Hot Climate Research Articles

On the Necessity for Improving Water Efficiency in Commercial Buildings: A Green Design Approach in Hot Humid Climates

Water, a fundamental and indispensable resource necessary for the survival of living beings, has become a pressing issue in numerous regions worldwide due to scarcity. Urban areas, where the majority of the global population resides, witness a substantial consumption of blue water, particularly in commercial buildings. This study investigates the potential for enhancing water efficiency within an ongoing high-rise office building construction situated in a tropical climate. The investigation utilizes the green building guidelines of leadership in energy and environmental design (LEED) through a case-study-based research approach. Strategies included using efficient plumbing fixtures (such as high air–water ratio fixtures and dual-flush toilets), the selection of native plants, implementing a suitable irrigation system, introducing a rainwater harvesting system (RWHS) and improving the mechanical ventilation and air conditioning (MVAC) system. The results showed a 55% reduction in water use from efficient fixtures, a 93% reduction in landscaping water needs and a 73% overall water efficiency with a RWHS from the baseline design. Additionally, efficient cooling towers and the redirection of condensed water into the cooling tower make-up water tank improved the overall water efficiency to 38%, accounting for the water requirements of the MVAC system. The findings of this study can contribute to more sustainable and water-efficient urban development, particularly in regions facing water scarcity challenges. The significance of these findings lies in their potential to establish industry standards and inform policymakers in the building sector. They offer valuable insights for implementing effective strategies aimed at reducing blue water consumption across different building types.

Optimising Window-to-Wall Ratio for Enhanced Energy Efficiency and Building Intelligence in Hot Summer Mediterranean Climates

This study focused on optimising the window-to-wall ratio (WWR) as a design solution to reduce energy consumption and enhance building intelligence from an energy-saving perspective. It examines the impact range of the WWR in improving the energy efficiency in low-rise residential apartments in Sulaimaniyah City, which experiences a hot summer Mediterranean climate. This study employed a quantitative approach, simulating and analysing the energy consumption of the selected samples using specific tools, such as Autodesk Revit and Insight Cloud. The findings show that improving the window-to-wall ratio can significantly reduce the energy use intensity (EUI) across various building orientations. Southern-facing walls permit reductions ranging from 1.23 to 14.98 kWh/m2, whereas northern-facing walls show losses ranging from 2.03 to 12.98 kWh/m2. Similarly, western-facing walls show decreases ranging from 0.41 to 6.41 kWh/m2 and eastern-facing walls from 1.44 to 5.59 kWh/m2. These energy-saving ranges improve building intelligence in terms of energy utilisation. Furthermore, the recommended WWR is 65% for southern and eastern walls and 95% and 30% for northern and western walls. This study underscores the significance of optimising the window-to-wall ratio in intelligent building design. Neglecting this can significantly impact energy use and represents a missed opportunity to improve building intelligence.

Detection Dogs Working in Hot Climates: The Influence on Thermoregulation and Fecal Consistency.

Body temperature is an important physiological parameter that influences the performance of working dogs. The main cooling mechanism in dogs is panting to support evaporative cooling, which reduces the dog's ability to detect scents. In this study, we investigated the general body condition of four detection dogs searching for cheetah scats in a hot environment in northern Kenya. We evaluated the effect on the dog's body temperature post-work in the short term (within hours) and long term (12-24 h). The fecal consistency and mean body temperature of the investigated dogs differed significantly between individuals but not between locations (moderate Nairobi and hot Samburu). On the morning after fieldwork, the dogs showed a significantly increased body temperature (37.9 ± 0.8 °C) compared to resting days (37.5 ± 2.2 °C). In the short term, on the first day of fieldwork, the dog's body temperature (n = 2) decreased after 10 min of rest. On the second consecutive day of fieldwork, the 10-min recovery period was too short, and the body temperature did not decrease significantly. Our data showed that the use of detection dogs in hot conditions is possible and useful but requires increased attention to prevent heat-related illness.

