Egyptian Climatic Conditions Research Articles

Climatic challenges for domestic ruminants and Temperature humidity index THI under climatic conditions in Egypt.

Climatic challenges for domestic ruminants and Temperature humidity index THI under climatic conditions in Egypt.

Entomophthorales Fungi Parasitizing Sucking Insects in Egypt

Entomophthorales are insect pathogenic fungi significant biological control potentials due to their high insect toxicity. This review focuses on the survey and morphological descriptions of entomophthoralean species attacking insect pests in Egypt. Until now 10 species of Entomophthorales fungi, belonging to three families (Entomophthoraceae, Neozygitaceae and Ancylistaceace) have been reported to suck insects as their hosts. These fungi are widely distributed in various climatic conditions in several Governorates, representing Lower and Upper Egypt. The fungi are the only pathogens that regularly and effectively control sucking insect populations in the natural ecosystems and agroecosystems. The present review emphasizes more studies and isolations of Entomophthorales species by using modern identification techniques so that their epidemiology and control potentials can be predicated on their role against insect pests under variable climatic conditions in Egypt. The possible relationship between population densities of sucking insect pests and Entomophthorales can be further studied to explore their effective applications under variable climatic conditions in the country.

Experimental investigation of a sun tracking concentrated solar still with economic analysis

The current paper evaluated experimentally an innovative sun tracking concentrated solar still under Egyptian climatic conditions during the summer of 2022. The proposed system consists of a 120-cm-diameter parabolic reflector mirror that tracks the sun using a dual axis tracking system, a cylindrical solar still with a volume of 3.7 L positioned in its focal point, and a concentration ratio of 12.5. The performance of the concentrated solar still was investigated in the context of two critical parameters. First, three feed water salinity (17, 27, 37) ppt samples were evaluated, followed by four percentages of saline water filling ratio (26.5, 39.8, 53.1, 66.3)%. Increasing the salinity of the feed water had no effect on solar still productivity, but increasing the saline water filling ratio did. The daily cumulative productivity of the system was 6 kg/m2 with an optimal filling ratio of 53.1%, a daily efficiency of 42.88%, and an average cost of freshwater production of 0.0489 $/L. The proposed system also had the highest instantaneous efficiency of 61.77% and the highest distilled water productivity rate of 0.941 kg/h m2.

Performance Evaluation of Solar Energy-driven Binary Rankine Cycle under Egyptian Climatic Conditions

Performance Evaluation of Solar Energy-driven Binary Rankine Cycle under Egyptian Climatic Conditions

Maintaining and Improving Peas (Pisum sativum L.) CV. Master Pea (Local Cultivar) Using UPOV Descriptor and Multivariate Analysis in the Vegetable Seed Production Field

Although peas cv. master pea was registered more than 25 years ago in Egypt, this variety showed a remarkable superiority over the varieties grown in all governorates of Egypt in terms of production, quality, and environmental adaptation to climate changes. This study intends to assess this cultivar's genetic and environmental traits, and to determine the degree of its deterioration over time to develop an appropriate plan for the maintenance, improvement, and conservation of this strategic variety to withstand changes in climatic conditions in Egypt. Many types of research have been conducted on the study and production of new varieties and lines of peas in Egypt; yet there is a dearth of multivariate analysis as a technique that can combine all variances for all examined qualities using statistics that rely on the algebra of matrices and extract statistical markers from which the researcher can make an appropriate selection program within cultivars without causing genetic erosion. The present experiment was conducted to achieve the following objectives: to monitor the performance of growth traits in the Master pea cultivar using multivariate analysis and UPOV descriptor; evaluation of yield characteristics, seed yield, and quality of Master pea cultivar using multivariate analysis and UPOV descriptor. In this study, one of the most important results obtained was that the phenotypic diversity within the population (measured using the UPOV descriptor) is an important aspect that reflects genetic diversity and the ability of this genetic diversity to withstand changes in the environment. Natural selection - over the many years of the inherited varieties of countries and societies - affects the diversity of phenotypic traits among the individuals of the population. It can be concluded from this study that the phenotypic traits identified in the UPOV descriptor and data analysis using multivariate analysis can show differences between lines within cultivars. Therefore, we recommend taking advantage of the UPOV descriptor and multivariate analysis as a successful way to obtain differences and relationships between lines in conservation, maintenance, and improvement programs for ancient and promising cultivars in the Arab Republic of Egypt.

