Aspects Of Microclimate Research Articles

Quantifying the impacts of green roof design factors on microclimate regulation: A case study in Washington, D.C.

This study explores and quantifies the impacts of green roofs (GR) design factors on microclimate regulation. Against rapid urbanization and intensifying climate changes, green infrastructure has received increasing attention due to its contribution to dealing with the urban heat islands effect (UHIE) and increasing urban sustainability. GR is one example of green infrastructure and is widely used in cities. However, its microclimate regulation benefits have not been thoroughly explored and require more exploration. There are insufficient studies on quantifying GR design factors impacts on microclimate regulation. Meanwhile, little research has explored the impact of regulating microclimate when accessibility is considered as a design factor. Using a GR in Washington, D.C., as a case study, this study models 14 roof scenarios with several common GR design factors, generates their simulated microclimate patterns, and quantifies each design factors impact based on statistical analyses. Results present quantitative data on how studied design factors change microclimate patterns and find that accessibility does affect some microclimate aspects but only to a limited rate. This study provides suggestions and insights to optimize GR design guidelines. Overall, this study contributes to the refinement of GR research, promotes better GR design, and responds to urbanization and climate issues.

The effect of wheelchair cushion properties on the microclimate at the cushion-user interface: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Pressure injuries are a preventable yet highly prevalent health concern. Wheelchair cushion prescription can have significant implications for wheelchair users' risk of pressure injury development, which can impact functional abilities and quality of life. The efficacy of a wheelchair cushion to redistribute pressure has been well-researched, but the efficacy to manage the microclimate is less clear, particularly in warm-hot environments. The aim of this study was to systematically review studies examining the effect of wheelchair cushions on temperature, moisture and thermal perception to determine which cushions are superior to improve these responses. A systematic review with meta-analyses of randomised cross-over and randomised control trials of wheelchair cushion interventions on measures of temperature, moisture, and thermal perception was conducted. Eight studies were identified that met the eligibility criteria and six meta-analyses were conducted. Pooled analyses identified a significantly lower temperature on foam-gel cushions compared to air cushions (MD = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.31, 1.29; p = 0.002) and a significantly lower temperature on foam-gel cushions compared to foam cushions (SMD = 0.76, 95%CI; 0.45, 1.06; p < 0.00001). Pooled analyses also demonstrated significantly lower relative humidity (i.e., moisture) on foam cushions compared to foam-gel cushions (p = 0.02). Differences in thermal perception were inconclusive due to limited data found. It is clear that not one cushion is ideal in managing all aspects of microclimate, as foam-gel cushions were the superior cushion to manage temperature and foam cushions were the superior cushion to manage moisture. This article provides occupational therapists and other health professionals with evidence-based information to assist with wheelchair cushion prescription that minimises the temperature and moisture accumulation, and associated risk of pressure injury for wheelchair users.

The Role of Urban Vegetation in Counteracting Overheating in Different Urban Textures

With growing global concerns about climate change, the significance of urban greenery in architecture and urban planning is becoming increasingly apparent. Urban vegetation naturally cools cities, provides comfort and clean air, and has positive social, health, and economic effects. It is essential to ensure passive thermal comfort and safeguard biodiversity. It is widely recognized that urban greenery not only withstands severe outdoor climatic events, but also symbiotically interacts with buildings and citizens. Several studies demonstrated the potential of vegetation to provide outdoor thermal comfort, air purification, noise reduction, and various other ecosystem services. To emphasize the potential of urban green spaces to interact with the local urban morphology in terms of microclimatic aspects, the research examines the dynamic connection between various urban textures and urban green spaces. This study emphasizes how urban green spaces, such as parks, green spaces, and urban greenery, respond to temperature variations in both the present scenario and the projected future. Central to this contribution is the examination of the relationship between urban vegetation and its potential to reduce and counteract urban overheating in both current and projected future scenarios. The aim is to evaluate the effectiveness of urban vegetation compared to dense urban textures. The interaction between urban block morphology, building types, vegetation, and microclimates is presented here for comparative assessment, highlighting the different thermal behaviour and outdoor comfort responses in various urban areas in current and projected scenarios. Using a microclimatic simulation tool, the research will delve deeper into the potential and constraints associated with the role of urban greens in addressing the increasing temperatures in climate change. This paper presents a comparative microclimatic evaluation of two selected green areas in Parma, Italy, within different urban contexts. The evaluation compares the current situation with a projected future scenario (2050) to determine the most effective factors for mitigating overheating phenomena in existing cities.

