Humid Subtropical Research Articles

Scaled outdoor experimental investigation of thermal environment and surface energy balance in deep and shallow street canyons under various sky conditions

This study investigates the characteristics of the thermal environment and surface energy balance (SEB) in idealized outdoor scaled street canyons with different height-to-width ratios (H/W = 0.5 and 2, H = 0.5 m) in a humid subtropical climate from 2019 to 2020. The surface temperature, air temperature, albedo, and SEB components are compared between the deep and shallow canyons under clear, partially cloudy, and cloudy sky conditions. The interior air of the mimic buildings in both canyons showed significant vertical temperature gradients, and the outdoor air temperature in the shallow canyon showed a significant horizontal difference. The wall surfaces in the deep street canyon exhibited a stronger vertical temperature gradient during the daytime. In winter, higher interior air temperature within mimic buildings and slightly lower outdoor air temperature were found in the deep street canyon compared to the shallow one. Sky conditions played an important role in the SEB. The clear sky days showed slightly higher albedo than the cloudy and partially cloudy days. Shallow canyons showed a dominant contribution from the ground heat storage under clear and partially cloudy skies, while the deep canyon showed a similar contribution from the ground, walls, and roof. Lastly, the dependence of storage heat flux on net-all-wave radiation flux was found stronger under clear skies than under partially cloudy skies in all cases and months studied. These results provide an enhanced understanding of indoor and outdoor thermal environment and the data may help to improve numerical simulations under different sky conditions for urban climate studies.

Stochastic models for window opening and air-conditioning usage in mixed-mode offices for a humid subtropical climate in Brazil

The way buildings are operated highly influences energy consumption, and occupants play a significant role in it. However, challenges related to the prediction of occupants’ behavior decrease the potential to accurately predict a building’s energy consumption. Such inaccuracy presents one reason for the gap between measured and simulated energy data. In an effort to bridge this gap, this work aims at creating statistical models to predict occupant behavior, in relation to window and air conditioning operation in mixed-mode office buildings in a humid subtropical climate. The statistical behavioral models developed were based on data collected in an 18-month monitoring campaign conducted in São Carlos, Brazil. Two types of statistical methods were applied: generalized linear mixed and Markov chain models. Model results showed high probabilities of status change in both controls upon arrival and departure. Indoor temperature approximately at 24 °C and outdoor temperature around 23 °C show the lowest probability of either control being activated. In addition, the behavioral patterns presented by the models show an alternating use of the controls, indicating a conscious use of the available equipment.

Is the Pinus massoniana Lamb. Tree-Ring Latewood Formation Influenced by the Diurnal Temperature Range in Humid Subtropical China?

Tree-ring latewood is a key proxy for the reconstruction of climate, especially for temperature. The mechanisms of latewood formation and its responses to climates remain uncertain. Given that the tree-ring latewood of the taproot is absent belowground under conditions of low temperature gradients, we thus hypothesize that low diurnal temperature ranges (DTRs) may be one determining factor for latewood production. To evaluate this hypothesis, we designed experimental investigations by adding heat-protecting layers to the trunks of Pinus massoniana Lamb. to lower DTRs and simulate the environmental conditions underground in the Fuzhou area of humid subtropical China (HSC). We found that a decreased DTR induces a significant decline in latewood cell thickness and a slight reduction in latewood cell number and latewood density. DTRs played an important role in the formation of tree-ring width (TRW) and latewood width (LWW) rather than precipitation. Our study highlighted the effects of DTRs on tree growth and wood anatomical changes and provided a possible explanation for the “divergence problem” in dendroclimatology.

Aspects of openness in Hong Kong coffee shops

Until recently, café and restaurant design in modern Hong Kong has been characterized by closed facades that keep cooled air inside in the hot and humid subtropical climate, and interiors that allow limited visual contact with the street and with the kitchen. A new tendency of openness, however, has appeared in specialty coffee shops that have opened over the last decade. In this article we study this phenomenon, querying its significance in relation to the social dimensions of design trends and ideas about openness. The article is based on field studies of over 80 local specialty coffee shops in Hong Kong from 2020 to 2022 and includes analysis of facade and interior design from participant observation studies, photographs and interviews with store owners focusing on the factors that shape design intentions. Our analysis identifies characteristics of open coffee shop facade and interior design and discusses these in relation to openness as a conceptual paradigm in urban research and design studies. Our findings highlight the significance of international and local trends, social media visual cultures, and sustainability issues as considerations in open facade and interior design.