Study on the In-Field Water Balance of Direct-Seeded Rice with Various Irrigation Regimes under Arid Climatic Conditions in Egypt Using the AquaCrop Model

Crop growth models are cost-effective and user-friendly tools for decision-makers to develop efficient in-field management strategies. These models are particularly important in countries such as Egypt, where the risk of water scarcity is inevitable. The present study aimed to examine the in-field water balance of direct-seeded rice (Giza 178) under various irrigation regimes and arid conditions during two growing seasons (2019 and 2020). Four irrigation regimes, namely, continuous flood irrigation with a fixed water depth of 5 cm, and 3-, 6-, and 10-day irrigation frequencies (FI, 3IF, 6IF, and 10IF, respectively), were arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Then, the feasibility of using AquaCrop in simulating direct-seeded rice development and in-field water balance was assessed. Five statistical indicators, including normalized root-mean-squared error (NRMSE), index of agreement (d), coefficient of determination (R2), Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency coefficient (EF), and percent deviation (Pd), were used to evaluate the performance of AquaCrop. The field trial results demonstrated that both the 3IF and 6IF irrigation regimes were the best for achieving the highest biomass (21.0 t·ha−1, under 3IF), yield (9.8 t·ha−1, under 3IF), and saving irrigation water (18.3–22.4%, under 6IF), making them the best to apply in Egypt. Moreover, the AquaCrop simulation results showed a good correlation between the observed and simulated rice yield (Y) in both seasons (R2 = 0.99 and 0.98 in 2019 and 2020, respectively). AquaCrop showed excellent performance in simulating canopy cover (CC) and biomass (B) during both growing seasons (5.0 ≤ NRMSE ≤ 15.0, 0.97 ≤ d ≤ 0.99, 0.92 ≤ R2 ≤ 0.99, and 0.92 ≤ EF ≤ 0.99). In addition, the model showed acceptable performance in simulating in-field water balance components. Reasonably good model efficiency was recorded in simulating crop actual evapotranspiration (ETact). Meanwhile, the average Pd for percolation (P) was between −15.3% and 5.4% during both growing seasons. Overall, AquaCrop showed adequate accuracy in simulating CC, B, Y, ETact, and P but relatively low efficiency in simulating ETact and P under severe water scarcity. Therefore, AquaCrop may serve as a valuable tool for irrigation management and crop yield prediction even in arid regions, such as Egypt.

Economic Analysis of a Solar Operated Irrigation Pump for Different Crops under Egyptian Climatic Conditions

Economic Analysis of a Solar Operated Irrigation Pump for Different Crops under Egyptian Climatic Conditions

Requirements to Design Sustainable Functional Clothing for Low-Risk Security in National Projects

