Climatic Conditions Research Articles

Integrating Underground Space into the Groundscape Resilience Concept

Underground space has always been used as a resilient solution in addressing the need for safety in terms of climate conditions and defense purposes. This research seeks to recognize the potential of the underground space in the city as a significant urban resilience strategy, with the aim of revealing how contemporary underground architecture is integrated with the public spaces on the surface and how this groundscape integration contributes to the quality of the use of the public spaces to achieve urban resilience. Public spaces have a crucial role in the environmental, social, and sustainable context of the city and are considered urban domains for spatial urban intervention that contribute to urban resilience in its broader understanding. Based on the review of underground space research and the comparative analysis of selected contemporary design projects, the research explores the integration of underground space in correlation with its utilization model based on contemporary design projects. The research results in the systematization of underground utilization among underground infrastructure, underground living settlements, and urban development to offer insights into the enhancement of resilience planning through the contemporary multifunctional usage of underground space. The contribution of this research is reflected in the methodology of developing the criteria for a groundscape resilience concept, in terms of perceiving underground space as an integral urban layer, its multifunctional utilization, and in terms of achieving urban resilience.

Occurrence of modified mycotoxins in Latin America: an up-to-date review.

The Latin America region has a considerable extent of varied climate conditions: from tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate to temperate. Among the surface territory, different agricultural products are produced, making them an important food source for human consumption. Fungal species commonly colonize those important agricultural products and often contaminate them with mycotoxins that have a major impact on health, welfare, and productivity. Nowadays, special attention is paid to modified mycotoxins, which are those that cannot be detected by conventional analytical methods. However, little data about their natural occurrence in food and feed is available, especially in Latin American countries, where, among all the countries in this region, only a few of them are working on this subject. Thus, the present review summarizes the published information available in order to determine the possible human exposure risk to these toxins.

Important considerations in machine learning-based landslide susceptibility assessment under future climate conditions

Important considerations in machine learning-based landslide susceptibility assessment under future climate conditions

An unprecedented fall drought drives Dust Bowl-like losses associated with La Niña events in US wheat production.

Unprecedented precipitation deficits in the 2022-2023 growing season across the primary wheat-producing region in the United States caused delays in winter wheat emergence and poor crop growth. Using an integrated approach, we quantitatively unraveled a 37% reduction in wheat production as being attributable to both per-harvested acre yield loss and severe crop abandonment, reminiscent of the Dust Bowl years in the 1930s. We used random forest machine learning and game theory analytics to show that the main driver of yield loss was spring drought, whereas fall drought dominated abandonment rates. Furthermore, results revealed, across the US winter wheat belt, the La Niña phase of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO), increased abandonment rates compared to the El Niño phase. These findings underscore the necessity of simultaneously addressing crop abandonment and yield decline to stabilize wheat production amid extreme climatic conditions and provide a holistic understanding of global-scale ENSO dynamics on wheat production.

Application of TRIX-based indices and ASSETS model to assess the degradation of aquatic ecosystems with varying climatic conditions

Application of TRIX-based indices and ASSETS model to assess the degradation of aquatic ecosystems with varying climatic conditions

Techno-Economic Analysis and Optimization of 50 MWe Linear Fresnel Reflector Solar Thermal Power Plant for Different Climatic Conditions