Long‐term no‐tillage and rye cover crops affect soil biological indicators on Andosols in a humid, subtropical climate

AbstractThe effects of tillage and cover crop management on the physical and chemical properties of soil are well‐documented. However, the responses of soil microbes to long‐term tillage and crop rotation schemes still need clarification. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of different tillage and cover crop systems on soil biological indicators and their interactions in Andosols in a humid subtropical climate in Japan. This study was conducted during a field trial established in 2002. The main factors were tillage systems (no‐tillage [NT] and mouldboard ploughing [MP]); the subplot was winter cover crop treatments (bare fallow [FA] and rye [RY]) succeeding summer soya bean. Soil microbial biomass, community and structure, and soil organic carbon (SOC) stock were assessed, as well as soil respiration in the past 2.5 years. Overall, the NT and RY systems increased the soil respiration and SOC stocks relative to those detected in the MP and FA systems. After being differentiated for 18 years, the tillage systems showed a greater influence on the soil microbial community and biomass than cover crop treatments. These tillage systems significantly altered the bacterial alpha diversity (NT > MP) and soil microbial biomasses (NT > MP) based on soil Adenosine 5′‐triphosphate content, substrate‐induced respiration and ergosterol content. The NT and RY treatments stimulated soil respiration by positively affecting plant residue retention, SOC stocks, bacterial alpha diversity, soil microbial biomass in summer, and the relative abundance of organic matter decomposers, such as Bacteroidetes‐, Basidiomycota‐ and Ascomycota‐related species. These results suggest that the NT and RY systems helped improve the soil microbial properties of Andosols in a humid subtropical climate in Japan. However, their potential vulnerability to SOC sequestration due to elevated soil respiration needs further clarification, especially in the context of global warming.Highlights Soil microbe responses to agricultural measures on Andosols were studied. No‐tillage and rye cover crops stimulated soil respiration. No‐tillage shifted the soil microbial community more than cover crops. No‐tillage improved the soil organic carbon stock and bacterial alpha diversity.

Fruit quality of ‘Gala’ and ‘Fuji’ apples cultivated under different environmental conditions

This study evaluated the effect of growing site environmental conditions on apple fruit quality. Experimental orchards with ‘Gala’ and ‘Fuji’ apple strains were established in the subtropical humid climate in Southern Brazil, between 26° and 28°S, in the growing sites of São Joaquim, Caçador and Vacaria, located 1415, 960, and 971 m, respectively, above sea level. Fruit quality was assessed at harvest and after storage from the 5th through 8th year after planting. At each growing site, ‘Gala’ apples were harvested at one maturity stage and stored in a controlled atmosphere (CA). ‘Fuji’ apples were harvested at two maturity stages, with early harvested fruit stored in air and late harvested fruit stored in CA. For the São Joaquim site compared with those of Caçador and Vacaria, average temperature during the growing season was lower whereas the number of winter chilling hours and the number of days from bloom to harvest were higher. Fruit weight and red skin area were higher and russeting skin index lower in fruit from the coldest site (São Joaquim) for both cultivars. At harvest, flesh firmness and starch index of fruit from the coldest site were higher or the same as those of the warmest sites (Caçador and Vacaria), depending on cultivar and harvest date. The rate of flesh firmness loss during storage was greater in fruit from the coldest growing site for both cultivars and harvest maturities. Titratable acidity (TA) and soluble solids content (SSC) in fruit from the warmest site were higher or the same as the fruit from the coldest site, depending on when fruit analysis were performed. Although ‘Gala’ apples produced in all three growing sites were equally affected by external fungal decay, fruit from the warmest site had the highest incidence of Glomerella cingulata spot. ‘Fuji’ apples produced in the coldest site had the highest length/diameter ratio and watercore index at harvest and developed more CO2 injury and diffuse flesh browning. External fungal decay index for ‘Fuji’ was the same for the three growing sites for fruit harvested at early maturity, but the decay index was higher for fruit from the warmest site when harvested at an advanced maturity. The study shows the influence of environmental conditions on apple fruit growth and development and the need to adjust production and storage practices to achieve high fruit quality based on pre-harvest environment.