Egypt is witnessing national development in all sectors through several national projects "Egyptian Vision 2030". National projects aim to invest the available resources, provide job opportunities, and attract investment. They also consider the dimensions of sustainability, which represent unprecedented, civilized development. It is noted that many private organizations such as schools and commercial malls rely on the use of private security to guard these organizations, which is low-risk private security. Studies proved that wearing clothes that are inappropriate for the job requirements of low-risk security, especially in hot and humid climates (such as the environmental and climatic conditions in Egypt) causes great physiological pressures on workers and leads to cognitive impairment and a feeling of fatigue and discomfort, which results in a decrease in the worker's job performance, especially when increasing the working hours. In this context, the research aims to study the requirements to design sustainable functional clothing for low-risk security in national projects, considering the Egyptian tendency in achieving sustainability standards in national projects by proposing designs for security clothing for low-risk organizations in national projects. A survey was conducted through personal interviews that included 26 low-risk private security personnel in private organizations such as schools and commercial malls, to determine the functional and aesthetic requirements to reach the highest job performance. Based on the results of the survey, a set of designs for low-risk private security were proposed to be in line with the Egyptian environment and climatic conditions considering the dimensions of sustainability. A questionnaire was used for specialists containing 17 phrases divided into four axes to measure the suitability of the proposed designs to the required performance by achieving the axes and objectives of the research. (SPSS) program version 27 was used to analyze the statistical results and arrange the proposed designs according to the achievement of the research axes and objectives. The order of designs according to the opinions of specialists was the seventh, then the fifth, then the third, then the first, then the second, then the fourth, then the eighth, then the sixth design. By asking specialists about the best color combinations that suit the chosen designs for functional clothing to low-risk private security, the preferences were for the color group that expressed light blue for the shirt and navy for both the jacket and pants. Based on the statistical analysis of the results of the specialists' responses, the best designs that obtained the highest results in achieving the research axes and objectives were implemented, and the color group that received the highest acceptance rate among specialists was used.

Comprehensive physico-chemical and rheo-mechanical characterization of multiple asphalt binder microphases to meet Egyptian conditions

Egypt, nowadays, has obvious complementary advantages in the infrastructure construction sector especially in the fields of highways and airports, resulting in drawing attention to utilizing polymer-modified asphalt (PMA). The main aim of this study is investigating physical, chemical, mechanical, and rheological characteristics of five asphalt binder microphases at different aging conditions to nominate which one best suit the Egyptian climatic conditions through a comprehensive experimental testing matrix. The five examined binder microphases are: base asphalt (BA), recovered asphalt (RA), crumb rubber-modified asphalt (CRMA), CRMA with RA (CRRA), and styrene–butadiene styrene-modified asphalt (SBSMA) which are locally available. First, qualitative, and quantitative analytical tests are used to study the physical and microstructural properties of each microphase component of the tested asphalt binders. Additionally, the mechanical and rheological properties of the investigated asphalt binder microphases at original, short-term aged, and long-term aged conditions are examined at different temperature levels. Overall, the testing results show physico-chemical interactions between the BA and the used polymers during mixing and aging processes. The CR and SBS play a significant role in delaying the decomposition process, improving thermal stability, softening point, and Superpave performance grade as well as enhancing rutting, fatigue, low thermal resistance, aging sensitivity, and temperature susceptibility. Carbonyl, Sulfoxide, and Phase angle aging indices are significantly correlated and are rationally able to characterize the aging behavior of the investigated binder microphases. Finally, CRMA, CRRA, and SBSMA proved their performance suitability among the investigated microphases to match the Egyptian climatic conditions.

Solar PV Panels-Self-Cleaning Coating Material for Egyptian Climatic Conditions

The electrical efficiency of photovoltaic panels is affected by many environmental parameters, which have a negative impact on system electrical efficiency and cost of energy, dust and increased panel temperatures being the most serious in the MENA region. In this work, a few organic-based self-cleaning coatings are developed, and their effects on PVs’ electrical efficiency re assessed for polycrystalline panels exposed to natural soiling conditions outdoors at El-Sherouk City. The results show that monolithic hydrophobic-based coatings using paraffine and dimethyl-siloxane show up to 14.3% improvement in the electrical efficiency of the PV panels, but the role of nanoparticles TiO2 and Al2O3 addition needs further investigation. Hydrophobic-based coatings using dimethyl-siloxane reduce the coated panels’ surface temperature compared with the uncoated panel.

