secondly, based on a new structural equation model, we show that these changes on LST were largely mediated by changes in albedo and ET. Finally, based on this model, we show that predicted forest changes in Brazil associated with a business-as-usual land use scenario through 2050 may increase LST up to 1.45°C. Our results contribute to a better understanding of the mechanistic inter-relationships between forest change and changes in albedo, ET and LST, and provide additional evidence that forestation has the potential to reverse deforestation impacts on local climate, especially in tropical and temperate regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Anuario do Instituto de Geociencias is the property of Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto de Geociencias 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.)

ABSTRACT This paper examines the climate variability modes in the South American/Atlantic sector accompanying dry and wet years over north-eastern Brazil ( NEB) in which the tropical Pacific and Atlantic oceanic-atmospheric conditions usually associated, respectively, with dryness and wetness are absent. The analyses are for several variables and take into account the warm and cold Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation ( AMO) phases ( WAMO and CAMO). Four cases are analysed: DRY-WAMO, DRY-CAMO, WET-WAMO and WET-CAMO. The main difference in the sea surface temperature ( SST) anomaly patterns in the tropics between the AMO phases responsible for the differences in the precipitation anomaly patterns is the differential longitude positioning of the warming or cooling of the surface waters in the equatorial Atlantic. In consequence, the anomalous Atlantic Hadley and Walker circulations also show differences between the AMO phases, which justify the observed precipitation anomalies over tropical South America for the analysed cases. The strong anomalous Atlantic Hadley cell determines the dipolar structure of the precipitation anomalies between NEB and northern South America for the DRY-WAMO and WET-WAMO cases. The strong anomalous Atlantic Walker cell defines the dryness over NEB for the DRY-CAMO, and both the strong anomalous Atlantic Hadley and Walker cells act together to yield an anomalous dry condition over NEB and wet condition over northern South America. Therefore, the results here provided clear indications that for climate monitoring and forecasting tasks, the AMO phases should be considered. These are new aspects of the tropical Atlantic variability that might be useful for climate monitoring purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Amazon rainforest is one of the most important ecosystems on the planet; however, the environmental pressure created by anthropic activities require monitoring of this critical biome. In this study, we assessed the evolution of deforestation in an open mine pit and its impact on surface environment (i.e., temperature and carbon stocks) using remote sensing techniques. The study was carried out on an area of 11,283.3 ha in the municipality of Marabá, Pará State, Brazil, where the "Salobo" copper mine is located. A temporal analysis was conducted, using Landsat satellite images (2005–2020). Subsequently, the Land Surface Temperature (LST) and the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) of the deforested area were determined. Mining-induced deforestation has expanded from 0.9 ha in 2005 to 2214 ha in 2020 with an increase in surface temperature of 10 °C in the period. The temperature difference between the pit and the adjacent forest ranged from 30 to 40 °C over the 15 years, while the temperature at the forest edges rose by 4 °C. The correlation coefficient between exposed soil temperatures and mining deforestation was 0.66. CO 2 emissions, increasing from 0.005 Tg CO 2 in 2005 to 1.82 Tg CO 2 in 2020 due to mining deforestation. The findings demonstrate the significant environmental impact of deforestation, which may also have an influence on local climate. The results can provide scientific support for public policies aimed at mitigating the issue. • A site specific mining deforestation in amazonia increased from 0.9 to 2214 ha in 15 years. • Deforestation impacted on an increase in surface temperature of 10 °C. • The temperature difference between the bare soil and the adjacent forest varied on 10 °C, as in the edges only 4 °C. • CO 2 emissions increased from 0.005 to 1.82 Tg. • Scientific support for public policies on how to mitigate the increased local temperature due to deforestation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study compared two breed groups of Girolando (½ Holstein ½ Gyr vs. ¾ Holstein ¼ Gyr) through analysis of physiological, productive, and reproductive parameters to determine the group best suited to rearing in a semiarid tropical climate. The experiment was conducted at the Companhia de Alimentos do Nordeste (CIALNE) farm, in the municipality of Umirim, State of Ceará, Brazil. Eighty cows were used in a 2 × 2 factorial study; 40 of each breed group were kept under an extensive system during the wet season and an intensive system during the dry season. The collection of physiological data and blood samples were obtained in the afternoon after milking. Rectal temperature (RT), surface temperature (ST), and respiratory rate (RR) were obtained for each cow after milking. Blood samples were obtained by tail vein puncture and were determined triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) and cortisol. The environmental parameters obtained were relative humidity (RH) and air temperature (AT), and from these, a temperature and humidity index (THI) was calculated. Pregnancy diagnosis (PD) was determined by ultrasonography 30 days after artificial insemination (AI). The milk production of each cow was recorded with automated milkings in the farm. The variables were expressed as mean and standard error, evaluated by ANOVA at 5 % probability using the Proc GLM of SAS. Chi-square test at 5 % probability was applied to data of pregnancy rate (PR) and the number of AI's to obtain pregnancy. It can be concluded that the breed group ½ Holstein ½ Gyr is most suited for farming under conditions of thermal stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on the potential impacts of large-scale land use and land cover changes (LUCC) on surface temperature from a global perspective. As important types of LUCC, urbanization, deforestation, cultivated land reclamation, and grassland degradation have effects on the climate, the potential changes of the surface temperature caused by these four types of large-scale LUCC from 2010 to 2050 are downscaled, and this issue analyzed worldwide along with Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs) of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The first case study presents some evidence of the effects of future urbanization on surface temperature in the Northeast megalopolis of the United States of America (USA). In order to understand the potential climatological variability caused by future forest deforestation and vulnerability, we chose Brazilian Amazon region as the second case study. The third selected region in India as a typical region of cultivated land reclamation where the possible climatic impacts are explored. In the fourth case study, we simulate the surface temperature changes caused by future grassland degradation in Mongolia. Results show that the temperature in built-up area would increase obviously throughout the four land types. In addition, the effects of all four large-scale LUCC on monthly average temperature change would vary from month to month with obviously spatial heterogeneity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aimed to characterize, evaluate and compare the spatial distribution of the leading bed variables, animal welfare indicators, and milk production in a closed compost-bedded pack barn (CBP) with a negative tunnel ventilation system, for summer and winter periods. The study was carried out in a CBP located in the Zona da Mata region, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The geostatistical modeling technique evaluated the variables of temperature, moisture content, and pH (on the surface and depth of 0.20m) across the length of the bed. Bed samples were characterized for carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and C:N ratio. Cows housed in the CBP were assessed for locomotion and hygiene scores and average milk production. To evaluate the thermoregulation of the cows, the respiratory rate (RR) and surface temperature (ST) were measured. Geostatistical analysis showed spatial dependence and the non-uniformity of the spatial distribution of bed variables. The worst levels of bed temperature and moisture were found in the regions close to the evaporative cooling plate, surrounding the feeding alley, and in the region with the highest cow stocking. The C:N ratio, obtained in both climatic seasons of the year, remained outside the recommended range for ideal composting. During the summer and winter, the bed variables' values suggest that the material was below levels for optimal composting; however, the aerated inner layer was biologically active. The high animal density significantly impacted the worsening of the bed moisture content and internal temperature. In general, dairy cows showed adequate hygiene (score of 1 and 2) and locomotion (score of 0 and 1) scores for the two climatic seasons evaluated, indicating good welfare conditions. In relation to RR and ST, the summer period presented less favorable environmental conditions. During winter, the average milk production was 28.1 ± 7.2 kg day-1, and during summer, it was 26.9 ± 6.7 kg day-1. • The use of geostatistics made possible to assess the quality of the CBP bed. • The high cow stocking density had an impact on the worsening of the moisture content and internal temperature in the bed. • Dairy cows showed a good hygiene and locomotion scores in the CBP. • In the closed CBP system average milk production was slightly lower during the summer in comparison with winter. • The use of infrared thermography made possible to evaluate the surface temperatures of in cows and bed in closed CBP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Impacts of El Niño - Southern Oscillation (ENSO) climatic phenomena in the southern mesoregion of the Amazon is still poorly understood. Thus, the objective of this study was to analyze the impacts of ENSO of moderate and strong categories on precipitation (ppt) and surface temperature (ts) in the southern mesoregion of Amazonas. The research was carried out with ppt data obtained by the product TRMM_3B43 and ts of the product MOD11C3 in the municipalities of Apuí, Boca do Acre, Canutama, Humaitá, Lábrea, Manicoré and Novo Aripuanã. The Niño Indices were obtained from the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration. Ts was organized into averages and ppt in seasonal totals from 1998 to 2019, to obtain its provisional climatological normal in the dry and wet seasons. The results showed that ENSO significantly influenced the pattern of ppt and ts in the southern mesoregion of Amazonas. El Niño (EN) had more impact on changing the pattern of ppt and ts than La Niña (LN). The largest reductions in ppt and increases in Ts occurred in the EN periods of 1998/01 and 2015/16, while the occurrence of LN decreased the ppt more expressively in the periods of 2007/08 and 2011/12. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of increasing human and climatic changes has caused the degradation of wetlands across the globe. Understanding the causes such process is important as wetlands provide a variety of ecosystem services. In the present study, we analyzed land cover patterns in palm swamps and their areas of influence in 1984, 1994 and 2018 in southeastern Brazil. We identified potential drivers of palm swamp degradation using data obtained by remote sensing. We also evaluated whether changes in the surrounding area were correlated with the degradation within the palm swamps. In addition, we correlated the variations on surface temperature with the different levels of degradation of the palm swamps. Our results indicate that the palm swamps in the study region underwent temporal changes in land cover patterns, with an increase in degraded area from 1984 to 2018. We observed that the size and average slope of the palm swamp and the density of surrounding roads affected the proportion of degraded area. We also demonstrated that the surface temperature is a good proxy for estimating the environmental quality of palm swamps. Our assessment indicates that palm swamp degradation is a complex process that result from intertwined environmental, social, economic and political factors. • Extensive land use and cover changes were observed for palm swamps. • Degradation was more intense in small, sloped swamps with higher surrounding road density. • The replacement of natural cover in wetlands causes an increase in surface temperature. • The Surface Temperature is a good proxy for palm swamp degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The determination of the surface energy balance fluxes (SEBFs) and evapotranspiration ( E T ) is fundamental in environmental studies involving the effects of land use change on the water requirement of crops. SEBFs and E T have been estimated by remote sensing techniques, but with the operation of new sensors, some variables need to be parameterized to improve their accuracy. Thus, the objective of this study is to evaluate the performance of algorithms used to calculate surface albedo and surface temperature on the estimation of SEBFs and E T in the Cerrado-Pantanal transition region of Mato Grosso, Brazil. Surface reflectance images of the Operational Land Imager (OLI) and brightness temperature ( T b ) of the Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS) of the Landsat 8, and surface reflectance images of the MODIS MOD09A1 product from 2013 to 2016 were combined to estimate SEBF and E T by the surface energy balance algorithm for land (SEBAL), which were validated with measurements from two flux towers. The surface temperature ( T s ) was recovered by different models from the T b and by parameters calculated in the atmospheric correction parameter calculator (ATMCORR). A model of surface albedo ( a s u p ) with surface reflectance OLI Landsat 8 developed in this study performed better than the conventional model ( a c o n ) SEBFs and E T in the Cerrado-Pantanal transition region estimated with a s u p combined with T s and T b performed better than estimates with a c o n . Among all the evaluated combinations, SEBAL performed better when combining a s u p with the model developed in this study and the surface temperature recovered by the Barsi model ( T s b a r s i ). This demonstrates the importance of an a s u p model based on surface reflectance and atmospheric surface temperature correction in estimating SEBFs and ET by SEBAL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The species Spheniscus magellanicus , popularly known as the Magellanic penguin, is the most common penguin species in the Brazilian coast. Its strandings are related to several causes, ranging from fishing interaction, diseases, anthropic pressures, to the occurrence of storms and extreme weather events. These different phenomena can affect the species' search for food, their physical conditioning and survival, and can lead individuals to death. The objective of the present study is to evaluate the effects of environmental variables on the strandings of Magellanic penguins that occurred at Ilha Comprida, in the southern coast of São Paulo State, Brazil, between 1998 and 2016. Strandings data were collected at the monthly frequency using beach monitoring techniques. Monthly averages of the environmental variables wave height (WH), sea level pressure (SLP), wind intensity (WI) and sea surface temperature (SST) were also obtained from various sources. The methodology applied here consisted of a preliminary correlation analysis and a subsequent multiple regression analysis using Generalized Linear Models (GLM) with binomial distribution. The results demonstrated that there is a relationship between the combined effect of the increase in SLP and the decrease in SST with the number of strandings. The strandings, as expected, were also associated with the migratory period of the species and their occurrence in the study area. The results provided new knowledge about the factors, mainly non-anthropogenic, that can lead to the stranding of Magellanic penguins on the study area, contributing to future initiatives for animal conservation and preservation. [Display omitted] • Relationship between strandings and ENOS (El Niño – Southern Oscillation). • Response of Magellan penguin strandings to environmental variables. • Migratory route used by Spheniscus magellanicus. • Meteorological and oceanographic