Favorable Microclimate Research Articles

The Biology of Invasive Native Plant as an Ex-situ Collection: A Case Study of Epipremnum pinnatum (L.) Engl. (Araceae) in Bogor Botanical Garden, Indonesia

The Bogor Botanical Garden (BBG) is a pivotal center for plant research and conservation, boasting a diverse collection of over 12,000 individual plants spanning various species. However, among the plant collections at BBG, some of them have the potential to be invasive. Therefore, this study aimed to uncover the plant collections at BBG with invasive potential and analyze the distribution of one of the most dominant collections, Epipremnum pinnatum (L.) Engl. The method employed in this research involved a literature review to identify which plant collections have invasive potential and a vegetation analysis on the distribution of E. pinnatum within BBG. Additionally, ANOVA analysis and regression models were employed to explore the relationship between environmental factors and E. pinnatum abundance. Results revealed that BBG hosted 78 potentially invasive plant species, with E. pinnatum comprising 28 individuals. Spatial analysis indicates a clustered distribution of E. pinnatum, influenced by seed dispersal mechanisms, environmental factors, and biotic interactions. Correlation analysis links soil pH, soil moisture, and canopy cover to E. pinnatum distribution. Canopy cover demonstrates a significant positive correlation with E. pinnatum abundance, suggesting its importance in providing favorable microclimates for growth. Regression analysis further supports canopy cover as a predictor of E. pinnatum presence. However, while a strong statistical association was observed, causal relationships require further investigation. This study underscores the complexity of ecological dynamics in BBG and emphasizes the need for comprehensive research to define underlying mechanisms driving plant distributions and interactions.

Shifting alpine plant distributions with global change: Testing the environmental matching hypothesis

ABSTRACT Species facing novel temperature, precipitation, and nitrogen (N) deposition regimes must move or adapt to persist. For long-lived plants, a primary form of climate acclimation is through shifting geographic range limits or establishing in favorable microclimates. One commonly assumed but rarely tested hypothesis is that these shifts can be predicted by environmental matching: that the environmental characteristics that define a current distribution should predict how a population will shift with environmental changes. To test this hypothesis, we transplanted four alpine and two subalpine plant species into environments with experimentally increased temperature, snow, and N. We predicted that species would perform best when environmental change matched their geographic distributional characteristics: increased temperature, snow, and N (two subalpine species), increased temperature (two dry meadow specialists), and increased snow (two snowbed specialists). Our results provided limited support for the environmental matching hypothesis. Snowbed specialists did not benefit from increased snow, dry meadow specialists' performance did not consistently differ among the treatments, and subalpine plants' survival was not affected by treatments while their growth response was variable among species. Our results suggest that global change effects will vary among species and distributional shifts are not easily predicted by species environmental preference.

Features of Consistent Powassan Virus Lineage II Focus in Southern Maine, United States.

Powassan virus lineage II or deer tick virus (DTV) is a rare but increasingly reported human infection in the United States transmitted by Ixodes scapularis ticks. The virus is thought to be maintained in environmental foci that are optimal for tick and vertebrate reservoirs, but details on DTV ecology are poorly understood. We investigated DTV tick infection rates and reservoir host abundance in a focus of consistent DTV activity in Maine, USA. Host and tick abundance, vegetation, and microclimate conditions were measured in three forest sites representing increasing invasive understory infestation. Sites were selected representing native understory, mixed vegetation with some invasive Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii), and a highly invasive site dominated by Japanese barberry. Japanese barberry in the mixed vegetation site averaged 1 m in height with space between plants, whereas the highly invasive site had impenetrable Japanese barberry over 1.5 m. The DTV infection rate was greater in the highly invasive site. Density of I. scapularis ticks were significantly lower in the native forest site, and no DTV was found. Another feature of the DTV focus was more stable humid microclimate throughout the year compared with the other sites and a nearby continuous section of forest, consistent with reports from Connecticut, USA. We conclude that invasive Japanese barberry stands provide favorable and consistent microclimate conditions to maintain high DTV infection rates annually among questing I. scapularis ticks. Understanding environmental and landscape features that support high infection rates could lead to the identification of high-risk habitats for contracting DTV.

