Average Annual Sunshine Research Articles

INFLUENCE OF SUNSHINE ON THE SERUM LEVELS OF VITAMIN D

Vitamin D - anti-rheumatic vitamin - directly related to calcium and phosphate metabolism and bone formation. In recent years, it has been proven to be much more important because it also has an impact on cells of the immune system, heart, endocrine and muscle cells. Vitamin deficiency also involves mental illness such as depression and schizophrenia. For the synthesis of enough vitamin D it is necessary to have a daily, all year round direct exposure to direct sunlight for at least 20-30 minutes a day. The geographic location of Republic of Bulgaria provides the average annual sunshine duration around 2150 hours and it is about 49% of the maximum possible sunshine. However, the majority (58.33%) of the study participants had a "deficiency" in serum levels of vitamin D, snd there is also a large percentage of those who are less often outdoors.

Methodology for edaphoclimatic assessment of olive cultivation: Application to the area of the quality mark “Olive Oil Madrid” (Spain)OLIVE OIL MADRID” (SPAIN)

The present work proposes a methodology to select the most suitable areas for olive cultivation under rainfed conditions in the Madrid Region (Central Spain). This methodology is based on an analysis of the significant edaphoclimatic parameters that characterize the study region matched with the crop requirements of the olive tree, in the framework of the Land Suitability Classification system. A key component of the proposed methodology is the selection and rating of edaphic and climatic parameters as limitations associated with olive crop requirements in rainfed conditions. The climatic parameters considered are: average temperature of the absolute minimum of the coldest month (during dormancy and growth periods), average temperature of the minimum in the phenological stages of flowering, growth and ripening, mean relative humidity in spring and autumn, and average annual sunshine hours. The edaphic parameters considered (both extrinsic and intrinsic to soil profiles) include: slope, stoniness and rockiness, drainage, presence of perched water table, infiltration rate, effective depth, available water retention capacity (AWC), cation exchange capacity (CEC), pH, base saturation, active lime, salinity, Ca/K antagonism and organic matter content. For each of these parameters, five levels of severity have been established, from "very unfavorable" (excluded) to "very favorable" (optimal), establishing specific limits within each of these ranges to compare them with the requirements of olive trees. The final phase of the evaluation is the allocation of Suitability Categories to certain areas of interest for olive growing, established according to soil and climate criteria, on the basis of Land Mapping Units defined on the studied territory. The interest of an edaphoclimatic assessment in this geographical area lies in its marginal location with respect to the main olive groves in the Iberian Peninsula, and in the variety of existing climatic and edaphic conditions, some of them generally considered as limiting the cultivation of the olive grove, as well as in an evident current expansion of this crop. The most relevant edaphic limitations derive especially from a low available water capacity, and locally, by factors such as acid pH, Ca/K antagonism or high active lime. The exclusionary limitations derive, to a great extent, from climatic characteristics, associated with low temperatures combined with high relative air humidity. This methodology is expected to serve as a basis for the delimitation of new areas on which the implantation of the olive grove may be foreseen within a period, like the present one, of remarkable expansion of this crop.

Analysis on geographic distribution of high blood pressure prevalence in children and adolescents aged 7-18 years in China, 2014

Objective: To understand and evaluate the characteristics of geographic distribution of high blood pressure prevalence in children and adolescents aged 7-18 years in China in 2014, and provide evidence for the prevention of hypertension in children and adolescents. Methods: The data of 2014 Chinese National Surveys on Students Constitution and Health conducting 31 provinces (except Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan) were collected. A total of 216 299 children and adolescents who had complete blood pressure records were selected as study subjects. The low, middle and high prevalence areas were identified according to their high blood pressure detection rates in the children and adolescents,<4%, 4%-7% and >7%, to analyze the geographic distribution of high blood pressure prevalence in the children and adolescents. The environmental data in the capitals of 31 provinces in 2014 were collected to analyze the correlation between environmental factors and blood pressure Z score in the children and adolescents. Results: The average detection rates of high blood pressure was 6.4% in 31 provinces (1.5%-14.2%). The high prevalence areas were mainly distributed in the eastern China, especially the Circum-Bohai sea area, low prevalence areas were mainly distributed in the central and western areas of China and some provinces in the east. Correlation analysis results showed that the annual average temperature, annual average air humidity and local altitude were negatively correlated with blood pressure Z score, including diastolic and systolic blood pressure, in both boys and girls. The annual average sunshine time, PM(2.5) and PM(10) concentrations, content of SO(2) were positively correlated with blood pressure Z score in both boys and girls. Conclusions: There was a significant difference in high blood pressure of children and adolescents among 31 provinces. More attention should be paid to the children and adolescents living high prevalence area. And it is necessary to understand environmental factors which can affect the blood pressure of children and adolescents.

DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF A PROTOTYPE SOLAR UPDRAFT CHIMNEY IN ASWAN/EGYPT

This work is part of a joint project funded by the Science and Technology Development Fund (STDF) of the Arab republic of Egypt and the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) of the Federal Republic of Germany. Continuation of the use of fossil fuels in electricity production systems causes many problems such as: global warming, other environmental concerns, the depletion of fossil fuels reserves and continuing rise in the price of fuels. One of the most promising paths to solve the energy crisis is utilizing the renewable energy resources. In Egypt, high insolation and more than 90 percent available desert lands are two main factors that encourage the full development of solar power plants for thermal and electrical energy production. With an average temperature of about 40 °C for more than half of the year and average annual sunshine of about 3200 hours, which is close to the theoretical maximum annual sunshine hours, Aswan is one of the hottest and sunniest cities in the world. This climatic condition makes the city an ideal place for implementing solar energy harvesting projects from solar updraft tower. Therefore, a Solar Chimney Power Plant (SCPP) is being installed at Aswan City. The chimney height is 20.0 m, its diameter is 1.0m and the collector is a four-sided pyramid, which has a side length of 28.5 m. A mathematical model is used to predict its performance. The model shows that the plant can produce a maximum theoretical power of 2 kW. Moreover, a CFD code is used to analyse the temperature and velocity distribution inside the collector, turbine and chimney at different operating conditions. Static calculations, including dead weight and wind forces on the solar updraft chimney and its solar collector, have been performed for the prototype. Mechanical loading and ambient impact on highly used industrial structures such as chimneys and masts cause lifetime-related deteriorations. Structural degradations occur not only from rare extreme loading events, but often as a result of the ensemble of load effects during the life-time of the structure. A Structural Health Monitoring (SHM), framework for continuous monitoring, is implemented on the solar tower. For the ongoing case study, the types of impacts, the development of the strategic sensor positioning concept, examples of the initially obtained results and further prospects are discussed. Additional wind tunnel tests have been performed to investigate the flow situation underneath the solar collector and inside the transition section. The flow situation in and around the SCPP has been simulated by a combination of the wind tunnel flow and a second flow inside the solar tower. Different wind tunnel velocities and volume flow rates have been measured respectively. Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) measurements give some indication of the flow situation on the in- and outside of the solar tower and underneath the collector roof. Numerical simulations have been performed with the ANSYS Fluent to validate the experimental tests.

ASSESSING AND MAPPING THE RISK OF SOIL SALINIZATION IN THE COASTAL PLAIN OF THUA THIEN HUE PROVINCE

The coastal plain of Thua Thien Hue province covers an area of 1,080 km2, which is vulnerable to soil salinization due to significant impacts of climate change. In this study area highly vulnerable to soil salinization, saline soil occupies the area of about 6,290 hectares, is scatteredly distributed and tends to increase. To assess and map the risk levels of soil salinization, the authors chose 09 criteria, including: annual average rainfall, annual average temperature, annual average evaporation, annual average sunshine hours, number of months of dry season, soil type, vegetation cover, density of river network, submerged areas in different scenarios of sea level rise. The spatial data for determining criteria were processed by using Geographic Information System (GIS) and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method. The study results show that the area highly vulnerable to salinization occupies about 16.4% of total area and that the coastal region of Phu Vang, Quang Dien and Phong Dien districts are the most vulnerable.