A Proposed Methodology for retrofit the Efficiency of Facades of High Educational Buildings in Egypt

A Proposed Methodology for retrofit the Efficiency of Facades of High Educational Buildings in Egypt

Multi-objective genetic algorithm optimization model for energy efficiency of residential building envelope under different climatic conditions in Egypt

The energy sector is always facing huge challenges specially in countries with highly inflated population where the building sector has more pressure to reduce energy consumption. To achieve more energy efficiency in residential buildings with lower life cycle cost (LCC) and enhanced thermal comfort conditions, this study develops a multi-objective genetic algorithm model for the three major climates in Egypt (Mediterranean, semi-arid and arid). The design variables considered include external wall type, roof type, window to wall ratio (WWR), building orientation, HVAC system setpoint and HVAC operation schedule. Available sustainable materials in Egypt are considered for building envelope alternatives, such as limestone and polyurethane expanded. The main findings from the study approved that the optimum solutions in all climates have successfully balanced the reduction in energy consumption and LCC. However, the discomfort hours in both Mediterranean and Semi-arid climates have less reduction percentages compared to the arid climate.

Productivity Modeling Enhancement of a Solar Desalination Unit with Nanofluids Using Machine Learning Algorithms Integrated with Bayesian Optimization

Herein, double slope solar still (DSSS) performance is accurately forecast with the aid of four different machine learning (ML) models, namely, artificial neural network (ANN), random forest (RF), support vector regression (SVR), and linear SVR. Furthermore, the tuning of ML models is optimized using the Bayesian optimization algorithm (BOA) to get the optimal performance of all models and identify the best predictive one. All the models are trained, tested, and validated depending on experimental data acquired under Egyptian climatic conditions. The results reveal that ML models can be a powerful tool to forecast DSSS performance. Among them, RF is the most potent ML model obtaining the highest determination coefficient (R2) and the lowest absolute error percentage of 0.997% and 2.95%, respectively. Furthermore, the experimental results also show that the mean value of accumulated (daily) freshwater productivity from DSSS is 4.3 L m−2.

Simulation and validation model of cooling greenhouse by solar energy (P V) integrated with painting its cover and its effect on the cucumber production

Solar energy as a kind of renewable energy is used to power evaporative cooling system to decrease high temperatures that pose a highly negative effect on agricultural production. Greenhouses can be used to avoid the impact of high temperatures. The main objective here is to study the effect of a solar-assisted evaporative cooling in a cucumber greenhouse integrated with painting the greenhouse cover on the environmental factors to improve production. The study was divided into two experiments (preliminary and field experiment). The preliminary study was a mathematical model by MATLAB program developed to predict the value of environmental factors inside the cooled greenhouse. The field experiment was to validate the solar panel (PV), cooling systems, model results and their effect on cucumber yield and water consumption. Good agreement was found between predicted and measured values. Evaporative cooling which consumed about 8.32 MJ day−1 obtained from solar energy (PV) alongside painting the greenhouse cover decreased the temperature about 10°. The evaporative efficiency was 74%. This system has been applied in the climatic conditions of Egypt and can be used for cooling within most facilities with high efficiency in areas of similar environmental conditions.

Experimental investigation on the performance improvement of tubular solar still using floating black sponge layer.

The experimental study in this manuscript aims to enhance the performance of tubular solar distillers. The tubular distillers are characterized by having a large surface area for receiving and condensing compared to a single-slope distiller, and accordingly, the use of floating sponge layers is a good and very effective choice in increasing the rate of evaporation and thus improving the cumulative yield of the tubular distillers. In order to obtain the optimum specifications of the sponge layers that achieve the highest performance of the tubular distillers, four tubular distillers were designed and constructed; the first is a reference distiller without sponge and the other three tubular distillers contain the sponge layers with different specifications. The experimentations were conducted in two stages: in the first stage, three different thicknesses of the sponge layer (20, 30, and 40 mm) were studied. In the second stage, three different densities of the sponge layer (16, 20, and 30 kg/m3) were studied. All test cases were compared with reference distiller under the same climatic conditions of Egypt. The results show that the utilization of a floating sponge improves the tubular distiller performance. The peak improvement in the accumulative yield of tubular distillers was achieved in case of utilizing a sponge layer with a 30-mm thickness and 16-kg/m3 density. The reference distiller gives maximum accumulative yield of 3.72 L/m2 day while the floating sponge layer utilization improves the accumulative yield to 5.92 L/m2 day with 59.2% improvement. Also, the utilization of floating sponge layer reduced the cost of distillate yield by 36.3% compared to reference distiller.