Impact of common shade tree species on microclimate and cocoa growth in agroforestry systems in Ghana

Climate change is a growing threat to agriculture globally, with most substantial impacts expected in tropical smallholder systems such as cocoa farms in West Africa. Cocoa agroforestry is widely believed to enhance resilience to climatic extremes due to protection and a favourable microclimate under the shade trees. Morphological traits of many locally used shade tree species and their specific contribution to microclimate for climate-resilient cocoa production remain unclear. Therefore, aboveground morphology and sub canopy microclimate of eight common shade tree species were investigated in cocoa agroforestry systems in the Ahafo region, Ghana. Additionally, the growth of cocoa trees in three different distance zones to the shade tree stem was measured. The eight different shade tree species exhibited considerable variation in their impact on microclimate and cocoa growth. M. indica and M. excelsa allowed lowest light transmission, with the highest microclimatic buffering effect, i.e., reducing vapour pressure deficit and daily fluctuations of temperature and relative humidity. Cocoa trees around M. lucida and F. capensis were the highest in growth, characterized by height and stem diameter. However, a universally superior shade tree species could not be identified implying the need for shade tree diversity allowing various microclimatic conditions within an agroforestry system to spread risk of climate extremes. Cocoa tree growth was more affected by distance to the shade tree than by shade tree species, resulting in enhanced growth with distance to the stem. These findings provide a better understanding of species-related differences on cocoa growing conditions and climate change adaptation strategies.

THE CONCEPT OF PERSONNEL ADAPTATION AT ENTERPRISES: ONBORDING AND E-LEARNING

It is substantiated that the basis of the successful activity of any enterprise today is its personnel potential. From the qualification level of personnel, his general experience and motivation depends on the effectiveness of the enterprise. It is proved that possessing specific operational and strategic functions, the staff provides a leading role in the development of any enterprise. Until recently, such concepts as "personnel adaptation system" and "personnel management" were completely absent in the practice of management at enterprises.It is analysed that modern conditions of management require HR management to improve the system of adaptation of personnel at enterprises. This is the most important factor in the system of ensuring the efficiency of staff.It is substantiated that the adaptation of personnel is a complex process of familiarizing new employees with the conditions and rules of work in the enterprise, as well as assistance in integrating a new colleague into the team. This adaptation is necessary for both new employees and those who change positions, but remain to work in the enterprise. The article notes that in addition to the individual selection of personnel, the general system of personnel adaptation at enterprises is aimed at creating a favourable microclimate in the team, establishing partnerships, securing new employees at the enterprise. As a result of the functioning of this system, the enterprise receives economic stability, increasing labour productivity and the level of individual responsibility, increasing staff motivation, creating a positive image of a company or enterprise, improving competitive positions in the labour market. It is investigated that despite the fact that each individual enterprise carried out adaptation and management of personnel directly through the top management, it had an established system of personnel management. In connection with the processes of decentralization, all talent management systems needed a thorough review and updating. Change of these systems began with the introduction of social packages, flexible work schedules, moral and material incentives for staff

Assessing the Effectiveness of Reflective and Diffusive Polyethylene Films as Greenhouse Covers in Arid Environments

