Low Winter Temperatures Research Articles

Drivers of winter indoor temperatures in Swedish dwellings: Investigating the tails of the distribution

Residential indoor climate is a key factor for occupant comfort, health and wellbeing, while also affecting the buildings' energy demand. A strong focus has been traditionally placed on low winter indoor temperatures in dwellings due to their considerable health impacts. However, there is a trend towards high and stable indoor temperatures, which also have significant implications. This paper investigates the drivers of winter indoor temperatures by analysing the following three metrics of measured temperatures in a sample of 1039 Swedish dwellings: a) level, through the sample dwellings’ standardised indoor temperatures at 5 °C outdoor temperature, b) daily variation, through the standard deviation of the indoor temperature and c) shape, using daily indoor temperature profiles derived from cluster analysis. The study explores the association of these metrics to building-, dwelling- and occupant-related parameters. The analysis shows that 80% of the standardised indoor temperatures were above 21 °C, with one third of the latter being above 23 °C, while 82% of dwellings had constant temperatures throughout the day. High winter indoor temperatures were more evident in middle-placed apartments in multi-family buildings connected to district heating and in better insulated single-family houses. High temperatures were also associated with experiencing draft from windows, too warm conditions in winter and difficulty to control the indoor temperature, but not with the overall thermal comfort assessment which was very positive in both the high and low temperature tails. Long-term adaptation effects, established norms and comfort expectations are discussed as important confounding factors in the development of residential indoor temperatures.

Construction and Evaluation of Transfer Function of Marginal Soil Temperature on the South Side of Greenhouse under Different Linings

The marginal soil temperature on the south side of a greenhouse remains at low temperatures in winter for long periods, which affects crop growth and land-use efficiency, it is of great significance to grasp the influencing factors of soil temperature change to improve the marginal soil temperature on the south side of the greenhouse. This study was conducted in at typical greenhouse in the cold and arid area of northern China and used the Grey Relational Analysis (GRA) method, the relational degree between the marginal soil temperature on the south side of the greenhouse and environmental factors under different lining structures was analyzed, and established the soil temperature transfer function. The results show that soil temperature had the greatest correlation with the soil humidity and air humidity inside and outside the greenhouse, and the second greatest correlation was the relation with the air temperature inside and outside the greenhouse and the outdoor soil temperature; the lining structure could effectively reduce the relation between soil temperature and humidity inside and outside the greenhouse. Polystyrene extruded board (PEB) had a greater degree of relational reduction than other lining materials in the test. Through verification analysis, the mean absolute error of soil temperature of 5 cm was less than 0.85 °C, the average absolute error of soil temperature at 15 cm was less than 0.57 °C, and the average absolute error of soil temperature at 25 and 55 cm was less than 0.2 °C. In conclusion, the constructed soil temperature transfer function could be used to predict the variation trend of soil temperature, and the PEB material lining structure had good thermal insulation.

Discussion for transitional material’s compaction construction technique of faced rockfill dam of one hydro-junction project

The transitional material zone was between the cushion material zone and the sandy gravel zone in the Faced Rockfill Dam of one Hydro-junction Project, which was from the C3 material yard with the diameter of less than 150.00 mm. By the in situ compaction tests of transitional material, its construction technique and parameters were obtained. Study showed that: its relative density was satisfied with the designed requirement (no less than 0.90) when it was compacted 8 times by the 26.0t self-propelled vibration roller at the speed of 2.0km/h on the conditions including the 20.0cm layout layer and the 5.0% water sprinkled content. Then there were series of compaction tests under the low temperature in winter. The study results was guided for the compaction construction of transitional material in the dam and was as the reference as the similar engineering.

The Long-Term Presence of SARS-CoV-2 on Cold-Chain Food Packaging Surfaces Indicates a New COVID-19 Winter Outbreak: A Mini Review

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a highly infectious virus that is transmitted primarily through droplets or by coming in close contact with an infected person. In 2020, there was a global outbreak of COVID-19, resulting in an unprecedented global burden of disease, health care costs, and had a significant economic impact. Recently, SARS-CoV-2 was detected on the outer packaging of imported cold chain items in China and has led to virus transmission events, causing great concern. This paper analyses the factors of SARS-CoV-2 survival and transmission in different places and environments, especially the characteristics of low temperatures and object surfaces. It was found that SARS-CoV-2 could survive on surfaces of cold and moist objects in the cold chain for more than 3 weeks, potentially causing COVID-19 transmission. We believe that the low-temperature environment in winter may accelerate the spread of the outbreak and new outbreaks may occur. Overall, SARS-CoV-2 transmission that is susceptible to low winter temperatures is critical for predicting winter pandemics, allowing for the appropriate action to be taken in advance.