Sunshine duration and its variability in the main ridge of the Karkonosze Mountains in relation to with atmospheric circulation

Sunshine duration analysis was based on a series of measurements spanning the period from 1901 to 2014 for Śnieżka (1603 m a.s.l.) and from 1961 to 2000 for Szrenica (1362 m a.s.l.). The average annual sunshine duration (SD) on Śnieżka is 1423.0 h, which is among the lowest values in Poland. On average, the main ridge of the Karkonosze range receives 31% of potential sunshine duration in annual terms: from 25% in December to 36% in August and May. The changes in sunshine duration recorded on Śnieżka point to the existence of two cycles: a short one of approx. 2–4 years and a long one of approx. 60 years. The former most probably reflects the rhythm of atmospheric circulation in the North Atlantic (North Atlantic Oscillation), while the latter reflects the impact of ocean circulation associated with the AMO (Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation) mechanism. Annual SD totals for the years 1901–2014 exhibit a slight trend to an increase of approx. 2.5 h/10 years, and the rate of increase during the winter quarter is many times higher than during the other seasons. Average monthly sunshine duration differences between Śnieżka and Szrenica are positive for all months of the year with the average monthly difference being 10 to 11 h. This means that the average radiation conditions on Śnieżka are more favourable than the main ridge of the Karkonosze range, which lies at an altitude 200 to 250 m lower. Average daily sunshine durations recorded on Śnieżka are only shorter than those on Szrenica for macro-types of atmospheric circulation with advection from the south.

Modelling of Global Solar Radiation on Horizontal Surfaces for Mersin City

Turkey is rich in solar energy potential due to its geographical location. Turkey's average annual sunshine duration is 2737 hours and the solar energy potential is 1527 kWh / m2 year. The major solar energy regionsare South Eastern Anatolia Region and the Mediterranean regions in Turkey. In this context, Mersin province is located in the provinces of maximum solar radiation in Turkey. Calculations of all the factors affecting the solar radiation from the atmosphere to the earth; creates a huge workload and the results cannot be obtained with sufficient accuracy.Therefore calculating the solar radiation coming to the earth models have been developed. In this study, the models for the prediction of solar radiation for Mersin city were evaluated using measured solar radiation data.Statistical aspects compliance of studied models were tested and validated which models the closest predicting to measured value. Introduction Energy is essential input of socio-economic prosperity and forward-looking development of today's technology. Therefore, region and country based energy policies and alternative strategies are developing in order to provide adequate, reliable and least damaging to the environment. This matter has a different position and property in Turkey. Turkey is dependent on importation for energy at a rate exceeding 70%. This rate is increasing day by day. Therefore, government and the community have to apply some special policy and specify behavior pattern. Therefore, government and the community have to requires apply some special policies and behavior pattern [1]. While the gap between Turkey's energy production and consumption has been increasing from 1990 to 2004, in the later years of 2010 Turkey's energy production has provided just %28-30 of our consumption. While Turkey’s energy production is 34,47 MTEP in 2012, energy demand is 121 MTEP level in the same year [1].Renewable energy sources aren’t imported therefore it’s national and reliable energy sources.Also these energy sources aren’t run out and not produce exhaust and greenhouse gases emissions unlike conventional energy sources. The potentials of Renewable energy sources of Turkey showed in Table 1. Table 1. Renewable energy potentials of Turkey [2] Renewable Energy Source Specify Natural Potentials Technical Potentials Economical Potentials Solar Energy Electricity(TWh/year) 977000 6105 305 Thermal(MTEP/year) 80000 500 25 Hydro Energy Electricity(TWh/year) 433 216 127.4 Wind Energy Electricity (TWh/year) 400 110 50 Wave energy Electricity (TWh/year) 150 18 Geothermal Energy Thermal(MWt) 31500 750

Correlation between practice location as a surrogate for UV exposure and practice patterns to prevent corneal haze after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK)

