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Public and private sectors in the city of São Paulo are interested in redeveloping unoccupied buildings built between 1930s and 1960s and open up new housing market opportunities in the city centre. In this context, the objective of this research is to quantify the thermal performance of compact economic housing in these buildings and formulate design guidelines with emphasis on the façades, considering the impact of solar radiation and the benefits of natural ventilation within the urban context of the city centre of the subtropical city of São Paulo (23.85°S). The method was based on thermodynamic simulations for a representative base-case in the urban canyon. The adaptive comfort model proposed in BS EN 15251: 2007 standard was adopted. In the summer, sufficient air-flow via single sided ventilation was obtained with the 50% window's aperture. In the cases of high solar exposure, cross ventilation is necessary for 80% of the time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was done to evaluate the effects of diet nutrients density on performance and egg quality in laying hens during the post-peak production phase of the first laying cycle under subtropical climate. A total of 768, 49-weeks-old Hy-Line-W36 laying hens were assigned in a completely randomised design with six treatments, eight replicates, and 16 birds each. Experimental treatments were given the diet with nutrients density recommended by the Hy-Line-W36 guide for their age and level of production (100%) or were given 92, 94, 96, 98, and 102% of that. During the experimental period, the average ambient temperature and humidity were 27.41 ± 2.54 °C and 35 ± 5%, respectively. By increasing diet nutrients density significantly improved egg production (EP), egg weight (EW), egg mass (EM), feed conversion ratio (FCR). Also, egg crude protein and yolk ether extract composition, egg special gravity and relative shell weight significantly increased as increased diet nutrient density. Average bird's daily feed intake (FI), eggshell thickness, Haugh unit and solid percentage did not affect by diet nutrients density. By linear broken-line models, the diet nutrients density for optimised EP, EM, and FCR were estimated at 97.93, 97.57, and 100% of strain recommendation, respectively. It is concluded, laying hens during the post-peak production phase of the first laying cycle and under subtropical climate was not able to adjust FI with diet dilution. Nutrient requirements varied to what productive parameter was taken for optimisation. Optimum FCR was achieved when the diet was formulated to followed strain recommendations. Hy-Line-W36 laying hens during the post-peak production phase of the first laying cycle and under subtropical climate cannot adjust their feed intake with dietary nutrients dilution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the study was to evaluate the performance of different crossbreeds, viz., two-breed crosses including HN-50 (50% Hampshire × 50% Niang Megha) and HN-75 (75% Hampshire × 25% Niang Megha) and three-breed cross, HND (25% Hampshire × 25% Niang Megha × 50% Duroc) for suggesting suitable crossbred pigs with appropriate inheritance for subtropical Eastern Himalayan hilly climate. These crossbreed pigs were reared in standard management conditions in Nucleus Pig Breeding Farm of ICAR RC for NEH region. A total of 1995 records were collected which included data on production performance (n = 1466), reproductive performance (n = 428) and carcass traits (n = 101) from farm record book maintained over a period of 7 years. Productive performance included body weight, ADG and FCR at different stages of growth. The study revealed productive performance was highest in two-breed cross of pigs with 75% H inheritance (HN-75) and three-breed cross (HND) pigs. Reproductive performance included ages at puberty, first conception and first farrowing, along with inter-farrowing interval, pregnancy and farrowing rate as well as litter performance. The HN-75 was found to be having shorter inter-farrowing interval and higher pregnancy rate than other genetic groups. Regarding carcass traits, three-breed cross had a higher dressing percentage and less back-fat thickness than other crossbred pigs. Two breed crosses of pigs were found to be having a higher back-fat thickness than three-breed cross pig, and HN-75 had a better dressing percentage than HN-50. Thus, it was concluded that three-breed cross was recommended for lean meat production, and two-breed cross HN-75 was recommended for both breeding and fattening purposes for subtropical Eastern Himalayan hilly climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Mineral magnetism is proved as a sensitive method of pedogenesis by numerous studies. However, formation pathways of magnetic minerals and subsequent magnetic response are quite different under different climate. In order to improve the understanding of magnetic assemblages in paddy soil layers in relation to soil formation conditions, a systematic magnetic investigation was performed for surface and its corresponding deep soil collected from 70 sampling sites within a paddy soil area under subtropical climate, south China. Rock magnetic results showed that superparamagnetic, single‐domain, and multiple domain maghematite and hematite were produced during ferrallitization pedogenic processes. Some fine superparamagnetic and single‐domain ferrimagnetic particles were dissolved during late gleyization of paddy soil formation with increased organic matter and reductive condition. As a result, magnetism of surface soil was weaker than that of deep soil despite basically consistent magnetic mineral composition.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product (SCFP) during late pregnancy and lactation on sow productivity, colostrum and milk composition, and antioxidant status of sows in a subtropical climate. The study was a 2 × 2 factorial treatment design where the first factor was environmental THI level [Low THI (08:00–19:00: 70.76 ± 0.45, 19:00–08:00: 67.91 ± 0.18, L-THI) or High THI (08:00–19:00: 75.14 ± 0.98, 19:00–08:00: 68.35 ± 0.18, H-THI], and the second factor was dietary treatment (supplemented with or without 3 kg/t SCFP). A total of 120 sows were randomly allotted to the four treatments (n = 30). The feeding trial was conducted from 85-days post-breeding until 21-days post-partum. Compared with L-THI group, sows from H-THI group had lesser individual piglet birth weight, individual piglet weight at weaning, preweaning average daily gain of piglets, average daily feed intake of sows during lactation, and protein percentage in 14-days milk. Additionally, sows from H-THI group had lesser antioxidant status, indicated by lesser serum total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity at parturition; lesser serum T-AOC and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity at 14-days post-partum, as well as lesser SOD activity in colostrum. Compared with sows fed the control diet, sows fed the SCFP diet had greater number of piglets weaned, litter weight at weaning, and preweaning average daily gain of piglets. Moreover, sows fed the SCFP diet had improved antioxidant status as indicated by higher serum T-AOC at parturition, and lesser malondialdehyde (MDA) content in colostrum and 21-days milk. In conclusion, H-THI negatively affected the productivity, milk composition, antioxidant status, and lactation feed intake of sows. Dietary supplementation of SCFP partially alleviated the adverse effects of H-THI, by improving lactation performance and antioxidant status of sows without influencing reproductive performance and colostrum and milk composition in a subtropical climate.