The climate change crisis is primarily associated with carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel-based electricity generation, which significantly contribute to the greenhouse gas effect. The implementation of renewable energy technologies can mitigate environmental impacts and promote a sustainable future. This study aimed to conduct a techno-economic feasibility analysis and optimize performance parameters for a 50 MWe capacity Linear Fresnel Reflector (LFR) concentrated solar power plant for nine stations under various climatic conditions. The analysis was conducted based on Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) and Capacity Factor (CF) to select a suitable Heat Transfer Fluid (HTF) for each station, by varying Solar Multiple (SM) from 1.0 to 6.0 and adjusting Thermal Energy Storage (TES) hours from four to sixteen. The HTFs selected for economically feasible projects at different stations were Hitec Solar Salt, Hitec, and Therminol VP-1. The combination of SM and TES hours was optimized for economic feasibility, targeting a minimum CF of 36% and a maximum LCOE of 13.0 ¢/kWh. The optimum SM and TES hours were found to range from 2.0 to 5.8 and from six to thirteen, respectively. An LCOE of less than 7.5 ¢/kWh and a CF of more than 80% was achieved for two stations with SM of six and TES of sixteen hours using Therminol VP-1. Stations with annual mean direct normal irradiance values higher than 1500 kWh/m2 and clearness index values over 0.58 are suitable for commercial power plants. This study contributes to achieving the United Nation’s sustainable development goals by promoting the use of renewable energy technologies.

Analysis of Energy Performance and Load Matching Characteristics of Various Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) Systems in Office Building

Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) is a key technology for achieving zero-energy buildings by generating electricity and reducing energy consumption. Although many studies have analyzed the impact of BIPV on building energy efficiency, there is a lack of comprehensive comparative analysis of various BIPV systems. This study compared the impact of various BIPV systems on office building energy performance and provided optimal solutions for different climate zones. Simulation models for PV rooftop, PV window, and PV shading systems were developed and validated in EnergyPlus. The energy performance of BIPV systems in different Chinese climates was evaluated using these models. The results show that the PV window and PV shading have the most power generation capability in Beijing, and the PV rooftop has the most power generation capability in Kunming. Energy savings in Kunming are the highest with PV rooftop, PV windows, and PV shading at 111.78%, 39.36%, and 44.43%, respectively. Finally, the study calculated the self-sufficiency rate (SSR) and self-consumption rate (SCR), and their ratio, along with the load matching ratio, were used to assess loading matching. Optimal BIPV schemes were identified for each climate zone, revealing that the PV rooftop combined with the PV shading system achieved the best load matching in Kunming, Guangzhou, Changsha, Beijing, and Harbin, with ratios of 82.00%, 69.38%, 70.88%, 74.78% and 67.27%, respectively. These results provide a valuable reference for implementing the BIPV system to achieve zero energy consumption in office buildings under different climatic conditions in China.

Stable isotopic characterization and sources of ammonium wet deposition of the Danjiangkou Reservoir

Ammonium nitrogen (NHx) in atmospheric wet deposition is a primary external nitrogen source for reservoir-type water sources, and identifying its sources is crucial for controlling nitrogen pollution in water. This study aimed to examine the NHx characteristics and sources in wet deposition in the Xichuan reservoir area of the Danjiangkou Reservoir, the South-to-North Water Diversion Project (SNWTP) water source, from September 2019 to August 2020. Major inorganic nitrogen concentrations in precipitation and ammonia-nitrogen isotope (δ15N-NH4+) values were measured, and the sources were analyzed using the Bayesian mixing model. The results showed that NH4+ was the main inorganic nitrogen form in wet deposition, with a concentration ranged of 0.16 to 5.26 mg · L-1. The δ15N-NH4+ values ranged from –14.7‰ to +6.3‰, with significant isotopic effects from agricultural sources and climatic conditions, showing higher values in summer and lower values in winter. The release of ammonia (NH3) from agricultural sources was the primary NHx source (58.0% to 76.6%), with fertilizer application being the most significant contributor (32.1% to 46.6%). Seasonally, the relative contribution of agricultural sources to NH4+ in wet deposition was higher in autumn and winter. Spatially, agricultural activities significantly impacted atmospheric nitrogen accumulation across the reservoir area. This study quantified NHx sources in wet deposition, providing isotopic evidence and scientific references for nitrogen control measures and atmospheric nitrogen cycling studies.

Evaluation of comfort gloves made of semipermeable and textile materials in patients with hand dermatoses: Results of a controlled multicenter intervention study (ProTection II).

