Microclimatic Conditions Research Articles

A Framework for Multi-Objective Optimization in Energy Retrofit of Heritage Museums: Enhancing Preservation, Comfort, and Conservation Conditions

Energy rehabilitation of heritage buildings used as museums presents unique challenges, as it must balance the preservation of cultural heritage with achieving comfortable indoor conditions for visitors and staff. These objectives often conflict, requiring innovative approaches. We propose a methodology that uses dynamical simulation with EnergyPlus and multi-objective optimization with jEPlus + EA software to reduce energy consumption and maximize comfort while maintaining architectural integrity and conservation conditions evaluated by a quantitative analysis based on the European Standards. The framework also includes monitoring microclimate conditions and assessing the risk levels of the exposed collections. A case study in Salta City, Argentina—a historical building repurposed as a museum—illustrates this approach. Results show improved energy performance and comfort conditions for visitors, with an annual energy requirement of about 36% of the original requirement (16.4 kWh/m2 versus 45 kWh/m2) and a decrease of about 32% in the discomfort hours (from 5362 h to 3643 h). Additionally, conservation conditions improved, achieving a more stable microclimate for air temperature and relative humidity. The framework proved useful for evaluating retrofit solutions that enhance the building’s energy performance and comfort without compromising the conservation conditions of the exhibited collections.

Microclimatic variation regulates seed germination phenology in alpine plant communities

Abstract For most terrestrial plants, regeneration depends on the ability of seeds to germinate in the most favourable climatic conditions. Understanding seed germination phenology is thus crucial for predicting plant responses to environmental changes. However, a substantial gap persists regarding how microclimatic conditions influence germination in seasonal ecosystems. Here, we investigate the germination phenology of alpine plants in snow‐related microclimates as a tool for predicting the resilience of plant communities to climate change. We conducted a continuous seasonal experiment with fresh seeds to investigate germination phenology in 54 co‐occurring species from temperate and Mediterranean alpine communities. Using long‐term field microclimatic data series, we precisely mimicked two contrasting microclimatic regimes in growth chambers: (1) windy exposed edges with a snow‐free period in winter and warmer temperatures in summer (‘fellfield’) and (2) sheltered areas with lengthy snow cover and cooler temperatures (‘snowbed’). We validated the laboratory results with field sowing experiments to provide a complete picture of germination phenology. The analysis of phenology traits demonstrated that both communities displayed similar responses to microclimatic variation. Small microclimatic differences of 2–3°C a week, accumulated across a whole year in the laboratory, resulted in a quantifiable germination phenology delay in snowbed regime, with an average of 60 and 45 days for temperate and Mediterranean alpine respectively. The results from climatic chambers under realistic microclimatic regimes were consistent with the germination phenology registered from field experiments. We also observed macroclimatic effects manifested as reduced dormancy and increased autumn germination in Mediterranean alpine species. Synthesis. This study combines novel laboratory and field experimentation to tackle the understudied topic of germination phenology in habitats with sharp microclimatic gradients. Specifically, our findings suggest a predictable phenological shift in the germination of alpine plants along microclimatic gradients. In warmer conditions with reduced snow cover, alpine species are expected to advance germination 52 days on average, with potential disrupting effects on cold‐adapted species with strict germination requirements. This highlights the role of germination phenology to determine plant‐environmental relationships in mid‐latitude ecosystems, with strong impact on plant establishment and extinction risks under local microclimatic gradients.