Euglossini bees are found from southern USA to Central Argentina and southern Brazil. Variations in latitude and altitude can influence the distribution of these bees. This study focused in recognizing the Euglossini species in northern Santa Catarina state, evaluating the distribution over the gradient between sea level and 800 meters altitude. The bees were collected in six locations, between Spring and Summer from 2013 to 2015, using cotton balls containing the following odor baits: benzyl benzoate, 1,8 cineole, eugenol, menthol and vanillin. A total of 794 bees were sampled, belonging to 10 different species, including a possible new species. In terms of abundance Eufriesea Cockerell, 1908 (4 species) accounted for 552 individuals, followed by Euglossa Latreille, 1802 (5 species) with 218 and Eulaema Lepeletier, 1841 (2 species) 24 individuals. Five species were not found above altitude of 400 meters. Eufriesea violacea Blanchard, 1840, Euglossa annectans Dressler, 1982, and Eulaema nigrita Lepeletier, 1841 were the only species found in every location along the altitudinal gradient, but their abundance declines toward higher altitudes. The results surpassed the known orchid bee species for Santa Catarina state from 9 to 14 and confirmed the expected tendency of richness and abundance reduction toward the highlands. tendency of richness and abundance reduction toward the highlands.

Mineral magnetism is proved as a sensitive method of pedogenesis by numerous studies. However, formation pathways of magnetic minerals and subsequent magnetic response are quite different under different climate. In order to improve the understanding of magnetic assemblages in paddy soil layers in relation to soil formation conditions, a systematic magnetic investigation was performed for surface and its corresponding deep soil collected from 70 sampling sites within a paddy soil area under subtropical climate, south China. Rock magnetic results showed that superparamagnetic, single‐domain, and multiple domain maghematite and hematite were produced during ferrallitization pedogenic processes. Some fine superparamagnetic and single‐domain ferrimagnetic particles were dissolved during late gleyization of paddy soil formation with increased organic matter and reductive condition. As a result, magnetism of surface soil was weaker than that of deep soil despite basically consistent magnetic mineral composition. Key Points: Maghemitization and hematization are main transformations of Fe‐bearing minerals during pedogenic process under hot and humid conditionsFine superparamagnetic and stable single‐domain ferrimagnetic particles are dissolved during gleyization of paddy soil formationMagnetic difference between deep and surface soil is a combination result of ferrallitization and gleying pedogenic processes [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This in-situ experimental study reports the long-term monitoring results of an earth air heat exchanger (EAHE) used to provide ventilation in a cafeteria building, in Nantou, Taiwan. The EAHE consisted of 7 parallel buried pipes with a length of 50 m and a diameter of 0.25 m. The energy performance of the system was analyzed based on data of both sensible and latent heat exchange. The monitored results have been compared with other previous cases presented in the literature to clarify the effect of various climates and design conditions on the EAHE application. The results show that despite relatively high soil temperatures underground compared with the previous case study in temperate regions, the visible temperature difference between inlet air and outlet supply air was recorded in the summer. The annual COP can reach 27.2 while the specific surface area is 0.039 m2(m3hr−1)−1, which represents a relatively low heat transfer area compared with other cases. The conclusion is that considering uncontrollable soil temperatures, the use of a relatively low specific surface area is suitable for great cooling demand in a hot and humid climate, while the design target is on maximizing the heat transfer rate rather than a higher temperature difference. • An earth-air heat exchanger (EAHE) in a subtropical monsoon climate is presented. • The performance is evaluated by using assessment methods from various authors. • The annual COP of EAHE (7 pipes, 50 m length, 0.25 m diameter) reached 27.2. • Maximizing heat transfer with an accepted temperature target can be approached. • Intermittent operation in midday for higher cooling potential is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To find out duration of adipocere formation in hot and humid area. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Mohi-Ud-Din Islamic Medical College Mirpur Azad Kashmir and HITEC-IMS Taxila, from Jan 2017 to Jan 2019. Methodology: Total 25 cases with adipocere formation were included in this study. The cause of death, time since death, death circumstances, surrounding environment from where the body was recovered and demographic profile of the deceased were considered, while cases of septicemic deaths were excluded from the study. The adipocere was confirmed by forensic medicine consultants by its soft, moist and greasy consistency, grayish white appearance and ammoniacal smell. Results: Most of the cases recovered during months of March to June from open and closed areas, while 3 cases were recovered from water source or river banks. The time duration of recovery from time of death was from 5 days to 15 days 3h. The adipocere formation showed a high odds ratio 2.0-(95%-CI-0.115-3.482) and OR-1.5-(95%-CI-.098-2.306) for bodies recovered from water and open areas respectively. The adipocere formation in hot and rainy season showed OR-3.3-(95%-CI .190-4.199) and OR-2.4-(95%-CI .122-3.642) respectively. The adipocere formation occurred more during days 1-5 with an OR-1.9-(95%-CI .221-1.625). Conclusion: The adipocere formation can be seen as early as 2 days in a hot humid environment in closed areas, while the extent of adipocere is larger in bodies recover from water source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate impacts agriculture in various complex ways at different levels and scales depending on the local natural crop growth limitations. Our objective in this study, therefore, is to understand how different is the atmosphere–biosphere exchange of CO2 under contrasting subtropical and boreal agricultural (an oilseed crop and a bioenergy crop, respectively) climates. The oilseed crop in subtropical climate continued to uptake CO2 from the atmosphere throughout the year, with maximum uptake occurring in the monsoon season, and drastically reduced uptake during drought. The boreal ecosystem, on the other hand, was a sustained, small source of CO2 to the atmosphere during the snow-covered winter season. Higher rates of CO2 uptake were observed owing to