The application of diffusive and reflective polyethylene (PE) films as greenhouse coverings in arid climates presents an opportunity to improve the microclimate of the greenhouse and achieve consistent light distribution within the crop canopy. Nevertheless, there is still a lack of understanding regarding the properties of these covers and their impact on the microclimate and the growth parameters of crops. This study aimed to assess the impact of different covers on the diffusion of beam radiation during transmission, microclimatic parameters, and growth parameters of cucumbers in each of the greenhouses they covered. In the study, three PE covers were evaluated: a reflective cover (RC), a diffusive film (DC), and a locally produced cover (LPC) as the control treatment. The covers were installed on three identical, single-span, evaporatively cooled greenhouses named GH1/LPC, GH2/RC, and GH3/DC, which were utilized for cultivating cucumber crops. The results indicated that the diffusive nature of the tested films increased the ratio of diffuse to global solar radiation (D/G) from 0.22 outside the greenhouses to 0.49, 0.42, and 0.41 inside GH1/LPC, GH3/DC, and GH2/RC, respectively. Similarly, the ratio of diffuse to direct beam radiation (D/B) showed an increase, with values of 0.95, 0.70, and 0.68 inside GH1/LPC, GH3/DC, and GH2/RC, respectively, compared to the outside value of 0.28. The DC used in GH3 showed a favorable microclimate by reducing the air temperature and improving the relative humidity. Accordingly, the vegetative growth of the cucumbers was significantly improved in GH3/DC, reflected in increases in their biomass, followed by GH2/RC and GH1/LPC. The highest crop yield (p ≤ 0.05) of 12.3 kg/m2 was achieved in GH3/DC, followed by 10.2 kg/m2 in GH2/RC and 10.1 kg/m2 in GH1/LPC. Interestingly, the LPC not only stood out as a low-cost option but also displayed excellent diffusive–radiative properties, and demonstrated reasonable growth development and productivity for the cucumber crops. Consequently, the LPC emerges as a practical and cost-effective greenhouse covering material for crop production in arid climates.

Effect of Fruit Bagging on the Yield and Quality of Rainy Season Guava (Psidium guajava) cv Allahabad Safeda

The present experiment was conducted at Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj during the session 2022 - 2024. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design, and the study consists of eight treatments with three replications including control. From the present investigation, it was concluded that bagging had significant effect on fruit characters in guava. The best treatment was T3 (Yellow Polythene) which shows highest values in all the parameters viz fruit characters (fruit weight-192.09g, fruit girth- 6.39 cm, fruit diameter-6.53cm, pulp weight-74.91g, pulp percentage-89.06%, seed weight-6.22g, seed percentage-5.71% & specific gravity-1.23), quality attributes (TSS -15.32 0Brix, acidity- 0.40%, vitamin C- 161.99 mg/100g, TSS/acid ratio-37.64). Increased fruit yield and quality might be due to the increased absorption of sunlight & favorable microclimate created due to bagging.

Seasonal fluctuation and alternative host plants of vegetable crop-infesting tephritids in non-vegetable growing areas in South Sudanese zone of Burkina Faso.

This study was carried out in 3 types of biotopes where vegetable crops are not grown to highlight their contribution to the dynamics of vegetable-infesting flies. To this end, a trapping system based on a sexual attractant, the Cuelure associated with an insecticide was set up in 18 biotopes (6 natural areas, 6 mango orchards, and 6 agroforestry parks) in the regions of Hauts Bassins and Cascades in the South-West of Burkina Faso. During the trapping monitoring, which was done every 2wk to collect insects captured, fruits present in 3 types of biotopes were sampled and incubated for insect emergence. Ten Dacus (Fabricius) [Diptera: Tephritidae]species and Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Coquillett) [Diptera: Tephritidae] were trapped in the study area. The predominant species captured was Z. cucurbitae (52.93%) followed by Dacus punctatifrons (Karsch) [Diptera: Tephritidae] (29.89%) and Dacus humeralis (Bezzi) (12.71%). Six tephritid species were emerged from 6 wild fruit species belonging to Cucurbitaceae, Apocynaceae, and Passifloraceae families. Fruit flies were more abundant from Jul to Nov with peaks observed in Aug or Oct depending on the species. Citrullus colocynthis L. (Cucurbitaceae), Lagenaria sp. (Cucurbitaceae), Passiflora foetida L. (Passifloraceae), and Passiflora sp. acted as reservoir host plants of Dacus ciliatus (Loew), Dacus bivittatus (Bigot), Dacus vertebratus (Bezzi) [Diptera: Tephritidae], D. punctatifrons, and Z. cucurbitae, the major vegetable insect pests in West Africa. The 3 types of biotopes acted as suitable refuge areas of vegetable crop-infesting fruit flies either for the favorable microclimate or for the alternative host plants.