Commercial-biological estimation of the <i>Paeonia lactiflora</i> Pall. variety from the genetic collection of the Orenburg branch of the Federal Horticultural Research Centre for Breeding, Agrotechnology and Nursery

Peony lactiflorous (Paeonia lactiflora Pall) is one of the most common ornamental plants in commercial and amateur horticulture. The popularity of this species is explained by its adaptability to low temperatures in winter, high decorative value and the possibility of obtaining new sustainable varieties. This article presents data on 12 promising peony lactiflorous introduced varieties of the ornamental plant genetic collection of the Orenburg branch of the Federal Horticultural Research Centre for Breeding, Agrotechnology and Nursery (FRC of Horticulture) (Akron, Albert Crousse, Betty Groff, Madame Emile Lemoine, Madame de Verneville, Maestro, Ruth Clay, Sarah Bernhardt, Tulagi, Valencia, Waikik, Cruiser Aurora). The research was performed in 2018–2020 using conventional methods. To evaluate the influence of the genotype and climatic factors on the real seed production, the data were statistically processed, including a two-way analysis of variance. Upon evaluating the decorativeness, commercial-biological characteristics, introduced stability, it was established that these varieties are suitable for landscape gardening in the Orenburg region. Considering the set of metrics (high decorative value, phenological resistance, introduced prospects, commercial-biological value, varietal features), the Madame Emile Lemoine (double-flowered shape, diameter of 17 cm) and Akron (Japanese flower shape, diameter of 16 cm) varieties offer the combination of the most favourable characteristics for the steppe zone of the South Urals owing to their distinct flower scent, folious shoots, abundant flowering lasting for 13 days and over 3 flowers in the flower spike. The above varieties are characterised by the greatest real seed production (1,727.33±91.8 and 1,767.56±90.8 seeds/bush, respectively), high decorative value, stable phenophase, adaptivity to the sharply continental climate. Thus, further breeding work is recommended. The described peony lactiflorous varieties are promising and recommended for landscape gardening.

Overwintering mortality of the oak lace bug (Corythucha arcuata) in Hungary – a field survey

Abstract The North American oak lace bug (Corythucha arcuata) was first discovered in Europe (Norhern Italy) in 2000. It started a rapid area expansion in the last decade and has been reported in 20 countries so far. Almost all European oaks are suitable hosts. On top of the host availability, abiotic factors like weather/climate may also have a decisive impact on its further spread and future outbreaks. We conducted a simple field survey within three years, at five locations to estimate the overwintering mortality of the species. Our results suggest that not even a relatively harsh winter (as 2016/2017) caused severe mortality in the overwintering populations. The average mortality of the nine year/location combinations was 30.6% (range 9.1–58.5%). Based on this, the low winter temperature is unlikely to restrict its further spread, therefore continuing area expansion can be predicted.

Research on outdoor thermal comfort of high-density urban center in severe cold area

With high intensity of urban land development and dense population, urban high-density central area has obvious heat island effect, which has a great impact on thermal comfort. Taking Qiulin commercial district, the high-density central area of Harbin as the research object, this paper uses physical measurement and questionnaire survey to evaluate the outdoor thermal comfort. The results show that: (1) In high-density blocks of Harbin, there is a strong correlation between TCV and TSV, which is mainly affected by air temperature and globe temperature. And the correlation is stronger in transition season and winter than in summer; (2) The applicability PET in severe cold area was verified. The logistic regression method was used to obtain the range of neutral PET [12.99 °C, 19.89 °C] and the acceptable PET [5.14 °C, 27.15 °C]. At the same time, the 11-point TSV scale was verified to be accurate in assessing the thermal sensation in severe cold area; (3) Preferred PET in summer and transition season were 24.8 °C and 23.5 °C, respectively. Temperature expectation is the main factor influencing the difference of preferred temperature between cold and hot seasons; (4) Residents in severe cold area have become psychologically adapted to the cold environment due to long-term exposure to cold conditions, so that people are less sensitive to low temperatures in winter. In this situation it is important to have a general understanding of the outdoor thermal comfort in severe cold regions, which can guide planners to a better urban design.