Impacts of residential fertilizer ordinances on Florida lacustrine water quality

AbstractDespite the assumption that residential fertilizer ordinances improve regional water quality, their impacts across space and time largely remain unknown. Here, we analyze changes in water quality of lakes throughout the State of Florida from 1987 to 2018, comparing trends in water quality parameters before and after implementation of county‐wide fertilizer ordinances. We used a large dataset of publicly collected water quality data and linear mixed models to analyze ordinance impacts on total nitrogen, total phosphorus, chlorophyll a, and Secchi depth across 160 lakes throughout Florida. We further analyze water quality impacts relative to the type of ordinance (winter fertilizer ban, summer ban, nonseasonal ban, no ban). We found fertilizer ordinances favorably impacted lacustrine water quality, and winter (dry season) fertilizer bans had the greatest effect across all water quality metrics. Results of this study can be used to support the effectiveness of fertilizer ordinances across humid tropical and subtropical climate regions.

Prediction of diffuse solar radiation using machine learning models based on sunshine period and sky‐clearness index for the humid‐subtropical climate of India

AbstractMachine learning (ML) models were developed to estimate monthly average diffuse solar radiation (DSR) with sky‐clearness index and relative sunshine period as inputs for the humid subtropical climate of India. Three categories of ML models were defined, each having six models. The solar radiation data was split into two parts, the “Training dataset” used to develop the models and the “Validation dataset” used to test the models. Model accuracy was investigated as a function of various commonly used statistical pointers. A comparison was made between the ML models and well‐known empirical models from prior research. Global performance indicator was used to rank ML models within each category. The projected values from the ML models and solar radiation data were in reasonable agreement. Thus, DSR can be accurately predicted using ML models in the area under consideration.

Feasibility of staying at home in a net-zero energy house during summer power outages

Energy efficiency in the housing sector is important for achieving carbon neutrality; to achieve this, more net-zero energy houses (ZEHs) are required. ZEHs are considered resilient to power outages. However, the type of living that can be achieved during a power outage is unclear. The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility of staying in a ZEH with thermal comfort without a risk of heat stroke during summer power outages. We created daily schedules and conducted experiments using an actual ZEH assuming a power outage in summer. The experimental house was constructed in the suburbs of Shizuoka (about 110 km west of Tokyo), Japan, which has a humid subtropical climate. The house was equipped with a photovoltaic system of 4.62 kW and a storage battery capacity of 5.6 kWh, which can output up to 2.0 kVA. The results showed that ZEH can provide air conditioning (AC), ventilation, lighting, refrigerator, cell phone charging, televisions, and hot water supply for a 72-hour power outage. However, the use of high-load appliances and the use of bedroom AC during sleeping time caused disruption in the power supply. The use of AC on an independent circuit resulted in a predicted mean vote (PMV) of −0.5 ∼ 0.8, and a wet-bulb globe temperature of approximately 23 °C was achieved. Thus, thermal comfort with a low risk of heat stroke was maintained. Solar shading and window openings were however not considered and further research is needed to evaluate more varied architectural design and behaviors, and to assess the potential for staying at home in a ZEH. Different weather conditions and different occupant assumptions (e.g., elderly) also need to be further studied.

Comparative analysis on indoor and outdoor thermal comfort in transitional seasons and summer based on multiple databases: Lessons learnt from the outdoors

In environments with similar physical parameters, thermal comfort and sensation feelings may differ indoors and outdoors. How indoor and outdoor thermal perception differ from each other remains unclear. This study compared and discussed 29,536 field survey data, including 19,191 sets of indoor data, and 10,345 sets of outdoor data, covering five Köppen climate zones during transitional seasons and summer. Indoor data points were collected from two databases: the ASHRAE Global Thermal Comfort II and the SCATs (Smart Controls and Thermal Comfort), while outdoor data points were collected from the RUROS database (Rediscovering the Urban Realm and Open Spaces) and five individual projects executed in Singapore, Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Changsha, and Tianjin. The concepts of neutral rate (NR) and comfort rate (CR) were developed to help categorize “neutral” and “comfort” across different studies. The results of this study show that people are less sensitive to changes in thermal environment outdoors than indoors. Moreover, thermal comfort cannot be simply treated as thermal neutral, particularly for outdoor spaces. Compared with MM (mixed-mode) and NV (naturally ventilated) spaces, outdoor space does not have the highest NR, but its CR is much higher, with a wide range of SET* (Standard Effective Temperature) corresponding to CR over 80 %, from 15.5 °C to 23.4 °C. In the Cfa (humid subtropical) climate zone, significantly higher CR are recorded for outdoor spaces, although the NR are similar or even lower than those of indoors. Natural thermal resources in the outdoor thermal environment may hold the key to extending indoor comfort ranges.