High-resolution climate data reveal an increasing risk of warming-driven activity restriction for diurnal and nocturnal lizards.

Widespread species experience a variety of climates across their distribution, which can structure their thermal tolerance, and ultimately, responses to climate change. For ectotherms, activity is highly dependent on temperature, its variability and availability of favourable microclimates. Thermal exposure and tolerance may be structured by the availability and heterogeneity of microclimates for species living along temperature and/or precipitation gradients - but patterns and mechanisms underlying such gradients are poorly understood. We measured critical thermal limits (CTmax and CTmin) for five populations of two sympatric lizard species, a nocturnal gecko (Chondrodactylus bibronii) and a diurnal skink (Trachylepis variegata) and recorded hourly thermal variation for a year in three types of microclimate relevant to the activity of lizards (crevice, full sun and partial shade) for six sites across a precipitation gradient. Using a combination of physiological and modelling approaches, we derived warming tolerance for the present and the end of the century. In the present climate, we found an overall wider thermal tolerance for the nocturnal species relative to the diurnal species, and no variation in CTmax but variable CTmin along the precipitation gradient for both species. However, warming tolerances varied significantly over the course of the day, across months and microhabitats. The diurnal skink was most restricted in its daily activity in the three driest sites with up to six daily hours of restricted activity in the open (i.e. outside refugia) during the summer months, while the impacts for the nocturnal gecko were less severe, due to its higher CTmax and night activity. With climate change, lizards will experience more months where activity is restricted and increased exposure to high temperatures even within the more sheltered microhabitats. Together our results highlight the importance of considering the relevant spatiotemporal scale and habitat for understanding the thermal exposure of diurnal and nocturnal species.

Organizational-economic and psychological aspects of personnel management as a factor of organization development in crisis conditions

Modern business conditions require organizations to develop and implement new approaches to personnel management, which is the leading resource of their business activities. Crisis conditions can be challenging for any organization, but they can also stimulate development and promote change in a positive direction. The research aims to determine the organizational, economic, and psychological aspects of personnel management as a factor in the organization's development in crisis conditions. The article examines the general factors of organizational development in crisis conditions: stability, flexibility and adaptability, innovation, resources and finances, strategic planning, effective management, leadership and communication, personnel, customer orientation, public relations, and optimism. The necessity of combining and considering organizational, economic, and psychological aspects of personnel management in crisis conditions is substantiated. The fundamental aspects of personnel management of the organization in crisis conditions are singled out: organizational, economic, and psychological. Organizational and economic aspects of personnel management of the organization in crisis conditions: retention of qualified personnel, optimization of the number of personnel, reduction of personnel costs, and increase of labor productivity. Psychological aspects of personnel management of the organization in crisis conditions: informing, supporting, motivating, creating a favorable microclimate, and providing development opportunities. The proposed approach to highlighting the fundamental aspects of the organization's personnel management in crisis conditions will allow: to develop effective methods of personnel management in crisis conditions; increase the motivation and productivity of employees; reduce staff turnover; increase the level of financial stability and competitiveness of the organization. The principles of anti-crisis personnel management are defined. Implementing an effective personnel management system will allow the organization to maintain qualified personnel and competitive advantages, reduce personnel maintenance costs, increase labor productivity, and work efficiency, and ensure sustainable functioning and development of the organization in crisis conditions. Keywords: organization development, personnel, organization management, personnel management, development factors, management principles, organizational and economic aspects of management, psychological aspects of management.

METHODS OF APPLYING THE ENVIRONMENTAL APPROACH IN ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN IN MODERN RESIDENTIAL COMPLEXES

Designing the environment and landscapes related to human life requires, on the one hand, taking into account the values and potential of the environment, and on the other hand, taking into account human needs. Such environmental design must be carried out persistently through interaction and balance with the environment. The purpose of this study was to propose strategies for applying an ecological ap- proach to architectural design in modern residential complexes The research method is descriptive, analytical and applied in nature. Carrying out this research using both field and documentary methods, data collection, analysis and integration were carried out. In order to identify Weaknesses and internal weaknesses, as well as external opportunities and threats, we used a SWOT analysis model, identifying the most preferred design strategies, as well as integrating the land- scapes of the external and internal environment using the QSPM matrix. The results showed that the most preferred strategy for designing open areas and landscapes, taking into account environmental vision and improving visual quality, is the approach of spatial and visual continuation with the internal atmosphere of residential complexes. At the present stage, the state of the environment is deteriorating in large cities around the world and for several decades architectural communities around the world have been paying special attention to the environmental aspects of design and construction in order to create comfortable and sustainable urban spaces that support a favorable socio-ecological microclimate.