Continuous insulation strategy of organic waste composting in cold region: Based on cold-adapted consortium

Compost is a self-heating process for organic waste. Microbes are the main executors in composting process. However, due to low temperature in winter and low efficiency of composting, a lot of heat is lost in composting. In this study, taking-out and feed-batch composting method (TFC) can supplement nutrition and improve composting microenvironment. Compared with NC, the amount of carbohydrates, protein and fat decomposed by TFC increase by 56.8%, 237% and 122%, respectively, in the composting start-up period (0–100 h). Structure and function of microbial community have changed due to stimulation of cold-adapted consortium. In addition, this study shows that core bacteria stimulate cooperation among different bacteria in the organic components metabolism networks. Finally, based on the important role of cold-adapted consortium, the sustainable heating strategy of composting system is put forward, which converts organic wastes into released heat for daily heating and hot water preparation, leading role of cold-adapted consortium.

Dynamic Changes in Endogenous Hormones in Terminal Buds from Different Crown Positions in Sequoia sempervirens (Lamb.) Endl

Endogenous hormones can improve plant resistance and regulate growth and development. To obtain the basis of chemical control technology for improving Sequoia sempervirens resistance in Xuzhou, China, the current study probed the dynamic changes of endogenous hormones in terminal buds from different crown positions in S. sempervirens. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure changes in the contents of endogenous hormones in terminal buds from the upper, middle, and lower lateral branches. The results were as follows: Indole acetic acid (IAA) in all terminal positions had a similar change trend of “rise–drop–rise.” Gibberellic acid (GA) in the upper and middle terminal buds showed similar trends of “drop–rise,” but GA in the lower lateral branches presented a “rise–drop” trend. Zeatin–riboside (ZR) in all terminal positions had similar change trends of “drop–rise.” Abscisic acid (ABA) in all terminal positions had similar change trends of “drop–rise–drop.” the trend of (IAA + GA + ZR)/ABA in all terminal positions was the same as that of IAA. Our results confirmed that, in autumn, the high content and ratio of stimulatory endogenous hormones in the terminal bud of S. sempervirens induced the terminal bud cells to continue to divide and grow, and the new branches could not be fully lignified and deeply dormant before the onset of low temperatures in winter, which led to a decrease in cold resistance and even the death of the terminal buds.

Potential changes in the distribution of Delphinium bolosii and related taxa of the series Fissa from the Iberian Peninsula under future climate change scenarios

A particular threat posed by climate change for biodiversity conservation, one which has scarcely been studied, is the overlap of the potential distribution areas in phylogenetically closely related species. In this study, Species Distribution Modelling (SDM) was used to investigate the potential changes in the distribution of Delphinium bolosii and D. fissum subsp. sordidum under future climatic scenarios. These two closely related and endangered endemic species from the Iberian Peninsula do not have complete reproductive barriers between them. The two models selected different predictors with a similar effect in the biological cycle. Both taxa need low winter temperatures to break seed dormancy and sufficient rainfall to complete the flowering and fruiting stages. The current potential distribution areas of both taxa do not currently overlap. However, the results showed that potential changes may take place in the species’ distribution range under future climate scenarios. The models predict a reduction of the potential distribution area of D. bolosii while, conversely, the potential distribution area of D. fissum subsp. sordidum increased. In both cases, the predicted contraction in range is very high, and loss of habitat suitability in some current localities is worrying. Notwithstanding, the models do not predict overlaps of potential areas under climate change scenarios. Our findings can be used to define areas and populations of high priority for conservation or to take action against the impacts of climate change on these endangered species.

Cold tolerance of laboratory-reared Asian longhorned beetles

Low winter temperatures in temperate climates can limit the success of non-native species. The Asian longhorned beetle, Anoplophora glabripennis, is an invasive wood-boring pest of hardwood trees in North America and Europe. Native A. glabripennis populations are spread across several climate zones in China and the Korean Peninsula and are likely to encounter low temperatures in at least some of this range. Understanding the lethal limits of the overwintering life stages of A. glabripennis is essential for accurately modeling the risk that invasive populations pose to non-native environments. In this study, we provide the first systematic characterization of the cold tolerance strategy and lower lethal limits of A. glabripennis eggs, larvae, and pupae. In diapausing larvae, the most common overwintering stage in this species, we measure hemolymph glycerol and osmolality and identify the effects of prolonged low temperature exposure. In developing pupae, we identify sublethal effects caused by low temperature exposure before freezing. Eggs and larvae were the most cold-tolerant life stages; eggs were freeze-avoidant with an average supercooling point of −25.8 °C and larvae were freeze tolerant with an LT90 of −25 °C. Hemolymph osmolality of freeze-tolerant larvae, on average, increased to 811 mOsm during chilling. This increase was primarily driven by a concurrent, average increase of 232 mM hemolymph glycerol. Pupae died upon exposure to freezing temperatures, but accumulate strong sublethal effects prior to freezing, indicating that they are chill susceptible. Taken together, these data will be useful to inform species distribution modeling in A. glabripennis.