Geodiversity characterization of the Danxiashan UNESCO Global Geopark of China

The Danxiashan UNESCO Global Geopark (Danxiashan UGGp) is located in Shaoguan, northern Guangdong Province of South China, and was approved as such by the Global Geoparks Network in 2004. It is an ideal site for geodiversity and geoheritage studies as well as a centre for geoeducation owing to its importance in understanding the geodynamics of South China during late Mesozoic and being the most representative danxia landscape (a red beds landscape characterized by well-developed cliffs and developed dominantly on hard conglomerates and sandstones) in the humid subtropical climate of China. The methods of field investigation and literature reviews were applied to document geodiversity characterization of the Danxiashan. The study area is characterized predominately by well-developed Late Cretaceous red beds deposited in alluvial fan and desert environments within a faulted continental basin. The red beds were uplifted during the Himalayan orogenic cycle (ca. 40 Ma to present) and dissected by faulting and jointing to form prominent escarpments and a variety of erosional landforms in tandem with weathering, water erosion and rockfalls. The danxia landscape of Danxiashan is composed of mesas, peaks, cliffs, canyons, rock walls and pillars with dominant bedrock of reddish conglomerates and sandstones. It is designated as the World Heritage ‘China Danxia’ with other five sites in South China owing to its exceptionally beautiful and distinctive landscape as well as diversified geological features and landforms. As one of the earliest and best developed geoparks in China, an assessment and summary of the geodiversity of Danxiashan sets a practical example in formulating long-term strategies in geotourism and geoeducation for geopark development in China and other countries.

Targeting Paleovalley-Related Ferricrete Units in Yilgarn Craton Using High-Resolution Aeromagnetic Data and Spatial Machine Learning

The ferricrete units (Fe oxide cemented colluvial-alluvial sediment) of the Yilgarn Craton in Western Australia formed during the humid tropical and sub-tropical climates of the Cenozoic. Ferricretes are generally developed on long-lived paleodrainage systems and are products of the ferruginisation of detritus provided by the continuous erosion of upslopes. These iron-rich accumulations can become Au-enriched, as is the case in several locations previously discovered in the Yilgarn Craton; many of these host economic secondary gold deposits (e.g., Moolart Well, Mt Gibson, and Bulchina), typically occurring downslope of low saprolite hills and near paleovalleys (i.e., inset-valleys). Inset-valleys are a common paleotopographic feature buried under Quaternary alluvial and colluvial sedimentary cover. Maps of these ancient channel networks can be used as a proxy for targeting ferricrete gold deposits. These inset-valley systems generally form dendritic and noisy patterns in high-resolution aeromagnetic data due to the presence of maghemite-rich nodules and detrital magnetic pisoliths on their flanks. The main aim of this study was to use high-resolution aeromagnetic data to target ferricrete units related to inset-valleys systems across the Yilgarn Craton. A spatial predictive model was used to learn and predict the geological units of interest from pre-processed aeromagnetic data. The predicted inset-valleys systems were able to confine the exploration space and define a new exploration frontier for ferricrete gold deposits.

Consistent diurnal pattern of leaf respiration in the light among contrasting species and climates.

Summary Leaf daytime respiration (leaf respiration in the light, R L) is often assumed to constitute a fixed fraction of leaf dark respiration (R D) (i.e. a fixed light inhibition of respiration (R D)) and vary diurnally due to temperature fluctuations.These assumptions were tested by measuring R L, R D and the light inhibition of R D in the field at a constant temperature using the Kok method. Measurements were conducted diurnally on 21 different species: 13 deciduous, four evergreen and four herbaceous from humid continental and humid subtropical climates. R L and R D showed significant diurnal variations and the diurnal pattern differed in trajectory and magnitude between climates, but not between plant functional types (PFTs). The light inhibition of R D varied diurnally and differed between climates and in trajectory between PFTs.The results highlight the entrainment of leaf daytime respiration to the diurnal cycle and that time of day should be accounted for in studies seeking to examine the environmental and biological drivers of leaf daytime respiration.