Improving water saving, yield, and water productivity of bean under deficit drip irrigation: Field and modelling study using the SALTMED model*

AbstractA field experiment was conducted over two successive seasons of 2017 and 2018 in Egypt. The aim was to study the effect of irrigation systems (surface and subsurface drip irrigation) and irrigation amounts (100%, 80%, and 60% of crop evapotranspiration, ETc) on the yield of bean crop (Phaseolus vulgaris) and evaluate the SALTMED model performance on simulation of soil moisture, total dry matter, and yield. Despite the highest yield values being achieved with the 100% of ETc treatment, there were no significant differences between the 100% and 80%. This means a water saving of 20% can be achieved without significantly compromising the yield. Yield and water productivity under subsurface irrigation was slightly higher than under surface drip irrigation. This is because under subsurface drip irrigation, there is no wetted surface area contributing to evaporation losses as is the case for surface drip. In addition, the soil moisture under subsurface drip is kept within the root zone for the longest possible time without subjecting the crop to water stress. The SALTMED model accurately simulated soil moisture, total dry matter, yield, and water productivity. Hence, the model could be applied as crop, water, and land management tool under current and future Egyptian climatic conditions.

STUDIES ON COMPATIBILITY, FRUIT SET AND FRUIT QUALITY BY DIFFERENT POLLINATORS IN ANNA APPLE CULTIVAR

The apple (Malus domestica) is a member of the Rosaceae family. It is older than the rose in cultivation and is often referred to as the prince of the rose family. Pollen grains of Dorsett Golden, E25 and Ein Shemer were used to investigate their compatibility and incompatibility with Anna cultivar under the Egyptian climatic conditions during two successive experimental seasons of 2016 and 2017. The fluorescence microscope was used to determine the degree of pollen tube growth in style tissue after specific pollination treatments. Degree of self and cross compatibility and or incompatibility were determined, initial, and final fruit set percentage were calculated. Pollination treatments revealed that, pollens of the four apple cultivars exhibited high rate of the viability after 24 hr. in T.T.C test. Growth of pollen tube of the tested cultivars exhibited different pattern of compatibility, the pollen tubes of Dorsett Golden and Ein Shemer cultivars showed different levels of cross-compatibility when fertilized in Anna style tissue. The pollen tube of E25 cultivar grew slowly with heavy deposition of calluses along to the tube where its growth stopped in the lower part of Anna style four days after pollination. Therefore, they need pollinizer cultivars as for good fruit set. On the other hand, Anna self-pollination seemed to be self-incompatible and recorded lowest initial of fruit set percentage in the first and second seasons. The combinations of Anna × Dorsett Golden exhibited maximum percentage of initial and final fruit set in the two seasons followed by Ein Shemer pollens in both seasons. Insignificant differences were noted in fruit weight and fruit volume among all crosses. The highest acidity was found in hybrid Anna × Dorsett Golden in except in the first season TSS values of these crosses were not high and ranged between 11.83 % and 12.83 %.

PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES AND HEMATOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF BUFFALOES AND COWS UNDER DIFFERENT CLIMATIC CONDITIONS IN EGYPT.