BASS - Biodiversity Assessments at Small Scales

Much of the work developed on biodiversity dynamics due to climate change focuses on large scales. Yet, we know that small scale is critical to fully understand biodiversity change, particularly for plants and small or less mobile organisms which might seek refuge in sites that keep specific microclimatic and biotic conditions dampening the effects of large-scale changes. The project BASS - Biodiversity Assessment at Small Scales - aims to explore the intricate relationships between small-scale environmental variations in space and time and biodiversity patterns. Central to our study is researching how microclimatic conditions, such as potential solar radiation, influence species occurrence, abundance, community composition and biotic interactions within a Mediterranean context. Our objectives include gaining a deeper understanding of the effects of localised environmental conditions and their change in time on biodiversity, providing critical data for an under-researched Mediterranean Biodiversity Hotspot region, and examining the dynamics of small-sized species, particularly plants and invertebrates. We have established a network of 16 fixed sampling points across the Lisbon University field station - Herdade da Ribeira Abaixo (HRA), Grândola (South Portugal): eight with high and eight with low potential solar radiation. Each of these plots will serve as a 'mesocosm' for detailed ecological studies in the next decades. This framework will support a variety of research projects each focusing on different taxa and questions, including Masters' theses, PhD dissertations and independent studies, thereby fostering a collaborative research environment. By integrating previously collected data during the last three decades with new findings, we aim to offer valuable insights into the processes underlying ecosystem functioning and change at small spatial scales. This project not only addresses fundamental ecological questions, but also contributes to sustainable landscape management and biodiversity conservation efforts.

The morphological variability and photosynthetic activity of the epigeic mosses in the forest ecosystems depending on the ecological locality conditions

The peculiarities of morphological variability and photosynthetic activity of the dominant epigeic mosses Polytrichastrum formosum, Plagiomnium affine and Atrichum undulatum depending on microclimatic conditions and the degree of anthropogenic changes in forest ecosystems were investigated. The morphological variability of mossy turfs in different ecological conditions of forest ecosystems was established, in particular, the influence of the level of humidity and the intensity of light on the morphometric parameters of mosses was revealed. The shoots and leaves of the studied mosses from the felling area were smaller and the density of turfs was higher compared to other localities. It was determined that a decrease in shoot height, leaf size, increase in leafiness and shoot density contributed to the preservation of water balance within the moss turf and the upper layer of the substrate. The dependence of the photosynthetic intensity of the leaves of dominant mosses on the moisture content of their turf and topsoil in the experimental plots of forest ecosystems was revealed. Changes in the functioning of the pigment system not only determined the photosynthetic activity of mosses in different localities, but also served as markers of their resistance to environmental conditions. The lowest intensity of CO2 assimilation was determined in the gametophyte of mosses in areas with recreational load. Probably, higher light intensity led to a violation of the water and temperature regime of plants, and thus to a decrease in their photosynthetic activity.

Influence of Household Roof Types on the Development of Plasmodium vivax in Anopheles stephensi Mosquitoes.

Urbanization and microclimate variation in cities can influence mosquito behavior and parasite development, thus affecting malaria transmission. This study investigates how the impact of microclimate variations due to household roof types can aid in the survival of Anopheles stephensi and the development of Plasmodium vivax in an urban slum setting. Understanding these vital environmental interactions is essential for devising effective control strategies to achieve malaria elimination. Anopheles stephensi (F1) mosquitoes were membrane-fed with blood collected from P. vivax-infected patients before (day 0) and during (day 1) antimalarial treatment. The parasite development and mosquito survival were monitored in simulated microclimatic conditions of a variety of household roof types (thatched, asbestos, tiled) against standard laboratory conditions. Mosquito dissections were undertaken to detect oocysts and sporozoites in An. stephensi mosquitoes (oocyst: day 3-5, sporozoites: day 7-11). The maximum number of oocysts were detected in infected mosquitoes in thatched-roof conditions, whereas the largest oocyst was in the asbestos roof type. Circumsporozoite-ELISA results indicated the presence of sporozoites in infected mosquitoes for up to 29 days under standard conditions, 18 days in thatched-roof and asbestos roof conditions, and 14 days in tiled conditions. The univariate binary logistic regression model indicated a significant influence of microclimatic conditions of thatched roofs on parasite development. The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed that the median survival of P. vivax-infected An. stephensi in thatched-roof conditions was 14 days, followed by asbestos (11 days) and tiled (10 days) roof conditions. In conclusion, thatched-roof houses were favorable for the development and survival of P. vivax-infected An. stephensi.