Elevated [CO2] raises the temperature optimum of photosynthesis and thus promotes net photosynthesis of winter wheat and rice

AbstractAtmospheric CO2 concentration ([CO2]) has increased by 49% since the pre‐industrial era, and this increase will continue. Photosynthesis has long been recognized as one of the most temperature‐sensitive processes, while far less is known about how elevated [CO2] (e[CO2]) affect crop photosynthesis response to short‐term temperature increase. To reveal the effect, we measured gas exchange of winter wheat and rice with various leaf temperatures (TL) under different [CO2] conditions (ambient, +120 μmol mol−1 in wheat, +160 μmol mol−1 in rice, and +200 μmol mol−1 in both) using open‐top chamber facility. Analysis of the measurements showed that e[CO2] generally increased net photosynthesis (Pn) by 10–40% across various TL at different developmental stages. The temperature sensitivity of Pn was negatively correlated with TL. Elevated [CO2] raised the temperature optimum (Topt) of Pn by 1.8–5.6°C for wheat and 2.2–4.8°C for rice, resulting in a wider range of TL that can promote Pn. The responses of stomatal conductance, the maximum rate of carboxylation and the ratio of intercellular to growth environment [CO2] to Topt are not only crop‐specific but also stage‐dependent. Furthermore, there is a divergence in the relationships between photosynthetic parameters for wheat and rice at Topt. We conclude that e[CO2] raises Topt of leaf photosynthesis and thus promotes Pn of winter wheat and rice in a humid subtropical climate. Further research on the coordination of leaf hydraulic and photosynthetic parameters in upland wheat and irrigated rice, as well as their response to e[CO2] should be made in the context of climate change.

The early Oligocene establishment of modern topography and plant diversity on the southeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau

Quantifying the interactions between topography, climate and plant diversity within one of the world's biodiversity hotspots, the southeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau, remains elusive due to few reliable quantitative paleoelevation reconstructions, precise geological age constraints and well-preserved plant fossils. The Lühe Basin, on the southeastern margin of Tibetan Plateau has yielded abundant plant fossils with a U-Pb age of 33–32 Ma, providing an opportunity to estimate the elevation of this region and plant diversity at that time. Fossil leaf physiognomy was used to reconstruct the paleoclimate and the paleoelevation of the basin was derived from moist enthalpy. The results show that the Lühe Basin, had attained it's present elevation (1.7 ± 0.9 km) by the early Oligocene and, compared to now, experienced a humid subtropical climate with a wetter dry season and lower precipitation seasonality in an overall wetter precipitation regime (1748.5 ± 606 mm). This was accompanied by a greater seasonal range in temperature, although the mean annual temperature (14.9 ± 2.3 °C) was similar to that of today (15.6 °C). Combined with previous studies, we conclude that the appearance of the modern flora across the southeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau had started by the early Oligocene, corresponding with the establishment of modern topography at that time. • The Lühe flora dominated by Fagaceae and Betulaceae is similar to modern vegetation around the fossil locality. • The Lühe Basin had attained its present elevation (1.7 ± 0.9 km) by the early Oligocene. • The topography and modern flora in the SE margin of Tibetan Plateau had been established by the early Oligocene.

Soil physical attributes in an integrated crop-livestock system with pasture managed under different sward canopy heights and different timings of nitrogen application

This study aimed to evaluate the physical attributes of soil in an integrated crop-livestock system with winter pastures managed under different N fertilization timings and canopy heights after winter and the soybean crop. The experimental design used was randomized blocks with the treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement (two canopy heights and two N application timings), with three area replications. The canopy heights were 11 and 24 cm kept by continuous stocking grazing method since May to November (175 days). Fertilization timings as N-pasture fertilization and N-corn fertilization (phase before the winter pasture). Treatments characterized as N fertilization inversion were applied with fertilization timings as N-pasture fertilization and N-corn fertilization (phase before the winter pasture). Soil density, total porosity, and moisture content were evaluated after winter pasture (black oat + annual ryegrass) and after the subsequent summer soybean crop. The sampling spots were georeferenced and analyzed using geostatistics, considering the position in the slope of landscape. Soil physical attributes were not influenced by canopy height nor N fertilization timing (P>0.05). Soil density was reduced by 13.3% (from 1.11 to 0.98 g cm-3), whereas total porosity (from 0.58 to 0.62%) and moisture content (from 32.73 to 35.73%) increased by 6.9% and 9.2% after the soybean crop in relation to the values obtained in the winter pasture. The higher elevation areas had higher moisture content, total porosity, and lower density than the lower elevation areas, regardless of the time of evaluation. Well-drained soils were more resistant to compaction by animal trampling than moderately drained soils. In well-managed integrated crop-livestock systems in humid subtropical climate regions, the surface compaction of clayey soils in winter pastures is light, non-limiting, and disappears after the subsequent summer crop.