Interferência de fatores (in)visíveis no processo de apropriação espacial de espaços verdes urbanos no Brasil

Abstract The importance of green areas in urban centers is related to the environmental quality and the sustainable development of these spaces, as well as the desirable interdisciplinary perspective. In addition to their ecological and microclimate functions, urban green spaces contribute to the establishment of a relationship between the environment and human beings, with the potential of stimulating development of sense of place. This study aims to present possible aspects involved in the process of spatial human appropriation in urban green spaces. Squares in Aracaju were the bases for observations of human behavior, which were related to spatial features. The results have revealed that, along with microclimate aspects, spatial composition, and vegetation (presence or absence), other aspects were related to the appropriation process of squares, such as decision-making based on prejudgment, exposure to risks, differentiated perceptions, and sense of vulnerability. Therefore, the qualitative, spatial, and cognitive pieces of information presented may contribute to improve the relationship between humans and environment and, consequently the appropriation of urban green spaces.

Comparative diversity of the Uropodina (Acari, Gamasida) inhabiting poultry manure in southeastern Brazil

Species in the cohort Uropodina include a great diversity of free-living mites, which inhabit soil, leaf litter and manure. These habitats present favorable microclimatic aspects for colonization and succession of several species of mites, with different niches occupied over time. For poultry manure, many weeks of manure accumulation are necessary for there to be sufficient colonization by predatory and decomposing arthropods, including mite species, and for the formation of complex food webs for ecological stability. The knowledge of manure mite fauna in Brazil is hampered by the great diversity of species and the lack of specialists. In the State of São Paulo, there are few known species of edaphic and manure mites from the cohort Uropodina. This study presents taxonomic and some comparative distribution data about uropodids in poultry manure in the State of São Paulo. The manure was collected in poultry farms in Mogi-Guaçu, SP (1,800 kg) in July 2022. The mites were extracted by Berlese-Tullgren method over an eight-day period and preserved in 70% alcohol. The mites were counted and Uropodina identified by visual observation for clarification and preparation of slides in Hoyer’s medium. The mite specimens were compared with the mites previously collected in manure from a laying farm in Santa Cruz da Conceição, SP in July 2001 and July 2002. Two morphospecies of Thrichouropoda were identified in the samples from Mogi-Guaçu. The mites obtained in Santa Cruz da Conceição, SP had representatives in the genera Uroseius, Uroobovella and Thrichouropoda, with four morphospecies identified. The variation in distribution and diversity of uropodids in the manure of both poultry farms suggest that instabilities regarding the accumulation of manure, management in these properties, environmental changes over the years and factors intrinsic to the locations, could affect the uniformity of collections in these areas. The uropodids from this study were deposited in the Collection of Arthropods of Medical and Veterinary Importance (IB-CPAMV), Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Biological Institute of São Paulo.&#x0D;

Soil microbial activity as influenced by crusted runoff strip length and mulch cover under in-field rainwater harvesting (IRWH)