variables contributing to the stranding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: A rabbit house's microclimate has a strong influence on the physiological responses of rabbits, and thermal discomfort may damage their development. The primary aim of this study was to develop a spatial distribution of temperature and humidity index (THI) maps via kriging interpolation, as well as to characterize and evaluate its relationship with physiological responses (i.e., the respiratory frequency (RF) and ear surface temperature (EST) of New Zealand white (NZW) rabbits kept in a rabbit house. The spatial distribution maps of THI allowed us to visualize the heterogeneity in the distribution space of the variables, as well as to identify regions where NZW rabbits were exposed to unfavorable developmental conditions. The relationship between THI, RF, and EST was evident, and the maps showed that an increase in THI led to an acceleration of respiratory movements and an elevation of surface temperature in rabbit ears. This led to an attempt to dissipate excess heat acquired from the environment. Thus, the spatial distribution maps of THI overlaid with RF and EST data was found to provide useful information to assist the producer in making decisions to improve the production environment for NZW rabbits. The objective of this study was to characterize and evaluate the temperature and humidity index (THI) of New Zealand white (NZW) rabbits kept in a rabbit house using geostatistical techniques. Furthermore, we sought to evaluate its relationship with respiratory frequency (RF) and ear surface temperature (EST). The experiment was conducted at the Federal University of Lavras, Brazil. A total of 52 NZW rabbits were used. For the characterization of the thermal environment, the dry bulb temperature (tdb, °C), relative humidity (RH, %), and dew point temperature (tdp, °C) were collected at 48 points in the rabbit house at 6:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 6:00 p.m. for seven days. The RF and EST of the animals was monitored. Subsequently, the THI was calculated and the data were analyzed using geostatistical tools and kriging interpolation. In addition, the RF and EST data were superimposed on the rabbit house's THI data maps. The magnitude of the variability and structure of the THI inside the rabbit house were characterized and the heterogeneity was visualized. Critical THI points inside the rabbit house and in locations where animals with high RF and ESTs were housed were identified, thus providing information about improving the production environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heat stress is one of the greatest issues of the dairy industry in regions with hot climate. Since coat color appears to be related to heat stress adaptiveness, we compared rectal temperatures and surface temperatures of Red-and-white (RW, n = 14) and Black-and-white (BW, n = 16) Holstein cows using infrared thermography in both cold (July; mean temperature: 15.5 °C) and hot (March; mean temperature: 30.5 °C) seasons in Southern Brazil. Thermographic images were taken from the left side of the animal at a distance of 4 m. The images obtained were then analyzed using the software Testo IRSoft. The variables obtained by thermography of the body surface include the temperature of non-pigmented patches, obtained using the average of five spots on white patches in a rectangle drawn on the body of the cow from the scapula to the ilium of the cow until the middle of the ribs; the temperature of pigmented patches, obtained using an average of 5 pigmented spots on the same rectangle; the temperature at the hottest spot and the temperature at the coldest spot, within the same rectangle. Rectal temperature measures were taken by a mercury thermometer during milkings. In our findings, during the cold season, RW cows had lower temperatures on the surface of pigmented spots (p = 0.01) but did not differ from BW animals when comparing rectal temperatures (p = 0.70). During the hot season, however, RW cows had lower temperatures on white spots (p = 0.049) as well as lower rectal temperatures (p = 0.029). These results suggest that the red coat phenotype presents less absorption of solar radiation, retaining less heat. • Red-and-white Holstein cows presented lower rectal and surface temperatures than black-and-white cows during the hot season. • Differences in temperatures were less remarkable during the cold season. • Infrared thermography can be a useful tool to identify heat stress in cattle by measuring the surface temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thermal performance of a vegetated roof system was tested for a lightweight, fiberglass security booth during a spring-summer period in subtropical Curitiba, Brazil. An experimental and a control booth, commercially available and widely used in Brazil, were compared for three roof configurations (only substrate; substrate and vegetation; substrate, vegetation and shading mesh) and for two window conditions (shaded and unshaded). Comfort and thermal stress analyses followed normative parameters of wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT) and effective temperature (ET). The non-insulated lightweight enclosure reduced advantageous effects from thermal stabilization of indoor air temperatures with the addition of the green roof. Benefits were otherwise observed in ceiling surface temperatures, which reached a peak reduction of 12 K at the experimental booth relative to the control booth. Infra-red images further confirmed spot measurements of surface temperatures in both booths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]