greater day-length in the growing season in the boreal ecosystem. The optimal temperature for photosynthesis by the subtropical ecosystem was close to the regional normal mean temperature. An enhanced photosynthetic response to the incident radiation was found for the boreal ecosystem implying the bioenergy crop to be more efficient than the oilseed crop in utilizing the available light. This comparison of the CO2 exchange patterns will help strategising the carbon management under different climatic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Dung beetle species were collected between May 2016 and July 2017 with pitfall traps baited with human feces in four Atlantic Forest sites with different levels of disturbance in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil. We sampled 5,535 individuals belonging to 46 species. Canthidium aff. trinodosum (20.71%), Eurysternus parallelus Castelnau, 1840 (14.82%), Onthophagus catharinensis Paulian, 1936 (12.09%), Scybalocanthon nigriceps (Harold, 1868) (7.61 %), Eurysternus caribaeus (Herbst, 1789) (7.49%), and Canthon rutilans cyanescens Harold, 1868 (7.22%) were the most abundant species, which represented 70% of the individuals sampled. Moreno Fortes Biological Reserve had the higher richness and Morro do Cerrito the higher abundance, while Val Feltrina presented the lowest values. The greatest similarity occurred between Turvo State Park and Moreno Fortes Biological Reserve, while Moreno Fortes Biological Reserve and Val Feltrina had the lowest similarity. Only 11 species (23.9%) occurred in all sites, while 14 species were restricted to only one of the fragments. Both abundance and richness of dung beetles were positively correlated with site temperature but not with precipitation.

A field experiment was conducted at Horticultural Research Institute Faisalabad, Pakistan for selection of suitable cultivar of strawberry in subtropical climate. Two cultivars of strawberry (Chandler and Henyo) were grown under randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Runners were planted in the month of October-November. Some morphological and physicohemical traits were evaluated. It was observed that the cultivar Chandler displayed good success (45.50%), with more leaves (7.67) and roots (41.33). Chander cultivar produced heavy and lengthy fruit with more Juice, hence it gave more fruit yield (16.26 g), length (3.56 cm), juice contents (64.78 %) and gave more yield (371.43 g). On the other hand, the maximum total soluble solids (TSS) 7.90% was observed in Henyo with highest acidity (0.91%) and high pH (4.56). Therefore, it is recommended that Chandler cv. is most suitable for cultivation in subtropical climate of Pakistan.

Climate regulates the fern phenology and climatic triggers influence plants from tropical and subtropical regions differently. Ferns depend on climate to regulate their life cycle, because they do not require animal interaction to reproduce. Through the pioneering study of the phenology of Araucaria forest understory in subtropical climate of Brazil, our main aims were (i) to verify which climatic variables influenced the phenological pattern of the community, (ii) to identify the differences in seasonality of ferns in distinct climatic zones of Brazil, and (iii) to compare the phenological pattern of ferns growing in other subtropical regions of the world. In an Araucaria forest fragment, we monitored the phenology of the fern community (leaf production, leaf senescence, and sporangium formation) over 2 years. At the same time, we collected photoperiod, temperature, and precipitation data. Ferns phenology was classified as continuous, discontinuous, regular, and irregular. Our results showed photoperiod and mean temperature as the best predictors for phenology. The reproductive event was seasonal, and the fern community presented themselves as continuous, irregular (activity index), and regular (intensity index) phenophases. Unlike ferns from tropical regions that generally regulate themselves by the rainfall, some ferns in a non-seasonal environment have seasonal behavior in their phenophases due to the greater amplitude of photoperiod and temperature. The community showed the same pattern of leaf production observed in populations of other subtropical regions in the world. This behavior represented the biological response of the vegetation dynamics in relation to the climatic variability of subtropical environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Applying PCM to the building envelope has great potential to reduce building energy consumption. It is interesting to note that energy saving effect of PCM is related to the climate environment and its own factors. In this paper, the energy-saving potential of PCM applied to a building envelope in Shenzhen was verified by digital simulation method, and the factors affecting the efficiency of PCM application were investigated. The results showed that in Shenzhen the annual optimum phase transition temperature of PCM is 27 °C, leading to the reduction of total annual building energy consumption of 22.96%. In addition, the PCM mounted on the outer surface of the enclosure is better than the inner surface. PCM is best installed on the roof, and the worst on the north wall. The thicker the PCM layer installed, the lower the building energy consumption is, but when the thickness is 2 cm, the energy loss per unit thickness of PCM is the largest, the efficiency and cost-effectiveness is the highest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Topography is one of the key factors controlling soil erosion and redistribution of pedogenic material along slope. Land cover change can have an accelerating or retarding impact on topographically-controlled soil erosion rates, depending on the type and intensity of land use and management. In this study, we investigated the combined effect of hillslope gradient and land cover change on soil redistribution and rejuvenation in a subtropical region where Atlantic rain forest was converted to agricultural land. We used a two versus two factorial design, and evaluated the effect of hillslope gradient (steep vs. gentle) and land cover (forest vs. cropland) on the spatial pattern of soil weathering degree along slope. In four soil toposequences, soil weathering indices (Total Reserve in Bases, Chemical Index of Alteration, clay content, iron oxide content) and mineralogical assemblages were used to express genetic and morphological differences among soil profiles. Our data showed that the spatial differentiation in chemical weathering degree along slope is strongly dependent on the hillslope gradient: while the gentle slopes show negligible differences in chemical weathering degree along slope, the steep slopes show clear spatial differences. Besides, there is an interaction effect between hillslope gradient and land