Експериментальні дослідження параметрів мікроклімату в салоні автобуса в холодну пору року

The paper analyzes the current state of research on microclimate parameters in bus cabins and identifies the main issues of the given topic. The authors analyzed and explained the importance of ensuring a favorable microclimate in vehicle cabins and assessed the risks of non-compliance. The relevance of the topic is confirmed by the existing scientific publications of foreign scientists who worked in this field and investigated similar issues. In addition to scientific works, an analysis of regulatory documentation in the world and Ukraine was conducted, existing problems and conflicts in requirements and parameters were considered. Theoretical knowledge is supplemented by experimental studies - the technical characteristics of the investigated bus are shown and the essence of the experiment is presented. Experimental studies were carried out in the passenger compartment of the Ukrainian-made Electron A18501 bus. Microclimate parameters such as temperature, humidity, and the amount of air throughout the passenger compartment in the cold season were measured using special equipment. Measurements were taken in the front, middle and rear of the bus cabin. A total of 4 conditional measurement zones were defined: zone 1 (between the wall of the driver's cabin and the passengers’ platform), zone 2 (in the area of the passengers’ platform), zone 3 (between the passengers’ platform and the rear door) and zone 4 (in the area of the rear door and the engine compartment), where the temperature and air humidity were determined at specific points. Measurements of the amount of air coming from the heating equipment (diffusers) were also made in certain locations. Analyzing the regulatory documents, in particular those used in our country, it was established that air temperature and humidity should be measured at the level of the feet and heads of passengers. There is no need to take measurements at waist level in vehicle cabins, unlike the driver's cabin, unless the bus is operated in very cold or very hot conditions. Since the climate in Ukraine is moderate, there is no need to carry out such additional measurements. The bus traveled along the route Ryasne 1-Levandivka-Sknyliv in Lviv during the experiment. This route fully corresponds to the city bus driving cycle, and its length is comparable to the value of the average city bus route. As a result of the experiment, it was determined that there are specific points in the cabin where the parameters of the microclimate do not correspond to the normative ones. These identified shortcomings require further research in order to improve the comfort of the microclimatic conditions in the bus cabin.

Modern technological approaches in the field of architectural organization scientific and educational centers

Research and education centers are ideal places for collaboration and innovation. The use of modern technologies in the field of architectural organization of scientific and educational centers makes it possible to increase the efficiency of space use, reduce energy consumption, improve cooperation between researchers and teachers, as well as attract and retain talents. In addition, the use of new technologies can help provide more comfortable conditions for training and work, create a favorable internal microclimate and improve the environmental situation of the area, as well as create a unique architectural appearance. In general, the use of modern technologies in the formation of the architecture of scientific and educational centers contributes to the development of science, education and culture.

The significance of architectural, technological and environmental aspects in building environmental certification systems

The criteria for environmental standards in construction include requirements for organizing a sustainable territory, reducing the consumption of water and energy resources, using environmentally friendly materials, rational waste management, and creating a favorable microclimate for users. The main goal is to study architectural, technological and environmental aspects in international (LEED, BREEAM) and Russian (GOST R 70346-2022, GOST R 54964-2012, KLEVER, GREEN ZOOM) systems that influence the formation of the architectural environment in Russian cities. The research methodology used is complex with mathematical analysis of requirements and their comparison. The distribution of criteria is not balanced. Engineering and technological activities predominate. It is necessary to increase the criteria for environmentally friendly architectural and planning solutions. The role of the architect in the certification of the object should be increased.