Hydrological and Isotopic Variability of Perched Wetlands on North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah), Australia: Implications for Understanding the Effects of Past and Future Climate Change

Over the first two decades of the 21st century, many wetlands in eastern Australia exhibited declining water levels, causing concern for communities and environmental managers and raising questions about the roles of climate change and other human activity in these water level declines. In this context we examine the causes of water level variability in four wetlands on North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah), in the humid subtropics of south-eastern Queensland, Australia, using a combination of hydrological and water isotope monitoring and modelling. North Stradbroke Island has a high concentration of wetlands perched above the regional water table, with cultural and ecological significance, and value for palaeoclimate research. From 2015 to 2019, wetland water depths decreased markedly at all sites, coinciding with increases in oxygen isotope ratios in surface waters. The data indicate that climate, specifically a decrease in precipitation relative to evaporation, was responsible for those declining water levels, and that groundwater extraction did not play a critical role. At two of the sites—both palustrine wetlands—declining surface water levels led to intermittent connectivity with the local perched aquifers. At the other two sites, which are both shallow lakes, the surface waters were constantly fed by perched groundwater. The hydrology of the two lakes was modelled using simple mass balance. However, in order to accurately model lake level change, it was necessary to vary catchment runoff and lake outflow via groundwater through time, highlighting complexity in projecting future hydrological change in these lakes. The long term resilience of these lakes depends on a combination of rainfall regime and the balance between catchment runoff and groundwater throughflow, the future of which is highly uncertain. As a consequence, continued efforts to project future hydroclimate and to model the complex hydrology of subtropical wetlands are essential.

The Use of Enhanced External Counterpulsation in Complex Medical Rehabilitation of Stable Coronary Heart Disease in Patients Permanently Residing in Humid Subtropics

Aim. To study the dynamics of overall tolerance in patients in the early recovery period of ischemic stroke (IS) with mild and moderately severe paresis, to evaluate the effect of aerobic training in this group of patients on exercise tolerance during inpatient treatment as of Compulsory Medical Insurance (CMI). Material and methods. The first group of 30 patients were examined (17 women, 13 men, the average age – 60,6±6,45 years old) during the 4-6 week of IS. Total points of the FIM scale were 118±5,2 /121,8±4,5. The second group- control group consisted of 30 patients with chronic cerebral ischemia (CCI). The following were mainly dominated among the vascular risk factors in both groups of patients: atherosclerosis of brachiocephalic artery of various degrees of severity poorly controlled arterial hypertension, smoking, dyslipidemia. Physical exercise tolerance was assessed by cardiopulmonary testing on a bicycle ergometer using the Quark CPET spiroergometer system from COSMED (Italy). The peak oxygen consumption (VO2 peak), the maximum load performed in metabolic units (MET), the percentage of the proper maximum oxygen consumption (% pred VО2 peak) with constant ECG monitoring, blood pressure during the exercise test were evaluated. Patients with stroke received aerobic training during rehabilitation treatment – 10-12 sessions according to the target indicators. Results and discussion. The minimum required values of VO2 peak to provide an active daily life equals on average 15 -18 ml/min *kg of oxygen. Analysis of the results of our study showed a decrease in the VO2 peak in group 1 of stroke patients to 13.22 ± 3.32 ml/min * kg. The VO2 peak at stroke is only 54.96% ± 12.82 of the proper average values of VO2 and corresponds to 3.73 ± 0.92 MET. The results of the study confirm a very low level of exercise tolerance in the stroke group, which is significantly lower than in the CCI group (VO2 peak is 19.43 ± 4.77 ml/min * kg, which is 83.96 ± 12.93% of the proper average values and corresponds to 5.74 ± 1 .65 MET). The results of the study confirm a very low level of exercise tolerance in the stroke group, which is significantly lower than in the CCI group (VO2 peak is 19.43 ± 4.77 ml/min * kg, which is 83.96 ± 12.93% of the proper average values and corresponds to 5.74 ± 1.65 MET). Cardiopulmonary testing showed the absence of reliable dynamics of VO2 peak (p=0.29) and MET (p= 0.4) at the end of the rehabilitation course. A significant increase in VO2 peak was observed only in some patients who reached a load intensity level of 70% or more of the peak heart rate during training. Later a control study was conducted among 16 patients of the stoke group after 6 months. Cardiopulmonary testing showed the absence of reliable dynamics of the studied parameters in the absence of cardio training ambulatory. Our study of the patients’ with stroke condition in dynamics showed that there was no possibility of spontaneous (without aerobic exercise) restoration of exercise tolerance. Conclusion. In the early recovery period of IS, patients have a persistent long-term decrease of overall tolerance. Aerobic exercises have shown safety and good tolerance in IS rehabilitation programs. Aerobic exercises should be long-term, begin in a hospital and continue during ambulatory treatment. The intensity of training is a key parameter in the adjustment of Aerobic exercises for the patients with IS.