cover. Forest conversion to cropland enhances erosion-driven soil redistribution with a marked effect on soil rejuvenation along steep slopes but no clear effect along gentle slopes. The comparative study based on four toposequences highlights that accelerated soil erosion after conversion of forests to cropland has further enhanced lateral soil fluxes and redistribution of topsoil material along steep slopes, and led to soil rejuvenation and exposure of less weathered soil material at the eroding sites. Highlights • Spatial differentiation in weathering degree along slope is slope-dependent. • Erosion-driven differentiation in weathering degree observed for steep slopes • Anthropogenic accelerated erosion enhances rejuvenation of weathered-derived soil nutrients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Colombiana de Ciencia Animal - RECIA is the property of Revista Colombiana de Ciencia Animal - RECIA 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 The oxygen transfer rate (OTR) has a significant impact on the design and operation of vertical flow constructed wetlands (VFCWs) intended for organic matter removal and nitrification. Despite its key role, the information on real oxygen input in VFCWs is limited, being usually estimated by mass balance (stoichiometry), through which is calculated only the oxygen consumption rate (OCR). In this study, for the first time, the gas tracer method was applied to evaluate the oxygen transfer capacity of a real-scale VFCW (24.5 m2) applied to the treatment of domestic wastewater. Propane was used as tracer. The OCR and the OTR were evaluated in VFCW under hydraulic loading rates (HLR) of 60, 90, and 120 mm d−1 corresponding to recirculation rations of 0%, 50%, and 100%. The OTR in standard conditions (20 °C) ranged from 120 to 176 g O 2 m−2 d−1. The highest OTR was found for the lowest HLR. For the operating conditions tested, the OTR obtained with gas tracer were higher than the OCR calculated by stoichiometry in VFCW, which ranged from 20.6 to 27.8 g O 2 m−2 d−1. Besides, the OTR were sufficient to satisfy the VFCW oxygen demand for organic matter removal and nitrification. These results show that the gas tracer method for OTR determination may allow advances on the understanding of treatment processes and on the design of new VFCWs since its treatment performance requires aerobic conditions. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Gas tracer to assess the oxygen transfer rate (OTR) in a vertical flow wetland • OTR much higher than oxygen consumption rates (OCR) estimated by stoichiometry • OTR decrease with hydraulic loading rate increase [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In southern Brazil, livestock producers often overseed cool-season annual grasses into warm-season perennial pastures to extend the grazing season and improve animal performance. However, the effects of warm-season pasture management on the subsequent cool-season pasture are poorly understood. We aimed to evaluate how grazing height and nitrogen (N) fertilization applied to a mixed-species pasture during the warm season affect forage accumulation and diversity in the cool-season pastures. The experiment was conducted in a subtropical climate and consisted of two phases: warm season (November/December – April/May) and cool season (May – October/November). During the warm season, we applied a factorial combination of two pre-grazing heights (0.17 and 0.23 m) and three N rates (50, 150, and 250 kg N ha−1) to a mixed-species pasture. During the cool season, we managed all plots equally and measured forage accumulation and diversity using Simpson's and Rao's indices. We found that warm-season N fertilization had no residual effect on cool-season pasture responses, but grazing at 0.17 m height during the warm season resulted in higher forage accumulation during the cool season than grazing at 0.23 m height (5100 vs. 4780 kg DM ha−1). However, grazing at 0.23 m height during the warm season increased species diversity (Simpson's index of 0.49 vs. 0.40) and functional diversity (Rao's index of 0.33 vs. 0.29) during the cool season compared to grazing at 0.17 m height. This study provides novel insights into the long-term effects of warm-season pasture management on cool-season pasture diversity and productivity in a subtropical climate. It shows that grazing at a height close to the critical leaf area index during the warm season can increase legume proportion and functional diversity in the cool season, which can improve pasture resilience and sustainability. While this study offers valuable insights, it is important to acknowledge its restriction to a single location, and the need to assess the hypothesis raised here to other sites and conditions. [Display omitted] • The impact of warm-season pasture management on the following cool-season pasture responses is not well understood. • We assessed how warm-season pasture management affects cool-season pasture responses in a subtropical climate. • Cool season forage production was not changed by warm-season nitrogen fertilization rates. • Grazing height close to critical leaf area index (0.23 m) enhanced species diversity, regardless of N rates. • Despite the valuable findings, it is important to address the hypothesis raised here in other sites and conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Global warming and anthropogenic disturbances significantly influence the biosphere, tremendously increasing species extinction rates. In Central Alabama, we analyzed Drosophilidae species composition change nearly 100 years after the previous survey. We found ten Drosophilid species that were not reported during the last major biodiversity studies, two of which are invasive pests. In addition, we analyzed the influence of seasonal environmental variables characteristic of the subtropical climate zone on Drosophila abundance and biodiversity. We found a significant correlation between temperature and abundance of total Drosophila as well as for six of the seven most represented species individually, with a maximum abundance at intermediate temperatures (18–26°C). In addition, temperature was positively correlated with biodiversity of Drosophila. Precipitation produced a significant effect on the abundance of five species of Drosophila, with different optima for each species, but did not affect overall biodiversity. We concluded that in the subtropical climate zone of Central Alabama, seasonal temperature and precipitation changes produce a significant effect on Drosophila abundance and biodiversity, while local land use also impacts fly abundance, contributing to an apparent shift in species composition over the last century. We expect global climate change and other anthropogenic factors to further impact Drosophila species composition in the subtropical climate zone into the future.