Floor position in multitier broiler closed houses and its impact on microclimatic, air quality and litter conditions

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of floor position in a multitier closed house on microcli-matic air quality and litter conditions. Fourteen thousand and five hundred unsexed Ross broiler chick-ens with a DOC body weight of 45.84 ± 2.40 g were placed on each floor of a three-tier closed house and allocated to a randomized block design consisted of 3 treatments and 18 replications. Each floor measured 12x78x2 m3. The maintenance procedure was applied according to the integrated partnership company guidelines PT Tumbuh Optimal Prima, with an observation period of 28 days. The treatments applied were as follows: T1= placement of broiler chickens on the 1st floor, T2= placement of broiler chickens on the 2nd floor, and T3= placement of broiler chickens on the 3rd floor. Microclimate condi-tions (temperature, RH, wind speed, temperature humidity index, wind chill effect, and calculated real feel temperature) and air quality parameters (NH3, CO2, O2, TVOC, and HCHO) were measured daily on each floor. Litter conditions, included water content, litter temperature, NH3 content, pH, and caking were measured weekly. The results revealed that during the starter phase (weeks 1–2), the microclimat-ic conditions and air quality of the 3rd floor were significantly better (P<0.05) than those of the 1st floor and 2nd floor, a trend was continued during weeks 3–4. Notably, the results obtained on the 1st and 2nd floors were still within the normal range for the broiler thermoneutral zone. Conversely, the 3rd floor litter was generally poorer, with significantly higher (P<0.05) moisture content, temperature, and cak-ing than the lower floors, particularly in weeks 3–4. However, broiler placement on different floors did not significantly affect the litter pH (P>0.05). In conclusion, the microclimatic conditions and air quali-ty of the 3rd floor were generally superior to those of the lower floors over the 4-week rearing period, whereas the litter quality was inferior.

Phenological multivariance of Betula pendula Roth in an anthropogenically transformed environment

Abstract The article presents the results of long-term biomonitoring based on the phenology of the arboreal species Betula pendula of the city of Yoshkar-Ola, Russia. The phenological multivariance of B. pendula was studied for the first time at different stages of the ontogenesis of the generative period, in the gradient of atmospheric air pollution by industrial and automotive toxicants. The rhythm of seasonal development of B. pendula depends on both individual and age characteristics, as well as on the influence of conditions of a specific urban microclimate and environmental pollution. Middle-aged generative individuals of B. pendula are characterized by earlier periods of the onset of phenophases, rapid leaf unfolding, prolonged flowering, yellowing of leaves and, in general, the growing season, compared with young and old generative trees. The asynchrony of seasonal development is characteristic mainly for trees located in the zone of medium pollution. Under conditions of a specific microclimate and air pollution, heterogeneity within ontogenetic groups B. pendula increases. The adaptation of B. pendula individuals to adverse weather factors and urban conditions is determined by the diversity of phenorhythmogroups in the generative period of ontogenesis.

Analysis of Urban Forest Distribution in Makassar City and its Effects on Microclimate Conditions and Thermal Comfort in the Surrounding Area

Analysis of Urban Forest Distribution in Makassar City and its Effects on Microclimate Conditions and Thermal Comfort in the Surrounding Area

Dryland fungi are spatially heterogeneous and resistant to global change drivers

AbstractFungi are considered particularly important in regulating the structure and function of dryland ecosystems, yet the response of dryland fungal communities to global change remains notably understudied. Without a clear understanding of how fungi respond to global change drivers, mitigation plans—required for biodiversity and ecosystem service conservation and restoration—are impossible to develop. In this study, we asked the following: (1) How does the fungal community respond to the individual and interactive effects of physical disturbance and drought in a heterogeneous dryland landscape comprised of drought‐adapted shrubs separated by adjacent open areas of soil? (2) What are the larger scale impacts of this response? We assessed fungal communities (using fungal‐specific DNA metabarcoding analyses) of surface soil samples in an in situ global change experiment that included disturbance and drought in a full factorial design in the northern extent of the Chihuahuan Desert. We found that the fungal community was spatially heterogenous and remarkably resistant to disturbance and drought. We also show that dryland soils harbor high shares of facultative pathogenic and obligately pathogenic fungal taxa, with several concerning taxa reaching high relative abundances under drought. Our results suggest that the fungal community is highly influenced by microclimatic conditions associated with the presence or absence of vegetation. Moreover, our results imply that the fungal community in our experiment was already adapted to the magnitude of stress imposed by two years of experimental disturbance and drought treatments. Overall, our study shows that the fungal community is spatially heterogeneous and resistant to global change drivers and houses many fungal species known for being stress tolerant and pathogenic.