Assessing the severity of thermal discomfort in a building in the course of hot and humid climate

This work is an application of experimental temperature data previously collected in a residential building in Douala, Cameroon, in order to analyze thermal discomfort. The data was collected according to three occupancy scenarios over 12 month period using thermohygrometer sensors. The temperature data are analysed in comparison with the comfortable temperature range from 24°C to 28°C. The degree hour (DH) method was used to assess the severity of thermal discomfort in a hot and humid climate. The results reveal that the open C1, closed C2 and inhabited C3 rooms corresponding to scenarios C1, C2 and C3 respectively, have 7270.6°H, 9063.9°H and 10023°H. The inhabited room C3 has the largest DH and although the room C1 has the smallest DH, the latter largely exceeded the tolerable limit value of 1250°H set by the RE2020 Environmental Regulations. Results from this work can serve in building modelling for researchers and architects to act for the alleviation of thermal discomfort in regions with hot and humid climate.

Genome-Wide Analysis of Genetic Diversity and Selection Signatures in Zaobei Beef Cattle.

This investigation provides a comprehensive analysis of genomic diversity and selection signatures in Zaobei beef cattle, an indigenous breed known for its adaptation to hot and humid climates and superior meat quality. Whole-genome resequencing was conducted on 23 Zaobei cattle, compared with 46 Simmental cattle to highlight genetic distinctions. Population structure analysis confirmed the genetic uniqueness of Zaobei cattle. Using methods such as DASDC v1.01, XPEHH, and θπ ratio, we identified 230, 232, and 221 genes through DASDC, including hard sweeps, soft sweeps, and linkage sweeps, respectively. Coincidentally, 109 genes were identified when using XPEHH and θπ ratio methods. Together, these analyses revealed eight positive selection genes (ARHGAP15, ZNF618, USH2A, PDZRN4, SPATA6, ROR2, KCNIP3, and VWA3B), which are linked to critical traits such as heat stress adaptation, fertility, and meat quality. Moreover, functional enrichment analyses showed pathways related to autophagy, immune response, energy metabolism, and muscle development. The comprehensive genomic insights gained from this study provide valuable knowledge for breeding programs aimed at enhancing the beneficial traits in Zaobei cattle.

Data analysis and review of the research landscape in performance-enhancing thermal management strategies of photovoltaic technology

New researchers in Performance-Enhancing Thermal Management Strategies (PETS) for photovoltaic (PV) technology struggle with scattered data, hindering their efforts. This research gap is addressed by extracting key information from 1,474 documents in the Web of Science and Scopus databases and conducting a thorough data analysis. The findings reveal three phases of the trend inception, gradual growth period, tech-advanced period, and rapid progress. The bibliometric results show a 24.98% growth rate, 25.01 citations per document, 2,577 researchers involved, and 275 production sources. China, India, and other Asian countries are the main collaborators in this field, emphasizing the impact of hot climate regions in Asia on the choice of PETS methods. The main researchers collaborating with PETS are Sopian. K, Jie Ji, and Pie Gang. Furthermore, a review of keywords suggests that most experimental and numerical studies have prioritized temporal and performance outcomes, often neglecting long-term practical viability considerations. Future research should prioritize the 4E (Energy, Exergy, Economic and Environmental) analysis approach to address this gap effectively. Advancements in evaporative cooling and PVT technology have evolved in offshore solar plants, PV with heat pumps, and building-integrated PV (BIPV). This analysis sets the stage for future PV advancements in PETS technology.