Looking back to the glorious years of Brazilian modernism between 1930 and 1964, the country´s architectural heritage reveals an environmental design approach still relevant to buildings of today. In this context, the COPAN building (1966), located in São Paulo (latitude 23°S), is one of the most iconic buildings of its time with 1.160 residential units encompassing various types of studio flats (called in Portuguese “kitnets”) as well as one, two and three bedroom apartments distributed across six blocks of independent vertical circulation accesses. This naturally ventilated tall building is recognized by its massive concrete curvilinear structure of 140 m high, shaded towards the north and northwest orientations by horizontal concrete brise-soleis and opened with a single glazed curtain wall on the south and southeast orientations. The thermal performance of the Copan building was investigated by means of fieldwork and analytical procedures. The fieldwork included measurements in loco of environmental variables in four residential units, during warm and cooler periods of the year (2016) and interviews with a sample of 100 occupants, this was followed by thermal dynamic computer simulations performed with the Thermal Analysis Simulation Software (TAS). The adaptive comfort model defined in ASHRAE 55-2013 was adopted as the performance criteria for analytical studies. One of the main conclusions of these technical studies was about the combined effect of thermal inertia, external shading and controlled natural ventilation resulting in steady thermal conditions, with air temperatures oscillating between 24   °C and 26   °C when external temperatures reach as high as 32   °C in a typical warm afternoon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As building-integrated vegetation, green roofs can improve thermal performance of buildings and their ambience. Research efforts tended to focus on thermal behavior of extensive green roofs outside the tropics, with inadequate attention on intensive type and tropical region. Using detailed microclimatic monitoring, this study investigated the thermal behavior of a native-woodland intensive green roof in subtropical Hong Kong. Three summer weather days denoting sunny, cloudy and rainy were chosen from long-term monitoring data for comparison with a nearby bare control roof. Shading and evapotranspiration by the woodland canopy respectively reduced roof surface temperature and air temperature by latent-heat absorption. The most notable maximum surface and air cooling, respectively at 19.80 °C and 6.21 °C, was achieved in daytime sunny condition, with cooling effect extending into nighttime. Surface cooling was mainly governed by daily pattern of solar irradiance, whereas air cooling was more pronounced nearer ground surface except in nighttime period on rainy days. Slight near-surface air warming occurred in rainy nighttime. The woodland vegetation filtered 90% of the incoming short-wave radiation during most of the daytime, serving as an insolation filter which contributed to surface cooling. The substrate experienced net heat loss in cloudy and rainy weather, exporting its antecedent stored heat. At 0.5 m substrate depth, the temperature stayed at a stable level, suggesting restricted heat exchange in subsoil. With appropriate design and regular maintenance, an intensive green roof with dense woodland canopy and 1-m substrate could provide effective above-ground and soil cooling and buffer against outdoor-to-indoor heat ingress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was carried out to identify the most suitable temperature humidity index (THI model) among seven reported THI models as heat stress indicator on daily milk yield (DMY) of Murrah buffaloes at subtropical climatic conditions of Karnal, India. A total of 302,101 daily milk yield records from 1,434 lactational milk yield records and pedigree records of 748 buffaloes belonging to five parities spanned over a period of about 20 years (March 1994-December 2013) were obtained from ICAR-NDRI, Karnal and weather information on dry bulb temperature (Tdb), wet bulb temperature (Twb) and relative humidity (RH in %) for the corresponding period were collected from ICAR-CSSRI, Karnal. The overall least-squares mean for daily milk yield was 7.55±0.002 kg. Average daily THI was computed using each of the seven models under study. Regression analysis was performed to determine the most suitable THI model for assessing the effect of heat stress on DMY and a negative association was found between DMY (kg) and THI. THI model 5 developed by NRC (1971) was identified as the most suitable THI model to study the impact of thermal stress on DMY of Murrah expressing maximum decrease in DMY (- 0.029 kg) per unit rise in THI. [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.)