Effect of Thermo-Insulated Kid Barrel on Behavioral, Physiological Responses, and Morphometric Growth Performance of Winter-Born Black Bengal Goat Kids during Pre- and Post-Weaning Periods

ABSTRACT This study assessed the effect of a thermo-insulated kid barrel (KB) on the behavioral, physiological, and morphometric growth performance of winter-born Black Bengal goat kids. Two groups were studied: one group was housed in a goat shed without a thermo-insulated kid barrel (control group), while the other group was housed in a shed with a thermo-insulated kid barrel (kid barrel group). Each group consisted of six kids along with their mothers. Due to the lack of independent replication, the results are presented descriptively. During the winter, microclimatic conditions inside the KB were consistently warmer than those in the goat shed. Kids in the kid barrel group spent 60% of their time inside the KB during the pre-weaning period. Morphometric traits of the kids were better in the kid barrel group compared to the control group during both pre- and post-weaning periods. Additionally, post-weaning feed intake was higher in the kid barrel group. In conclusion, providing a thermo-insulated kid barrel as an ancillary housing structure during winter improved the overall performance of goat kids..

Thousands of Years of Pastoralism Don’t Count: Coprophagous Beetles Prefer Exotic Alpaca Dung to That of Cattle

Dung beetles mostly feed on mammal dung. Throughout the European Alps, the dung produced by local domestic ungulates attracts many species of dung beetles, giving rise to rich and diversified communities that play an important role in the Alpine agricultural ecosystem. There is, therefore, understandable concern about the introduction of exotic livestock, such as alpacas (Vicugna pacos (Linnaeus, 1758)), into the region. This research studied dung beetle assemblages in an Alpine valley where both cattle and alpacas are raised. We used standardized pitfall traps baited with alpaca or cow dung along altitudinal transects to assess the “attractiveness” of the two resources to dung beetles. Most species entered both trap types. The average number of species per trap did not vary significantly and the nMDS trap ordination largely overlapped, but the total number of individuals and the average number of individuals per trap were higher in traps baited with alpaca dung. This difference was largely due to the preference of the dominant species Euheptaulacus carinatus (Germar, 1824) for alpaca dung-baited traps. Moreover, both the abundance and specific richness changed with altitude, being greatest in alpaca traps during July at intermediate altitudes. IndVal analyses showed that eight out of nine species (all Aphodiinae) showed a preference for alpaca traps. Since the microclimatic conditions (i.e., temperature) of the two trap types were virtually the same, it is reasonable to consider trophic preferences as the source of the observed differences. Finally, we also sampled the beetles present in the alpaca latrines and cow dung pats deposited on pastures, providing confirmation that dung beetles do indeed visit the dung of both species. Our results emphasize the usefulness of polyphagia and the trophic flexibility of dung beetles, providing evidence that the long history of pastoralism in the Alps has not led local species to adapt to the dung of domestic ungulates. The results also suggest that alpaca breeding could be a sustainable activity since, thanks to the work of dung beetles which feed upon and move the dung into their tunnels (as occurs with cattle dung), there is less need for farmers to remove the dung from pastures.

Chemical fractions of potassium in arid region calcareous soils: The impact of microclimates and physiographic variability.