Developmental stage variation inSpodoptera frugiperda(Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) low temperature tolerance: implications for overwintering

AbstractThe fall armyworm (FAW),Spodoptera frugiperda(Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a very destructive polyphagous insect pest of cereal crops accounting for up to 100% yield losses. To survive winter low temperatures in the Americas, adults FAW are known to migrate south for warmer climates and then re‐invade northern USA and Canada the following summer. Since its African invasion, no studies have looked at its overwintering biology. Specifically, there is no information onin situontogenetic low temperature tolerance, despite its significance in explaining overwintering survival. Here, we thus investigated low temperature tolerance of FAW larvae (3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th) and adults from field populations through assessing basal stress tolerance (critical thermal minima [CTmin], supercooling point [SCP] and chill coma recovery time [CCRT]) and plasticity using standardized protocols. Our results showed significant life stage effects on low temperature tolerance, although all were chill‐susceptible. Adults had lower CTminand CCRT than larvae (higher cold tolerance). However, early instar larvae had significantly depressed SCPs than later instars and adults. All larval instars tested showed no plastic responses to CTmin, while for adults, cold hardening appeared to come at a cost of CTmin. These results suggest ontogenetic differences inS. frugiperdacold hardiness albeit all are susceptible to chilling. Second, the absence or cost of hardening confirms FAW's maladaptation to low temperatures. However, Botswana microclimate records show that severe low temperature stress is limited, and thus,in situoverwintering is possible. These results are important in developing informed pest management options for effective management of FAW in Africa.

Compressibility characteristics of TDA from OTR (off-the-road) tires: A numerical approach

This paper aims to use the discrete element method (DEM) to study the performance of discarded off-the-road (OTR) tire chips under compression. The results of small-scale laboratory tests were used to calibrate a model built in PFC3D. This model was validated using the results of a large-scale laboratory experiment. The results show that the discrepancy between the calculated strain and the strain measured in the laboratory was 1.94%. Furthermore, the calculated elastic modulus was 0.11 MPa lower than the elastic modulus determined in laboratory measurements. A sensitivity analysis done on the parameters included in the simulation indicated that Poisson’s ratio and the local damping ratio had a significant impact on the simulation results, whereas the loading rate, particle size and scale effect of the loading cylinder had a limited effect on the simulation results. The compressibility characteristics of OTR tire chips in the field embankment were simulated using a cuboid filled with the same size clumps as the TDA chips used in laboratory tests, and the simulation results were compared with available information. The results indicated that the parameters calibrated based on the small-scale laboratory tests can be used to predict the deformation of OTR tire chips in the field. The discrepancy between the calculation and field measurements for strain was 1%. Due to the extremely low winter temperatures in Edmonton (as low as −40 °C), the impact of temperature on the mechanical properties of OTR tire chips was also considered by varying the values of elastic modulus used in the simulation. The results show that the tire chip embankment had a larger strain in summer than in winter as a result of the high elastic modulus in warmer temperatures; however, the difference between the summer and winter strain values is only 0.4%. This paper presents valuable results on the deformation characteristics of OTR tire chips, using a combination of field measurements and laboratory measurements, and exploring the impact of temperature on the deformation of OTR chips using a numerical approach.

Low-temperature acclimation and legacy effects of summer water deficits in olive freezing resistance.

Low temperatures and drought are the main environmental factors affecting plant growth and productivity across most of the terrestrial biomes. The objective of this study was to analyze the effects of water deficits before the onset of low temperatures in winter to enhance freezing resistance in olive trees. The study was carried out near the coast of Chubut, Argentina. Plants of five olive cultivars were grown outdoor in pots and exposed to different water deficit treatments. We assessed leaf water relations, ice nucleation temperature (INT), cell damage (LT50), plant growth and leaf nitrogen content during summer and winter in all cultivars and across water deficit treatments. Leaf INT and LT50 decreased significantly from summer to winter within each cultivar and between treatments. We observed a trade-off between resources allocation to freezing resistance and vegetative growth, such that an improvement in resistance to sub-zero temperatures was associated with lower growth in tree height. Water deficit applied during summer increased the amount of osmotically active solutes and decreased the leaf water potentials. This type of legacy effect persists during the winter after the water deficit even when treatment was removed by natural rainfalls.

