Search

This research presents a comparative study and an indoor thermal comfort analysis of self-constructed dwellings with different roofing in the Lower Papaloapan River Basin in Mexico. These include concrete roofs, zinc-coated sheet metal, asbestos sheets and palm fronds, all with and without false ceilings. The comparative study takes into account the identification and analysis of different architectural typologies, materials, structural pathologies, as well as the construction processes and the number of hours in which a dwelling is inside the comfort zone proposed. Until now, there is no relevant information about the comfort zone for the inhabitants of the studied region. Thermal comfort analysis shows that the comfort zone for the region is difficult to achieve due to the temperature and humidity of the region. Among the roofing without a false ceiling, the dwelling with palm roofing had the best performance whilst housing with zinc roofing produced the worst. Moreover, palm roofing is an ecological and vernacular option that uses local materials. In the case of a false ceiling, a standardizing effect was observed for all types of roofing. New approaches to show and analyse data and some suggestions for improving comfort conditions within homes in the region were proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Research Aims: Forest loss and fragmentation have a negative impact on large-sized predators and prey, whose populations are reduced or extirpated locally. We explored the spatiotemporal coexistence of the mesopredators (< 15 kg) coyote, ocelot, and white-nosed coati, with their potential prey (< 15 kg) Mexican agouti, lowland paca, and collared peccary in a defaunated rainforest. Methods: We used two-species occupancy-detection models between mesopredators and their potential prey, overlap index of circular models, and latency time measurements to evaluate temporal and spatial segregation and habitat use of species. Results: Presence of ocelot and coyote was influenced by an increase in the detectability and occupancy of the Mexican agouti. Among most mesopredator–prey species pairs, the correlation for both the capture rates at camera-trap stations and the 1-hr intervals were mainly moderate or low. Some mesopredator–prey species pairs showed low or inverse correlations suggesting species avoidance. The Mexican agouti exhibited a significant negative correlation with the presence of mesopredators. The coyote and ocelot showed a positive correlation with their use of low use trails by people. Conclusions: Spatiotemporal tolerance was observed among mesopredator omnivores and prey herbivores. High temporal overlap of ocelots and potential prey (lowland paca) was observed compared to other tropical forests holding large-sized predators, suggesting behavioral shifts for increasing mesopredator–prey encounters. Furthermore, mesopredator coexistence was mediated by a displacement in the temporal peaks of activity and spatial segregation among species. Implications for Conservation: Defaunated tropical forests need protection to ensure the conservation of remaining species and their ecological interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]