Comfort gloves are used in the management of hand dermatoses. To compare the acceptance and tolerability of comfort gloves made of different materials in patients with hand dermatoses and their effects on skin lesions. In a prospective multicenter study, 284 patients with hand dermatoses were invited to wear either a cotton glove (COT) or a semipermeable Sympatex glove underneath a cotton glove (SYM/COT) for two subsequent phases of 19 consecutive nights each. A total of 88 controls were asked not to wear any comfort gloves overnight. The severity of skin lesions over time was examined. Questionnaires were used to assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and acceptance and tolerability of the gloves. The hand dermatoses improved in all groups. No substantial intergroup differences regarding severity and HRQoL were observed. SYM/COT received better ratings regarding climate conditions and tactility while COT showed superiority in fit, wearing comfort, and practicality. We confirmed that SYM/COT and COT are well tolerated and accepted suggesting that SYM/COT is a good alternative for COT as comfort gloves in patients with hand dermatoses. Individual requirements, needs, and preferences may direct the material choice.

Strain variation and anomalous climate synergistically influence cholera pandemics.

Explanations for the genesis and propagation of cholera pandemics since 1817 have remained elusive. Evolutionary pathogen change is presumed to have been a dominant factor behind the 7th "El Tor" pandemic, but little is known to support this hypothesis for preceding pandemics. The role of anomalous climate in facilitating strain replacements has never been assessed. The question is of relevance to guide the understanding of infectious disease emergence today and in the context of climate change. We investigate the roles of climate and putative strain variation for the 6th cholera pandemic (1899-1923) using newly assembled historical records for climate variables and cholera deaths in provinces of former British India. We compare this historical pandemic with the 7th (El Tor) one and with the temporary emergence of the O139 strain in Bangladesh and globally. With statistical methods for nonlinear time series analysis, we examine the regional synchrony of outbreaks and associations of the disease with regional temperature and rainfall, and with the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO). To establish future expectations and evaluate climate anomalies accompanying historical strain replacements, climate projections are generated with multi-model climate simulations for different 50-year periods. The 6th cholera pandemic featured the striking synchronisation of cholera outbreaks over Bengal during the El Niño event of 1904-07, following the invasion of the Bombay Presidency with a delay of a few years. Accompanying anomalous weather conditions are similar to those related to ENSO during strain replacements and pandemic expansions into Africa and South America in the late 20th century. Rainfall anomalies of 1904-05 at the beginning of the large cholera anomaly fall in the 99th percentile of simulated changes for the regional climate. Evolutionary pathogen change can act synergistically with climatic conditions in the emergence and propagation of cholera strains. Increased climate variability and extremes under global warming provide windows of opportunity for emerging pathogens.

Comparative Analysis of the Nutritional Composition, Phytochemicals, and Antioxidant Activity of Chia seeds, Flax seeds, and Psyllium husk

Currently, the cultivation of chia has expanded globally owing to its abundance of nutrients and bioactive compounds. This study aimed to explore the nutritional profile, fatty Acid composition, flavonoids (TFC), and antioxidant activity (AA) of chia seed (Salvia hispanica) cultivated under the climatic conditions of the Siberian region compared with flax seed (Linum usitatissimum) and psyllium husk (Plantago ovata). Additionally, the influence of different green solvent (water:ethanol) ratios on the TPC, TFC, and AA was examined. Results demonstrated that chia seeds have considerably greater dietary fiber (27.50 ± 0.021%) and protein contents (23.50 ± 0.015%) compared to flax seed and psyllium husk (P < 0.05). The major fatty acid were found to be α-Linolenic acid in chia seed, flax seed and psyllium husk extract were found to be with relative percentages of 62.65%, 52.40%, and 59.66%, respectively. Chia seed also demonstrated considerably greater TPC (2.17 ± 0.08 mg GAE/g), TFC (1.08 ± 0.20 mg QE/g), and AA (88.13 ± 0.11) than flax seed and psyllium husk (P < 0.001). The measurement of phenolic compounds will be provided in this section whenever the results are available. Pearson’s correlation (R2 = 0.987) demonstrated a substantial link between TFC and their respective AA. This study revealed that chia seed extracts accumulate a tremendous number of nutritional profile and phytochemicals, as well as demonstrate excellent antioxidant activity. Therefore, it is important to consider the possibility of cultivating chia seeds in the Siberian area since the climatic conditions do not have an effect on the nutritional and phytochemical components of the seeds.