BackgroundPRK is a refractive surgery that reshapes the corneal surface by excimer laser photoablation to correct refractive errors. The effect of increased ultraviolet (UV) exposure on promoting post-PRK corneal haze has been reported in the literature; however, information is lacking regarding the effect of ambient UV exposure on physician practice patterns. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ophthalmologists’ practice location on their reported practice patterns to prevent post-PRK corneal haze. MethodsA cross-sectional observational study was conducted through an online survey sent to ophthalmologists performing PRK. The survey recorded the primary city of practice from which the two independent variables, latitude and average annual sunshine days, were determined. It also measured the frequency of use of postoperative preventive interventions (dependent variables) which are as follows: intraoperative Mitomycin-C, oral vitamin C, sunglasses, topical corticosteroids, topical cyclosporine, oral tetracyclines and amniotic membrane graft. ResultsFifty-one ophthalmologists completed the survey. Practice locations’ mean latitude was 36.4 degrees north, and average sunshine days annually accounted for 60% of year days. There was no significant relation between latitude/average annual sunshine days and usual post-PRK prophylactic treatments (P>0.05). The commonest protective maneuvers were sunglasses (78%), prolonged topical corticosteroids (57%), Mitomycin-C (39%) and oral vitamin C (37%). ConclusionWe found no significant difference in ophthalmologists’ practice patterns to prevent post-PRK corneal haze in relation to practice location latitude and average sunshine days. Moreover, the results demonstrated that the most widely used postoperative measures to prevent post-PRK haze are sunglasses, Mitomycin-C, topical corticosteroids, and oral Vitamin C.

Influence of temperature changes in various regions of Turkey on powers of photovoltaic solar panels

ABSTRACTRenewable sources of energy, which are significant alternatives for every nonrenewable energy sources, can be converted to electric energy by productive rotations. Although Turkey is the country that has pretty high solar energy potential when compared to samples in the world, it has facilities still remarkably below required structuring. Demand for solar energy applications that is included in renewable sources of energy is increasing gradually. In Turkey, according to results received by the averages of long periods, approximately 2.68% power loss has been substantiated in powers of photovoltaic panel. Here, it is obviously observed that the East Anatolian region is the most convenient district for panel powers of environmental temperature averages. Turkey is involved in between countries that may take advantage from solar energy and annual average sunshine duration is 2,640 hours in the country. A heat factor occurs by the absorption of sun beams, which comes to solar panels and affects the power of the panels. In this study, the influence of losses occurring from temperature differences in various regions of Turkey on power of photovoltaic solar panels has been examined and proposals have been progressed in order to reduce losses down to a minimum in electrical systems to be established for this aim.

Evaluation of the annual electric energy output of an a-Si:H solar cellin various regions of the CIS countries

We have calculated annual (i.e., for each day of the year) daytime dependences of the electric power output per unit area of an a-Si:H solar cell (SC) at latitudes 45°N, 50°N, 55°N, 60°N and at certain geographical points of Russia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine and Belarus. The calculations were based on a rigorous theoretical model, which allows to determine photoconversion efficiency, optimal electric power output and other photovoltaic electrical characteristics at arbitrary angles of solar irradiance incidence on an a-Si:H-based SC. Parameters of the a-Si:H SC under consideration provide photoconversion efficiency of 10% at 12:00 noon on equinox day at the 45°N latitude despite small total thickness of 0.7µm of the a-Si:H SC structure up to the rear contact. Normalization of the obtained results by maximal values enables one to infer respective time dependencies for other types of SCs. In combination with the data on average numbers of sunny days per year (or average annual sunshine hours) for certain geographical regions, this provides a way for understanding the feasibility of solar electricity generation in these regions. Based on this study, we identify regions of Russia, Kazakhstan and Ukraine, for which electricity generation exceeds the average values by over 30%.