A field experiment was designed to provide insight into the system of in-field rainwater harvesting (IRWH) in determining the effect of microbial activities. The treatments that were evaluated include narrow bare (NB) narrow mulch (NM), wide bare (WB) and wide mulch (WM) runoff strips. Soil samples were collected at depths of 5 and 15 cm from the center section of the runoff area and directly from the rhizosphere of the maize roots around basins. From fresh soil samples, Colony Forming Unit (cfu) readings were taken by using a colony counter and total microbial activity was estimated using the fluorescein diacetate (FDA) hydrolysis method. Community-level diversity physiological profiles of the soil samples were assessed by using Biolog EcoPlates™. Results revealed that the mean values of microbial activity indicated the greatest was found under NM rhizosphere (1.611 ± 0.038) and lowest under WB (0.079 ± 0.005) at 5cm depth. Microbial activity under NM at 5 cm was higher (63% increase) than at the rhizosphere (8% increase). However, there was a decrease in the microbial activity of 17% at 15 cm for WM compared to WB. FDA values were positively correlated with measured soil water content across both 5 and 15 cm depths (r = 0.61 and 0.67) and highly significant (r = 90 at P-value ≤ 0.01) for rhizosphere. Some interesting positive correlations between yield and microbial activity were also found however further investigation on microclimatic aspects in association with microbial diversity and activity on soil surface treatments are important for non-uniform canopy structures of IRWH.

Dynamic Microclimate Boundaries across a Sharp Tropical Rainforest–Clearing Edge

As landscapes become increasingly fragmented, research into impacts from disturbance and how edges affect vegetation and community structure has become more important. Descriptive studies on how microclimate changes across sharp transition zones have long existed in the literature and recently more attention has been focused on understanding the dynamic patterns of microclimate associated with forest edges. Increasing concern about forest fragmentation has led to new technologies for modeling forest microclimates. However, forest boundaries pose important challenges to not only microclimate modeling but also sampling regimes in order to capture the diurnal and seasonal dynamic aspects of microclimate along forest edges. We measured microclimatic variables across a sharp boundary from a clearing into primary lowland tropical rainforest at La Selva Biological Station in Costa Rica. Dynamic changes in diurnal microclimate were measured along three replicated transects, approximately 30 m in length with data collected every 1 m continuously at 30 min intervals for 24 h with a mobile sensor platform supported by a cable infrastructure. We found that a first-order polynomial fit using piece-wise regression provided the most consistent estimation of the forest edge, relative to the visual edge, although we found no “best” sensing parameter as all measurements varied. Edge location estimates based on daytime net shortwave radiation had less difference from the visual edge than other shortwave measurements, but estimates made throughout the day with downward-facing or net infrared radiation sensors were more consistent and closer to the visual edge than any other measurement. This research contributes to the relatively small number of studies that have directly measured diurnal temporal and spatial patterns of microclimate variation across forest edges and demonstrates the use of a flexible mobile platform that enables repeated, high-resolution measurements of gradients of microclimate.

Microclimatic characterization of a conilon coffee plantation grown in an east-west orientation

Plant microclimate is seasonally influenced by the Earth’s rotation and the orientation of sun-exposed slopes. As such, understanding the system which constitutes the microenvironment is essential to create strategies to optimize plant performance in a changing environment. The objective of this work was to evaluate the influence of planting coffee in an east-west orientation on microclimatic aspects, plant growth and nutrient content. The experiment was conducted in a farm located in the northern region of the State of Espírito Santo, Brazil. Data collection was carried out on a 30-month old conilon coffee crop under full sun, with spacing of 3.0 m x 1.0 m and a plant height of ca. 1.6 m, from December 2016-September 2017. The irradiance, air temperature and vapor pressure deficit variables were reported by means of external data loggers. Leaf temperature (determined using thermal images), plant growth and leaf concentration on both sides of the plant were evaluated. Highest irradiance, air temperature and vapor pressure deficit values were observed on the north side, with the maximal difference reaching 4°C. This microclimate led to the highest leaf temperature on the north side, with a maximal difference of ca. 11°C around midday. Differences in macro- and micronutrient leaf concentrations were observed with a trend toward higher values on the north side probably associated with increased transpiration rates due to a high vapor pressure deficit. Higher macro- and micronutrient leaf content led to the better performance of coffee plants on the north side to some extent. There was no significant difference between the two sides of the plant for the growth variables.