Modelling the impacts of climate change on agrochemical fate and transport by water on a catchment scale

The export of agrochemicals and their transformation products (TPs) following their application in the agricultural fields poses a threat to water quality. Future changes in climatic conditions (e.g. extreme weather events such as heavy rainfall or extended dry periods) could alter the degradation and mobility of agrochemicals. In this research, we use an integrated modelling framework to understand the impact of extreme climate events on the fate and transport of the agrochemical S-Metolachlor and two of its TPs (M-OXA, Metolachlor Oxanilic Acid and M-ESA, Metolachlor Ethyl Sulfonic Acid). This is done by coupling climate model outputs to the Zin-AgriTra agrochemical reactive transport model in four simulation scenarios. 1) Reference (2015–2018), 2) Very dry (2038–2041), 3) Very wet (2054–2057) and 4) High temperature (2096–2099) conditions of a selected RCP8.5 based regional climate scenario. The modelling framework is tested on an agricultural catchment, Wulka, in Burgenland, Austria. The model results indicate that 13–14 % of applied S-Metolachlor is retained in the soil, and around 85 % is degraded into TPs in the different scenarios. In very dry and high-temperature scenarios, degradation is higher, and hence, there is less S-Metolachlor in the soil. However, a large share of formed M-OXA and M-ESA are retained in the soil, which is transported via overland and groundwater flow, leading to a build-up effect in M-OXA and M-ESA river concentrations over the years. Though a small share of S-Metolachlor and TPs are transported to rivers, their river export is affected by the intensity and amount of rainfall. The very wet and high-temperature scenarios show higher S-Metolachlor and TP concentrations at the catchment outlet due to higher river discharge. The reference scenario shows higher river peak concentrations associated with higher overland flow caused by measured hourly rainfall compared to disaggregated daily precipitation data in the other scenarios.

An adaptive framework for assessing climate resilience in buildings

As global climates continue to evolve, the urgency to enhance built environments against environmental challenges becomes more pronounced. Inspired by the Smart Readiness Indicator (SRI)—a system for assessing a building’s smart readiness—this study introduces a framework to assess and evaluate climate resilience in buildings. The framework assesses a building’s ability to anticipate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from adverse climate-related events. It begins with a climate exposure analysis that examines certain hazards and incorporates historical weather data for a comprehensive exposure analysis. Based on this analysis, a structured and quantifiable approach is employed to assess and benchmark the resilience of different building typologies across several domains. The assessment is grounded in qualitative analysis through extensive literature research, institutional guidelines, and best practices. It also employs a dynamic weighting based on the exposure assessment of a building’s location, assigning resilience importance according to the climate risks faced. Initially applied to two buildings in Athens, Greece, and Helsinki, Finland—locations with significantly different climatic characteristics—the framework was then tested in experimental simulations. These simulations highlight the framework’s adaptability to different climatic conditions. Finally, we summarize the major findings of the research, emphasizing its importance in promoting climate-resilient building practices, supporting the inventory of building stock, and aiding decision-making against increasingly intense and frequent climate risks.

Influence of hydroclimatic conditions and anthropogenic activities on the water quality of a floodplain lake (Argentina) during a warm season.