Factors such as topography, mineralogy, physicochemical properties, and climate can affect the distribution of soil potassium (K) forms. However, often the special effects of physiographic units are neglected. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the factors controlling the distribution of chemical fractions of K in different physiographic units of calcareous soils (piedmont plain, flood plain, alluvial plain, lowland, badland, and plateau) in southern Iran. The XRD analyzing patterns showed that the distribution of K forms is controlled by K-bearing minerals (i.e., illite) in finer particles of the soils. Physiographic units significantly affect the distribution of K forms due to different microclimates (such as soluble, exchangeable, and non-exchangeable). In addition, different correlations between the K forms and some physicochemical properties of the soils such as soil texture (i.e., silt (r = 0.511** to 0.527**) and sand (r = -0.357* to -0.389*)), electrical conductivity (EC) (r = 0.617** to 0.723**), sodium absorption ratio (SAR) (r = 0.478** to 0.577**), pH (r = 0.347* to 0.519**), and gypsum (r = 0.372* to 0.475**) were found in soils of the study area. It is recommended that cultivation sites are chosen with a deeper understanding of land conditions e.g., slope, elevation, microclimatic conditions, soil development, and clay mineralogy.

APPLICATION OF UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES FOR LOCALIZED THERMOREGULATION AND VENTILATION OF WORKERS AT JOBSITES OF HIGH-TEMPERATURE INDUSTRIES

Problem statement. In metallurgical and petrochemical industries using high-temperature technological processes, there exists an issue of overheating of workers due to significant heat loads. To prevent such hazard, large industrial fans are installed directly at production sites providing air circulation over a wide area. However, their performance characteristics, operation modes and placement schemes do not always ensure adequate cooling of employees. There is a need to study this problem in order to develop measures for improving efficiency of such devices through their enhancement and optimized application. The aim of the article is a comprehensive study of possibilities of applying unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) for cooling of working zones at productions with high heat loads instead of traditional industrial fans. The main objectives include: Conducting analysis of modern workplace cooling systems and identifying their shortcomings; Exploring technical characteristics of drones that can be used for this purpose; Developing a concept of algorithm for drone-fan control system to ensure operation in automatic mode with preset parameters for a working post; Experimental verification of efficiency of such system on a laboratory model. Conclusion. Application of drones for localized cooling of working zones will increase efficiency and flexibility of ventilation systems compared to existing ones; Such a system will provide optimal microclimatic conditions directly for each employee; Energy efficiency of this approach will be higher as only necessary cooling power will be used; Expected improvement of occupational safety and reduction of professional risks due to lower heat loads.

Carbon dioxide exchange and temperature sensitivity of soil respiration along an elevation gradient in an arctic tundra ecosystem

Generally, with increasing elevation, there is a corresponding decrease in annual mean air and soil temperatures, resulting in an overall decrease in ecosystem carbon dioxide (CO2) exchange. However, there is a lack of knowledge on the variations in CO2 exchange along elevation gradients in tundra ecosystems. Aiming to quantify CO2 exchange along elevation gradients in tundra ecosystems, we measured ecosystem CO2 exchange in the peak growing season along an elevation gradient (9–387 m above sea level, m.a.s.l) in an arctic heath tundra, West Greenland. We also performed an ex-situ incubation experiment based on soil samples collected along the elevation gradient, to assess the sensitivity of soil respiration to changes in temperature and soil moisture. There was no apparent temperature gradient along the elevation gradient, with the lowest air and soil temperatures at the second lowest elevation site (83 m). The lowest elevation site exhibited the highest net ecosystem exchange (NEE), ecosystem respiration (ER) and gross ecosystem production (GEP) rates, while the other three sites generally showed intercomparable CO2 exchange rates. Topography aspect-induced soil microclimate differences rather than the elevation were the primary drivers for the soil nutrient status and ecosystem CO2 exchange. The temperature sensitivity of soil respiration above 0 °C increased with elevation, while elevation did not regulate the temperature sensitivity below 0 °C or the moisture sensitivity. Soil total nitrogen, carbon, and ammonium contents were the controls of temperature sensitivity below 0 °C. Overall, our results emphasize the significance of considering elevation and microclimate when predicting the response of CO2 balance to climate change or upscaling to regional scales, particularly during the growing season. However, outside the growing season, other factors such as soil nutrient dynamics, play a more influential role in driving ecosystem CO2 fluxes. To accurately upscale or predict annual CO2 fluxes in arctic tundra regions, it is crucial to incorporate elevation-specific microclimate conditions into ecosystem models.