Experimental and numerical study on the integration of solar-driven desiccant and thermoelectric Systems for Sustainable Thermal Comfort

Global reliance on traditional cooling systems is a pressing concern, especially given their substantial energy demands and refrigerant-related greenhouse gas emissions. The need for sustainable cooling solutions is especially urgent in hot and humid regions. This study presents an innovative solution by introducing a compact, solar-driven cooling system that integrates a Desiccant Wheel (DW) and a Thermoelectric Cooler (TEC). This novel combination leverages solar energy to enhance cooling efficiency while reducing environmental impact. The system's performance was tested through experimental methods and non-dimensional analysis, which served to validate the TRNSYS simulation. The simulation included custom components representing the DW and TEC's physical characteristics. Results demonstrated that the system effectively reduces air temperature and humidity to maintain thermal comfort, achieving Coefficients of Performance (COP) of 0.94 and 1.13in Toronto and Vancouver, respectively. A key feature of the system is the heat recovery design, which uses waste heat from the TEC to regenerate the desiccant material, enhancing COP by 68%. Further analysis through TRNSYS simulation explored the system's adaptability to various climate conditions by testing a range of temperatures (26–43°C) and relative humidity levels (30–100%). This analysis identified three operational regions, optimizing the system's application based on environmental conditions. A life cycle assessment determined a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 0.0172 kg CO2 per kW of cooling capacity and an Energy Payback Time (EPBT) of 3.34 years. The economic analysis indicated a total system cost of $2719, predominantly due to the DW and TEC components. In conclusion, this research offers a sustainable and efficient cooling system that provides thermal comfort in hot and humid climates, marking a significant advancement in climate control technology.

Recombinant outer membrane protein Lipl41 from Leptospira interrogans robust immune responses in mice model.

Leptospirosis is an infectious zoonotic disease that can result in severe complications. It is widespread, especially in hot and humid climates such as the northern region of Iran. The immune responses to leptospirosis are multifaceted. Lipl41 is an outer membrane protein that is expressed during infection and is highly conserved among pathogenic species. This makes it a good candidate for diagnosis and induction of specific immune responses. The aim of the present study was to evaluate immune responses against recombinant Lipl41 in mice. After immunizing of different groups of mice with recombinant Lipl41 (rLipl41), the levels of specific antibodies and cytokine profiles interferon-gamma/interleukin-4 (IFN-γ/IL-4) were measured. The results revealed that rLipl41 showed a significant increase in antibody levels compared with the control groups (P< 0.05). Although the level of IL-4 in the groups that received Lipl41 was similar to that in the other control groups, the IFN-γ levels showed a significant increase (P<0.05). It has been concluded that recombinant Lipl41 protein could strongly stimulate specific immune responses and be considered a potential candidate for vaccine development and diagnostic research.

Balcony design recommendations to enhance daylight, thermal and energy performance of mixed-mode office buildings

The use of balconies in hot climates holds the potential to block direct solar radiation thus reducing energy consumption for cooling and enhancing visual comfort. However, balconies may also diminish daylight availability within the room, thereby affecting occupants’ satisfaction and wellbeing. This study aimed to provide balcony design recommendations through a parametric analysis of various combinations of balcony design parameters (balcony depth, width, location on the façade, and parapet type), along with key building design parameters (façade orientation, floor level, and glazed door width), considering a multi-domain objectives assessment. The results demonstrate that balcony design can effectively enhance visual comfort, thermal performance, and energy efficiency while ensuring optimal daylight availability in office rooms located in subtropical climates. Recommendations for balcony design were tailored to each façade orientation and thoughtfully combined with the glazed door width. One optimal combination, featuring a 3-meter-wide glazed door and a 2-meter-deep balcony, proved beneficial for all façade orientations across all floor levels. However, the choice of parapet type should align with the balcony’s location, which is directly correlated with the room’s depth. The insights gained from this study offer valuable information for building designers, highlighting that balconies should not be designed solely as decorative façade elements or spaces for building services. Furthermore, the cross-analysis method developed in this study can be applied by researchers and designers to their own case studies.