Contamination of water bodies, associated with urbanization, agricultural, and industrial activities, is a serious environmental challenge, with particular concern about microbial pollution due to its public health implications. This study is aimed at evaluating the spatial and temporal variations in the microbiological and physicochemical quality of a floodplain lake used for recreational purposes, whose watershed has been disturbed by diverse anthropogenic activities. The results showed that, while the spatial variation of water quality principally depends on the basin characteristics, temporal variation of water quality depends on land uses, hydrological conditions, and climatic conditions. Rainfall and rising water level intensified the influence of land use on the water quality by increasing concentrations of Escherichia coli, thermotolerant coliforms, and organic matter and decreasing dissolved oxygen. Thus, the residents and tourists are potentially exposed to microbiological risks given that it exceeds the international standards suggested for recreational waters on some occasions. It would be advisable to improve routine bathing water monitoring and management to preserve the health of the inhabitants and limit the recreational use of the water body in the days following heavy rainfall as well as during the beginning of the increase in the hydrometric level.

Small-Scale Irrigation: Improving Food Security under Changing Climate and Water Resource Conditions in Ethiopia

Small-Scale Irrigation: Improving Food Security under Changing Climate and Water Resource Conditions in Ethiopia

Enhancing nocturnal microclimate in Tunisian greenhouses: Experimental study on integrating an innovative conic helicoidal heat exchanger with a geothermal heat pump system

Ensuring an optimal nocturnal microclimate within greenhouses is essential for successful crop cultivation. In regions like Tunisia, characterized by arid and semi-arid climates, managing temperature and humidity during the night, particularly in cold winter months, is challenging and often requires external heating sources. This study aims to investigate the use of geothermal energy as a sustainable solution for greenhouse heating, focusing on an innovative helicoidal geothermal system to maintain ideal nocturnal conditions.The primary objective of this research is to evaluate the effectiveness of the helicoidal geothermal system in achieving optimal temperature and humidity levels for plant growth during the night. Conducted at the Research and Technology Centre of Energy in Tunisia, the experimental investigation involved a new ground heat exchanger coupled with a heat pump system.The experimental setup consisted of two greenhouses: one serving as a control and the other equipped with two Conic Helicoidal Ground Heat Exchangers (CHGHE) and a Ground-Source Heat Pump (GSHP) system, which includes both underground and suspended heat exchangers. The results demonstrated that the geothermal system, operating at an optimal flow rate of 0.6 kg/s, successfully maintained the nocturnal comfort temperature required for plant growth. The coefficients of performance for the geothermal heat pump (COPhp) and the overall system (COPsys) were calculated to be 3.12 and 2.7, respectively.These findings underscore the potential of near-surface geothermal energy, utilizing a geothermal heat pump, to efficiently heat greenhouses under the climatic conditions of Tunisia. This approach not only supports sustainable agricultural practices but also offers significant energy efficiency and cost-saving benefits.

Design and development of electric radiant heaters for local heating inside the cabin of electric vehicles

The transition towards electric vehicles (EVs) represents a crucial step in mitigating global warming and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, the energy efficiency of EVs, particularly in terms of cabin thermal management, remains a significant challenge, especially under extreme climatic conditions. This manuscript addresses the challenge by focusing on the design and optimization of electric radiant (ER) heaters for enhancing the thermal management of EV cabins. Through an in-depth investigation involving experimental analysis and computational modeling, this study explores various materials in the design of the ER heater, aiming to maximize radiant heating effect while ensuring energy conservation. Key findings reveal that the choice of materials for the ER heater’s components significantly impacts its thermal performance. Specifically, a combination of rigid polyurethane (PU) foam as insulation and expanded polypropylene (EPP) 30 for the base structure was identified as the optimal design to achieve a maximum radiant power efficiency of about 47.3%. This improved radiant power efficiency outperformed the baseline design by more than 25%.