Optimizing greenhouse design for enhanced microalgae production: A CFD Analysis of microclimate and water thermal dynamics in raceway ponds

The increasing demand for sustainable biomass has made microalgae farming into the spotlight as a viable source of biofuels, nutraceuticals, and other valuable products. Raceway ponds are one of the most common systems in algaculture due to their simplicity and cost-effectiveness. However, their efficiency is significantly influenced by surrounding microclimate conditions. In this study, we present a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis aimed at optimizing greenhouse design to enhance microalgae production in a raceway pond housed within a controlled greenhouse environment. The research focuses on evaluating the influence of greenhouse microclimate parameters on water's thermal dynamics in the pond. Simulations were conducted to assess how different greenhouse geometries and ventilation configurations affect the heat exchange between the water surface and air within the greenhouse, as well as the internal flow dynamics, both of which are critical for optimal algae growth.The results provide insights into the optimal greenhouse design parameters that maintain the optimal water temperatures in the pond while minimizing thermal fluctuations to enhance microalgae productivity. Specifically, a significant 5 °C temperature difference was observed between the pond's surface and bottom, mainly due to convective heat transfer. Key design factors, such as greenhouse height and ventilation rates, were shown to have a substantial impact on water temperature.The insights gained are essential for optimizing greenhouse design and ventilation strategies to maximize algae growth and production efficiency. This preliminary modeling lays the foundation for future sensitivity analyses aimed at refining the system, ultimately improving algae cultivation in controlled environment agricultural systems.

Shelterbelt and Windbreak Research in Arid India: A Review of Research Advances and Future Directions

Shelterbelts and windbreaks play a crucial role in enhancing agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability, particularly in arid regions where harsh climatic conditions pose significant challenges to land use. In India, where a substantial portion of the landscape is characterized by dry, aridand semi-arid conditions, the strategic implementation of windbreaks can mitigate soil erosion, reduce evaporationand enhance microclimatic conditions for crops. Globally, research in this area has gained momentum as the impacts of climate change intensify, further exacerbating the vulnerabilities of these fragile ecosystems. In India, the technology was practiced diligently to control movement of sand dunesand to stop desertification extending further from the Thar desert. By integrating native tree species and adopting region-specific management practices, studies have shown that shelterbelts/ windbreaks can significantly improve soil fertility and crop yield, while also providing habitats for biodiversity and other ecosystem services. Furthermore, the socio-economic benefits for local communities, such as improved livelihoods and resilience against climatic extremes, underline the importance of windbreak research in these regions. This review aims to synthesize existing knowledge on windbreak and shelterbelt practices in India’s arid landscapes, highlighting successful cases, trends in research and potential pathways for future research. By examining the multifaceted benefits of these ecological structures, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of their role in promoting sustainable agricultural practices and enhancing resilience in vulnerable communities and opening vistas for future research.

Impact of Urban Surfaces on Microclimatic Conditions and Thermal Comfort in Burdur, Türkiye

Rapid urbanization worldwide offers numerous benefits but also introduces challenges, particularly concerning urban climate comfort, which affects the physical and social well-being in cities. This study examined the microclimatic characteristics of the Burç neighborhood in the historical core of Burdur city, using ENVI-Met models with temperature, relative humidity, wind and PET data collected over a 33,665 m2 area at 06:00, 09:00, 12:00, 15:00, 18:00 and 21:00 on 15 August 2023. The analysis revealed that thermal comfort decreases significantly from 09:00 onwards, especially on hard surfaces like asphalt, concrete and parquet, which lack vegetation and intensify heat retention. By contrast, green areas were found to enhance bioclimatic comfort by reducing perceived temperatures by up to 20% in shaded and vegetated zones. Based on these findings, it is recommended that urban areas reduce heat-absorbing materials, such as asphalt and concrete and prioritize green spaces in landscape planning to improve thermal comfort and create more sustainable urban environments.