Vegetation Inventory Before Reconstruction of Rosnička Outdoor Sports Fields (city Brno, Czech Republic)

Outdoor sports fields are places for sports activities, but simultaneously, they also serve as living spaces for vegetation. Sports fields are primarily intended for human activities, yet they also serve as habitats for plants. The interaction between sports activities and vegetation is an understudied area, which is the focus of this paper. The aim of the study is to evaluate the biodiversity and ecosystem functions of the vegetation. The selected Rosnička sports field is used by the Sokol Physical Education Unit and is located in the cadastral territory of Brno-Žabovřesky, Czech Republic. A total of 99 plant taxa were found within the locality. As revealed by the canonical correspondence analysis (CCA), diverse parts of the sports field significantly differ in species composition from each other. The vegetation present in the outdoor sports field fulfils several ecosystem functions, such as creating a favourable microclimate, supporting biodiversity, serving an aesthetic function and providing a source of fruit. The quality of the sports turf is essential as it must withstand and facilitate sports activities. Sports facilities not only support the physical and mental health of residents, but also have the potential to synergistically support the biodiversity of urban ecosystems.

Prospects for the use of balneological and climatic resources of the liberated territories in health tourism


 
 
 The study reveals aspects of the development of health tourism on a global scale, current trends in this area, and the spread of medical tourism. The presence of abundant re- sources for the development of health tourism in the recently liberated territories, including plentiful thermal and mineral waters, a favorable microclimate, and the potential for organizing phytotherapy using medicinal plants, necessitates a comprehensive resource assessment. The global upswing in demand for health and spa tourism, coupled with an increasingly competitive landscape, underscores the need for a more comprehensive exploration of the existing potential. A new approach and methodology in health tourism and its place in international tourism are being investigated. Methodological approaches show new trends and competitiveness in health tourism. In the article, the evaluation of balneological climate resources in the liberated regions, the possibilities of their use in health tourism, and analysis of the current situation are made based on multi-criteria evaluation. The effects of healing mineral waters, microclimate and landscape factors from the region’s balneological climate resources on the development of health tourism are being investigated. It is stated that the balneological climatic resources of Kalbajar, Lachin and Shusha regions enable the formation of a competitive health tourism industry. At the same time, the current situation of health tourism in Azerbaijan, supply and demand analysis, development directions and main customer base are examined. Based on the tables, the advantages of mineral and thermal waters in the region are shown by comparing them with similar ones. The technological approach and the conceptual model proposed in the study identified the participation of relevant parties, invest- ment resources, opportunities for joint use with other types of tourism, as well as aspects of mutual development with other sectors of the economy. The authors came to the reasonable assertion that the available climatic, balneological and therapeutic mineral resources open wide prospects for the development of health tourism in such villages as Istisu and Zulfugarli of Lachin district and Dashalti village of Shusha district.
 
 

Physical characteristics of soybean cultivated under the conditions of integrated agrosystems

Integrated crop-livestock-forest (ICLF) systems involve intercropping of various crops to achieve beneficial and synergistic outcomes, enhancing both economic viability and environmental sustainability. Considering the complexity of integrated agrosystems and the economic importance of soybean production in Brazil, we aimed to investigate the effects of two ICLF systems on the physical characteristics and quality of soybeans produced. The treatments comprised plots (two ha) with either single-row (ICLFS) or triple-row (ICLFT), tree configurations intercropped with soybean (maize and forage grass), and control plots (one ha), whose crops were cultivated under full sunlight (CFS). Soybeans were harvested from plants located at 3, 6, 10 and 15 m from tree bands in the north and south faces of the ICLF systems and at random positions in the CFS plots. The moisture content, electrical conductivity of the exudate solution, hue angle and chroma index of grains harvested from ICLFS and ICLFT were similar to those of CFS-grown soybeans. However, the mass of 1000 grains and the bulk density values of ICLF-grown soybeans were significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05) than those of grains harvested from CFS plots. We conclude that the quality of soybean seeds was not negatively affected by the conditions prevailing in the ICLF systems. Moreover, it appears that the forest component contributed positively to the ecosystem by providing a favorable microclimate for the development of soybean grains.