The importance of thermoperiod for proper gametogenesis and successful egg and sperm production in meagre (Argyrosomus regius) breeders in aquaculture

We examined the effect of constant water temperature throughout the year on gametogenesis, spawning success and egg/sperm/embryo quality in meagre (Argyrosomus regius). Two broodstocks were exposed to simulated natural photoperiod, andeither attenuated seasonal water temperature (SeasT, 16.4 to 19.6ºC) or relatively constant water temperature (CoT, 19.4 ± 0.6ºC).In the spawning period (May), 4 couples per group were induced to spawn with gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa). Gonadal stage of development, sperm quality parameters and plasma levels of sex steroids were evaluated prior to the GnRHa treatment. Spawning success and egg/sperm quality were examined over the following 4 weeks. Constant temperature did not prevent gametogenesis, but exposure to attenuated seasonal water temperature with the inclusion of winter low temperature was beneficial to both sexes. The mean (±SD) diameter of the largest vitellogenic oocytes prior to GnRHa administration was significantly higher in the SeasT compared to the CoT group (598 ± 27 vs 520 ± 17 μm). Testosterone plasma levels in the females were significantly higher in the SeasT group, but all other hormones were similar in both sexes. SeasT females spawned more consistently with higher relative fecundity, and 24-h embryo survival of the produced eggs. A more pronounced negative effect of constant water temperature was observed in males, since CoT males exhibited a spermiation index of 0 prior to GnRHa treatment, the latter clearly having a beneficial effect over the following 4 weeks. The study demonstrated that meagre do undergo gametogenesis to a significant extent even under constant water temperatures during the year. However, a seasonal thermal regime -even an attenuated one- was necessary for the proper development of the gametes, allowing for the successful spawning induction using the established GnRHa induction protocol.

Comparative Tissue Responses of Marine Mollusks on Seasonal Changes in the Northern Adriatic Sea

In the shallow Northern Adriatic, marine mollusks are affected by bottom trawling and seafood disturbance. Seasonal oscillations of oceanographic factors additionally influence their physiology, stress responses and survival. Tissue responses to seasonal variations in green ormer (Haliotis tuberculata L.) and Mediterranean scallop (Pecten jacobaeus L.) in the Northern Adriatic have not been reported. Hence, their biochemical and antioxidant defense properties over seasons were studied and the microanatomical structure of their tissue was correlated with function. Histological analysis of gonads revealed two peaks of gonadal maturation and spawning during the spring/summer period and winter season for scallops, and one peak during the fall for ormers. The gonadal maturation of both species was correlated with their seasonal variations of metabolic demands and antioxidant capacity. The lipid vacuoles of tubuloacinar terminations in the digestive gland differed between the two species; in scallop they are several-fold larger in size and number. Low temperatures in winter contributed to a decline in enzymatic antioxidant defense in scallop tissues, having lower superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, and higher concentrations of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and total antioxidant status (TAS). In ormers, winter induced lower TAS, TBARS, SOD and GPx concentrations. The significant difference of winter TAS and TBARS levels between ormers and scallops was correlated with variations in their reproductive cycles, as well as in antioxidant defense systems. The most important factor for stress-related parameters for both species in this work was found to be the season-induced temperature change.

Food and initial size influence overwinter survival and condition of a juvenile marine fish (age-0 Atlantic cod)

In subarctic Newfoundland, age-0 Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) settle into coastal habitats in several summer–autumn pulses, resulting in broad length-frequency distributions before winter. Low winter temperatures and potential decreases in food availability pose challenges for young-of-year fish. To examine how size variation affects overwintering success under contrasting food scenarios, we conducted 114-day laboratory feeding trials at ambient overwinter sea temperatures, using demersal age-0 cod collected from Newman Sound, Newfoundland. We reared two size classes of juvenile cod under four daily ration levels (starvation, low, medium, high). We used Fulton’s K condition factor to interpret effects of food availability and fish size on survival over winter. We showed that small amounts of consumed food (<1% BW·day−1) maximized winter growth and condition potential of juvenile cod in Newfoundland waters. With no food, survival of small cod dropped below 80% on Day 47, whereas survival of large juveniles remained >80% until Day 74. Therefore, we expect higher survival of earlier settlers and increased size-selective mortality in age-0 cod during either unproductive or protracted winters, when food abundance is often low.