Comparison of electricity savings in community units through ESS and PV generation using ANN-based prediction model under Korean climatic conditions

Comparison of electricity savings in community units through ESS and PV generation using ANN-based prediction model under Korean climatic conditions

Temporal dynamics in gastrointestinal helminth infections of sympatric mouse lemur species (Microcebus murinus and Microcebus ravelobensis) in northwestern Madagascar

Madagascar’s lemur populations are declining in dwindling habitats due to anthropogenic expansion and changing climatic conditions. Gastrointestinal parasites can be important indicators to assess the health status of threatened species. However, parasites, hosts and the environment are connected in complex interactions. The present study aimed to disentangle the impact of seasonal and several host-specific factors (sex, species, age, reproductive status, and body mass) on endoparasitism in two small-bodied, co-occurring lemur species (Microcebus murinus and Microcebus ravelobensis) in the Ankarafantsika National Park. Helminth prevalence and egg shedding intensity was investigated via copromicroscopic examination of 810 fecal samples that were obtained from 178 individuals across an 11-month period with a longitudinal approach via repeated captures in a 30.6 ha forest area. Both mouse lemur hosts shed seven morphologically distinct egg types (assigned to Subulura baeri, Enterobiinae sp., Spirura sp., Lemuricola sp., two Hymenolepididae spp., one unidentified ascarid). Postmortem examination of two deceased individuals enabled assignment of adult worms to egg morphotypes of S. baeri, Spirura sp. and one Hymenolepididae sp., supported by molecular analysis. A significant seasonal variation was observed in the occurrence of the three most common helminth species S. baeri (total prevalence 71 %), unidentified Enterobiinae (46%) and Spirura sp. (38 %), with a higher likelihood of infection with advancing dry season. Neither host species, sex nor reproductive status had a significant effect on gastrointestinal helminth infections. Host body mass showed pronounced seasonal changes but did not differ significantly between infected and non-infected individuals. The pathogenic effects of gastrointestinal helminths therefore likely remained within compensable limits in the studied mouse lemur populations. Our findings highlight the prominent influence of seasonal changes on helminth communities. The results of combined morphologic and genetic approaches can furthermore help to overcome limitations of parasite identification via copromicroscopy by linking egg morphology to DNA sequences.

Nutritional Composition of Post-Catastrophic Foods.

In addition to current challenges in food production arising from climate change, soil salinization, drought, flooding, and human-caused disruption, abrupt sunlight reduction scenarios (ASRS), e.g., a nuclear winter, supervolcano eruption, or large asteroid or comet strike, are catastrophes that would severely disrupt the global food supply and decimate normal agricultural practices. In such global catastrophes, teragrams of particulate matter, such as aerosols of soot, dust, and sulfates, would be injected into the stratosphere and block sunlight for multiple years. The reduction of incident sunlight would cause a decrease in temperature and precipitation and major shifts to climate patterns leading to devastating reductions in agricultural production of traditional food crops. To survive a catastrophic ASRS or endure current and future disasters and famines, humans might need to rely on post-catastrophic foods, or those that could be foraged, grown, or produced under the new climate conditions to supplement reduced availability of traditional foods. These foods have sometimes been referred to as emergency, alternate, or resilient foods in the literature. While there is a growing body of work that summarizes potential post-catastrophic foods and their nutritional profiles based on existing data in the literature, this article documents a list of protocols to experimentally determine fundamental nutritional properties of post-catastrophic foods that can be used to assess the relative contributions of those foods to a balanced human diet that meets established nutritional requirements while avoiding toxic levels of nutrients. © 2024 The Author(s). Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Total digestible glucans Basic Protocol 2: Apparent protein digestibility Basic Protocol 3: Vitamins B1, B3, B9, C, and D2 by HPLC Basic Protocol 4: Total antioxidant activity (DPPH-scavenging activity) Basic Protocol 5: Total phenolic compounds (Folin-Ciocalteu reagent method) Basic Protocol 6: Mineral content by ICP-OES.