METHODS OF APPLYING THE ENVIRONMENTAL APPROACH IN ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN IN MODERN RESIDENTIAL COMPLEXES

The purpose of this work is the design of the environment and landscapes associated with human life, requires, on the one hand, taking into account the values and potential of the environment, and on the other hand, taking into account human needs. This design of the environment must be persistently pursued through interaction and balance with the environment. The purpose of this study was to propose strategies for applying an ecological approach to architectural design in modern residential complexes. The research method is descriptive-analytical and applied. Performing this study, both field and documentary methods, data were collected, analyzed and integrated. In order to highlight Weakness and internal weakness, as well as external opportunities and threats, we used the SWOT analysis model, identifying the most preferred design strategies, as well as integrating the landscapes of the external and internal environment using the QSPM matrix. The results showed that the most preferred strategy for designing open areas and landscapes with an ecological vision and improving visual quality is the approach of spatial and visual continuation with the internal atmosphere of residential complexes. Today it has become obvious that in large cities of the Earth the natural component of the environment is noticeably reduced and a particularly topical issue, for the past decades, is the appeal of the world architectural community to the environmental aspects of design and construction, contributing to the comfortable, sustainable development of urban space favorable social and environmental logical microclimate of the architectural environment.

Extensive dune grasslands largely lacking human disturbance are an important refuge for a vole-dependent raptor

Agricultural intensification and abandonment have led to a dramatic decrease of semi-natural grasslands such as low-intensity pastures and hay meadows. The Short-eared owl (Asio flammeus) is a ground-nesting raptor of open grasslands that has severely suffered from these changes. We studied the habitat preferences of this umbrella species of open grasslands in its last permanent breeding area in Germany (East Frisian Islands, southern North Sea). We analysed the breeding-territory preferences based on 576 territories on six of the islands. Moreover, we assessed nest-site preferences of 13 breeding pairs on the German abundance hot spot, the island of Spiekeroog. Our investigation revealed that the Short-eared owl strongly preferred open dunes for breeding, especially dune grasslands. By contrast, built-up areas and small stands of trees were avoided. For nest-building, microhabitats with a high cover of the herb layer and litter resulting in tall vegetation were favoured. By contrast, the vegetation in the wider surrounding of the nest was characterised by more bare ground and shorter vegetation but still a high cover of the herb layer and litter. In conclusion, our study highlights the prime importance of extensive open grasslands with a pronounced litter layer and largely lacking human disturbance as breeding habitats for the Short-eared owl. At the nesting site, we suggest that tall and dense vegetation with a high cover of litter (i) might enhance concealment and (ii) causes a favourable microclimate by protecting fledglings against adverse weather conditions. In the wider surrounding of the nest, shorter vegetation with a pronounced litter layer (i) improves fledgling mobility, (ii) fosters vole abundance and (iii) increases prey accessibility.

Crown Density Relationship to Microclimate and Comfort Index in Telaga Sari City Forest, Balikpapan, East Kalimantan, Indonesia

The development of urban areas that are increasingly developing causes the area of green open space to decrease, and urban buildings that are increasingly denser result in an increase in local temperatures in the city. The presence of vegetation will provide cooler air. Furthermore, the urban microclimate is an interesting thing to correlate with the presence of vegetation somewhere. The Telaga Sari City Forest is one of Balikpapan’s green open space places. This research analyz the relationship between crown density microclimate and comfort index. The method for the percentage of crown density used Habitapp App. To measure the microclimate used Thermohygrometer, and Lux Meter. From the research results, it is known that, at the Telaga Sari City Forest there is a strong relationship between crown density and microclimate, namely light intensity, temperature, humidity, and the comfort index/THI, successively the multiple R values of 0.87, 0.83, 0.78 and 0.81. The linear equations namely y = -23.677x + 1986, y = -0.0317x + 31.096, y = 0.119x + 65.891 and y = -0.0232x + 29.007. In order to create a favorable microclimate in the city and provide green open space, it required to plant trees with high canopy density values.