New Assessment of Overall Tolerance in the Rehabilitation of Patients in the Early Recovery Period of Ischemic Stroke

Enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) has taken a worthy place among other methods in the complex treatment and rehabilitation of patients with cardiovascular pathology. Its use in outpatient and sanatorium-clinical practice significantly expands the prospect of treatment and improvement of prognosis in a wide range of patients with multifocal atherosclerosis. Aim. To study the effect of the EECP method in the complex medical rehabilitation of stable forms of coronary heart disease (CHD) in patients permanently residing in the resort city of Sochi. Material and methods. The study included 60 patients with CHD (FC II – 23, FC III – 29, FC IV – 8) living in the resort city of Sochi. Patients were randomized into intervention and control groups, in which there were no significant differences between clinical and anthropometric parameters. All of them received basic drug therapy, a complex of climatotherapeutic non-drug effects and attended the Coronary Club, a public health school for patients with СHD. Additional outpatient courses of EECP were conducted in the form of 35 one-hour sessions daily, 5 days a week, a full course for 7 weeks for each patient of the intervention group on basis. Initially and after the end of the rehabilitation course, the patients of both groups underwent electrocardiography (ECG), bifunctional daily ECG and blood pressure monitoring, Doppler echocardiography, ultrasound duplex scanning of brachycephalic vessels and lower limb vessels, exercise test on cycle ergometer, six-minute walking test, as well as physical activity level determination using IPAQ questionnaire and psychodiagnostic testing. Results and discussion. When comparing the data, patients in the intervention group showed a significant reduction in angina attacks and nitroglycerine use, stabilization of central haemodynamic parameters, increased exercise tolerance and improved subjective “quality of life” indicators. Conclusion. The data obtained confirm the experience accumulated in the world medical practice of the effective clinical impact of the EECP method in the treatment of patients with chronic coronary syndromes in outpatient treatment, including in conditions of humid subtropical climate. Therefore, its inclusion in the programs of complex sanatorium-resort rehabilitation of patients with stable forms of CHD is justified and promising.

Quantifying the influence of 2D and 3D urban morphology on the thermal environment across climatic zones

Urban heat islands (UHIs) exert a substantially negative impact on human health and urban sustainability. The role of two-dimensional (2D) landscape patterns in UHIs are well documented; while the effects and contributions of three-dimensional (3D) urban structures remain unclear, especially across different climatic zones. Here we investigated the relationship between 2D/3D urban morphology and the urban thermal environment in summer and winter during the day and at night in 62 representative large cities across four major climate zones in China. First, we extracted the seasonal surface regional heat island intensity (SRHII) using the MODIS 8-Day land surface temperature product. Subsequently, we constructed 25 2D and five 3D urban features and explored their relative importance and respective roles in UHIs in different climatic contexts. Results show that: (1) significant differences (p < 0.05) exist in SRHII between various climate zones; cities with a humid subtropical climate experience temperatures approximately 2 °C higher during the day in summer compared to those with the other climate types. (2) 3D urban features can effectively improve the interpretation of urban features for SRHII, with an average optimization level of 21%. (3) Urban trees have a higher cooling effect than other green spaces, whereas tall buildings can also reduce the UHI effect. (4) On summer days, equal proportions of tree to building volume provide the greatest cooling effects. This study provides new insights into the effect of 3D urban characteristics on SRHII and has promising implications for climate resilience planning and heat-related risk management