Tundra Type Drives Distinct Trajectories of Functional and Taxonomic Composition of Arctic Fungal Communities in Response to Climate Change - Results From Long-Term Experimental Summer Warming and Increased Snow Depth.

The arctic tundra is undergoing climate-driven changes and there are serious concerns related to the future of arctic biodiversity and altered ecological processes under possible climate change scenarios. Arctic land surface temperatures and precipitation are predicted to increase further, likely causing major transformation in terrestrial ecosystems. As a response to increasing temperatures, shifts in vegetation and soil fungal communities have already been observed. Little is known, however, how long-term experimental warming coupled with increased snow depth influence the trajectories of soil fungal communities in different tundra types. We compared edaphic variables and fungal community composition in experimental plots simulating the expected increase in summer warming and winter snow depth, based on DNA metabarcoding data. Fungal communities in the sampled dry and moist acidic tundra communities differed greatly, with tundra type explaining ca. one-third of compositional variation. Furthermore, dry and moist tundra appear to have different trajectories in response to climate change. Specifically, while both warming and increased snow depth had significant effects on fungal community composition and edaphic variables in dry tundra, the effect of increased snow was greater. However, in moist tundra, fungal communities mainly were affected by summer warming, while increased snow depth had a smaller effect and only on some functional groups. In dry tundra, microorganisms generally are limited by moisture in the summer and extremely low temperatures in winter, which is in agreement with the stronger effect of increased snow depth relative to warming. On the contrary, moist tundra soils generally are saturated with water, remain cold year-round and show relatively small seasonal fluctuations in temperature. The greater observed effect of warming on fungi in moist tundra may be explained by the narrower temperature optimum compared to those in dry tundra.

Shivering in the Pleistocene. Human adaptations to cold exposure in Western Europe from MIS 14 to MIS 11

During the mid-Middle Pleistocene MIS 14 to MIS 11, humans spread through Western Europe from the Mediterranean peninsulas to the sub-Arctic region, and they did so not only during the warm periods but also during the glacial stages. In doing so, they were exposed to harsh environmental conditions, including low or extremely low temperatures. Here we review the distribution of archeological assemblages in Western Europe from MIS 14 to MIS 11 and obtain estimates of the climatic conditions at those localities. Estimates of the mean annual temperature, mean winter and summer temperatures, and the lowest temperature of the coldest month for each locality were obtained from the Oscillayers database. Our results show that hominins endured cold exposure not only during the glacial stages but also during the interglacials, with winter temperatures below 0 °C at many localities. The efficacy of the main physiological and behavioral adaptations that might have been used by the Middle Pleistocene hominins to cope with low temperatures is evaluated using a simple heat-loss model. Our results suggest that physiological and anatomical adaptations alone, such as increasing basal metabolic rate and subcutaneous adipose tissue, were not enough to tolerate the low winter temperatures of Western Europe, even during the MIS 13 and MIS 11 interglacials. In contrast, the use of a simple fur bed cover appears to have been an extremely effective response to low temperatures. We suggest that advanced fire production and control technology were not necessary for the colonization of northern Europe during MIS 14 and MIS 12. We propose that Middle Pleistocene European populations were able to endure the low temperatures of those glacial stages combining anatomical and physiological adaptations with behavioral responses, such as the use of shelter and simple fur clothes.

Sugarcane Breeding and Supporting Genetics Research in Japan

In Japan, sugarcane cultivation is limited to its Southwest Islands, at the southernmost end of the Japanese Archipelago. These islands have a mostly subtropical climate, but the natural environmental conditions are harsh for sugarcane cultivation because of frequent typhoons, droughts in summer, poor soil fertility, and low temperatures in winter. Although the sugarcane industry has played an essential role in food security in Japan and the local economy of the Southwest Islands, cane production, production area, average unit yields, and number of farmers involved have been decreasing in recent years due to aging farmers, relatively slow mechanization, and adverse natural conditions. To maintain and develop the sugarcane industry and its sustainability, a network of sugarcane researchers is engaged in collaborative efforts to improve sugarcane production in the region. This paper briefly reviews the history and current status of sugarcane production and breeding in Japan, challenges the research teams are addressing, and the methodological approaches applied, including introgression-based, biotechnological, and molecular genetic breeding techniques.