Interpopulation and seasonal variations in habitat and microhabitat use of Vipera ammodytes (Linnaeus, 1758)

Despite the abundant data on habitat use of Vipera ammodytes, most studies are purely descriptive, merely listing the habitats in which the species is most often found. More complete studies evaluating the habitat preference of the species are lacking. The intraspecific variation (i.e., interpopulation or seasonal) in habitat and microhabitat utilization of the species also remains a poorly studied topic. In the current study, we assessed the general patterns of habitat and microhabitat use of V. ammodytes and their interpopulation and seasonal variations, based on habitat/microhabitat availability. To achieve that, we studied five different populations along a latitudinal gradient in western Bulgaria. In all of the studied areas, V. ammodytes showed a clear preference for various stony and rocky habitats and microhabitats, overgrown with herbaceous and shrub vegetation, while it avoided bare habitats, dark deciduous forests as well as cultivated agricultural lands. There were clear interpopulation and seasonal variations in habitat and microhabitat preference and spatial niche utilization. Our results suggest that habitat and microhabitat use of V. ammodytes depends on a combination of many factors such as season, locally specific characteristics like habitat structure and availability, population dynamics, food availability, physical and microclimatic conditions, and possibly on the extent of the interspecific competition

TinyML-powered ensemble modeling for greenhouse climate control using XGBoost and LightGBM

The cultivation of crops in smart greenhouses is experiencing a profound transformation, fueled by cutting-edge technological advancements in environmental control that significantly improve efficiency, sustainability, and productivity. Nonetheless, the intricate and ever-changing dynamics of microclimate conditions pose challenges in customizing environments to satisfy the specific requirements of various plants. Accurate prediction of these microclimate parameters emerges as a promising solution to this challenge. This study explores the integration of machine learning and TinyML platforms to create a groundbreaking ensemble approach for effectively forecasting microclimate conditions. We obtained exceptional prediction accuracy for temperature (R2 = 0.9972) and humidity (R2 = 0.9976) using a stacking ensemble of XGBoost and LightGBM models. We used Optuna for accurate hyperparameter optimization and thoroughly examined the best possible input variable combinations as part of our meticulous model construction approach. The results of this study demonstrate the revolutionary potential of machine learning in greenhouse climate management, opening the door for data-driven, intelligent agricultural systems that maximize crop yields while reducing energy consumption.

Geographical and environmental influences on Boswellia elongata Balf.f. volatiles: An in situ study on Socotra Island

Frankincense, an esteemed oleo-gum resin derived from Boswellia species (Burseraceae), has been prized by humans for its aromatic, medicinal, and spiritual properties across millennia. Environmental factors play a crucial role in shaping the volatile compound composition of this resin, thereby influencing its quality. In this investigation, we analyzed frankincense sourced from Boswellia elongata Balf.f. at six distinct locations on Socotra Island. Employing thermal desorption-gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (TD-GC/MS), we identified 92 terpenoid compounds, spanning monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and diterpenes. Predominant among these volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were α-pinene, γ-terpinene, o-cymene, and (E)-β-farnesene. Multivariate analyses revealed subtle differences in VOC composition, particularly pronounced at the Ma'aleh site, the most geographically isolated research locality. The flowers in this population also displayed distinct red-pink coloration compared to other populations. Integration of VOC data with environmental variables revealed correlations with temperature, elevation, and proximity to the sea, with specific compounds exhibiting associations with distinct environmental contexts. Our findings underscore the impact of microclimatic and abiotic conditions on the volatile profile of individual trees. Moreover, this study offers comprehensive insights into the VOC profile of B. elongata resin and its interplay with environmental factors, thereby suggesting avenues for the cultivation of new varieties or hybridization within the species.