Extreme weather events caused by climate change intensify the heat island effect, and a lack of greenery in urban areas increases the psychological stress and anxiety of city dwellers. This study compared the temperature reductions and heat amplitude reductions provided by four types of green roofing that can cover bare rooftops. The four types of plants grown on extensive green roofs in this study were: shrubs, perennial herbs, vines, and groundcover; these are potentially healing plants. Furthermore, this study investigated the effects of air temperature, relative humidity, and solar radiation on temperature reduction of the rooftop. Four-stage field experiments under various ambient temperatures were conducted on the roof of a typical residential townhouse in the Taichung metropolitan area, in central Taiwan, which has a warm oceanic climate/humid subtropical climate (Cfa). The results indicated that the bottom temperature of the perennial herb, shrub, vine, and groundcover green roofs were lower than the bare rooftop temperature by 17.75 °C, 12.57 °C, 11.55 °C, and 9.31 °C, respectively. The heat amplitude reductions of the bare rooftop were defined as 1 minus the result of dividing the experimental temperature fluctuation by the rooftop temperature fluctuation; the heat amplitude reductions attributed to the shrub and perennial herb green roofs were similar (83.32% and 82.58%, respectively); smaller reductions were produced by the vine (79.78%) and groundcover (74.88%) roofs. Moreover, air temperature and solar radiation were positively related to temperature reduction of the bare rooftop, and relative humidity was negatively related to temperature reduction. Finally, plants in extensive green roofs can further reduce the surface temperature of a bare rooftop when compared with that of bare soil roofs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new genus and species, Longivelia circuliplsus gen. et sp. nov., is established and assigned to the subfamily Ocelloveliinae by the following characters: ocelli present, all tarsi 3-segmented, pretarsus inserted preapically, etc. This is the first record of the Ocelloveliinae from mid-Cretaceous Kachin amber which also enriches the geographical record. Based on the new species preserved with a true fly (Diptera) in the same piece of amber, we hypothesize that the palaeoclimate environment of the habitat of L. circuliplsus gen. et sp. nov. at that time might be similar with the modern South African Cape, which can be recognized by the freshwater environment. • First fossil record of Ocelloveliinae from mid-Cretaceous Kachin amber. • The habitat of the new species is determined by its morphological characteristics and co-occurring organisms. • The palaeoclimate of Kachin is inferred from the climate in which the extant taxa survived. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A double cropping system has been commercially adopted in southern China, where there is abundant sunshine and heat resources. In this viticulture system, the first growing season normally starts as a summer cropping cycle; then, the vine is pruned and forced, resulting in a second crop in winter. Due to climate differences between the summer and winter growing seasons, grape ripening progression and flavonoid metabolism vary greatly. Here, the metabolites and transcriptome of flavonoid pathways were analyzed in grapes grown under two growing seasons at different stages. Notably, the winter cropping cycle strongly increased flavonoid levels by several times in comparison to summer grapes, while the summer season took a major toll on anthocyanin and flavonol accumulation, since the winter cropping greatly triggered the expression of upstream genes in the flavonoid pathway in a coordinated expression pattern. Moreover, the ratio of VviF3′5′Hs (flavonoid 3′5′-hydroxylase) to VviF3′Hs (flavonoid 3′-hydroxylase) transcript levels correlated remarkably well with the ratio of 3′5′-substituted to 3′-substituted flavonoids, which was presumed to control the flux of intermediates into different flavonoid branches. On the other hand, the phenological phase also varied greatly in the two crops. Compared to summer cropping, winter growing season accelerated the duration from budburst to veraison, therefore advancing the onset of ripening, but also prolonging the duration of ripening progression due to the purposes to harvest high-quality grapes. The differential expression pattern of hormone-related genes between the two cropping cycles might explain this phenomenon.

Gazing at natural landscapes and participating in agricultural activities can elicit psychophysiological restoration. However, most buildings are constructed merely to meet the minimum legal requirements for structure weight load. Extensive green roofs consisting of vegetables and a lightweight growth medium can be designed to provide not only passive-cooling effects on bare rooftops, but also to convert idle rooftops into temporary retreats for stressed individuals. The purpose of this study is to both measure the surface temperature reduction and heat amplitude reduction of a bare rooftop using the extensive green roofs containing a lightweight expanded clay aggregate (LECA) and Ipomoea batata as well as conduct a weight-reduction-and-cost analysis to measure the weight loss of the extensive green roofs incurred through LECA replacement. A four-stage field experiment was performed on the flat rooftop of a dormitory in a subtropical climate during summer. The results indicated that roofs with Ipomoea batata had a significantly higher passive-cooling effect than did roofs without Ipomoea batata. The roofs with 10%⁻40% LECA exhibited a slightly higher passive-cooling effect than did roofs with conventional garden soil. At a slightly different average air temperature (0.56 °C; i.e., 32.04 °C minus 31.48 °C), the combined effects of LECA and Ipomoea batata helped to significantly reduce the average temperature of the bare rooftop by an additional 10.19 °C, namely, temperature reduction of the bare rooftop increased from 9.54 °C under a roof with 0% LECA and without plants in the second stage to 19.73 °C under a roof with 10% LECA and with plants in the fourth stage.