The aimed of this study to evaluate the relationship between temperature humidity index (THI) and the changes in physiological responses and hematological aspects of buffaloes and cows under different climatic conditions in Egypt. The data used were collected from six Egyptian Governorates located in three different geographic regions (Lower, Middle and Upper Egypt) during the period from January (2010) to December (2015). Two Governorates from each region were visited to collect the data. In each Governorate, 25 farms randomly selected to represent small, medium and large farms, the measurements were taken from 20 animals divided into (10 buffaloes and 10 cows) in each farm. Each group was divided into two groups (5calves less than year, 5 calves more than year) The environmental conditions were recording air temperature (AT°C) and relative humidity (RH %) to calculate temperature humidity index (THI). The environmental regions based on THI values were classified into four classes (cold, thermal neutral, mild heat stress and moderate heat stress). During farm monitoring, hair temperature (HT°C), skin temperature (ST°C), rectal temperature (RT°C) and respiration rate (RR r/min) of animals were recorded. In addition, blood samples were collected for determining hemoglobin concentration (Hb g/100 ml) and hematocrit (Ht%). The results indicated that, values of HT, ST, RT and RR were slightly higher in cows than in buffaloes among all studied regions.Higher estimates of HT and ST were observed for buffaloes and cows in Lower Egypt (LE) compared with those in Middle Egypt (ME). Both species showed increased HT and ST with elevated temperature in the different climates. Narrow changes in RT among the different seasons and regions were noticed.Values of RR for both species were the highest at LE followed by ME and UE. It was observed that buffaloes have the potentiality to maintain stability of ST within the different climatic conditions. Despite, sensitivity of buffaloes to cold waves was noticeable, the physiological characteristics of buffaloes showed more suitability to hot conditions than cows. Values of Ht% during winter were less than those recorded in other seasons regardless of age category or species. Meanwhile, with subsequent increase in the ambient temperatures Ht % values descended relatively in both species. Value of Ht were noticeably greater in both species of UE compared with LE. or ME. The study revealed the ability of using RR and Ht in particular as predictive measures for animal acclimation based on THI values in each specific region so that livestock holder has the choice to select the appropriate breed for raising to get efficient productivity according to compatibility with his farm location.

Improving the performance of solar powered membrane distillation systems using the thermal energy storage mediums and the evaporative cooler

The present experimental work aims to improve the performance of solar-powered tubular direct contact membrane distillation (TDCMD) systems. To investigate this idea, the membrane distillation system was integrated with thermal energy storage mediums and the evaporative cooler. The novelty of the present configuration is addition the energy storage mediums (phase change materials PCM) which represent the energy source to extend the water production time after sunset with high rates, as well as, improve the productivity in the period of low solar intensity before sunset. To obtain the influences of PCM on the performance of solar-assisted TDCMD with an evaporative cooler, the present configuration was tested first without PCM and again with utilizing the PCM within different test days under Egyptian climatic conditions. The experimental results show that as increases the rate of feed saltwater from 12 to 16 l/min, the accumulated productivity of solar-assisted TDCMD with evaporative cooler varying between 28.9 and 35.67 l/day while additional the PCM augments the productivity to 41.38–47.48 l/day, representing 33.11–43.18% enhancement in the productivity. Also, the gain output ratio of solar-assisted TDCMD with evaporative cooler varying between 0.77 and 0.93 while additional the PCM augments the gain output ratio to 1.123–1.25, representing 34.4–45.84% enhancement in the gain output ratio.

Prevalence of common sensitizing aeroallergens in Egyptian asthmatic patients

BackgroundAeroallergens and food allergens play a key role in the pathogenesis of asthma; they are the target for future immunotherapy worldwide. Food allergens have been studied often in Egypt, but data are defective concerning the prevalent Egyptian aeroallergens that can be affected by the climatic conditions in Egypt. So, our study aimed to explore the dominant sensitizing aeroallergens in Egyptian patients with bronchial asthma. MethodsCross-sectional study performed on 122 Egyptian asthmatic patients. Sera from all patients were examined by enzyme allegro sorbent test (EAST) method for specific IgE to a panel of 18 inhaled allergens. ResultsPositive specific IgE to aeroallergens was detected in 43.44% of our patients. German cockroach (18.9%) was the most frequent sensitizing aeroallergen amongst our asthmatic patients, followed by the fungal allergens (15.57%) and house dust mites (HDMs) (13.93%). ConclusionGerman cockroach, fungi, and house dust mite are the chief sensitizing aeroallergens in Egyptian asthmatic patients.