青藏高原高寒草原生态系统土壤碳氮比的分布特征

PDF HTML阅读 XML下载 导出引用 引用提醒 青藏高原高寒草原生态系统土壤碳氮比的分布特征 DOI: 10.5846/stxb201302130263 作者: 作者单位: 西藏农牧学院植物科学学院,中国科学院地理科学与资源研究所,西藏农牧学院植物科学学院,中国科学院地理科学与资源研究所,中国科学院地理科学与资源研究所,西藏农牧学院植物科学学院,西藏农牧学院植物科学学院 作者简介: 通讯作者: 中图分类号: S154.1 基金项目: 国家自然科学基金资助项目(41061008);国家科技支撑资助项目(2011BAD17B05-4) Soil C/N distribution characteristics of alpine steppe ecosystem in Qinhai- Tibetan Plateau Author: Affiliation: College of Plant Science,Tibet Institute of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Linzhi,Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research,Chinese Academy of Science,Beijing,College of Plant Science,Tibet Institute of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Linzhi,Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research,Chinese Academy of Science,Beijing,Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research,Chinese Academy of Science,Beijing,College of Plant Science,Tibet Institute of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Linzhi,College of Plant Science,Tibet Institute of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Linzhi Fund Project: 摘要 | 图/表 | 访问统计 | 参考文献 | 相似文献 | 引证文献 | 资源附件 | 文章评论 摘要:利用67个样点数据,研究了青藏高原高寒草原生态系统土壤碳氮比的分布特征.结果表明:(1)在水平方向上,土壤碳氮比呈现出西北高、东南低的总体态势和斑块状交错分布的格局,碳氮比的高值区主要集中在藏北高原腹地和喜马拉雅山北麓湖盆区,不同草地型和不同自然地带土壤碳氮比差异显著;(2)土壤剖面自上而下,不同草地型碳氮比可分为低-高-低型、由高到低型、由低到高型、高-低-高-低型和高-低-高型等5个类型.表土层(0-20 cm)与底土层(30-40 cm)土壤碳氮比差异显著;(3)土壤碳氮比与与最冷月均气温、年均蒸发量、年均相对湿度和土壤全氮含量呈极显著正相关关系,而与年均日照时数、年均气温、速效钾含量呈极显著负相关关系,这些环境因素对土壤碳氮比影响从大到小的顺序是年均相对湿度 > 年均日照时数 > 最冷月均气温 > 年均气温 > 年均蒸发量 > 土壤全氮含量 > 土壤速效钾含量. Abstract:Regional distribution regularities on soil C/N have been a hot topic in recent years, but currently there were few studies reporting the soil C/N distribution in alpine steppe ecosystem under different vegetation zones in Qinhai-Tibetan plateau. In order to reveal the spatial distribution characteristics of the soil C/N on the alpine steppe ecosystem in different vegetation zones, and to provide scientific basis for understanding a regional specific acclimation of vegetation to climate change in Qinhai-Tibetan plateau, we surveyed the soil C/N of alpine steppe ecosystem under different vegetation zones. Collectively, we sampled 67 sampling points. The soil C/N of the alpine steppe ecosystem in Qinhai-Tibetan plateau was also compared with that of 14 natural transects in areas outside the plateau. The results showed that: (1) Along the horizontal direction in Qinhai-Tibetan plateau, C/N appeared higher in northwest and lower in southeast. The higher C/N appeared mainly in the regions with a concentration in the hinterland of northern part of Tibetan Plateau and in the lake basin region of the northern foot of Himalayas. There were significant differences of C/N among different grassland types and natural transects. (2) Along the vertical direction of the soil profiles from aboveground to underground, it could be divided into 5 types of low-high-low, from high to low, from low to high, high-low-high-low and high-low-high of C/N distribution patterns among different grassland types and natural transects, and there was significant difference of C/N between the surface soil depths from 0 cm to 20 cm and the deeper soil depths from 30 cm to 40 cm. (3) C/N was significantly and positively correlated with average temperature in the coldest month, average annual evaporation, average annual relative humidity and soil total nitrogen content, respectively. The C/N was significantly correlated with average annual sunshine hours, average annual temperature and soil available K content negatively, respectively. The effect magnitude of environmental factors on the C/N followed an order of average annual relative humidity > average annual sunshine hours > average temperature in the coldest month > average annual temperature > average annual evaporation > soil total nitrogen content > soil available K content. Due to the complex spatial distribution along both horizon and vertical directions, the research work of soil C and N and the relationship between C and N of the alpine steppe ecosystem in Qinhai-Tibetan plateau are highly important. Conclusively, climate is the most important environmental influence factor on the soil C/N of alpine steppe in Qinhai-Tibetan plateau. Future research work should focus on the relationship between soil C/N and climatic factor, especially the relationship between soil C/N and moisture factor. 参考文献 相似文献 引证文献

Estimation of global solar radiation in Benin

Following Frère and Rietveld's model, correlation constants a and b were determined for many stations in Benin using: •- a graphical relationship between the average annual relative sunshine SS/SS′o and the constants (Frère's model).•- a linear relationship between constant a and the appropriate value of sunshine duration and a hyperbolic relationship between constant b and the relative average annual sunshine (Rietveld's model).Knowledge of constant for a location can be used to predict global solar radiation for other locations using the Angström-Page approach using a statistical relationship between global solar radiation and sunshine duration.The estimated values were compared with measured values.

Chart X. Average Annual Sunshine.

Chart X. Average Annual Sunshine.