Bandung Urban Dense Built Environment: Its Contribution on Microclimate and Living Quality

Urban village (kampong) becomes the city morphology phenomenon, its growth is organic and has no land use planning adequate. The tendency of increasing local temperatures in various metropolitan cities with high density has led to urban heat island. This article is a comprehensive study aimed at describes micro-climate aspects of the urban built environment. Detailed discussion on aspects morphology of the urban village will describe its implications for the formation of the microclimate that affects residential quality. Nine locations of kampong in Bandung with was then taken into samples, namely: Sukajadi, Tamansari, Sukapada, Cigondewah Kidul, Cigondewah Rahayu, Cicendo, Babakan Ciamis, and Cihaurgeulis. Detailed and specific discussion on aspects of mass and building shape, distance between buildings, height of buildings and availability green open space provides particular information of the influence of physical aspects of morphology on the microclimate, especially the most important to the average radiation temperature (Tmrt), others, such as air temperature (Ta), humidity (RH), and wind speed (v). The quality of the living environment as indicated by the PET index (Physiologically Equivalent Temperature). The final result shows Cigondewah Rahayu with 31.2∘C; 50.6%; 0,33m/s obtained PET = 35.9∘C with hot sensation. Based on the field measurement also find out that most of the nine kampongs are offering “warm” sensation living area, none of them have the “neutral,” “cool” or even “slightly cool” sensation.

Thermoregulation, Haematological Profile and Productivity of Holstein Friesian Under Heat Stress at Different Land Elevations

The purpose of this research was to determine the effect of heat stress on thermoregulation, haematology, and productivity of Holstein Friesian (HF) dairy cows raised in different elevations. A total of 63 HF in a normal lactation period were used in this study. The research was conducted for 3 months during dry season in three different areas, which were at Pondok Ranggon (97 m.a.s.l) which categorized as a lowland, Ciawi (576 m.a.s.l) which categorized as a lower-upland, and Lembang (1241 m.a.s.l) which categorized as an upland. Observation on microclimate aspects which includes environmental temperature (Ta), relative humidity (RH) and Temperature-Humidity Index (THI) was done by recording each variable for every 2 hours starting from 08.00 to 16.00 WIB. The thermoregulation analysis was done based on the given physiological responses which consisted of the skin temperature (Ts), rectal temperature (Tr), body temperature (Tb), heart rate (Hr), respiratory rate (Rr), Heat Tolerance Coefficient (HTC), plasma cortisol level and haematological profile observation. The Ta, Rr, and THI measurements showed that in the lowland and lower-upland, the HF experienced moderate heat stress, while the HF raised in the upland area experienced less heat stress. The results showed that the dairy cows which raised in lowland had the highest HTC, Tr, Ts and Tb (P&lt;0.05) and lowest Hr (P&lt;0.05). All of the physiological and haematological parameters in the three study area showed a normal value.Furthermore, the erythrocyte, Hb and PVC concentration in a lowland raised HF were higher (P&lt;0.05), while the plasma cortisol levels were not significantly different. The milk production of the observed dairy cows in different elevations was significantly different (P&lt;0.05), with the highest milk yields, were found in the upland raised HF (13.1±3.52 kg), followed by the lower-upland (11.3±4.73 kg) and lowland (7.0±3.36 kg). In general, all of the HF raised in different land elevations was exposed to heat stress during dry seasons, even though the cows showed the ability to physiologically adapt and cope with the conditions.

Morphological Indices as Urban Planning Tools in Northeastern Brazil

The purpose of this article is to analyze urban form through the mapping of morphological indices, namely impervious surface fraction, building density, verticality, height/width ratio, roughness length, and porosity, to support urban planning in the city of João Pessoa, PB, in northeastern Brazil. The application of this study identifies and calculates such significant indices for the city’s urban space from a Geographic Information System (GIS) model. The spatial indices play notable roles in climate at different scales, developing guidelines to maximize environmental quality, promote improvements to thermal comfort, minimize the urban heat island in the city of João Pessoa, and provide relevant data (considering microclimate aspects), guiding decisions related to the planning process.