A novel hybrid passive cooling system for providing thermal comfort conditions and reducing energy consumption in buildings in hot climates

In the present study, the performance of a novel hybrid passive cooling system was studied analytically and numerically in terms of its ability to achieve thermal comfort conditions, produce electricity, and reduce energy consumption. The new hybrid system that has been proposed in this study consists of a photovoltaic solar chimney (SC-PV) system, which in turn consists of a solar chimney (SC) combined with photovoltaic panels (PV). An underground space (UGS) system connects to the photovoltaic solar chimney (SC-PV) system through a residential room. This novel hybrid system is a completely new passive cooling system that is called SC-PV-UGS in the present study. The present system's performance has been studied in hot and moderate climates. The results indicated that the SC-PV-UGS system can provide thermal comfort conditions for the room's residents. The total electricity produced during the hours of solar radiation for the three test days in the hot climate was 310 kWh, while it was 329 kWh in the moderate climate. The total annual electricity produced by the SC-PV-UGS system for the hot climate was 2024 kWh, and for the moderate climate, it was 2318 kWh. The total cooling demand in a hot climate was reduced to 339 kWh, which is 55.9 % of the total cooling demand of the conventional non-passive system.

Energy saving of vacuum-based membrane dehumidification with indirect evaporative cooling in a low sensible-heat-ratio building

In hot and humid climates, dehumidification generally consumes more energy than cooling, and conventional mechanical vapor compression system is not efficient for dehumidification. Vacuum-based membrane dehumidification system have been developed as a more environmentally friendly alternative for dehumidification due to non-refrigerant system and isothermal dehumidification process. In this study, a novel hybrid air conditioning system that combines vacuum-based membrane dehumidification with an indirect evaporative cooler for pre-cooling is proposed to achieve efficient air conditioning in building with low sensible heat ratio. The energy performance of the proposed system is investigated by detailed thermodynamic simulations and compared with conventional variable air volume (VAV) system and indirect evaporative pre-coolers combined VAV system. The simulation results show that when the average sensible heat ratio of the space is 0.73 and the COP of the vacuum-based membrane dehumidifier is 1.0, the proposed system can reduce energy consumption by 16.1 % compared to conventional VAV system and by 6.4 % compared to indirect evaporative pre-cooler combined VAV system during the cooling season. The energy performance of the proposed system is significantly affected by the sensible heat ratio of the building and the energy efficiency of the vacuum-based membrane dehumidifier. When the COP of the vacuum-based membrane dehumidifier reaches 2.0, the proposed system can achieve an energy savings of 48.2 % compared to conventional VAV system.

Competition between insulation and phase change material to intensify the resilience of envelope against heat exchange to reduce overall energy consumption in buildings

ABSTRACT In this study, the effectiveness of two techniques was investigated to reduce annual building energy demand (ABED) located in hot and desert climates. In the first technique, thermal insulation was used to boost the thermal resistance of the envelopes, and in the second one, bio-based phase change material ( BioPC M R M 27 ) was used. Using numerical methods for five hot and desert regions, the effect of some parameters such as setpoint temperature, installation location, and thermal properties of insulation/PCM on the effectiveness of both techniques were investigated. By installing PCM in the middle layer of the walls, it was found that in 90% of the cases, the first technique had better effectiveness than the second technique in reducing ABED. To enhance PCM efficiency relative to insulation, three approaches were explored: increasing thickness, altering thermal properties, and optimizing installation location. Based on the results, the first two approaches did not yield substantial enhancements in PCM efficacy compared to insulation. The location of PCM installation is very effective in its effectiveness. By installing PCM in different places, it was observed that the presence of PCM in the outermost layer maximizes its effectiveness. In this case, the second technique is more efficient than the first one by 23.63% to 40.4% depending on the climate zone weather.

Tick-Borne Diseases in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review of Pathogens, Research Focus, and Implications for Public Health.