Meteoric 10 Be is commonly used as a geochemical tracer of soil erosion and regolith residence time over long time scales (> 10 3 yr). The acidic conditions of tropical soils are less favorable for meteoric 10 Be retention, and make a translation of meteoric 10 Be inventories into surface erosion rates complex. In this empirical study, we evaluate the potential loss of meteoric 10 Be in the weathering zone. Along a toposequence in southern Brazil, three regolith profiles were sampled to explore the mobility of Be in the soil system. The sequential chemical extractions of four reactive fractions indicate that the amorphous oxy-hydroxide and crystalline oxide fractions are the main carriers of meteoric 10 Be. Our data from the Brazilian toposequence reveal significantly higher inventories of meteoric 10 Be in the slope concavities compared to the upslope positions. This demonstrates that chemical leaching and deep percolation of meteoric 10 Be within the soil profile leads to vertical and lateral redistribution of meteoric 10 Be across the hillslope. Our data show that more than 50% of the delivered meteoric 10 Be is leached from the upslope regolith profiles. After correcting the inventories for incomplete retention of meteoric 10 Be, surface erosion rates are derived for the slope convexities. Upslope erosion rates are below 5 mm/kyr and agree with the in-situ 10 Be-derived denudation rates. Our results suggest that soil and sediment fluxes can accurately be derived from meteoric 10 Be inventories in well-developed soils, when the meteoric 10 Be mobility is constrained using differential mass balances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sugarcane is a worldwide crop that leaves a considerable amount of crop residues (called trash) on the soil surface each year after green cane harvesting. However, the recent industrial valorization of these residues raises the question of how much trash to leave as mulch after harvest. Here, we studied the decomposition of three different trash quantities (4, 8 and 12 Mg ha −1 ) across five experimental sites from a subtropical climate over one year. We quantified the dry matter (DM), carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) contents of the remaining mulch at one-month intervals for one year after trash addition at all sites. The chemical composition of the trash was characterized by proximate analysis at one site. Our results showed that mulch degradation was proportional to the initial amount of trash left on the soil surface, i.e., the degradation rates were similar for the three trash treatments at each site, suggesting no limiting factor to decomposition associated with trash quantity and its contact with the soil. On average, 64% of the trash was degraded after 12 months in all treatments, leading to considerable differences in the mass of C degraded after one year (1.2 ± 0.1, 2.3 ± 0.2 and 3.5 ± 0.3 Mg ha −1 for the 4, 8 and 12 Mg ha −1 treatments, respectively). An interaction between trash quantity and site was observed, which translated into more differences in the C degradation rates between sites for the 4 Mg ha −1 trash treatment. The N content of the remaining mulch was rather stable throughout the year, which indicated the efficient use and recycling of N by the decomposing microflora during trash decomposition. These results will help determine the amount of sugarcane trash that should be left on fields to preserve soil C and soil fertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hong Kong buildings account for 90% of total electricity consumption and over 60% of greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore buildings present both a challenge and an opportunity for reduction in energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. Net Zero Energy Building (NZEB) and Net Zero Carbon Building (NZCB) are recognised as feasible strategies to reduce energy use and carbon emissions leading to a more sustainable built environment. While there is a growing number of NZEBs and NZCBs in relatively cool or temperate climates, there are relatively few examples in the subtropical climate, and in a densely populated city such as Hong Kong. This paper will examine the current progress towards a low carbon built environment in Hong Kong, zero energy/carbon design strategies and technologies applicable to building in a subtropical climate, and examines a case study of Hong Kong's first zero carbon building ZCB. ZCB's energy and carbon performance, experiences and lessons learned, and future directions are discussed. The paper will conclude with the challenges and opportunities for wider adoption of NZEBs and NZCBs in the Hong Kong construction industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aims of this one-year study, were to evaluate the removal of carbamazepine (CBZ) in three pilot-scale two-stage hybrid constructed wetlands as well as to evaluate the performance of three emergent species ( Thypha latifolia , Iris sibirica and Zantedeschia aethiopica ) planted as a polyculture. The systems included horizontal subsurface flow wetlands (HSSF-CW), vertical subsurface flow wetlands (VSSF-CW) and stabilization ponds (SP). The three different configurations were: HSSF-CWs followed by SPs, HSSF-CWs followed by VSSF-CWs and VSSF-CWs followed by HSSF-CWs, which were identified as system I (SI), system II (SII) and system III (SIII) respectively. In addition, measurements of DO, Eh and pH, were taken in situ in order to know the internal system conditions. Out of the three hybrid systems, two were equally effective (SI and SII) and superior to SIII (p > 0.05). In these two systems (HSSF-CWs- SPs and HSSF-CWs-VSSF-CWs) the average mass removals were 62.5 ± 4.5% and 59.0 ± 4.5%, respectively. CBZ removal was more effective under reductive environment (∼−60 to +50 mV) and near-anoxic conditions (<1.5 mg/L of DO). In addition, the two ornamental plants exhibited a better capacity to tolerate and take up CBZ in comparison to T. latifolia . These results demonstrate that it is possible to obtain higher CBZ removal efficiencies in CWs than those reported so far, under subtropical climate by using hybrid systems planted with a polyculture that include ornamental species and using a ground local filter material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smart buildings lately have gained momentum due to its ability to drive, manage and control energy conservation measures. Fuzzy based controllers in Building Management Systems (BEMS) can use the latest and the most innovative control strategies in order to achieve a comfortable life style while savings energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This system uses real life events as a point of control. Those real life events may include day-light usage (natural light), occupancy profile, passive cooling techniques and the usage of ambient atmosphere based on its ambient temperature and humidity. This paper develops a BMS using advanced fuzzy based controllers with integration of day light. This control strategy is based on quantifying the outside and the inside illuminance and allowing an add-on controller to perform a photometric calculation and comparison to decide rooms