Building Configuration of Low-Cost Apartments in Bandung—Its Contribution to the Microclimate and Outdoor Thermal Comfort

This paper aims to find the microclimate aspect within the building form and configuration of five low-cost apartments (henceforth rusun) in Bandung, Indonesia. There are parallel, square, and interspersed plots investigated with specific discussion on the microclimate aspects that gain human perception of outdoor thermal comfort. The microclimate prognostic model, i.e., ENVI-met, was used to determine the mean radiant temperature (Tmrt), which was then used to describe the living quality of outdoor thermal comfort, i.e., PET (physiologically equivalent temperature) in a hot-humid climate context. A parallel plot with building orientation toward north-south was found as the most beneficial building form and configuration. Somehow, the parallel plot toward the west-east orientation did not provide similar performance. Nevertheless, the square plot provided uncomfortable perception as there was an absence of building shade within the wide open space and ground cover to absorb the insolation. The interspersed plot can be considered for the building configuration because it generates more wind among other plots. The building form and configuration of rusun with passive design seems to not be able to achieve outdoor thermal comfort. The highest PET value of Model D with the square plot had PET = 41 °C (hot) while the lowest PET in Model A with the parallel plot (N-S) had PET = 34.2 °C (slightly warm).

Utilization of remote sensing and GIS to identify radius of urban cool island for planning open green area in urban area (case study of Yogyakarta)

City is a center development of a region that has functions both social and economic. Yogyakarta City is the administrative center of Yogyakarta Special Region province and as educational centers in Indonesia. The complexity of activities that occurring has an impact on the microclimate situation in the region which is called as Urban Heat Island and it will affect the comfort of urban community so that urban area should be arranged especially about microclimate aspects. Open Green Area is one element that can lower the surface temperature. Radius reduction in surface temperature of Open Green Area became the main issue in this research as a basis for determining the location of Open Green Area spaces with an ideal distance interval among Open Green Areas in urban areas. The methods used Split Moving Window Analysis to obtain Land Surface Temperature, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index is transformation to obtain variation of vegetation density, statistic analysis to know LST correlation with NDVI, and buffer analysis to analyze changing of radius temperature. The results show that average surface temperature in Yogyakarta City ranges 25 to 35°C. The value of vegetation density is obtained 0-0,3. Based on the result of correlation between LST and NDVI show that they have correlation value with negative gradient. The higher value of NDVI give impact of LST value in the same location will tend to be low with average value of temperature rise of 0.122°C per 30 meters, then is obtained the ideal distance interval among Open Green Area ranged from 240-260 meters to maintain maximum temperature rise 1 degrees Celsius from the center of Open Green Area. The results of this study can be used as a suggestion to arrange of planning Open Green Area for the Yogyakarta Government.

Analyzing Vernacular Sustainable Design Principles- A Case Study of a Vernacular Dwelling in Godavari Region of Andhra Pradesh, India

Hundreds of years of experience, self-learning and traditional wisdom has led to the development ofcontextual based traditional architecture. Vernacular style of architecture developed using locally availablematerial, so as to achieve the better living conditions which suits to the context. Use of local traditionaldesign and construction techniques had eventually helped in building of social and cultural background invarious regions of the country. Sensitivity in design as per the specific microclimatic aspects has beenpracticed since ages in the country. The main objective of this paper is to understand the design principlesand strategies followed by the vernacular style of architecture which are energy efficient and climateresponsive. Design principles such as form, proportion, spatial design aspects, construction materials etc..,have been documented and analyzed for a specific case example of an existing traditional building in Pipparavillage of West-Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh, India. Besides thermal performance, lighting analysishave been performed through IES-VE Analysis. This paper also sheds light on the transformation ofcourtyard spatial configuration as per the changing needs of users; this investigation is an attempt todemonstrate the adoption of good practices in transformation of traditional spatial design aspects of thedwelling. Simulation results has shown that the current case study has improved thermal performance upto30% after the courtyard transformation, whereas natural lighting levels has drastically reduced upto 79%within the indoor sapces.