Sub-Saharan Africa, with its hot and humid climate, is a conducive zone for tick proliferation. These vectors pose a major challenge to both animal and human health in the region. However, despite the relevance of emerging diseases and evidence of tick-borne disease emergence, very few studies have been dedicated to investigating zoonotic pathogens transmitted by ticks in this area. To raise awareness of the risks of tick-borne zoonotic diseases in sub-Saharan Africa, and to define a direction for future research, this systematic review considers the trends of research on tick-borne bacteria, parasites, and viruses from 2012 to 2023, aiming to highlight the circulation of these pathogens in ticks, cattle, sheep, goats, and humans. For this purpose, three international databases were screened to select 159 papers fitting designed inclusion criteria and used for qualitative analyses. Analysis of these studies revealed a high diversity of tick-borne pathogens in sub-Saharan Africa, with a total of 37 bacterial species, 27 parasite species, and 14 viruses identified. Among these, 27% were zoonotic pathogens, yet only 11 studies investigated their presence in humans. Furthermore, there is growing interest in the investigation of bacteria and parasites in both ticks and ruminants. However, research into viruses is limited and has only received notable interest from 2021 onwards. While studies on the detection of bacteria, including those of medical interest, have focused on ticks, little consideration has been given to these vectors in studies of parasites circulation. Regarding the limited focus on zoonotic pathogens transmitted by ticks, particularly in humans, despite documented cases of emerging zoonoses and the notable 27% proportion reported, further efforts should be made to fill these gaps. Future studies should prioritize the investigation of zoonotic pathogens, especially viruses, which represent the primary emerging threats, by adopting a One Health approach. This will enhance the understanding of their circulation and impact on both human and animal health. In addition, more attention should be given to the risk factors/drivers associated to their emergence as well as the perception of the population at risk of infection from these zoonotic pathogens.

Optimal battery configuration for electrical vehicles in hot climates: A numerical comparative study of materials and cooling approaches

The battery plays a pivotal role in the electric vehicle (EV) sector, and the advancement of this industry hinges on enhancing the thermal performance and efficiency of batteries, especially in regions characterized by high-temperature extremes. The primary objective of this study is to propose a battery configuration capable of operating efficiently in hot regions. To achieve this goal, we have selected six battery materials, each possessing distinct physical characteristics, for an in depth investigation into their thermal behavior within a mini-channel Thermal Management System. Subsequently, we conducted a comparative analysis of various volumetric flow rates and flow directions to determine the optimal combination. Once the best configuration was identified, we conducted a case study using realistic ground-based meteorological data to evaluate the performance of the selected battery configuration under real conditions. The results of this study reveal that material which is characterized by the specific heat of 830J.kg-1.K-1, and a thermal conductivity of Kx = Ky = 34W.m-1.K-1 and Kz = 3.4W.m-1.K-1, exhibits the highest thermal performance. Taking into account the power required for the system, the most efficient volumetric flow rate is 0.05 L/min which requires a power of 3e-7W, with the same direction of fluid inlet and outlet in the minichannels. The selected material, volumetric flow rate, and flow direction in this study ensure that the maximum temperature of (Tmax) of the cell is maintained at 29.21 °C, with a temperature difference (Tdiff) of 1.56 °C. Regarding the case study, applying this optimal configuration under the climatic conditions of Benguerir, Morocco, results in a Tmax of 29.36 °C and a Tdiff of 1.58 °C, confirming the feasibility of the proposed battery configuration and its BTMS in high-temperature conditions.

Assessing residential sustainable energy autonomous buildings for hot climate applications

This paper introduces an innovative solution for clean energy autonomous building (AB) sustainability, offering a 5Z concept—zero-carbon, zero-energy, zero grid connections, zero energy bills, and zero emission mobility. This paper focuses on fundamental research to design sustainable, energy-ABs striving for self-sufficiency in arid climates, using Kuwait as a case study. The study highlights the importance of stringent engineering AB modeling, renewable technology integration, and clean energy storage. The technical approaches include characterizing non-thermal and thermal demands, achieving net-zero energy generation, and custom sizing renewable energy and energy storage systems (ESS) for electric vehicle (EV) charging points. The research methodology involves local construction with yearly weather and energy profile data to simulate the actual system using ESP-r building model. The study's findings reveal the need for a large-scale energy system, energy demand reduction (EDR) inclusive of heating, cooling, appliances, and EV, with the corresponding changes in local energy production system size, battery capacity, and the number of photovoltaics (PVs). The results show varying EDR levels ranging from base case to 10% and to 50% leading to proportional changes in energy system size, size of battery from 3415 kWh to 1710 kWh and the number of PVs from 362 to 181, which means EDR not only optimizes space but also proves cost-effective. The significant implication of this study, not only bridging the knowledge gap and the lack of how-know, but also making a significant advancement and forward thinking in sustainable green electric home modernization and environmentally friendly transportation. This approach transforms energy management practices for more sustainable cities and societies, reducing emissions in both urban infrastructure and transportation.