openings (windows). The paper also analyses energy savings and recommend suitable markets for this control strategy either during the design stage of a building, or after the building construction or retrofitting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The principle of Passive Houses is an important milestone in the evolutionary development towards environmental friendly and energy efficient buildings. Τhe concept as such was developed in central Europe tackling primarily the issue of heating. However, as the goal of sustainability has become a common one throughout Europe and beyond, it is now established that the energy performance of Passive Houses has to satisfy thermal comfort under diverse climatic conditions, in order to enable its adequate global applicability. This study presents the monitored performance of the first Passive House designed and constructed in Cyprus, a south-eastern Mediterranean European country with subtropical climatic conditions. This study aims to provide useful insights to improve the performance of Passive Houses in subtropical climates. The “as built” performance of the investigated building is compared to its asset design, revealing design gaps and possibilities for improvement. Different zones of the building were selected for investigation and the percentage of overheating in the examined zones was specified. The thermal performance of the examined building was also numerically investigated, by means of dynamic simulation in order to consider improvement options. The simulation model was validated for a cooling design day. The performance of a single zone was further investigated using CFD simulation for a specific summer day and the effect of potential measures for the improvement of its thermal performance was evaluated. An average reduction of 1.4 °C of the indoor air temperature was achieved by applying an optimized strategy for night ventilation, while the increase of the cooling capacity of the HVAC was found to significantly improve the thermal performance of the zone. The effect of external thermal coating application was also examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research concerns a first approach to adapt the thermal comfort bands of the Physiological Equivalent Temperature (PET), New Standard Effective Temperature (SET), and Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) indices to Santa Maria’s population, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, on the basis of the application of perception/sensation questionnaires to inhabitants while, at the same time, recording meteorological attribute data. Meteorological and thermal sensation data were collected from an automatic weather station installed on paved ground in the downtown area, which contained the following sensors: a scale gauge; a global radiation sensor; a temperature and humidity sensor; a speed and wind direction sensor; a gray globe thermometer. First of all, air temperature, gray globe temperature, relative air humidity, wind speed, wind gust, global solar radiation and precipitation were collected. People were interviewed using a questionnaire adapted from the model established by ISO 10551. The results demonstrated the efficiency of the linear regression model and the adequacy of the interpretive indexes, presenting results different from those analyzed by other authors in different climatic zones. These differences meet the analyzed literature and attest to the effectiveness of the calibration method of the PET, SET, and PMV indices for the Brazilian subtropical climate. After calibration, the PET index hit rate increased from 32.8% to 69.3%. The SET index, which had an initial hit rate of 34.6% before calibration, reached a hit-rate of 64.9%, while the PMV index increased from 35.9% to 58.7%.

Se estudió la composición florística y distribución de los bosques ribereños de dos sistemas hidrográficos en una región subtropical andina. Utilizando técnicas uni y multivariadas, se probó la hipótesis que existe un bosque ribereño diferenciable, compuesto por vegetación nativa típica de la provincia fitogeográfica de Yungas, y que la distribución de la vegetación varió significativamente con las características geomorfológicas. Transectos paralelos a lo largo de los cursos de agua se utilizaron para recolectar los datos de presencia-ausencia de vegetación en once sitios. El Análisis de Correspondencia definió un grupo de especies ribereñas común para el área estudiada (Solanum riparium, Phenax laevigatus, Tipuana tipu, Cestrum parqui, Carica quercifolia, Acacia macracantha, Celtis iguanaea, Juglans australis, Pisoniella arborescens, Baccharis salicifolia, Cinnamomum porphyrium y Eugenia uniflora) e identificó dos sitios de referencia. La distribución de la vegetación ribereña varió significativamente con las características geomorfológicas a lo largo de los sitios estudiados. Los hábitats ribereños estuvieron compuestos por especies nativas y exóticas. Una flora ribereña distintiva, diferente en estructura y función a la vegetación terrestre adyacente, no pudo ser identificada. Especies ribereñas fueron similares a los estratos terrestres adyacentes. Estas especies no estarían limitadas por la proximidad al río. Impactos antropogénicos fueron factores importantes que regulan la introducción y el incremento de la vegetación exótica. La falta de regulación de algunas actividades en la zona podría causar problemas graves en la integridad de este ecosistema.Floristic composition and distribution of the Andean subtropical riparian forests of Lules River, Tucuman, Argentina. We studied the floristic composition and distribution of the riparian forest of two hydrographical systems in a subtropical Andean region. Using uni and multivariate techniques, we tested the hypotheses that a differentiable riparian forest exists, composed by native vegetation typical of the Yungas phytogeographical province, and that the distribution of vegetation varied significantly with geomorphologic characteristics. Parallel transects along the water courses were used to collect presence-absence data of vegetation in eleven sites. Detrended Correspondence Analysis defined a group of common riparian species for the studied area (Solanum riparium, Phenax laevigatus, Tipuana tipu, Cestrum parqui, Carica quercifolia, Acacia macracantha, Celtis iguanaea, Juglans australis, Pisoniella arborescens, Baccharis salicifolia, Cinnamomum porphyrium and Eugenia uniflora) and identified two reference sites. The distribution of the riparian vegetation varied significantly with the geomorphic characteristics along the studied sites. Riparian habitats were composed by native and exotic species. A distinct riparian flora, different in structure and function from adjacent terrestrial vegetation, could not be identified. Riparian species were similar to the adjacent terrestrial strata. These species would not be limited by the proximity to the river. Anthropogenic impacts were important factors regulating the introduction and increase of exotic vegetation. The lack of regulation of some activities in the zone could cause serious problems in the integrity of this ecosystem. Rev. Biol. Trop. 58 (1): 499-510. Epub 2010 March 01.