Ecological aspects of the bryoflora of some ravines of the Umbro‐Marchegian Apennines

The goal of this study was to broaden current floristic understanding of five ravines, with different altitudes and characteristics, present along the Umbro‐Marchegian Apennine chain, and to examine how the distribution of the bryoflora is conditioned by geomorphological and microclimatic aspects, as well as man’s intervention. The flora list derives almost exclusively from unpublished data of explorations conducted in 2006 and 2007. Initial analysis of this list indicates that the bryoflora is more characterized by the presence of the river at the base of the ravine than by the size of the ravine itself, for there is a considerable number of species of aquatic and stillicidous environments, rather than species related to climatic factors. In addition, the imperviousness of the ravines limits the presence of tourists, which generally determines the entrance of cosmopolite species of high ecological importance, reducing the quality of a given ecosystem. In addition, the presence of Conocephalum salebrosum is signalled for the first time in Italy.

Produtividade e valor nutritivo da Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu em um sistema silvipastoril

O experimento foi realizado em sistema silvipastoril (Ssp) localizado no bioma de Cerrado, no município de Lagoa Santa, Minas Gerais, no ano agrícola de 2004-2005. Avaliou-se a influência do Ssp composto pela arbórea bolsa-de-pastor (Zeyheria tuberculosa) sobre os parâmetros produção, atributos morfogênicos, composição bromatológica e valor nutritivo da gramínea Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu, e os efeitos sobre as condições microclimáticas. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos ao acaso, com cinco blocos (épocas de corte), dois tratamentos (T1 - B. brizantha cv. Marandu sombreada com a Z. tuberculosa e T2 - B. brizantha cv. Marandu, a pleno sol) e três repetições (parcelas). O sombreamento proporcionado pela Z. tuberculosa, apesar de reduzir a produção de matéria seca (MS) da gramínea, favoreceu o aumento do teor de proteina bruta (PB) e não alterou a produção de PB/ha e nem afetou a concentração de FDN. Os teores de FDA foram mais altos que os encontrados a pleno sol, o que provavelmente resultou em menor degradabilidade in vitro da MS e da matéria orgânica, não alterando a degradabilidade efetiva.

Effect of planting options and irrigation schedules on development of powdery mildew and yield of wheat in the North Western plains of India

Powdery mildew (c.o. Erysiphe graminis tritici E. Marchal) is an important disease of wheat in the North Western plains zone of India, especially in the context of the present day varieties that are being cultivated in this zone. The pest situation is likely to change with change in microclimate due to introduction of new tillage systems. Studies were thus undertaken to evaluate the effect of planting options and irrigation schedules on the incidence of powdery mildew disease in wheat ( Triticum aestivum L. emend. Fiori and Paol.). The various planting options studied were, conventional flat bed system, furrow irrigated raised bed-planting system (FIRBS) with 2 and 3 rows on each bed and flat beds having similar row configuration as the FIRBS. The incidence of powdery mildew was significantly higher on FIRBS as compared to the conventional flat bed sowing or strip row orientation. Incidence of the disease was higher in wetter irrigation schedule but the differences were significant only during the first year. Irrigation had no effect on yield during both the years. Various aspects of microclimate and epidemiology as influenced by the tillage practices are discussed.

Some Aspects of Microclimate in a Pine Forest and in an Adjacent Prairie

Some Aspects of Microclimate in a Pine Forest and in an Adjacent Prairie

Some Aspects of Microclimate in a Pine Forest and in an Adjacent Prairie

Some Aspects of Microclimate in a Pine Forest and in an Adjacent Prairie