Ingesting carbonated water post-exercise in the heat transiently ameliorates hypotension and enhances mood state.

The objective was to assess if post-exercise ingestion of carbonated water in a hot environment ameliorates hypotension, enhances cerebral blood flow and heat loss responses, and positively modulates perceptions and mood states. Twelve healthy, habitually active young adults (five women) performed 60min of cycling at 45% peak oxygen uptake in a hot climate (35°C). Subsequently, participants consumed 4°C carbonated or non-carbonated (control) water (150 and 100mL for males and females regardless of drink type) at 20 and 40min into post-exercise periods. Mean arterial pressure decreased post-exercise at 20min only (P=0.032) compared to the pre-exercise baseline. Both beverages transiently (∼1min) increased mean arterial pressure and middle cerebral artery mean blood velocity (cerebral blood flow index) regardless of post-exercise periods (all P ≤ 0.015). Notably, carbonated water ingestion led to greater increases in mean arterial pressure (2.3±2.8mmHg vs. 6.6±4.4mmHg, P<0.001) and middle cerebral artery mean blood velocity (1.6±2.5cm/s vs. 3.8±4.1cm/s, P=0.046) at 20min post-exercise period compared to non-carbonated water ingestion. Both beverages increased mouth exhilaration and reduced sleepiness regardless of post-exercise periods, but these responses were more pronounced with carbonated water ingestion at 40min post-exercise (mouth exhilaration: 3.1±1.4vs. 4.7±1.7, P=0.001; sleepiness: -0.7±0.91vs. -1.9±1.6, P=0.014). Heat loss responses and other perceptions were similar between the two conditions throughout (all P ≥ 0.054). We show that carbonated water ingestion temporarily ameliorates hypotension and increases the cerebral blood flow index during the early post-exercise phase in a hot environment, whereas it enhances mouth exhilaration and reduces sleepiness during the late post-exercise phase.

A novel decision support system for designing fixed shading systems in the early design stage: A case study in Egypt

Solar shading is a crucial element that can significantly impact lighting conditions and energy consumption, especially in hot regions. However, selecting the best shading design that achieves optimal daylight performance while meeting architects' requirements is very challenging. This is because it involves considering many design parameters and balancing multiple objectives. The paper introduces a decision support system for designing fixed shading systems to enhance interior environments and reduce energy consumption. Parametric simulation, a meta-model based on automatic selection of regression machine learning algorithms (RMLA), and non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA-II) are used to prepare the designs for selection. Three multiple criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods are employed: the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), entropy, and the technique for order preference by similarity to the ideal solution (TOPSIS) in two combinations (AHP-TOPSIS and entropy-TOPSIS) to adapt to different expert availability scenarios. The proposed method is coded and automated with an easy-to-use interactive interface for flexibility and easy application. The method is applied to help design a fixed shading system for hot climate regions in Cairo, Egypt, which involves considering five objectives: useful day light illuminance (UDI), energy use intensity (EUI), solar gains (SG), daylight autonomy (DA), and continuous daylight autonomy (CDA). The proposed method can provide an efficient design that significantly improves daylight performance. Different dataset sizes are used for training the meta model to study their effect on the final selected design. A sensitivity analysis is done to explore the impact of changes in experts’ opinions on the decision-making process.

Evaluating the influence of ambient conditions in the cooking space of railway pantry car using selected thermal indices and physiological parameter.

Hot and humid indoor environment of the kitchen affects worker performance. The Indian Railway's pantry car culinary is one of them that cooks food for the on-board passengers, which could be bothered by the hot indoor climate. The current study aimed to identify the indoor working environment of the railway "pantry car" using heat stress indices such as "Universal Thermal Climate Index-UTCI," "Wet-Bulb Globe Temperature-WBGT," "Discomfort Index-DI," "Tropical Summer Index-TSI," "Heat Index-HI," and Heart Rate-HR with clothing insulation. METHODS: The study was performed in 2018 (August-summer season) to collect field survey data on 6 railway pantry cars. Measurements were carried out during peak cooking times such as morning "7 : 00 am", day "11 : 30 am", evening "4 : 00 pm," and night "6 : 30 pm". This study's descriptive and Pearson's correlation analysis was accomplished using SPSS version 2016 software. The analysis results revealed that the average values were for UTCI (37.77±5.26°C), WBGT (30.42±2.28°C), DI (30.05±2.70°C), TSI (33.21±2.90°C), HI (48.53±4.86°C), correspondingly. During analysis, the strongest correlation association was observed between "TSI and DI" (r = 0.985, p < 0.000) and WBGT and TSI (r = 0.958, p < 0.000). A "significant correlation" was found between UTCI and HI (r = 0.637, p < 0.05). While no signification correlation was found between "heat stress indices and physiological parameters (p > 0.05)". In this study, all the heat stress index limit values showed highly harsh working conditions inside the pantry car, which created unfavorable circumstances for the culinarians. Inappropriate "ventilation design" could be a reason for discomfort in the railway pantry car.

Predictive Control Modeling of Regional Cooling Systems Incorporating Ice Storage Technology

Due to the hot climate, energy consumption for refrigeration is significantly higher in the subtropical monsoon climate region. Combined with renewable energy and ice-storage technology, a model predictive control model of the regional cooling system was proposed, which was conducive to improving the flexibility of the regional cooling system and the ability of peak shifting and valley filling. In this model, an artificial bee colony (ABC) optimized back propagation (BP) neural network was used to predict the cooling load of the regional cooling system, and the model parameter identification method was adopted, combining utilizing a river-water-source heat pump and ice-storage technology. The results showed that the load prediction algorithm of the ABC-BP neural network had a high accuracy, and the variance coefficient of load prediction root-mean-square error (RMSE) was 16.67%, which was lower than BP, support vector regression (SVR), and long short-term memory (LSTM). In addition, compared with the three control strategies of chiller priority, ice-storage priority, and fixed proportion, the operation strategy optimized by the comprehensive model can reduce the average daily cost by 19.20%, 4.45%, and 5.10%, respectively, and the maximum daily energy consumption by 30.02%, 18.08%, and 8.90%, respectively.

Small Endemic Birds and Hot Climate: Avian and Environmental Predictors of Avifauna Road Mortality in Santa Cruz Galapagos

In the Galapagos Islands, the main road in Santa Cruz is one of the elements involved in bird road mortality along with vehicles and the impacted species. This study reports the number of roadkilled birds found on the road from the Itabaca Channel to Puerto Ayora, and the main factors, whether avian or environmental, involved in bird roadkill mortality. We collected individual carcasses in 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2018 with a prevalence of 278, 252, 265, and 294, respectively, across 21 species. The endemic Yellow Warbler Setophaga petechia aureola was the most affected bird. We used a PRIDIT model to rank the top avian and environmental predictors of road mortality. We found that for the sampled years, bird body size (i.e., 8–35 g) and the endemism status (i.e., endemic/native) were the main predictors of roadkill mortality, along with seasonality (i.e., hot season). Weaker predictors related to the bird (i.e., age and sex) and the environment (ecosystem, road slope, vegetation, or precipitation) are also reported as determinants of roadkill mortality. This study on avian mortality aims to inform conservation strategies to reduce the rate of wildlife avian roadkill on Santa Cruz Island and other islands with similar problems.